[westslope]

Also, regardless of how well an oil tests, there must be some abrasiveness to suspended particles which would contribute to piston ringwear.

So, when I pull the dipstick and the oil is darkening I may change the oil sooner than the normal mileage marker.

Dirty oil will be brown but not all brown oil is past its usefulness.


EDIT late May 2021, 6 months later:

Thanks to this post by Sportster Doc, which, once again, got me thinking..., I now look for a rapid change in the colour of oil and will likely use that as a catalyst to change the oil sooner than originally planned.

 

[ssouza3]

How to prevent oil and power loss in a Kia Soul GDI engine

compiled and written by westslope with valuable input from GeekOnTheHill, GeoSoul and SportsterDoc

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines can be more efficient than multiport injection (MPI) engines but require more pro-active maintenance as the intake valves in the GDI engines are not washed in fuel and can carbon up. Increased oil loss signals problems that could lead to increased operating costs, lower fuel efficiency, more polluting emissions, and in the worst case scenario catastrophic engine failure.

Here are a couple of pictures of intake valves. The first is from an MPI engine, the second is from a GDI engine. The intake valve is noticeably dirtier in the second photo. h/t bwdz75

View attachment 136985

View attachment 136986


This thread outlines a maintenance schedule that should prevent or solve problems and keep your Kia Soul GDI engine operating smoothly for years to come. It is primarily aimed at do-it-yourself mechanics but also contains suggestions on how to best use the dealership or qualified independent mechanic.


Strict minimum must do maintenance

• Check the oil level often between oil changes. Once or twice a month when the engine is cold.
• Make sure the oil level is full but not overfilled.
• Change your oil and oil filter on time.
• Err on the side of shorter oil change intervals.
• Check the oil level shortly after an oil change. And then check it a week later.
• Use full synthetic motor oil.

Best practice maintenance suggestions

• Use top quality synthetic oil rated at GF-6A and API SP.
• Although top quality synthetic oil can last much longer than standard synthetic oils, oil changes on GDI engines should be kept to shorter intervals. Many advise changing the oil frequently, at intervals not exceeding 8,000 km or 5,000 miles. Kia recommends changing oil and filter every 12,000 km or 7,500 miles under ideal driving conditions.
• Many council switching to 5W30 synthetic oil after the break-in period to forestall deposit build up that can later lead to oil loss. Switch immediately to the heavier grade 5W30 oil if oil loss is or becomes a problem. A few of us still use 5W20 synthetic oil with success but remain vigilant. Both grades were originally recommended by Kia but in recent years Kia seems to have evolved to recommending only the 5W30 grade. 10W30 would also work in warmer climes.
• Use Top Tier brand name, detergent-rich gasoline. If not available in your region, consider frequent fuel treatments (see below under Do it yourself treatments).

Synthetic oil suggestions

Synthetic oils have continuously improved over the years in ways that reduce engine wear, in particular timing chain wear, reduce oxidation and deposits, help prevent low-speed preignition (LSPI) problems in turbocharged gasoline GDI engines, and so on.

Popular brands of oil rated GF-6A and API SP are Pennzoil Platinum (several types), Mobil 1 (several types), Castrol Edge Advanced and Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic. Total Quartz 9000 is recommended by Kia.

Extended oil change interval varieties of motor oil can last 24,000 km / 15,000 miles and even longer in some multiport engines. They cost a little more. Examples: Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, Mobil 1 Extended Performance, Castrol Edge Extended Performance. Some of us shop them on sale but still stick to short oil change intervals.

The Kia dealerships sell a box of oil filters that are good, inexpensive and protect the warranty.


Do it yourself treatments

Two treatments are popular. They can be performed a week or month prior to regular, scheduled oil changes, or every few months depending on the condition of the engine and available fuel quality:

Intake valves

Clean out the intake valves with a spray can such as CRC GDI IVD Intake Valve and Turbo cleaner, Berryman Intake Valve and Combustion System Cleaner or Lucas Deep Clean GDI. This procedure works better with two persons but may be insufficient for vehicles already suffering significant oil loss. For serious oil loss, see below.

