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Does your car need transmission repairs? How does a vehicle act when the transmission is going out? Fixing transmission problems as soon as they occur is imperative to avoid extensive damage to your vehicle and ensure that it is operable. A transmission replacement can get costly, so getting necessary repairs ahead of time is recommended. Heed the warning signs and have repairs done quickly by checking for the following warning signs that your Kia needs transmission repair. Signs of Transmission Problems in Your Car 1. Check Engine Light When the engine light on the dashboard stays on, it can be an indication that there is a problem. Do not ignore the warning light. Make a service appointment as soon as possible to get your vehicle inspected with an Engine Diagnostic Service. more 2. Unfamiliar Noises If you hear a sound that you are not familiar with, such as humming, buzzing, or whining, it could be your transmission. Let a Kia technician at our Service Center find out what is causing the noise. 3. Sounds When Shifting Gears When you hear a clunk or a squeal when you shift gears, this is a telltale sign that something could be wrong with your transmission. To ignore these sounds could cause further damage. 4. Strange Smells Do you sense a burning smell coming from your car? This is a sign that something is not working right. It could be your transmission fluid overheating. Coming in for Kia service with a certified technician can help you find out what is causing the smell. 5. Fluid Leak If your Kia has a transmission leak, you will notice wet spots under your vehicle. If it's a reddish or pink color and smells sweet, or dark brown in color with a burning smell, it is likely coming from your transmission. A transmission fluid leak will damage the gearbox and can lead to extensive damage. 6. Overheating The transmission fluid keeps the transmission at the correct temperature. If there is a leak or not enough transmission fluid, it will cause friction, and the transmission will overheat. If you smell burnt transmission fluid, or even worse, see smoke, get your vehicle checked out promptly. 7. Slow Response When your transmission is not responding when you change gears, and your car feels slow, it's time to book a service. 8. Jerking or Shaking When you shift gears and your vehicle jerks or shakes, and you hear grinding noises, it's another warning sign that something might be faulty with the transmission. 9. Slipping Gears If your vehicle is slipping between gears by itself, it is dangerous and damages your engine. When you notice the gears are slipping it is an indication that they are worn. Schedule auto service immediately if this begins happening! 10. Refuses to Go into Gear If you struggle or you can't shift into gear, it's a sign that you Kia has a transmission problem that needs further inspection and repair. Having Transmission Trouble in Temple Hills, MD? The longer you ignore transmission repair signs, further damage can occur, and repairs can get more costly. If you experience any of the above warning signs, get your Kia to us to sort out the problem and get your vehicle repaired with genuine Kia parts. If your car has a malfunctioning transmission or the transmission fails, our skilled technicians have the knowledge to repair your Kia and get you back on the road in no time. Schedule transmission services here!

Which Kia is best for your vehicle? You need a spacious, comfortable, and safe vehicle with features to make commutes more enjoyable. Several different Kia models make perfect options for those in the market for a family vehicle. These models can accommodate everything from strollers to soccer gear, including the Kia Telluride, the Kia Sorento, the Kia Carnival MPV, and the Kia Sportage. Which Kia Car is Best for Families? You want to be able to have a vehicle with the space your family needs and the features. Some top models for families that you can find in the Kia lineup include the Kia Telluride, Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, and Kia Carnival. more The Kia Telluride The Telluride is a large Kia SUV that can seat eight passengers and has plenty of cargo space. It's the perfect vehicle for school drop-off and pick-up, road trips, and everything in between. It has a towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds when properly equipped, and has a plethora of driver-assist features standard. It's sporty, customizable, and has the option of extra luxurious features with each trim level. The Kia Sportage The Sportage is a crossover SUV with leading cargo space. In addition to gas-powered models, there is a turbo hybrid Sportage and plug-in hybrid Sportage models to choose from. The vehicle seats five and is the perfect crossover SUV for accommodating family. The Kia Carnival MPV The Kia Carnival blends the best of SUV and minivan with impressive cargo and passenger space. There are spacious third row seats and the ability to seat 8. For 2025, the Kia Carnival MPV is also available in a hybrid model if you're looking for the versatility of the model but with a hybrid powertrain. The Kia Sorento The Sorento is a sporty SUV that seats up to seven passengers and has a roof rack to increase cargo space. It also features interior amenities that will make everyone's life more convenient and comfortable, including a Dual Level Cargo Floor, a wireless phone charger, USB chargers throughout the vehicle, and a panoramic sunroof. Check Out These Family-Friendly Kia Models in Temple Hills, MD If you need a family vehicle, don't settle for something other than the best. You can't go wrong with any of these Kia options because they'll make your life easier, help make your commute safer, and add comfort and convenience to your driving experience. Visit us today at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to browse these models in person and test drive your favorite.

