2023 Kia Sportage Tires and Wheels | Specs And Precautions

The tyres and wheels of the 2023 Kia Sportage are very important to how well the car runs and how safe it is on the road. They are also very important to maintain and own. Kia carefully designed the Sportage to have a balanced and smooth ride while also improving its traction and stability. This way, drivers can feel safe driving in a variety of conditions. By carefully choosing the sizes and types of tyres for the Sportage, Kia has made sure that it handles well and is comfortable to drive. However, Sportage owners need to know the specs and safety tips for their tyres and wheels in order to get the most out of them and make them last as long as possible. This detailed guide will go over many parts of the 2023 Kia Sportage’s tyres and wheels, such as tyre size, type, maintenance, and safety measures. This will help you make smart choices and keep your Sportage’s tyres and wheels running at their best.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque

Tires and wheels

For proper maintenance, safety, and maximum fuel economy, you must always maintain the recommended tire pressures and stay within the load limits and weight distribution recommended for your vehicle.

Recommended cold tire inflation pressures
All tire pressures should be checked when the tires are cold. “Cold Tires” means the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). Recommended pressures must be maintained for the best ride, vehicle handling, and minimum tire wear.
All specifications (sizes and pressures) can be found on a label attached to the driver’s side center pillar.

WARNING
Tire underinflation
Inflate your tires consistent with the instructions provided in this manual. Regularly check the tire inflation pressure, and correct it as needed; at least twice a month and before any long trips on the road to observe this precaution, you may be driving on underinflated tires, which may not only compromise your vehicle’s driving stability but may also lead to tire damage and the risk of an accident. This risk is much higher on hot days and when driving for long periods at high speeds. Failure to maintain specified pres-sure may result in excessive wear, poor handling, reduced fuel economy, deformation of tire and/or wheel, harsh ride conditions, the possibility for additional damage from road hazards, or result in tire failure.

Tire pressure
Always observe the following:

• Check tire pressure when the tires are cold. (After the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or hasn’t been driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) since startup.)
•  Check the pressure of your spare tire each time you check the pressure of other tires. (if equipped)
•  Never overload your vehicle. Be careful not to overload a vehicle luggage rack if your vehicle is equipped with one.
• Warm tires normally exceed recommended cold tire pressures by 4 ~ 6 psi (28 ~ 41 kPa). Do not release air from warm tires to adjust the pressure or the tires will be underinflated.

WARNING
Tire Inflation
Overinflation or underinflation can reduce tire life, adversely affect vehicle handling, and lead to sudden tire failure. This could result in loss of vehicle control and potential injury.

Checking tire inflation pressure

Check your tires once a month or more. Use a good quality gauge to check tire pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they’re underinflated. Check the tire’s inflation pressure when the tires are cold. “Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting or at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

1. Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.
2. Press the tire gauge firmly onto the valve to get a pressure measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches the proper pressure on the tire and loading information label, no further adjustment is necessary.
3. If the pressure is low, add air until you reach the recommended amount.
4. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the tire valve.
5. Recheck the tire pressure with the tire gauge.
6. Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.

Inspect your tires frequently for proper inflation as well as wear and damage. Always use a tire pressure gauge.
Tires with too much or too little pressure wear unevenly. This could result in poor handling, loss of vehicle control, and sudden tire failure leading to accidents, injuries, and even death. The recommended cold tire pressure for your vehicle can be found in this manual and on the tire label located on the driver’s side center pillar.

Tire rotation

To equalize tread wear, it is recommended that the tires be rotated every 8,000 miles (13,000 km) or sooner if irregular wear develops. During rotation, check the tires for correct balance. When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect tire pressure, improper wheel alignment, out-of-balance wheels, severe braking or severe cornering. Look for bumps or bulges in the tread or side of tire. Replace the tire if you find either of these conditions. Replace the tire if fabric or cord is visible. After rotation, be sure to bring the front and rear tire pressures to specification and check lug nut tightness. (proper torque is 79 ~ 94 lbf·ft [11 ~ 13 kgf·m])
Disc brake pads should be inspected for wear whenever tires are rotated.

