Kia Sportage PHEV 2023 Appearance Care, Emission Control System and California Perchlorate Notice 

The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV is a fascinating car because it combines environmentally friendly technology with beautiful design. Its look is carefully maintained, and its emission control system is carefully managed. Together, these two aspects make up a full ownership experience. In addition to its eco-friendly hybrid powertrain, this versatile SUV beckons owners to keep its good looks by combining careful exterior maintenance with internal care and a dedication to protecting the environment. At the same time, the pollution control system protects clean air and shows that the Sportage PHEV is dedicated to lowering harmful pollutants. As we start our in-depth look, we reveal the secrets to keeping the Sportage PHEV’s good looks and making sure it runs in an environmentally friendly way. This gives car fans a long-lasting and responsible relationship with their electric driving partner.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure) 

Appearance care

Use the information in the following sections to keep the exterior and interior of your vehicle clean.

Exterior care

Use the information in the following sections to maintain the exterior of your vehicle. Keeping the exterior clean is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps to prolong the life of the vehicle.

NOTICE
If you park the vehicle around a stainless signboard or windshield building etc., the plastic exterior trim (bumper, spoiler, garnish, lamp, outside mirror etc.) may be damaged by reflected sunlight from the external structure. To avoid damaging the plastic exterior trim, park the vehicle away from the areas where the reflected light may occur or use a vehicle cover. (Depending on the vehicle, the type of exterior trim applied such as a spoiler may differ.)

Exterior general caution
It is very important to follow the label directions when using any chemical cleaner or polish. Read all warning and caution statements that appear on the label.

Finish maintenance
Washing
To help protect your vehicle’s finish from rust and deterioration, wash it thoroughly and frequently at least once a month with lukewarm or cold water.
If you use your vehicle for off-road driving, you should wash it after each off-road trip. Pay special attention to the removal of any accumulation of salt, dirt, mud, and other foreign materials. Make sure the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors and rocker panels are kept clear and clean. Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings, industrial pollution and similar deposits can damage your vehicle’s finish if not removed immediately. Even prompt washing with plain water may not completely remove all these deposits. A mild soap, safe for use on painted surfaces, may be used. After washing, rinse the vehicle thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow soap to dry on the finish. After washing the vehicle, test the brakes while driving slowly to see if they have been affected by water. If braking performance is impaired, dry the brakes by applying them lightly while maintaining a slow forward speed.

CAUTION

•  Do not use strong soap, chemical detergents or hot water, and do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight or when the body of the vehicle is warm.
•  Be careful when washing the side windows of your vehicle, especially with high-pressure water. Water may leak through the windows and wet the interior.
•  To prevent damage to the plastic parts and lamps, do not clean with chemical solvents or strong detergents.

WARNING
After washing the vehicle, test the brakes while driving slowly to see if they have been affected by water. If braking performance is impaired, dry the brakes by applying them lightly while maintaining a slow forward speed.

High-pressure washing
When using high-pressure washers, make sure to maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle. Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure can lead to component damage or water penetration. Do not spray the camera, sensors or its surrounding area directly with a high-pressure washer. Shock applied from high-pressure water may cause the device to not operate normally. Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or plastic covers) or connectors as they may be damaged if they come into contact with high-pressure water.

WARNING
After washing the vehicle, test the brakes while driving slowly to see if they have been affected by water. If braking performance is impaired, dry the brakes by applying them lightly while maintaining a slow forward speed.

CAUTION
Wetting engine compartment

 

•  Water washing in the engine compartment including high-pressure water washing may cause the failure of electrical circuits located in the engine compartment.
•  Never allow water or other liquids to come in contact with electrical/electronic components and air duct inside the vehicle as this may damage them.
•  After the vehicle has been washed, brake carefully while paying attention to the traffic conditions until the braking effect has been fully restored.

