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Your headlights are the eyes of your car, and it goes without question that you want your vehicle to have 20/20 vision when you're on the road. When you're driving at dusk or at night, your vision is going to be compromised if your headlights aren't working at their optimal level. There are certain tell-tale signs that will let you know when you're due for headlight replacement at your Kia service center in Temple Hills, MD. 1. Cracked or Broken Headlights If your headlights have noticeable cracks or missing pieces, it's time to get them replaced immediately. If there are cracks in the lenses, the light will scatter unnaturally in different directions, making it unsafe for you, as well as all of the other drivers on the road. It's not just unsafe: it's also illegal. To avoid an unnecessary ticket, or worse, be sure to book a service appointment as soon as possible. more 2. Dimming Beams There could be a few different reasons for your dimming beams. If you drive a lot, your headlights will naturally come across an abundance of debris, salt, and rocks. Over time, this will produce a fading or dimming effect and will restrict the light output from your vehicle. Corroded wires could also be the culprit of your faded lights and make them appear as an off-yellow shade. This is natural wear and tear but something that needs to be dealt with. 3. Foggy Headlights If you notice that your headlights have become cloudy or foggy, it's usually a result of moisture that has leaked in and caused problems. This is a two-fold problem because not only is the amount of light hitting the road reduced, but the bulbs will also burn out faster and become less efficient because they are working overtime. It's important to make sure the headlights components are sealed properly to avoid unwanted moisture seeping through. 4. Lights Are Constantly Flickering Flickering lights are usually a sign of a problem with the battery or something else electrical like faulty wiring. Whether this happens constantly or intermittently, it's something that you want to address because the problem is unlikely to solve itself. The next thing that will likely happen after flickering is that the lights will stop working altogether. For everyone's safety on the road, it's important to get this checked out immediately. 5. Repeatedly Changing Bulbs Your bulbs will naturally burn out after a certain amount of use; however, if you notice they are burning out too frequently, it's a definite sign that something's wrong. The untimely burnouts could be a result of a corroded socket, moisture, or an electrical problem. Changing your bulbs constantly is obviously a hassle and an expensive one at that. Check your manual for the lifespan of the bulbs. If it doesn't line up with what you're experiencing, it's time for service. Get New Headlights in Temple Hills, MD at Our Car Dealership When it's time for headlight repair, head to DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills and let our team of talented technicians get your vehicle in working order and have you back on the road as soon as possible. Get your appointment for auto repairs secured today!

If you live in Temple Hills, MD, you're aware that at some point, you're going to have to drive through that roundabout that you've been able to avoid until now. The good news is, they're really not as scary as they look. They were actually designed to make everyone safer, you included. We've included 5 tips to help you navigate through roundabouts so that the next time you encounter one, you can drive into it with complete confidence. 1. Know the Traffic Flow A roundabout is designed to flow counterclockwise. When you enter, always look to your left, but know in advance that you'll always be driving towards the right. This can help you watch for other vehicles, watch for your exit, and avoid a collision. more 2. Ignore Your GPS When driving through a roundabout, you may want to ignore your GPS temporarily. Once you know which exit you're looking for, you want to focus on finding that exit on the road, not listening to your GPS. It may tell you to take the exit before you arrive, and you may end up going in the wrong direction. Since the typical roundabout is small, all you need to do is pay attention, look for your exit, and then turn your GPS back on once you're out. This will save you time and help you stay on the right track so you can get to your destination quickly as possible. 3. Choose Your Lane and Stay There Once inside a roundabout, you cannot change lanes, so once you enter, make sure you choose your lane wisely. This is a small circle, so changing lanes while inside can prove to be more than hazardous. Getting in the correct lane will help you reach your destination effortlessly. 4. Don't Pass Even if someone in front of you has no idea what they're doing, don't attempt to pass. The safest way to get through a roundabout is to go slowly, stay in your lane, and most importantly, avoid passing other vehicles at all costs. With a constant flow of traffic, even though it is slow, passing while inside a roundabout can cause a collision that could affect you and multiple drivers. 5. Use Your Signal Make sure that when you're exiting and entering a roundabout, you use your signal. It's important that you let the other drivers around you know where you're planning to turn so that you don't get rear-ended and so that the traffic flow can continue to move smoothly. The benefit of a roundabout is that it helps eliminate congestion and allows you to keep going while in an intersection setting without having to stop at a red light. Stop by Our Kia Dealership in Temple Hills for a New Kia Once you make it through that roundabout, you can head over to our showroom and reward yourself with a new Kia car. We'll get you into a car that will help make every part of driving enjoyable. We have a vehicle for everyone that will meet every item on your list. Visit us today at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to view all of our different vehicles, test drive your favorite, and choose which one you want to take back home with you.

