Blog

A transmission service means having a licensed mechanic service the system that allows you to change gears. Manual and automatic transmissions need regular maintenance and repairs. With frequent inspections, the vehicle will be able to accelerate. Discover the benefits of maintaining your transmission from your Temple Hills, MD, Kia dealer. What to Know About Transmission Service from Your Local Kia Dealer When you bring your Kia into the shop, a mechanic inspects the drivetrain for structural damage. They examine the gear shaft, clutch, and belts that help regulate speed. They also inspect your transmission fluid levels and may recommend flushing the system if it appears cloudy or dirty. The transmission fluid helps cool the gears and increases lubrication so the clutch or gear lever can move between gears without getting stuck. more A transmission flush helps remove contaminated fluid, and any sludge or debris clogging the system and replaces it with new fluid. The mechanic also replaces the transmission fluid filter to help remove dirt from the system. If you continue to have trouble accelerating or shifting, there could be a leak, or the gears could be shedding metal shavings due to excess wear and tear. When to Get Transmission Repairs Bring your Kia in to have the transmission inspected by a professional every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Your vehicle owner's manual recommends specific intervals for maintaining the transmission. You should also visit your local mechanic if you notice: Increased fuel consumption Frequent gear slippage Fluid leaks Rough idling and hard starts Reduced acceleration or power Vibrations along the steering column Strong odors Grinding noises Overly hot gearbox Automatic transmissions tend to need more frequent repairs than stick shifts because they use advanced technology to help regulate speed based on the acceleration inputs. Instead of manually adjusting the gear shift, an internal computer controls shifting and the clutch. Manuals tend to be easier to repair, but automatic transmissions help improve accuracy and fuel efficiency. Tips for Maintaining Your Kia Transmission Keeping your transmission in good condition helps improve safety and fuel consumption. Use these tips to help protect your gears from wear and tear: Check your transmission fluid levels often Avoid shifting when the car is moving Service the cooling system Avoid keeping your foot on the brake when driving Let the car warm up before starting Hauling heavy loads puts additional strain on the gears and drivetrain. Limit the weight of your loads and service the transmission often when towing. A working transmission sets the pace of your car, helps improve fuel efficiency, and makes it easy to shift gears. Poor transmission maintenance will overwhelm the engine and make it harder to stop. Contacting the professionals is the best way to help resolve the issue. Visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today to have your transmission inspected by one of our mechanics!

To maximize the lifespan of your Kia in Temple Hills, MD, you have to do more than just schedule service for check-ups and oil changes. Proper Kia maintenance means you must ensure that every part of your vehicle receives the attention it deserves. Schedule Service for Regular Oil Changes Oil is crucial for your Kia's engine. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps keep the engine cool. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective, so regular oil changes top the list of how to protect your car's lifespan. Follow your Kia's maintenance schedule for oil changes, typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. more Maintain Your Tires The condition of your tires directly impacts your Kia's performance, fuel economy, and handling. Regular tire inspections can catch irregular wear patterns before they become too impaired, allowing you to rotate, align, or even replace your tires before they cause trouble. Keeping your tires properly inflated helps ensure optimal contact with the road, makes them last longer, and improves your gas mileage. Check your tire pressure monthly and adjust as necessary. Take Care of Your Brakes Your braking system is one of your car's most important safety features. Pay attention to any changes in braking performance, such as increased stopping distances, squealing noises, or a spongy brake pedal. These could signal the need for brake pad replacement. Regular brake inspections can help save you from more significant issues down the road. Check on Your Battery A car battery typically lasts three to five years. Inspect your battery periodically for signs of corrosion on the terminals, and make sure it's securely mounted. If your Kia begins to start sluggishly, it might be time for a battery test or replacement. Inspect Your Fluids Beyond engine oil, your Kia relies on several vital fluids for its best operation. Regularly check and maintain the levels of transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid in your car. These fluids degrade over time and may need flushing and replacement to help avoid damaging their respective systems. Always Use Genuine Parts When it comes to replacements, opt for genuine Kia parts designed to match your vehicle's specifications. While cheap aftermarket parts may seem like a good deal, they can have compatibility issues that could compromise your Kia's performance. Schedule Kia Maintenance in Temple Hills, MD If it's time to take care of your Kia, whether it's maintenance or repairs, your local dealership is the best place to go. Our certified Kia technicians have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix issues accurately. Regular inspections by our professionals can also help catch issues you might miss before they become expensive problems. By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your Kia remains dependable for many years. Schedule your next service with DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today.

