Maintenance

Engine Oil

~2min read

Checking the Engine Oil Level

1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground.

2. Start the engine and let it warm up to normal operating temperature.

3. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes (about 5 minutes) for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.

4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.

CAUTION - Radiator Hose

Be very careful not to touch the radiator hose when checking or adding engine oil, as it may be hot enough to burn you.

5. Pull out the dipstick again and check the level. The level should be between the F and L marks.

CAUTION

  • Do not overfill the engine oil. This may damage the engine.
  • Do not spill engine oil when adding or changing engine oil. If you spill engine oil in the engine compartment, wipe it up immediately.
  • When wiping the oil level indicator, use a clean cloth. Dirt contamination may cause engine damage.

WARNING - Diesel engine

Overfilling the engine with oil may cause foaming, which can lead to engine damage, accompanied by a sudden increase in engine speed, engine knocking, and white smoke from the exhaust.

If the level is near or at L, add enough oil to bring the level up to F. Do not overfill.

Use a funnel to prevent oil from getting onto engine components.

Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer to Recommended Lubricants and Capacities in Chapter 9.)

Engine Oil and Filter Change

We recommend that the engine oil and filter be replaced by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING

Used engine oil may cause skin irritation or skin cancer with prolonged contact with the skin. Used engine oil contains chemicals that cause cancer in laboratory animals. Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly. Wash hands with soap and warm water as soon as possible after handling used oil.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Carens RP quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.