How Often Should You Service Your Hyundai?

Owning a Hyundai is a smart move if you care about reliability, value, and long warranties. But even a well-engineered Hyundai needs regular care to stay safe, efficient, and fun to drive. One of the most common questions we hear at Kunes Hyundai of Sycamore is:

“How often should I service my Hyundai?”

The general rule for many modern Hyundai vehicles is to service them about every 7,500 miles or 12 months under normal driving conditions. However, there is no true one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal schedule depends on what you drive, how far you drive, and where you drive around Sycamore, DeKalb, and the surrounding Illinois communities.

Below, we’ll walk through practical, real-world guidance that aligns with Hyundai’s recommendations and what our certified technicians see every day in our service bays.

Every Hyundai model comes with a factory maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. That document is always the first authority to follow, because it’s tailored to your specific year and model.

In everyday terms, most Hyundai owners can think of maintenance in a few key mileage checkpoints:

• Around 7,500 miles: This is typically the interval for an oil and filter change, tire rotation, and a basic inspection of brakes and major components. Many drivers hit this about once a year.
• Around 15,000–30,000 miles: At these points, your Hyundai may need fresh cabin and engine air filters, more detailed brake checks, and closer inspections of steering, suspension, and cooling systems.
• Around 60,000 miles and beyond: This is when larger services come into play, such as transmission fluid service (where applicable), spark plugs, and deeper inspections of components that naturally wear as you rack up miles.

If that sounds like a lot to keep track of, you’re not alone. That’s why our team at Kunes Hyundai of Sycamore keeps digital records of your visits and can quickly tell you what you’re due for and what can wait.

One of the most important—but often overlooked—factors in service timing is your driving conditions.

Hyundai, like many automakers, separates driving into “normal” and “severe” or “extreme” conditions. Many people assume they’re normal drivers, but the reality around Sycamore and northern Illinois can be a bit different.

You may fall into the severe driving category if you:

• Frequently sit in stop-and-go traffic on your commute
• Take lots of short trips where the engine doesn’t fully warm up
• Drive through harsh winter weather, road salt, and summer construction zones
• Spend time on gravel, rural, or dusty roads
• Tow a trailer or regularly haul heavier loads

If any of that sounds like your life, it may be smart to shorten your service intervals—for example, getting oil changes closer to every 3,750–5,000 miles instead of stretching to the max. Our service advisors can look at your routine and help you choose a schedule that protects your Hyundai long term.

It’s easy to put off a service visit when life gets busy. But delaying maintenance can cost more in the long run—both in dollars and peace of mind.

Engine oil doesn’t just sit there; it works hard every time you start your Hyundai. Over time, heat, contaminants, and normal engine operation break oil down. If you wait too long between oil changes, that oil can’t protect your engine as effectively. That can lead to excessive wear, sludge buildup, and, in the worst cases, major engine damage.

Routine oil and filter changes are one of the most affordable ways to help your Hyundai last beyond 100,000 miles and well into the high-mileage range.

Simple maintenance items have a direct effect on your fuel economy. Underinflated tires, clogged air filters, and worn spark plugs all make your engine work harder than it should. When we inspect your vehicle during a service visit, we’re not just checking boxes—we’re making sure your Hyundai is performing close to the way it did when it left the factory.

For drivers who commute between Sycamore, DeKalb, and neighboring towns, those small efficiency gains add up over time.

Most big, expensive repairs start as small issues: a minor fluid seep, slightly uneven tire wear, a brake pad that’s getting thin. When you stay on your service schedule, our technicians can catch those issues early, explain what’s happening, and give you options.

Early detection often means a small, planned repair instead of a surprise breakdown.

Our service center is staffed by Hyundai-trained and certified technicians who work with Hyundai models every day. That matters for a few reasons:

• We know the common wear patterns on popular models like the Elantra, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade.
• We use parts and fluids that meet Hyundai’s specifications, including the correct synthetic oil and filters for your engine.
• We have access to Hyundai technical information, service bulletins, and diagnostic tools that generic shops might not use.

