Keeping a Hyundai Accent running for the foreseeable future is about more than simply being a safe driver on the road. While keeping your eyes peeled and attention on the road at all times will help to prevent an accident, it won’t do anything to stop mechanical breakdowns. This is why taking care of preventative maintenance tasks on a regular basis throughout the year is so important.

Some preventative maintenance tasks need the professional hand of a repair shop, such as rotating tires or inspecting certain specific parts, whereas others can be handled by a vehicle owner. One of the most important preventative items on your maintenance schedule, which can be handled by any average person, is an oil change.

Learn the importance of regular oil changes and how to complete one yourself on your Hyundai Accent so that you can help to ensure a smooth driving experience for years.

The Importance of Regular Oil Changes

The importance of regular oil changes truly cannot be overstated. Understanding this importance starts with understanding the role oil plays in a vehicle. In short, if an engine is the heart of a vehicle, oil is the blood running through the vehicle. The most important aspect of oil is that it acts as a lubricant in the engine, helping metal parts move without causing too much friction.

Additionally, oil helps to prevent a buildup of sludge in the engine. As it passes through the engine utilizing its passages, it pulls gunk off of the walls of those passages. Contrary to popular belief, however, the reason oil needs to be replaced isn’t that it evaporates. While it does evaporate eventually, albeit, at a much slower pace than water, the main reason it needs to be replaced is that it becomes a less efficient lubricant the older it is. This can result in greater friction between metal components in the engine, which can damage the entire system, leading to thousands of dollars in auto repairs.

Leading Indicators for When to Change Oil

Considering the importance of oil outlined above, the last thing any Hyundai Accent owner wants is for their trusty vehicle to fail them on the road. This is why all drivers should take the time to understand the leading indicators that their oil is going bad. Each of the following should be cause for checking your current oil levels:

The Oil Change Light Turns On

Most modern vehicles come with an oil change light that alerts a driver when the oil level gets low or if there is a problem with the oil. For the majority of cars, this light turning on simply means that it’s time to replace the oil. However, should you notice this light turning on in conjunction with mechanical issues with the car, it’s possible a more serious oil issue is occurring.

The Engine Makes Odd Knocking Noises

As oil becomes less efficient at its job when it ages, the friction that comes between parts can cause your engine to start making weird knocking noises as you drive. While there are other potential causes for this, it may mean that a Hyundai Accent oil change is in order.

The Vehicle Has Exceeded the Recommended Replacement Time

After the last time you took the time to change your oil, it’s likely that a sticker was placed in your vehicle, which indicated when the next oil change was due. In the past, every 3,000-5,000 miles was the general rule of thumb, though engines have become more efficient, and now every 5,000-7,500 miles can be considered a guideline for some vehicles.

The Exhaust in Your Vehicle Becomes Smoky

Similar to a knocking noise appearing in your Hyundai Accent engine, another key sign that it may be time to change the oil in your car is if the exhaust seemingly becomes smoky for no reason. This can also be caused by putting the wrong oil type in a car, however, so keep this in mind when changing oil.

Preparing for an Oil Change 101: Everything You Need

Before diving into the oil change on your Hyundai Accent, you will need to prepare your vehicle so that it is ready to go. To do so, grab the following necessary tools:

• Wrench to remove the drain plug
• Oil filter wrench
• Oil drain pain
• Latex gloves
• Funnel
• Oil
• Oil filter

There shouldn’t be any more tools needed than the above for a conventional oil change, but check your owner’s manual to be sure your Hyundai Accent doesn’t require anything specific.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Hyundai Accent Oil

Changing oil in a Hyundai Accent is easier than most people assume at first glance. Here are the quick and easy steps to follow for your oil change:

1. Check the type of oil and amount of oil you need by consulting the el manual del propietario of your vehicle and then going to the store or ordering online
2. Gather all of the supplies listed above and any extras that you may need
3. Your engine and oil should be warm when changed, but not hot. Allow your vehicle to cool down after it is running, but don’t let it go stone cold.
4. Locate the oil filter and drain plug under the car, which will likely be a bottom-mount screw-on filter
5. Position your drain pan underneath the drain plug, offset by a couple of inches, as the oil will come out at an angle
6. Take the oil filler cap off under the hood of the car
7. Put on gloves and remove the oil drain plug with a wrench, then finish unscrewing by hand
8. Reinstall the drain plug after the oil has drained completely
9. Top off your vehicle with the right amount of fresh oil and screw back on the oil filler cap
10. Check the oil level using the dipstick

How to Dispose of Used Oil

Avoid throwing out used oil at all costs once you have completed the oil change on your Hyundai Accent. It has been illegal to dispose of oil in sewers, drainage systems, surface or ground waters, water courses, or in the trash for many years in most states, and if you are caught, you can be fined heavily or placed under arrest.

Instead, research accredited oil recycling facilities in your area that can safely dispose of the waste on your behalf. There shouldn’t be a cost associated with dropping your used oil off, which means there is absolutely no reason not to visit a site near you.

Protect Your Vehicle with Endurance Auto Warranty

While taking care of regular oil changes is an excellent way to help ensure there is a lower risk of breaking down on the road, it doesn’t take away the total possibility. This is why being prepared for the unknown by investing in an extended warranty contract is so important. These contracts, paid for on a monthly or yearly basis, offer financial protection when a covered mechanical breakdown occurs on your vehicle, allowing it to be fixed for cheap so that you can get back on the road quicker.

Endurance Auto Warranty offers customizable extended warranty contracts for drivers to consider. Those seeking basic protection that is designed for aged vehicles can make use of the Secure Plus plan, which covers common parts such as the engine and transmission, whereas those seeking more expansive protection can consider the Superior plan, which offers expansive coverage for intricate components such as the fuel system. Additionally, each Endurance package comes with Elite Benefits for a small activation fee, which offers bonus perks such as 24/7 roadside assistance, up to $1,000 in total loss protection, up to $500 in collision coverage, and much more.

To experience our award-winning customer service firsthand, give our dedicated team a call at (800) 253-8203 a Solicite una cotización GRATIS. Alternatively, check out our tienda en línea for instant price previews and to shop with confidence.

Read more about all things automotive en el blog Endurance, including more engine and transmission fluid tips, DIY tricks, auto expert advice, warranty provider comparisons, and more!

Hyundai Accent FAQs

How much oil does a Hyundai Accent take?

Depending on the specific Hyundai Accent model a person has, the amount of engine oil that can be stored will differ. However, it is likely that the capacity for your motor oil will fall in the range of 3.5 quarts to 4.0 quarts. All drivers should refer to their owner’s manual for confirmation.

Where is the oil pan on a Hyundai Accent?

Understanding how to change oil can be difficult without understanding the entirety of the oil storage system. On the Hyundai Accent, the oil pan is located on the bottom of the engine, specifically being bolted to the engine block.

How often should I get the oil changed in my Hyundai Accent?

The Hyundai Accent follows the standard modern recommendation for oil changes in vehicles, meaning a person should change their oil every 3,000-5,000 miles on average. When in doubt, refer to the sticker that was put on your windshield at the time of your last oil change.

What oil do I put in a Hyundai Accent?

The majority of Hyundai Accent models will take a synthetic blend of oil rather than full synthetic motor oil. However, it’s best to refer to your local auto shop to buy the oil in person rather than trusting your gut and making the purchase online.