Looking for a great multipurpose vehicle? The brand new 2022 Kia Carnival is for you. As soon as you see it, you'll be impressed by its gorgeous styling, great performance, and fun features. Here's your guide to this amazing vehicle. The Basics If you're wondering what happened to the Sedona this year, don't fret. It's just gotten a makeover—one so big that its name needed to be changed, too. The Kia Carnival is all-new this year, replacing the old Sedona and providing drivers with an even more impressive ride. more You'll appreciate the range of technological and design features that come with the brand new 2022 Kia Carnival. This multipurpose vehicle's bold and sophisticated design is something you're sure to love, and you and your passengers will appreciate its roomy and comfortable interior. Trim Levels The 2022 Kia Carnival has five trim levels that you'll want to check out. The car's base model is the LX and offers drivers the car's most basic features. If you'd like a little more, then the LX Seat Package may interest you. The mid-range EX is perfect for drivers who don't want to go all-out with a high trim level but want more than the essentials. For those that do want a little more luxury, the SX trim is the way to go. Then you have the high-level SX Prestige which delivers various luxurious features included into the design. Engine Setup and Performance All five of the 2022 Kia Carnival trims get the same engine. When you purchase this vehicle, you'll get a fun and powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine that will get you an impressive 290 horsepower. This engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers who like having a lot of control while driving will appreciate that all-wheel drive comes as standard across the whole lineup. You'll also love the responsive feeling of driving this vehicle, as well as its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The car's fuel economy is sure to impress, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Interior You're sure to love everything you find inside the 2022 Kia Carnival. The vehicle's design is sophisticated and understated and keeps the focus on the driver. There's plenty of room inside this vehicle, making it perfect for long road trips or for carpooling to work with your colleagues. There are plenty of other great features to appreciate inside this vehicle. The car's infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, and once you connect you can listen to your music or podcasts on the available 12-speaker Bose Premium Audio System. Get to Know the 2022 Kia Carnival in Maryland at Our Kia Dealership The 2022 Kia Carnival is a vehicle built to impress. Going above and beyond all the expectations, this vehicle is ready for any task you have in store. Make sure you consider this car if you're looking to hit the road in style. Visit us at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to learn more.

Are you ready to buy a new sedan, SUV, or sportscar? By following a few simple steps, you can get the right car financing in Temple Hills, MD for you and roll off the lot in the Kia of your choice. 1. Your Credit Score Is Key Before you begin shopping around for a new vehicle, take the time to check your credit score. Why? Because your credit score is a major factor in how much a vehicle loan will cost you. Buyers with good credit scores generally qualify for low interest rates and are able to borrow larger sums of money. If your credit score is low and you don't need a new car right away, consider improving your score first by taking steps like paying down existing debt. more 2. Shop Around for Rebates Rebates are financial rewards that are offered by the vehicle's manufacturer as a way of encouraging sales. Depending on the rebate, it may be offered as a cash discount, or it may count toward any down payment you make. The great thing about rebates is that they reduce the total purchase price of your new vehicle, saving you money. But rebates sometimes come with special terms, so make sure you understand the ins and outs of the offer before you buy. 3. Go for the Shortest Term You Can Afford The term of the loan refers to the number of years you'll spend paying off what you owe. Loans with longer terms can be tempting because they usually carry lower monthly minimum payments. But the longer it takes you to pay off debt, the more you end up paying in interest on the loan. When evaluating various loan offers, select the offer with the shortest term as long as the monthly payments will fit into your budget. 4. Pay Taxes and Fees in Cash The purchase of any vehicle comes with certain taxes, fees, and optional add-ons like extended warranties. You'll have the option of having these fees folded into your financing, but many smart buyers opt to pay cash for these separately. When these fees are financed, you'll end up paying interest on them over time. 5. Make a Down Payment Although it is possible to purchase a car without a down payment, it's always a good idea to put money down. When you make a down payment, you're lowering the total amount of your loan, and you'll pay less in interest as a result. You may also be able to lower your monthly payments. And lenders will be more likely to agree to finance your purchase if you're making a down payment. This is especially true if you have a low credit score. You can contribute towards your down payment by trading in your car. Find out your car’s estimated value here! Ready to Finance a New Kia in Temple Hills, MD? Ready to get a new Kia and find favorable vehicle financing? You simply need to be prepared, and our dealership can help. Stop by DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to buy your vehicle today. If you want to start financing at home, get started with a loan pre-approval application!

