Kia Optima: Fuel requirements

Kia Optima: Fuel requirements

unleaded fuel having a pump octane number ((R+M)/2) of 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher.

Your new vehicle is designed to obtain maximum performance with UNLEADED FUEL, as well as minimize exhaust emissions and spark plug fouling.

CAUTION:

Never add any fuel system cleaning agents to the fuel tank other than what has been specified. (Consult an authorized KIA dealer for details.)

WARNING:

• Do not "top off" after the nozzle automatically shuts off when refueling.

• Tighten the cap until it clicks, otherwise the Malfunction Indicator Light “” will illuminate.

• Always check that the fuel cap is installed securely to prevent fuel spillage in the event of an accident.

Gasoline containing alcohol and methanol

Gasohol, a mixture of gasoline and ethanol (also known as grain alcohol), and gasoline or gasohol containing methanol (also known as wood alcohol) are being marketed along with or instead of leaded or unleaded gasoline.

Do not use gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol, and do not use gasoline or gasohol containing any methanol. Either of these fuels may cause drivability problems and damage to the fuel system.

Discontinue using gasohol of any kind if drivability problems occur.

Vehicle damage or drivability problems may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty if they result from the use of:

1. Gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol.

2. Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.

3. Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.

"E85" fuel is an alternative fuel comprised of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, and is manufactured exclusively for use in Flexible Fuel Vehicles. “E85” is not compatible with your vehicle. Use of “E85” may result in poor engine performance and damage to your vehicle's engine and fuel system.

KIA recommends that customers do not use fuel with an ethanol content exceeding 10 percent.

CAUTION:

Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover damage to the fuel system or any performance problems caused by the use of “E85” fuel.

CAUTION:

Never use gasohol which contains methanol. Discontinue use of any gasohol product which impairs drivability

Use of MTBE

KIA recommends avoiding fuels containing MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) over 15.0% vol. (Oxygen Content 2.7% weight) in your vehicle.

Fuel containing MTBE over 15.0% vol.

(Oxygen Content 2.7% weight) may reduce vehicle performance and produce vapor lock or hard starting.

CAUTION:

Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty may not cover damage to the fuel system and any performance problems that are caused by the use of fuels containing methanol or fuels containing MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) over 15.0% vol.

(Oxygen Content 2.7% weight.)

Do not use methanol

Fuels containing methanol (wood alcohol) should not be used in your vehicle.

This type of fuel can reduce vehicle performance and damage components of the fuel system.

Gasolines for cleaner air

To help contribute to cleaner air, KIA recommends that you use gasolines treated with detergent additives, which help prevent deposit formation in the engine.

These gasolines will help the engine run cleaner and enhance performance of the Emission Control System.

Operation in foreign countries

If you are going to drive your vehicle in another country, be sure to:

• Observe all regulations regarding registration and insurance.

• Determine that acceptable fuel is available.

How to use this manualVehicle break-in process