If you are the owner of a Kia 2020-Optima car, keeping your vehicle in its best condition is important to ensure its performance and safety. Like any other car, Optima also requires regular maintenance to remain in optimal condition. Proper maintenance can help extend the life of your vehicle, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce repair costs in the future. In this article, we will discuss some important maintenance tips for your Kia 2020-Optima, so you can ensure your car is always in its best condition.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
The actual engine compartment in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.
- Engine coolant reservoir
- Engine oil filler cap
- Brake fluid reservoir
- Air cleaner
- Fuse box
- Negative battery terminal
- Positive battery terminal
- Engine oil dipstick
- Radiator cap
- Windshield washer fluid reservoir
MAINTENANCE SERVICES
You should exercise the utmost care to prevent damage to your vehicle and injury to yourself whenever per-
forming any maintenance or inspection procedures. Should you have any doubts concerning the inspection or servicing of your vehicle, we strongly recommend that you have an authorized Kia dealer perform this work.
An authorized Kia dealer has factory trained technicians and genuine Kia parts to service your vehicle properly. For expert advice and quality service, see an authorized Kia dealer. Inadequate, incomplete or insufficient servicing may result in operational problems with your vehicle that could lead to vehicle damage, an accident, or personal injury.
Owner’s responsibility
✽ NOTICE
Maintenance Service and Record Retention are the owner’s responsibility. You should retain documents that
show proper maintenance has been performed on your vehicle in accordance with the scheduled maintenance service charts shown on the following pages. You need this information to establish your compliance with the servicing and maintenance requirements of your vehicle warranties. Detailed warranty information is provided in your Warranty & Consumer Information manual.
Repairs and adjustments required as a result of improper maintenance or a lack of required maintenance are
not covered. We recommend you have your vehicle maintained and repaired by an authorized Kia dealer. An authorized Kia dealer meets Kia’s high service quality standards and receives technical support from Kia in order to provide you with a high level of service satisfaction.
⚠ WARNING – Maintenance work
Do not wear jewelry or loose clothing while working under the hood of your vehicle with the engine running. These can become entangled in moving parts, if you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain that you remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and all neckties,
scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or cooling fans.
OWNER MAINTENANCE
The following lists are vehicle checks and inspections that should be performed by the owner or an authorized Kia dealer at the frequencies indicated to help ensure safe, dependable operation of your vehicle. Any adverse conditions should be brought to the attention of your dealer as soon as possible. These Owner Maintenance Checks are generally not covered by warranties and you may be charged for labor, parts and lubricants used.
Owner maintenance schedule
When you stop for fuel:
• Check the engine oil level.
• Check the coolant level in coolant reservoir.
• Check the windshield washer fluid level.
• Look for low or under-inflated tires.
⚠ WARNING – Hot coolant
Be careful when checking your engine coolant level when the engine is hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Follow the Normal Maintenance Schedule if the vehicle is usually operated where none of the following conditions apply. If any of the following conditions apply, follow the Maintenance Under Severe Usage
Conditions.
- Repeated driving short distance of less than 5 miles (8 km) in normal temperature or less than 10 miles(16 km) in freezing temperature.
- Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long distances
- Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt-spread roads
- Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold weather
- Driving in heavy dust condition
- Driving in heavy traffic area
- Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain road repeatedly
- Towing a trailer or using a camper, or roof rack
- Driving as a patrol car, taxi, other commercial use of vehicle towing
- Driving over 106 mph (170 km/h)
- Frequently driving in stop-and-go condition
If your vehicle is operated in any of the prior listed conditions, you should inspect, replace or refill more frequently, using the severe usage maintenance schedule instead of the normal usage maintenance schedule.
Normal Maintenance Schedule – Non Turbo Models
The following maintenance services must be performed to ensure good emission control and performance. Keep receipts for all vehicle emission services to protect your warranty. Where both mileage and time are shown, the frequency of service is determined by whichever occurs first.
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change.
*1 : The drive belt should be replaced when cracks occur or tension is reduced.
*2 : If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is recommended. Additives are available from your authorized Kia dealer along with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.
*3 : Inspect for excessive valve noise and/or engine vibration and adjust if necessary. Have an authorized Kia dealer perform the operation.