Fuel additives

Add a bottle of fuel additive which will dissolve carbon deposits in the engine and help keep the injectors clean. PEA stands for polyether amines and is a critical component of many fuel additives. Chevron Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner is popular; Chevron does not currently report the PEA concentration preferring to keep it a 'Trade secret'.

Red Line SI-1 fuel system cleaner also has a high PEA content (25% to 30%). Gum Out All in One Fuel System Cleaner + Ethanol Treatment reports a PEA concentration of 3 to 7%. The product has a good reputation on-line.

Do not exceed concentration recommendations.

Note that any PEA is being immediately diluted when added to the fuel tank. So strictly speaking the concentration level in the bottle is not that important seeing how the volume of fuel treatment/injector cleaners can be increased or decreased.

Fuel tank sizes vary widely so there are relatively few useful rules of thumb. Fuel tank information is important; look it up. Follow manufacturer recommendations.

Fuel additives may not be required if constantly using Top Tier gasoline.

Option: Some who regularly fill up on discount brand gasoline, could add small amounts of PEA fuel additive every fill up though adding some every forth fill up might be sufficient.

Technically Advanced Option: Pull and examine the condition of the spark plugs. They should be dry and exhibit brown or grayish-tan deposits. Oil deposits on the plugs likely point to oil leaking into the cylinders.


Short jaunts only

If the vehicle is frequently driven short distances, the motor never gets a chance to fully heat up and boil off condensation. This can be partially resolved by occasionally taking the Soul out onto the highway and driving more aggressively at high speeds, the infamous "Italian Tuneup".

I am jealous so I will rename it the "Canadian Tuneup". Canadian Tuneups are popular with many experienced mechanics, auto technicians (modern mechanics with almost the equivalent of a university degree) and do-it-yourself wrenchers. Drive in a lower gear if you want to avoid exceeding the speed limit.

If only driven short distances, intake valve cleaning should perhaps start before the first oil change. Shorter oil-change intervals should also help. For severe driving conditions such as short jaunts only with no highway travel, the oil change interval should be shortened to as little as 5,000 km or 3,000 miles. Kia recommends that the oil be changed every 6000 km or 3,750 miles under severe usage conditions.


For serious oil loss

If the vehicle is already experiencing noticeable oil loss between oil changes, consider more frequent, perhaps monthly fuel treatment and intake valve cleanings as well as reducing the oil change interval.

If there is a serious oil loss problem that appears not to be correcting with the above methods, a few more radical methods are available: 1) BG Air Intake & Valve cleaning, 2) piston soak, and 3) walnut blasting.

The BG Air Intake & Valve Service and walnut blasting of the pistons must be performed by a qualified shop, and in most cases that shop will be a Kia dealership.

The BG Air Intake & Valve Cleaner service appears to be a cost-effective option compared to continued oil loss, higher emissions and substandard performance. A more comprehensive BG Fuel System Service is also offered that includes intake valve cleaning and cleans the air throttle body and plenum, fuel injectors and the combustion chamber.

Kia dealerships in the USA charge roughly $140 for a treatment. Downtown Kia in Vancouver, British Columbia offers the service for C$179.95. (early 2021)

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the treatment is most worthwhile.

Pro-active maintenance
Kia auto technician bwdz75 uses this induction/carbon cleaning service every 30,000 miles (~48,000 km) on the two GDI engine vehicles he personally owns (Kia and Mazda).

A piston soak can be performed by a lay mechanic willing to acquire the right tools and chemicals. A piston soak seeks to clean the piston rings/oil control rings. Here is a video that might help: How to Clean Piston Rings Or Oil control rings after head Gasket failure / CCV Failure On Any Car.

The author of the video recommends a British product that may not be easy to find in North America. One can easily substitute with popular fuel injector cleaners mentioned above. Other products such as Sea Foam and even Lacquer thinner have been reported to work.


