Kia Picanto: Tyres and Wheels / Checking Tyre Inflation Pressure. Tyre Rotation

Checking Tyre Inflation Pressure

Check the tyre pressures at least once a month, and more often if needed.

Check the spare tyre as well, so it is ready for use when required.

How to check

Use a reliable tyre-pressure gauge. You cannot judge inflation accurately by looking at a tyre; radial tyres can appear properly inflated even when the pressure is too low.

Measure the pressure when the tyres are cold. “Cold” means the Kia Picanto has been parked for at least three hours or has been driven for no more than 1.6 km (1 mile).

Remove the valve cap and press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem to obtain a reading. Compare the result with the recommended cold pressure on the tyre and loading information label. If the pressure is low, add air until it reaches the specified value.

If you add too much air, press the metal pin in the centre of the valve to release some, then check the pressure again with the gauge. Replace the valve cap when finished; it helps keep dirt and moisture out and reduces the risk of air leakage.

Warning

• Inspect the tyres regularly for correct inflation, wear and damage. Always use a tyre-pressure gauge rather than relying on appearance.

• Overinflated or underinflated tyres can wear unevenly, impair handling and cause loss of vehicle control. A sudden tyre failure may result in an accident, serious injury or death. The recommended cold pressures for your Kia Picanto are listed in this manual and on the tyre label attached to the driver’s-side centre pillar.

• Worn tyres can cause accidents. Replace tyres that are worn, unevenly worn or damaged.

• Check the spare tyre whenever you check the other tyres. Kia recommends including it every time you inspect tyre pressure.

Tyre Rotation

To help the tyres wear evenly, rotate them every 10,000 km (6,500 miles), or sooner if uneven wear appears.

Check that the tyres are correctly balanced during rotation.

Inspect each tyre for uneven wear and damage. Uneven wear can result from incorrect inflation pressure, poor wheel alignment, unbalanced wheels, heavy braking or hard cornering. Look for bumps or bulges on the tread or sidewall. Replace a tyre if you find either, or if any fabric or cord is visible. After rotating the tyres, adjust the front and rear pressures to the specified values and check that the wheel nuts are tight.

Refer to the Tyres and Wheels information for the Kia Picanto.

Figure 1. Rotation pattern without a spare tyre

Figure 2. Rotation pattern for directional tyres, if equipped

Whenever the tyres are rotated, inspect the disc brake pads for wear as well.

Note

Rotate radial tyres with an asymmetric tread pattern only between the front and rear axles. Do not swap them from the right side to the left.

Warning

• Do not include the compact spare tyre, if equipped, in the tyre rotation pattern.

• Never mix bias-ply and radial-ply tyres. Doing so can cause unpredictable handling and may result in death, serious injury or property damage.