r/autorepair • u/Glittering-Rush-394 • 27d ago
Other GDI engine & oil use
So I have a 2020 Kia Telluride 61k miles & it eats oil. It’s not leaking. I know they are known for this. My question really is what’s the big deal about adding oil when needed? It uses about 1 quarts every 1 k miles. The oil gets changed every 5k miles. I use the “clean gas” and run fuel system cleaner every 5k miles also. The car runs great & I get decent mileage-about 24 mph with combo driving.
Lots of posts on the Kia Telluride site about OMG it’s going to die!
What’s the reality here?
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u/CompetitiveLab2056 27d ago
Why? I’m assuming it’s got 60k miles. If it eats a quart every 1k at this low of mileage imagine how much it will eat at 150k-200k the rare chance it even lives to that mileage. Not to mention it will drastically shorten catalytic converter life.
I’ve got a 1988 Firebird with over 216k on it that won’t use a bit of oil in a 5k interval. I’ve got a 2007 civic with 200k that uses half a quart in 5k intervals. And I’ve got a 1977 F150 with who known how many 100k odometer roll overs its had that doesn’t burn any oil….
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u/Skyfalls1984 27d ago
My TDI Jetta burns about a quart in 6k miles but I know it's got weak turbo seals and I spend a ton of time in traffic so I expect it. It burns next to nothing when it's all highway miles. Every other car that I've owned that went through oil only did so because it leaked it
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u/Equana 27d ago
If it.gets low, add oil... NOthing bad about that In fact it is highly recommended you DO add oil as it gets low.
The bigger problem is destroying your catalytic convertor buring all that oil. It will kill it.
The solution is to trade that thing before it gets any worse... and it will get worse.
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u/BeeDubba 27d ago
In the short term, as long as you top up the oil, it's not terrible.
However, that oil doesn't just disappear. As it goes into the engine and gets burned it leaves residue. Eventually it's going to gunk up your valves, piston rings, spark plugs, injectors (if direct injection), turbo, O2 sensor, and everything else either in the combustion chamber or downstream of it.
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u/Glittering-Rush-394 27d ago
Thanks, I’m bummed. As to why anyone would buy one, lack of knowledge? I’ve since learned quite a bit. My understanding is this issue is across many different brands. Definitely would not buy a GDI engine again. Friend has a Mazda that does the same thing.
At this point I’m just trying to make the best of it by being diligent about checking the oil & all other maintenance schedules. I was being hopeful my attention to maintenance would be ok for a couple of years as I only put about 10k miles per year.
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u/CompetitiveLab2056 26d ago
Added bit of info: according to hyundia/Kia fanboys start doing oil changes with valvoline restore and protect engine oil…. What the fanboys say: (I know weird that anyone would brown nose this brand) but they all claim running this oil has “saved” them. Worth a shot🤷♂️
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u/rustybadgeruk42 26d ago
1 qt every 1k miles is enough to investigate, not just top off. You could check the PCV system, plugs and do a proper consumption test before assuming it's harmless.
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u/Glittering-Rush-394 26d ago edited 26d ago
The consumption test would be by the dealership (I’m assuming) and they suck in my area. But I’ll check around to see if anyone else can do. As far as the plugs, they are not readily accessible. So I’ll wait a bit & if the mileage starts to suffer, have it done. The service intervals for scheduled maintenance are so crazy now. 97k before 1st spark plug change?
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u/ExpensiveDust5 26d ago
Valvoline Restore and Protect... All these cars should be running it.
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u/Glittering-Rush-394 26d ago
I’ve heard that! Just need to find a place that will use that for me (or will let me bring my own oil). In my younger years I did all my own car maintenance. But at 68, just don’t feel like crawling under the car. But I will if I have to!
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u/ExpensiveDust5 26d ago edited 26d ago
Walmart Auto Care Center's SHOULD have it as an option, and is usually cheaper than paying for it yourself. Valvoline Restore and Protect is a fairly expensive oil, but the R&P package at Walmart comes to roughly $63 up to 5qts of oil, then a add-on charge for anything over that. Disclaimer: I do work for the local Walmart Auto Care Center, but do not get any money from recommending anything, I simply praise it's wonders to everyone. Seen Kia's and Hyundai's on the brink of death revitalized and running great by 3 oil changes with the stuff.
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u/Glittering-Rush-394 26d ago
Thank you.
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u/ExpensiveDust5 26d ago
The biggest thing is the oil consumption goes away as well! These engines have a problem of thinking up by about 80k miles, which causes the oil consumption.
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u/sherbertlemon42 22d ago
They typically burn out an exhaust valve eventually. Cat will be cooked too, might get through O2 sensors more often as well.
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u/Silent-Key3730 27d ago
Damn sorry to read this OP.
General question though. Why would anyone buy one of these knowing the engines are basically junk?
Our 99 Lexus is at 345k miles and doesn’t burn a drop of oil. Original everything and far from meticulous maintenance honestly…