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Is your Kia ready for a check-up? An oil change? What about a tire rotation? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about a Kia service and check-up so you can keep your Kia running smoothly. Kia Service FAQs About Check-Ups There is still some debate about what the regular time and mileage frame are for getting your car serviced and your oil change, but we have some basic information for you to go off of. Remember: when in doubt, consult your vehicle's user manual. It has just about all the information you need. Of course, you can always ask us. more How Often Must I Get a Kia Service? From standard Kia vehicles to Kia hybrids, 10,000 miles is the max you should be on the road without a checkup. That, or a year -- whichever comes first. Diesel is a little bit different. In this case, it's about 20,000 miles or a year. It's always a good idea to get your Kia Service before this limit is reached. How Often Should I Check My Own Fluids? You should regularly check your antifreeze, wiper fluid, brake fluid, oil, and power steering fluid. It's relatively easy, as you can access your engine and these fluids in the front of your vehicle. If you aren't comfortable doing this yourself, consider stopping by every 3,000 to 6,000 miles to get your oil checked out. If you aren't sure, always consult your user manual. Any oil leaks need to be taken care of immediately, so schedule a Kia Service right away to fix the issue. What Kind of Kia Services Are There? Given that you probably drive on average about 1,000 miles a month, you want to start off at 3 months -- 3,000 miles. This first, basic service, includes your standard oil change, air and fuel filter inspections, fluid replacement, belts, exhaust, etc. At 6,000 miles., it's the same stuff, with the addition of car battery inspection and cable maintenance if needed. When Should I Get Tire Maintenance? On your own, you should check your tire's air pressure every few weeks. You should check it even more frequently if there was a recent seasonal or temperature change. Switching rapidly from hot to cold or vice versa can drastically decrease tire pressure, so you want to make sure you keep on that. Your tires will be rotated every time you come in for service, so typically every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. Typically, a decent set of tires lasts from 4 to 6 years. You should also request for your alignment to be checked every 6 months to a year, and more often if you've been driving on bad roads. Where Should I Get a Service for My Kia? Stop in at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills, Maryland today, where you will find everything you're looking for when it comes to your Kia in addition to a certified Kia Service Department. You can even shop for a new Kia if you're ready to upgrade.

The 2020 Kia Optima is out on the road keeping you in style with all of the standard Optima features, and a few updates, of course. With how many mid-sized sedans there are on the market, it's important to know all the reasons why the Optima is the right choice for you. 5 Great Features That Make the 2020 Kia Optima a Smart Choice 1. It's One Safe Car Your fellow drivers are not always the most careful people; something we all know a little too well. Whether driving by yourself or with a family, it's important to know that you're as safe as possible. more The 2020 Kia Optima has a whole assortment of safety features, like Blind-Spot Collision Technology, Auto Emergency Braking, and a body specifically designed and built to make stress points even stronger, so you can know you're safely buckled inside it. Additionally, by connecting through an app on your phone, you get 24-hour roadside assistance. 2. It's Eco-Friendly To give some quick facts, the Optima averages 27 miles to the gallon in the city and up to 37 on the highway. More than that, though, it can come as a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, meaning you could surpass the average MPG on electricity alone. That's good for both the environment and your wallet. 3. It's Sporty You don't have to break the bank buying a sports car to get that turbo-charged feeling. The 2020 Optima has an engine and a suspension system specifically designed to give that sporty feeling. On top of that, you can change gears without ever taking your hands off the wheel, making driving to work feel less like a commute and more than a little more exhilarating. 4. It Has a Cool, Sleek Look In the interior, you can get it all decked out in leather, steering wheel included. The cabin is designed to be spacious and nice and quiet. On the outside, it comes with high-gloss paint, LED headlights, and available accent trim and rear spoiler. Basically, you're going to be noticed. 5. It's Tech Savvy It comes with the tech needed to connect to Apple or Android as well as a wireless charging pad to keep your device's battery full as you drive. It also comes with a USB port and an Aux chord input, meaning wireless everything isn't your only option. You can even download an app on your phone to check in on and control your car without even being in it. Additionally, the Smart Key can unlock doors, turn on lights, and pop open the trunk without having to be taken out of your pocket. Think of that next time you're walking through the parking lot with an armful of grocery bags. Getting Your Optima The new 2020 Kia Optima has all the features that make the Optima the car it is, as well as a few new ones that bring it further from the pack. It's safe, good for the environment, fun to drive, and connects with your phone: not to mention how it looks. If you're looking to check one out, contact DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today!

