Complete Guide to Driving and Maintaining the Kia Sonet
From handling clutch and gears to oil refills and safety tips — everything you need to know to drive the Kia Sonet like a pro.
Here’s a complete beginner-friendly guide to driving and maintaining the Kia Sonet, along with information on clutch, gear, brake usage, and official care guidelines:
🚗 How to Drive a Kia Sonet (Manual or iMT/Automatic)
Note: Kia Sonet comes in Manual, iMT (clutchless manual), and Automatic variants. Below is the guide for a manual variant, with notes for other types.
1. ✅ Starting the Car
Manual Variant:
Press the clutch fully.
Insert the key or press the Start/Stop button.
Keep the gear in neutral when starting.
iMT/Automatic:
Press the brake pedal.
Press the Start/Stop button (no clutch in iMT or Auto).
2. 🕹️ How to Use Gear, Clutch, and Accelerator (Race)
Clutch: Leftmost pedal. Used when shifting gears.
Gear:
1st Gear: Start moving
2nd–5th Gears: For higher speeds
Reverse: To move back
Accelerator (Race): Rightmost pedal.
Press gently to increase speed.
Use smoothly to avoid jerks.
3. 🛑 How to Use the Brake
Brake Pedal: Middle pedal (manual); second pedal in automatic.
Always press gradually to avoid sudden stops.
Use clutch + brake when stopping in manual.
For downhill: Use lower gears and light brakes.
4. 🛣️ Which Roads to Use Which Gear
City/Traffic:
Use 1st or 2nd gear.
Light clutch and brake control.
Highways:
Use 4th or 5th gear.
Maintain steady speed (60–100 kmph).
Hills:
Use lower gears (1st or 2nd).
Avoid overusing brakes—use engine braking.
5. 🛢️ How to Pour Oil (Engine Oil Top-up)
Open the bonnet.
Locate the engine oil cap (marked with an oil can symbol).
Pour recommended engine oil (check user manual) slowly.
Do not overfill.
Close the cap and check the oil dipstick to confirm level.
6. 🧰 Kia Sonet Maintenance Tips
Service Schedule:
First service: 1,000 km
Second service: 5,000 km
Regular service: Every 10,000 km or 12 months
Tyre Pressure:
Maintain as per manual (usually 33–35 PSI)
Check Coolant, Brake Fluid, and Washer Fluid monthly.
Wash and wax to maintain paint.
7. 📋 Official Kia Sonet Guidelines
Always wear seatbelts.
Use genuine parts and service only at authorized Kia centers.
Do not modify the vehicle’s ECU or sensors.
Update software during service (ECU/infotainment).
Use recommended fuel (usually petrol or diesel, BS6 grade).
Avoid aggressive driving to prolong engine and brake life.
📌 Additional Tips
Don’t ride the clutch.
Avoid sudden acceleration/braking.
Learn reverse gear handling slowly in open space.
Always use the handbrake when parked.
Last Updated on 15 May 2025.
See more: Tips&Advice Guide to Driving and Maintaining a Mahindra Thar .
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