Avoid Fram, at least the low-end Fram filters. I'm also leery of brands such as Wal-Mart's "Tech." Do a search on oil changes and you will find a lot of information.
Only thing you have to do is use the proper oil as called for by the manual.
I've bought filters from the dealer for the same price at the local auto parts store because there is a limited selection for the Sonata. They also give me a new washer for the drain plug so it may be replaced at each change. By saving the dealer receipts, it is also evidence of change if documentation would ever be needed under the warranty.
I change every 7500 miles per the manual for my type of driving. No oil use between changes yet either. One more thing, you say it is straightforward. You do know the filter is on top I assume? Open a free account of
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and get the diagram of the location and instructions.
You'll like the performance from the V-6 too. Very good acceleration.
Thanks for the response. I know the filter is on top, that's what makes the job easier, no lying on my back under a car removing and replacing a filter I cannot see in a hard to access area.
Was going to buy a 4cyl Sonata but a test drive in the V6 changed my mind.
Do a Google. There are a few folks who have torn down and inspected a number of filter brands. The insides of the cheap Fram filters are really cheap. Things such as less filter media than better brands, cardboard end plates rather than metal (although I'm not convinced that this is so bad since the filter media is paper-based also), el cheapo anti-drainback valve that often leaks (this IS very bad), etc.
If you think an oil filter is just a cylinder of paper, you may not know enough about engines to be doing your own maintenance work.
Filter for the v6 is a cartridge type and truly is a cylinder of filter media with 2 plastic end caps. Picture of filter is at:
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Assuming the dimensions are correct the only problem area would be the filter media, too little or lets too large particles through. Visual comparison of a Fram filter to Purolator and NAPA equivalents show no obvious difference in the filter media. There are no cardboard pieces or anti-drainback valves to worry about.
Google search has such a variety of opinions that do not help me reach a conclusion I can believe in.
I missed that you had the V-6. If Fram cuts corners in their spin-on filters, why do you think they use a different philosophy in their cartridge filters? However, it is your car so buy what you want. If you didn't plan to take anyone's advice here, why did you waste our time asking for it?
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