The Kia Forte is a compact, 5-seat, 4-door sedan. In previous model years, it was also offered as a hatchback, but that version is no longer available for the 2020 Kia Forte. If you're in the market for a compact car, it is more than likely that you have thought about the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic. These two household names have been around for longer than the Kia and are its biggest competition. So how does the Kia stand up to the competition? How Does the 2020 Kia Forte Match Up to the Competition? The compact sedan segment is crowded with good options. Icons such as the Civic, Corolla, and Impreza have long been the default choice for most people. However, other brands have stepped up their game, offering good value for money, strong performance, and comfortable cabins. more The Kia Forte is one of the most notable, especially after its 2019 update. It offers buyers a strong alternative and a unique take on the segment. Practicality Trunk Space The Kia Forte has 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space. The Civic sedan, on the other hand, almost matches the Forte with its 15.1 cubic feet of space. The Corolla offers noticeably less trunk space with only 13 cubic feet of usable space. The hatchback variants of the Corolla and Civic offer significantly more trunk space, because of their shape. However, hatchbacks have less legroom and headroom, especially in the back row. Interior The Forte, Corolla, and Civic sedans all seat five, in varying degrees of comfort. The Civic has ample legroom both in the front and back rows, but its sloping roofline cuts into the headroom in the back row. The Corolla also offers ample legroom, with the only complaint being that the standard seats offer little in the way of support and side bolstering. Like its competitors, the Forte offers legroom and headroom sufficient for all but the tallest passengers. Performance Corolla The Corolla's standard engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that offers 139 horsepower. This power plant is mated to a continuously variable transmission. A slightly larger and more powerful 2.0-liter engine is optional. It makes 30 more horsepower and can be mated to a six-speed manual in lieu of the CVT. Forte Like the Corolla, the Forte has two engine choices. A 2.0 liter, 147 horsepower petrol unit, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter petrol that produces 201 horsepower. Civic The Civic comes in four different engine options whose outputs range from 158 to 306 horsepower. The least powerful engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0 liter that produces 158 horsepower. The most powerful has the same displacement, but is turbocharged, makes 306 horsepower, and is only available with the hatchback model. It's also a lot more expensive as an upgrade. A Solid Performer The Kia Forte is a solid performer and is well suited for city driving as well as long trips out of town. It holds its own against the competition, with unique styling and a long feature list giving it an edge. Want to learn more about the 2020 Kia Forte? Contact DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today.