If you have a faulty transmission, you might want to head to your local Temple Hills, MD, Kia Service Center, which has all the right tools and knowledge to diagnose and fix the problem. Learn the signs that this part of your car is in disrepair, so you know when to head right over and talk to a mechanic. Need Transmission Repair? You Haven't Visited the Kia Dealer in a While If you can't remember the last time you visited the dealer for routine maintenance, then some of the parts of your car may be in disrepair. We recommend heading right to the dealer to have them thoroughly check over your car and fix anything that's not in the best shape. more You Struggle to Shift Gears If you're having problems with this part of your car, then you'll probably find it hard to shift gears. If you drive a manual, the gearshift might pop out of place, or you may have to push hard to get into gear. You may also have to try really hard while driving an automatic car, depending on the type of shifter you have. You could also find that when you shift gears, your car shifts right back to the gear you were in previously. You Have a Leak If you spot any red or brown fluid under your vehicle, then there's a high probability that your car has sprung a leak that's going to impact your gearbox. You may start having trouble shifting gears or staying in gear because of the leak. Always keep an eye out around your vehicle by checking the ground for leaks so you can get them repaired as soon as you notice them. You Keep Slipping Out of Gear If your system is slipping gears, then there's an underlying issue that you need to address. You might find that your car jumps into the wrong gear for a moment before slipping into the gear you're aiming for. This can be dangerous if it happens on a crowded road, so you should visit the dealer as soon as the problem occurs. You Experience Rough Shifting You might find your car jerks when you change from one gear to the next. This is an unnatural response to a gearshift, so it's a sign that you need to get the system checked out by a professional. If you're having any of the problems we talked about above, then schedule a service appointment online or visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills. Make sure you stop by regularly so we can keep your car's parts in excellent health for you.

The strong smell of gas is very unpleasant, and it's even worse if you smell it coming from your car. When your Kia works as smoothly and efficiently as it was designed, you should never smell gas. A gas smell is automatically a sign that something has gone wrong. Fortunately, your Kia dealer in Temple Hills, MD, can repair the problem. These are some of the reasons your car smells like gas. Advice From Your Kia Dealer: Why Your Car Smells Like Gas Damaged Converter Efficient combustion in our engine requires a precise 14:1 mixture of air to fuel. This might seem strange, but the huge amount of air is essential for the spark plugs to ignite correctly. Combustion generates toxic gases and also contains fuel residue. Once combustion has been completed in a cylinder, the gases and other residue are dumped into the catalytic converter. more The catalytic converter converts the fuel residue and gases into harmless chemicals. The converter chemicals then pass out of the exhaust pipe. Your converter can wear out through age or can be damaged by engine problems like a high fuel-air ratio. A damaged converter won't convert the residue, and you'll smell gas from the engine and tailpipe. We'll examine your converter, and we can install a replacement if necessary. Worn Fuel Pressure Regulator As we saw above, your engine requires a precise mixture of air and fuel for combustion. Air enters through the radiator grille and passes into the air filter, where any debris is removed. The clean air then passes into the intake manifold. Fuel is pumped into the intake manifold through the fuel injectors. The fuel pressure regulator is responsible for the amount of fuel that enters the manifold. Your Kia's computer determines the correct balance of air to fuel and instructs the regulator to supply the required quantity of fuel. A worn or damaged regulator could supply too much fuel. If the fuel level in the manifold is too high, some of its fumes will escape and can waft into your cabin. We can test your regulator and replace it with a new one if required. Loose or Damaged Gas Cap The gas cap has two main functions. It's responsible for maintaining the correct pressure in the fuel system, and it prevents fuel fumes from escaping the tank. The fuel system must operate at a set pressure to ensure that fuel is always delivered to the cylinders at the correct rate. Your gas cap is designed to provide an air-tight seal, but wear and tear can damage the cap or its seals. If this happens, you'll likely smell fuel in your cabin, the check engine light will illuminate, and your fuel efficiency will drop. Our technicians can easily replace a damaged cap or its seals to help fix this problem. If you smell gas from your Kia, call our service department immediately at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills.

