Hyundai Sonata Oil Change Instructions
by Gregory Crews
Changing the oil in a Hyundai Sonata is a straightforward task that should be performed every 3,000 miles. The oil provides lubrication and cooling for engine components. Heat buildup can cause oil to lose its viscosity and break down. When changing oil it is essential to replace the oil filter. An old filter can contaminate new oil and cause engine damage down the road.
Step 1
Ensure the car is parked on a flat surface. Place a drain pan under the engine.
Step 2
Locate the oil pan directly under the engine. The oil pan will be at the very bottom.
Step 3
Unscrew the drain plug at the front of the oil pan with a socket wrench. Allow all the oil to drain out into the oil pan. Tighten the drain plug back into the oil pan with a socket wrench.
Step 4
Locate the oil filter in front of the engine. There will be a cut-out in the protective shield where the oil filter is located.
Step 5
Unscrew the oil filter with a strap wrench. Allow the oil to drain into the oil pan. Place the old filter in with the waste oil.
Step 6
Spread a bead of oil around the top of the new oil filter with your index finger. Fill the oil filter with fresh engine oil. Screw the filter on to the filter housing by hand. Do not wrench tighten, which could strip the threads of the filter or filter housing.
Step 7
Open the hood for access to the engine compartment. Unscrew the oil cap on the top of the engine.
Step 8
Pour in three quarts of engine oil. Pull the engine oil dipstick out of the dipstick tube and wipe it clean. Push the dipstick back into the dipstick tube. Pull back out and look at the engine oil level. If the oil on the dipstick does not stop between the two marks on the dipstick, pour in a half quart of oil and check the level again. Do not overfill.
Step 9
Start the car and allow it to run for five minutes. Turn the car off and check the oil level once again. Add another half quart of oil if necessary. Ensure the oil cap is back on the engine and the hood is closed.
References
- Edmunds.com: Oil Change Tutorial
- "Hyundai Sonata Haynes Repair Manual for all models from 1999 thru 2008."; John Haynes; 2008
Tips
- Always ensure the car is on a level surface so the oil drains properly.
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench
- Socket set
- Drain pan
- New oil filter
- 5 quarts of oil
Warnings
- Contact a local recycling company or automotive parts store for disposal of the waste oil and filter.
Writer Bio
Gregory Crews has been in the film industry for three years and has appeared in more than 38 major motion pictures and 16 television shows. He also writes detailed automotive tutorials. His expertise in the automotive industry has given him the skills to write detailed technical instructional articles.
