Buy Kia Optima Valance

The valance is the plastic trim that hangs just below the Optima's front or rear bumper. It directs air under the car, hides mechanical bits, and takes the first hit from curbs or road debris. It is listed among common exterior parts on official auto-part glossaries (Wikipedia), and Kia's own spec sheets confirm that every 2016-2020 Optima rides only about 5 inches (≈130 mm) above the ground, so the valance is the lowest point of the bodywork (Edmunds, Kia Media).

• Airflow control - An air dam reduces the amount of air sliding under the car, cutting lift and drag at highway speed (F1Technical, GoRECON).
• Protective buffer - Because it sits ahead of the metal bumper and radiator, the valance takes minor scrapes that would otherwise damage costlier parts (Wikipedia).
• Style - Designers use the panel to tie the Optima's "tiger-nose" fascia together and, on SX and GT trims, to frame dual exhaust outlets.
• Regulation helper - U.S. bumper rules limit passenger-car bumper height to about 20 inches; a lower plastic lip helps manufacturers meet those targets without heavy steel parts (NHTSA, NHTSA).

For readers who enjoy the science, the airflow benefit is linked to Bernoulli's principle-faster air above the car means lower pressure, which presses the car down for better grip (learn more) .

Kia slightly changes the shape of the valance with every facelift, so part numbers matter:

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*Source: Kia parts catalog data (Go-Parts).
Always match the eight-digit OEM code (without spaces) to your VIN before buying.

Most Optima valances are textured ABS plastic, the same impact-resistant polymer used on modern bumpers (Partsmax, Wikipedia). ABS is light, flexes in low-speed bumps, and accepts paint after scuff-sanding with 400-grit and a plastic adhesion promoter, as recommended by professional refinishers (SPI User Forum).

For DIY owners a front or rear valance swap is usually a driveway job.
A step-by-step pictorial guide is available on YouCanic (see guide) (YOUCANIC). Key steps:

1. Raise & secure the car on ramps.
2. Pop plastic push-pins along the bumper edge and wheel-liner.
3. Remove 10 mm bolts in the air duct for extra room.
4. Unclip the bumper cover; the valance is bolted or stapled to its lower edge.
5. Transfer any sensor brackets, then reinstall in reverse order.

A short video walkthrough is also available on YouTube for 2011-2015 models (YouTube).

• Cleaning - Use pH-balanced car-wash soap. Degreasers may fade unpainted ABS.
• Scratch repair - Light scuffs can be sanded (600-grit) and touched up with flexible bumper paint.
• Winter care - Rinse often in snow-belt regions; road salt can pit textured plastic over time.
• Fastener check - At every oil change, verify that push-pins are present; missing clips let the lip flap at speed.

The valance itself is not a safety device, but it influences compliance with U.S. and EU bumper-height and pedestrian-impact rules. Federal regulations limit bumper height to 20 inches (NHTSA), and some state school-bus rules even specify an 18-inch max to prevent override (NHTSA). A deeper lip lets planners keep the main steel beam a little higher for ground clearance while still hitting target height.

• Cracks or missing tabs after a curb strike.
• Rattling noise above 40 mph (loose clips).
• Uneven gap between valance and bumper face.
• Paint chipping on lower edge (early sign of road rash).

• Aftermarket "splitter" blades or diffuser fins can bolt to the factory valance for extra style but may reduce ground clearance.
• Color-keyed painting-lightly scuff, prime for plastics, then apply base-coat/clear-coat.
• Some owners retrofit LED fog-lamp bezels into the valance; ensure wiring is fused and water-sealed.

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• Kia official specifications
• YouCanic Optima bumper-removal guide
• NHTSA bumper-height interpretation

These links give extra diagrams, torque specs, and legal details if you need deeper reference.