maintenance
60K Service
for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
3.0 h
Tools
14
Steps
11
Complete 60,000 mile scheduled maintenance service including engine oil and filter change, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, transmission fluid inspection, coolant system inspection, brake system inspection, tire rotation, and multi-point inspection.
Warnings
⚠️Ensure engine is cool before beginning work to avoid burns from hot oil, coolant, and engine components.
⚠Always use jack stands when working under the vehicle. Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack.
⚠Do not mix different types of coolant. Use only Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green).
ℹ️This vehicle uses SP-IV-M transmission fluid only. Do not substitute with other ATF types.
Tools required
Socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential
Ratchet and extensionsEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Oil filter wrenchEssential
Oil drain pan (minimum 6 quart capacity)Essential
FunnelEssential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Spark plug socket (16mm)Essential
Spark plug gap toolEssential
Brake fluid test strips
Coolant hydrometer
Flashlight
Shop towelsEssential
Parts
- Engine oil filter × 1 — 26300-35503 or equivalent
- Drain plug washer × 1 — 21513-23001 or equivalent
- Engine air filter × 1 — 28113-2H000 or equivalent
- Cabin air filter × 1 — 97133-2H001 or equivalent
- Spark plugs (NGK or equivalent) × 4 — 18855-10060 or LZKR6B-10E
Fluids
- Kia Genuine 5W-20 — 4.5 qt
- Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) — 0.5 qt
- DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours if recently driven)
- Gather all tools, parts, and fluids before beginning
- Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
- Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover clips
Procedure
- 1Drain engine oilLocate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Position drain pan beneath plug. Remove drain plug using 17mm socket and allow oil to drain completely (approximately 10 minutes). Inspect drain plug washer for damage and replace with new washer.
- 2Replace oil filterLocate oil filter on front driver side of engine block. Using oil filter wrench, rotate filter counterclockwise to remove. Clean filter mounting surface on engine block. Apply thin film of fresh oil to new filter gasket. Install new filter hand-tight, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn.
- 3Refill engine oilInstall drain plug with new washer and tighten securely. Lower vehicle. Add 4.0 quarts of Kia Genuine 5W-20 engine oil through oil filler cap. Start engine and run for 30 seconds, then shut off. Wait 5 minutes, check oil level on dipstick, and add remaining oil to bring level to full mark (approximately 0.5 quarts).
- 4Replace engine air filterOpen hood and locate air filter housing on driver side of engine bay. Release four clips securing air filter housing cover. Lift cover and remove old air filter. Clean inside of housing with shop towel. Install new air filter ensuring proper orientation (arrows should point toward engine). Secure housing cover and ensure all clips are fully engaged.
- 5Replace cabin air filterOpen glove box and remove contents. Press inward on both sides of glove box to release stops and lower completely. Locate cabin air filter cover on right side of HVAC housing. Press tabs to remove cover. Slide out old cabin air filter noting orientation arrow. Install new filter with arrow pointing toward rear of vehicle. Reinstall cover and glove box.
- 6Replace spark plugsRemove ignition coil connectors by pressing release tabs. Remove four 10mm bolts securing ignition coils (one per cylinder). Pull coils straight up to remove. Using compressed air, blow debris from around spark plug wells. Remove spark plugs using 16mm spark plug socket with extension. Gap new spark plugs to 0.039-0.043 inches (1.0-1.1mm). Apply anti-seize compound to plug threads. Install new plugs finger-tight, then tighten an additional 1/4 turn. Reinstall ignition coils and reconnect electrical connectors.
- 7Inspect and service transmission fluidWith engine at operating temperature, locate transmission fluid dipstick near firewall on driver side. Remove dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert fully, and remove to check level. Fluid should be in HOT range when engine is warm. Inspect fluid color and smell - should be red/pink and not burnt. If fluid is dark or smells burnt, recommend complete transmission service. Top off if needed with Kia SP-IV-M ATF only.
- 8Inspect cooling systemVisually inspect all coolant hoses for cracks, swelling, or leaks. Check coolant level in overflow reservoir - should be between MIN and MAX marks when cold. Test coolant freeze protection using hydrometer (should protect to -37°F). Inspect radiator cap seal for deterioration. If coolant is rusty or contaminated, recommend coolant flush and fill service. Top off reservoir with Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) if needed.
- 9Inspect and service brake systemCheck brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir - should be between MIN and MAX marks. Test brake fluid condition using test strips - if moisture content exceeds 3%, recommend brake fluid flush. Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for damage or leaks. Check brake pad thickness through wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). Inspect rotors for scoring or excessive wear. Top off brake fluid with DOT 4 if needed.
- 10Rotate tiresRaise vehicle and support on jack stands at all four corners. Remove all four wheels. For FWD pattern, move front tires to rear on same side, and rear tires to front opposite side (left rear to right front, right rear to left front). Inspect tire wear patterns and tread depth (minimum 2/32 inch). Check for cuts, bulges, or other damage. Reinstall wheels and tighten lug nuts in star pattern.
- 11Multi-point inspectionInspect battery terminals for corrosion and ensure tight connection. Check power steering fluid level (should be at MAX mark when cold). Test all exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals). Inspect windshield wipers and check washer fluid level. Inspect drive belts for cracks or glazing. Check for any fluid leaks under vehicle. Inspect suspension components and CV boots for damage. Test operation of horn and all gauges.
Reassembly
- Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing firmly until seated
- Lower vehicle from jack stands
- Remove wheel chocks
- Reset maintenance reminder in instrument cluster if equipped
Verification
- Start engine and verify no oil leaks from drain plug or filter
- Verify oil pressure warning light extinguishes within 2 seconds
- Check for any fluid leaks under vehicle after test drive
- Verify all dashboard warning lights function normally
- Test drive vehicle to confirm proper operation of engine and transmission
- Verify smooth acceleration with no misfires after spark plug replacement
- Record mileage and service performed for maintenance history