3.3TT Oil Change - Standard Options?

[WRXtoStingerGT]

Hey everyone! Happy Friday!

I know this is a long post but I am VERY grateful for everyone's time and help! Thank you in advance!

Car is a 2020 Stinger GT RWD. We have owned the car for about FIVE AND A HALF months and the vehicle currently has a little under 3500 miles on the odometer.

I have a few quick questions.

1 - When should I do my first oil change? I understand that the manual suggests 5000 miles but I am also reading that an oil change is recommended every six months. I am asking more about the timeline since the car is driven at least three times a week for either local round trips of around 10 miles or on shorter road trips that are normally around 100 miles or so.

2 - How much should an oil change normally cost and what specific brand of oil will the dealership be adding?

3 - What brand of oil do the forums suggest?

4 - I have not had an oil change performed yet. The car was purchased in Florida but I am currently in New York. Is there a way to have the first oil change free? I ask because I had to bring in the car twice for warranty work within a 3 week period and 100 mile driving difference and was thinking about calling the "special Stinger corporate line" and asking. What does everyone think?

5 - I do not want to mess up the maintenance and ruin my warranty coverage or have it denied. Due to COVID19 I am not driving as often but of course I want to make sure I am maintaining my vehicle correctly whether maintenance is by mileage or months. Is it best to go by miles or months?

 

[Crunchwrap_Supreme]

I can answer some questions

1. I did my first oil change at 3k miles, then every 5k after that. If your daily drive averages around 10 miles or less, you should change every 3k (can be found in owners manual for others asking the same question)

2. My understanding at dealerships will be anywhere from $80~$150.

3. I do the changes myself with Amsoil and oem filter, 7.8 qts.

4. I believe no matter the dealership they will provide free first oil change... I personally don't know but many in the forums and other groups have mentioned so.

5. I'd say it's up to you. If your car is in harsh conditions for long periods of time, you may definitely want to get it checked it perhaps every 4 or 6 months? Mines a daily so I change my oil every 5k, and take it in for routine check ups every 12k miles (mine just broke 25k miles this week)

 

[MerlintheMad]

I have no idea what brand the dealer puts in. It must be good, because of warranty and all that.

My first nine oil changes are free (I have one left, and it will be used Tuesday). That is a dealer thing. Some dealers offer "lifetime oil changes", at their dealership, of course. Some dealers offering NOTHING. It never costs anything to ask for a freebie, especially if you've been inconvenienced, which you can point out.

The MY18 recommended every 6K miles. If Kia changed it to every 5K, then okay. I change my oil at c. 4K miles; because of our harsh (road salt in winter) conditions. But I don't stress over it. Last year I went over a thousand over on a long road trip. And this one will be a bit early.

I agree that a lot of short hops is harder on a car, so changing oil earlier rather than later is a good idea. Same with slow, stop and go traffic conditions as the norm. Etc.

I believe that miles are more important a gauge than time. If your car sits a lot and you don't rack up a lot of miles, an oil change every year is plenty. It won't risk your warranty, because it doesn't say that you have to do both. So, every 4-5K miles or every 12 months.

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

Thank you everyone!!!!

I just took a look at the owner's manual and it says either 6000 miles or 12 months for the oil change depending on which one comes first.

I guess since I drive a few times each week and it is a mix between local driving and longer highway drives I should be fine it seems.

I will see where I am living in the next few months and call local Kia shops and negotiate from there.