Changing the headlight bulbs on a 2011-2013 Kia Optima is not difficult and very much falls into the DIY category.
Below are the steps with screenshots to replace them along with a video if needed for a visual walk through.
There are two bulbs Inner and Outer both of which are changed out the same way.
Both the passenger and driver side also have the same replacement procedure, with the passenger side a bit harder since the the coolant reservoir is in the way.
The bulbs are removed from the back of the unit inside the engine compartment.
They have a weatherproofing rubber piece that protects them and needs to comes out.
The bad bulb comes out and a new one is inserted back in.
There are high quality bulbs and cheap low quality ones depending on your budget.
Here is Budget Bulbs on Amazon
Here is High Quality Bulbs on Amazon
Video Instructions
The replacment bulbs used here are the Silver Star H 11 B light bulbs by Sylvania .
The first thing you do is remove the weather guard that protects it from no moisture or anything geting in there.
Then you’re going to stick your hand in and your going to feel the light bulb. All you’re going to do is rotate it and it should come out.
The little prongs at the end is what connects when they lock back into place.
When you put the new light bulb in be sure the connectors go into place. There’s nothing as far as wires that you have to remove or reconnect.
The weather guard cover needs to be put back into place to protect the bulbs.
After you complete the process it time to test them. In my opinion it’s a little bit harder on the passenger side because of the coolant reservoir that’s in the way, but it doesn’t take too long to change it.
One you are done inserting the new Bulbs turn the light on to test them and they should work.
