Expert Kia maintenance and repair from ASE-certified technicians at ExperTec Automotive Huntington Beach.
From the Soul parked near the pier to the Niro hybrid commuting up the 405, Huntington Beach has plenty of Kias, and they all deal with the same coastal mix of salt air, sand and PCH traffic. ExperTec Automotive on Talbert Ave near Gothard is a short drive from Huntington Central Park and Bella Terra.
Sand gets into cabin and engine air filters, salt mist works on brake rotors and electrical connectors, and creeping along PCH on a summer weekend counts as severe service under Kia’s own schedule. Our technicians watch for those coastal wear patterns on every Kia that rolls in, from the compact Forte to the three-row Telluride.
ExperTec has served Orange County for more than 30 years and has been voted OC’s best auto repair 10 years in a row. Our ASE-certified team uses dealer-level scan tools and OEM-quality parts, and every job is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty. Bring your Kia to a shop that knows Huntington Beach driving.
Kia publishes two schedules in the owner’s manual: a normal schedule and a severe-usage schedule. On many recent gasoline models, normal driving calls for an engine oil and filter change about every 7,500 miles or 12 months, while severe use (short trips, heavy stop-and-go traffic, extended idling, towing, extreme heat or dusty roads) shortens that to roughly every 3,750 to 5,000 miles. Intervals vary by model and engine, especially turbocharged GDI and hybrid powertrains. Most Orange County commuting fits the severe definition, so we usually recommend the shorter interval and confirm the exact schedule for your VIN.
Upon completion of the standard maintenance tasks we provide an additional 30-point inspection to make sure that all components in your Kia are up to date and working well.
~every 7,500 miles / 12 months
~every 3,750–5,000 miles
At ExperTec Automotive, we’ve been repairing Kia vehicles in Orange County for over 30 years. Even well-built Kia models develop specific problems as they age, and PCH beach traffic, 405 commutes and salt air add to the wear. Our Huntington Beach technicians diagnose these issues quickly, follow Kia factory repair procedures and use quality parts you can trust.
Many key-start Kia models from roughly 2011 to 2021 lacked an engine immobilizer and have been widely targeted by thieves who break the steering column to start the car. We repair damaged ignition cylinders, steering column covers and wiring, and can talk through Kia’s anti-theft software update and other security options for your vehicle.
Some Telluride owners have reported windshields that crack with little or no impact, along with A/C performance complaints on the hottest days. In Southern California summer heat, a weak A/C system is hard to ignore. We inspect the glass and seals, test refrigerant pressures and cooling performance, and check for leaks and electrical faults in the climate system.
Some 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II GDI engines in older Optima, Sorento and Sportage models are widely reported for connecting rod bearing wear, which shows up as knocking, oil consumption, a lit oil light or stalling. Mileage varies by model/engine. We check oil level and condition, listen for bottom-end noise, scan for codes and help you check whether your engine is covered by Kia’s extended engine coverage before any repair.
Certain 1.6L Gamma and 2.0L Nu GDI engines, notably in some Soul and Forte models, have been reported for oil consumption, piston ring wear and engine failure, often around ~60k to 100k+ miles (varies by model/engine). Warning signs include blue smoke, a falling oil level and misfires. We perform oil consumption checks, compression and leak-down tests, and catch problems before they become a seized engine.
Kia’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in models like the Forte GT, Seltos 1.6T, Niro and Sportage can hesitate from a stop, shudder or slip in heavy traffic, which is exactly the crawl you get on Orange County freeways. We scan transmission modules with dealer-level tools, check for software updates, test clutch adaptation and recommend the right repair.
Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission, found in models like the Forte, Soul and Seltos 2.0, is generally smooth, but some owners report whining, shudder or a delayed response. Fluid condition is critical, especially in hot Southern California driving. We check fluid level and condition, scan for stored codes, look for applicable software updates and road test to pinpoint the cause.
Our Huntington Beach shop is on Talbert Avenue near Gothard Street, just a few minutes from Huntington Central Park, Beach Boulevard and the 405 Freeway.
From beach traffic on PCH to commutes on the 405, Huntington Beach driving is a mix of salt air, sand and stop-and-go miles. That’s why our Huntington Beach technicians focus on catching problems early, explaining your options clearly and fixing it right the first time.
Neighborhoods we serve: Downtown Huntington Beach, Huntington Harbour, Seacliff, Sunset Beach, Huntington Central Park area, Bella Terra / Edinger corridor.
Nearby cities: Fountain Valley, Westminster, Seal Beach, Garden Grove, Midway City.
Dan
Krysta
Darrell
Cuong
Armando
TonyProud member of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce.
7680 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Mon–Fri 7:30AM–6PM · Sat 7:30AM–4PM · Sun Closed
Book in Huntington BeachGet DirectionsView Shop DetailsOur Huntington Beach shop is at 7680 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Call (714) 848-9222 or book online.
Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. We are closed on Sunday.
Kia has offered extended coverage on certain Theta II and other GDI engines, and eligibility depends on your VIN, model year and ownership history. We can help you check before you pay for an engine repair, and if your Kia qualifies we will point you toward the right path.
Yes. Every repair includes a 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty plus 12 Month / 12,000 Mile Roadside Assistance.
Book online in minutes at ExperTec Automotive Huntington Beach. Online appointments are drop-off appointments; for a waiting appointment, please call the shop.
Mon–Fri 7:30AM–6PM · Sat 7:30AM–4PM. All appointments booked online are drop-off appointments. For waiting appointments, please call the shop.
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7680 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
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