Your new Kia is protected by a warranty that provides comprehensive coverage. If a warranty issue is identified, Kia-trained technicians using only Kia-approved parts will repair it at no charge. As your Kia dealer, we want to tell you more about your Kia warranty protection. Basic Warranty Coverage Almost every system and component is covered by this warranty. The only systems not covered are those covered by the other warranty sections below or are specifically excluded. Warranty exclusions include damage caused by the use of unauthorized parts, accidental damage, or lack of required maintenance. Excluded situations and systems are detailed in your warranty handbook. Coverage applies for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the Date of First Service. more Powertrain Coverage This warranty covers all systems and components used to move your Kia. It includes the engine, transmission, transaxle, axles, differentials, and propeller shafts. All components covered by this warranty are detailed in your warranty handbook. Certain situations are ineligible for warranty coverage, and these are also explained in the book. Adjustment Coverage Adjustment is any minor repair or correction that doesn't require replacement parts. Examples of this include pedal adjustments and wheel balance. These will be performed at no charge during the coverage period, which applies for the first year or 12,000 miles. Audio/Entertainment System Coverage Features like your original audio system, rear seat entertainment system, and navigation system are all protected against any defect for three years or 36,000 miles. Battery Coverage Your original battery is covered against failure, under normal operating conditions, for three years or 36,000 miles. Air Conditioner Refrigerant Charge Coverage If your refrigerant needs to be recharged, this will be performed at no cost during the first year, regardless of mileage. Paint Coverage Your car's paint is protected against flaking, cracking, discoloration, or chipping for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Anti-Perforation Limited Warranty Perforation is corrosion that forms a hole through a metal panel from one side to the other. Your Kia is protected against corrosion due to specialized coatings applied during manufacture. If perforation occurs during the warranty period of five years or 100,000 miles, the affected metal may be replaced at no charge. Have Questions About Coverage for Your Kia in Temple Hills, MD? If you want to learn more about your warranty, contact us today at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills.

Regular Kia maintenance ensures that your vehicle remains in good condition and works as efficiently as it's designed to. As your Kia dealer, we want to tell you about some types of maintenance to consider for your car. Examples of Kia Maintenance at Your Kia Dealer Water Pump Replacement The water pump moves coolant through your engine at high speed. This movement is essential, as coolant is responsible for absorbing engine heat and removing it to help prevent engine damage. The pump activates when the thermostat releases coolant and continues to run until the engine temperature drops below a preset level. The pump can fail as it gets older, with potentially major consequences for your engine. It can also fail for other reasons, for example, a blown fuse. The coolant will be released but can't move without the pump, and your engine temperature will rapidly increase. We'll examine the pump and repair or replace it, depending on the situation. Once the pump is working again, coolant will flow, and your engine temperature will return to normal. more Blocked Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter is connected to the exhaust system. Its job is to convert gases produced by combustion into harmless chemicals and water. Converters use immense pressure, extreme temperatures, and reactions with elements inside the converter to help change these gases. During this process, and as time passes, your car’s catalytic converter can get clogged. A clogged catalytic converter can cause problems like misfiring or stalling. Headlight Bulb Replacement Headlight bulbs are vital for safe nighttime driving as they allow you to clearly see the road ahead. They also allow pedestrians and other drivers to see you, which helps reduce accidents. Their bulbs have varied lifespans, ranging from 500 hours to much longer, depending on their type. Dimness and flickering are two possible signs that one or both headlights are going to fail. We can replace worn bulbs quickly. It is recommended replacing both bulbs even if only one has failed. Bulbs are installed in pairs, and if one has failed, the other will likely fail very soon. Replacing bulbs simultaneously gives peace of mind that your headlights will work when needed and helps reduce repair costs, as you won't need to return to replace the second bulb. Have Car Maintenance Questions? Ask Our Temple Hills, MD Car Dealership These are just some of the many services we offer. Book your maintenance today by calling our service department at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills.

