Hello. First post here at BITOG but long-time lurker.
I have never done my own oil change, but I have access to a proper garage and a friend who is a mechanic who can show me how to do it.
Going to start doing my own oil changes on my new 2014 Kia Rondo. It has the gasoline direct injection engine, which if I understand correctly produces some extra heat within the engine.
Took a look at a few stickies, so I would like to copy and paste the suggested questions, and add any other info. I will also attach the recommended oil specs straight from the Kia manual (pics attached at end).
1. What kind of vehicle you have
2014 Kia Rondo.
2. What your owner's manual says -- not just viscosity, but certifications (look for acronyms like API SM, ILSAC GF-4, etc.) and change intervals as well
See attached pics for oil specifications. I will change my oil every 4000kms/4 months, whichever comes first. This is much earlier than the 5000kms 'severe' schedule, but this car does see a lot of city driving. Will use Kia(Hyundai part number) oil filter as its supposed to be a good one, and it will assist me with having a record with the dealer for warranty purposes.
3. Where you live
Toronto, Canada. -20c winters, 30c summers.
4. How you drive (easy? hard? fast? slow?)
A bit of a heavy foot.
5. What your daily drive is like (short trips? long trips? city? highway?)
Our commute is approx 2-3kms to work 
Mostly short trips, with a very long one (excess of 7000kms) every summer.
6. Whether your car has any known problems
No problems. The car has a GDI engine, which is a little different than a regular direct-injection engine (as I understand).
If you have any preferences -- synthetic vs. conventional, store-bought vs. ordered online, how long you'd like to go between oil changes, etc. -- or any other info you think might be important, let us know that as well.
I don't mind spending good money on oil, so I would not mind using synthetic. My plan is to pick a good oil, and buy it when it goes on special and stock up. If any synthetic helps with fuel economy or performance, then that would help but as I understand it that is just marketing for the most part (but would love to be wrong on that).
The easiest place for me to buy oil is at a retailer called Canadian Tire. Typically, Mobil 1, Castrol Edge/Syntec, Pennzoil Platinum, Royal Purple, Castrol Edge/Titanium, and a Motomaster brand. I have no brand preference. At the dealer when I asked for the first oil change to be done, the dealer offered me a choice of 'Kia Synthetic' or Amsoil. I chose Amsoil, but the dealer charges a huge amount for it so Amsoil is not on my list.
I hope all this helps. Did not see a recommendation here for this vehicle under similar circumstances already, so I hope this post is not too much trouble for you guys to take a look at. Many thanks for any suggestions or feedback.
3. Where you live
Toronto, Canada. -20c winters, 30c summers.
4. How you drive (easy? hard? fast? slow?)
A bit of a heavy foot.
5. What your daily drive is like (short trips? long trips? city? highway?)
Our commute is approx 2-3kms to work Mostly short trips, with a very long one (excess of 7000kms) every summer.
6. Whether your car has any known problems
No problems. The car has a GDI engine, which is a little different than a regular direct-injection engine (as I understand).
If you have any preferences -- synthetic vs. conventional, store-bought vs. ordered online, how long you'd like to go between oil changes, etc. -- or any other info you think might be important, let us know that as well.
I don't mind spending good money on oil, so I would not mind using synthetic. My plan is to pick a good oil, and buy it when it goes on special and stock up. If any synthetic helps with fuel economy or performance, then that would help but as I understand it that is just marketing for the most part (but would love to be wrong on that).
The easiest place for me to buy oil is at a retailer called Canadian Tire. Typically, Mobil 1, Castrol Edge/Syntec, Pennzoil Platinum, Royal Purple, Castrol Edge/Titanium, and a Motomaster brand. I have no brand preference. At the dealer when I asked for the first oil change to be done, the dealer offered me a choice of 'Kia Synthetic' or Amsoil. I chose Amsoil, but the dealer charges a huge amount for it so Amsoil is not on my list.
I hope all this helps. Did not see a recommendation here for this vehicle under similar circumstances already, so I hope this post is not too much trouble for you guys to take a look at. Many thanks for any suggestions or feedback.
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First of all, don't be so hasty to eliminate Amsoil because the dealer charges MSRP+. If you are anywhere near here:
Toronto, ON
6625 Tomken Rd
Units 12-14
Mississauga, ON L5T 2C2
Join up as a PC (Preferred Customer) with me (BITOG site sponsor) using #515729 and you can pick the oil up at the Distribution Center. (link/phone below - in sig)and get the oil at wholesale price (same price I pay). Which in Canada is darn good deal.
I recommend the OE or XL line in 0W-20 or 5W-20.
Thanks!!!
Paul
(I won't lose any sleep otherwise), a friend of mine suggested this oil:
