What type of oil is recommended in the Kia K3 maintenance manual?
2 Answers
Kia K3 manual recommends using SM grade 5W-30 or 5W-20 engine oil. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade engine oil. Lubricant brand selection: For lubricant brand selection, Mobil lubricants can be chosen if long-lasting oil is required; Shell lubricants can be used if strong cleaning capability is needed; Castrol is recommended if strong oil film toughness is desired. For turbocharged engines, which are prone to carbon deposits during high-speed operation, Shell full synthetic oil with strong cleaning performance can be selected. Oil specifications: Oil specifications consist of two parts: classification and viscosity grade. Oil classification is represented by a combination of two letters. The "S" series represents oil for gasoline engines, with general specifications ranging from SA to SP (in alphabetical order, but without SI). Each subsequent letter indicates better performance than the previous one, with more additives to protect the engine; the later the letter, the higher the quality grade. Among international brands, most oil grades are above SF level.
I've been driving a Kia K3 for two years now, and I always carefully check the manual for maintenance requirements, which are quite clear about engine oil specifications. The manual generally recommends SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil, depending on the year and engine model—for example, post-2019 versions tend to favor 5W-20. I find this viscosity ensures smooth cold starts and minimizes engine wear. I use Shell’s synthetic oil, changing it every 5,000 kilometers, and the engine runs noticeably smoother. Additionally, pay attention to the API rating—SN grade or higher is recommended for rust protection and carbon deposit cleaning. The manual doesn’t specify brands, but I often choose Total or Mobil at the dealership. During maintenance, always check if the oil filter is compatible to avoid mixing with low-quality oil, which can shorten engine life. In short, treat the manual as your bible—skip the guesswork and flip straight to the oil section to save money and hassle.