The alternator is one of the most important parts of any car. It helps to keep the car's battery charged up, allowing you to fire up the engine and make use of the many electronic parts of your vehicle, like the headlights and charging ports. However, just like any other car part, the alternator can break from time to time. This guide will help you spot when you need alternator repair from our Temple Hills, MD Kia dealership by listing some of the most common warning signs. Top 5 Alternator Repair Warning Signs 1. Warning Light One of the easiest ways to identify issues with the alternator is to keep an eye out for the appearance of a warning light on your dashboard. Warning lights are the car's way of letting you know when something is wrong, and if you spot a light with the letters ALT or a light shaped like a battery, it means that there may be a problem with the alternator. more 2. Slow Starts and Stalls Your alternator provides energy to the battery, and the battery helps to start the engine. So, if the alternator stops working correctly, the battery may not have enough charge to get the engine started or keep it running like normal. You may therefore notice that your car takes a little longer to start when you turn the key in the ignition, and you may also experience random stalls while driving. 3. Headlight Trouble Another common sign of alternator problems is when your car's headlights start behaving strangely. If the headlights don't get enough electrical energy, they may flicker or won't be able to reach the same levels of brightness as they usually do. This can be really dangerous when you're driving after dark or in low-light conditions, so if you spot any issues with your headlights, it's vital to seek urgent repairs. 4. Electrical Issues The headlights aren't the only parts of your car that require electrical energy to operate. There are many other electrical features and components in modern vehicles, and they may start behaving strangely if the alternator is having problems. Your power windows might get stuck, for example, or the seat warmers may be slow and ineffective. If you notice any strange electrical anomalies in your car, it's possible that the alternator is to blame. 5. Strange Smells and Sounds You can also use your sense of smell and hearing to identify possible problems with the alternator. Many drivers report growling and whining noises coming from under the hood when the alternator belt becomes misaligned. It's also common to notice a smell of burning rubber, which is usually caused by the belt overheating or the wires burning up. Get Professional Alternator Repair in Temple Hills, MD Today Driving around with a bad alternator isn't a great idea, as the problems will only get worse over time and eventually, your car's battery will simply run out of power entirely. Call DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to schedule repairs at our Kia Service Department to your alternator if you think anything might be wrong.