Waxing
Wax the vehicle when water will no longer bead on the paint. Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing. Use a good quality liquid or paste wax, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Wax all metal trim to protect it and to maintain its lustre. Removing oil, tar, and similar materials with a spot remover will usually strip the wax from the finish. Be sure to re-wax these areas even if the rest of the vehicle does not yet need waxing. Be careful not to touch the lens when waxing the lamps.

CAUTION
Drying vehicle

• Wiping dust or dirt off the body with a dry cloth will scratch the finish.
•  Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, acid detergents or strong detergents containing high alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-plated or anodized aluminum parts. This may result in damage to the protective coating and cause discolouration or paint deterioration.

Finish damage repair
Deep scratches or stone chips in the painted surface must be repaired promptly. Exposed metal will quickly rust and may develop into a major repair expense.

NOTICE
If your vehicle is damaged and requires any metal repair or replacement, be sure the body shop applies anti-corrosion materials to the parts repaired or replaced.

Bright-metal maintenance
To remove road tar and insects, use a tar remover, not a scraper or other sharp object.
To protect the surfaces of bright metal parts from corrosion, apply a coating of wax or chrome preservative and rub to a high luster.
During winter weather or in coastal areas, cover the bright metal parts with a heavier coating of wax or preservative. If necessary, coat the parts with non-corrosive petroleum jelly or other protective compound.

Underbody maintenance
Road salt and other corrosive chemicals are used in cold weather states to melt snow and prevent ice accumulation. If these chemicals are not regularly removed, they will corrode the vehicle’s underbody and, over time, damage many parts: the fuel lines, the fuel tank retention system, the vehicle’s suspension, the exhaust system, and even the body frame. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has warned all vehicle owners of all brands of the need to take the following steps:

• Wash the undercarriage of your vehicle regularly during the winter and whenever your vehicle has been exposed to such salts or chemicals.
•  Do a thorough washing of the under-carriage at the end of the winter.
•  Use professional service technicians or governmental inspection stations to annually inspect for corrosion.
•  Immediately seek an inspection of your vehicle if you become visually aware of corrosion flaking or scaling or if you become aware of a change in vehicle performance, such as soft or spongy brakes, fluids leaking, impairment of directional control, suspension noises or rattling metal straps.

Aluminum wheel maintenance
The aluminium wheels are coated with a clear protective finish.

• Do not use any abrasive cleaner, polishing compound, solvent, or wire brushes on aluminium wheels. They may scratch or damage the finish.
• Clean the wheel when it has cooled.
• Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent, and rinse thoroughly with water. Also, be sure to clean the wheels after driving on salted roads. This helps prevent corrosion.
•  Avoid washing the wheels with high-speed vehicle wash brushes.
•  Do not use any alkaline or acid detergents It may damage and corrode the aluminium wheels coated with a clear protective finish.

Corrosion protection
Protecting your vehicle from corrosion
By using the most advanced design and construction practices to combat corrosion, we produce vehicles of the highest quality. However, this is only part of the job. To achieve the long-term corrosion resistance your vehicle can deliver, the owner’s cooperation and assistance is also required.

Common causes of corrosion
The most common causes of corrosion on your vehicle are:

• Road salt, dirt and moisture that is allowed to accumulate underneath the vehicle.
• Removal of paint or protective coatings by stones, gravel, abrasion or minor scrapes and dents which leave unprotected metal exposed to corrosion.

High-corrosion areas
If you live in an area where your vehicle is regularly exposed to corrosive materials, corrosion protection is particularly important. Some of the common causes of accelerated corrosion are road salts, dust control chemicals, ocean air and industrial pollution.

Moisture breeds corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in which corrosion is most likely to occur. For example, corrosion is accelerated by high humidity, particularly when temperatures are just above freezing. In such conditions, the corrosive material is kept in contact with the vehicle’s surface by moisture that evaporates slowly. Mud is particularly corrosive because it dries slowly and holds moisture in contact with the vehicle. Although the mud appears to be dry, it can still retain moisture and promote corrosion. High temperatures can also accelerate corrosion of parts that are not properly ventilated so the moisture can be dispersed. For all these reasons, it is particularly important to keep your vehicle clean and free of mud or accumulations of other materials. This applies not only to the visible surfaces but particularly to the underside of the vehicle.