The 2020 Kia Sedona i s renowned for perfectly combining the style of an SUV and the utility of a minivan. It features a spacious cabin, intuitive technology, velvety V6 engine, and smooth ride quality, making it a top choice for people looking for a family-friendly vehicle. With the Sedona, you enjoy every drive in comfort and safety. Velvety Engine Kia Sedona features a 3.3L GDI V6 engine that delivers a healthy 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet torque to get you to your destination smoothly and comfortably. An 8-speed transmission is standard to give you excellent ride quality and great fuel economy. more Spacious Interiors If you want a family vehicle with a spacious cabin, Sedona is a perfect choice. It has seven or eight-passenger seats, depending on the trim, to fit your family and a few friends perfectly. The first and second-row passengers enjoy decent legroom and ample room to stretch out. Your kids will be fine in this car, with exposed latch anchors for easy car seat installation. When going for a vacation, you don't have to stress about your huge luggage because the Sedona can fit 142 cubic feet of cargo. Sedona's interiors feel and look upscale. All trims have two-tone color themes made of high-quality materials. Some trims come with heated seats, leather upholstery, extendable footrest, and adjustable airline-style headrests to enhance the occupants' experience. Incredible Performance Sedona has a smooth and refined ride to fulfill its people-moving mission effectively. Whether you are driving in town, on the highway, or on the pavement, you get a quiet ride, always. This minivan is easily maneuverable and handles competently. It barely transmits any harshness to the cabin, guaranteeing you a placid ride with kids onboard. Intuitive Technology Riding with your family does not have to be boring. Sedona has numerous options in the infotainment department. In all trims, you get a 7-inch touchscreen system integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As such, you can stream music and podcasts on the wheels to make your rides fun and exciting. You can also listen to your kids' favorite tunes to keep them entertained. Unsurpassed Safety Like many family-oriented cars, Kia Sedona prioritizes occupants' safety. It has fundamental safety features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA), lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking so that you can ride with confidence. With the FCA, you can avoid collisions with vehicles ahead of you. The feature detects a possible collision, warns you, and automatically applies the brakes to prevent it. Wide Range of Trims Kia Sedona is available in four trims levels, so you chose the one that best appeals to you. With Sedona L, you get a 7-inch infotainment system, 17-inch alloy wheels, USB charging ports, and seating for seven passengers. LX Model features eight passenger seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, power sliding doors, and two additional speaks. If you choose the EX, you get leather upholstery, heated front seats, and bigger wheels. The top tier SX trim has a heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, Harman Kardon audio, 8-inch infotainment system, and rear-seat entertainment system. Kia Sedona is a superb family vehicle that boasts a roomy cabin, SUV-like styling, a comfortable ride, and copious technologies. Visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to book a test drive with this impressive minivan.

The Soul is arguably Kia's most recognizable vehicle, and the all-new 2020 Kia Soul redefines the brand and subcompact SUV segment. Featuring a surprisingly spacious cabin, modern infotainment system, and an efficient engine, the vehicle stands out as one of the best subcompact SUVs on the market. The 2020 model ushers the Soul into its third generation, and Kia has made fundamental changes from the 2019 model. 4 Reasons You Have to Test-Drive the 2020 Kia Soul for Yourself 1. Spacious Interior For such a small vehicle, the amount of cargo space available in this SUV is remarkable. With 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space, or 62.1 cubic feet when the back row is folded, the Soul offers comfortably carries a regular cooler and luggage for young families. The vehicle comfortably seats five people, and unlike many subcompact SUVs on the market, all front and rear seats have enough legroom and headroom to comfortably seat adults. Users will also appreciate the fact that the driver's seat is located high enough to give a good line of sight on the road ahead. Drivers can choose a sunroof, a push-button start system and dual-zone automatic control to refine the ride. more 2. Modern Infotainment System The infotainment system in the 2020 Soul consists of a mix of touch and physical controls, making it ideal to operate when driving. A 7-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay comes standard on the Soul, but users can opt for the gigantic 10.25-inch touchscreen to create the ultimate focal point on the dash. The base stereo system has six speakers and it features a USB port and Bluetooth for hands-free calling. Consumers with Qi-enable devices are catered for by this car's wireless charging system. 3 Powerful Engine Base models of the Soul come with a 2.0-liter, 147-horsepower engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The engine is powerful enough to provide a responsive ride on both city and country roads. If driving a stick is not you, you can opt for Kia's continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that is available for the base model. Drivers seeking for a more thrilling acceleration experience can choose the available 1.6-liter, 201-horsepower engine that comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the Turbo trim. There is also the Soul EV, which rides on 201-horsepower electric motor. 4. Fuel Efficiency All the good features of a small hatchback would probably go to waste if it can't keep fuel consumption down, and the new Soul does a good job of keeping the mileage figures down. Base models of the Kia Soul with an automatic transmission have an EPA-estimated consumption of 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Turbo trim is likewise economical, posting 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The electric EV trim delivers an equivalent of 127 mpg in the city and 101 mpg on the highway, and its range of 243 miles means that drivers don't need to worry about recharging during short trips. The 2020 Soul is a major redesign of the popular subcompact SUV from Kia. Features like the spacious interior, advanced infotainment system, responsive engine, and efficiency make it worthwhile to take the Soul for a ride. Contact DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to book a test drive today.

