Kia K5 GT oil suggestions

[kschachn]

Call KIA and ask them, see what they say. I'd be inquisitive about what they say when you ask them where you can get 0W-30 API SP oil (other than M1 AFE 0W-30, which I'm not even sure after looking at their website that it carries the API SP donut). If they say the dealer, tell them the dealer doesn't have it and doesn't know because they don't. I asked my dealer what they put in the G70 with the 2.5T, and they said 5W-30 bulk. So there you go... Still, I'd love to know what KIA has to say, officially.

Again, facts are your friend. Mobil 1 0W-30 is API SP all day long and is on the API EOLCS.

And:

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/our-products/products/mobil-1-0w-30/

 

[Deleted member 89374]

Again, facts are your friend. Mobil 1 0W-30 is API SP all day long and is on the API EOLCS.

And:

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/our-products/products/mobil-1-0w-30/

Can you please post the link to the API search engine for motor oils? Thanks.

Once again, API SP was under "meets or exceeds" on the website. Maybe these oil companies should be more careful who they hire for their marketing department. Can't really blame their webmaster, he probably copy/pastes the text he gets from marketing. Pennzoil had some cute screwups a while back with the Ultra Platinum specs for 5W-30.

Well, if the OP wants to religiously stick to the recommendation in the owner's manual for warranty purposes, then that's about the only 0W-30 that is API SP on the market. Unless you know of another one that's SN Plus/SP approved. Pennzoil canceled their 0W-30, which I believe was SN Plus, a very thin 0W-30, I might add. They had some weird marketing behind that one (Star/Stop technology, or some such).

 

[SilverFusion2010]

I'm having a hard time finding that Pennzoil Platinum Euro LX 0w-30. Walmart has it online for delivery to store but it's only in quarts. I'm poking around amazon and not having much luck. I'll look at the various part houses, but I really don't want to pay the parts-house tax

 

[Deleted member 89374]

I'm having a hard time finding that Pennzoil Platinum Euro LX 0w-30. Walmart has it online for delivery to store but it's only in quarts. I'm poking around amazon and not having much luck. I'll look at the various part houses, but I really don't want to pay the parts-house tax

The specs on the Mobil 1 AFE 0W-30 don't look half bad. It's decently priced, and indeed API SP, as @kschachn said. I wonder if it's even worth looking for Euro LX 0W-30. I just checked Pennzoil's website, and LX 0W-30 is gone from there. I wonder if they canceled it. If you stray from 0W-30, going by "stickler logic," it doesn't matter if you use 5W-30, 10W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-40. In the eyes of KIA, you still used something "off the menu." If you ask a Hyundai/KIA tech, they will tell you that for a turbo-charged engine, use something that ends in 40. You only need to check the Kia/Hyundai forums to confirm what I'm saying. That Quaker State Euro 5W-40 looks like a great oil as well, no idea where I can get it. I'd like to run it in my wife's Santa Fe SE. That 3.3L can run oils up to 20W-50, according to the international owner's manual, and up to 5W-40 according to the US owner's manual. The 2020 Sonata can run anything from 0W-20 up to 10W-30 and oils down to, I believe, API SL / ACEA A3. Then for 2021, they changed it, and now they are sticklers for 0W-20 API SN Plus/SP. Use common sense, even ask your dealer if you're covered if you use a different oil as long as you have receipts and proof, and use whatever you think gives you the best protection. You really only have two choices here: either use Mobil 1 AFE 0W-30 to stick to the "official" recommendation or get whatever you want and hope that it will work out. However, keep in mind that they have to prove that poor lubrication is the culprit for engine failure if you use a different oil. Considering that all the oils are good, even 10W-30, as long as you change it on time, that will never become an issue. So I don't see how they could deny you warranty coverage.

 

[kschachn]

Can you please post the link to the API search engine for motor oils? Thanks.

Once again, API SP was under "meets or exceeds" on the website. Maybe these oil companies should be more careful who they hire for their marketing department. Can't really blame their webmaster, he probably copy/pastes the text he gets from marketing. Pennzoil had some cute screwups a while back with the Ultra Platinum specs for 5W-30.

https://www.api.org/products-and-services/engine-oil/eolcs-licensee-directory

And "once again", meets and exceeds is correct language for an API license.