We're always looking to save money, and one of the ways we do it is by getting better gas mileage, so we don't have to pull up to the fuel pump more often than necessary. Even though a great way to get better fuel efficiency is to buy a Kia Hybrid, there are other ways to improve your gas mileage. Stay at the Speed Limit Research has shown that when you drive at higher speeds on the highway, you use more fuel. As such, it is recommended that you keep your speed at the posted limit, or a little under, to get the best gas mileage possible. For example, a speed of 75 mph uses seven more gallons of gas than a speed of 65 mph. Essentially, if you drive a compact car, when you speed, you're getting the gas mileage of a large SUV. more Don't Carry Anything on the Roof or Behind the Car When you're driving on the highway, your car is already using 50% of its power to overcome aerodynamic drag. If you add cargo onto the roof or behind your vehicle, you're increasing the amount of drag your car has to handle. This means it'll use more fuel to compensate for the drag. Some cars lose up to 12 mpg when they have cargo on their roof or bikes stowed on their bumper. Even removing an empty roof rack can help. Of course, you want that cargo holder or those bikes when you actually have something to carry; but it doesn't do you any favors to carry that stuff around when there's no reason for it. Refrain From Warming Up Your Car In the days of carburetors, it was necessary to warm up your car before you drove it to keep it running. However, in new fuel-injected cars, there is no need to waste fuel by warming up your car unless the temperatures are far below freezing. It's rare for that to happen. Vehicles operate best when they're at their normal operating temperature, and the fastest way to get it there is to drive it immediately after starting it: though you'll want to go slowly for the first few minutes until the "warm-up" light goes off on your dash. Inflate Your Tires Properly Keeping your car's tires properly inflated according to manufacturer specifications will help improve your gas mileage, even though it only has a minimal effect. In research studies, a midsize car only lost 1.3 miles per gallon when its tires were underinflated. Still, if you're looking to save as much money as possible at the pump, every little bit helps. Buy a Hybrid As mentioned, one of the ideal ways to save money on gas is to purchase a hybrid. You can get up to 45 mpg, which is 15 miles more per gallon than the average fuel consumption of a gas-engine sedan. You won't have to fill up nearly as often, which means more time for you and less money out of your wallet. Find Certified Kia Service and Kia Hybrids in Temple Hills, MD While there are plenty of tricks to getting the best gas mileage possible, buying a hybrid car can really make a huge difference. Come test drive a new hybrid today at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills.

One of the easiest repairs you can make on your vehicle is getting a new car battery. Once you determine you need to replace it, the actual installation of your new battery takes minutes. How Long Does a Battery Replacement Take? At an authorized service center, you can get a new battery in your car in about 15 minutes. The process involves disconnecting the old battery, removing it, placing the new battery in the resulting space, and connecting the new one. Of course, the actual time it takes to replace your battery will depend on the model of your car and how easy it is to access it under the hood. However, it is a relatively quick process. more Car Battery Replacement Frequency Most car batteries will last for at least three years, and many will be good for four or five years. However, the actual amount of time you'll get from your battery depends on a variety of environmental factors, including the climate where you live. Extremely hot or extremely cold climates will cause a battery to fail sooner than if you live in a more temperate area. If you live in an extreme environment, you'll need your battery replaced more often. Signs Your Car Battery Is Failing Your Car Struggles to Start Your vehicle should start immediately upon turning the ignition key or pressing the ignition button. If your engine hesitates or takes a while to turn over, your battery may be struggling to provide enough charge to start the car as quickly as it did when it was new. If your car stays running and doesn't stall at red lights and stop signs, you can almost bet the problem is your battery instead of the alternator. Your Headlights Flicker or Are Dim All lights in your car run off the battery, so if you notice your headlights are flickering or are dimmer than normal, it's a sign that your battery is pulling all its charge to start your car and keep it running. It's not able to keep your lights stable and run the car at the same time. You may also notice that your interior lights and other electronics are not working properly as well, since they are battery-operated, too. Your Check Engine or Battery Light Is On Not all vehicles have a separate battery light, but they all have a check engine light. When your battery starts to fail, your car may trigger the battery or check engine light to signal that there's a problem with your battery. A quick battery charge test at a service center can confirm the problem, and a new battery can be installed in about the same time it takes to diagnose the problem in the first place. The Battery Case is Misshapen All car batteries should be perfect rectangular prisms, so if you notice your battery is misshapen or bulging on one or more sides, this is an indication there has been internal damage to the battery. Even if your car is still starting, this could present a dangerous situation, so have it checked immediately. Get a Battery Replacement in Temple Hills, MD Today Replacing the battery in your car is a simple repair as long as you don't wait until it dies completely. Bring your car to DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today to have your battery tested and, if necessary, replaced at our Kia Service Department while you wait. You can make an appointment online quickly and at your convenience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid is by far the best option in its class. With a powerful hybrid engine and optional AWD, the Sorento is ready for you and your family to prepare for your next adventure. Find out about some of the impressive features of the 2022 Sorento Hybrid now. 1. Trim Options Wait until you explore the Kia Sorento Hybrid trim levels. The 2022 Sorento Hybrid S is the base model hybrid. A hybrid EX model is also available with a few extra features for a premium touch. more 2. Mid-Size SUV Are you interested in buying a mid-size SUV? The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid is capable of carrying six people, depending on the trim. 3. Hybrid Power Under the Hood The standard hybrid engine is no slouch. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is combined with a 44 kW electric motor to create a drivetrain delivering 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both trims of the 2022 Sorento Hybrid come with this same potent power plant. 4. Excellent Hybrid Driving Range The stated range of the turbocharged hybrid drivetrain is 655 miles. Decreasing or increasing this range will depend on the way you drive. 5. Excellent Hybrid Economy The standard hybrid engine delivers excellent fuel economy taking advantage of a responsive and slick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powerplant will get you an estimated 39 mpg around the city and 35 mpg on the highway. 6. Front-Wheel Drive The base 2022 Sorento Hybrid S comes with a fast-spinning front-wheel drive that delivers an instant take-off due to the electric motor. An upgrade for all-wheel drive is available on the S model and comes standard with the EX trim. Front-wheel drive is not available on the 2022 Sorento Hybrid EX. 7. Driver Enjoyment Both trims of the 2022 Sorento Hybrid come with outstanding suspension that includes independent rear suspensions, MacPherson struts, and a stabilizer bar. With the addition of motor-driven power steering, the 2022 Sorento Hybrid is a comfortable and exciting SUV to drive. The suspension features result in an SUV with superb handling around town and excellent stability on the open road at higher speeds. 8. Drive Mode Select Kia Drive Mode Select allows drivers to modify the performance of their 2022 Sorento Hybrid. Drivers can select from multiple driving styles. The available modes include fuel-saving ECO, SPORT, COMFORT, automatically adjustable SMART, and a CUSTOM mode for drivers to modify. 9. Driver Aids The base model 2022 Sorento Hybrid comes loaded with a whole host of driver-assistance technologies as standard. The XE comes with several more not available on the S model and optional extras. All the essential driver aids and more are covered on both models. Highlights on both models include rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist-parallel exit, and lane-following assist. Ask Us About the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid in Temple Hills, MD at Our Dealership There are so many more standard, optional, and exclusive features to discover in the 2022 Sorento Hybrid. You'll have a great time getting to know the Kia SUV and all it can do for you. Get in touch with DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to arrange your introduction and test drive today.

Synthetic oil vs conventional oil: what exactly are the differences between these two oil types? More importantly, which kind of oil works best with your Kia? Find out how to power up your ride for maximum performance. Synthetic Oil vs Conventional: The Distinction The underlying aspect that distinguishes synthetic from conventional oil is the way it's made. Whereas conventional oil derives from refined crude oil (or petroleum) taken from the ground, synthetic varieties are produced artificially in a lab and have many components. These substances are distilled, modified chemically, and combined together to create the final product. more Advantages of Synthetic Oil Engine Performance The base components that comprise synthetic oil tend to be of a higher quality. Additives are also more diverse. These basic benefits often translate to better engine protection. Degradations and deposits that put stress on the engine are less of a concern, so prolonged engine life can result. Because each synthetic oil is different in terms of its unique blend of corrosion inhibitors, demulsifying agents, and more, synthetic blends may even be customized and targeted to a particular engine type. Less engine wear and tear bolsters horsepower and torque, leading to upgrades in overall baseline performance of your vehicle. Optimal in Extreme Climates The viscosity index of synthetic oils typically runs higher than conventional counterparts. Viscosity refers to how much a substance can be changed or warped, especially by alterations in temperature. Higher viscosity means the oil in this case is more resistant to major fluctuations in hot or cold weather. In other words, the flow of synthetic oil is largely unaffected by either summertime highs or frigid winter lows. Issues such as evaporation and oil sludge, therefore, prove minimal. Fuel Efficiency Since synthetic oil's lifespan runs longer, you can often go for a longer duration without needing an oil change. In some cases, you may log anywhere from 2,500 to 10,000 additional miles with a synthetic oil. This economy makes synthetic oils more environmentally friendly, too. Advantages of Conventional Oil While synthetic oil does boast many benefits, some considerations may make conventional more attractive. For one, conventional oils have a significantly lower price tag. In addition, older car models can have problems handling synthetic oil and may even leak the substance, causing a whole new set of headaches. High-mileage vehicles with infrequent oil changes may endure stress under a synthetic shift. The Verdict for Your Kia What should you get for your Kia oil change? Synthetic oils clearly have several key marks in their favor, but your unique circumstances will ultimately dictate your choice. If financing is a concern, or if your auto is a little older, discuss different options with the certified service experts at our car dealership. Just remember to remain vigilant in your oil changes no matter your pick. Make an Oil Change Appointment in Temple Hills, MD Is your car overdue for an oil change? Schedule oil changes with DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills and let our trusted team of service professionals address all your oil and other Kia maintenance must-haves.

