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

2593 Views 26 Replies 10 Participants Last post by grantc7075, 12 d ago

jcelen01

Discussion Starter · 7 mo ago

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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aetb

· #7 · 7 mo ago (Edited)

jcelen01 said:
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?

For the love of all that is holy, please don't use Armor All-type things anywhere on a vehicle. Ever. tl;dr it causes rubber to dry out and affects plastics long-term
(longer explanation: Products like Armor All are usually oil-based. They end up 'pulling' the embedded oils out of rubber and plastic, drying them out over time which leads to cracking, discoloration, waxy/greasy residue and so on)

I personally use Gyeon Tire for both my tires and the rubberised trims around the car. It's silicon-based which has the added bonus of being water-repellent. When applying to the trims I put a relatively small amount on a microfiber cloth and run it over the trim, leave it sit for about ten minutes then come back and wipe down to remove any residue. It's very much a less-is-more product. I'll do this every 3-6 months or so

Another option would be something like AMMO Mud - it's water based and works well, but doesn't last as long as the Gyeon