With a full-size spare tire (if equipped)

Rotate radial tires that have an asymmetric tread pattern only from front to rear and not from right to left.

WARNING
Mixing tires
Do not mix bias ply and radial ply tires under any circumstances. This may cause unusual handling characteristics.

Wheel alignment and tire balance

The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. If you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels may need to be rebalanced.

CAUTION
Wheel weight
Improper wheel weights can damage your vehicle’s aluminium wheels. Use only approved wheel weights.

Tire  replacement

If the tire is worn evenly, a tread wear indicator will appear as a solid band across the tread.

[A] : Tread wear indicator
This shows there is less than 1/16 in (1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. Replace the tire when this happens.
Do not wait for the band to appear across the entire tread before replacing the tire. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) works by comparing the speed of the wheels. The tire size affects wheel speed. When replacing tires, all 4 tires must use the same size originally supplied with the vehicle. Using tires of a different size can cause the ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to work irregularly.
It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that is not possible, or necessary, then replace the two front or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling.

NOTICE
We recommend that when replacing tires, use the same originally supplied with the vehicles. If not, that affects driving performance.

Wheel replacement

When replacing the metal wheels for any reason, make sure the new wheels are equivalent to the original factory units in diameter, rim width and offset.
A wheel with an incorrect size may adversely affect many things: wheel and bearing life, braking and stopping abilities, handling characteristics, ground clearance, body-to-tire clearance, snow chain clearance, speedometer and odometer calibration, headlamp aiming and bumper height.

CAUTION
Wheels
Wheels that do not meet Kia specifications may fit poorly and result in damage to the vehicle or unusual handling and poor vehicle control.

Tire traction

Tire traction can be reduced if you drive on worn tires, tires that are improperly inflated or on slippery road surfaces.
Tires should be replaced when tread wear indicators appear. Slow down whenever there is rain, snow or ice on the road to reduce the possibility of losing control of the vehicle.

Tire maintenance

In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps to decrease tire wear. If you find a tire is worn unevenly, have your dealer check the wheel alignment. Make sure the newly installed tires are balanced correctly to increase vehicle ride comfort and tire life. In addition, always rebalance the tire when the tire is removed from the wheel.

Tire sidewall labelling

This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides the Tire Identification Number (TIN) for safety standard certification.

The TIN can be used to identify the tire in case of a recall.

1.  Manufacturer or brand name
   A manufacturer or Brand name is shown.
2.  Tire size designation
   A tire’s sidewall is marked with a tire size designation. You will need this information when selecting replacement tires for your vehicle. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the tire size designation mean. Example tire size designation: (These numbers are provided as an example only; your tire size designator could vary depending on your vehicle.)
   P255/45R20 105V
   
   • P: Applicable vehicle type (tires marked with the prefix “P” are intended for use on passenger vehicles or light trucks; however, not all tires have this marking).
   • 255: Tire width in millimetres.
   • 45: Aspect ratio. The tire’s section height as a percentage of its width.
   • R: Tire construction code (Radial). Maintenance
   • 20: Rim diameter in inches.
   • 105: Load Index, a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry.
   • V: Speed Rating Symbol. See the speed rating chart in this section for additional information.
     Wheel size designation
     Wheels are also marked with important information that you need if you ever have to replace one. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the wheel size designation mean.
     Example wheel size designation:
     8.5JX20
     
     • 8.5: Rim width in inches.
     •  J: Rim contour designation.
     • 20: Rim diameter in inches.
       Tire speed ratings
       The chart below lists many of the different speed ratings currently being used for passenger vehicle tires. The speed rating is part of the tire size designation on the sidewall of the
       tire. This symbol corresponds to that tire’s designed maximum safe operating speed.

