Typically, once you notice more difficulty steering (and maybe you even hear grinding or screeching noises), it’s time to replace that power steering fluid.

However, if you have an electric power steering system, you don’t need to worry about checking your power steering fluid because the car doesn’t use any.

But what other kinds of upkeep does an electric power steering system need? Courtesy of

Jerry

, the

car insurance

savings super app, here’s what to know about your 2013 Kia Optima power steering system—and when it might be time to bring your Optima in for maintenance.

MORE:

How to reduce your Kia Optima insurance costs

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How do I replace my 2013 Kia Optima power steering fluid?

Replacing the power steering fluid in a vehicle’s hydraulic steering system tends to be a pretty quick and straightforward process. You’ll need to find the reservoir that holds the power steering fluid, pump out the old fluid, and replace it with fresh fluid.

But on a 2013

Kia

Optima, it’s even easier than that. The 2013 Optima uses an electric power steering system, not a hydraulic one, so it doesn’t need power steering fluid at all.

As the name implies, an electric power steering system relies on electricity rather than hydraulics to set all its working parts in motion. Some other vehicles make use of hybrid steering systems, which use both electricity and hydraulics.

Long story short: there’s no power steering fluid that you have to worry about checking or replacing on a 2013 Kia Optima.

MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

Does an electric power steering system require maintenance?

If there’s no power steering fluid required for your 2013 Optima, does the power steering system need any other kinds of

regular maintenance

An electric power steering system won’t require much in terms of preventative maintenance. Still, just like any other vehicle system, the parts can break, wear down, or become faulty over time.

If you notice any of these symptoms on your 2013 Kia Optima, it could mean you might be dealing with a failing power steering system:

Stiff steering wheel that’s difficult to turn

Steering wheel feels loose

Slow or unresponsive steering

Grinding or squealing noises

Involuntary vehicle wandering (sometimes called “dog tracking”)

Power steering warning light is on

If you experience these issues, it’s time to take your Kia Optima to your

mechanic

so they can take a look at your steering system.

MORE:

Car loan for Kia 2022

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2013 Kia Optima?

Can you guess? Since it uses an electric power steering system, the best power steering fluid for a 2013 Kia Optima is no power steering fluid.

When do I need to replace my 2013 Kia Optima power steering fluid?

Electric power steering systems are pretty low-maintenance. Since the 2013 Kia Optima doesn’t rely on a hydraulic power steering system, you don’t have to worry about checking or replacing any power steering fluid.

MORE:

9 questions to ask when comparing car insurance quotes

How to save money on Kia insurance

Are you wondering if there’s a better car insurance policy out there for you at a better rate? Allow

Jerry

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With the Jerry app, it only takes about 45 seconds to start comparing customized

car insurance

quotes from top insurance providers. If you find an option that works for you, Jerry’s end-to-end support can even help you with switching to your new policy and canceling your old one.

Kia users spend an average of about $1,800 per year on car insurance costs—but after using Jerry, users find average savings of over $800 per year! Now that could put some power back into your monthly budget.

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