New car oil recomendations

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Oct 12, 2003
Messages
157
Location
North Carolina
I just bought my daughter a new Kia optima. On the oil filler cap it says 5w-20. In the manual it shows the viscocity chart like you can use whatever the Temp is. I live in Florida where in the summer is like living on the sun!! Should i use what is listed on the cap or go woth a thicker oil ?
 
Using 5W-20 PP in our I4 Kia year round. Florida where it's normally a bit warmer 5w30 should not be a problem if you go according to the chart in the owners manual and the online manual.
 
What is the OCI plan? I suspect the manufacture requires 5,000 to 7,500 mile changes minimum depending on normal or severe service. Since it isn't a "high performance" engine I would consider a blend if you are thinking 5k and synthetic for 7.5k. Their recommendation is based on conventional so it's just added piece of mind and maybe a little added protection.
 
I would suggest 'whatever' for Southern Florida... 5w30.

No sense going any further - since you didn't ask for a specific brand of choice - or dino/blend/synthetic preference.
 
In the manual what are the temp ranges for 5w-20 and 5w30? 4 cylinder engines are more sensitive to oil viscosity than v-8's. Try both grades to compare vibration and smoothness.
 
We have two Hyundai vehicles which are made by the same company as KIA. We are using 5W20 Motorcraft Semi-Synthetic now in them and will change to 5W20 Havoline 5W20 Synthetic that we bought on sale at Big Lots for the next few changes then back to the 5W20 Motorcraft Semi-Synthetic unless we run across a sale on some other 5W20 oil.

A good 5W20 oil will serve you well!
 
Quote:


I just bought my daughter a new Kia optima. On the oil filler cap it says 5w-20. In the manual it shows the viscocity chart like you can use whatever the Temp is. I live in Florida where in the summer is like living on the sun!! Should i use what is listed on the cap or go woth a thicker oil ?



For hot summer Florida driving what ever you decide on stick
with a full synthetic oil..$.02
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom