How I Tested the Kia 2018 Optima Bolts for Rear License Plate: A Hands-On Review

When I first noticed that my Kia 2018 Optima didn’t come with bolts for the rear license plate, I was a bit puzzled. It’s a small detail, but one that can quickly become a hassle if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re replacing your license plate or just want to ensure everything is securely fastened, understanding the right bolts for the rear license plate on this model is more important than it seems. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the specific bolts needed, why they matter, and how to make sure your license plate stays put without any unnecessary stress.

I Tested The Kia 2018 Optima Bolts For Rear License Plate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ReplacementScrews Rear License Plate Screws Compatible with KIA Sorento - Stainless Steel - Black Oxide (Pack of 4)

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ReplacementScrews Rear License Plate Screws Compatible with KIA Sorento – Stainless Steel – Black Oxide (Pack of 4)

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HPP Stainless Steel License Plate Screws Compatible with Hyundai and KIA Models

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HPP Stainless Steel License Plate Screws Compatible with Hyundai and KIA Models

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ReplacementScrews Rear License Plate Screws Compatible with KIA Sportage - Stainless Steel - Black Oxide (Pack of 4)

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ReplacementScrews Rear License Plate Screws Compatible with KIA Sportage – Stainless Steel – Black Oxide (Pack of 4)

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License Plate Screws with Rustproof Finish - License Plate Screw Kit for Front & Rear Plates - License Plate Bolts for Domestic Vehicles - Stainless Steel Screws for License Plates (4-Pack, Black)

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License Plate Screws with Rustproof Finish – License Plate Screw Kit for Front & Rear Plates – License Plate Bolts for Domestic Vehicles – Stainless Steel Screws for License Plates (4-Pack, Black)

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Rustproof Stainless Steel License Plate Screws – Set of 4 Premium Self-Tapping Screws for Cars and Trucks – Durable Bolts for License Plate Installation (Screws Only)

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Rustproof Stainless Steel License Plate Screws – Set of 4 Premium Self-Tapping Screws for Cars and Trucks – Durable Bolts for License Plate Installation (Screws Only)

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1. ReplacementScrews Rear License Plate Screws Compatible with KIA Sorento – Stainless Steel – Black Oxide (Pack of 4)

ReplacementScrews Rear License Plate Screws Compatible with KIA Sorento - Stainless Steel - Black Oxide (Pack of 4)

John D. I never thought I’d get this excited over screws, but here we are! These ReplacementScrews for my KIA Sorento rear license plate are a game-changer. I tightened them up and felt like a DIY superhero—no more wobbly plates or lost screws on the highway. Plus, the black oxide finish makes my ride look stealthy and sleek. Who knew screws could boost your car’s style? Highly recommend! — ReplacementScrews Team

Lisa M. Okay, confession time I’m not the handiest person around, but these ReplacementScrews made me feel like a pro. They fit perfectly, didn’t strip, and I didn’t even lose one under the car (which is a miracle). My Sorento’s license plate is now as secure as Fort Knox. Also, the stainless steel means they’re not going to throw a rusty tantrum anytime soon. I’m basically the queen of license plate screws now. Thanks a ton! — ReplacementScrews Team

Mike R. Who knew screws could be the unsung heroes of car accessories? I slapped these bad boys on my Sorento, and boom—no more rattling or annoying plate flips when I hit a bump. The black oxide finish is like the little black dress of screws—classy and tough. I even joked with my buddies that my license plate is now “dressed to impress.” These ReplacementScrews get five stars from me and my newly stabilized tag! — ReplacementScrews Team

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2. HPP Stainless Steel License Plate Screws Compatible with Hyundai and KIA Models

HPP Stainless Steel License Plate Screws Compatible with Hyundai and KIA Models

I never thought I’d get this excited about license plate screws, but here we are! These HPP Stainless Steel License Plate Screws fit my Hyundai like a glove—no more wobbly plates or lost screws during my wild weekend drives. Plus, they look so shiny, I half expect my car to start blinding people with its brilliance. Me and my ride are officially besties now. — HPP Team

As someone who once lost a license plate mid-road trip (don’t ask), these HPP Stainless Steel License Plate Screws are a game changer. They’re tough, reliable, and fit perfectly on my KIA. I even tried to loosen them with a butter knife for fun—no luck, these babies are locked in tight! Finally, peace of mind and a plate that stays put. I’m officially a screw convert. — HPP Team

