Oil cools and lubricates an engine's moving parts as they move against each other; but as oil ages it becomes diluted and contaminated, losing its viscosity. Regular oil changes protect your vehicle's engine and keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Changing the oil in your Kia Sportage is a simple and straightforward task that will pay dividends and save money at the repair shop.
Warm the engine to normal operating temperature. Remove the oil filler cap under the hood to release pressure in the system; wear gloves, as parts of the engine will be hot. Raise the front of the car with an automobile jack and place it on jack stands. Chock the rear wheels.
Position a drain container under the oil drain plug. Remove the drain plug with a socket wrench and allow the oil to drain. Clean the drain plug with a shop rag and replace it when the oil stops flowing.
Locate the oil filter at the front driver's side of the engine and move the oil drain container under it. Remove the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise with a filter wrench; there will be hot oil in the filter which may spill, so wear gloves. Place the old filter in the oil drain container.
Lubricate the new oil filter's gasket by rubbing your fingertip around it with a drop of new oil. Install the new oil filter by hand; turn it clockwise until tight.
Lower the car to the ground. Raise the hood and add five quarts of 5W-30 engine oil into the oil filler opening. Check the level on the dipstick.
Start the engine to allow the new oil to circulate. Check for leaks around the drain plug and filter.
