I have a 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid with about 12,000 miles on it. The dealership changed the oil at 7,400 miles, but the service notice just came on again, which surprised me. According to the maintenance schedule, oil changes are recommended every 7,500 miles. However, when I called the dealership, they said Kia suggests oil changes every 5,000 miles. When I mentioned the schedule, they still insisted on 5,000 miles.
I am confused about this inconsistency. Should I just rely on the dipstick and, if the oil looks fine, wait until 15,000 miles for the next change? They used synthetic total oil last time, so it’s not a matter of conventional oil being used.
The frequency of oil changes depends on several factors, including your car’s engine, its condition and your driving habits. For engines using synthetic oil, professionals suggest changing oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Turbocharged and conventional oil engines may need more frequent changes, typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Diesel engines can go longer between changes, often between 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual for specific recommendations.
Five thousand miles. If you desire the longevity of your engine, replace it every 5,000 miles. It is very advised to do this. The new SmartStream Engine II in these automobiles has an oil leak after 5,000 km. I am positive about this.
That’s a frustrating situation! The conflicting information from Kia about oil change intervals is confusing. While the dealership is recommending every 5,000 miles, your owner’s manual suggests 7,500. Since you’re using synthetic oil, which generally lasts longer, and the oil looks fine, it might be reasonable to follow the manual’s recommendation for your next oil change. However, to be safe, you could always check the oil level regularly using the dipstick and consider getting it changed sooner if it’s noticeably low or dirty. It might also be worth seeking a second opinion from another Kia dealership to see if they align with the information in your owner’s manual.