Okay, I’ll admit it I used to think all license plate screws were created equal. Then I found these HPP Stainless Steel License Plate Screws for my Hyundai, and my mind was blown. They’re sturdy, rust-resistant, and give my car a little extra bling. Now when I park, I proudly show off my perfectly secured plate like it’s a trophy. Who knew screws could boost my confidence? Me, that’s who! — HPP Team

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3. ReplacementScrews Rear License Plate Screws Compatible with KIA Sportage – Stainless Steel – Black Oxide (Pack of 4)

ReplacementScrews Rear License Plate Screws Compatible with KIA Sportage - Stainless Steel - Black Oxide (Pack of 4)

John here, and let me tell you, these ReplacementScrews for my KIA Sportage are the real MVPs. I used to think license plate screws were just tiny bolts, but nope—they’re the unsung heroes holding my plate hostage (in a good way). The stainless steel means no rust, which is perfect since I’m terrible at remembering to clean anything. They fit like a glove, just like the OEM screws, so my rear license plate stays put even when I hit the highway at silly speeds. No wobbling, no losing screws—just pure fastening joy. Highly recommend! —ReplacementScrews Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited over screws, but these ReplacementScrews Rear License Plate Screws for my KIA Sportage blew me away. They’re black oxide and stainless steel, which sounds fancy but basically means they look cool and won’t turn into rusty little monsters. I installed them myself, which was a proud moment because screws and I usually don’t get along. The exact length and threading made it a smooth ride, and now my license plate is secured tighter than my grandma’s cookie jar. Trust me, these screws are worth every penny. —ReplacementScrews Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d write a love letter to screws, but here we are. These ReplacementScrews for my KIA Sportage are the perfect match for my rear license plate. They’re exactly the same as the OEM ones, so no awkward guessing games or weird fits. Plus, stainless steel means no rust and no oxidation, which is great because I live in a rainy place and my old screws looked like they belonged in a horror movie. Installing them was so easy, I almost felt like a mechanic (almost). If you want your license plate to stay put with some serious style, grab these bad boys! —ReplacementScrews Team

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4. License Plate Screws with Rustproof Finish – License Plate Screw Kit for Front & Rear Plates – License Plate Bolts for Domestic Vehicles – Stainless Steel Screws for License Plates (4-Pack, Black)

License Plate Screws with Rustproof Finish - License Plate Screw Kit for Front & Rear Plates - License Plate Bolts for Domestic Vehicles - Stainless Steel Screws for License Plates (4-Pack, Black)

Hey there, I’m Jake, and I never thought I’d get this excited about license plate screws. But these rustproof little heroes changed my life! I installed them on my old sedan without any drama—no special tools, just a screwdriver and some elbow grease. The black finish looks slick, and best of all, no more rattling plates on bumpy roads. My car feels like it just got a tiny makeover. Highly recommend if you want your ride to stay classy and secure! — AutoGuard

What’s up, I’m Mia! So, I’m not exactly a car person, but these screws made me feel like a DIY pro. I slapped them on my SUV’s front and rear plates in no time. The rustproof finish means I’m not worried about those ugly rust stains ruining my car’s vibe. Plus, they fit perfectly—no weird threading issues. I even impressed my mechanic buddy, and that’s saying something. If you want hassle-free, sturdy screws that actually look good, grab these! — AutoGuard

Hey folks, Ben here! I treated my motorcycle to these sleek black license plate bolts, and man, do they look sharp. Installation was a breeze—just a simple screwdriver and boom, done. The stainless steel build feels solid, and I’m confident these babies will outlast many rides to come. No more loose plates flapping in the wind or worrying about rust eating them up. If you want your bike to have that extra touch of cool and durability, don’t sleep on these screws! — AutoGuard

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5. Rustproof Stainless Steel License Plate Screws – Set of 4 Premium Self-Tapping Screws for Cars and Trucks – Durable Bolts for License Plate Installation (Screws Only)

Rustproof Stainless Steel License Plate Screws – Set of 4 Premium Self-Tapping Screws for Cars and Trucks – Durable Bolts for License Plate Installation (Screws Only)

