Question: Use non-Kia dealer for oil changes, alignments, etc.?

[Mark H]

I will get an oil & filter change after 1000 miles to remove any metal particles sheared off during the initial break-in period. Seems to me that routine maintenance like this can be done by Firestone etc. just as well as by Kia dealers, but at substantially less cost. Also considering purchasing a Firestone alignment contract, which has served me well with many other vehicles.

I hesitate only because the Stinger is a brand-new vehicle and my GT1 AWD is a higher-end car than I have previously purchased. Thoughts?

 

[eflyguy]

Makes no difference as long as you keep records to show that the work was done. Many change their own oil and filters.

 

[Merkur720]

Personally I am sticking with the dealer on this one. It’s really a Genesis in Kia sheetmetal. At least in terms of the 3.3 TT engine application. I’d think few local lube places have ever seen this engine before.

 

[eflyguy]

What difference does that make?

 

[mldavis2]

Oil changes are a bit tricky on the 3.3T. The oil from the drain plug hits the crossmember unless you divert it in some way. The underbody panel has two push-pin fasteners in addition to the six bolts so don't lose the push pins. And the oil filter cap is plastic so you have to be careful that you don't crack it or over-torque it, or fail to check the O-ring seal. Not really something I want my local lube shop to give to their 16-year old kids to do.

 

[CtheW0rld]

I will get an oil & filter change after 1000 miles to remove any metal particles sheared off during the initial break-in period. Seems to me that routine maintenance like this can be done by Firestone etc. just as well as by Kia dealers, but at substantially less cost. Also considering purchasing a Firestone alignment contract, which has served me well with many other vehicles.

I hesitate only because the Stinger is a brand-new vehicle and my GT1 AWD is a higher-end car than I have previously purchased. Thoughts?

How much is an oil change at your dealership?

 

[Rango]

I'll be changing oil at the dealership with my own oil ... Mobil1 Full Synthetic 5w30 (was told they use Pennzoil Semi Synthetic at the dealership). Bought a 4 year maintenance package that covers all scheduled maintenance required to keep my warranty in tact. If anything goes wrong, its a one stop fix ... no charge ... time saved. If this was not a first production car, I would go elsewhere.

 

[YEH]

Keep in mind when doing oil changes, that need to use an OEM filter (or a 3rd party one approved by Kia) - otherwise, could affect your warranty.

 

[capnsharpe]

Keep in mind when doing oil changes, that need to use an OEM filter (or a 3rd party one approved by Kia) - otherwise, could affect your warranty.

No your warranty will not be affected. The FTC literally sent a letter to Hyundai for putting language in their warranties claiming that the use of non-OEM parts invalidates the warranty. A letter wasn't sent to Kia presumably because they were not in violation of Federal law.