Changed oil on my 2018 Kia Optima… how much came out?

I had to triple-check that I drained the oil pan because of how quickly it came out. Last oil change was about 5000 miles ago, roughly 6 months back. Is this normal?

Have you checked for any leaks around the oil pan, valve cover, or timing cover?

KiaRevolution said:
Have you checked for any leaks around the oil pan, valve cover, or timing cover?

I noticed a little oil on the filter when I changed it. The under panel didn’t seem to have any dripping near the filter. I’ll take a closer look at the timing cover and let you know what I find.

You might want to read this bulletin for more details: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10189272-0001.pdf

KiaRevolution said:
You might want to read this bulletin for more details: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10189272-0001.pdf

If they went 5000 miles and only burned 3 quarts, that’s still within the acceptable range of 1 quart per 1000 miles. They should check the oil level between changes and keep it topped up. Neglecting it can cause bigger problems.

@EdwardGenesis
If it’s burning a quart every 1000 miles, I wouldn’t want that car. Seems like a pain.

Yoon said:
@EdwardGenesis
If it’s burning a quart every 1000 miles, I wouldn’t want that car. Seems like a pain.

Actually, it’s pretty common. Look up ‘oil consumption spec’ for other car brands and you’ll see similar numbers.

@EdwardGenesis
I think it’s just a way for manufacturers to avoid fixing engines that burn too much oil.

Yoon said:
@EdwardGenesis
I think it’s just a way for manufacturers to avoid fixing engines that burn too much oil.

You’re not wrong. Some brands, like BMW, allow even higher oil consumption—up to 1 litre per 750 miles. Mercedes is even worse in some cases.

Make sure to keep an eye on your oil levels regularly, even if you don’t see leaks. Burning oil can be expensive to fix if it gets worse.

Thomasenia said:
Make sure to keep an eye on your oil levels regularly, even if you don’t see leaks. Burning oil can be expensive to fix if it gets worse.

If the car is still under warranty, you might qualify for a new engine.

@KiaRevolution
That doesn’t have much to do with oil consumption though.

Thomasenia said:
Make sure to keep an eye on your oil levels regularly, even if you don’t see leaks. Burning oil can be expensive to fix if it gets worse.

It’s most likely burning oil. Kia engines are known for this because of low-tension piston rings.

@quinnlebron
I’ve got a 2014 Rio, and I top up the oil every 1000 km. It’s just how it is.

@quinnlebron
My 2021 Forte barely burns oil. Over 6000 km, it’s only lost about half a litre.

I used to own a 2011 Kia Optima and had to top off the oil every week even without leaks. It’s common with Kia and Hyundai cars after a few years.

Kookhyun said:
I used to own a 2011 Kia Optima and had to top off the oil every week even without leaks. It’s common with Kia and Hyundai cars after a few years.

It’s really an issue with specific engines, not all Kia or Hyundai models.

It might be burning oil during warm-up or when you drive it cold in the mornings.

That’s not much oil loss, honestly.

Could be a dirty valve train or worn piston rings.