The 2025 Kia Sportage is available in seven trim levels. How does the ground clearance for the Sportage change throughout the trim lineup? Let’s take a look! 2025 Kia Sportage Ground Clearance What is the ground clearance of the 2025 Sportage? All Kia Sportage models with a front-wheel drive transmission have 7.1 inches of ground clearance, while the all-wheel drive models offer 8.3 inches. What are the trim levels with 7.1-inches and 8.3-inches of ground clearance? The Kia Sportage LX, Sportage EX, Sportage SX, and SX Prestige Front-Wheel Drive models have a 7.1-inch ground clearance. The Sportage LX, EX, X-Line AWD, SX Prestige, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige with All-Wheel Drive have 8.3 inches of ground clearance. If you’re looking for a Sportage that’s higher off the ground, check out one of these trim options. more Factors Affecting Ground Clearance The most likely scenario where you'll see noticeable drops in ground clearance is when you're pulling a trailer or hauling a heavy load. As more weight gets loaded on the vehicle's suspension, its springs compress, causing the vehicle and its frame to move closer to the ground. If you're driving on underinflated tires, your Kia could have a lower clearance from the ground without adding any additional weight. Ground Clearance Pros With a high ground clearance, you'll probably feel safer behind the wheel. Visibility is another benefit when your vehicle is high off the ground. You'll be able to see more of the road and upcoming hazards, so you’ll have more time to anticipate other drivers' actions and plan your own. You also have the option of navigating a larger variety of terrain compared to vehicles that are lower to the ground. Raising Your Vehicle's Ground Clearance There are some modifications you can make to increase your vehicle’s ground clearance. Adding larger tires is an easy way to raise ground clearance. Before choosing a set, check that it fits the wheels on your model and will fit comfortably inside the wheel well. See the Ground Clearance of the Sportage at Our Temple Hills, MD Kia Dealership With seven different trims to choose from, there's a Kia Sportage that will work well for your family. Visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to learn more about the different features of the Kia Sportage.

If you're in the market for a new vehicle that includes the latest technology, is stylish, and works for a family or a solo adventurer, look no further than the 2025 Kia Niro models! The perfect balance of state-of-the-art technology, design, comfort, and security, Niro vehicles easily tick all the boxes.  Read on to discover our list of innovative features the Kia Niro offers! 1. Bluetooth Wireless Technology with Multi-Device Connectivity The Bluetooth controls are conveniently mounted so you can stay focused and to help lower your risks while driving. With the Kia Niro wireless technology, you can use your device to take calls, listen to your favorite podcast, or use GPS, all while keeping your hands on the wheel! more 2. Dual-Zone Auto Climate Control Passengers can decide the temperature right for them while riding in the Kia Niro. Thanks to its dual-zone auto climate control feature, whoever is in the passenger seat is guaranteed to keep cool, or warm, with their personalized temperature control. 3. Heated Side View Mirrors During the winter months this feature can be convenient when the temperature drops. Your Kia Niro heated side view mirrors ensure quick visibility on those frosty days thanks to internal heating elements within the glass. 4. Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Parallel Exit Last, but not least, is an incredibly helpful safety feature on every trim of the Kia Niro! Straining to make sure your blind spot is clear is less stressful with the blind spot collision warning, which will alert you if an object is detected. Additionally, the Parallel Exit feature will give you alerts while you’re exiting a parallel parking spot. Ready to Pick Out Your 2025 Niro in Temple Hills, MD? Now that we've shared some of our favorite innovative features of the Kia Niro, we’re certain you'll be on your way to test-drive one as quickly as possible! Visit us over at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills, where we'll be more than happy to assist you in finding your perfect vehicle. We look forward to meeting you in person today!

