Kia Spectra: Backfiring Causes

  One of the more jarring vehicle problems that you can experience is a backfire.  It sounds like a shotgun blast and can scare you if you’re not prepared for it.  If your Kia Spectra is backfiring, common causes include improper engine timing, bad spark plugs, engine running rich, and plug wires (if so equipped). … Read more

Kia Spectra:  Oil in Coolant Diagnosis

If you’ve recently checked your Kia Spectra’s coolant, and it looks almost like it has butter in it, then you probably have oil in it.  Oil in your coolant is most often caused by a blown head gasket. It can also be caused by a cracked head or even a bad radiator (well sorta, you’d … Read more

Kia Spectra:  Overheating → Symptoms + Causes

One of the worst problems that can happen to your Kia Spectra is overheating.  Common symptoms of overheating include smoke coming from under the hood, a pegged temperature gauge, and (eventually) a blown head gasket. If your Spectra is overheating, stop driving it immediately to avoid damaging the engine. Ignoring an overheating engine can lead … Read more

Kia Spectra: Window Won’t Go Up Diagnosis

Your Kia Spectra’s windows protect you from the elements, and they protect the interior from damage.  If your window won’t go up, there are a few common issues that can cause this problem.  These include a blown fuse, bad window motor, wiring issues, and the switch.     Power Window Won’t Go Up Causes:  Kia Spectra … Read more

Kia Spectra:  Brake Fluid Leak Causes & Diagnosis

  Your Kia Spectra’s brake system is the most important safety feature on the vehicle.  Without a reliable braking system, it is dangerous to keep driving your Spectra.  A brake fluid leak is a serious problem.  It is usually caused by a failure of a seal, brake line, master cylinder reservoir, and a few other … Read more

Kia Spectra Bad Ignition Switch: Symptoms, Causes, + How to Fix

Your Kia Spectra‘s ignition switch is one of the most vital items on the entire vehicle.  If it fails, the entire vehicle won’t be able to run.  We’ve compiled some of the most common symptoms of a bad ignition switch.  These include stalling issues, not starting, and no power to the radio or accessories. Function of an … Read more

Kia Spectra:  Bad Throttle Body → Symptoms + Diagnosis

If your Kia Spectra has a bad throttle body, it can cause it to run terribly.  Common symptoms of a bad throttle body include, dirt and grime, the check engine light, and an erratic idle. Your Spectra’s throttle body controls the amount of air that enters the engine.  You control the throttle body position with … Read more

Kia Spectra: Bad Thermostat → Symptoms & Diagnosis

The thermostat in your Kia Spectra’s engine plays a crucial role in regulating its temperature. A malfunctioning thermostat may lead to various issues and should be dealt with immediately. Some of the most common symptoms of a bad thermostat are no heat, a spiked temp gauge, a blown head gasket, and more. A thermostat failure … Read more

Kia Spectra:  Bad Serpentine Belt

One of the most common issues with a vehicle is a bad serpentine belt.  If you suspect that your Kia Spectra has this problem, we’ll give you the common symptoms below, as well as how to replace it. The good news is that serpentine belts are cheap, and in the grand scheme of things, relatively … Read more

Kia Spectra: Uneven Tire Wear → Causes

  Uneven tire wear can happen at any time in the life of a vehicle.  If your Kia Spectra is experiencing this situation, taking corrective action when you first notice it is important.  Otherwise, you may end up needing a new set of tires.   Kia Spectra Uneven Tire Wear Causes There are a few … Read more