I have about 3,000 on my 2014 Sonata with the 2.4 engine. I'm ready to give it it's first oil change and I want to use synthetic oil as soon as possible. I wonder if 3,000 is enough for the break-in or should I give it more. I planned on using Mobil One synthetic unless there is one rated better for these Korean engines. Also if 3,000 isn't enough for the break-in what oil is recomended until that time?

 

This isn't 1981 anymore. Cars don't need a "break-in" period. However, 3,000 is too soon. I'd wait until 5,000 at the earliest or even 7,500. Then go right to synthetic and make the change intervals every 10,000 miles. That's what I've been doing with my cars.

 

So what is the initial 5,000 to 7,500 mile period called today then? Hyundai wants me to change the oil around 3,000 miles for the first change which I plan on doing myself which I think is a good Idea too for the initial run-in or whatever it's called today. I also realize the dealer wants me to come in for service as often as possible too for things I really don't need. I think 7,500 would be a reasonable time too for the synthetic but I'm wondering if one non-synthetic is recomended over another or if there are any to totaly avoid. Is just plain Pennzoil 5-20 suitable for the next 4,500 mi.?
My owners manual calls for oil changes every 7,500 mi even for the first one from the way I read it so do you feel it's OK to leave the original oil in it that long? I plan on doing all the maintenance on this car myself as I always have and I want to make sure I don't neglect anything to void the warranty. Looking through the service intervals in the manual it looks like there isn't much at all to replace engine-wise other than the oil changes and an air filter every so often till around 100,000. Evidently Korean timing belts must be pretty good today, I don't even see it mentioned or does the 2.4 use a chain?

 

It's called using regular oil instead of synthetic oil. If Hyundai supplied synthetic oil from the factory then I'd say wait until 7500 to 10000 miles. Since it doesn't, I'm suggesting changing it at 5000 to 7500 miles.

So if you were going to use regular oil, I'd suggest doing 5000 to 7500 mile intervals. With synthetic, I'd suggest doing 7500 to 10000 mile intervals.

I used to believe that too but cars and oils have changes so much recently that there is really no need.

The 2.4 used a chain.