Kia Maintenance Schedule by Mileage | Kia

 

Service in Burlington, NC 

 

Most Kia owners know they need an oil change every so often. Fewer know that Kia lays out a full maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual, with specific services due at specific mileage points. Following it keeps your Kia running as it should and helps protect your warranty. 

Here’s what Kia’s normal maintenance schedule looks like, broken down by mileage. Exact intervals can vary a bit by model and engine, so check your owner’s manual or ask our service team about your specific Kia. 

 

Every 8,000 Miles or 12 Months 

 

This is your core service visit, and it’s due at whichever comes first. Even if you only drive 5,000 miles a year, you still need it annually. At this visit, Kia recommends: 

• Engine oil and filter change
• Tire rotation 
• Brake fluid inspection 
• Inspection of the 12-volt battery, brake pads and rotors, hoses, exhaust, cooling system, suspension, and steering components
• A bottle of fuel additive, if you don’t regularly fill up with TOP TIER detergent gasoline

Every 16,000 Miles 

 

Replace the cabin air filter, which Kia calls the climate control air filter. It traps dust and pollen before they reach the vents, and anyone who has lived through an Alamance County spring knows how much pollen it can trap. The drive shafts and boots also get inspected at this interval. 

 

Every 24,000 Miles 

 

Replace the engine air filter. A clogged filter makes your engine work harder for the air it needs, which can hurt performance and fuel economy. 

 

Every 48,000 Miles or 48 Months 

 

Replace the brake fluid. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can make the pedal feel soft. Kia also starts regular drive belt inspections around this point. 

 

Every 96,000 Miles 

 

Replace the spark plugs on many Kia gas engines. Worn plugs can cause rough idling, hesitation, and lower gas mileage.

 

At 120,000 Miles or 10 Years 

 

Replace the engine coolant for the first time. After that, Kia recommends replacing it every 24,000 miles or 24 months. 

 

Do You Drive Under Severe Conditions? 

 

Kia has a second, more frequent schedule for what it calls severe usage. It sounds extreme, but the list covers a lot of everyday driving: 

• Frequent short trips under 5 miles 
• Heavy traffic or stop-and-go driving 
• Repeated driving on hills 
• Towing or carrying loads on the roof 
• Dusty, muddy, or unpaved roads 

If quick trips across Burlington or rush hour on I-40/85 sound like your week, the severe schedule may be the better fit. It calls for an oil and filter change every 5,000 miles or 6 months, plus more frequent checks of air filters, brakes, and suspension. Kia also recommends switching to the severe schedule once your vehicle passes 10 years or 100,000 miles. 

Some newer Kias have an oil life monitor that tracks your driving and alerts you when an oil change is due. If yours does, follow the alert, but don’t go past the maximum interval in your manual. 

 

Keep Your Service Records 

 

Kia’s owner’s manual specifically tells owners to keep receipts for all maintenance to protect their warranty. That applies whether you service your Kia with us or somewhere else. For more on what your coverage includes, read our Kia warranty guide.

 

Make It Easier With a Kia Maintenance Plan 

 

If you’d rather not track every interval yourself, a Kia Maintenance Plan prepays your factory-recommended services. Plans are backed by Kia America and run from one to six years, with two services per year. Every plan includes full synthetic oil and Genuine Kia Parts, and your price is locked in even if labor and parts costs go up. Plans also transfer to the new owner if you sell your Kia.

 

Schedule Kia Service in Burlington 

 

Our factory-trained technicians follow Kia’s maintenance schedule for your exact model and use Genuine Kia Parts. For oil changes and tire rotations, our Express Service gets you in and out quickly. Check our service specials, then schedule service online or call 336.396.0608. You’ll find us at 2149 Hatchery Road in Burlington.