Help Needed: 2020 Kia Optima Maintenance Advice at 30K Miles

Seeking Help
1

Hi everyone,

Hope this is the right place to ask. If not, let me know and feel free to remove this post.

I’ve got a 2020 Kia Optima with 30,000 miles on it. The manual says oil changes should be done every 7,500 miles or 6 months—whichever comes first. I usually stick to the 6-month schedule and take my car to the dealership where I bought it.

At my recent 30K service, they suggested these additional services:

  1. Brake fluid replacement (flush and refill)
  2. Coolant replacement
  3. Fuel induction service (already done at 20K miles)

I’ve noticed that whenever I agree to their recommendations, the invoice says something like “Customer requested this service,” which makes me second-guess if it’s necessary. These services would cost around $900 in total, so I declined them this time. The person at the dealership mentioned these should ideally be done before 50K miles and said, “If you’re trading in your car now, these services are a must.”

This felt more like a sales pitch since their sales team cold-called me about trading in my car just the day before. The car is running fine with no issues or warning lights, so I’m wondering if I can wait until closer to 50K miles for these.

I’d love your input. Are these services truly needed at 30K, or can I safely hold off? Thanks in advance for your advice!

2

Thanks for posting here! If you’re asking whether the shop is being honest, check out CJM8515’s post on the topic. Also, remember to include your car’s year, make, and model if you’re looking for help. Questions about paint, bodywork, or tires should go to specific forums for those topics. This is an automated message. Feel free to contact the mods if you have any concerns.

3

At 30K miles, these don’t really need to be done. Regular coolant might need changing every 2–4 years, but it’s not urgent.

4

Amir said:
At 30K miles, these don’t really need to be done. Regular coolant might need changing every 2–4 years, but it’s not urgent.

Thanks for replying! The owner’s manual says something similar, so that’s helpful to know.

5

Kia recommends coolant replacement at 120K miles. You should ask the dealership why they’re suggesting it so early.

6

Bao said:
Kia recommends coolant replacement at 120K miles. You should ask the dealership why they’re suggesting it so early.

Thanks for pointing that out. I checked the manual, and it does say 120K miles or 10 years. The description they gave me wasn’t very clear. Maybe they’re just testing the pH level, but it costs $250?

7

@Darcy
Testing pH is easy. If they tested it, they should show you proof, like the test strip results.

8

Bao said:
@Darcy
Testing pH is easy. If they tested it, they should show you proof, like the test strip results.

Good point. They didn’t mention anything about testing, just gave me the quote. Can I test it myself at home?

9

@Darcy
Yes, you can buy coolant test strips online or at auto parts stores.

10

Bao said:
@Darcy
Yes, you can buy coolant test strips online or at auto parts stores.

Great, I’ll look into that. Thanks!

11

At 30K miles, these aren’t necessary. It’s just preventative stuff. Stick to oil changes, and you’ll be fine for a while.

12

Beck said:
At 30K miles, these aren’t necessary. It’s just preventative stuff. Stick to oil changes, and you’ll be fine for a while.

Appreciate your input. I feel better about skipping those services now.