I have a 2017 Kia Sorento EX+ and do regular oil changes every 6 months. Do I really need to pay for the additional Kia service? The next one I’m due for is called level 3. Can I just stick to oil changes and keeping fluids topped off, or is the service worth it?
I work at a Kia dealership, and I’ve never heard of something called a ‘level 3’ service.
Fin said:
I work at a Kia dealership, and I’ve never heard of something called a ‘level 3’ service.
Here’s what I found for Kia’s service packages:
Service #1 ($52.95)
- Oil change and filter replacement
- Check fluids, tire pressure, lights, air filter, etc.
Service #2 (4cyl: $165.95, 6cyl: $175.95)
- Includes Service #1
- Rotate tires, inspect brakes, lubricate locks, and more
Service #3 (4cyl: $259.95, 6cyl: $269.95)
- Includes Service #1 & #2
- Clean front brakes, check A/C, inspect steering and suspension
Service #4 (starting at $595.95)
- Adds transmission and coolant replacements, spark plugs, and more.
It seems like a lot of inspections and cleaning but not much else.
@Fallon
You probably don’t need all that. Just do filters every 30,000 miles, transmission and coolant every 60,000, and spark plugs at 100,000 miles.
Fin said:
@Fallon
You probably don’t need all that. Just do filters every 30,000 miles, transmission and coolant every 60,000, and spark plugs at 100,000 miles.
For anyone curious, 30,000 miles is about 48,280 km.
Fin said:
@Fallon
You probably don’t need all that. Just do filters every 30,000 miles, transmission and coolant every 60,000, and spark plugs at 100,000 miles.
I agree. These schedules from dealerships seem excessive.
@Fallon
You should just do regular inspections and handle other stuff as needed.
@Fallon
Most of the stuff they list seems unnecessary. Oil every 3,000 miles and transmission fluid every 60,000 will keep you in good shape. Plugs can wait until 100,000. Dealerships add these inspections to upsell you on services you don’t need.
How many miles does your car have? Here’s what I usually do:
- Oil changes every 5,000 miles.
- Cabin air filter every 3-4 oil changes or if it looks dirty.
- Engine air filter every 20,000-30,000 miles.
- Rotate tires every 5,000-6,000 miles.
After about 60,000-70,000 miles, I’d consider:
- Coolant flush every 4 years.
- Brake fluid replacement every 3-4 years.
- Spark plugs and fuel filter around 70,000-100,000 miles.
- Transmission fluid around 60,000 miles.
Not all of this is critical, but it keeps everything running smoothly.
@Azriel
My car has around 14,000 miles (23,000 km). I already get the air filter changed with every oil change (every 6 months), and the cabin filter replaced once a year.
Fallon said:
@Azriel
My car has around 14,000 miles (23,000 km). I already get the air filter changed with every oil change (every 6 months), and the cabin filter replaced once a year.
With only 14,000 miles, you’re fine with just oil changes and air filter replacements. The other stuff can wait. Dealers often push these inspections to get extra money, but they usually check these things during regular oil changes anyway. As long as your warranty isn’t tied to it, you’re good.
@Azriel
That’s what I figured. I don’t think Kia requires these for the warranty. Does anyone know for sure?
Fallon said:
@Azriel
That’s what I figured. I don’t think Kia requires these for the warranty. Does anyone know for sure?
Check your owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule. That’s the best source. If your dealer is too pushy, you can go to an independent shop. For 15,000 miles, all you need is an oil change, tire rotation, and maybe a cabin filter replacement.
Fallon said:
@Azriel
My car has around 14,000 miles (23,000 km). I already get the air filter changed with every oil change (every 6 months), and the cabin filter replaced once a year.
14,000 miles is 22,531 km for anyone wondering.
I have a question that might help someone else too. I bought a 2013 Kia Forte Koup last year, and it’s been pretty reliable. It has over 100,000 miles on it. The only issues I’ve had were the battery dying (luckily at home) and replacing the rear brakes after running over a nail. I’m wondering if I should stick to an independent shop or take it to a dealership for a full checkup since it’s getting older. Any advice?