Service · Michigan City Kia · Michigan City, IN
Kia Coolant Service in Michigan City, IN
Before a Lake Michigan winter, the coolant in your Kia is doing two jobs: keeping the engine from freezing and protecting its aluminum parts from corrosion. This page uses the 2027 Kia owner's manual for the 2.5L gas engine (manual NQ5a on ownersmanual.kia.com, Smartstream G2.5 GDi), read October 27, 2026, to cover the replacement schedule, the antifreeze Kia specifies, mixture strength and how to check the level. Each Kia model and year has its own manual, so check the one for your vehicle.
120,000 milesor 120 months, first replacement
24,000 milesor 24 months, after that
Phosphate basedethylene glycol coolant
Once a yearcheck level and protection
When does a Kia need new coolant?
In the 2027 Kia owner's manual we used (NQ5a, 2.5L gas), the engine coolant is first replaced at 120,000 miles (195,000 km) or 120 months, then every 24,000 miles (39,000 km) or 24 months. Kia specifies Kia Genuine Coolant, a phosphate based ethylene glycol coolant, and says to check the level and antifreeze protection at least once a year, at the start of winter. Michigan City Kia's service team can test and replace it.
Kia coolant replacement schedule
| When | Coolant (engine) |
|---|---|
| First replacement | 120,000 miles (195,000 km) or 120 months |
| After that | Every 24,000 miles (39,000 km) or 24 months |
| Inspection | Check the antifreeze protection and coolant level at least once a year, at the beginning of the winter season, and before traveling to a colder climate |
From the normal maintenance schedule and the Engine coolant section of the 2027 Kia owner's manual NQ5a (Smartstream G2.5 GDi), read October 27, 2026. Other Kia models and years have their own schedules.
The manual says the coolant can be replaced prior to its interval when you are doing other maintenance tasks, for your convenience, and to have the coolant replaced by an authorized Kia dealer.
Kia coolant type and capacity
| Item | From the manual |
|---|---|
| Coolant | Kia Genuine Coolant: a phosphate based ethylene glycol based coolant |
| Capacity (Smartstream G2.5 GDi) | 9.62 US qt. (9.1 liters) |
| Water for topping off | Deionized (distilled) or soft water only; never mix hard water into the coolant filled at the factory |
From the Recommended lubricants and capacities table and the Checking the coolant level section of the 2027 Kia owner's manual NQ5a, read October 27, 2026.
The manual explains that the engine has aluminum engine parts and must be protected by an ethylene-glycol with phosphate-based coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing. It warns that a different type of coolant or water may damage the electrical component, that an improper coolant mixture can result in serious malfunction or engine damage, and not to use alcohol or methanol coolant or mix them with the specified coolant.
Antifreeze mixture and freeze protection
Kia says not to use a solution that contains more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze, which would reduce its effectiveness. The manual's mixture table:
| Ambient temperature | Antifreeze (volume) | Water (volume) |
|---|---|---|
| 5°F (-15°C) | 35% | 65% |
| -13°F (-25°C) | 40% | 60% |
| -31°F (-35°C) | 50% | 50% |
| -49°F (-45°C) | 60% | 40% |
From the Recommended engine coolant table in the 2027 Kia owner's manual NQ5a, read October 27, 2026.
How to check the coolant level
The 2027 Kia manual's guidance:
- Let the engine cool. The level should be between the MAX and MIN (F and L) marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool.
- Check the condition and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses, and replace any swollen or deteriorated hoses.
- If the level is low, add enough distilled (deionized) or soft water to bring it to MAX (F). Do not overfill.
- Make sure the coolant cap is properly closed afterward; otherwise the engine could overheat while driving.
- If frequent additions are required, have the system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
If the engine overheats from low coolant, the manual says suddenly adding coolant may cause cracks in the engine, so add it slowly in small quantities. Do not drive with no engine coolant; it may cause water pump failure and engine seizure.
Coolant safety warnings
Never remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or the drain plug while the engine is operating or while the engine and radiator are hot: hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure and cause serious injury. Kia says to turn the engine off, wait until it cools down, wrap a thick towel around the cap and turn it slowly.
The electric cooling fan is controlled by engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure and vehicle speed, and may sometimes operate even when the engine is not running, so use extreme caution near the fan blades. Never put engine coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid reservoir.
Michigan City Kia service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sunday | Closed |
From Michigan City Kia's website, October 27, 2026. The website lists Monday to Saturday hours. Holiday hours can differ.
Kia coolant questions
How often does a Kia need a coolant change?
In the 2027 Kia owner's manual we used (NQ5a, Smartstream G2.5 GDi), the engine coolant is first replaced at 120,000 miles (195,000 km) or 120 months, then every 24,000 miles (39,000 km) or 24 months. Each Kia model and year has its own schedule, so check the manual for yours.
What type of antifreeze does a Kia use?
This manual lists Kia Genuine Coolant, a phosphate based ethylene glycol based coolant, and says the aluminum engine parts must be protected by an ethylene-glycol with phosphate-based coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing. It also warns that a different type of coolant or water may damage the electrical component, and not to use alcohol or methanol coolant or mix them with the specified coolant.
How much coolant does it hold?
The manual lists 9.62 US qt. (9.1 liters) of coolant for the Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine.
How do I check the coolant level?
With the engine cool, the level should be between the MAX and MIN (F and L) marks on the side of the coolant reservoir. Never remove the reservoir cap while the engine is operating or hot.
What should I add if the level is low?
The manual says to add enough distilled (deionized) or soft water to bring the level to MAX (F) without overfilling, and never to mix hard water into the coolant filled at the factory. If frequent additions are needed, have the system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
When should I check the coolant?
Kia says to check the antifreeze protection and coolant level at least once a year, at the beginning of the winter season, and before traveling to a colder climate.
Who should replace the coolant?
The manual says to have the coolant replaced by an authorized Kia dealer. It also notes the coolant can be replaced before its interval when you are doing other maintenance, for your convenience.
Ready for winter?
Visit Michigan City Kia at 710 E. US Hwy 20 in Michigan City, IN, schedule service online, or get directions.
Sources
The coolant schedule, coolant type and capacity, mixture table, level check and safety warnings are from the 2027 Kia owner's manual NQ5a on ownersmanual.kia.com (2.5L gas, Smartstream G2.5 GDi), read October 27, 2026. Other Kia models and years can differ, so the manual for your vehicle is the final word. Address and hours are from Michigan City Kia's own website. Image: Kia America.
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (NQ5a): Scheduled maintenance service (normal and severe usage schedules, coolant note), Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (NQ5a): Engine coolant, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (NQ5a): Checking the coolant level, recommended engine coolant, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (NQ5a): Changing the coolant, Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- 2027 Kia owner's manual (NQ5a): Recommended lubricants and capacities (engine: Smartstream G2.5 GDi), Kia America, read October 27, 2026
- Sportage (image), Kia America, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Kia, October 27, 2026
- Kia service center at Michigan City Kia, Michigan City Kia, October 27, 2026
