Kia Forte Shift Knobs and Boots
Shift knobs and boots are an effective way to add a distinctive accent to your Kia Forte interior. These accessories also let you shape the interface between you and your vehicle’s transmission. Opt for a shifter with a heavier throw, or choose a grip that feels more comfortable to hold.
What are Kia Forte shifter knobs and boots?Whether your Kia compact sedan has an automatic or manual transmission, it features a gear shift, which you use to dictate which gear or drive mode the car is in. The knobs are what provides a physical grip atop or alongside the sticks. If the stick is extended and offers a range of positions, then the boot is what covers that mechanical area and provides your Forte with an attractive aesthetic.
Why would you upgrade Kia Forte knobs and boots?Appearance is one reason. Boots are available in a wide range of textures, colors, and patterns, and knobs come in many shapes and sizes. Another important reason is feel. You may prefer a more comfortable grip for your Kia vehicle, or you may prefer a heavier knob, which can make a hard shift feel a lot easier in many cases.
How do OEM and aftermarket Forte knobs and boots differ?An OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, knob or boot is a part made or licensed by Kia specifically for your Forte model. These are the Kia parts you’d get in stock as trim upgrades or as replacements, and they adhere to the original Kia specifications. Aftermarket products are often an economical OEM-style alternative but can also enhance function and form beyond anything that’s available for the Kia Forte. Prevalent aftermarket knob brands for the Forte include:
- Hurst
- Spec D
- Sparco
- Ractive
- Spectre
- Racequip
Some shifter knobs and boots are universal, which means that they may fit all cars or just all sedans in a given year or over a period. However, many products in this family are sold specifically for the Kia Forte and a particular Forte model rather than all sedans. There’s some basic information you’ll need on hand to make an appropriate purchase.
- Note the make and model, which is Kia and Forte, and also the model year.
- Know both the engine and gearbox type, such as 2.0-liter and automatic.
- Be mindful of any special trim designations that may affect the sedans interior.
In many but not all cases, Kia shift knobs and boots will be completely different parts depending on the gearbox implementation. An automatic Kia vehicle will often have a horizontal stick shift. Even in cases where the Kia Forte shifter is vertical and knee-mounted, the shift knob may account for push-buttons and other automatic features.