Oil Changes in El Cajon, CA

Changing your oil is an important step in extending the life and health of your Kia. By changing your oil as needed, you help safeguard the engine from poor operation or early wear and extend the life of your Kia. Even so, knowing when to replace the oil, and which product to use, can seem complicated. Team Kia of El Cajon offers all the advice you need on when, where, and how to handle this common maintenance task, so browse this guide and book a service when you think you need it.

What Is a Kia Oil Change?

An oil change involves emptying and replacing old engine oil with new motor oil. It may also involve replacing the filter if it's old. Thermal breakdown limits engine oil's ability to adequately lubricate the engine over time. Engine components rub together and begin to wear down if not properly lubricated, which can result in costly repairs and even a roadside breakdown. Here are a few signs you might need an oil change:

• Smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe: If smoke is flowing from your exhaust pipes, you should be concerned. There could be an oil leak or other issues with your vehicle that indicate the risk of a breakdown.
• Dark-colored oil: Check your vehicle oil monthly to make sure it is relatively clean. If it looks much darker than normal and the level has lowered close to the "add oil" mark, it's likely due for a change.
• Oil smell in the interior: One common indication of an oil leak is the smell of oil within a vehicle's interior. In such a case, schedule service right away.
• Noises from the engine: Oil smoothens the interactions of various engine components. If there are contaminants in the oil when it is time to change the oil, the engine components will brush against each other roughly, which can lead to noisier operation.

Don't forget to check your dashboard, as well, which will display an oil stick or other symbol when it detects a potential problem. The dashboard can't detect every problem, but you can enjoy total peace of mind by booking frequent Kia oil changes with Team Kia of El Cajon. What's more, you have plenty of chances to save money with our rotating service and repair specials.

What Are the Benefits of an Oil Change?

Every engine contains numerous moving elements, and clean oil helps them move more easily and remain cool. If you never changed it, your engine oil would inevitably overheat, ruining the cylinders. A forgotten oil change could be more damaging than expected on long drives or in the summer. Getting these tasks done and ensuring your engine runs well also helps reduce global emissions.

Regular oil changes will help your car last much longer on the road. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, clean oil can improve gas mileage by 1% to 2% over time. Even minor differences add up to significant savings over time. Since most people want a high-performing, efficient car, timely oil changes also help maintain your Kia's resale value.

When Should I Replace the Oil in my Car?

When looking at a capable modern Kia, the oil should be changed every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Under harsh driving circumstances, you can cut those recommendations by half. As for what kind to use, Kia requires all vehicles produced after April 2021 to use full synthetic oil to maintain the factory warranty. Following June 20, 2022, every vehicle covered under the factory warranty must use full synthetic oil in 5W30 or 0w20 grades. Using conventional oil, a blend, or a different grade of synthetic can break the warranty terms.

Depending on your Kia vehicle's year and model, you may notice a variety of synthetic oil formulas are usable. Some unlicensed Kia service outlets use conventional oil or blends and offer various oil viscosity classes, such as 10w40 or 20w50, because they have more of the product they need to sell. Nevertheless, at the Team Kia of El Cajon service center, we only use manufacturer-specified 5W30 or 0w20 synthetic oil or whatever is manufacturer-recommended for your vehicle.

Should You Hire a Professional or Change Your Own Oil?

Now you know more about when to replace the oil in your Kia, the question becomes how to get it done. You could handle the job yourself, but everyone has different levels of familiarity and resources for car care. Overall, we strongly advise having your oil changed by professionals at a trusted El Cajon Kia shop. The numerous advantages of having a professional perform oil changes include the following:

• Expert oil changes should only take a few minutes and are faster and more convenient than most DIY attempts.
• Professionals will plan your vehicle's oil changes regularly, eliminating the guesswork.
• You don't need to gather tools, research how to DIY an oil change, or purchase materials.
• A Kia specialist can conduct both preventative and corrective maintenance at the same time.
• You eliminate the possibility of inadvertently damaging your Kia or wasting parts.
• You can conveniently leave your old motor oil with our shop to dispose of it for you.

All services performed by Kia-certified technicians are backed by a 12,000-mile/12-month parts and labor warranty, which includes oil changes. This warranty does not apply if you replace your oil at home. While doing so is an option that might be in your skillset, Team Kia of El Cajon strongly advises bringing your car in for expert oil changes, especially to get the most out of your Kia vehicle.

Our mission at Team Kia of El Cajon is to give you a professional car care and automotive service experience. To put your mind at ease, qualified Kia associates at our dealership will provide you with great service, changing your oil and completing preventative maintenance. We want you to have a fast appointment, free of concerns so that you happily return for future automotive tasks. Make an appointment to change your Kia's oil or book in for other repair work, such as brake pad replacement, tire care, and more.

Image by Rinald Rolle is licensed with Unsplash License