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’ve noticed that my KIA Stonic 2023 model starts to overheat on long drives, especially during the summer in cities like Multan and Bahawalpur. The engine gets hot, and I’ve even had to pull over to let it cool. I use genuine coolant and get regular maintenance done. Is this a known issue with the Stonic in Pakistan? Could the cooling system be underpowered for extreme heat conditions?

Talha Kyanii asked on 13 Sep 2025 16:05:11 pm

1 Answer

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Gari Master - on 13 Sep 2025 16:07:01 pm

While the KIA Stonic is designed as a compact urban crossover, its cooling system can struggle during long-distance highway driving in Pakistan’s extreme summer heat, particularly in southern Punjab, interior Sindh, and Balochistan.

🔍 Possible Causes:

Undersized Cooling System for Local Climate
The Stonic is originally designed for mild to moderate climates. Pakistans extreme ambient temperatures above 45°C can push the system beyond its intended limits — especially on highways where sustained engine load and AC usage are constant.

Radiator o r Water Pump Inefficiency
Over time, coolant flow may be restricted due to scale buildup inside the radiator o r reduced pressure from a weak water pump.

Coolant Boiling o r Evaporating
If the radiator cap is weak o r the system isn’t properly pressurized, coolant can boil off on long drives, leading to gradual overheating.

Air Pockets After Coolant Change
If coolant was recently replaced and not properly bled, airlocks in the system can cause localized overheating.

✅ Recommendations:

Have the radiator pressure tested and check the radiator cap condition — a small part, but often the root cause.

Flush the system and replace the coolant with high-temp resistant brands suited for Pakistan’s climate.

Consider installing an aftermarket radiator fan controller o r upgraded radiator if overheating is persistent and verified.

Make sure your mechanic properly bleeds the cooling system after any coolant service.

Also, avoid overloading the car and using poor-quality fuel on long trips, as it adds unnecessary engine stress.