To help prevent corrosion
You can help prevent corrosion from beginning by observing the following:

Keep your vehicle clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is to keep your vehicle clean and free of corrosive materials. Attention to the underside of the vehicle is particularly important.
If you live in a high-corrosion area where road salts are used, near the ocean, areas with industrial pollution, acid rain, etc.—, you should take extra care to prevent corrosion. In winter, hose off the underside of your vehicle at least once a month and be sure to clean the underside thoroughly when winter is over.
When cleaning underneath the vehicle, give particular attention to the components under the fenders and other areas that are hidden from view. Do a thorough job; just dampening the accumulated mud rather than washing it away will accelerate corrosion rather than prevent it. Water under high pressure and steam are particularly effective in removing accumulated mud and corrosive materials. When cleaning lower door panels, rocker panels and frame members, be sure that drain holes are kept open so that moisture can escape and not be trapped inside to accelerate corrosion.

Keep your garage dry
Don’t park your vehicle in a damp, poorly ventilated-garage. This creates a favourable environment for corrosion. This is particularly true if you wash your vehicle in the garage or drive it into the garage when it is still wet or covered with snow, ice or mud. Even a heated garage can contribute to corrosion unless it is well-ventilated so moisture is dispersed.

Keep paint and trim in good condition
Scratches or chips in the finish should be covered with “touch-up” paint as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of corrosion. If bare metal is showing through, the attention of a qualified body and paint shop is recommended. Bird droppings: Bird droppings are highly corrosive and may damage painted surfaces in just a few hours. Always remove bird droppings as soon as possible.

Don’t neglect the interior
Moisture can collect under the floor mats and carpeting and cause corrosion. Check under the mats periodically to be sure the carpeting is dry. Use particular care if you carry fertilizers, cleaning materials or chemicals in the vehicle.
These should be carried only in proper containers and any spills or leaks should be cleaned up, flushed with clean water and thoroughly dried.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure) 

Interior care

Use the information in the following sections to maintain the interior of your vehicle.

Interior general precautions
Prevent chemicals such as perfume, cosmetic oil, sun cream, hand cleaner, and air freshener from contacting the interior parts because they may cause damage or discolouration. If they do contact the interior parts, wipe them off immediately. If necessary, use a mixture of warm water and mild non-detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a concealed area before use). Use proper car cleaner to clean interior parts.

CAUTION
Electrical components
Never allow water or other liquids to come in contact with electrical/electronic components inside the vehicle as this may damage them.

CAUTION
Leather
When cleaning leather products (steering wheel, seats etc.), use neutral detergents or low alcohol content solutions. If you use high alcohol content solutions or acid/alkaline detergents, the color of the leather may fade or the surface may get stripped off.

Taking care of leather seats

• Vacuum the seat periodically to remove dust and sand on the seat. It will prevent abrasion or damage of the leather and maintain its quality.
• Wipe the leather seat cover often with dry or soft cloth.
• Sufficient use of a leather protective may prevent abrasion of the cover and helps maintain the color. Be sure to read the instructions and consult a specialist when using leather coating or protective agents.
•  Leather with bright colours (beige, cream beige) is easily contaminated and clear in appearance. Clean the seats frequently.
•  Avoid wiping with wet cloth. It may cause the surface to crack.

Cleaning the leather seats
Remove all contaminations instantly. Refer to the instructions below for the removal of each contaminant.

• Cosmetic products (sunscreen, foundation, etc.)
  •  Apply cleansing cream on a cloth and wipe the contaminated point. Wipe off the cream with a wet cloth and remove water with a dry cloth.
•  Beverages (coffee, soft drink, etc.)
  • Apply a small amount of neutral detergent and wipe until contaminations do not smear.
• Oil, blue jeans/clothes (Color transfer)
  • Remove oil/stain instantly with an absorbable cloth and wipe with stain remover for leather only.
•  Chewing gum
  • Harden the gum with ice and remove it gradually.