       Speed Rating Symbol	Maximum Speed
       S	112 mph (180 km/h)
       T	118 mph (190 km/h)
       H	130 mph (210 km/h)
       V	149 mph (240 km/h)
       W	168 mph (270 km/h)

       Speed Rating Symbol	Maximum Speed
       Y	186 mph (300 km/h)

3. Checking tire life
   Any tires that are over 6 years old, based on the manufacturing date, should be replaced by new ones. You can find the manufacturing date on the tire sidewall (possibly on the inside of the wheel), displaying the DOT code. The DOT code is a series of numbers on a tire consisting of numbers and English letters. The manufacturing date is designated by the last four digits (characters) of the DOT code.
   DOT: XXXX XXXX OOOO
   The front part of the DOT means a plant code number, tire size and tread pattern and the last four numbers indicate week and year manufactured.
   For example:
   DOT XXXX XXXX 1622 represents that the tire was produced in the 16th week of 2022.
   CAUTION
   Tire age
   Replace tires within the recommended time frame. Failure to replace tires as recommended can result in sudden tire failure, which could lead to a loss of control and an accident.
4. Tire ply composition and material
   The number of layers or plies of rubber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others. The letter “R” means radial ply construction; the letter “D” means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter “B” means belted-bias ply construction.
5. Maximum Inflation Pressure
   This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should be put in the tire. Do not exceed the maximum inflation pressure.
6. Maximum load rating
   This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the tire. When replacing the tires on the vehicle, always use a tire that has the same load rating as the factory-installed tire.
7. Uniform Tire Quality Grading
   Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum section width.
   For example:
   • Treadwear 200
   • Traction AA
   • Temperature A

Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. Regardless of the remaining tread, we recommend that tires be replaced after approximately six (6) years of normal service. The heat caused by hot climates or frequent high-loading conditions can accelerate the aging process.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one-and-a-half times (1½) as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use. Performance may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate. These grades are molded on the side walls of passenger vehicle tires. The tires available as standard or optional equipment on your vehicle may vary with respect to grade.

Traction – AA, A, B & C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature -A, B & C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance that all passenger vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Tire terminology and definitions

Refer to the following for detailed definitions of the terms that are found in the tire description. Air Pressure The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilo-pascal (kPa).

Accessory Weight
The combined weight of optional accessories. Some examples of optional accessories are automatic transmission, power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
The relationship of a tire’s height to its width.
Belt
A rubber-coated layer of cords is located between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made from steel or other reinforcing materials.

Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.

Bias Ply Tire
A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.

Cold Tire Pressure
The amount of air pressure in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilo-pascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat from driving.

Curb Weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard and optional equipment (including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant), but without passengers and cargo.

DOT Markings
A code molded into the sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand and date of production.

GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

GAWR FRT
Gross Axle Weight Rat-ing for the Front axle.

GAWR RR
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Rear axle.

Intended Outboard Sidewall
The side of an asymmetrical tire that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle.

Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure.

Light truck (LT) tire
A tire is designated by its manufacturer as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles.

Load ratings
The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.

Load Index
An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279 corresponds to the load-carrying capacity of a tire.

Maximum Inflation Pressure
The maximum air pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated. The maximum air pressure is moulded onto the sidewall.

Maximum Load Rating
The load rating for a tire at the maximum inflation pressure for that tire.

Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
The sum of curb weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight; and production options weight.

Normal Occupant Weight
The number of occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg).

Occupant Distribution
Designated seating positions.

Outward Facing Sidewall
The side of an asymmetrical tire has a particular side that faces outward when mounted on a vehicle. The outward-facing sidewall bears white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name moulding that is higher or deeper than the same mouldings on the inner-facing sidewall.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
A tire used on passenger cars and some light-duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles.

Ply
A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.

Pneumatic tire
A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric and steel or other materials, that, when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the load.

Production options weight
The combined weight of installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs. (2.3 kg) in excess of the standard items which they replace, not previously considered in curb weight or accessory weight. Examples include heavy-duty brakes, ride levellers, roof rack, heavy-duty battery, and special trim.

Recommended Inflation Pressure
The vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation pressure and shown on the tire placard.

