Expert Kia maintenance and repair from ASE-certified technicians at ExperTec Automotive Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa drivers pick Kia for good reason: a Forte or K5 handles the Newport Blvd stop-and-go without complaint, and a Sportage or Telluride swallows beach chairs and strollers for the run down to Newport Beach. ExperTec Automotive at 1934 Newport Blvd has kept Orange County vehicles on the road for more than 30 years, and we service Kias of every generation.
Short errands to South Coast Plaza and quick hops on the 55 never let an engine fully warm up, which is exactly the driving Kia’s severe maintenance schedule was written for. Add salt air drifting in from the coast and you get faster oil breakdown, corroded battery terminals and brake hardware that needs attention sooner.
Our ASE-certified technicians use dealer-level scan tools and OEM-quality parts, and every repair carries our 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty. Voted OC’s best auto repair 10 years in a row, we give honest answers, whether your Kia needs a simple oil change or a closer look at a GDI engine concern.
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 55 Freeway commutes and coastal salt air add to the wear. Our Costa Mesa technicians diagnose these issues quickly, follow Kia factory repair procedures and use quality parts you can trust.
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.
On some Soul, Forte and Sportage models, a failing catalytic converter can overheat or break down, and in some cases ceramic debris can damage the engine. Symptoms include a rattle under the car, sulfur smell, loss of power and a check engine light. We diagnose the root cause, such as misfires or oil burning, before replacing the converter so the new one is not damaged.
Because Kia’s GDI engines spray fuel directly into the cylinder, deposits can build on the intake valves over time, often by ~60k to 80k miles (varies by model/engine). Lots of short trips make it worse. Rough idle, hesitation and misfire codes are common signs. We inspect with a borescope and perform intake cleaning when needed.
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 Costa Mesa auto repair shop is on Newport Boulevard, the main route between the 55 Freeway and Newport Beach, a short drive from Triangle Square and the OC Fair & Event Center.
Between 55 Freeway commutes, coastal trips to Newport and short around-town errands, Costa Mesa cars see a lot of heat, salt air and stop-and-go driving. That’s why our Costa Mesa technicians focus on catching problems early, explaining your options clearly and fixing it right the first time.
Neighborhoods we serve: Eastside Costa Mesa, Westside Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, College Park, South Coast Metro, Newport Heights.
Nearby cities: Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley.
Proud member of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce.
1934 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Mon–Fri 7:30AM–6PM · Sat 7:30AM–4PM · Sun Closed
Book in Costa MesaGet DirectionsView Shop DetailsOur Costa Mesa shop is at 1934 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Call (949) 645-7722 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 Costa Mesa. 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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Voted Orange County’s Best Auto Repair 10 years in a row by readers of the Orange County Register. Book online in minutes or call your nearest shop.
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