Less frequent maintenance

► Emission system components should be occasionally inspected and either cleaned or replaced.

The PCV valve is easy to remove and inspect. PCV refers to positive crankcase ventilation. It can be cleaned with degreaser, throttle body cleaner or brake cleaner and then blown out with pressurized air. Or it can be inexpensively replaced with an OEM part from the Kia dealership. Perhaps do this once every 40 to 50 thousand miles / 64 to 80 thousand kilometers.

Option: some enthusiasts replace the PCV valve with an oil catch can.


► Infrequently, clean the air throttle body intake and valve with throttle body cleaner, a soft cloth and a tooth brush. This will help the engine idle and accelerate smoothly as well as reduce carbon deposits.


Dealership or other qualified mechanical shop maintenance

• You can either ask for top quality synthetic motor oil or supply it yourself (but ask the shop first).
• Check the oil level immediately after you leave the shop. Then check it a few days later. Look where the vehicle is parked for any signs of oil leaks.
• Many of us shy away from quick oil change shops but if you use one, please note that actually seeing new clean oil on the dipstick under fluorescent lighting can be difficult. Make sure the quick oil change shop does not overfill the motor oil.

For background reading

Keeping GDI and T/GDI Intake Systems Clean

Preventing and Addressing Oil-Burning Problems in a GDI Engine

Check Your Number, Because 3,000 Miles May Be Too Early to Change Your Oil – CalRecycle

TOP TIER™ Detergent Gasoline Brands

Automotive Oil Change Intervals Severe vs. Normal Driving Filter Manufacturers Council, October 2006

Kia Soul: Maintenance under severe usage conditions

Kia letter to US owners of 2012 to 2019 Souls dated 31 July 2020 regarding maintenance

AAA FUEL QUALITY RESEARCH: Proprietary research into the effectiveness of fuel additive packages in commercially-available gasoline

Latest Oil Categories API Introduces Three New Gasoline Engine Oil Standards, ILSAC GF-6A, GF-6B, And API SP

and viewing

I like all your recommendations except using synthetic oil.
NEVER use it unless specified in your owners manual or authorized from a KIA corporate memo.
Unless you want to 💋 kiss your engine goodbye.IMHO

 

[celronart]

I like all your recommendations except using synthetic oil.
NEVER use it unless specified in your owners manual or authorized from a KIA corporate memo.
Unless you want to 💋 kiss your engine goodbye.IMHO

The dealership uses semi-synthetic. They get it cheap in a big drum. If you change oil 4 times a year, it's probably not cost effective. The "kiss💋 your engine good bye IMHO" This might require further research.

 

[rhysoul]

I like all your recommendations except using synthetic oil.
NEVER use it unless specified in your owners manual or authorized from a KIA corporate memo.
Unless you want to 💋 kiss your engine goodbye.IMHO

This isn’t true. It’s proven that synthetic has better protection over conventional and synthetic blends, especially in GDI or Turbo engines. I use it in mine and my engine is just fine. The newer Kia’s now state to use it in the owners manual.

 

[GeoSoul]

Time marches on from when our owners manuals were written and new, superior products become available. Always make sure they are backwards compatible to an older engine.

 

[Shaggy Wierdo]

To All: Let's keep the flaming down. This is not a site to bitch about the Rio. There are other members that like their KIAs and we generally do not wish to hear negative comments about KIAs not backed up by a story line.

Thank you.

 

[ssouza3]

This isn’t true. It’s proven that synthetic has better protection over conventional and synthetic blends, especially in GDI or Turbo engines. I use it in mine and my engine is just fine. The newer Kia’s now state to use it in the owners manual.

View attachment 139535

Which part isn't true? Elaborate.
You are saying that KIA 2011-2016 state to use synthetic in the owners manual and bulletin?
You are not being clear.

 

[ssouza3]

The dealership uses semi-synthetic. They get it cheap in a big drum. If you change oil 4 times a year, it's probably not cost effective. The "kiss💋 your engine good bye IMHO" This might require further research.

Oil manufacturers are finding ways to recycle junk oil and sell it to the consumer.
I lost an engine to synthetic in 2 weeks. I have the proof. The dealer that put it in my car admitted it somehow failed became too thin and leaked onto the combustion chamber. And burned up the engine.
Further research, anecdotal of course:
My childhood friend a PHD research chemist., for Dow-Corning, who tried to explain to me about what synthetic is basically broke it down to me in laymans, saying oil companies are becoming cheap and don't want to pump and refine, anymore or do as little refining as possible. So for FREE, to save costs they pick up Restaurant oil, cooking oils, used motor oils, manufacturing process oils filter them, then add a trade secret " glue polymer" that bonds all the different oils together.
Then they sell and market it as " better than regular oil" to the public for MORE money. He said That the " glue" in the oil is what holds everything together. If that fails your oil will turn to a thin oil resembling water and destroy the engine.
Oil companies love this as well because they get big tax credits for recycling and utilizing "green" technologies.
But basically synthetic is recycled garbage . In court when synthetic oil fails its hard to prove because defense would need to hire research chemists which are pricier than lawyers.
There is a reason there is a run on conventional oil. Research that.
It's hard to find it. What do those conventional consumers know that the synthetic users dont??
Remember, I told you so.

 

[celronart]

Oil manufacturers are finding ways to recycle junk oil and sell it to the consumer.
I lost an engine to synthetic in 2 weeks. I have the proof. The dealer that put it in my car admitted it somehow failed became too thin and leaked onto the combustion chamber. And burned up the engine.
Further research, anecdotal of course:
My childhood friend a PHD research chemist., for Dow-Corning, who tried to explain to me about what synthetic is basically broke it down to me in laymans, saying oil companies are becoming cheap and don't want to pump and refine, anymore or do as little refining as possible. So for FREE, to save costs they pick up Restaurant oil, cooking oils, used motor oils, manufacturing process oils filter them, then add a trade secret " glue polymer" that bonds all the different oils together.
Then they sell and market it as " better than regular oil" to the public for MORE money. He said That the " glue" in the oil is what holds everything together. If that fails your oil will turn to a thin oil resembling water and destroy the engine.
Oil companies love this as well because they get big tax credits for recycling and utilizing "green" technologies.
But basically synthetic is recycled garbage . In court when synthetic oil fails its hard to prove because defense would need to hire research chemists which are pricier than lawyers.
There is a reason there is a run on conventional oil. Research that.
It's hard to find it. What do those conventional consumers know that the synthetic users dont??
Remember, I told you so.

Very interesting story (personal and all)! Guess, all over the world, it's a scam? Some very hi-tech expensive cars use only synthetic oil.
My old '99 Ford E150 4.2L six van has gone over 100K (5-6K changes) with 5w40 diesel full synthetic oil.
No problems so far!😁

 

[Nobutter69]

I feel like we might be confusing synthetic oil with recycled oil...

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[GeoSoul]

The title is a little misleading, but the answer as to why Kia Engines Fail has alot to do with their owners.

 

[celronart]

Strict minimum must do maintenance

• Check the oil level often between oil changes. Once or twice a month when the engine is cold.
• Make sure the oil level is full but not overfilled.
• Change your oil and oil filter on time.
• Err on the side of shorter oil change intervals.
• Check the oil level shortly after an oil change. And then check it a week later.
• Use full synthetic motor oil.

All sounds great enough. Maybe, the last "must do" should be don't keep your Soul past XXX miles?

