AFTERMARKET OIL FILTERS AND OIL VISCOSITY

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SUBJECT:

During engine research & development, the engine lubrication system is designed to operate at specific volumes and pressures to keep the reciprocating & rotary components properly lubricated. Kia-designed genuine oil filters meet the various requirements for proper filtration, leak down, oil flow rate and pressure variations to ensure the optimal performance of the engine lubrication system.

The use of aftermarket oil filters or improper oil viscosity could result in less than optimal filtration, leak down, oil flow rate and pressure variations. Some of the symptoms and concerns that may arise with use of aftermarket filters or wrong oil viscosities include, but are not limited to:

Low Oil Pressure With Warning Light On
Engine Knocking Noise
Valve Train Noise
Cold Start Engine Noise
Whistle Noises

The use of substandard oil filters or improper oil viscosity may lead to the above-listed symptoms or engine damage. Kia does not test aftermarket filters and recommends the use of Kia genuine parts that are designed to operate at the specifications set forth during engine lubrication design and testing to ensure optimal engine lubrication system performance.

If the engine oil has been changed recently and a noise condition has developed, perform an inspection of the oil filter and/or customer oil change maintenance records to help in determining if a substandard aftermarket filter or the wrong oil viscosity was used. If the vehicle has the wrong oil viscosity or is equipped with a suspected substandard aftermarket oil filter, recommend to the customer that they authorize an oil and filter change using the correct oil grade / viscosity and a replacement Kia genuine oil filter, at the customer’s expense, to attempt to alleviate these symptoms. Additionaly, inform the customer that correct oil viscosity information is included in the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual.