Kia Sportage: Engine oil

Checking engine oil level

Engine oil lubricates and cools the engine and helps operate its hydraulic components. Some oil consumption during driving is normal, so check the level regularly and top it up when needed. Follow the Kia Sportage maintenance schedule for oil checks and changes to help maintain the oil’s performance.

Check the engine oil level as follows:

Figure 1. Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi
Figure 2. Smartstream G2.0
Figure 3. Smartstream D1.6 / Smartstream D1.6 MHEV

Procedure

1. Park the Kia Sportage on level ground before checking the oil.

2. Start the engine and let it reach its normal operating temperature.

3. Switch off the engine, remove the oil filler cap and pull out the dipstick. Wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.

4. Wipe the dipstick clean, then insert it fully into its tube.

5. Pull the dipstick out again and read the oil level against the marks for your engine type.

   • Petrol engine: The oil level should be between the F and L marks. If it is below L, add enough oil to bring the level up to F.

   • Diesel engine: The level should be within range C. If it is in range D, add enough oil to bring it into range C.

     Range	Action for the indicated engine oil level
     A	Contact an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.
     B	Do not add oil.
     C	You may add oil, but do not let the level rise above range C.
     D	Add oil until the level is within range C.

Replenishing engine oil

Figure 1. Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi
Figure 2. Smartstream G2.0
Figure 3. Smartstream D1.6 / Smartstream D1.6 MHEV

Use a funnel when adding oil to reduce the chance of spilling it onto engine components.

Use only the engine oil specified for your vehicle. Refer to “Recommended lubricants and capacities” for the applicable specification.

• Take care not to spill oil when topping up or changing it. If any oil is spilled, wipe it off promptly.

• Oil consumption may be higher while a new Kia Sportage is being run in. It is expected to stabilise after approximately 6,000 km (4,000 miles).

• Oil consumption can vary with driving habits, climate, traffic conditions and oil quality. Check the level regularly and top up when necessary.

Changing engine oil and filter

Have the engine oil and filter changed by a professional workshop at the intervals specified for your Kia Sportage. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

Tip

Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi (Euro 7)

As the oil is used, its ability to lubricate, prevent corrosion, cool and clean the engine gradually declines. Have the oil and filter changed by an authorised Kia dealer or service partner in accordance with the Engine Oil Life Management System instructions or the maintenance schedule.

• Do not exceed the scheduled oil-change interval. Oil that has been in service too long may lose performance and affect the condition of the engine. Replace it as directed by the maintenance schedule.

• For best engine protection, use the recommended oil and filter. If the specified oil and filter are not used, follow the replacement intervals for severe usage conditions.

• The oil-change schedule is intended to prevent oil deterioration; it is not based on how much oil the engine consumes. Check the oil level regularly and top it up when needed.

• Diesel engines: Engine oil gradually loses some of its lubricating, corrosion-prevention, cooling and cleaning properties during use. Have the oil and filter changed by an authorised Kia dealer or service partner according to the Engine Oil Life Management System instructions or the maintenance schedule at the beginning of this chapter.

Warning

• When checking or adding engine oil, take care not to touch the radiator hose. It may be hot enough to cause burns.

• Prolonged skin contact with used engine oil may cause irritation or skin cancer. Used oil contains chemicals that have caused cancer in laboratory animals. Protect your skin and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water as soon as possible after handling used oil. Store used oil where children cannot reach it.

Caution

• Wipe the oil level gauge with a clean cloth. Debris on the gauge can enter the engine and cause damage.

• Engine oil remains very hot immediately after driving and can cause burns. Wait for the oil to cool before changing it.

• Do not add additives to the engine oil. Additives can alter the oil’s properties and may cause serious engine damage.

Note

If the engine oil level is too low and oil pressure drops, the Engine Oil Pressure warning light will illuminate:

If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, the enhanced engine protection system will limit engine power and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp will illuminate:

On Smartstream D1.6 and D1.6 MHEV engines, the Engine Oil Pressure warning light will go out and the engine power limit will be removed once oil pressure is restored.

On Smartstream G2.0, G1.6 T-GDi and G1.6 T-GDi (Euro 7) engines, after oil pressure is restored, the warning light and enhanced engine protection system will switch off when the engine is restarted.

Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Items

Engine oil and filter Change the engine oil and filter at the intervals listed in the Kia Sportage maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is used in severe driving conditions, replace them more freq...

Engine coolant

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