The video clips and pictures in this guide are from a 2015 Hyundai Elantra.
Table of Contents
What you will need
Follow these steps to change the engine oil on your Hyundai.
- Oil Filter Pliers
- Hyundai Oil Filter
- Metric socket set
- Drain pan
- Car ramps
- Jack stands
- Wheel chocks
Procedure
- Drive the car up on ramps. Secure it with jack stands—place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
- Open the hood by pulling the hood release under the hood. Watch the video if you need help with this step.
- Secure your Hyundai. Engage the parking brake and make sure the gear selector is moved into the Park position.
- Access the Hyundai filter and oil drain plug. Remove the undercarriage from underneath the Hyundai engine. The plastic on the bottom is held in place with plastic screws.
- Remove all ten mm bolts for the splash shield.
- Remove plastic screws. There are also a few plastic screws that need to be removed.
Once you get them unscrewed a few turns, pull them out. Once all the screws are removed, the cover can be removed.
- Access oil filter. Now you can see the engine oil filter and drain plug. In the following picture, the oil filter is yellow.
- Drain engine oil. Place a drain oil pan under the engine. Remove the oil drain plug.
Let the oil drain for at least five minutes.
- Install Oil Drain Plug Reinstall the oil drain plug; if you have a replacement washer, make sure to install it. Tighten the oil drain plug to 30 lb-ft.
- Replace Engine Oil Filter Remove the oil filter using an oil filter wrench. You can remove the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise. Clean the surface where the oil filter will be installed. Apply a thin film of clean oil on the gasket of the new oil filter. Screw the new oil filter in and tighten it by hand until the gasket contacts the engine block. Tighten the new oil filter to 8.5-10 lb-ft. Most people can tighten the filter to 9 lb-ft by hand.
- Add engine oil. Remove the engine oil cap.
- Use a funnel to add oil.
If your Hyundai requires 4.5 liters/quarts, start by adding 4 quarts. Wait a few minutes and check the engine oil level.
- Re-check engine oil level Lower your vehicle from the jack or your ramp. Next, start the engine and let it run for a minute. Turn off the engine and let the car sit for a few minutes. Re-check the engine oil level to make it sit is within the required MIN and MAX marks of the dipstick.
What is the recommended oil change interval on a Hyundai?
According to Hyundai, 2010 and newer models (Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Santa Fe, Accent) have a recommended oil change interval of 7,500 miles. Pre-2010 Hyundai models require oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Every Hyundai engine is different, so it is better to look it up on your owner's manual.
Make sure to use synthetic oil and a quality oil filter.
If you switch to conventional engine oil, make sure to change the engine oil on your Hyundai every 3000 miles.
What is the engine oil capacity for a Hyundai?
Hyundai engine oil capacity with filter depends on the engine size.
- Accent
- 1.6L - 3.5 QUARTS
- Azera
- 3.3L 6 Cylinder Engine - 5.5 quarts
- 3. 8l 6 Cylinder Engine - 5.5 quarts
- Elantra
- 2.0L 4 Cylinder Engine - 4.2 quarts
- 1.8L 4 Cylinder Engine - 4.2 quarts
- Genesis
- 3.8L 6 Cylinder Engine - 5.5 quarts
- 4.6L 8 Cylinder Engine - 6.9 quarts
- Santa Fe
- 2.4L 4 Cylinder Engine - 4.9 quarts
- 3.5L 6 Cylinder Engine - 5.5 quarts
- Sonata
- 2.4L 4 Cylinder Engine - 4.5 quarts
- 3.3L 6 Cylinder Engine - 5.5 quarts
- Tucson
- 2.4L 4 Cylinder Engine - 4.8 quarts
- Veracruz
- 3.8L 6 Cylinder Engine - 5.5 quarts
Verify Hyundai oil capacities on your owner's manual.
What is the recommended oil for Hyundai vehicles?
The engine oil that is recommended for most Hyundai vehicles is 5W-30 full synthetic. 10W-30 is a better choice for hot climates, while 5W-20 works better in cold climates or if you want to get better fuel economy.
The recommended oil should meet API SM / ILSAC GF-4 standards; the viscosity should be printed on the oil cap located on top of the engine.
Check your owner's manual.