What can low oil do to my Kia Optima engine?

Motor oil lubricates important engine parts. If your oil reservoir is low or empty, these parts can grind together, overheat, and cause your Optima’s engine to fail. That’s why you should check your oil and get it changed regularly.

Can I change my Kia Optima oil at home?

First off, changing your own oil isn’t as easy as you’d think. You’ll have to figure out how to properly dispose of the oil and buy special tools. Having your oil professionally changed reduces the chances of something going wrong with the oil change, but it’ll also help your car perform smoothly down the road.

Why is my Kia Optima exhaust smoke grayish or blue?

There could be an oil leak and your engine is burning oil. Time to have a qualified technician check things out. A leak can be caused by a variety of issues including faulty valve seals, damaged piston rings, or worn cylinder walls.

Who does Kia Optima oil changes?

Firestone Complete Auto Care performs Kia Optima oil changes and more! Our technicians also replace oil filters, troubleshoot oil leaks, and advise on the right oil for your ride.

Why is the oil light on in my Kia Optima?

Your Kia Optima oil change reminder light might illuminate if it’s been too long since your last oil change. On the other hand, the oil pressure light might illuminate due to a clogged oil filter, a faulty oil pressure sensor, low engine oil levels, or a malfunctioning oil pump.

Do I need to change my Optima's oil filter when I get an oil change?

Every time you change the oil in your Kia Optima, you should also replace the oil filter. Otherwise, you risk contaminating your brand-new oil with the dirt and debris built up in your old filter.

2003 Kia Optima Oil Change Service

Get an Oil Change

Get an Oil Change for Your Kia Optima

Help your 2003 Optima engine last longer with regular oil changes and lube service. Schedule an appointment now!

Schedule Oil Change

When to Change 2003 Kia Optima Engine Oil

Need more info about 2003 Kia Optima oil changes? Get the advice you need at Firestone Complete Auto Care! We are experts in car care — not just tires. We know all about motor oil, too. After all, "Oil is the blood of the engine. It's the #1 thing you can do for your car," says our maintenance technician, Brianna.

Kia recommends having your 2003 Kia Optima’s motor oil changed at regular intervals. Check the interval for your vehicle mileage in the table above. No matter the mileage, your Optima may need its oil changed ASAP if your check engine light is on, you hear knocking sounds coming from the engine, smell oil inside the car, or notice an unusual amount of exhaust. You might need an oil change more frequently than what’s recommended by Kia if you regularly haul heavy loads, frequent dusty roads, enjoy off-roading, or go at low speeds on long distance trips. More frequent oil changes generally won't harm your Kia Optima. In fact, every oil change is an opportunity to diagnose and treat any other issues, such as bad brakes or a failing battery.

What’s the Right Type of Oil for 2003 Kia Optima?

Whether it’s synthetic, conventional, or a blend of both — your local Firestone Complete Auto Care has the right oil for your Kia Optima. Kia has most likely outlined either synthetic or conventional as the best motor oil for your 2003 Optima. This oil helps lubricate engine parts, maintain proper engine temperature, and keep harmful substances from building up inside the engine. During an oil change, an auto technician will change your Optima’s oil, replace and recycle your used oil and filter, inspect the rest of your car’s filters, top-off essential fluids, and visually inspect the rest of the vehicle. You can drive easy knowing that we strive to do what's best for your vehicle and take into account your driving style, weather and road conditions,

Types of Motor Oil for Kias

Wondering what motor oil brands you can find at Firestone Complete Auto Care? Your Optima engine deserves the very best, which is why we only stock the best! Consult Kia's recommendations to select the right 2003 Optima oil and talk with a teammate to learn more about our oil options: Quaker State® Advanced Durability™ conventional oil, Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oil with PurePlus™ Technology, and Shell Rotella® heavy-duty engine oil. There are plenty of motor oils on the market today, so why do we prefer these brands? They are champions. For instance, when tested in taxi fleets across North America, Quaker State was shown to provide 2x more protection than the industry standard. [1] There's also Pennzoil. Unlike traditional synthetic motor oils, the Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic line of motor oils with PurePlus® Technology is formulated from pure natural gas, which helps lead to better performance. But don't forget about Shell Rotella for heavy-duty engines. It's made for gasoline and diesel engines that need to overcome the strenuous working conditions, and is uniquely strengthened to deliver increased wear protection, heightened performance in extreme temperatures, and improved oxidation resistance. For help selecting the right motor oil for your 2003 Kia Optima, defer to Kia's recommendations.

Where to Get an Oil Change for Kia Optima

When the time for your Optima’s next oil change rolls around, you’ll know where to get it. Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care has the ideal oil for your Optima’s engine. We’ll take care of you and your car at your convenience, with the right engine oil at a competitive price. Find out how much your Kia Optima oil change will cost by calling ahead. Make an appointment for an oil change service today and let the oil experts take care of your Optima's engine. For your convenience, many of our stores are open late and on weekends!

[1] ILSAC GF-5 represents the latest performance standard set by the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), a joint effort of U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers. Most automobile manufacturers are expected to recommend oils that meet ILSAC GF-5. API SN is the most recent service category issued by API’s Lubricants Group. Oils meeting API SN and the new “Resource Conserving” designation meet all ILSAC GF-5 performance requirements.

Oil Change Q&A for Your 2003 Kia Optima

What can low oil do to my Kia Optima engine? Motor oil lubricates important engine parts. If your oil reservoir is low or empty, these parts can grind together, overheat, and cause your Optima’s engine to fail. That’s why you should check your oil and get it changed regularly.
Can I change my Kia Optima oil at home? First off, changing your own oil isn’t as easy as you’d think. You’ll have to figure out how to properly dispose of the oil and buy special tools. Having your oil professionally changed reduces the chances of something going wrong with the oil change, but it’ll also help your car perform smoothly down the road.
Why is my Kia Optima exhaust smoke grayish or blue? There could be an oil leak and your engine is burning oil. Time to have a qualified technician check things out. A leak can be caused by a variety of issues including faulty valve seals, damaged piston rings, or worn cylinder walls.
Who does Kia Optima oil changes? Firestone Complete Auto Care performs Kia Optima oil changes and more! Our technicians also replace oil filters, troubleshoot oil leaks, and advise on the right oil for your ride.
Why is the oil light on in my Kia Optima? Your Kia Optima oil change reminder light might illuminate if it’s been too long since your last oil change. On the other hand, the oil pressure light might illuminate due to a clogged oil filter, a faulty oil pressure sensor, low engine oil levels, or a malfunctioning oil pump.
Do I need to change my Optima's oil filter when I get an oil change? Every time you change the oil in your Kia Optima, you should also replace the oil filter. Otherwise, you risk contaminating your brand-new oil with the dirt and debris built up in your old filter.