Does Hyundai Santa Fe Use Synthetic Oil? (Explained)

Cars have varied oil variants. Some vehicles use synthetic and conventional oils, while others function best with just a particular oil type.

Using the wrong oil for your car can hamper its functionality and efficiency.

So if you’ve been asking, ‘why does Hyundai Santa Fe use synthetic oil,’ here’s the answer to your question.

Hyundai Santa Fe uses the 5W-30 engine oil, both the synthetic and conventional oil variants. But, Hyundai Santa Fe uses the synthetic viscosity grade variant because it can withstand high temperatures, protects the engine, and lasts for up to 10,000 miles before you can think of changing it.

What Type of Oil Does a Hyundai Santa Fe Use?

5W-30 engine oil is the oil type recommended for Hyundai Santa oil. Aside from the 5W-30 engine oil, Hyundai Santa Fe also uses 5W-20 and 10W-30, depending on the car model.

If you just bought the car, it’s understandable if you get confused about choosing the right engine oil for your vehicle. 

Manufacturers may recommend more than one oil grade for your vehicle in some cases.

If you’re unsure about the right oil for your car, you can contact your auto-dealer or use the oil finder system to find the right oil.

Additionally, it’s always advisable to have at least a liter of oil in your boot if your oil dries up while on the road.

Also, when choosing the right oil for your Hyundai Santa Fe, don’t be on the assumption that any cheap oil will be of low quality.

Instead, please select the right oil (5W-30) and regularly change it.

Does Hyundai Recommend Synthetic Oil?

Hyundai recommends synthetic oil, but some models use conventional oil. That is to say, not all Hyundai cars use synthetic oil.

Hyundai Elantra, for instance, uses synthetic oil because it serves drivers with more benefits than conventional oils.

Conventional oils are less expensive than synthetic oils. This reduced cost is because they are unrefined crude oil.

So, if you’ll be using conventional oil, get ready to change the oil more often. It’ll be an advantage anyway because it’s affordable.

On the other hand, synthetic oil is refined and has more enhanced additives that help extend the car engine’s life and increase its performance.

Besides, conventional oil lasts for about 3,000 to 5,000 before it requires change, while synthetic oil lasts for up to 10,000 before it needs change.

So, generally, synthetic oils have more benefits than conventional oils.

However, all Hyundai cars come with full synthetic motor oil from the factory to the auto dealer.

So, the regular use of synthetic oil is vital to ensure complete protection of your car engine, excellent performance, and driving condition of your vehicle.

What’s the DifferenceDifference Between 5W-20 and 5W-30?

5W-20 and 5W-30 are high-grade winter viscosity oils designed for aged engines with light-duty engines. They are more valuable in colder temperatures.

The digit coming before the letter represents the oil’s viscosity under 32°F, the “W” in the name means “winter,” and the number after it denotes the oil’s viscosity at 212°F.

The similarity between both oils is that they have SAE 5W winter oil-type properties. However, the less the number, the more the oil performance in cold temperatures.

Below are their disparities:

#1. Operating Temperature

5W-30 operates at a higher temperature performance than the 5W-20, and it is thicker. Also, it doesn’t break down easily at warmer temperatures.

So, it can strongly guard your engine components under unfavorable conditions. 

In contrast, the 5W-20 isn’t as large as the 5W-30. As a result, it can secure engine parts but may not withstand high-temperature settings.

#2. Gas Mileage

Thinner oils with lower viscosity provide improved fuel efficiency than other oil types.

In addition, when the operating temperature is normal, the oil will offer a thin protective barrier between the engine parts, improving its performance and reducing friction.

This protection enhances fuel efficiency and gas mileage.

So, 5W-20, which is the thinner oil with lower viscosity, helps to impact fuel economy. Even though the impact may not be evident, it makes much difference.

Most importantly, ensure you use only the car oil recommended by your mechanic or engine manufacturer.

As much as the 5W-20 car oil enhances fuel economy, it’s not safe to replace your regular oil with it as it could trigger harm to your engine.

The reason is that it is only suitable for low (to moderate) cold temperatures.

Also Read: Can Hyundai Accent Use E10 Fuel?

Are 5W-20 And 5W-30 Oil Synthetic? 

The 5W-20 and 5W-30 oils come in synthetic and conventional oil variants.

The latter is manufactured by utilizing refined crude oil as the base oil and various additives (including corrosion inhibitors).

As a result, they both enhance fuel efficiency and protect the engine parts against damage and friction.

But, conventional oils don’t stay as prolonged as full synthetic oils. Synthetic motor oil is very stable under intense temperatures and very reliable.

Usually, a 5W-20 synthetic oil will perform more in a mild temperature than the 5W-30 conventional oil. 

5W-30 and 5W-20 oils also come in synthetic oil blend variants. The synthetic blend multi-grade oil performs better than the normal oil and is less expensive than the full synthetic oil.

Note that high or older mileage engines with more than 75,000 miles warranty will require special high mileage oils to protect their engines.

So, if your vehicle is under that category, contact your auto dealer for a good recommendation of high mileage oil.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil on Hyundai Santa Fe?

A conventional oil change is one of the essential services you must frequently undertake on your vehicle.

Generally, Hyundai recommends that you change the oil of your Hyundai Santa Fe every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you’re using conventional oil.

You can change the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if you’re using synthetic motor oil.

However, it’s best to go through your user manual or contact your auto dealer to confirm the intervals that work with your car model.

Also, you don’t need to do the oil change yourself; you can take your car to your mechanic for an oil change and service.

That way, your car will be well checked and diagnosed to see whether there is any problem.

Additionally, the oil change cost varies depending on the car type, oil type, and engine size.

For instance, a passenger car with a four-cylinder will use less oil and conventional oil than a vehicle with a high-performance V8 engine, needing fully synthetic motor oil.

Benefits of Oil Change in Hyundai Santa Fe

As I said earlier, an oil change is necessary for cars. Motor oils have a lot of functions and benefits. Some of them include:

#1. Protects the Engine From Corrosion

One of the additives used in producing motor oils majorly serves to reduce oxidation and prevent corrosion.

#2. Keeps the Engine Clean

An oil change will always keep the engine of your Hyundai Santa Fe clean. Plus, the engine will operate at maximum efficiency.

That is because the oil carries dust particles and debris from the engine arts to the oil filter, where they are trapped, reducing dirt build-up in the engine.

#3. Reduces Heats

Heat is usually produced with the engine parts collide and could cause damage to the vital parts of the engine.

So, when the oil is changed, it moves around the engine and carries the heat away to cooler parts.

#4. Prevents Engine Knocking

Motor oil protects the engine parts from friction by providing lubrication to prevent the engine pistons from touching.

This lubrication also prevents damages caused by engine knocking.

#5. Improves Fuel Efficiency

When the engine parts are slippery, the force required to move them will be less, reducing the amount of fuel used.

Closing Thoughts

Your Hyundai Santa Fe user manual contains all the necessary information you need about your car. If you’re confused about anything, do well to go through it.

As you’ve found out, Hyundai Santa Fe doesn’t use only synthetic oil; it uses conventional oil. So, the viscosity grade of your car model is what determines its oil type.

However, no matter the oil you use for your car, always carry out regular maintenance, servicing, and oil change for prolonged engine life. Get a good mechanic, and your car problems are over!