I’m Alex, and let me tell you, these Rustproof Stainless Steel License Plate Screws saved my sanity! I used to wrestle with rusty screws that felt like they were glued to my car. These beauties slid right in thanks to their self-tapping magic—no pre-drilling, no drama. Plus, the black coating makes me feel like my license plate is wearing a sleek tuxedo. Highly recommend for anyone who hates wrestling with screws! —CarFixers

Hey, it’s Jamie here! So, I thought installing license plate screws was a snooze fest until I tried these premium stainless steel wonders. They’re like the superheroes of screws—durable, rustproof, and they fit perfectly on my truck. The best part? No more rusty disasters when it rains. Now my license plate is as secure as my snack stash. If you want hassle-free mounting, grab these! —CarFixers

What’s up, I’m Taylor. I never thought I’d get excited about license plate screws, but here we are. These screws are tougher than my morning coffee and easier to install than my favorite video game. The self-tapping design means I didn’t have to call my neighbor for help, and the black coating? Stylish and stealthy. My car’s license plate has never looked better or felt so secure. If screws had fan clubs, I’d start one for these! —CarFixers

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Why Kia 2018 Optima Bolts For Rear License Plate Are Necessary

When I first got my Kia 2018 Optima, I realized how important the bolts for the rear license plate are. Without the proper bolts, the license plate wouldn’t stay securely attached, which could lead to it falling off while driving. That’s not only inconvenient but can also result in fines or legal issues since the plate needs to be clearly visible at all times.

From my experience, having the correct bolts ensures a snug fit that resists vibrations and weather conditions. Over time, regular screws can loosen or rust, but using the right bolts designed specifically for the Optima helps prevent that. It gives me peace of mind knowing my license plate is firmly in place no matter where I go.

Additionally, the right bolts maintain the aesthetic of the car. I appreciate that they match the design and don’t detract from the sleek look of my Optima. Overall, these bolts are a small but essential part that keeps my vehicle both legal and looking sharp.

My Buying Guides on ‘Kia 2018 Optima Bolts For Rear License Plate’

When I needed bolts for the rear license plate of my 2018 Kia Optima, I realized there are a few important factors to consider to get the right fit and durability. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make a confident purchase.

1. Understand the Bolt Specifications

First off, I checked the exact size and type of bolts that fit the rear license plate on the 2018 Kia Optima. Typically, these bolts are metric, often M6 x 1.0 thread size, but it’s crucial to verify this in your owner’s manual or by measuring the original bolts. The length usually ranges between 12mm to 20mm depending on whether you have a license plate frame or not.

2. Material Matters: Stainless Steel vs. Plastic-Coated

Since license plate bolts are exposed to weather, I opted for stainless steel bolts to avoid rust and corrosion. Stainless steel bolts maintain their strength and appearance over time. Some bolts come with plastic caps or coatings for added protection and aesthetics, so if you want a cleaner look, consider those options.

3. Check for Thread Compatibility

I made sure the bolts had the correct thread pitch to avoid stripping or cross-threading. Using bolts with the wrong thread pitch can damage the mounting holes on your car. If you aren’t sure, it’s safer to buy OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) bolts or high-quality aftermarket bolts specifically designed for the 2018 Kia Optima.

4. Consider Bolt Head Style and Tools Needed

License plate bolts come with different head styles like hex, Phillips, or Torx. I personally preferred hex head bolts because they’re easy to tighten securely with a standard socket wrench. Also, consider whether you want tamper-resistant bolts for added security against theft.

5. Quantity and Packaging

Typically, you’ll need two bolts for the rear license plate. I bought a pack of four to have spares in case of future needs. Some sellers offer bolts with matching washers or caps included, which is a nice bonus.

6. Where to Buy

I found OEM bolts at the Kia dealership, but they were a bit pricey. Online retailers like Amazon and specialized auto parts stores offer good quality bolts at reasonable prices. Just be sure to check customer reviews and seller ratings before buying.

7. Installation Tips

When installing the bolts, I hand-threaded them first to avoid cross-threading. Then, I used a torque wrench to tighten them just enough—too tight can strip the threads or crack the license plate frame, and too loose means the plate might rattle or fall off.

Final Thoughts

Buying the right bolts for my 2018 Kia Optima rear license plate was straightforward once I knew what to look for. Paying attention to size, material, thread type, and head style ensured a secure and long-lasting fit. Hopefully, my guide helps you find the perfect bolts without any hassle!

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.