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 .