 

[chkmate]

I really appreciate the research and the maintenance reminders that everyone has posted. I have been doing frequent oil changes and fuel treatment every other tank on both of my Souls since day one. My 2010 SE2 2.0 has 207k miles with very little oil consumption between changes. My 2017 turbo has 80k miles with no oil consumption between changes. I guess that I do that Italian/Canadian tune up frequently b/c that is my driving style. It seems like keeping the engine hot and keeping valves clean is the ticket. I have not posted in a long time. So thanks for keeping this forum open. Y'all have always been a wealth information for owning a Soul!

 

[bassicallyjim]

I'm finally going to start doing my own oil changes on this car. I'm looking at different filters. Is an extended life oil filter (10,000 miles) a good idea? If I do use such a filter, is it acceptable to change the oil once or twice (if working on the 3,250 interval) without changing the filter?

 

[celronart]

I'm finally going to start doing my own oil changes on this car. I'm looking at different filters. Is an extended life oil filter (10,000 miles) a good idea? If I do use such a filter, is it acceptable to change the oil once or twice (if working on the 3,250 interval) without changing the filter?

Probably best to use the Kia OEM Filter regardless of the interval. I order mine online. Use to take it to the dealer for oil change Overfill. Got tired of that! They never got it right!

 

[westslope]

..... Is an extended life oil filter (10,000 miles) a good idea? If I do use such a filter, is it acceptable to change the oil once or twice (if working on the 3,250 interval) without changing the filter?

Yes. That is what I used in conjunction with extended performance synthetic oil. Change it once a year, typically at around 5K miles per year. Still using 5W20.

My opinion, you should always change the filter every time you change the oil. Even then, one is still leaving dirty, used oil in the engine.

 

[tony white]

How to prevent oil and power loss in a Kia Soul GDI engine

compiled and written by westslope with valuable input from GeekOnTheHill, GeoSoul and SportsterDoc

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines can be more efficient than multiport injection (MPI) engines but require more pro-active maintenance as the intake valves in the GDI engines are not washed in fuel and can carbon up. Increased oil loss signals problems that could lead to increased operating costs, lower fuel efficiency, more polluting emissions, and in the worst case scenario catastrophic engine failure.

Here are a couple of pictures of intake valves. The first is from an MPI engine, the second is from a GDI engine. The intake valve is noticeably dirtier in the second photo. h/t bwdz75

View attachment 136985

View attachment 136986


This thread outlines a maintenance schedule that should prevent or solve problems and keep your Kia Soul GDI engine operating smoothly for years to come. It is primarily aimed at do-it-yourself mechanics but also contains suggestions on how to best use the dealership or qualified independent mechanic.


Strict minimum must do maintenance

• Check the oil level often between oil changes. Once or twice a month when the engine is cold.
• Make sure the oil level is full but not overfilled.
• Change your oil and oil filter on time.
• Err on the side of shorter oil change intervals.
• Check the oil level shortly after an oil change. And then check it a week later.
• Use full synthetic motor oil.

Best practice maintenance suggestions

• Use top quality synthetic oil rated at GF-6A and API SP.
• Although top quality synthetic oil can last much longer than standard synthetic oils, oil changes on GDI engines should be kept to shorter intervals. Many advise changing the oil frequently, at intervals not exceeding 8,000 km or 5,000 miles. Kia recommends changing oil and filter every 12,000 km or 7,500 miles under ideal driving conditions.
• Many council switching to 5W30 synthetic oil after the break-in period to forestall deposit build up that can later lead to oil loss. Switch immediately to the heavier grade 5W30 oil if oil loss is or becomes a problem. A few of us still use 5W20 synthetic oil with success but remain vigilant. Both grades were originally recommended by Kia but in recent years Kia seems to have evolved to recommending only the 5W30 grade. 10W30 would also work in warmer climes.
• Use Top Tier brand name, detergent-rich gasoline. If not available in your region, consider frequent fuel treatments (see below under Do it yourself treatments).

Synthetic oil suggestions

Synthetic oils have continuously improved over the years in ways that reduce engine wear, in particular timing chain wear, reduce oxidation and deposits, help prevent low-speed preignition (LSPI) problems in turbocharged gasoline GDI engines, and so on.

