Kansas sees a varied climate with all four seasons, which means drivers in the area choose a variety of vehicles. In years past, some of the front-runners have included the Ford...
Georgia offers drivers a mild climate with very little snow, but rain is a major factor. Previous best-selling cars in the area, such as the Escape, Fusion and Camry, have shown...
Kia has really turned over a new leaf with their cars in the past few years, and the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid is certainly no exception. With the same attractive design as...
Kia hasn’t always had the best reputation. In fact, for years the Korean automaker was known for making cheap vehicles that didn’t last. Today, though, that reputation has drastically changed, thanks in large...
Mid-size sedans can be pretty basic, with four doors and simple and straightforward options, decent but not stellar gas mileage, and an uninspired interior. They can also have great design and fight off boredom through sporty suspension and...
Here’s a cruel, hard fact – car manufacturers no longer target seniors. Instead, they devote their time and energy to appealing to the 18-45 demographic. Still, some features make certain cars...
While shorter than average drivers can have a tough time finding the right car, it’s equally hard for taller drivers, perhaps more so. If you’re feeling squished, or have to...
Buying a used car is rarely a simple process, but if you don’t have kids, you have many more options than those who have to account for additional passengers. There are...
The receiver drier is located on the passenger side in front of the a/c condenser between the condenser and the line that goes to the expansion valve. It is mounted directly to condenser.
Hi there. The P2118 code is a general OBD-II diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that is referencing the throttle actuator control motor current / performance. This code may be seen with other throttle position sensor codes. P2101 is an OBD-II generic...
If there was smoke, that means there is a leak and/or the vehicle is overheating. Those problems should be resolved first, or at least ruled out, because regardless of engine operating condition if you operate the engine while it is...
Hi there. What you are describing is typically an indication of loose suspension or steering components, ranging from struts, stabilizer bar bushings or even brake system components. Since there are multiple possible components causing this type of noise, it's a...
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a brake caliper that may be sticking or potentially an emergency parking brake that may have malfunctioned when you last used it. It is fairly common for parking brakes to seize or...
You did not mention why the radiator was replaced but I think your engine was overheated causing the head gasket to go bad. This would cause the white smoke out of the tail pipe and an engine misfire and overheating...
Hi there. The code you listed is a Kia specific OBD-II trouble code that indicates an issue with the intake manifold, specifically 'bank one' of the intake manifold. Your engine on your Kia Optima is equipped with an intake manifold...
Hi there. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete a car is hard to start inspection before calling a locksmith, as in most cases a mechanic can inspect the mechanical components of...
Hi There, This may be an issue related to the communication of the PCM and the TCM (Transmission control module). As you may know, the TCM relies on the PCM to transmit information related to RPM's, which the TCM then...
The orange warning triangle typically has to do with a traction and/or stability control system fault. This warning is typically triggered by a fault in one of those systems. Anything from a wheel speed sensor to a brake light switch...
If the problem only occurred once, it is likely due to an electrical fault. A real time scanner might reveal engine controls operating out of range and that might provides clues as to the faulty system or component. Check for...
Hello there. There are many possible reasons that the steering wheel may be making this sound. Your vehicle has an intermediate shaft that goes from the steering wheel to the rack and pinion assembly. This shaft has a u-joint on...
Control arms and ball joints are stout structural components on a vehicle and it would be exceptionally unusual to replace them on a 3 or 4 year old car unless the car was operated in highly unusual (severe) conditions, was...
Traction control systems are designed to reduce wheel spin in slippery conditions. The system can apply braking to an individual wheel and also reduce engine power if braking alone does not work. The traction control system is part of the...
Hi there. On most Kia's the lower and upper caliper bolt is 14 mm. If you're attempting to complete the brake job yourself, I would highly recommend purchasing a repair and service manual for your 2004 Kia Optima.
Hello, thank you for writing in. Overheating the engine is one of the fastest ways to ruin the car. Once the vehicle has overheated several other components beyond the cooling system fail, including potentially fatal damages to the engine. If...
Front struts on this vehicle are only available from the dealer. Rear shocks are available as aftermarket parts but I recommend you buy the rear shocks from the dealer as well. Although this may seem disappointing, and the cost is...
If the transmission is not faulty (e.g., clutches slipping) and thus the problem is engine related, among the possible causes of the hesitation are faults in the throttle position sensor, mass airflow sensor, vacuum leaks, a clogged fuel filter, defective...
Hello, to replaced your hub bearing will require a hydraulic press. If you'd like, a certified Your Mechanic Technician can come to your location to perform this. Please look at this web site for more information and service options....
Hi There, A couple of different things could produce a humming noise and depending on the frequency of this noise and where on the vehicle it is coming from may determine what it could be. If it is something that...
