2016–2020 Kia Optima
By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026
Save $15 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $20
Quick answer: Add Washer Fluid on a 2016–2020 Kia Optima is rated Easy and takes about 10–15 minutes. You'll need 1 tool for this job, and parts cost about $5. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windshield Washer Fluid | — | $5.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
Park the 2016–2020 Optima on level ground and switch the engine off. A level car keeps the fluid from sloshing out of the filler neck while you pour.
Look at the passenger side of the engine compartment for the windshield washer reservoir. Its cap is blue and embossed with the windshield-spray symbol, which makes it easy to pick out.
Peer down the neck to see how low the fluid is; the Optima's tank holds roughly 3 liters (under a gallon), so if your washers have been dead for a while, expect to pour in most of a jug.
Pour in proper windshield washer fluid until the level reaches the top of the filler neck — you can't overfill this reservoir. If freezing temperatures are coming, use winter-rated fluid — plain water or summer fluid can freeze, cracking the reservoir or burning out the pump. Never substitute engine coolant or any other fluid.
The dashboard's low washer fluid warning light should go out once the level sensor is satisfied. Wipe any drips off the cowl so they don't streak the glass.
If the reservoir currently holds plain water or summer fluid and a freeze is forecast, don't just top it off — run the washers until the tank is nearly empty first, then refill with winter-rated fluid.
A frequent Optima complaint is a washer reservoir that won't stay full — the plastic tank can crack with age, or a hose can split where it routes along the fender.
I trace the hose where it routes along the fender — on the Optima, I've found more splits there than cracks in the tank itself, and the hose is the cheaper fix.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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