Kia Seltos OEM Options Review: Factory Upgrade Cost
Kia Seltos Optic Glass wide-angle mirrors with BSA: approx. $220. Enhanced visibility and safety.
Upgrading Your Kia Seltos with OEM Options
Many Kia Seltos owners look to enhance their vehicles with features not originally equipped. This often involves exploring OEM options, which are genuine parts and accessories designed and manufactured by Kia. These can range from advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring (BSA) with heated wide-angle mirrors to aesthetic enhancements. The process of retrofitting these factory options can significantly improve your driving experience, offering a blend of functionality and the assurance of genuine parts. This review focuses on the installation of Optic Glass wide-angle mirrors with integrated heating and Blind-Spot System (BSA) for the Kia Seltos, a popular factory upgrade.
Before and After: Enhanced Visibility and Safety
The primary benefit of installing OEM options like the Optic Glass wide-angle mirrors with BSA is a dramatic improvement in visibility. Standard side mirrors often have blind spots, especially at lower trim levels or on specific vehicle models. Wide-angle mirrors, by their nature, offer a broader field of view, reducing the risk of missing vehicles in your blind spots. When combined with the Blind-Spot System (BSA), which typically uses sensors to alert you to vehicles in your blind zones, the safety enhancement is substantial. The "before" state is the limited view of a standard mirror; the "after" is a significantly expanded, safer view, often with integrated warning lights in the mirror housing or A-pillar. The original heating function of the mirrors is preserved during this retrofit, ensuring functionality in all weather conditions. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for the Kia Seltos, a compact SUV that can benefit from enhanced situational awareness.
Installation Process and Durability
Installing OEM options like these mirrors involves careful disassembly and reassembly of the door panels and mirror housings. The process requires precision to ensure all electrical connections are correctly made and that the new components fit seamlessly. The Optic Glass mirrors are designed as a direct 1:1 replacement for the factory units, meaning they integrate with the Seltos's existing wiring harness. The durability of these OEM options is generally excellent, as they are built to the same standards as the original factory parts. Maintenance is minimal, typically involving regular cleaning of the mirror surface. The integrated heating elements are robust and designed for long-term use, similar to the original equipment. The installation, performed by specialists like those at Technical Garage in the Gimpo/Ilsan/Paju/Incheon area of South Korea, ensures a professional finish. For context, the cost for this specific upgrade in South Korea was approximately 300,000 KRW (around $220 USD), though prices can vary.
Installation process:
- Careful removal of the Kia Seltos's interior door panels to access the mirror assembly.
- Disconnecting the original side mirror wiring harness.
- Removing the factory side mirror unit.
- Installing the new Optic Glass wide-angle mirror with BSA, ensuring proper alignment.
- Reconnecting the wiring harness and testing all functions, including heating and BSA indicators, before reassembling the door panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does OEM option and factory upgrade installation cost for a Kia Seltos?
The installation of Optic Glass wide-angle mirrors with BSA on a Kia Seltos in South Korea cost approximately 300,000 KRW (around $220 USD). Typical US pricing for similar OEM retrofits can range from $150 to $500 depending on the specific option and vehicle.
Q. How long does OEM options installation take on a Kia Seltos?
The durability of OEM options like upgraded mirrors is generally excellent, matching factory standards. Basic maintenance involves regular cleaning of the mirror surface to ensure optimal visibility.
Q. Are OEM options worth adding after purchase for a Kia Seltos?
OEM options are most worth it for drivers seeking to significantly improve safety features like blind-spot monitoring and mirror visibility. The value proposition lies in gaining advanced factory-level functionality that enhances the driving experience and safety.
Q. How are OEM factory options installed on a Kia Seltos?
Installation typically involves removing interior door panels to access the mirror assembly. The original mirror is then carefully removed, and the new OEM unit is installed, followed by reconnecting the wiring harness and testing all functions before reassembly.
Q. What is the difference between dealer-installed options and aftermarket upgrades for a Kia Seltos?
OEM options are genuine factory parts designed for your specific vehicle model, ensuring perfect fit and integration, whereas aftermarket upgrades are made by third-party companies and may vary in quality and compatibility.
OhCar Partner Shop
