How many liters of transmission fluid does the Kia K3 require?
2 Answers
The Kia K3 manual transmission requires 2.5 liters of transmission fluid. For the automatic transmission, if using the gravity drain method, 4 liters of transmission fluid are needed. If using the machine flush method, 10 liters of transmission fluid are required. The machine flush method consumes more transmission fluid but ensures a more thorough and cleaner replacement. The automatic transmission models of the Kia K3 are equipped with either a CVT transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The CVT transmission is a relatively simple automatic transmission in structure, consisting of two cone pulleys and a steel belt. The steel belt can move along the pulleys to achieve gear shifting and torque variation.
I remember when changing the transmission fluid for the Kia K3, the automatic transmission models require about 5 to 6 liters. Last year when I took my own K3 for maintenance, the mechanic told me it depends on the specific model—for example, the common 6-speed automatic transmission has a fluid capacity of around 5.5 liters, while the manual transmission only needs just over 2 liters. Don’t cut corners when changing the fluid; you must use the manufacturer-recommended ATF SP-IV specification oil, otherwise shifting will be rough and it could harm the engine’s health. The fluid change interval is generally every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers, depending on driving habits—if you do more highway driving, you can stretch it a bit, but with city stop-and-go traffic, change it more frequently. Remember, the fluid level shouldn’t be too high or too low—overfilling can cause leaks and damage components, while too little can lead to transmission slippage and safety risks. It’s best to leave this job to professionals during maintenance to ensure a thorough and clean process, which can save you from costly repairs and extend the car’s lifespan.