Fabric seat cover (if equipped)
Please clean the fabric seats regularly with a vacuum cleaner in consideration of fabric material characteristics. If they are heavily soiled with beverage stains, etc., use a suitable interior cleaner. To prevent damage to seat covers, wipe off the seat covers down to the seams with a large wiping motion and moderate pressure using a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Velcro closures on clothing or sharp objects may cause snagging or scratches on the surface of the seats.
Make sure not to rub such objects against the surface.

Cleaning the upholstery and interior trim
Car interior surfaces
Remove dust and loose dirt from interior surfaces with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner. If necessary, clean interior surfaces with a mixture of warm water and mild non-detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a concealed area before use).

Fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner. Clean with a mild soap solution recommended for upholstery or carpets. Remove fresh spots immediately with a fabric spot cleaner. If fresh spots do not receive immediate attention, the fabric can be stained and its color can be affected. Also, its fire-resistant proper-ties can be reduced if the material is not properly maintained.
Using anything but recommended cleaners and procedures may affect the fabric’s appearance and fire-resistant properties.

Cleaning the lap/shoulder belt webbing
Clean the belt webbing with any mild soap solution recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpet. Follow the instructions provided with the soap. Do not bleach or re-dye the webbing because this may weaken it.

Cleaning the interior window glass
If the interior glass surfaces of the vehicle become fogged (that is, covered with an oily, greasy or waxy film), they should be cleaned with a glass cleaner. Follow the directions on the glass cleaner container.

CAUTION
Rear window
Do not scrape or scratch the inside of the rear window. This may result in damage of the rear window defroster grid.

Emission control system

The emission control system of your vehicle is covered by a written limited warranty. Please see the warranty information contained in the Warranty & Consumer Information manual in your vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system to meet all applicable emission regulations. There are three emission control systems, as follows.

1. Crankcase emission control system
2. Evaporative emission control system
3.  Exhaust emission control system
   In order to assure the proper function of the emission control systems, it is recommended that you have your vehicle inspected and maintained by an authorized Kia dealer in accordance with the maintenance schedule in this manual.

Caution for the Inspection and Maintenance Test (With Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system)

•  To prevent the vehicle from misfiring during dynamometer testing, turn the ESC off by pressing the ESC switch.
•  After dynamometer testing is completed, turn the ESC back on by pressing the ESC switch again.

1. Crankcase emission control system
   The Positive Crankcase Ventilation system is employed to prevent air pollution caused by blow-by gases being emitted from the crankcase. This system supplies fresh filtered air to the crankcase through the air intake hose. Inside the crankcase, the fresh air mixes with blow-by gases, which then pass through the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve into the induction system.
2. Evaporative emission control (including Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR)) system The evaporative emission control system is designed to prevent fuel vapours from escaping into the atmosphere. (The ORVR system is designed to allow the vapors from the fuel tank to be loaded into a canister while refuelling at the gas station, preventing the escape of fuel vapors into the atmosphere.)
   Canister
   Fuel vapors generated inside the fuel tank are absorbed and stored in the onboard canister. When the engine is running, the fuel vapours absorbed in the canister are drawn into the surge tank through the Purge Control Solenoid Valve.
   Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV)
   The Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV) is controlled by the Engine Control Module (ECM); when the engine coolant temperature is low during idling, the PCSV closes so that evaporated fuel is not taken into the engine. After the engine warms up during ordinary driving, the PCSV opens to introduce evaporated fuel to the engine.
3. Exhaust emission control system
   The exhaust emission control system is a highly effective system which controls exhaust emissions while maintaining good vehicle performance.

Vehicle modifications
This vehicle should not be modified. Modification of your vehicle could affect its performance, safety or durability and may even violate governmental safety and emissions regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from any modification may not be covered under warranty.

• If you use authorized electronic devices, it may cause the vehicle to operate abnormally, wire damage, battery discharge and fire. For your safety, do not use unauthorized electronic devices.

