Hello,
I have a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe XL, V6, 73,000 miles. Second owner, purchased used in 2019 with 22k miles, probably a rental vehicle, had no record of oil changes, so that is perhaps my biggest mistake. I was doing oil changes around 7k miles up to 45k miles, and now I do it every 6 months or 5k miles. I have been using the recommended 5w-30 Quaker Full synthetic. I'm approaching 5k miles for an oil change, and the dipstick indicated low oil. I saw exhaust smoke early morning start up, which prompted me to check fluids. It could have been cold and Florida humidity.
I checked the exhaust pipe, and it had a little soot but no oil.
Around the engine intake manifold, I see grease areas around it. I don't know if that is the correct part. I'm thinking of having a local shop change the seal, if not too expensive, while they change the back 3 spark plugs.
I haven't got a chance to change the PCV yet.
I have 3rd party vehicle warranty, and must read the fine print. A new engine would be great 😀!
I planned to switch to Mobil1 this week and got ATS fuel and oil clean, but it was unrelated before finding out about the low oil.
What can I do to keep it going a little longer?
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Hyundai/Kia have really done a horrible job of engineering and manufacturing. I would be tempted to check for a blown head gasket for the simple reason that you're not seeing oil at the tailpipe. I saw a Honda that the oil was getting into the coolant resevoir along with combustion gasses. Open the bottle when it's cool and see if you have globules.
Time to rabbit hole "oil loss Hyundai" on Youtube.
A quart of oil is cheaper than paying for a new engine... I hope that they finally fix it for you and that it pays for itself or that you unload it at a good price someday.
I got a head gasket test from Amazon, but I will also look into the reservoir with bright daylight. When I looked yesterday, it looked like the fluid was dark.
I got ATS cleaner this weekend, but now I want to make sure what the problem is and how much it will be to fix it. If the warranty pays for it, then I can keep the car a little longer.
I'm with you on the KIA problems. I spent $2k last year on the A/C line and compressor. I didn't have a warranty, so I got an extended warranty, and I read that seals are covered. I'm hoping for the best.
Thank you for the help. I appreciate it.
Hyundai/Kia engines are notorious for oil burning and even catastrophic failure. If oil use is moderate I would not be so happy at the thought of another engine. If you're losing a quart in 5K miles that's not so terrible - Hyundai considers up to a quart every 1000 miles to be "normal". Also, 3rd-party warranty companies are notorious for not honoring a lot of claims, or if they do honor them go the cheapest route possible which in this case would be a junkyard engine. Sometimes the devil you know is the best option.
See the site Hyundai/Kia topic for reasons why we tell people to avoid those cars. Once you have that thing sorted out you might want to consider getting rid of it.
It's 6 quarts, but the dipstick is low. I'm adding oil today. I'm at 4800 miles after the last oil change. The oil is almost gone, so I'm under KIA standards. 😀 This is my first and last KIA/Hyundai. It is my wife's car that she wanted, and I didn't know a whole lot about KIA/Hyundai V6 cars. I didn't get no pre-purchase inspection either. CARFAX has no oil changes for the first year with 22k miles (RENTAL). I learned my lesson.
I will see if I can fix it, spending the least possible. If so, I will keep it a little longer. Worst case scenario, i can do an oil change and trade it possibly to the same dealer 😀 that I got it from.
I appreciate it the help.