Guide to Hyundai Oil Change Services at Dalton Hyundai National City

Hyundai vehicles are known not only for their consistent outstanding value, but also for their performance and safety. They’re highly dependable in that they even earn 5-star crash test scores from the NHTSA.

But no matter how advanced the engine is, it cannot deliver its peak performance without regular Hyundai oil change services. Routine these oil changes may be, but they are essential to keep your ride performing like new. Here’s everything you should know about how oil change services are done at Dalton Hyundai National City.

Why Oil Changes Matter for Your Hyundai

If the engine is the heart of your Hyundai vehicle, the oil is the “blood” that keeps it alive.

Whether you’re driving a Tucson with its GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, a hybrid model combining gas and electric power, or a Sonata with its turbocharged powertrain, fresh oil keeps all the parts working together.

Here’s a closer look at how oil protects your Hyundai’s engine every time you turn the key:

• Lubrication: Hyundai engines have moving parts that spin at a thousand revolutions per minute. Oil creates a protective film between the components, like the bearings, pistons, and camshafts. If that protective layer is absent, these parts will grind together, leading to wear that causes costly repairs. This is especially true for turbo engines and GDI, as they constantly work at higher pressure and heat.

• Cleaning: Hyundai vehicles use direct-injection engines for their powertrains. While they’re efficient in delivering the power needed, they are more prone to carbon buildup. If you don’t change the oil regularly, it will thicken like a sludge, clogging the oil passages and eventually starving the engine of its much-needed lubrication.

• Cooling: The hybrid and turbocharged Hyundai engines generate more heat when they need to deliver more power. Oil then absorbs and carries this heat away from the vital parts. However, old oil eventually breaks down, losing its ability to control the engine’s temperature, increasing the risk of overheating and stressing the engine.

Needless to say, clean oil is your cheapest insurance policy for your Hyundai engine. Sure, you have saved money by skipping your scheduled oil change. But know that this could result in premature engine wear, reduced fuel economy, and, in the worst case, engine failure.

Recommended Oil Types for Hyundai Engines

Now that we have established the role oil plays in keeping your Hyundai engine running, how often should you have it changed?

Hyundai is known to design its engines with specific requirements in mind, with the oil being the most important. The right oil and its amount are crucial to ensuring that the engine is getting the protection it needs to function.

Here are some general guidelines you may refer to. But it’s always best to consult the owner’s manual for the exact model and year.

2012- 2022 Hyundai Accent

• Engine Type: 1.6L I4
• Recommended Oil Type: SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SP, ILSAC GF 6
• Oil Capacity: 3.8 quarts

2017- 2023 Hyundai Elantra

• Engine Type: 2.0L I4
• Recommended Oil Type: SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SP, ILSAC GF 6
• Oil Capacity: 4.4 quarts

2020- 2023 Hyundai Sonata

• Engine Type: 2.5L I4
• Recommended Oil Type: SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SP, ILSAC GF 6
• Oil Capacity: 5.4 quarts

2020- 2023 Hyundai Sonata

• Engine Type: 1.6L Turbo
• Recommended Oil Type: Full Synthetic SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30
• Oil Capacity: 5.4 quarts

2022- 2023 Hyundai Tucson

• Engine Type: 2.5L I4
• Recommended Oil Type: SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SP, ILSAC GF-6
• Oil Capacity: 5.4 quarts

2021- 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

• Engine Type: 2.5L Turbo
• Recommended Oil Type: Full Synthetic SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30
• Oil Capacity: 6.0 quarts

2020- 2023 Hyundai Palisade

• Engine Type: 3.8L V6
• Recommended Oil Type: SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SP, ILSAC GF-6
• Oil Capacity: 6.0 quarts

2020- 2023 Hyundai Venue

• Engine Type: 1.6L I4
• Recommended Oil Type: SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SP, ILSAC GF-6
• Oil Capacity: 3.8 quarts

2018- 2023 Hyundai Kona

• Engine Type: 2.0L I4
• Recommended Oil Type: SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SP, ILSAC GF-6
• Oil Capacity: 4.4 quarts

2017- 2022 Ioniq Hybrid

• Engine Type: 1.6L I4
• Recommended Oil Type: SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30, API SP, ILSAC GF-6
• Oil Capacity: 4.4 quarts

Knowing your Hyundai’s oil type and capacity makes it easier for you and the technician whenever your vehicle is due for an oil change. But oil change schedules largely depend on your driving habits.