Engine exhaust gas precautions (carbon monoxide)

• Carbon monoxide can be present with other exhaust fumes. Therefore, if you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have it inspected and repaired immediately. If you ever suspect exhaust fumes are coming into your vehicle, drive it only with all the windows fully open. Have your vehicle checked and repaired immediately.

WARNING
Exhaust
Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide (CO). Though colourless and odourless, it is dangerous and could be lethal if inhaled. Follow the instructions on this page to avoid CO poisoning.

•  Do not operate the engine in confined or closed areas (such as garages) any more than what is necessary to move the vehicle in or out of the area.
•  When the vehicle is stopped in an open area for more than a short time with the engine running, adjust the ventilation system (as needed) to draw outside air into the vehicle.
• Never sit in a parked or stopped vehicle for any extended time with the engine running.
•  When the engine stalls or fails to start, excessive attempts to restart the engine may cause damage to the emission control system.

WARNING
Catalytic converter
Keep away from the catalytic converter and exhaust system while the vehicle is running or immediately thereafter. The exhaust and catalytic systems are very hot and may burn you.

Operating precautions for cata-lytic converters

WARNING
Fire

• Do not park, idle or drive the vehicle over or near flammable objects, such as grass, vegetation, paper, leaves, etc. A hot exhaust system can ignite flammable items under your vehicle.
• Also, do not remove the heat sink around the exhaust system, do not seal the bottom of the vehicle or do not coat the vehicle for corrosion control. It may present a fire risk under certain conditions.

Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter emission control device. Therefore, the following precautions must be observed:

• Use only UNLEADED FUEL for gasoline engines.
•  Do not operate the vehicle when there are signs of engine malfunction, such as misfire or a noticeable loss of performance.
•  Do not misuse or abuse the engine. Examples of misuse are coasting with the ignition off and descending steep grades in gear with the ignition off.
•  Do not operate the engine at high idle speed for extended periods (5 minutes or more).
•  Do not modify or tamper with any part of the engine or emission control system. All inspections and adjustments must be made by an authorized Kia dealer.
• Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel level. Running out of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, damaging the catalytic converter.

Failure to observe these precautions could result in damage to the catalytic converter and to your vehicle. Additionally, such actions could void your warranties.

Procedure for entering forced engine activation mode

If the engine needs to be kept running while the vehicle is stopped to inspect emission gas or perform vehicle maintenance, follow the below procedure to enter forced engine activation mode.

1. Place the shift dial in P (Park) position with the vehicle stopped. Engage the parking brake. Then, follow the steps (1) to (5).
   Below steps from (1) to (5) must be completed within 60 seconds. If not, the process is reset and you must start again from step (1).
   1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Vehicles equipped with the smart key, press the ENGINE START/STOP button twice without depressing the brake pedal.
2. Place the shift dial in P (Park) position and depress the accelerator pedal twice.
3. Place the shift dial in N (Neutral) position and depress the accelerator pedal twice.
4.  Place the shift dial in P (Park) position and depress the accelerator pedal twice.
5. With the brake pedal depressed, start the engine, and maintain idling state. The engine remains in idle state and the forced engine activation mode is maintained even when the gear is shifted to a different position.
   1.  (READY) indicator on the instrument cluster blinks when the vehicle is in forced engine activation mode. Check the (READY) indicator blinking to ensure that the forced engine activation mode is correctly entered.
      The (READY) indicator continues blinking until the forced engine activation mode is cancelled. When the mode is canceled the (READY) indicator will stop blinking.
   2. To cancel the forced engine activation mode, turn the vehicle off.

California perchlorate notice

Perchlorate Material-special handling may apply, See https://dtsc.ca.gov/perchlorate
Notice to California Vehicle Dismantlers: Perchlorate-containing materials, such as air bag inflators, seatbelt pre-tension-ers and keyless remote entry batteries, must be disposed of according to Title 22 California Code of Regulations Section 67384.10 (a).

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