Kia Seltos: Introduction / Fuel requirements

The Kia Seltos is engineered to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 87 ((R+M)/2), which is equivalent to Research Octane Number 91, or higher. Methanol-blended fuels should not be used, as they can affect proper drivability and may damage important fuel-related components.

For the best balance of performance, reliability, fuel economy, and emissions control, your Kia Seltos should always be filled with high-quality unleaded fuel. Using the correct gasoline also helps reduce spark plug fouling and supports clean, efficient engine operation over time.

Do not add fuel system cleaning agents or aftermarket fuel additives to the tank unless they are specifically approved for use in the Kia Seltos. For suitable products and service recommendations, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

• Tighten the fuel cap until it clicks once. If the cap is not secured properly, the Check Engine light may illuminate.

WARNING

Refueling

• Do not continue filling the tank after the fuel nozzle automatically shuts off. Topping off the tank can cause gasoline to overflow onto the vehicle, the ground, or your clothing, creating a serious fire hazard.

• Always make sure the fuel cap is fully installed and securely tightened. A properly closed cap helps prevent fuel leakage, especially if the Kia Seltos is involved in an accident.

Gasoline containing alcohol and methanol

Gasohol is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, also known as grain alcohol. Some gasoline or gasohol products may also contain methanol, commonly referred to as wood alcohol. These fuels may be sold as alternatives to conventional unleaded gasoline.

Under Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, ethanol-blended gasoline may be used in your vehicle when it meets the proper specifications.

Do not use gasohol containing more than 15% ethanol, and never use gasoline or gasohol that contains methanol. Ethanol contains less energy than gasoline and can attract moisture, which may reduce fuel efficiency and lower the MPG performance of your Kia Seltos.

Methanol can cause poor drivability and may damage the fuel system, engine control system, and emission control system.

If rough running, hesitation, stalling, hard starting, or other drivability problems occur after using any type of gasohol, stop using that fuel immediately.

Vehicle damage or performance concerns may not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty if they are caused by the use of unsuitable fuel, including:

1. Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.

2. Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.

3. Gasohol containing more than 15% ethanol.

"E85" is an alternative fuel made of approximately 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is designed only for Flexible Fuel Vehicles and is not compatible with the Kia Seltos. Using "E85" may result in poor engine performance and can damage the engine and fuel system. Kia recommends that customers do not use fuel with an ethanol content higher than 15%.

NOTICE

The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover fuel system damage or performance problems caused by the use of "E85" fuel.

NOTICE

Never use fuel containing methanol. Stop using any methanol-based product if it affects smooth operation, starting, acceleration, or overall drivability of the Kia Seltos.

Other fuels

Using fuels that contain silicone (Si), MMT or manganese (Mn), ferrocene (Fe), or other metallic additives can cause engine and vehicle damage. These additives may lead to misfiring, poor acceleration, stalling, catalyst damage, clogging, abnormal corrosion, reduced component life, and other serious operating issues.

If unsuitable fuel or harmful additives are used, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate on the instrument cluster of the Kia Seltos.

NOTICE

Damage to the fuel system, engine components, emission control system, or performance problems caused by improper fuel or metallic additives may not be covered by your warranty.

Gasoline containing MMT

Some gasoline may contain manganese-based fuel additives, including MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl). Gasoline with MMT should not be used in the Kia Seltos, because this type of fuel can reduce engine performance, interfere with smooth operation, and negatively affect the emission control system.

If fuel containing MMT is used, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument cluster may illuminate. To help protect the Kia Seltos engine and emission components, always choose clean, high-quality unleaded gasoline that meets the recommended fuel standards.

Do not use methanol

Fuels containing methanol, also known as wood alcohol, should not be used in your Kia Seltos. Methanol can lower vehicle performance, cause poor drivability, and damage important components in the fuel system, engine control system, and emission control system.

If you suspect that methanol-blended fuel has been added to the tank, discontinue using that fuel as soon as possible and consult an authorized Kia dealer for proper advice. Continued use may lead to more serious and costly damage.

Fuel Additives (for Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi)

Kia recommends using high-quality gasoline treated with detergent additives, such as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. These fuels help reduce deposit formation inside the engine, support cleaner combustion, and improve the long-term performance of the emission control system in the Kia Seltos.

For more information about TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, visit the official website at www.toptiergas.com. If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not used regularly and the engine becomes hard to start, runs roughly, hesitates, or does not operate smoothly, a separately purchased fuel additive may be added to the gasoline when appropriate.

If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, Kia recommends adding one bottle of approved additive to the fuel tank every 8,000 miles (13,000 km) for the Turbo engine, or at every engine oil change interval. Approved additives and usage instructions are available from an authorized Kia dealer. Do not mix different additives or use unapproved fuel treatments in the Kia Seltos.

Operation in foreign countries

If you plan to drive your Kia Seltos in another country, prepare in advance and make sure the vehicle can be operated legally and safely there.

• Observe all local regulations regarding registration, insurance, road use, and vehicle documentation.

• Confirm that acceptable unleaded fuel with the proper octane rating and quality is available along your route.