A car that won't start is a major headache for any driver. This problem inevitably happens when you need your vehicle. The main reasons for this problem are damaged parts and delayed servicing. As your Kia dealer in Temple Hills, MD, we can easily fix any of these problems for you. These are three of the reasons why a car won't start. Advice From Your Kia Dealer: Reasons Why Your Car Won't Start Dead Battery The battery provides the initial electrical charge that starts your engine. The battery sends an electrical charge to the starter solenoid when you hit the start button. The solenoid powers the starter, which initiates the crank that brings your engine to life. If the battery doesn't supply this charge, your engine can only be started with a jump start. more A car battery can die for several reasons, including age, loose connections, or lack of recharging. Our technicians will need to investigate to identify the problem, and then we can fix it. An old or worn-out battery will need to be replaced, but problems involving insufficient charging will usually mean our battery can be recharged once the issue is fixed. Worn Alternator As we've seen, the battery supplies power to the starter, which uses a large percentage of the battery's power. The alternator's job is to produce electricity for all your car's systems, and it recharges the battery. An alternator has a useful life of approximately eight years. As it ages, an alternator starts to slow down due to worn and damaged parts. An older alternator will supply less power when it slows down, which affects battery recharging. If a battery uses more power than the alternator replenishes, the battery will slowly weaken. Starting difficulties will occur as the battery takes longer to build up a sufficient charge to power the starter. We can easily test your alternator and install a new one if it's damaged. Starter Motor The starter motor has a small gear inside, activating the engine's flywheel. The starter motor then delivers electricity, and this causes your engine to rotate. As the engine rotates, fuel is drawn from the tank and injected into the intake manifold, and the air is drawn into the manifold. The fuel and air will mix, be drawn into the cylinders, and the combustion process begins. Problems with the starter motor could be due to a damaged solenoid, a failing starter motor, or broken electrical connections. We'll examine the motor and replace damaged parts or the motor itself if it fails to fix this problem. If your car can't start, call our service department immediately at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills. We'll help identify and repair the problem, and your car will work perfectly again in no time.

Kia vehicles are well-known for being affordable and reliable, but like any car, the paint job on your Kia is vulnerable to chips, scratches, tree sap, and more. Fortunately, when you finalize your new car purchase at your local Kia dealer, you can ask for car treatments that can protect your car paint. Some Tips on How to Protect Your Kia Car Paint To protect your Kia paint job, you may want to opt for the Kia Total Paint and Wheel Protection package. This package is offered to new cars and sometimes certified-used cars. The paint protection portion of this package will protect your paint against acid rain, grime, salt, exhaust fumes, and UV rays. more When you ask for this protection plan, your car will be taken to the service center, where technicians will apply a hydrophobic layer to your paint job, wheel trims, and headlamps. The protective layer creates a chemical water-beading surface that is easy to clean and helps guard against the most common threats to your paint job. What Other Tips Can Protect Your Paint? Whether or not you opt for the paint protection package, you can make simple changes as a car owner to protect your paint. You can make a habit of avoiding parking under trees or parking your vehicle in a carport to avoid tree sap and UV rays. Using a car cover can also offer physical protection from the elements, particularly if you don't drive your car often. Some drivers may also consider adding wax paste or liquid that is safe for your existing clear-coat protection. How Else Can Your Local Kia Dealer Help You Preserve Your Car? In addition to the Total Paint and Wheel Protection package, your local dealership can also hook you up with more protection packages. The Term Care Select Package will help protect your car from unexpected occurrences that may damage parts of your vehicle that are not already under warranty. Specifically, this package will apply to mechanical failure for items such as batteries, headlights, brake pads, belts, light bulbs, and windshield wipers. The Term Care Select Platinum Plus protection plan adds additional coverage perks, such as up to $200 per tire or wheel replacement, electrical coverage for fuses, and wheel alignment. The Kia Drive OneCard is a membership plan that provides key replacement, 24-hour roadside assistance, trip interruption, and lockout protection services. Keeping dirt, grime, acid, and other harmful substances off your car is the key to enjoying a new-looking Kia for years. Be sure to ask about car protection plans when you buy a new vehicle at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills!

