"This prompted me to schedule an oil change for tomorrow."
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
A mechanic recently demonstrated why Kia owners should get more frequent oil changes after showing viewers the engine of a 2017 Kia Sorrento.
In a previous video, @kndautomotive247 explains why Kia and Hyundai owners should ignore the 7,500-mile rule when it comes to oil changes.
In this video, which has garnered over 373,000 views at the time of release, he demonstrates the importance of regular oil changes for keeping a vehicle in optimal condition.
What issues were present with the Kia?
@kndautomotive247 kicks off his video with a close-up shot of a 2017 Kia Sorento's engine. After clocking 92,000 miles, the engine was heavily coated in "extremely overheated dry oil," so much so that he was able to remove sizable clumps from its surface.
“You can’t even spot the bolts or the propeller mount,” he remarked. “I’m astonished that it’s just making noise instead of being entirely seized up.”
Furthermore, the mechanic noted that the timing chain guide, which is essential for maintaining the timing chain's alignment, tension, and reducing excessive vibration, was absent, and the bolts surrounding it had been "worn down."
When is the right time to change your oil?
According to Consumer Reports, the specific time between oil changes can be found in the owner’s manual. Additionally, modern vehicles come equipped with a built-in service reminder, which monitors the number of miles a vehicle has traveled as well as “how hard the car is being driven.”
Consumer Reports also advises owners to check their oil levels once a month or “every other gas fill-up.” This is because “Consumer Reports reliability survey results have shown that even newer cars can need the oil to be topped off between changes.”
However, Consumer Reports also states that the “old 3,000 miles or every three months rule is outdated because of advances in both engines and oil.” Instead, Consumer Reports advises oil changes at “7,500 or even 10,000 miles and six or 12 months.”
This can lead to saving around “$540 if you get it changes every 7,500 miles vs every 3,000 miles.” Though Consumer Reports suggests longer intervals between oil changes, the site also advises vehicle owners to get their oil changed “at least twice a year.”
@kndautomotive247 This Engine Still Ran #fail #mechanic #kia #engine ♬ original sound – KndAutomotive24/7
What are the viewers' opinions?
Audiences were taken aback by the condition of the Kia Sorento's engine, insisting that the sludge accumulation was not the result of a 10,000-mile maintenance interval.
"That's 30,000 to 50,000 miles between oil changes, not just 10,000. Anyone claiming otherwise is being dishonest and is likely trying to sell you something," remarked one individual.
"That's not 10,000 oil changes; that's either no oil changes at all or just one," another person interjected.
"This doesn't feel like a 10k interval. It's closer to a 30k," another person concurred.
Others contributed their perspectives on the significance of regular oil changes.
"A viewer suggested, 'Many people fail to understand that extending oil change intervals is primarily about reducing maintenance costs, not necessarily about prolonging engine life. Regular oil changes are significantly less expensive than engine repairs. Consider adding just one more oil change each year.'"
"Many technicians have mentioned that full synthetic oil can last between 7,000 to 10,000 miles. However, I tend to disregard their advice, as well as what the car's computer suggests. I change my oil every 5,000 miles without fail, and I’ve never encountered any problems," another person remarked.
"A viewer commented, 'I switch mine out every 4,000 to 6,000 miles with full synthetic oil.'"
The Daily Dot contacted @kndautomotive247 through TikTok comments and also sent an email to Kia.