Needing to re-fill your gas tank several times a month can impact your budget, so the efficiency for your vehicle is really important when you’re choosing a new car. The Kia lineup also prioritizes this with the performances of their cars, with many great new Kia vehicles to choose from. A car's efficiency can decrease as it ages, but a few simple maintenance measures can help cut down on its fuel consumption. Check Tire Pressure Having properly inflated tires can make your tank of gas last longer. Your Kia will move with less resistance when the tires are filled, causing less fuel consumption. Under-inflated tires can reduce how well the car performs by making the engine work harder which can add up over time at the pump. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your car and make a habit of checking your tires monthly. When you notice they're running low, inflate them right away at a local gas station to help preserve your fuel economy! more Regular Tune-Ups Routine maintenance visits can help maintain your vehicle’s miles-per-gallon rating and extend its lifespan. A tune-up can involve an oil change, new air filters, a tire rotation, and inspection of brakes, spark plugs, and more. Regularly servicing your Kia will keep it running smoothly and can help prevent larger mechanical issues in the future. Use Premium Motor Oil Each engine is designed for a different type of oil. Using the wrong oil can damage the engine, reducing its lifespan and efficiency. Ensure you use the manufacturer's recommended motor oil to keep your engine running smoother for longer! A good motor will eat up less fuel, optimizing the miles your car gets per tank of gas. You'll also want to follow your schedule for oil changes, so your motor isn't running on dirty oil. Fix Major Issues Right Away No one likes seeing the check engine light when it’s lit up. But ignoring major issues in your vehicle can impact your car's value, lifespan, and fuel consumption. Take your Kia to a trusted mechanic as soon as you start hearing a strange noise, see a dash light light up, or notice a difference in how your vehicle drives. You might be able to catch the issue before it gets worse and limit the impact it will have on your fuel efficiency. Get More Maintenance Tips from Your Trusted Temple Hills, MD Kia Dealership For premium Kia auto repair, visit our service center at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills! Our factory-trained technicians specialize in Kia maintenance and repairs. Whether you're looking for a simple oil change or a more involved service, we'll provide excellent care for you and your Kia. And if you're looking for an efficient new ride, stop by our showroom to browse our extensive inventory of Kia models.

The 2024 Kia Soul is known for its unique design, spacious interior, and functional features. It makes for a perfect commuter vehicle or family car. It’s also fun if you’re looking to turn heads on the road in Temple Hills, MD. Trying to find a vehicle that’s just right? Check out what makes the Kia Soul such a great option! Connected Technology The Kia Soul will help keep you safely connected to your devices and give you easy access to the tech features you need to enjoy every ride. The interior features an 8-inch touchscreen display that can be equipped with Kia Connect, navigation, and satellite radio. It easily connects to mobile devices through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, so you can enjoy different functions from your phone without sacrificing road safety. It also comes with remote keyless entry and vehicle immobilizer features. more Comfortable Seating The Kia Soul interior offers luxurious tricot cloth trim seating, with comfortable padding. You can also get power-adjustable, heated front seats. Other interior upgrades include leather trim, a functional sunroof, and dual-zone climate control. Functional Storage The Kia Soul distinct boxy design means the back of the vehicle includes plenty of space for all of your things. The back seats fold down to help you maximize the storage space available when you're not carrying passengers. Upgraded versions of this vehicle even feature a dual-level cargo board with a cover, so you can make the most of the available vertical space and keep your items safe and protected while you transport them. Important Safety Features Not only is the Kia Soul a blast to drive, it’s also chock full of innovative safety features to help keep you safe on the road. It comes with features like emergency braking, lane keep assist, driver attention warnings, and available blind-spot assist. These features are intuitive and easy to use. Powerful Engine and Transmission In addition to all the interior and tech features, the Kia Soul also has plenty of power under the hood. This SUV features a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, which generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb-feet of torque. It also has an intelligent variable transmission, so you can enjoy a smooth ride and have plenty of control over your speed and handling. Check Out Our New Kia Soul Inventory in Temple Hills, MD If you're ready to enjoy all these fun and functional features, contact DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills. Our team is ready to help you find a Kia that works for your lifestyle.

