How to Check the Oil in Your Kia

An oil change is one of the most common forms of maintenance that your Kia Seltos, Sorento, or K4 will need throughout its lifespan. Given the necessity of having well-conditioned oil in your powertrain, you need to learn how to check your oil to determine if it needs to be replaced. Our team at Community Kia has developed this guide to help you perform this vital task. 
Preparing Your Kia for a Check
The first step to checking your oil is to gather basic supplies, such as a paper towel or a disposable cloth to wipe the dipstick when checking the oil, and a pair of gloves to keep your hands clean. Once you have those tools in hand, it’s time to move your Kia to the right place. Ideally, that should be a completely flat surface. You don’t want to park on a slanted driveway because it can cause the liquid to settle back into the oil pan. You also need to make sure that the car has time to cool down. After it’s parked, let it sit for between 20 and 30 minutes to reduce the chances of a burn injury while also letting as much oil as possible return to the reservoir for an accurate measurement. 
Observing the Oil Level and Condition
Ensuring that the engine is cooled, open the hood to find the dipstick. If you need help locating this part, consult your Owner’s Manual. Remove the dipstick from its tube and clean it off, thereby preventing an inaccurate measure. Next, reinsert the dipstick and remove it once more. Looking at the metal strip, you’ll see labels for high, low, and safe levels of oil. If there is not enough oil in your engine, it’s very important that you add more to the Kia to keep it running properly and to avoid damage to the powertrain. Also, take a closer look at the condition of the oil. Look at its color and observe any impurities in the liquid. If it's exceptionally dark or contaminated, the oil is in need of replacement. If you’d prefer to have the eyes of a professional assist you with this process, just contact us for guidance. 
Taking the Next Steps
Now that you have ascertained the amount and quality of the oil in your Kia, it’s time to consider the next steps. Discard the paper towel, reinsert the dipstick, and close the hood. If your oil level and clarity are within an acceptable range, note the mileage since your last check to create a profile on your Kia. That way, you can determine the specific timeline to follow for your next service. If your oil is low or is in poor condition, it’s imperative to schedule an oil change with us to have a fresh batch added to your vehicle. Remember that your Kia’s needs are not static throughout its lifespan. A new vehicle can often go longer between oil changes, while an older one may need more frequent care. Our Kia-trained specialists can help you determine the best course of action for your particular vehicle!