Kia Rio 2006 Owner's Manual page 229

Maintenance
DRIVE BELTS
Drive belts should be checked periodical-
ly for proper tension and adjusted if nec-
essary. At the same time, belts should be
examined for cracks, wear, fraying or
other evidence of deterioration and
replaced if necessary.
Belt routing should also be checked to be
sure there is no interference between the
belts and other parts of the engine. After
a belt is replaced, the new belt should be
adjusted again after two or three weeks
to eliminate slack resulting from initial
stretching after use.
When the air conditioning is being used
regularly, the compressor drive belt ten-
sion should be checked at least once a
month.
If the belt is too loose, have it adjusted by
an authorized Kia dealer.
7 16
POWER STEERING (IF EQUIPPED)
Checking the power steering fluid
level
With the vehicle on level ground, check
the fluid level in the power steering reser-
voir periodically. The fluid should be
between MAX and MIN marks on the
side of the reservoir at the normal tem-
perature.
Before adding power steering fluid, thor-
oughly clean the area around the reser-
voir cap to prevent power steering fluid
contamination.
If the level is low, add fluid to the MAX
level.
In the event the power steering system
requires frequent addition of fluid, the
vehicle should be inspected by an
authorized Kia dealer.
✽ ✽ NOTICE
• To avoid damage to the power steer-
ing pump, do not operate the vehicle
for prolonged periods with a low
power steering fluid level.
• Never start the engine when the reser-
voir tank is empty.
• When adding fluid, be careful that
1JBA7005
dirt does not get into the tank.
• Insufficient fluid can result in
increased steering effort; excessive
noise may also be present as the steer-
ing wheel is turned.
• The use of the non-specified fluid
could reduce the effectiveness of the
power steering wheel and cause dam-
age to it.
Use only the specified power steering
fluid. (Refer
Lubricants" later in this section.)
Power steering hose
Check the hoses and hose connections
for leaks or damage before driving the
vehicle.
to "Recommended