A typical visit might include an oil and filter change, tire rotation (if due), a multi-point inspection, and fluid top-offs. If your mileage or time interval suggests additional services—like an air filter, brake service, or coolant check—we’ll walk you through what’s recommended and why, so you can make informed decisions.

We also keep a digital record of your visits, which helps with warranty concerns and can be a selling point when you’re ready to trade or sell your Hyundai.

We often see Hyundai owners around Sycamore who only drive a few thousand miles a year—maybe retired drivers, work-from-home professionals, or households with multiple vehicles. They’ll ask, “Do I really still need yearly service?”

In most cases, yes. Even low-mileage vehicles need at least once-a-year maintenance because:

• Oil can degrade over time, not just miles.
• Moisture and condensation can build up, especially in colder climates.
• Rubber components like belts and seals age even when the car isn’t driven far.

An annual visit is a great way to keep your Hyundai ready for those road trips, unexpected errands, or last-minute drives to visit family.

You don’t have to wait for a specific mileage number if something feels off. Schedule a service visit with Kunes Hyundai of Sycamore if you notice:

• Warning lights on the dashboard
• New or unusual noises while driving, braking, or turning
• Vibrations through the steering wheel or brake pedal
• Pulling to one side when you brake
• A sudden drop in fuel economy
• Burning, fuel, or musty smells, especially through the vents

These symptoms are your Hyundai’s way of asking for attention. Ignoring them can turn a simple fix into a bigger repair.

While general guidelines are useful, the best maintenance plan is custom to you. When you bring your Hyundai to our service center, we consider:

• Your exact model and year
• Current mileage
• How and where you drive
• Your previous service history

From there, we can create a realistic plan that keeps your vehicle in good shape without overselling services you don’t need. That’s part of earning your trust and building a long-term relationship with you as a customer.

How often should I get an oil change on my Hyundai?

For many newer Hyundai models using synthetic oil, a change around every 7,500 miles or 12 months under normal driving is common. If you have severe driving conditions—lots of short trips, harsh weather, towing, or dusty roads—it’s often better to shorten that to around 3,750–5,000 miles. Our service team can confirm the right interval based on your owner’s manual and driving habits.

Do I have to service my Hyundai at a dealer like Kunes Hyundai of Sycamore?

You’re not legally required to use a dealership, but there are advantages. At Kunes Hyundai of Sycamore, your vehicle is handled by Hyundai-trained technicians using parts and fluids that meet Hyundai’s standards. We also keep detailed service records, which can help with warranty coverage and improve resale value.

Will skipping recommended service void my warranty?

Skipping a single oil change will not automatically void your warranty, but neglecting maintenance over time can complicate warranty claims—especially if a failure is linked to lack of proper care. Following Hyundai’s maintenance schedule and keeping records from a trusted service center is the best way to protect your coverage.

My Hyundai doesn’t have many miles, but it’s been over a year. Is that okay?

It’s better not to let too much time go by. Even at low mileage, oil ages, moisture can build up, and components can deteriorate. If it’s been around a year or longer since your last visit—regardless of miles—it’s a good idea to schedule service.

How do I know exactly what my Hyundai needs right now?

If you’re unsure, you’re in the same boat as most drivers. Give us your mileage, model, and last service date, and we’ll review Hyundai’s schedule and your history to recommend what’s due now and what can wait. You can call, schedule online, or stop by Kunes Hyundai of Sycamore and we’ll walk you through it.

If you’re wondering, “Is my Hyundai due for service?” there’s a good chance it’s worth checking. Our team at Kunes Hyundai of Sycamore is here to make maintenance simple, transparent, and convenient—whether you’re driving an Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade, or another Hyundai model.

Check your current mileage, find your last service record, and then schedule your appointment with us. We’ll help you stay on the right maintenance schedule so your Hyundai can keep doing what it does best: getting you where you need to go, safely and reliably, for years to come.