 

[SilverFusion2010]

The specs on the Mobil 1 AFE 0W-30 don't look half bad. It's decently priced, and indeed API SP, as @kschachn said. I wonder if it's even worth looking for Euro LX 0W-30. I just checked Pennzoil's website, and LX 0W-30 is gone from there. I wonder if they canceled it. If you stray from 0W-30, going by "stickler logic," it doesn't matter if you use 5W-30, 10W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-40. In the eyes of KIA, you still used something "off the menu." If you ask a Hyundai/KIA tech, they will tell you that for a turbo-charged engine, use something that ends in 40. You only need to check the Kia/Hyundai forums to confirm what I'm saying. That Quaker State Euro 5W-40 looks like a great oil as well, no idea where I can get it. I'd like to run it in my wife's Santa Fe SE. That 3.3L can run oils up to 20W-50, according to the international owner's manual, and up to 5W-40 according to the US owner's manual. The 2020 Sonata can run anything from 0W-20 up to 10W-30 and oils down to, I believe, API SL / ACEA A3. Then for 2021, they changed it, and now they are sticklers for 0W-20 API SN Plus/SP. Use common sense, even ask your dealer if you're covered if you use a different oil as long as you have receipts and proof, and use whatever you think gives you the best protection. You really only have two choices here: either use Mobil 1 AFE 0W-30 to stick to the "official" recommendation or get whatever you want and hope that it will work out. However, keep in mind that they have to prove that poor lubrication is the culprit for engine failure if you use a different oil. Considering that all the oils are good, even 10W-30, as long as you change it on time, that will never become an issue. So I don't see how they could deny you warranty coverage.

I hear you, I've just read so many dealer horror stories it has me paranoid.

 

[BMW Dom]

I hear you, I've just read so many dealer horror stories it has me paranoid.

Then stick with the manual. You were gonna use 10w30 which is not listed in the manual.

 

[kschachn]

Then stick with the manual. You were gonna use 10w30 which is not listed in the manual.

But one also should use their brain about winter ratings. It's still a 30-grade motor oil and as long as you're not below the pumping limit for that winter rating it's not going to cause engine damage that would result in a warranty claim.

 

[Deleted member 89374]

But one also should use their brain about winter ratings. It's still a 30-grade motor oil and as long as you're not below the pumping limit for that winter rating it's not going to cause engine damage that would result in a warranty claim.

Also, Hyundai/KIA dealerships will put bulk 5W-30 Shell (synthetic blend) in these engines. Our dealership here uses 5W-30 for everything, they only carry one viscosity in stock. So there is that... I wonder how KIA/Hyundai copes with that.

 

[SilverFusion2010]

Then stick with the manual. You were gonna use 10w30 which is not listed in the manual.

all Xw-30 are 30 grade at operating temp. And in FL there is no practical difference between 0w and 10w in terms of pumpability

 

[SilverFusion2010]

Also, Hyundai/KIA dealerships will put bulk 5W-30 Shell (synthetic blend) in these engines. Our dealership here uses 5W-30 for everything, they only carry one viscosity in stock. So there is that... I wonder how KIA/Hyundai copes with that.

They use the dealer screwup to deny your warranty claim of course. All large corporations develop evil MBA tendencies.

 

[KCJeep]

I'm having a hard time finding that Pennzoil Platinum Euro LX 0w-30. Walmart has it online for delivery to store but it's only in quarts. I'm poking around amazon and not having much luck. I'll look at the various part houses, but I really don't want to pay the parts-house tax

Only place I know of here is Advance Auto parts and they won't usually include it in their oil change specials, so it sits collecting dust at 10 bucks a quart.

 

[kschachn]

Also, Hyundai/KIA dealerships will put bulk 5W-30 Shell (synthetic blend) in these engines. Our dealership here uses 5W-30 for everything, they only carry one viscosity in stock. So there is that... I wonder how KIA/Hyundai copes with that.

One might guess is because after it gets in the consumer's hands it's no longer an issue. The wording in the manuals is strictly a result of the provisions of the CAFE credit grant letter the manufacturer receives and not any technical basis. A while back someone posted an example of those letters and the manufacturer is required to strongly word their manuals in favor of the exact grade tested for the credit. The dealership knows that it isn't anything related to nor based upon some mechanical requirement of the engine.

 

[BMW Dom]

But one also should use their brain about winter ratings. It's still a 30-grade motor oil and as long as you're not below the pumping limit for that winter rating it's not going to cause engine damage that would result in a warranty claim.

Exactly.

 

[SilverFusion2010]

Only place I know of here is Advance Auto parts and they won't usually include it in their oil change specials, so it sits collecting dust at 10 bucks a quart.

Yeah, and I'm not paying $10 a quart. When you can get 5qt of M1 for about $23 and then get $15 back on that 5qt jug it comes to $1.60 a qt. That's a pretty hard deal to pass up.

($1.60 x 6qt) + $11 for the OEM filter = $20.60 for a syn oil change. The quickie lubes are charging as much as $80 for a syn change.

 

[Deleted member 89374]

One might guess is because after it gets in the consumer's hands it's no longer an issue. The wording in the manuals is strictly a result of the provisions of the CAFE credit grant letter the manufacturer receives and not any technical basis. A while back someone posted an example of those letters and the manufacturer is required to strongly word their manuals in favor of the exact grade tested for the credit. The dealership knows that it isn't anything related to nor based upon some mechanical requirement of the engine.