Popular brands of oil rated GF-6A and API SP are Pennzoil Platinum (several types), Mobil 1 (several types), Castrol Edge Advanced and Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic. Total Quartz 9000 is recommended by Kia.

Extended oil change interval varieties of motor oil can last 24,000 km / 15,000 miles and even longer in some multiport engines. They cost a little more. Examples: Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, Mobil 1 Extended Performance, Castrol Edge Extended Performance. Some of us shop them on sale but still stick to short oil change intervals.

The Kia dealerships sell a box of oil filters that are good, inexpensive and protect the warranty.


Do it yourself treatments

Two treatments are popular. They can be performed a week or month prior to regular, scheduled oil changes, or every few months depending on the condition of the engine and available fuel quality:

Intake valves

Clean out the intake valves with a spray can such as CRC GDI IVD Intake Valve and Turbo cleaner, Berryman Intake Valve and Combustion System Cleaner or Lucas Deep Clean GDI. This procedure works better with two persons but may be insufficient for vehicles already suffering significant oil loss. For serious oil loss, see below.

Fuel additives

Add a bottle of fuel additive which will dissolve carbon deposits in the engine and help keep the injectors clean. PEA stands for polyether amines and is a critical component of many fuel additives. Chevron Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner is popular; Chevron does not currently report the PEA concentration preferring to keep it a 'Trade secret'.

Red Line SI-1 fuel system cleaner also has a high PEA content (25% to 30%). Gum Out All in One Fuel System Cleaner + Ethanol Treatment reports a PEA concentration of 3 to 7%. The product has a good reputation on-line.

Do not exceed concentration recommendations.

Note that any PEA is being immediately diluted when added to the fuel tank. So strictly speaking the concentration level in the bottle is not that important seeing how the volume of fuel treatment/injector cleaners can be increased or decreased.

Fuel tank sizes vary widely so there are relatively few useful rules of thumb. Fuel tank information is important; look it up. Follow manufacturer recommendations.

Fuel additives may not be required if constantly using Top Tier gasoline.

Option: Some who regularly fill up on discount brand gasoline, could add small amounts of PEA fuel additive every fill up though adding some every forth fill up might be sufficient.

Technically Advanced Option: Pull and examine the condition of the spark plugs. They should be dry and exhibit brown or grayish-tan deposits. Oil deposits on the plugs likely point to oil leaking into the cylinders.


Short jaunts only

If the vehicle is frequently driven short distances, the motor never gets a chance to fully heat up and boil off condensation. This can be partially resolved by occasionally taking the Soul out onto the highway and driving more aggressively at high speeds, the infamous "Italian Tuneup".

I am jealous so I will rename it the "Canadian Tuneup". Canadian Tuneups are popular with many experienced mechanics, auto technicians (modern mechanics with almost the equivalent of a university degree) and do-it-yourself wrenchers. Drive in a lower gear if you want to avoid exceeding the speed limit.

If only driven short distances, intake valve cleaning should perhaps start before the first oil change. Shorter oil-change intervals should also help. For severe driving conditions such as short jaunts only with no highway travel, the oil change interval should be shortened to as little as 5,000 km or 3,000 miles. Kia recommends that the oil be changed every 6000 km or 3,750 miles under severe usage conditions.


For serious oil loss

If the vehicle is already experiencing noticeable oil loss between oil changes, consider more frequent, perhaps monthly fuel treatment and intake valve cleanings as well as reducing the oil change interval.

If there is a serious oil loss problem that appears not to be correcting with the above methods, a few more radical methods are available: 1) BG Air Intake & Valve cleaning, 2) piston soak, and 3) walnut blasting.

The BG Air Intake & Valve Service and walnut blasting of the pistons must be performed by a qualified shop, and in most cases that shop will be a Kia dealership.

