2022 Telly EX… Is fuel system cleaning necessary? I went in for a 38k oil change and they suggested a coolant replacement ($200), brake fluid change ($170), and fuel system cleaning ($200).
I mostly use the car for commuting. It feels too early for the first two services, so I might wait until 48k or 60k.
What do you all think?
Fuel system cleaning can be as simple as a $10 bottle of Techron poured into the gas tank. You can do it yourself.
From what I remember, 48k miles is when fluid changes are usually first recommended. Brake fluid maybe? Someone else might confirm. Definitely doesn’t seem necessary at 38k if you’re just thinking about warranty.
@susanbauer
Thanks for that. Their description of the fuel system cleaning was hooking up a machine to run cleaner through the fuel lines, injectors, and then adding a tank additive. Sounds pretty much like what you described, just more expensive.
@susanbauer
Yeah, according to the manual, brake fluid is 48k or 48 months, and coolant is 120k or 120 months. But apparently, the dealership recommends doing these at 36k “just to be safe.” Makes you wonder, right?
@Chris
Brake fluid changes are often debated. It’s hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water, which can lead to corrosion or reduce the boiling point.
From my experience, corrosion is rarely an issue, and I’ve only had overheating problems with brake pads, not fluid. Unless you’re driving down steep mountains daily, your fluid probably won’t boil. Personally, I don’t see myself ever changing the brake fluid in my Telly.
For coolant, I’d stick to what the manufacturer says. Prestone, for example, claims their coolant lasts 10 years or 300,000 miles.
@Chris
I replace brake fluid every 3-5 years because it does absorb moisture over time. As for coolant, I do it every 50k miles to avoid any risk of it breaking down and damaging gaskets.
@susanbauer
Yeah, Techron works just fine. I looked it up when I first got my Telly, and it’s all you really need. I just use a can of Techron with every oil change.
TurboTraveler said:
@susanbauer
Yeah, Techron works just fine. I looked it up when I first got my Telly, and it’s all you really need. I just use a can of Techron with every oil change.
Do you know if using Techron at every oil change could affect any warranties, including extended ones?
@Chris
From what I’ve found, that’s what some dealerships do for their fuel system cleaning. I don’t have direct experience with direct injection engines, but online advice suggests periodic cleaning is good. Techron has been a trusted product for years.
For my 2020 Telluride, the manual says the first coolant change is at 120,000 miles.
TellurideTrekker said:
For my 2020 Telluride, the manual says the first coolant change is at 120,000 miles.
It’s the same for the 2022 model—120k or 120 months. The dealership just listed it as ‘required’ service. As for fuel system cleaning, I hadn’t heard of it before. Seems like it’s just their way of pushing fuel additives.
None of those services are really necessary. The constant upselling at Kia dealerships has put me off.
renatahilda said:
None of those services are really necessary. The constant upselling at Kia dealerships has put me off.
Exactly. And they pitch these things so seriously. Imagine trying to sell a coolant replacement for a car that’s barely done 36k miles.
It’s important to distinguish between ‘required’ and ‘recommended.’ A lot of these ‘services’ are more about profits for the service department.
You can get test strips for checking coolant and brake fluid, kind of like pH strips.
There are also testers to check the coolant’s freezing point and its mix over time.
When I got my car, I asked the dealership what fluids they use. They mentioned Techron for fuel system cleaning and even recommended using it with every oil change to keep things clean.
If you’re unsure about dealerships, try finding a good third-party shop. Get quotes, save receipts, and keep everything documented for warranty purposes. You can even upload them to CarFax for digital records.
@Benard
Thanks for the advice. I got prepaid oil changes as part of my purchase deal, and I have one left to use. After that, I’ll be sticking to my trusted mechanic. Good mechanics are hard to find these days, though.