K&N Air Filters and or Oil Additives etc..

DadDtwnToronto · 12-01-2009, 12:27 AM

Just wondering if anyone here has swapped out the standard air filter of their 4 Cylinder (2.4) Rondo and seen an improvement in either power or fuel economy.. I am guessing the power thing wont be felt, but the fuel economy?

Basically, just bought my Rondo 09 EX Prem 4Cyl.. so far mileage sux.. but I am confident from this board that its to be expected within first 10K Kms of use that engine needs breakin.. I am thinking of doing 3 things to aid in increasing both fuel economy and or power..
1) Air Filter (aftermarket..say K&N)
2) Plugs (better ones?)
3) Oil Additive.. (al la slick50 or whatever is suppose to be best on market)

Am guessing I wont get anymore power, not that its really needed, but fuel econ? Any idea if these 3 would work?

PLP · 12-01-2009, 12:45 AM

how about tires pressure?
as for KN - possible some warranty issues (less restrictive air filter = more dirt coming into engine -this will be KIA argument)
oil add. - NO WAY. Better get a good oil, synt, and that's it.
plugs - it already has iridium plugs.

jonamse · 12-01-2009, 01:38 AM

Hi! First time posting here.

Yes, I was wondering about the same thing lately and just place an order for K&N filter at local auto shop, hoping the same thing...better Fuel Econ. So far I've got 12.85L/100Km after 3 month driving just about 2000Km on 09 Rondo Ex. Engine start feeling much smoother especially when gear shifts. Still having this rapid "slow down" after lifting foot off from the pedal. Is this because of weak battery issue?

For the sake of Fuel Econ, is it safe to go "N" while I am driving?
I know,,,,it is suicidal both for my life and for engine...but gave me 8.35L/100Km.
I did so after reaching up to 50Kmph on the flat road or moderate down hill, especially before hitting Red light. It was a one time experiment and not going to do it ever again! but can Rondo handle this kind of driving N-D-3-2 back and forth? I am new to the electric shifting system...any thoughts?

I just cannot trust the thin paper filter that Kia installed in the box. I want something decent...like K&N which I had with my last car. (note: some said, K&N filter is better wrapped in the paper towel for about 2 month in the plastic bag for the oil issue before putting it into the box.)

but it is good to know that Plugs are iridium. I was tempted so much to change them.

tyre PSI of mine is around 35.

I changed the wiper.....to rainx latitude. Works much better.

PLP · 12-01-2009, 08:16 AM

jonamse,
welcome here.
I, as an owner of Rondo, would recommend you to wait with any modifications. Your ECU/PCM is still in learning mode, and after at least 8000km you will see some changes in a way how downshifts are performed, how the car slows down and so on. Also, fuel economy will improve.
In order to achieve the good result you have to learn how to drive your car. I went from Dodge Intrepid to Rondo and found that torque converter lock is being engaged in two last gears (4th and 5th). And if it is engaged slowing down to lights gives fuel cons = 0.00.
Other things to learn are how and when to shift (manual) during hard acceleration, but with this wait until you are done with learning mode which takes about 5000km (full process). And due to this process I would avoid shifting to N.
I used to do it especially when engine is cold. It does help a lot.

Puddleglum · 12-01-2009, 11:59 PM

Welcome jonamse,
K&N filters are designed to give less restrictive air flow and allow the engine to breathe better at full throttle, thus more power at WOT. They will likely do very little if anything to help fuel economy at light throttle and they are not better at keeping dirt out of your engine, they are worse. I would stay with a paper filter, a good synthetic oil and stay away from additives. If fuel economy is your goal, invest in a Scanguage and use it to adjust your driving habits accordingly. The throttle in this car is very sensitive I can watch the instant readout on the SG drop or raise 10 to 15l/100km driving around town without feeling the throttle change with my foot. It's well worth the money and won't void your warranty.
As for the trans. issue, I think it's just the way it is. Mine does the same thing and always has. I know part of it is increased back pressure from the engine going to fuel cutoff but most is just the design of the trans. I personally don't think that shifting to neutral hurts a thing. I do it all the time. It saves gas and it improves your ability to stop on icy roads. It could cause loss of control at high speeds though. Don't shift to neutral if you are going to have to go back into drive above 50-60 kph. the trans. doesn't shift back in smoothly above that speed. Just my opinion and I'm sure someone here will disagree with me.

jonamse · 12-02-2009, 03:14 AM

Thanks PLP and Pubbleglum! I now more happy to cancel my K&N filter order at local shop which will cost me around $70CAD! Scangauge sounds fantastic, since mine doesn't come with trip computer, I only relying on full tank method to do my Fuel Econ.

which scanguage do you use? I am thinking about KIWI MPG...anything else under $100?

In transition....I shalt be patiently await its break in - and enjoy driving instead of thinking about l/km !

Paul B · 12-02-2009, 05:01 AM

Too bad you are not in the U.S. as the K&N's are a really good option.

Letter from K&N CEO - Automotive Dealers Voiding a Warranty due to a K&N Replacement Filter

They also have their own warrantee against damaging your vehicle - even in Canada.

I've had one on my Malibu for 150,000 miles and they work perfect. In fact about the only thing on the Malibu that has not had a problem is the fuel system and engine wear. Slightly better mileage (you won't be astounded but will notice it) and performance feels better (admitedly subjective). Haven't put one on my Rondo yet but they just started selling them and the factory filter was still fine.

The real hard work is every 50,000 miles or so I clean and re-oil it. These are sold by many dealers of all kinds of vehicles and are used for the highest mileage vehicles (diesel trucks). There is no problem with extra dirt.

I was put onto them by a car enthusiast and believe me this guy would not tolerate anything that hurt an engine and always keeps his vehicles over 100,000 miles.

PLP · 12-02-2009, 08:31 AM

well, are we talking about simply putting KN filter or doing CAI?
I read the letter. I do not know...do it or not?

Anyway. So far the safest and easiest way is to put ScanGauge as Puddleglum said. It helps me too.

Steve A · 12-02-2009, 11:30 AM

K&N filters are fine, have used them since they came out. As for oil additives - Don't - as previously stated use a high quality synthetic only. I use - and recommend - Shell Rotella T - full synthetic - 5W/40 - as an excellent oil. It's diesel grade and has more zinc and other ingredients than a number of car oils and I think it keeps the engine cleaner and better protected.

BiaKia · 12-02-2009, 08:23 PM

Puddleglum, your comment "The throttle in this car is very sensitive" is accurate. Getting used to the throttle tip in and the touchy throttle was my biggest adjustment with driving my Rondo after coming from a 2006 Sportage V6. It's drive by wire throttle so I was wondering if anyone is aware of a re-program to tone down the throttle sensitivity. I guess I could always ask Kia service too.