Have you been looking into buying a new car? Make sure you check out the 2022 Kia Soul in Temple Hills at our Kia dealership. Below, we'll take a close-up look at this incredible vehicle so you can see why the Kia Soul is the vehicle to buy. The Basics Looking for a reliable, fun vehicle with a unique style? You'll want to check out the Kia Soul. With its boxy build, an array of paint choices, and great performance, there's plenty to love about this one-of-a-kind vehicle. more While the Kia Soul has always been a fantastic vehicle, there are a few upgrades for this year that will make you appreciate this car even more. On all models above the base model, a larger touchscreen infotainment system is now standard. If you're not happy with the standard technological features on the base trim level, then the new available Technology Package is sure to delight you. Trim Level Options There are 6 trim levels available for the 2022 Kia Soul, all of which will provide you with an affordable and fantastic vehicle. The base model is the LX. If you're looking for some additional features, then the S model might be of interest to you. You also have the GT-Line available for a sportier look. You may also want to look at the X-Line model which adds exciting and sporty features. As you go up in trims, you will find the premium EX, and then the high-end Turbo trim level. Performance and Engine Options There are two engine options available for the 2022 Kia Soul. On all models except for the top-level Turbo, you'll get the Soul's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission. If you want a little more power, the Turbo model's engine might be right for you. This is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine making 201 horsepower. A seven-speed automatic transmission comes with this engine. No matter which setup you decide to go with, you'll get a super engaging ride. Both options will also provide you with great fuel economy, something you're sure to appreciate. Interior The 2022 Kia Soul's interior is the perfect complement to its trendy exterior. Inside, you'll find a minimalist, simply designed cabin that keeps its focus on the driver. The car's infotainment system is super easy to use and connecting to it with your phone is fast and simple. Do you have a road trip coming up? The 2022 Kia Soul will be happy to take you. You'll feel incredibly comfortable in its spacious interior no matter how long you have to spend inside it. You'll also like how much storage space is available. Stop by Our Kia Dealership for More on the 2022 Kia Soul in Temple Hills, MD If you've been looking for a car that's just as unique as you are and can provide you with great performance and a super comfortable interior, the 2022 Kia Soul is the car for you. You won't need to spend long behind the wheel to fall in love with this car. Visit us today at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to check this car out for yourself.

