How to Change the Oil in a Kia Spectra

The Kia Spectra oil change is a simple process that requires a 6-point socket and an oil filter wrench. Check your owner's manual for oil capacity and the recommended time for an oil change. Use an oil viscosity of 5W-30 for the best performance from your Spectra.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car jack
• Jack stands or ramps
• Oil drip pan
• 6-point socket
• Oil filter wrench
• Cleaning cloths
• Filter
• Oil

Prepare Your Spectra for an Oil Change

1. Lift your Kia Spectra using a jack and then place the car on jack stands. If you don't have jack stands, drive the car onto a set of wheel ramps.

2. Pop the hood and remove the dipstick and oil filler cap. The dipstick is near the front engine compartment with the oil filler nearby.

3. Gather an oil drip pan, a 6-point socket, oil filter wrench, cleaning cloths and a new oil filter. Slide under your Kia.

Change the Oil

4. Locate the oil filter and oil drain plug underneath the car. The filter is on the back of the engine, underneath the intake manifold. The drain plug is on the bottom of the oil pan.

5. Remove the oil drain plug using the 6-point socket. Pull the plug out quickly and let the oil drain for 10 to 15 minutes. Check the gaskets and threads for damage. Replace these components, if necessary.

6. Take off the oil filter using an oil filter wrench. Dump the old oil into the oil drip pan and put on the new oil filter. Tighten the oil filter by hand, and then replace the oil drain plug using the wrench. Clean off the excess oil.

7. Go under the hood and add oil. Turn on the engine and check the oil pressure gauge to make sure it rises. Let your Kia Spectra run for a minute.

8. Lower your Kia Spectra and turn off the engine. Take an oil reading on the dipstick. If the oil level isn't at full, add a bit more oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Never dispose of oil in the regular trash. Fill used plastic containers with the oil and drop it off at a gas station or auto parts store that has oil disposal units.
• If the oil pressure gauge doesn't rise when you turn on your car, turn off the engine quickly and add more oil.