2023 Kia Forte GT Automatic DCT w/ GT2 Package in Steel Grey - Questions

jcelen01 said:

Hi All,

Hope everyone is doing well. I just picked up a 2023 Kia Forte GT Automatic DCT w/ GT2 Package in Steel Grey. Has been a great car so far. Just a few questions I thought maybe I could receive some input on:

1) Is there a specific break-in period for the vehicle? I hear different advice on this, with the most common answer being to keep the vehicle between 2k-4k RPMs for the first 600 miles. It is also reported that during this period, the transmission is a little jerky, especially at low speeds, but that this is normal. Would anyone know if this subsides after the break-in period or as more miles are put on the vehicle?

2) Is there a way to keep the active lane steering assist on permanently (steering wheel symbol) instead of having to manually activate it every time the vehicle is turned on? I have the same question for the Auto Hold feature as well.

3) The rubber beltline trim surround on the doors are composed of some sort of rubberized plastic. Should I start applying a protectant/Armor All-type applicator to protect it from fading? If so, are there any recommended cleaner/application treatments that work best for this type of material that would not damage the paint?

4) For each service interval, the manual indicates an oil change should be accompanied by a fuel additive treatment. Does anyone know what type of fuel additive is recommended?

I may have more questions the more I drive it, but these are all I can think of at this time. Attached are some initial photos (more to follow). Thank you in advance for the input!

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1. Technically no break in is required, however it's advised by Kia to keep it under 4k rpm for the first 500 or so miles and avoid aggressive throttle inputs or too much throttle, as well as varying your speed on the highway. The transmission will smooth out as the clutches break in, but it will never be conventional auto levels of smooth at low speeds due to the nature of a dual clutch transmission's inherent design.
2. Not sure - my stays on between key cycles. Maybe they removed that functionality for the facelift? Play around in the menus and read through the owner's manual and you might find something.
3. Any trim protectant should be fine, but I haven't seen a case of that stuff fading, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.
4. Chevron Techron is what is usually recommended

ForteGT2 said:

I don't know the features of the '23 GT, however on my '21 the active lane assist comes on automatically at 35 MPH. Auto-hold is automatic also. I don't have to turn anything on.

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AndrewForteGT said:

I have a 2020 GT and can't seem to find any info in the manual about using an additive with every oil change. Any idea where I can find this in the manual?

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jcelen01 said:

Thank you all for your helpful input and hope all are well. I had another general question, this time it's about the DCT for the 2023 Kia Forte GT. I typically park the car in tight spaces that requires multiple back and forth attempts before finally squeezing into the space and also pulling out of the space. I could feel the clutches engage/dis-engage multiple times during this process as I nudge the car back and forth slowly in the space. I would like to know if others experience this as well and if I am causing damage to the transmission/dual clutches with the jerkiness of pulling into and out of parking spaces. I know this car is considered great as a daily driver in commuting traffic, so I'm thinking the transmission should be designed to endure lots of stop-and-go movements. Maybe I am being a little paranoid about it all, but some feedback on this would be appreciated. Thank you.

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