Normal Maintenance Schedule – Non Turbo Models(CONT.)
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change.
Normal Maintenance Schedule – Non Turbo Models (CONT.)
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change.
*4 : Fuel tank air filter is considered to be maintenance free but periodic inspection is recommended as the level of maintenance will be dependent upon the quality fuel used in the vehicle.
Maintenance Under Severe Usage Conditions – Non Turbo Models
The following items must be serviced more frequently on cars normally used under severe driving conditions. Refer to the chart below for the appropriate maintenance intervals. R : Replace I : Inspect and, after inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary.
Severe driving conditions
A – Repeatedly driving short distance of less than 5 miles (8 km) in normal temperature or less than 10 miles (16 km) in freezing temperature
B – Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long distances
C- Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or saltspread roads
D- Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold weather
E – Driving in heavy dust condition
F – Driving in heavy traffic area
G- Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain road repeatedly
H- Towing a Trailer, or using a camper, or roof rack
I – Driving as a patrol car, taxi, other commercial use or vehicle towing
J – Driving over 106 mph (170 km/h)
K – Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions
Normal Maintenance Schedule – Turbo Models
The following maintenance services must be performed to ensure good emission control and performance. Keep receipts for all vehicle emission services to protect your warranty. Where both mileage and time are shown, the frequency of service is determined by whichever occurs first.
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change.
*1 : The drive belt should be replaced when cracks occur or tension is reduced.
*2 : If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is recommended. Additives are available from your authorized Kia dealer along with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.
*3 : Inspect for excessive valve noise and/or engine vibration and adjust if necessary. Have an authorized Kia dealer perform the operation.
Normal Maintenance Schedule – Turbo Models (CONT.)
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change.
Normal Maintenance Schedule – Turbo Models (CONT.)
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change.
*4 : Fuel tank air filter is considered to be maintenance free but periodic inspection is recommended as the level of maintenance will be dependent upon the quality fuel used in the vehicle.
Normal Maintenance Schedule – Turbo Models (CONT.)
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change.
Maintenance Under Severe Usage Conditions – Turbo Models
The following items must be serviced more frequently on cars normally used under severe driving conditions. Refer to the chart below for the appropriate maintenance intervals.
R : Replace
I : Inspect and, after inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary
Severe driving conditions
A – Repeatedly driving short distance of less than 5 miles (8 km) in normal temperature or less than 10 miles (16 km) in freezing temperature
B – Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long distances
C- Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or saltspread roads
D- Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold weather
E – Driving in heavy dust condition
F – Driving in heavy traffic area
G- Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain road repeatedly
H- Towing a Trailer, or using a camper, or roof rack
I – Driving as a patrol car, taxi, other commercial use or vehicle towing
J – Driving over 106 mph (170 km/h)
K – Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Engine oil and filter
The engine oil and filter should be changed at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. If the
vehicle is being driven in severe conditions, more frequent oil and filter changes are required.
Drive belts
Inspect all drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, excessive wear or oil saturation and replace if necessary. Drive belts should be checked periodically for proper tension and adjusted as necessary.
Fuel filter (for gasoline)
This gasoline powered vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed ; however, the quality of fuel used may impact the frequency of maintenance needed. If there are any fuel related problems like fuel flow restriction, surging, loss of power, hard starting problem etc, fuel filter inspection or replacement may be needed. The fuel filter be Inspected or replaced by an authorized Kia dealer.
Fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
Check the fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections for leakage and damage. Have an authorized Kia dealer replace any damaged or leaking parts immediately.
Vapor hose and fuel filler cap
The vapor hose and fuel filler cap should be inspected at the intervals specified in the maintenance sched-
ule. Make sure that a new vapor hose or fuel filler cap is installed correctly.
Vacuum crankcase ventilation hoses
Inspect the surface of hoses for evidence of heat and/or mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive swelling indicate deterioration. Pay particular attention to the hose surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect the hose routing to assure that the hoses do not come in contact with any heat source, sharp edges or moving component which might cause heat damage or mechanical wear. Inspect all hose connections, such as clamps and couplings, to make sure they are secure, and that no leaks are present. Hoses should be replaced
immediately if there is any evidence of deterioration or damage.
Air cleaner filter
A Genuine Kia air cleaner filter is recommended when the filter is replaced.
Spark plugs
Make sure to install new spark plugs of the correct heat range.
Valve clearance (if equipped)
Inspect for excessive valve noise and/or engine vibration and adjust if necessary. An authorized Kia dealer
should perform this procedure.
Cooling system
Check the cooling system components, such as the radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses and connections for leakage and damage. Replace any damaged parts.
Coolant
The coolant should be changed at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule.
Automatic transmission fluid
Automatic transmission fluid should not be checked under normal usage conditions. But in severe conditions, the fluid should be changed at an authorized Kia dealer in accordance to the scheduled maintenance at the beginning of this chapter.
✽ NOTICE
Automatic transmission fluid color is usually red. As the vehicle is driven, the automatic transmission fluid will begin to look darker. This is normal, and you should not judge the need to replace the fluid based upon the changed color.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) for the oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.
⚠ WARNING – Radiator hose
Be very careful not to touch the radiator hose when checking or adding the engine oil as it may be hot enough to burn you.
- Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The level should be between F and L.
⚠ CAUTION – Replacing engine oil
Do not overfill the engine oil. It may damage the engine.
If it is near or at L, add enough oil to bring the level to F. Do not overfill. Use a funnel to help prevent oil from being spilled on engine components. Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer to “Recommended lubricants and capacities” in chapter 8.)
Changing the engine oil and filter
Have engine oil and filter changed by an authorized Kia dealer according to the Maintenance Schedule at the
beginning of this chapter.
⚠ WARNING – Used engine oil
Used engine oil may cause irritation or cancer of the skin if left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods of time. Always protect your skin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water as soon as possible after handling used oil.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking the brake fluid level
Check the fluid level in the reservoir periodically. The fluid level should be between MAX (Maximum) and MIN
(Minimum) marks on the side of the reservoir. Before removing the reservoir cap and adding brake fluid, clean the area around the reservoir cap thoroughly to prevent brake fluid contamination.
⚠ CAUTION – Proper fluid
Only use brake fluid in brake system. Small amounts of improper fluids (such as engine oil) can cause damage to the brake system.
If the level is low, add fluid to the MAX (Maximum) level. The level will fall with accumulated mileage. This is a normal condition associated with the wear of brake linings. If the fluid level is excessively low, have the brake system checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
Use only the specified brake fluid. (Refer to “Recommended lubricants and capacities” in chapter 8.)
Never mix different types of fluid. In the event the brake system requires frequent additions of fluid,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
When changing and adding brake fluid, handle it carefully. Do not let it come in contact with your eyes. If
brake fluid should come in contact with your eyes, immediately flush them with a large quantity of fresh
tap water. Have your eyes examined by a doctor as soon as possible.
WASHER FLUID
Checking the washer fluid level
The reservoir is translucent so that you can check the level with a quick visual inspection. Check the fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir and add fluid if necessary. In warm climate, plain water may be used if washer fluid is not available; however, in cold climates washer fluid with anti-freezing characteristics is required to prevent freezing.
⚠ WARNING – Flammable fluid
Do not allow the washer fluid to come in contact with open flames or sparks. The windshield washer fluid reservoir is flammable under certain circumstances. This can result in a fire.
⚠ WARNING – Coolant
Do not use radiator coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid reservoir. Radiator coolant can severely obscure visibility when sprayed on the windshield and may cause loss of vehicle control.
⚠ WARNING – Windshield fluid
Do not drink the windshield washer fluid. The windshield washer fluid is poisonous to humans and animals.
PARKING BRAKE
Checking the parking brake
Check whether the stroke is within specification when the parking brake pedal is pressed with 66 lb, 294 N
(30 kg) of force. Also, the parking brake alone should securely hold the vehicle on a fairly steep grade. If the stroke is more or less than specified, have the parking brake adjusted by an authorized Kia dealer.
AIR CLEANER
Filter replacement
The air filter must be replaced when necessary, and should not be washed. While inspecting the air clear element, the air filter can be cleaned using compressed air.
- Pull out the air cleaner cover.
- Unlock by turning the locking lever downward.
- Pull the air cleaner filter to replace.
- Lock the cover with the reverse order.
Replace the filter according to the Maintenance Schedule.If the vehicle is operated in extremely dusty or sandy areas, replace the element more often than the usual recommended intervals. (Refer to “Maintenance under severe usage conditions” in this chapter.)
⚠ CAUTION – Air filter maintenance
• Do not drive with the air cleaner removed; this will result in excessive engine wear.
• When removing the air cleaner filter, be careful that dust or dirt does not enter the air intake, or damage may result.
• Use a Kia genuine part. Use of a nongenuine part could damage the air flow sensor.
CLIMATE CONTROL AIR FILTER
Filter inspection
The climate control air filter should be replaced according to the Maintenance Schedule. If the vehicle is operated in severely air-polluted cities or on dusty rough roads for a long period, it should be inspected more frequently and replaced earlier. When you replace the climate control air filter, replace it performing the following procedure, and be careful to avoid damaging other components.
- Open the glove box and remove the stoppers on both sides.
2. With the glove box open, pull the support strap (1).
- Remove the climate control air filter cover while pressing the lock on the right side of the cover.
- Replace the climate control air filter.
- Reassemble in the reverse order of disassembly.
When replacing the climate control air filter install it properly. Otherwise, the system may produce noise and the effectiveness of the filter may be reduced.
WIPER BLADES
Blade inspection
Commercial hot waxes applied by automatic car washes have been known to make the windshield difficult to clean.
Contamination of either the windshield or the wiper blades with foreign matter can reduce the effectiveness of the windshield wipers. Common sources of contamination are insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments used by some commercial car washes. If the blades are not wiping properly, clean both the window and the blades with a good cleaner or mild detergent, and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
⚠ CAUTION – Wiper blades
To prevent damage to the wiper blades, do not use gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents on or near them.
Blade replacement
When the wipers no longer clean adequately, the blades may be worn or cracked, and require replacement. To prevent damage to the wiper arms or other components, do not attempt to move the wipers manually. Aftermarket wiper blades may result in wiper malfunction and/or failure. It is recommended to use certified Kia parts.
Front windshield wiper blade
To inspect or replace the windshield wiper blades and to prevent damaging the hood, move the windshield wiper blades to the service position as follows; After turning off the engine, move the wiper switch to the single wiping (MIST) position within 20 seconds and hold the switch more than 2 seconds until the wiper blade is in the fully up position.
⚠ CAUTION – Wiper arms
• Do not allow the wiper arm to fall against the windshield, since it may chip or crack the windshield.
• Do not pull wiper arm forward, since arm could chip hood paint.
Type A
- Raise the wiper arm.
- Lift up the wiper blade clip. Then pull down the blade assembly and remove it.
- Install the new blade assembly in the reverse order.
- Return the wiper arm on the windshield.
- Turn ignition to the ON position and wiper arms will return to the normal operating position.
Type B
- Raise the wiper arm and turn the wiper blade assembly to expose the plastic locking clip.
- Compress the clip and slide the blade assembly downward.
- Lift it off the arm.
- Install the new blade assembly in the reverse order.
- Return the wiper arm on the windshield.
- Turn ignition to the ON position and wiper arms will return to the normal operating position.
BATTERY
For best battery service
• Keep the battery securely mounted.
• Keep the battery top clean and dry.
• Keep the terminals and connections clean, tight, and coated with petroleum jelly or terminal grease.
• Rinse any spilled electrolyte from the battery immediately with a solution of water and baking soda.
• If the vehicle is not going to be used for an extended time, disconnect the battery cables.
⚠ WARNING – Risk of explosion
Keep lit cigarettes and all other flames or sparks away from the battery. The battery contains hydrogen — a highly combustible gas which will explode if it comes in contact with a flame or spark. Keep batteries out of the reach of children because batteries contain highly corrosive SULFURIC ACID and electrolytes. Do not allow battery acid to contact your skin, eyes, clothing or paint finish. Wear eye protection when charging or working near a battery. Always provide ventilation when working in an enclosed space.