A bad alternator can leave your Kia Optima without power and unable to move. Alternators don’t always go bad in the exact same way. We’ll cover the symptoms of when an alternator goes bad, and how to diagnose a bad one (which is really pretty easy). How Your Optima’s Alternator Works The alternator’s job … Read more
A bad fuel filter is one of the worst problems that can happen to your Kia Optima. When the filter fails, it can limit the amount of fuel that enters the engine. Without proper fuel pressure, your car will not run at all. With that in mind, most of the symptoms of a bad fuel filter revolve … Read more
An engine functions as a pump, requiring a precise combination of fuel, air, and spark. If any element of this trio is imbalanced, your Kia Optima won’t run right (or at all). While a misfire is the symptom of bad spark plugs, bad spark plugs almost always indicate a problem with the engine (more on … Read more
Oxygen sensors play a crucial role in your Kia Optima’s emissions system and fuel management. These sensors detect the levels of oxygen present in the exhaust, which is a primary component in maintaining the optimal air-fuel ratio. A damaged or faulty oxygen sensor can have a significant impact on your car’s overall performance, making it … Read more
One of the most serious issues that can happen to your Kia Optima‘s engine is if it ends up with low oil pressure. Low oil pressure will cause the engine to seize up. When the oil pressure light on, it should be assumed that the engine locking up is imminent. We advise not running the … Read more
One of the most common (and) critical major engine problems is a blown head gasket. If your Kia Optima has blown a head gasket, you may find it running poorly or not at all. Below you’ll find the symptoms, causes, and price of a Kia Optima head gasket. Recognizing the signs of a blown head gasket in your … Read more
Your Kia Optima leaves the factory with a catalytic converter. It can run into problems over the normal life of the vehicle, and is often accompanied by OBDII code P0420. Below we’ll cover the location, price, and symptoms of a bad torque converter in your Optima. Menu: Catalytic Converter Price Optima Catalytic Converter Location … Read more
One of the most common issues with any vehicle, including the Kia Optima, is when it has fuel pressure regulator issues. A bad fuel pressure regulator can cause all sorts of problems. A bad fuel pressure regulator can cause various symptoms in your Kia Optima, the most common being engine performance problems. This can result from either too … Read more
If you find your Kia Optima‘s steering wheel shakes or vibrates when you press the brakes, it is almost always the brake rotors that are the cause of the problem. There are plenty of other issues that can cause the steering wheel to wobble. But, if your Optima is only shaking when braking, that’s … Read more
If you own a Kia Optima, you may have noticed white exhaust smoke coming from your car on occasion. This can be concerning, and it’s essential to understand the possible causes behind this phenomenon to address the issue promptly and efficiently. Several factors can contribute to white smoke emanating from your car’s exhaust pipe, and … Read more