The BG Air Intake & Valve Cleaner service appears to be a cost-effective option compared to continued oil loss, higher emissions and substandard performance. A more comprehensive BG Fuel System Service is also offered that includes intake valve cleaning and cleans the air throttle body and plenum, fuel injectors and the combustion chamber.

Kia dealerships in the USA charge roughly $140 for a treatment. Downtown Kia in Vancouver, British Columbia offers the service for C$179.95. (early 2021)

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the treatment is most worthwhile.

Pro-active maintenance
Kia auto technician bwdz75 uses this induction/carbon cleaning service every 30,000 miles (~48,000 km) on the two GDI engine vehicles he personally owns (Kia and Mazda).

A piston soak can be performed by a lay mechanic willing to acquire the right tools and chemicals. A piston soak seeks to clean the piston rings/oil control rings. Here is a video that might help: How to Clean Piston Rings Or Oil control rings after head Gasket failure / CCV Failure On Any Car.

The author of the video recommends a British product that may not be easy to find in North America. One can easily substitute with popular fuel injector cleaners mentioned above. Other products such as Sea Foam and even Lacquer thinner have been reported to work.


Less frequent maintenance

► Emission system components should be occasionally inspected and either cleaned or replaced.

The PCV valve is easy to remove and inspect. PCV refers to positive crankcase ventilation. It can be cleaned with degreaser, throttle body cleaner or brake cleaner and then blown out with pressurized air. Or it can be inexpensively replaced with an OEM part from the Kia dealership. Perhaps do this once every 40 to 50 thousand miles / 64 to 80 thousand kilometers.

Option: some enthusiasts replace the PCV valve with an oil catch can.


► Infrequently, clean the air throttle body intake and valve with throttle body cleaner, a soft cloth and a tooth brush. This will help the engine idle and accelerate smoothly as well as reduce carbon deposits.


Dealership or other qualified mechanical shop maintenance

• You can either ask for top quality synthetic motor oil or supply it yourself (but ask the shop first).
• Check the oil level immediately after you leave the shop. Then check it a few days later. Look where the vehicle is parked for any signs of oil leaks.
• Many of us shy away from quick oil change shops but if you use one, please note that actually seeing new clean oil on the dipstick under fluorescent lighting can be difficult. Make sure the quick oil change shop does not overfill the motor oil.

For background reading

Keeping GDI and T/GDI Intake Systems Clean

Preventing and Addressing Oil-Burning Problems in a GDI Engine

Check Your Number, Because 3,000 Miles May Be Too Early to Change Your Oil – CalRecycle

TOP TIER™ Detergent Gasoline Brands

Automotive Oil Change Intervals Severe vs. Normal Driving Filter Manufacturers Council, October 2006

Kia Soul: Maintenance under severe usage conditions

Kia letter to US owners of 2012 to 2019 Souls dated 31 July 2020 regarding maintenance

AAA FUEL QUALITY RESEARCH: Proprietary research into the effectiveness of fuel additive packages in commercially-available gasoline

Latest Oil Categories API Introduces Three New Gasoline Engine Oil Standards, ILSAC GF-6A, GF-6B, And API SP

and viewing

listen folks the oil needs to be changed every 5000 miles period.oil is cheap engine are not remember that.

 

[weeple2000]

I posted a separate thread and was directed here. I'm looking for input on how effective these steps are at solving the oil consumption problem. For those of you who have experienced oil consumption, has switching to 5w30 synthetic from 5w20 synthetic helped? I have changed my PVC valve. I think I can manage the piston soak. For reference I think I went through a little under 2 quarts in 5k miles at which point I changed my oil.

 

[westslope]

@weeple2000, Did you actually read the thread?

Read the thread first. Read it carefully and then come back with some question and more information about your automobile.

 

[weeple2000]

@westslope
I did read the thread a couple times before posting. I reread it again. The closest I can get to answering my question is the 8th response in the thread. jdmartin had 7k oil change interval though, but it sounded like nothing helped the problem after it started. Any other input? I was hopeful to find someone reply to say they made progress on the issue but didn't see it.