If you love the new look and scent of your new car, then you'll want to do all you can to help preserve it. Fortunately, it's easy to keep your car looking fresh and clean when you learn the tips and tricks used by your local Kia dealership. How Do You Keep Your Vehicle Maintained? Using the right tools and materials is a huge part of correctly detailing your car. If you use chemicals and materials that aren't designed for cleaning cars, you risk damaging your paint, upholstery, and wheels. Even though dish soap seems like a convenient alternative to car washing liquid, the harsh detergent can strip away the protective coating over your paint and cause issues down the line. The main tools you will need to thoroughly clean your car are a dry vacuum, wet vacuum, microfiber cloths, water hose, and buckets. You will want to purchase soap formulated for washing cars, car wax, car glass cleaner, and interior cleaner that is compatible with the type of upholstery you have. It's also a good idea to avoid washing your car in very hot weather or allowing your car to air dry. more What If You Come Across Damage? If you notice a dent, scratch, or ding on your car's exterior while you’re washing your car, you should contact your dealership right away to ask about repairing the issue. Even small scratches can turn into big trouble if water gets to your body panel and causes rust. Any damage to your tires should also be handled right away. Similarly, if you notice your headlights are hazy because of the bulb covers, you can schedule a headlight replacement or renewal at your local dealer. Ask Your Kia Dealership in Temple Hills, MD for More on Car Care Whether you own or lease your Kia, keeping the interior and exterior of your car looking good is a big deal. For owners, routinely cleaning cars can help identify any areas that are worn or torn that need to be addressed. If you plan to trade in your vehicle in the future, then doing all you can to help prevent wear and tear damage can help protect your vehicle's value. If you lease your car, then your car lease agreement might have fees related to any wear or tear damage that you may have to pay at the end of your lease. To help reduce these fees, you can regularly clean your vehicle to help prevent paint damage caused by tree sap or stains on your floor mats. Keeping your car showroom fresh is as easy as using the right tools and materials to regularly scrub and shine your vehicle. If you notice any wear and tear damage to your vehicle during the cleaning process, you can schedule service at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills.

If you can't decide between the 2025 Kia Sorento or the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid, your decision might come down to considerations like efficiency and performance. Which SUV can go further without stopping at the gas pump? Which SUV offers more horsepower? Learn the performance highlights of these outstanding Kia SUV models today before visiting our Kia dealership to buy a new Kia SUV. Compare the Performance of the 2025 Sorento vs. Sorento Hybrid How does the efficiency compare between the Sorento and Sorento Hybrid? The base 2025 Sorento Hybrid is the EX model, and offers an EPA-estimated 36 MPG for city, 36 MPG for highway, and a combined 36 MPG for the Front-Wheel Drive version. For All-Wheel Drive, the Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige offers EPA-Estimates of 34/34/34 MPG for city, highway, and combined. more When looking at the base trim for the 2025 Sorento, the Sorento LX offers EPA-Estimated 23 MPG for city, 31 MPG for highway, and a combined 26 MPG. As you can see, both SUVs offer great efficiency. How Much Power Do These SUVs Offer? The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid and Sorento gas-powered version both come packed with power under the hood. The 2025 Sorento offers a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower or a turbo version offering 281 horsepower. The 2025 Sorento Hybrid comes with a 1.6L turbo hybrid powertrain system with a combined 227 horsepower. Other Important Mechanical Features The Sorento models feature a variety of safety and handling features for the vehicles. Key features include Downhill Brake Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Management, and Electronic Stability Control. Discover the 2025 Sorento Models in Temple Hills, MD If you're ready to save money on fuel costs, and travel further on less gas, then you should visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills. We can show you our impressive inventory of new Kia Sorento models. Whether you’re interested in buying the Sorento Hybrid or Sorento, we can explore trim levels and features further, as well as arrange a test drive in the SUV for you.

