What is the recommended oil specification for Kia K5?
2 Answers
The original factory oil brand for Kia K5 is Shell HX7. If you want to change the oil during later maintenance, you can choose brands such as Mobil, Castrol, or Total. The oil specifications recommended in the official Kia K5 manual are 5W-30 and 5W-40. Any oil model that meets these two specification parameters can be used. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity, where 5W represents the ability to withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, resulting in smoother cold starts for the car. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. The higher the value, the better the oil can maintain its viscosity index at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the oil in a Kia K5 is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to cool down, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan; Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and place an oil pan to catch the old oil until it stops flowing. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain out; Use a special wrench to remove the oil filter; Apply oil to the oil seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand; Add the new oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, generally filling about three-quarters of the oil container; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for oil leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. If any leaks are found, perform necessary repairs; After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick and check that the engine oil level is within the standard range.
I've been driving a Kia K5 for several years. The manual recommends using 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic oil. After trying 5W-20 myself, the engine runs smoother and fuel consumption decreases. The oil grade is determined by SAE viscosity, where 5W indicates good low-temperature startup performance, and 20 or 30 represents the thickness for high-temperature protection, suitable for the engine design. API certification ensures safety and quality, preventing damage from counterfeit products. I change the oil every 5,000 kilometers, and it feels like the car's lifespan is extended. Consulting a mechanic, I learned that in cold regions, thinner 5W-20 is better, while 5W-30 is more suitable for hot areas. Engine oil is the heart of maintenance; choosing the right grade makes driving more reassuring.
