What type of transmission fluid do the Kia K3 and Cerato use? Check by model year, version, and OEM standard.

The Kia K3 and Kia Cerato come with various transmission options. Depending on the model and configuration, the car may use a different transmission.6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.Therefore, you cannot choose oil based solely on the car's name; you need to correctly identify the type of transmission and specifications in the car's documentation.

What types of transmissions are available for the Kia K3 and Cerato?

In Vietnam, the Kia Cerato and K3 were previously distributed with the following configurations:

6-speed manual transmission (6MT):Available on some versions of Cerato and K3.

6-speed automatic transmission (6AT):Commonly found on 1.6 AT and 2.0 AT versions.

7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT):Available on the 1.6 Turbo GT version.

Kia Vietnam's K3 brochure lists 6MT, 6AT, and 7DCT configurations depending on the version; the Cerato brochure also shows 6MT and 6AT versions. Therefore, the year of manufacture and car name alone are not enough to determine the type of oil. Kia Vietnam's K3 brochure, Kia Vietnam Cerato brochure.

Which transmission fluid is suitable for each type?

Cerato/K3 6-speed automatic transmission

Some Kia Cerato owner's manuals list automatic transmission fluid as standard.ATF SP-IVFor vehicles with this configuration, it is necessary to check the SP-IV requirements in the vehicle's documentation; ATF should not be selected simply because the product is advertised as being suitable for "Korean vehicles" or "6-speed transmissions". Kia Cerato 2018 owner's manual, section Recommended Lubricants and Capacities.

Cerato/K3 6-speed manual transmission

Manual transmission fluid varies by model and configuration. Kia documentation for different models may list different viscosity grades and standards, for example.SAE 75W-85 API GL-4or a different grade. You need to get the information from the correct vehicle owner's manual; it's not assumed that all manual transmission models use 75W-85.

Cerato/K3 with 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 7DCT fluid must be identified according to the correct transmission code and repair manual. It should not be replaced with 6AT ATF SP-IV fluid or regular manual transmission fluid simply because they belong to the "transmission fluid" group. DCT fluid and the inspection and replacement procedures depend on the specific transmission design.

How to determine the correct transmission fluid level.

Before buying oil or scheduling an oil change, check this:

Year of manufacture and version:For example, 1.6 MT, 1.6 AT, 2.0 AT, or 1.6 Turbo GT.

Gearbox type:6MT, 6AT, or 7DCT; don't speculate from the name K3/Cerato.

Transmission code or VIN:A Kia garage or dealership can check the configuration using the VIN number.

OEM oil standard:Read the section "Recommended lubricants and capacities" in the instruction manual or technical documentation for the specific market and version.

Kia provides a vehicle owner's manual for reference; be sure to select the correct model and year before comparing it. Kia Digital Owner’s Manual.

Which type of GARTZ oil can be used?

Compare the Kia oil standard requirements withTechnical specifications and application scope of the correct GARTZ productBefore making a selection, consider this. For example, GARTZ has separate groups of ATF, DCT, and manual transmission fluids; the product group name does not automatically indicate compatibility with all Kia transmissions.

You can watch GARTZ gearbox oil catalog, GARTZ ATF G6, GARZ DCTF and GARTZ MT 75W85Only choose a product if its specifications match your vehicle's requirements; for example, simply seeing "6-grade" or "75W85" isn't enough to conclude it's suitable.

To learn more about how to differentiate oils based on transmission fluid composition, see the article. How to choose AT, CVT, DCT, and MT oil..

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Kia K3 1.6 AT use the same oil as the 1.6 Turbo GT version?

That shouldn't be assumed. The 1.6 AT version may use a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Turbo GT version uses a 7DCT according to Kia's specifications. Please check the correct documentation for each version.

Should Kia Cerato/K3 manual transmission always use 75W-85 oil?

No. The oil grade depends on the vehicle make, transmission, and market. Check the owner's manual or transmission code before selecting.

Is it possible to choose oil by volume or color?

No. The capacity and color are not a substitute for OEM standards. You need to select the correct type of oil and follow the correct procedure for changing and checking the oil level.

Conclude

The Kia K3 and Cerato don't use the same transmission fluid for all models. Let's start with...version, gearbox type, and gearbox codeThen, compare the OEM specifications with the product. If you're unsure whether your car is a 6AT or 7DCT, check the VIN or the documentation before changing the oil.