Is your car AC not working? Do you have a hard time keeping your focus on the road because of the heat and humidity? If this sounds familiar, you should bring your car to your local Kia dealer for a proper check-up on your vehicle’s air conditioning system. Here are several signs of a malfunctioning car AC that you should keep an eye out for: AC Doesn't Blow Cold Air If your car is not blowing cold air, it could be a sign of an air conditioning problem. The first thing you can do is turn on the AC and let it run for a couple of minutes. Then check the air coming out of the vents. If there's no change in temperature, it's time to bring in your vehicle to your dealer and have it checked. more Unpleasant Odor Another indication that something is wrong with your car AC is a foul odor coming from the vents. This may be caused by particles, mold, and bacteria building up in your AC system. If it isn't fixed in time, the compressor may eventually overheat and fail due to additional cooling demands inside the cabin. And so, if your nose is sensing a foul smell from your AC vent, you should immediately have your car checked out by a mechanic. Loud Noises When the compressor switches on, it is normal to hear some noise. The compressor has several internal components and employs a sealed bearing, which explains why there is noise when it starts up. However, if the racket is loud and continuous, your compressor's bearings could have failed or seized, producing a grinding noise. If you're experiencing this, don't hesitate to bring your car to your local car dealer for a proper check-up. Failing Clutch The compressor's clutch allows the pulley to engage and detach from engine power so that the compressor is never turning unless it's required. The clutch maintains the compressor on, and if it fails, the compressor will be unable to receive engine power. If this issue sounds familiar, it's best to have a professional check your vehicle out for an appropriate diagnosis. Refrigerant Leak Your car's refrigerant helps the air conditioner turn warm air into cool air, and if it runs out of this chemical, your AC will not operate properly. When refrigerant leaks out, it not only raises health risks but also increases your energy consumption. This is an issue that must be fixed as soon as possible. So, if you're having problems with this issue, you should visit your local dealer or mechanic as quickly as possible. Water Stains When your AC is on, you may notice water drain out from the bottom of your automobile. This is entirely normal. However, if you do not see this happening, and instead are greeted by water stains inside your car, there may be a problem. Occasionally, the drain on the bottom of your car gets jammed, causing water to back up, seep into your vehicle, and pool around the brake pedal and front floor mats. If this is the case, bring it to your local dealer soon. Schedule an Air Conditioning Service in Temple Hills, MD If your AC isn't working as it should be, don't worry! Just get in touch with DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills and let our team help you get back on the road in no time. We have all the right tools and expertise for this job, so don't hesitate to schedule service with us today!