For drivers who want to invest in going electric, a fully electric vehicle like the 2024 Kia Niro EV is the way to go. This fun crossover SUV has an impressive electric driving range and tons of exciting amenities to make your commute more enjoyable. Check out how the Niro EV measures up in head-to-head competition with other popular EVs on the road this year. Comparing the 2024 Kia Niro EV Performance vs. the Competition The performance of an EV's battery a lot of times can be compared between vehicles and what the total electric driving range is offered. For the 2024 Niro EV base trim, the total electric driving range is an EPA-estimated 253 miles. An EV that competes with the Niro EV is the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Kona Electric for 2024, offers an EPA-estimated driving range up to 261 miles, however, on the base trim it only offers an all-electric range of 200 miles. more Fuel Economy Of course, battery performance isn't the only important spec to check when it comes to electric vehicles. Although EVs don't run on gas, these vehicles can still measure equivalent performance for the electric motor. The top trim 2024 Niro EV Wave offers an EPA-estimated MPGe of 113 MPGe combined. When comparing specs to the 2024 Kona EV and the top trim, the Limited, you will find close specs, with the Kona Electric Limited offering an EPA-estimated MPGe of 116 MPGe combined. Key Niro EV Features The Niro EV is full of exciting standard features, like navigation for flawless turn-by-turn directions, adaptive cruise control for effortless eco-friendly driving, and satellite radio. This EV has Bluetooth technology, which means drivers can easily stream music, send texts, or place hands-free calls on the road. The base Niro EV model has a comfortable cabin with a leatherette SynTex and cloth seating material that's easy to clean and maintain, which is convenient for drivers with children or pets. Features like heated front and rear outboard seats, a dual-level cargo floor, and 60/40 folding rear seats are also standard. Learn More About 2024 Niro EV Features in Temple Hills, MD The 2024 Niro EV is a popular EV model on the road this year thanks to its fantastic energy efficiency and battery performance. See how well this EV performs when you stop by DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills.

Crossovers may be compact, but they can still be spacious. That's something the 2024 Kia Seltos demonstrates well. Alongside its comfortable interior, you'll also find plenty of technology to make your rides more convenient and enjoyable in this Kia SUV. 1. The Roomy Interior The Seltos was designed to be compact but with plenty of interior space. When it comes to cargo, you'll have no trouble fitting everything you need into this car. The Seltos has a dual cargo floor, and the rear seats can be folded down partially or completely to expand the amount of space you have for transporting gear. more There's also plenty of room for passengers. In the front, you've got 40 inches of headroom, and there's just over 38 inches of it in the rear. In models with a sunroof, the front has just over 38 inches of headroom. There's also plenty of hip, shoulder, and legroom. Passengers in the front have 41.4 inches of room to stretch their legs. Rear seat passengers have 38 inches of leg-stretching space, so nobody will be cramped. 2. The Safety Tech The KIA Drive Wise Technologies are some of the most impressive tech features in the car. Features that are standard across all trims help you stay in your lane, become aware of when your attention wavers, and help avoid collisions with cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. Features standard on the S trim and up help detect cars in your blind spot and help warn you about cars you may collide with while you're reversing. 3. The Color Options It's nice to have an array of color options available when choosing your car, as having a vehicle that you enjoy to look at is always a bonus. There are a huge number of exterior color options for the Seltos. You can outfit your SUV with stunning shades of red, blue, and many others that'll make your car stand out. Every trim has classic, sleek shades such as Steel Grey, Fusion Black, and Snow White Pearl. 4. The Great Infotainment System The base trim of the Seltos is equipped with an 8-inch infotainment screen. The other trims have a 10.25-inch infotainment screen instead. The larger screen has Navigation built into it, helping you get to new destinations with ease. You can connect the infotainment system to your smartphone on all trims. The S trim and up have an array of convenience features connected to the infotainment system, such as Kia Connect and Remote Start. Test Drive a 2024 Seltos in Temple Hills, MD Today Are you interested in taking the Kia Seltos out for a test drive? Come by DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills so you can get to know this SUV in person.