2014 Sonata 2.4 oil choice and interval thoughts

[5170]

Hello all. Long time reader here with an inquiry.

My Sonata 2.4 4-cylinder GDi has just finished its free maintenance program. I work from home so only put 8-10k miles a year, but more importantly, l short trip the heck out of it and my driving is 85% city. My warranty allows 7500 miles for stantard oil change interval and 3750 for severe. My plan is the following...

5000 ml change interval
Castrol GTX Magnatec Full Synthetic 5w20
Hyundai or Fram Tough Guard oil filters.
87 octane top tier gas

Is this sound thinking, or am I missing something?

 

[faramir9]

Short-trip the heck out of it and 85% city by definition is severe service. It's a pain and it's likely overkill, but I would stick with 3,750-mile OCIs (or not more than 4K) as long as it's in warranty---which could be 10 years in your case.

Good news is that you can use the cheapest name-brand dino oil you can find on sale, or get the cheapest dino option if you have the oil changed at a shop. You 'might' be able to defend a warranty claim on 5K-mile OCIs if you can prove you used full syn at each change. I would not chance it.

 

[JayhawkRoy]

Your regimen should work. I tend to think the 3750 severe service is very, very conservative.

 

[SWS]

Good plan. Full Syn is great choice. You might want to add a time-limit also, 1 year max, or whatever your warranty allows.

 

[Thax]

5K on any good syn will do just fine. Would highly recommend using the Hyundai filter though. Hyundai/KIA filters are pretty stout and worth the extra coin.

 

[5170]

Originally Posted By: SWS
Good plan. Full Syn is great choice. You might want to add a time-limit also, 1 year max, or whatever your warranty allows.


Good point. I still write that information on the window sticker...old school.

 

[faramir9]

How does the owner's manual define "severe service"?

 

[5170]

A - Repeatedly driving short distance of less than 5 miles (8 km) in normal temperature or less than 10 miles (16 km) in freezing temperature
B - Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long distances
C - Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt- spread roads
D - Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold weather
E - Driving in sandy areas
F - Driving in heavy traffic area over 90°F (32°C)
G- Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain road
H - Towing a Trailer, or using a camper, or roof rack
I - Driving as a patrol car, taxi, other commercial use or vehicle towing
J - Driving over 106 mph (170 km/h)
K - Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions

 

[NO2]

You can use your oil filter for 2 changes.

 

[faramir9]

Sounds like you qualify for severe service, with short trips, temps over 90 at times and sand. Not saying that 5K OCI would hurt anything, especially if you use full-syn. But for the cost of a few extra oil changes over the course of the warranty you can guarantee you are covered.

It's quite likely overkill, at least in the non-turbo engine, but so it goes. A friend has a 2015 Kia Forte and faces the same issue as you do, except with PA cold in place of FLA heat. I suggested she stick to no more than 4K OCI. Maybe I am just jealous of folks who drive a car new enough to have a warranty....

 

[5170]

Faramir9, just think of having a payment and the jealousy will fade away.

I don't live near enough to the beach for sand to be an issue. I do see 90° weather during Spring and Summer though. I guess 5k would be my max but I'll probably shoot for the 3500-4000 mile range.

As for synthetic oils, the manual says nothing towards that end but it's a preference of mine for all the illogical reasons like warm and fuzzy feelings. Besides, Magnatec is under $20 at Walmart.

 

[5170]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Danno]

FWIW, all Canada Hyundai's fall under severe service schedule at 3,750 miles OCI, which I use for my 2013 Sonata 2.4L.

Use the Hyundai filter and sleep well.

 

[KCJeep]

Originally Posted By: 5170
Hello all. Long time reader here with an inquiry.

My Sonata 2.4 4-cylinder GDi has just finished its free maintenance program. I work from home so only put 8-10k miles a year, but more importantly, l short trip the heck out of it and my driving is 85% city. My warranty allows 7500 miles for stantard oil change interval and 3750 for severe. My plan is the following...

5000 ml change interval
Castrol GTX Magnatec Full Synthetic 5w20
Hyundai or Fram Tough Guard oil filters.
87 octane top tier gas

Is this sound thinking, or am I missing something?


I don't think you are missing a thing, perfect plan IMO.

I have run the Magnatec in our KIA twice going on 3 times, seems to be an excellent lube. The TG's work well on our other KIA also, and OEM is another great choice. I don't see a single hole in your plan.

 

[MuzzleFlash40]

There is a TSB from Hyundai about using non OEM oil filters. Other than that it sounds like a good plan. My wife puts on 110 miles a day all highway and they still try to get me to do the severe service intervals. I take it in every 5k or so. The 2.4 is a great little engine.

 

[5170]

Originally Posted By: KCJeep

I don't think you are missing a thing, perfect plan IMO.

I have run the Magnatec in our KIA twice going on 3 times, seems to be an excellent lube. The TG's work well on our other KIA also, and OEM is another great choice. I don't see a single hole in your plan.


Thanks for the assurance!



Originally Posted By: MuzzleFlash40
There is a TSB from Hyundai about using non OEM oil filters. Other than that it sounds like a good plan. My wife puts on 110 miles a day all highway and they still try to get me to do the severe service intervals. I take it in every 5k or so. The 2.4 is a great little engine.


They tried those shenanigans with me as well, Hogwash! And I love the 2.4L too. A little noisy but I've grown accustomed.

 

[147_Grain]

Stick with the Severe Maintenance 3,750 mile LOF interval and change the oil filter ever other oil change.

 

[wemay]

I don't see any problem with this plan either. Neither with the oil, OCI or filter choices. Many of us try to fine tune to the umpteenth degree by endlessly searching for lower Ca, Noack and TEOST oils. I know because I'm one of them, but in all actuality, any name brand synthetic, or conventional for that matter, will do the job just fine so long as the specs and oci are met. Enjoy your ride!

 

[5170]

How are you liking the Quaker State?

 

[wemay]

No issues with it (or any other oil i've tried) at all. I have used Magnatec in the past and still have some in my stash. I'm not really married to one brand or oil within a brand. But there is nothing wrong with sticking to one brand either.