We purchased our first Kia 3 months ago, a brand new Kia Sorento SX. My wife and I love the vehicle and are very pleased with it. There is however one thing that really bothers me about servicing the car. We took the car in for our first oil change today at 6000km (3700mi). Ahead of the 12000km (7500mi) interval that the owners manual states is required. I don't mind changing the oil early, especially when its the first change. I had synthetic oil put in as I plan to run it for the full 12000km listed in the owners book from here on in.
In both Applewood Kia dealerships, the only kia dealerships I have been to, there hangs a sign on the wall that states what maintenance is required at a specific mileage. This information is generic and not specific to any one model of Kia, and thus does not follow the same timeline as stated in the owners manual for maintenance.
In the corner of this sign it reads as follow
"Canada is considered a 'severe weather' climate. Recommended service should take place at every 6,000 km or every 6 months, or as indicated in the the 'Severe Weather Schedule' in your Owners Manual. Please consult your Service Advisor for details."
I consulted my manual, and it states nothing about severe weather (Under the Severe Usage section) that relates to Canadian specific weather. Only the typical notices for things such as towing or driving shorts distances in sub zero temperatures, or being used as a taxi etc. I live in the BC Lower Mainland were we might get 1-2 weeks of snow a year, or even none at all. Our summers are also very moderate and do not typically see extreme heat.
I spoke to the service manager but he really could give no answer other then saying things like "They require the 6000km oil change interval due to the variable valve timing and because the vehicle is direct injection, that dirties up the oil faster". Neither of these mechanical features are Canadian specific, obviously, or affected in any way by the weather. If these features were to make it require oil changes sooner, the manual should state this, and every Sorento in other countries should also require this. I do not believe this to be the case though. Feel free to chime in and tell me how it is for my neighbors to the south.
I was told this was set by Kia Canada, and not following the 6000km change interval may affect a warranty issue down the road, should I have one. If I got my oil changed elsewhere I wouldn't even have known they wanted it changed at this early interval.
I intend to follow the owners manual none the less.
What are others peoples experience on this? Has any other Canadian Kia owners encountered this at their local dealerships?
In both Applewood Kia dealerships, the only kia dealerships I have been to, there hangs a sign on the wall that states what maintenance is required at a specific mileage. This information is generic and not specific to any one model of Kia, and thus does not follow the same timeline as stated in the owners manual for maintenance.
In the corner of this sign it reads as follow
"Canada is considered a 'severe weather' climate. Recommended service should take place at every 6,000 km or every 6 months, or as indicated in the the 'Severe Weather Schedule' in your Owners Manual. Please consult your Service Advisor for details."
I consulted my manual, and it states nothing about severe weather (Under the Severe Usage section) that relates to Canadian specific weather. Only the typical notices for things such as towing or driving shorts distances in sub zero temperatures, or being used as a taxi etc. I live in the BC Lower Mainland were we might get 1-2 weeks of snow a year, or even none at all. Our summers are also very moderate and do not typically see extreme heat.
I spoke to the service manager but he really could give no answer other then saying things like "They require the 6000km oil change interval due to the variable valve timing and because the vehicle is direct injection, that dirties up the oil faster". Neither of these mechanical features are Canadian specific, obviously, or affected in any way by the weather. If these features were to make it require oil changes sooner, the manual should state this, and every Sorento in other countries should also require this. I do not believe this to be the case though. Feel free to chime in and tell me how it is for my neighbors to the south.
I was told this was set by Kia Canada, and not following the 6000km change interval may affect a warranty issue down the road, should I have one. If I got my oil changed elsewhere I wouldn't even have known they wanted it changed at this early interval.
I intend to follow the owners manual none the less.
What are others peoples experience on this? Has any other Canadian Kia owners encountered this at their local dealerships?