The 2012 Hyundai Sonata’s base model 2.4-liter inline-4 engine has an engine oil capacity of 4.8 quarts. Your owner’s manual recommends using 5W-20 or 5W-30 motor oil.

If your Hyundai Sonata is due for an oil change, you’ll want to make sure you know which version you’re driving. This information, along with everything you need to know about your car’s regular maintenance, is easily found in your owner’s manual. You can also look under the hood of your vehicle for information on the size and type of your engine.

If you have a 2012 Sonata with the basic 2.4-liter I-4 engine, Jerry is here to guide you through doing your own oil change! And don’t forget to stick around for information on Jerry’s

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2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 L engine oil capacity

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata’s 2.4-liter I-4 engine has an engine oil capacity of 4.8 quarts

While we refer to this engine as a “2.4-liter” engine, this figure refers to the engine’s displacement—a way that we measure the different sizes of combustion engines, in liters. The displacement is not the same thing as your engine oil capacity, though, and it’s important not to confuse the two.

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What kind of oil does a 2015 Honda Pilot need?

Your 2012 Hyundai Sonata works best when lubricated with synthetic 5W-20 or 5W-30 motor oil.

Not exactly sure what that means? There’s a fairly simple explanation! If we look at “5W-20,” we can start with the letter “W,” which stands for “Winter.” The number in front of the W represents the oil’s viscosity index at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, while the second number represents how viscous it is at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, the common operating temperature of a combustion engine.

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How often to change the oil on a 2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 L

If you use synthetic oil, you can drive about 7,500 miles before needing an

oil change

. It’s important to be on time with your oil changes to avoid excessive wear and tear on your engine.

Haven’t been keeping track of how long it’s been since you last changed your Sonata’s oil? You can look out for these symptoms indicating that your oil is too old:

Dirty oil is bad oil. If you check your oil and it looks dark and opaque, it’s probably ready for a change.

You can also check if it feels gritty or coarse, further indicating that it’s dirty and could damage the engine.

Really overdue engine oil may even cause your engine to make unusual noises and worrisome smells

At the end of the day, if you’ve noticed your Sonata just isn’t running as great as usual, it’s a good idea to check your oil to see if it’s time for a change!

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Changing your own oil is a great way to become more familiar with your vehicle while saving money on labor costs at an oil change shop. But before you get going, you’ll need the following supplies:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement oil filter

4.8 quarts of 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic oil.

Funnel

Rags (for the mess)

As soon as you have everything ready to go, the first step to performing an oil change is to start your engine. Run it for about 5 minutes, allowing the oil to warm up and become more viscous. This will speed up the draining process. Afterward, turn off the engine and follow these steps:

After opening the hood, find your car’s oil fill cap and open it, setting the cap somewhere safe.

Now, get underneath your car’s engine. Position the drain pan to catch draining oil and access the oil drain.

Once you’re ready to start draining the oil, unscrew the oil drain bolt and washer using your handy socket wrench. Be prepared for a messy moment!

Once the oil is flowing, double-check that the oil pan is in a good location to catch all the oil.

Eventually, the oil will start to drain a bit slower. This is your cue to take off the old oil filter and screw on the new one, following any instructions provided.

Once all of the old oil is drained from your Sonata’s engine, reattach the oil drain bolt with a new washer, tightening it to 25-33 lb-ft.

Now, get your 4.8 quarts of new synthetic oil and pour it into the oil fill opening using a funnel. Once that’s done, close the oil fill cap again.

Before you wrap up, make sure to check your oil level and check for any

oil leaks

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

Pro Tip Pour old oil into sealable containers to be recycled. NEVER dump it down the drain, don’t pour it onto the ground, and please don’t put old oil in the garbage!

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Performing your own oil change is a great way to save time and money, but your savings potential on your 2012 Hyundai Sonata doesn’t end there!

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