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Dear Car Talk: I recently took my 2025 Kia Telluride in for its very first oil change. I inadvertently had them put conventional oil in the engine rather than synthetic.
Other than it not lasting as long and having to return earlier than I normally would for my next oil change, will there be any detrimental effects to my car with conventional oil? — Derek
Well, Derek, the engine is not going to suddenly seize up in a cloud of blue smoke tomorrow, if that’s what you’re worried about. Nor will you get pulled over by the Oil Police.
But this car’s manufacturer, Kia Motors, specifies synthetic oil for your Telluride for a reason. Synthetic oil has fewer impurities in it, and it provides superior lubrication to all the key parts of this engine.
Honestly, it’ll be nearly impossible to tell exactly what effect running the Telluride on conventional oil for the next 3,500 miles will have down the road. If the engine lasts 160,000 miles, would it have lasted 180,000 had you not made this mistake? It’s possible.
What I can tell you is that if this were my car, Derek, I’d drain that oil out tomorrow and refill it with the specified synthetic oil.
It’s a brand-new car. It probably cost you more than $50,000. And you’re probably hoping to keep it for many years. And yet, here you are, taking a long-term risk with your engine over a $100 mistake.
And here’s another thing to consider: If you ever have any problem with the engine under warranty, Kia could ask for proof that you’ve kept up on your maintenance. And I don’t know if they would, but they could challenge your warranty coverage based on your use of the wrong oil.
The risk of engine damage is small. But I still don’t think the risk is worth taking on a brand-new car. So, I’d get the correct oil in as soon as possible.
And then, on the way home, stop at an office supply store, buy a Dymo Label Maker, and make yourself a label that says “synthetic oil only,” and affix it to the middle of your steering wheel.
Got a question about cars? Write to Ray in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th St., 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email by visiting the Car Talk website at www.cartalk.com.