Close How to Check the Oil in Your Kia
Having properly conditioned oil in your Kia model is crucial to preventing friction and reducing overheating in your car's engine. Wondering how to monitor how much oil is in your K4 or Sorento? We at Archer Kia, located in Houston, have provided the following guide to make the process easy, helping you avoid severe damage.
Preparation
You must first properly prepare the vehicle to ensure you get accurate readings and prevent any possible injuries. Make sure the model is parked on a level surface, not on a hill or a slant, because this can cause the oil to move to one side and indicate an inaccurate level. Wait for the car to cool down before checking, as oil expands while hot, providing an inconsistent reading and could potentially burn you as you check it. Remove the oil filler cap and pull the dipstick out before waiting around 15 minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan.
Observing Oil Level and Condition
To actually check the oil levels, begin by wiping the dipstick clean using a paper towel or a thin cloth before observing the measuring spots. There will be a marking closest to where it goes into the engine that indicates minimum oil levels. Above this, there will be a blank space next to another marking higher up on the stick, or the maximum oil levels. Insert the dipstick again when you have taken note of these, and remove it again. Notice where the oil is relative to the markings to understand if there is too little, or too much, liquid. Make sure to pay attention to the color, as well, since it should be a light amber or golden brown and without debris. Utilize our online Ask A Tech feature for help with additional questions you may have.
Final Steps
Write down the current mileage of your vehicle to take note of if the liquid was in good condition. This recording is useful to have to compare to ensure you are monitoring the shape of your Kia. New models typically require an oil change around 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 6 to 12 months under normal driving conditions. With older vehicles, or high-mileage models, may need more frequent maintenance and special fluids to ensure ideal performance. If you have noticed that your oil was low or dirty, schedule a service appointment with us to get assistance for your Kia model soon!
Checking the Oil Summary
- Park the car on a flat surface
- Let it cool down for 10-15 minutes
- Remove the dipstick and clean off the oil
- Observe the high and low markings on the dipstick
- Reinsert and remove the dipstick
- Measure the oil and identify the color or any containments
- Schedule a service appointment, if needed
Dealership Information
Testimonials
Very friendly
Always a pleasure
“ Always a pleasure when I take my KIA Seltos Nightfall to Archer. Beau, especially, takes good care to be courteous, professional, personable and explains what will be done to the vehicle in advance, during and after. Also goes the extra mile to have inside vacuumed. I am looking forward to the new service department remodel! ”
fantastic!!!
“ I have been an Archer Kia customer for more than 10 years now, and I will be a customer of Archer Kia for a long time to come. Everyone at Archer Kia is fantastic!!! ”
Very impressed
“ I highly enjoyed this dealership! It was my first time purchasing my own vehicle and I didn't know what to expect. I was very impressed with the energy and the hospitality of the Archer Kia dealership! ”
Highly recommend
“ I had a fantastic experience at Archer Kia, thanks to their service advisor, Edwin. From start to finish, he demonstrated exceptional professionalism and genuine care for my needs. He took the time to thoroughly explain everything and made sure I understood all of my options. Edwin truly knows how to take care of his customers, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. If you're looking for top-notch service, I highly recommend working with Edwin at Archer Kia! ”
Extremely happy
“ Paul was amazing and made the process extremely easy for me. I’m extremely happy with my purchase ”
“ From the moment you arrive, they are very friendly. They take the time to explain all your questions and concerns, and the best part is that they can help you in Spanish. Thank you… ”