That's true. You're exactly on point. I'm currently running Castrol EDGE Euro 0W-40 in my wife's 2017 Santa Fe SE. It's not in the owner's manual. I asked the dealership about it, from my service advisor to two techs. They all said it's fine and I shouldn't worry about the warranty. If the engine grenades itself and it's not due to maintenance neglect on my part, I'm covered (as if I didn't change the oil on time).

This is worse than the entire "must use 5W-20 that is MS-6935 approved in your 5.7 HEMI so that MDS works properly and for wareeeenty!" debacle, which of course turned out to be complete horse sh!t. Of course, the problem with the HEMI is heat and the specked oil filter that's way too small for a truck, not the oil you use... it all ties into a larger issue of lifter failures. I fixed mine by installing a 180F thermostat and doing a grille shutter delete, and I'm using a bigger oil filter. So now I can basically run any oil in it without issue. However, manufacturers can generate entire circus spectacles with their wording in the owner's manual.

[Edit]

@SilverFusion2010 If Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40 is good enough for Ferrari, it should be good enough for your awesome KIA K5 GT

 

[BMW Dom]

That's true. You're exactly on point. I'm currently running Castrol EDGE Euro 0W-40 in my wife's 2017 Santa Fe SE. It's not in the owner's manual. I asked the dealership about it, from my service advisor to two techs. They all said it's fine and I shouldn't worry about the warranty. If the engine grenades itself and it's not due to maintenance neglect on my part, I'm covered (as if I didn't change the oil on time).

This is worse than the entire "must use 5W-20 that is MS-6935 approved in your 5.7 HEMI so that MDS works properly and fo wareeeenty!" debacle, which of course turned out to be complete horse sh!t. Of course, the problem with the HEMI is heat and the specked oil filter that's way too small for a truck, not the oil you use... it all ties into a larger issue of lifter failures. I fixed mine by installing a 180F thermostat and doing a grille shutter delete, and I'm using a bigger oil filter. So now I can basically run any oil in it without issue. However, manufacturers can generate entire circus spectacles with their wording in the owner's manual.

The owners manual is probably worded like that because of CAFE.

 

[Deleted member 89374]

The owners manual is probably worded like that because of CAFE.

The problem is that corporate can deny warranty for pretty much any reason. Thank God that they use the word "recommended." All corporations are the same. I was shocked when I saw Intel trying to deny a warranty claim for using Intel Certified DDR4 3200 memory because the CPU in question was "designed" only for 2666. So yeas, as we move forward into the future, greed and the general desire for more profit make them more evil. Again, that shouldn't stop @SilverFusion2010 from using what he thinks is the best oil for his vehicle. I personally wouldn't lose any sleep over it. If they try to deny a warranty based on that, I guarantee you that they become very responsive once you go on YouTube and social media in general and start talking. At the end of the day, they don't want to lose any business because of that. After all, the K5 GT, just like the N Line from Hyundai is marketed to enthusiasts.

 

[SilverFusion2010]

The problem is that corporate can deny warranty for pretty much any reason. Thank God that they use the word "recommended." All corporations are the same. I was shocked when I saw Intel trying to deny a warranty claim for using Intel Certified DDR4 3200 memory because the CPU in question was "designed" only for 2666. So yeas, as we move forward into the future, greed and the general desire for more profit make them more evil. Again, that shouldn't stop @SilverFusion2010 from using what he thinks is the best oil for his vehicle. I personally wouldn't lose any sleep over it. If they try to deny a warranty based on that, I guarantee you that they become very responsive once you go on YouTube and social media in general and start talking. At the end of the day, they don't want to lose any business because of that. After all, the K5 GT, just like the N Line from Hyundai is marketed to enthusiasts.

It IS a fun car. I need to get it to a track.

Current plan is to run the HM through it as the "flush", then the M1 0w-40 and see how the car likes that. I may try some of the Euro oils. It's all spitballing until that UOA comes back.

At least I haven't had anyone telling me to run 0w-20 or similar foolishness

 

[Deleted member 89374]

It IS a fun car. I need to get it to a track.

Current plan is to run the HM through it as the "flush", then the M1 0w-40 and see how the car likes that. I may try some of the Euro oils. It's all spitballing until that UOA comes back.

At least I haven't had anyone telling me to run 0w-20 or similar foolishness

Well, Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 is a "Euro Oil". All these Euro oils that carry Porsche, VW, and MB approvals are formulated for more demanding applications and more powerful engines than the 2.5T in your KIA K5 GT. So you shouldn't have any problems with it. If you can afford it, run premium fuel in it, it will help a lot with fuel dilution. The "magic" trick manufacturers use to get turbocharged engines to run on cheap gas is to run them rich when the computer detects low octane gasoline. By the way, those octane boosters in a bottle don't really work, so don't waste your money.

0W-20 has its uses in light passenger cars, but that's about it. I wouldn't use it in a pickup truck that I tow with, that's for sure, especially in a HEMI, lol.