Radial Ply Tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.

Rim
A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire beads are seated.

Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead.

Speed Rating
An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire can operate.

Traction
The friction between the tire and the road surface. The amount of grip provided.

Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.

Treadwear Indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear bars” show across the tread of a tire when only 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) of tread remains.

UTQGS
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards, a tire information system that provides consumers with ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature and treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using government testing procedures. The ratings are moulded into the sidewall of the tire.

Vehicle Capacity Weight
The weight of designated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg) plus the rated cargo and luggage load.

Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
Load on an individual tire due to curb and accessory weight plus maximum occupant and cargo weight.

Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire
Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight and driving by 2.

Vehicle Placard
A label permanently attached to a vehicle showing the original equipment tire size and recommended inflation pressure.

All season tires

Kia specifies all season tires on some models to provide good performance for use all year round, including snowy and icy road conditions. All season tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M+S (Mud and Snow) on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction than all season tires and may be more appropriate in some areas.

Summer tires

Kia specifies summer tires on some models to provide superior performance on dry roads. Summer tire performance is substantially reduced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not have the tire traction rating M+S (Mud and Snow) on the tire side wall. if you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy conditions, Kia recommends the use of snow tires or all season tires on all four wheels.

Snow tires

If you equip your vehicle with snow tires, they should be the same size and have the same load capacity as the original tires.
Snow tires should be installed on all four wheels; otherwise, poor handling may result.
Snow tires should carry 4 psi (28 kPa) more air pressure than the pressure recommended for the standard tires on the tire label on the driver’s side of the center pillar, or up to the maximum pressure shown on the tire sidewall, which-ever is less.
Do not drive faster than 75 mph (120 km/h) when your vehicle is equipped with snow tires.

WARNING
Do not use summer tires at temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C) or when driving on snow or ice. At temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C), summer tires can lose elasticity, and there-fore traction and braking power as well. Change the tires on your vehicle to winter or all-weather tires of the same size as the standard tires of the vehicle. Both types of tires are identified by the M+S (Mud and Snow) marking. Using summer tires at very cold temperatures could cause cracks to form, thereby dam-aging the tires permanently.

Tire chains

Tire chains, if necessary, should be installed on the front wheels. Be sure that the chains are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
To minimize tire and chain wear, do not continue to use tire chains when they are no longer needed.

• When driving on roads covered with snow or ice, drive at speeds less than 20 mph (30 km/h).
• Use the SAE “S” class or wire chains.
•  If you hear noise caused by chains contacting the body, retighten the chain to avoid contact with the vehicle’s body.
•  To prevent body damage, retighten the chains after driving 0.3 ~ 0.6 miles (0.5 ~ 1.0 km).
•  Do not use tire chains on vehicles equipped with aluminium wheels. In unavoidable circumstances, use a wire-type chain.
• Use wire chains less than 0.47 inches (12 mm) to prevent damage to the chain’s connection.

Radial-ply tires

Radial-ply tires provide improved tread life, road hazard resistance, and smoother high-speed ride.
The radial-ply tires used on this vehicle are of belted construction and are selected to complement the ride and handling characteristics of your vehicle. Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capacity, as bias-ply or bias-belted tires of the same size, and use the same recommended inflation pressure.
Mixing radial-ply tires with bias-ply or bias-belted tires is not recommended. Any combination of radial-ply and bias-ply or bias-belted tires when used on the same vehicle will seriously deteriorate vehicle handling. The best rule to follow is: Identical radial-ply tires should always be used as a set of four.
Longer-wearing tires can be more susceptible to irregular tread wear. It is very important to follow the tire rotation interval shown in this section to achieve the tread life potential of these tires. Cuts and punctures in radial-ply tires are repairable only in the tread area, because of sidewall flexing. Consult your tire dealer for radial-ply tire repairs.

FAQs

Useful Link

View Full User Guide: Kia Sportage 2023 User Guide
Download Manuals: https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html
2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque