The Korean automobile brand "Kia" might have once conjured up images of cars that regularly had issues. However, the Kias of today have steered the brand off the course from that ignominious history with their industry-topping reliability. Owing much of their transformation to takeover by Hyundai in 1998, Kia now shares high-quality resources with their former domestic rival. Parts are produced in-house, ensuring a consistently high standard of production. Kia now directly competes at the same level as industry giants like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan in terms of dependability.
Even though Kias are known to be dependable, their parts can wear out sooner than expected if not adequately maintained. Some components in your Kia are also more susceptible to wear and tear or depletion as they are utilized. BE FORWARD has a wide selection of affordable and authentic Kia parts in stock to help solve any issues you may have.
Sourcing Kia Parts (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
Parts for Kias aren't made equal. The Kia parts market has two main categories: OEM and aftermarket parts. OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, are original parts used by car manufacturers. On the other hand, "Aftermarket" parts refer to those made by third-party manufacturers but are usable in the vehicle.
Both these categories of parts have their respective advantages. Kia's OEM parts meet high standards and have a more extended warranty. However, aftermarket parts are cheaper and offer more customization options.
To return your Kia to its original performance level, we recommend investing in OEM parts. An OEM replacement is highly durable due to its higher manufacturing standards so that you can use it longer. It's important to note that adding non-OEM parts to your Kia may cancel your warranty and harm your car. The Kia warranty doesn't cover such parts. Additionally, remember that aftermarket parts are not necessarily less expensive than OEM parts, and you may get better fit and quality for a lower price.
What Are the Most Important Parts of Your Kia?
It is essential to pay close attention to certain parts of your Kia as they can directly affect the safety and function of your vehicle. Certain parts, like the engine and transmission, can also be expensive to repair or replace, so you will want to maintain them well to prolong their lifespans.
Engine
The engine is its primary power source, burning fuel to produce the mechanical energy to drive your Kia. Repairing it can be complicated and costly, as replacement parts and specialized manpower are often required, driving up the expenses. Kias from 2009 onwards, like the Cerato, Optima, and Sportage, have been known for engine issues such as knocking, internal damage, and total engine failure.
Transmission
For both the automatic and manual, the transmission of your Kia transfers power from the engine to the wheels while using gear ratios to keep the engine in its power band, allowing it to run efficiently. The transmission sees constant usage and, as a result, a high amount of wear and tear. Just like the engine, fixing this intricate equipment may be more expensive than purchasing a new one.
Lights
Your lights help you see, be seen, and convey your driving intentions. To ensure safety while driving, replacing damaged or blown lights or bulbs is crucial. The poor exterior lights on models like the Optima, Forte, K900, Sorento, and Telluride have resulted in many accidents, so much so that Kia has recalled 3000 K900s for headlight issues. In situations like this, it's best to visit a mechanic instead of relying on replacement bulbs which may not be effective.
Brakes
The brakes on your Kia enable you to consistently slow your vehicle down or bring it to a safe and complete stop. Brake parts such as the brake pads and rotors wear down faster than others, so you must constantly replace them, while parts like the master cylinder, calipers, and wheel cylinders could develop leaks and cause poor braking. If necessary, you can buy most of these parts separately.
Battery
The battery is responsible for making your Kia start. You must watch for signs of a failing battery to ensure your Kia starts smoothly. Look for slow engine cranking and a Battery/Charging warning light that may indicate your battery is nearing the end of its life.
Which Kia Parts Wear Out the Fastest?
Consumables
In your Kia are parts and materials that wear down and run out as you use them. These "consumables" are engine oil, coolant, nuts and bolts, oil filters, brake pads, spark plugs, and wiper blades, with tires and batteries possibly falling under the same category by some definitions. Be aware of the warning signs that signal these parts are at low levels or worn down.
Water Pump
Perpetually pumping coolant from the radiator to the engine to flush heat away from the engine's various parts, the water pump gets no time for a breather. The water pump has a lifespan of around 97,000 km depending on your usage.
Suspension
The lifespan of your Kia's suspension is a factor of:
1. How smooth the roads you drive on are.
2. The weight of the loads carried by your Benz and how frequently you load your vehicle.
3. Your overall mileage.
If you take good care of your suspension system, it can last up to 10 years. However, if you've subjected your Kia to a lot of wear and tear, you may only get 5-8 years out of it. A faulty suspension is a literal pain in the rear as you'll begin to experience bumpy rides in your Kia.
Are Kia Parts Expensive?
The rule of thumb for the price of parts is that the more expensive the car is, the more expensive its components are, and Kias are no exception. However, genuine Kia parts are affordable and reliable, saving you more on all fronts.
Where to Buy Genuine Kia Parts Online
For genuine OEM parts for your Kia, it is recommended to visit authorized Kia dealers or OEM parts retailers in your country. However, if you're looking for a more cost-effective option that doesn't compromise on quality, consider purchasing a well-maintained secondhand unit from BE FORWARD Auto Parts. Start searching for your Kia auto part replacement with us today!
Working perfect