Close How to Check the Oil in Your Kia
Having the right amount of properly conditioned oil in your Kia Seltos or K4 is critical to its ongoing functionality. If you’re wondering whether your car needs an oil change outside of its appointed mileage, then you need to check it. We at Halleen Kia of Sandusky will guide you through that process so your engine stays in tip-top shape.
Preparing to Check Your Oil
To get accurate readings from your car, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prepare. For example, your Kia should be parked on a level surface. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get a realistic picture of how much oil is in the reservoir. So, after you’ve parked in a flat area, shut off the car and leave it for about ten minutes. That way, the oil and your engine have time to cool down while you retrieve a piece of cloth or a paper towel. You’ll use that item at a later time. Once the car has had time to sit, pop your hood and prop it open. Locate the dipstick, which is a metal piece ending in a plastic handle that is placed inside a metal sheath. With your eye on that, it’s time to start the examination.
Observing the Oil Level and Condition
To observe the amount of oil in the car, you’ll first grasp the handle of the dipstick and pull it out of its housing. Use the rag or paper towel you obtained and clean it off. With no oil on the item, consider its measuring spots. Typically, there is a line on the lower end, closest to where it goes into the engine, that contains a marker that says to add oil. Above that, you’ll either see a blank space that is several inches in height or a crosshatching pattern. You’ll also see a second line on the dipstick that denotes a maximum level, above which no oil should be. At this point, take the dipstick, slide it into its housing, and then remove it again. Read the oil level relative to the markings and take note of whether it has too little, enough, or too much of the liquid. Also, the oil should be a dark amber color and free of contaminants. If you spot debris or see that the oil is black, it may be time to schedule an appointment for an oil change.
Final Steps
Should you find that your oil level is too low or that it’s very dirty, then you should make time to bring your Kia Carnival, K5, or Sorento to our specialists to have the fluid swapped out for a fresh batch. If your oil is still in good condition, write down its current mileage and compare it to the time when you had the oil previously serviced. That way, you will get a better idea of how many miles your car can travel between oil changes. People with newer cars can typically go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles before needing this service. However, high-mileage vehicles, those with over 100,000 miles on the odometer, should be checked more often and may require oil changes with specific fluids to help their car continue to operate at a high level. If you have any questions, contact our Kia service specialists through our Ask a Tech page.
Checking the Oil Summary
- Park the car on a flat road or driveway
- Let the Kia cool down for about 10 minutes
- Identify your dipstick
- Remove the dipstick and clean off the oil
- Check for the high and low markers on the dipstick
- Reinsert and remove the dipstick to get an accurate measurement
- Examine the oil for its amount and potential contaminants
- Make an appointment for an oil change, if required.
Dealership Information
Testimonials
I highly recommend the VIP program!
Really recommend to stop in there!
“ Salesman Travis was excellent & business manager Richard very knowledgeable. Great service. David and Patrick Halleen are class acts. Really recommend to stop in there and just see what I mean. Thanks everyone who helped me and my family. ”
Marla was exceptional!!
“ Marla was exceptional!! She was patient, understanding and worked diligently in the best interest of my mother. It was a pleasure working with her and I would recommend anyone that wants to purchase a Kia to go see Marla. We couldn't have asked for better customer service, genuine interest in our needs, and a more friendly person. Great work, Marla!! You are very much appreciated. ”
This place is awesome.