While most suggest having the oil change at every 6000 to 7500 mile mark (approx. every 6 mos), driving in more severe conditions cuts it down to every 3000 to 3750 miles.

Why Oil Type and Capacity Matter for Hyundai Engines

The oil types mentioned above aren’t just suggestions. They’ve been carefully thought through by Hyundai’s engineers to bring out the best performance for each of their models.

• Viscosity: Different oils have different viscosity ratings (0W-20, 5W-30), which describe how they flow at different temperatures. The right viscosity ensures that oil flows quickly during startup while still doing its protective function under high heat. Heavier or lighter oil than recommended will increase wear, cause sluggish performance, or overheat the engine.

• Blends: As the middle ground, synthetic blends can be used for mid-year models or if the driver wants to balance performance with affordability.

• Synthetic vs Conventional Oil: Though conventional oil is cheaper, it breaks down faster. It can be used for older Hyundai models, as they don’t run at the same higher pressures as the newer ones. Synthetic oils, on the other hand, are designed by Hyundai’s engineers for the GDI and turbocharged Hyundai engines. They need more robust protection as they run hotter, preventing sludge buildup.

• Maintain Warranty: Hyundai has one of the best warranties available (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage). But it has a catch: maintain your car properly. The wrong oil type or skipping oil changes can lead to warranty forfeiture when an engine problem arises. Keep records of oil changes done (with the correct type and capacity) to keep your warranty intact.

Capacity-wise, each Hyundai engine has a specific oil volume required to keep its optimal performance. Too little oil will leave the parts with no protection. Too much oil, on the other hand, damages seals and/or the catalytic converter.

In turbocharged engines, not enough oil will leave the turbo bearings not lubricated properly, making them prone to damage.

Engine Care Beyond Oil Changes

Oil changes are foundational, but engine health also depends on other maintenance tasks. Dalton Hyundai National City recommends the following in their service routines:

• Tire rotation
• Multipoint Inspections
• Visual brake checks
• In-cabin air filter change
• Four wheel alignment

Combining these with regular oil change services ensure your Hyundai stays in top shape — longer life, fewer surprises. Take advantage of Hyundai oil change service coupons so our expert team can do a thorough inspection on your next visit.

Why Have Your Oil Change Services at Dalton Hyundai

If you’re deciding where to have your oil changed, here are some reasons Hyundai owners in San Diego keep coming back to Dalton Hyundai National City:

• Factory-trained technicians are highly trained in diagnosing and repairing any issues related to Hyundai models
• Genuine parts are used to ensure quality and compatibility
• Advanced equipment to thoroughly diagnose your Hyundai, ensuring that the job gets done the first time
• Comprehensive service packages
• Convenient scheduling via phone or online, complete with a comfortable waiting area, free WiFi, clean restrooms, and smooth and friendly service

Keep Your Hyundai Road-Ready: Why Oil Changes Are A Must

Hyundai has made each vehicle a model to last. But without routine oil changes, you can’t expect your newest ride to become reliable. These oil changes may be simple, but they’re the backbone of your Hyundai’s long-term performance.

Ready to enjoy smoother drives? For San Diego drivers, schedule your top-tier certified oil change service at Dalton Hyundai National City. With trusted local experts, you can keep your Hyundai running like new.

Don’t wait for the warning light to have your vehicle checked. Take care of your car like it takes care of you. Book your Dalton Hyundai service in San Diego today.

Read Next: 4 Reasons the 2026 Ioniq 9 Can Replace Your Gas Family SUV

Posted in National City Hyundai Dealer | No Comments »