How Often Does Hyundai Elantra Need Oil Changes? (Explained)

The engine oil is an essential part of vehicles that enables smooth movement and protects the engine.

However, engine oil doesn’t last forever, and you need to change it frequently for continuous movement and to ensure the durability of your engine.

On that note, how often does Hyundai Elantra need an oil change? 

Hyundai Elantra needs an oil change every 7,500 miles-10,000 miles. It’s advisable to change the oil before the due date to avoid unnecessary problems. Failure to change the oil after a specific time might lead to engine failure. 

How Often Does Hyundai Recommend Oil Changes? 

Hyundai recommends oil changes after every 7,000 miles-10,000 miles for full synthetic oil.

Meanwhile, it recommends oil changes after 3,000 miles-5,000 miles for conventional motor oil. 

Oil changes form an integral part of your vehicle that keeps it up and running. And as such, you need to change the oil frequently as it doesn’t last forever despite its outstanding performance.

So even if you purchase a high mileage oil, you still need to change it when it’s due. 

You can book a service maintenance session at your dealership to change the engine oil on time.

Alternatively, if you have some experience in the line of car repairs, then you can change the oil yourself.

You can easily do it by following the steps below. 

• First off, purchase a 5W-20 or the 5W-30 in synthetic or conventional oil(preferably synthetic oil). 
• Purchase an oil filter. Consult your dealership to get an OEM Hyundai Elantra oil filter.
• Use carjacks or steel ramps to hold your vehicles.
• Ensure that your vehicle has jack stands or wheel blocks.
• Put an oil basin directly beneath the drain plug, loosen the plug and drain out the oil. Put the plug after this process is complete. 
• Find the oil filter and drain it out.
• Bring the new filter and apply a little new car oil to the rubber seal.
• Set up the new filter in place, then fasten it with your hand; afterward, tighten it with the oil filter wrench. 
• Pour in the specific new oil of about 4.2 quarts in your engine.
• Use a dipstick to examine the oil level. If the oil is low, add another ounce, then examine the oil level again. You can stop when you obtain a reasonable oil level reading. 

How many Miles can you go without an Oil Change? 

You can go for 3,000 miles-5,000 miles with conventional motor oil without changing the oil within this duration.

On the other hand, you can go for 7,500 miles-10,000 miles with full synthetic motor oil before the oil change. 

You must carry out oil changes as often as you can to ensure the smooth running of your vehicle, especially if you’re using conventional motor oil or synthetic blend oil.

However, these oils still contain minerals that might block your engine if it builds up uncontrollably. 

So it’s best to change them frequently, preferably after every 2,000 miles. You can also check your vehicle every month or every week for oil leakages and repair them before they worsen.

On the other hand, if you plan on changing the current oil in your vehicle to another one. 

Then, you need to flush out the existing oil completely. For instance, if you plan to switch from full synthetic oil to high mileage oil, you need to flush out the synthetic oil.

Otherwise, you might begin to encounter a lot of problems if you mix them. Nevertheless, you can set a reminder on your smartphone to alert you when it’s time for an oil change. Does Honda Recommend Full Synthetic Oil?

How Much is an Oil Change for a Hyundai Elantra? 

Oil change for Hyundai Elantra usually costs between $116 and $130. The labor costs are approximately $48-$60, while other parts cost $69-$70.

However, this range doesn’t encompass taxes and fees; it only contains the cost of an oil change. 

However, this depends on the nearby dealer in your location as the prices vary and may be more or less somewhere else.

For example, a conventional motor oil change will cost you between $35 and $75, depending on your area. 

On the other hand, a synthetic oil change will cost you approximately $65-$125, depending on your location.

The cost of changing conventional motor oil is usually more affordable and cheaper. The only downside is that you have to change it frequently and it comes with more costs. 

For instance, you might have to change it 6-8 times in a year, costing you $280-$600.

So although synthetic oil change is quite expensive, it’s worth it as you might only need to change it once or twice a year. 

Now, let’s do the math! If synthetic oil change costs $125 then you will spend roughly $250 for changing the oil twice. Awesome, right?

That’s less than the amount you would spend on changing conventional oil frequently in a year. 

So you need to plan a proper budget and fit in all these costs and settle for the more beneficial one.

Alternatively, you can settle for synthetic blend oil, but the difference between this oil and conventional oil isn’t much. 

You would have to spend money for oil changes 5-6 times a year. Notwithstanding, the ball is in your court, and you can opt for the type of oil you want despite the cost. 

What Will Happen if I Don’t Change the Oil in my Engine? 

Your vehicle’s engine needs fresh and clean oil to enable proper functioning, and once you fail to do this, you will encounter problems.

Unfortunately, many car owners fail to adhere to certain instructions concerning their vehicles more often than not. 

And this ignorance leads to certain problems that could damage their vehicle. No matter how meager a vehicle’s problem appears, you shouldn’t take it lightly as it could cost you later.

Below are some problems you might encounter if you don’t change the oil on time. 

#1. Constant Knocking Sound 

You hear this sound when you try to start your engine, which happens when sludge blocks your engine. You should not ignore this sound as it’s a sign that your engine is in bad shape. 

#2. Dark and Dirty Oil 

This sign shows that your engine oil has lost its normal color and it’s no longer fresh and clean. And this means that the oil is unhealthy for your engine.

For instance, if the color of your engine oil is green and very turns dark suddenly, then it’s a red flag, and you need to change the oil.

That’s the major reason why engine oil has colors to detect any problem in the engine. 

#3. Smoke Emission From the Exhaust Pipe 

This smoke is often very dark and contains toxic gases like carbon monoxide. The smoke is toxic, choking, and could be detrimental to your health.

When the gas becomes too much to bear, you need to check your engine. 

#4. Engine Overheating 

When your engine begins to produce too much heat, there’s something wrong somewhere. Sometimes the heat is too much that you can’t open the bonnet of your car.

This problem boils down to your engine oil, and you have to go to your dealership for an oil change. 

Hyundai Elantra Oil Change in less than 7 minutes

Final thoughts 

Oil changes are one routine that many car owners need to take seriously, especially with Hyundai Elantra. You can change the oil after every 3,000 miles-5,000 miles for conventional oil.

And 7,500 miles-10,000 miles for synthetic oil. This way, you can save yourself a lot of money on repairs and replacing your engine.