How To Change the Coolant in Kia Soul?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

For those rolling in the boxy, spirited Kia Soul, the maintenance beats don't stop at fuel fill-ups and the occasional oil or brake fluid swap. The choreography of car care throws a less frequent, but pivotal step into the mix: changing the coolant.

Doing the coolant switcheroo in time keeps your Soul cool under the collar, especially vital because overheating doesn't care if you're stuck in the urban shuffle or freestyling down an open road.

Together, let's vibe out on when and how to change the coolant in your Kia Soul to keep your ride from losing its groove.

The Downbeat of Delaying Kia Soul Coolant Replacement

Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned gearhead, this beat is crucial.

Antifreeze is like the rhythm section of your Kia Soul, keeping engine temperatures in a tight groove between 85–90 °C. Missing the beat on coolant changes can hit you with:

• High notes on fuel consumption;
• A drop in engine performance;
• Expansion and distortion of engine parts;
• Worn piston rings;
• Oil slipping into the exhaust system, among other things.

All these are bad news, jamming up your Soul's engine life and could lead to a complete breakdown on the move.

Keeping your engine's temperature in check is vital, and that's where the coolant plays a star role in your Soul's cooling system.

Another riff on the consequences of delayed coolant refresh is corrosion. Over time, your antifreeze collects a mixtape of dust, dirt, combustion leftovers, silicates, and more. It turns into a rust-colored liquid that, upon jamming with the metal parts of your engine, can lay down a layer of corrosion that messes with thermal conduction and heat transfer, leading to overheating and engine wear.

What Are The Main Symptoms Of Coolant Misuse in Kia Soul?

A harsh track resulting from incorrect antifreeze use is cavitation erosion. It's like the popping and hissing of a turntable, but for your engine, it's a sign of trouble.

When the coolant starts boiling, it creates bubbles that collapse and can eat away at the metal, forming grooves that can deepen into serious damage if not caught on beat.

Regular coolant changes can avoid this, though the specifics might vary across different models. Excess water in the mix can cause cracks and leaks, so keep an eye on your coolant's condition and change it as needed to keep the leaks at bay.

How Often Should The Coolant Be Changed In Kia Soul?

The interval for changing the coolant can depend on your Kia Soul's model year, the car's age, and how many miles it has jammed out.

Typically, you should change it after the first 60,000 miles (or 4 years). After that, keep the beat with a coolant change every 30,000 miles (or every 2 years).

Keep the coolant levels jazzing between the "min" and "max" marks. If it's hitting the low notes at minimum, get that coolant changed.

When the fluid in the radiator starts changing its tune (color), it's time for a refresh. And if you see the mix looking dirty, that's your cue for a change.

The rhythm of coolant changes will sync up with the type you use in your Kia Soul and the driving conditions where you lay down your tracks.

How To Swap Out Coolant in a Kia Soul?

Before diving into the coolant switcheroo, we recommend you get cozy with your Kia Soul's owner's manual.
Tools of the trade:

• Fresh coolant;
• Drain pan;
• Durable work gloves;
• Low-profile jack;
• A set of ratchets or wrenches;
• Screwdriver set (Phillips and flat-head);
• Pliers.

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Let's roll with the coolant change by following these steps:

• Park the Kia Soul on level ground and yank on the handbrake (for stick shifters, slot it in first gear);
• Give the car and its fluids about half an hour to cool off after driving;
• Pop the hood. Look for the expansion tank (it's the plastic jug with fluid, double-check the manual to be sure);
• Twist the cap on the tank counterclockwise, let out any pressure, then fully remove the cap;
• Use a jack to raise the front end of your ride a bit;
• Take off any undercarriage shields if they're there;
• Place the drain pan under the radiator and undo the drain plug (location’s in the manual).

Heads-up: Some Kia Soul models might be without a drain plug, sporting a hose instead, meaning you gotta pull it to drain the juice;

• Flush the system thoroughly several times to ensure all old coolant is gone;
• Many cars come with a bleed valve—open it to let air help flush out any lingering coolant;
• Once drained, shut the valve (or reattach that hose);
• Check the condition of your radiator hoses—they gotta be solid;

• Drain the reserve tank, then slap it back in place;
• Crack open the expansion tank, pour in a few liters of water to sidestep any airlock in the system, and keep that bleed valve open;
• Introduce the correct amount of coolant and top off with water;
• Occasionally squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to coax any air out of their hiding spots.
• Keep adding coolant until it bubbles out of the bleed valve, then close that sucker up;
• Fill to the "max" line and retighten the expansion tank cap;
• Double-check that bleed valve to make sure it’s tight, then clear the drain pan from underneath;
• Ignite the engine, let it idle for 5 minutes. Let the electric cooling fan kick on. Rev it occasionally between 2000-3000 rpm;
• Shut down the engine, let it chill for 20 minutes, then inspect for leaks. Recheck the coolant level, too.

Note: Post-coolant swap in your Kia Soul, take it for a spin and then inspect the coolant level again when the engine's cold. Top off if needed.

When's the Right Time to Change the Coolant in a Kia Soul?

Just like you'd keep tabs on your oil or brake fluid, keeping an eye on the Kia Soul's coolant level is key. Ignoring it can lead your car to drop some hints, like:

Rapid overheating. It’s the clearest red flag that could mean a pitstop at the service center or a DIY coolant change;

Leakage. Drips and drops of coolant underneath your car usually point to an issue with the cooling system's integrity, often the radiator hoses;

Sweet aroma. Coolant’s got a syrupy scent. Catch a whiff while behind the wheel, and something might be up;

Vanishing coolant. A mysterious drop in coolant levels warrants a check-up of your Kia Soul's hoses and reservoir for possible cracks.

Pro Tips For a Kia Soul Coolant Refresh

Knowledge is power, even with something as seemingly simple as coolant. Understanding its ins and outs not only saves your skin but also keeps your Kia Soul purring.

Never pop the coolant cap on a hot engine! The scalding surprise isn’t worth it, plus you won't get an accurate read on the levels.

Regular flushes and changes maintain your coolant's effectiveness and, by extension, your Kia Soul's happiness.

If the coolant level's dipping before it should, get your car checked for leaks.

Using the wrong coolant or mixing types can kickstart corrosion within your Kia Soul's engine. Stick to what's recommended.

Disposal matters—don't just chuck old coolant. It's poisonous and hazardous to the environment. Your local service center or disposal facility should take it off your hands responsibly.

And there you have it—a Kia Soul's coolant change distilled. Regular upkeep of the cooling system will help your Soul keep its cool, ensuring smoother, cooler rides ahead.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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