What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
2006 KIA Sorento 2.5 diesel - Any problem in using a low SAPS oil in older car? - Cafm1992

Hi guys,

I am helping my uncle to service his Kia Sorento as he hasn’t had it done so in over 6 years!

Kia recommend 10w40, but I am struggling to find any fully synthetic for a decent price, which as it holds 8.2 litres a decent price would be welcomed.

I’d prefer fully synthetic as he isn’t too keen on regular oil changes and from reading other forums I am opting to use 5w30.

I have found some Mercedes brand low SAPS 5w30 fully synthetic on eBay for £35 for 10l and £55 for 20L which seems to be a very good price.

My question is, are there any issues to using low SAPS oil in an older vehicle which doesn’t have a DPF?

2006 KIA Sorento 2.5 diesel - Any problem in using a low SAPS oil in older car? - RT

It's an "old-school" engine, if Kia say 10w-40 then use that, 5w-40 or 0w-40 - all the same warmed up but thinner when cold so circulates quicker. Find out what ACEA rating Kia specify and stick to that rigidly.

Don't use a -30 oil, that's fine for modern low tolerance engines but not if -40 was required new.

Low SAPS oil is ok on cars without DPF (it's a requirement if they do have one) but focus on the other aspects first

2006 KIA Sorento 2.5 diesel - Any problem in using a low SAPS oil in older car? - gordonbennet

I agree, i buy 5W40 full synthetic in bulk, its within spec for our cars and when bought in bulk packs is stupidly cheap.

5w30 is often specced for modern engines, but when you consult the handbook lube chart you find that there is a range of oils that can be used in our moderate climate, i too wouldn't want a 30w max when the car has a 40w requirement.

2006 KIA Sorento 2.5 diesel - Any problem in using a low SAPS oil in older car? - Cafm1992

Thanks for the advice RT and Gordonbennet,

I realised I had made a mistake, It was actually 10w30 B4 that Kia call for so I guess the Merc oil would be ok to use.

On the ASDA website, their own brand oils are on offer at the moment, and they do a Ford specification 5w30 fully synthetic, £15 (down from £22) for 5 litres. The only thing I can see wrong with this oil is that it is a B5 fuel economy oil whereas Kia are calling for B4.

My understanding from a few websites and forums is that B5 is a slightly lower viscosity oil which may not provide adequate protection.

I imagine that it is still probably better for the engine than the 6 year old oil is at the moment though!

2006 KIA Sorento 2.5 diesel - Any problem in using a low SAPS oil in older car? - RT

Thanks for the advice RT and Gordonbennet,

I realised I had made a mistake, It was actually 10w30 B4 that Kia call for so I guess the Merc oil would be ok to use.

On the ASDA website, their own brand oils are on offer at the moment, and they do a Ford specification 5w30 fully synthetic, £15 (down from £22) for 5 litres. The only thing I can see wrong with this oil is that it is a B5 fuel economy oil whereas Kia are calling for B4.

My understanding from a few websites and forums is that B5 is a slightly lower viscosity oil which may not provide adequate protection.

I imagine that it is still probably better for the engine than the 6 year old oil is at the moment though!

If Kia call for API 10w30, ACEA-B4 you should be able to find that readily - B5 doesn't mean it's better than B4, just different - many oils cover more than one ACEA category.

Asda do a selection of different grades as do Opie Oils.

2006 KIA Sorento 2.5 diesel - Any problem in using a low SAPS oil in older car? - Wackyracer

Millers Trident 5w40 A3/B4 £80 for 25litres.

I'm always sceptical about buying oil on Ebay unless it's a reputable seller as there have been many cases of 'fake' oil being sold and who know what might actually be in that bottle?

Edited by Wackyracer on 09/04/2016 at 11:43