“ This place is awesome. Salesman are kind , finance guy is really cool. Best experience I've ever had at a car dealership ”
TOP TIER TEAM = This is the place for you
“ TOP TIER TEAM = This is the place for you. Exceptional product, value and service. My family and I drove 400 miles round trip to Sandusky - would do it again. Ownership was outside, under my hood, explaining a question I had about my engine. Very friendly and interested in getting things correct. Sales and finance spent the extra time and energy to make sure my whole family had a great experience; one that was as efficient as possible due to our long trip back home! Answered all our many questions with honesty and good cheer. We left satisfied and very glad we made the long trip to Halleen Kia of Sandusky. ”
A great experience
“ I met with Matthew Wilhelm when I arrived at the dealership. I didn't have an idea in mind of what type of vehicle I wanted, but I did know how much I wanted to spend. Within minutes, he had picked out a car that fit in my budget and I love it. My family has purchased 2 vehicles from Halleen and both times it's been a great experience. ”
Thanks for your great customer servic
“ Justin greeted me at the door and was very helpful and polite .Justin i must say is one of the nicest most honest salesperson i have ever dealt with. I came home with my 2017 Soul within a few hrs , Im very pleased with how Justin and Aaron took care of me while purchasing my Kia Sou,. and i will be sure to recommend Halleen Kia and Justin Xavier. Thanks for your great customer service ”
I have bought cars many times
“ I have bought cars many times and I have never been treated better anywhere. This is one of the best dealerships I have ever been to or bought cars from. ”
Very friendly
“ Very friendly, service department is great. ”
Car shopping can be challenging
“ With a wife, 10 year old & 2 year old (and trading in our only car), car shopping can be challenging to actually test drive enough cars to find the one for you. Paul was patient & willing to help with getting everyone in & out of vehicles, toddler car seats & all, in order to help us decide on the '15 Kia Optima that we purchased. Richard was also very helpful in financing & also super friendly. When it's time to either add another car to our family, or trade in this one, I know where I'll be shopping. ”
Great service and staff was very informative
“ Great service and staff was very informative ”
Service people are wonderful and take care of you vary well
“ Service people are wonderful and take care of you vary well ”
The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.
“ The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. They all followed up with us after we left to see if we needed anything, they didn't just make a sale and forget about us. ”
Wonderful service!
“ Wonderful service! Love them! ”
We shopped most all of the local dealerships in the area
“ We shopped most all of the local dealerships in the area and the sales people were agressive with sales and were angered and offended when you asked them to calm down and some were simply irate when you you told them you were going elsewhere. We stumbled on the Halleen Kia in Sandusky Ohio and the salesman, Mathew Wilhelm, approached us with a calm demeanor gave us some quick info and left us to browse. Once we found a few new vehicles we were interested in, we approached Matt with a few questions and concerns which he answered promptly without hesitation or having to "ask his manager" like at other dealerships. We test drove the vehicles we were interested in and had a very enjoyable experience speaking with Matt. We shared stories and laughs as if we had been friends for years. His kindness was truly refreshing. He made our car buying experience a great one wich we will never forget. He represented himself and his buisness well. During the purchase process the owner came out to greet us and inquire about out experience. The owner personally thanked us for the purchase of our 2017 Kia Soul Plu ”
They work with you to get it done
“ They work with you to get it done. Thank you Paul, Patrick and Richard... greatly appreciated, God bless you ”
I bought the car
“ I bought the car, if that tells you anything. ”
I went to them very hesitant.
“ I went to them very hesitant. Paul the salesman that helped me was so kind and explained things to me. Even though I had some issues for him to work around he found a way to make the deal work for both of us. He was friendly and made me feel like I could ask questions and gave me great customer service. Anyone wanting to get a car should go in and ask for Paul. Great guy! ”
I was in to have 2 recalls looked into on my 2012 KIA Optima EX.
“ I was in to have 2 recalls looked into on my 2012 KIA Optima EX. The associate took the time to explain what they were doing and why. The overall environment was comfortable. No one was a stranger, I felt I'd known everyone I came in contact with for at least 10+years!! (Besides the owner saying "Hi" & scaring the living daylights out of me---that moment you're consumed by whatever you brought to pass the time & aren't expecting anyone to speak to you! Definitely a hilarious moment!) It was VERY apparent that they were there to help someone make ONE of the biggest decisions of their lives; that's best for YOU, the customer and not THEIR pocket! ”
Excellent, no worries.
“ Excellent, no worries. Paul P. and Aaron H. were accommodating and patient while I had the car checked out by a Honda certified collision/mechanical outfit. Ended up with a reliable car... ”
“ Outstanding service. No pressure. Reasonable prices. I will buy more cars here in the future. I highly recommend the VIP program! ”