Your vehicle's engine moves your car forward and is made up of several components working together. For your vehicle to perform optimally, your engine needs to be in excellent condition. The following signs will warn you that you need to get an engine diagnostic to avoid the risk of damage to your engine. 1. Engine Light Is Illuminated If the engine light on your dashboard stays on, it is a warning sign that there is a problem. There are various reasons why the engine light comes on, and it should never be ignored. Ask a certified technician to perform a thorough diagnostic. more 2. Increased Fuel Consumption When you notice that your vehicle is using more gas and running out of fuel faster during regular commutes, have your engine checked out. It might be a fuel leak, bad spark plugs, blocked air filter, or blocked or faulty injectors causing the problem. If you act fast, your technician will find the problem and fix it before it causes damage to the engine. 3. Loss of Power When you hear rough idling or your vehicle is slow to respond when you accelerate, it is a warning sign. You will experience these problems when your engine is not performing as it should. 4. Fluid Leaks Puddles under your car mean that there is a leak somewhere. Leaking oil or coolant are vital fluids for keeping the engine running smoothly. Leaking fluids can seriously damage your engine and should be fixed asap. 5. Strange Noises You know what your vehicle sounds like. You should be able to identify sounds that are new or different. If you hear unusual sounds, it's best to ask your technician to take a look. Squealing and Squeaking The high-pitched sound could be coming from your fan belt. The fan belt drives the fan to keep the engine cool. A worn down or loose fan belt doesn't move at the same speed as the pulleys, and that causes the squealing and squeaking. Knocking or Thumping When you hear this sound, it could mean that the rod bearings are loose or worn. Your technician will have to replace the rod bearing and fix other parts connected to the sound. This problem will not go away, and if you leave it for too long, you might have to replace the entire engine. 6. Exhaust Smoke When you see white, blue, or black smoke coming out of the exhaust, it is a reason for concern. We advise you to take action and ask a qualified technician to do a vehicle inspection. White Smoke This could mean that there is engine coolant or water in the fuel supply. Just topping off the coolant to avoid overheating won't make the problem disappear. Gray or Blue Smoke The color of the smoke is caused by burning oil. It is an indication of worn engine components such as valve seals or piston rings. Black Smoke A clogged air filter, leaking fuel injector, or a blocked intake manifold could cause black smoke billowing out from the exhaust. Schedule Your Engine Diagnostic Service with Us Today Little problems can be fixed in a flash, but if you leave it long enough to cause further damage, the repairs could be expensive. Contact the DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills Service Center today. Our qualified technicians use advanced diagnostic equipment and will ensure that your engine is running perfectly. Click here to schedule service at our car dealership.

Are you searching for the best SUV for your needs? The 2022 Kia Sportage for this model year is coming with a sleek refreshed look and a suite of new and exciting features. Here are 8 of the most impressive features that you can find available for the 2022 Sportage! 1. A Tough Exterior This generation of the Sportage utilizes Kia's innovative Iso-Structure construction, using high-tensile strength steel alloys that improve rigidity, making this vehicle tough, as well as beautiful. more 2. Powerful Drivetrain Powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, this vehicle churns out an impressive 181 horsepower. The SX Turbo trim is installed with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers an astounding 240 horsepower. An all-wheel-drive option is available on the entire lineup for the new Sportage. Combined with an impressive, combined city/highway fuel economy rating, this mid-size SUV is great for commuters as well as on outdoor adventures. 3. High-Tech The Sportage is installed with a range of high-tech features that enhance the driving experience. From wireless charging to mobile phone integration, and an 8-inch infotainment display with a voice-activated navigation system, there is a range of tech options to choose from. A whole host of intelligent safety systems are installed on every trim of the Sportage as standard; these include multiple airbags, brake assist systems, traction control system, and electronic stability control, to name just a few. 4. Comfortable Interior An important feature for SUVs is comfort for those long trips and commutes, and with a range of options for the upholstery, including cloth, SynTex, and leather, Kia offers something for everyone. The cabin of the new Sportage is spacious and practical, with plenty of legroom. Dedicated air conditioning provides rear-seated passengers with added comfort, while there's an available option for the front seats to be heated and ventilated. 5. Large Storage Space With 60/40 split-folding rear seats and dual-level cargo floor, the Sportage provides ample storage space, while a removable concealed storage tray is available for organizing smaller items. A smart power liftgate opens up automatically upon close proximity to the key, giving easy, hands-free access to the cargo area. 6. Remote Control With Kia's UVO link, accessing a number of your vehicle's functions is only a few taps away. With a compatible smartphone, you can remotely start your vehicle, access the climate control, and lock/unlock your doors. 7. A Stunning View The available panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade offers a wide-open view into the outside world. Along with the reclining rear seats, passengers can relax and enjoy long journeys and adventures. 8. High-Tech Drive Wise Assist A blind-spot collision warning system, forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keeping and lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic collision warning system make up an impressive array of options for additional safety features that come as standard on some trims. Lease or Buy a 2022 Kia Sportage in Temple Hills, MD The new Sportage comes in a range of trims, options, and additional features that can be tailored to suit your needs and wants. To see this impressive vehicle in person, visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills and book a test drive today.