How Often Should Your Kia Get an Oil Change?

Motor oil serves the vital function of lubricating the moving engine parts while also preventing a buildup of sludge and helping to control the temperature. If your motor oil begins to degrade, friction, heat, and sludge will rapidly build up in your engine, leading to all kinds of expensive problems. However, if you follow a sensible schedule of routine oil changes at your local Kia dealer, you’re unlikely to encounter any such trouble.

Follow Your Manufacturer’s Guidance

The first thing to do is check your owner’s manual. As each vehicle’s make and model varies in engine design, it’s wise to find out and follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for changing your oil. Be sure to use the exact type of oil they recommend as well. 

The typical recommended interval will be somewhere around 7,500 to 10,000 miles. For the sake of convenience, most drivers opt to have their oil refreshed every six months. Although this might be slightly more frequently than necessary, it’s a safe way to keep your engine and oil in tip-top condition at all times. 

Take Your Powertrain Warranty Into Account

If you still have a valid powertrain warranty, then it makes sense to also check the warranty’s stipulations regarding changing your motor oil. By staying within the requested intervals, you’ll keep the warranty valid should you ever need to use it. 

How Much Strain Do You Put On Your Engine?

Some drivers put their car’s engine under additional strain, which accelerates how quickly the motor oil wears down. Regular short trips of under five miles (or under ten miles in cold weather) put the engine under excessive strain because these short journeys don’t give the oil time to sufficiently warm up and fully lubricate the engine. 

Driving along dusty, dirty, muddy roads can also cause motor oil to thicken more rapidly as more airborne contaminants get into the oil. Increasing the weight of a vehicle with heavy loads or trailers also strains the engine. Even driving in stop-and-go traffic can cause motor oil to degrade more rapidly. If you’re putting your car through these kinds of extra challenges, consider having your motor oil refreshed three or four times a year instead of twice. 

Set Up a Routine Schedule at Your Local Kia Dealer

Many drivers take the guesswork out of changing their oil by consulting an experienced technician at their local dealership. You can easily set up a routine oil-servicing schedule that includes receiving reminders whenever your next visit is due. This is one of the surest ways to avoid both oil and engine trouble down the road.

Have your oil checked and changed today at Kia Of Muncie. We’re a long-standing local dealership offering an excellent range of both vehicles and maintenance services. 

Tags: auto repair, auto service, Kia, Kia dealer, Kia Dealership, Kia service, Muncie IN, oil change
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