Statistics show that you're more likely to be in a bad auto accident while driving at night in places. Why? Well, the main reason is reduced visibility. Not only that, but in the evenings, you're also much more likely to encounter drivers who are tired, distracted, or even under the influence of alcohol, making the roads even more dangerous. With so many risks, you need to be extra careful. Here are some tips for nighttime driving. 1. Use Your Headlights Correctly When driving after dark, your car's headlights can be your greatest ally, helping you see clearly and be seen by others. Even in well-lit areas, like city streets, it's always best to turn on your headlights once the sun starts to set. You should also make sure to use your high beams correctly. Don't use them if other cars are nearby or coming in the opposite direction, but if you're on your own on an open road, activate them to help you see more of your surroundings. more 2. Slow it Down Driving too quickly is never a good idea, and it's even more dangerous after dark, because of the added risks of nighttime driving. The faster you're going, the harder it will be for you to avoid accidents if a car or pedestrian suddenly appears from out of the darkness. So, if you want to stay safe, slow it down a little and never surpass the speed limit. 3. Keep Your Distance It's always smart to keep your distance from the car in front of you, especially at night. As mentioned in the introduction, there's a greater risk of encountering under-the-influence or tired drivers on the road after dark, and these kinds of drivers might swerve or brake without warning, putting you in danger. By keeping your distance and driving defensively, you'll be able to respond to their movements and avoid any crashes or collisions. 4. Remain Alert and Attentive to Your Surroundings Again, this is an important tip to follow in general, but it becomes even more important when you're driving in the dark. You need to be highly alert and observant, keeping an eye on your surroundings, watching out for street signs, and keeping track of other drivers, too. There are plenty of risks and dangers out there, and it's up to you to spot them and keep yourself safe. So don't let yourself get distracted or lose focus while driving. 5. Take a Break if You Feel Tired At nighttime, you're more likely to start feeling sleepy behind the wheel, reducing your reaction times, and increasing your risks of having an accident. It's crucial for you to stay awake and alert. So, if you start to feel drowsy in any way, find a safe place to stop and rest for a while. Ensure Your Car’s Secure – Get a Service at Our Temple Hills Kia Service Center Driving during the night demands extra vigilance and care, so make sure to keep these tips in mind whenever you're behind the wheel after dark. Another good way to stay safe while driving is to keep up with your car's service schedule and schedule services when you need them. Visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills for all your auto needs, from oil changes to brake repair.

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.

Tire pressure is an important part of your vehicle's maintenance, yet it is something that is often overlooked. Checking your vehicle's tire pressure takes just minutes to do and will prevent problems down the road. If you are unsure about how to check tire pressure on your Kia, check out these guidelines or come to our car dealership for tire services. Keep a Tire Gauge on Hand A tire gauge is necessary to measure the pounds per square inch, or PSI, in your tires. You can find one that’s affordable at your local hardware, auto parts, or convenience store. Tire pressure gauges come in stick, digital, or dial form, and can be easily stored in your glove box when you are not using them. more When to Check Your Tires Tires can lose between 1-3 PSI each month, so going months without monitoring your tire pressure will add up and potentially cause problems. A loss of pressure in your vehicle's tires can result in issues with handling, a reduction in gas mileage, and damage to the tires. Set a time each month to do a PSI check, keeping in mind that tires need to be cool for an accurate reading. It is recommended to wait three hours after driving to do this. Knowing the Correct PSI for Your Tires The correct PSI for your tires can be found in your vehicle's user manual, but more conveniently, it is also located on the driver's side door jam. There will be more than one number listed here, one for the recommended PSI and another that indicates the maximum amount of air the tire can hold. Be sure that you are doing a reading based on the recommended PSI and be advised that the number on the tire wall reflects the maximum psi for the tire. Using Your Tire Pressure Gauge When you are ready to check your tires, follow these steps: Remove the valve cap and keep it in a safe place. Press the tire gauge firmly against the valve so that air does not escape. Compare the reading on the gauge to the recommended PSI. If your tire is overinflated, use the gauge to release some air, then recheck the pressure. Replace the valve cap and repeat until all of the tires have been checked. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) get installed in cars to warn drivers when they are having issues with the pressure in their vehicle’s tires. While it’s important to pay attention to, this should not be a replacement for regular tire checks. You will have peace of mind in keeping up with a hands-on approach to doing your own preventative maintenance. It will give you the opportunity to check the tread on your tires at the same time. Get Your Tires Serviced in Temple Hills, MD This attention to detail will keep your vehicle running safely for years to come. Be sure to visit us at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills and stop by the Kia Service Department at our dealership when you need to schedule service. If you are shopping for a new Kia or used car, you can shop our wide variety while you’re here!