Whether you own a new or used Kia in Santa Clarita, you want to make sure that it’s always running at its maximum capacity. One of the ways you can ensure this is knowing when to get a Kia oil change and having your oil changed routinely to maintain peak performance. While some service experts will advise drivers to get an oil change every 3,000 miles, thanks to improved technology and performance features, some vehicles can actually go between 7,500 miles and 10,000 miles between oil changes. Ask our service pros about how often you should change your cabin air filter while you’re here. Read on to learn more about how often to change oil and additional oil change tips with the service pros at Hello Kia of Valencia.
How Often to Change Oil: General Guidelines
While the 7,500 to 10,000-mile oil change interval is a general guideline, when wondering how often to change oil in your Kia, this range will vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive and your driving habits. For instance, SUV drivers in Valencia who use their automobile for work, travel, or commuting, may need to bring their vehicle in for an oil change a little earlier than recommended. Also, if you use your vehicle for any of the following activities, you’ll want to schedule your oil change a bit more frequently:
- Off-roading
- Commercial use
- Racing
- Heavy towing
How Long Does an Oil Change Take?
If you have a busy schedule, you’re probably wondering, “how long does an oil change take?” Fortunately, oil changes typically take about an hour when you bring your vehicle to a local mechanic or service center. However, you can always call ahead of time to get a more accurate time.
Additional Tips on Oil Changes
When your Kia is due for oil change, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind to make the most out of your visit to our Valencia service center:
- Cars that aren’t driven frequently should still have their oil changed at least twice a year. Even when a vehicle is not in use, oil still breaks down over time.
- Whenever your oil is changed, your oil filter should be changed as well. If you’re conducting a DIY oil change, you can always visit our dealership to get an oil filter.
- Drivers who ask, “What type of oil does my car need?” should check their owner’s manual. This document will detail whether a vehicle needs conventional or synthetic oil. Synthetic oil can cost more, but some vehicles require it.
How to Change Oil on a Car
Along with maintaining a routine oil change schedule, you can also monitor your vehicle’s oil right at home in San Fernando! You can look for issues from leaks in the oil system to oil discoloration and metal particles in the oil. By keeping an eye on your vehicle’s oil at home, this can help you identify issues before they worsen and impact other functioning parts of your automobile. If you’re looking to perform a Kia Soul oil change or a Kia Optima oil change at home, follow the steps below:
- Jack your car up with jack stands or steel ramps.
- Find your vehicle’s oil drain plug which is located on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine. Place an oil basin directly underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the old oil to drain out completely (this may take up to 15 minutes). When you’re sure all of the oil has been emptied, you can replace the plug.
- Locate your oil filter, and remove it with an oil filter wrench. A bit of extra oil may drain out when you remove the filter, so you’ll want to make sure to keep the basin underneath to catch it.
- Retrieve your new filter, being sure to rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal–this ensures your filter is watertight and is an essential step.
- Set the new filter in place, then tighten it by hand.
- Now that your old oil is completely drained and a new filter is put in place, you can remove your oil cap. Pour in the specified amount of new oil, which you can find in your owner’s manual if you’re unsure. Finally, replace the oil cap.
- Before you step away from the vehicle, you should check your oil level by pulling out the dipstick. If you’re still low, you may add another ounce and check the level again. Once you get a proper oil level reading, you’re all set!
Rely on Hello Kia of Valencia for Kia Oil Change Service
Now that you know when to get a Kia oil change, schedule an appointment with the service experts at Hello Kia of Valencia. We’ll make sure that your vehicle is well taken care of, and we’ll have you in and out of our service center in no time! If you have any additional questions regarding the Kia oil change price or our services, reach out to us at (661) 578-5761. Also, be sure to browse our service specials to find Kia oil change coupons and secure a great deal on your Kia Soul oil change or Kia Optima oil change.
