KIA Stonic overheating on long drives – is the cooling system not built for Pakistan’s climate?

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KIA Stonic overheating on long drives – is the cooling system not built for Pakistan’s climate?

I own a 2022 KIA Stonic in Lahore, and recently I’ve been facing engine overheating issues, especially in heavy traffic with the AC running. The temperature gauge climbs higher than normal, but it cools down once I’m on the highway. The coolant level seems fine, and there’s no visible leak. Could this be due to a weak radiator fan o r thermostat issue? Is overheating in stop-and-go traffic a common problem in Pakistan’s hot climate?

Talha Kyanii asked on 13 Sep 2025 16:04:09 pm

1 Answer

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Gari Master - on 13 Sep 2025 16:06:03 pm

Yes, this is a common concern in Pakistani cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad — especially during the summer months when temperatures can exceed 40°C. The KIA Stonic, while generally reliable, can face overheating issues in stop-and-go traffic with AC running due to a few specific reasons:

🔍 Possible Causes:

Weak Radiator Fan o r Fan Relay Failure
In slow-moving traffic, the radiator fan plays a key role in cooling the engine. If the fan is slow, weak, o r not activating at the correct temperature, the engine may overheat.

Clogged Radiator o r Condenser
Dust, dirt, and bugs can clog the front of the radiator o r AC condenser, especially in Pakistani cities. This restricts airflow and reduces cooling efficiency.

Thermostat Malfunction
A stuck thermostat may prevent coolant from flowing properly, especially under heat stress.

Low-Quality o r Diluted Coolant
Using water instead of proper coolant — o r mixing different types — can reduce heat dissipation, especially with AC load.

✅ Recommendations:

Have the radiator fan and fan relay checked especially if it only overheats in traffic, not on the highway.

Flush and refill the coolant with genuine, high-quality coolant like Prestone, Caltex, o r KIA-recommended fluids.

Ensure the radiator and condenser are pressure-cleaned to remove dust and debris.

If the problem persists, have the thermostat and temperature sensor tested o r replaced.

Regular cooling system inspections every 20,000–30,000 km are advised in Pakistan’s climate.