If the odometer on your new car is telling you it's time for a Kia oil change, the experienced service pros at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills are here to help. Regularly-scheduled oil changes and maintenance are just part of the deal with any car, especially a new one. The level of service you receive during a dealership Kia oil change varies and is determined solely by the number of miles you have put on the car since the last oil change. Regularly-Scheduled Kia Oil Changes and Maintenance Every 3,750 Miles Kia Motors Corporation recommends an oil change every 3,750 miles. But at the dealership, there is more that goes into an "oil change" than just draining the old oil, adding new oil, and replacing the oil filter. At this service level, your service technician will also perform a 27-point inspection, adjust the tire pressure if needed, and top off all fluids such as washer fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid, transmission fluid (automatic transmissions only), and engine coolant or antifreeze. more Every 7,500 Miles Once you've driven 7,500 miles since the last service visit (or an additional 3,750 miles), the service level goes up a bit and includes inspections of different systems in your car. This service level includes replacing the oil and filter, rotating the tires, inspecting the battery, inspecting the air filter, and the addition of a fuel additive. The service tech will also do a multipoint inspection, which is the equivalent to your annual checkup or physical exam. The tech inspects the braking system, fuel system, transmission, engine belts, battery and cables, all exterior and interior lights, engine cooling system, muffler, windshield wiper blades, and more. Every 15,000 Miles The 15,000 service visit includes the usual oil change and fluid top-offs as the other service levels. However, it also includes tire rotation, replacement of the climate control air filter, and a 20-point vehicle inspection. The 20-point inspection differs slightly from the previous inspection. Some systems are not checked again, but other systems are checked, including suspension mounting bolts, A/C refrigerant, AWD propeller shaft, and drive shafts. Every 30,000 Miles The 30,000-mile Kia oil change and checkup is the final level. Along with the usual oil and filter change, you'll receive tire rotation, a new engine air cleaner and climate-control air filter, and the addition of a fuel additive. The 30-point inspection is very thorough. While some systems are rechecked yet again, other areas that have not previously been included get some attention. These include the fuel-air intake filter, parking brake inspection, exhaust pipe and muffler, and vacuum hose, along with others. Following the 30,000-mile service, the schedule starts over again at the next 3,750-mile mark. Each successive level is once again slightly more inclusive than the last. This series of regularly-scheduled maintenance visits will continue at the dealership for as long as you own your Kia. When it's time for your Kia oil change and maintenance, visit the experienced pros at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills.

The Kia Sportage has been a constant in the company lineup since 1995, so it's safe to say that the 2020 Kia Sportage will be a compact-crossover SUV that most have heard of. However, just because you've heard of something doesn't mean all your questions have been answered. How fast is it? What kind of gas mileage does it get? What are the safety features? We can answer all of these questions, and maybe even a few that you didn't know you had. 5 Top Questions Answered How Fast Is a 2020 Kia Sportage? Just how fast is it? The Kia Sportage tops out at about 180 mph. Giving it all that speed is a powerful 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine. This engine boasts 240 horsepower as well as 260 pound-feet of torque. A 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine option is also available and boasts similar speeds. more What Exterior Changes Have Been Made? In addition to making the new exterior look more "European", there have been several other design changes for the 2020 model. The newest model boasts new headlights and an updated grille to house safety features in the front. They added a redesigned bumper, reshaped exhaust tips, and LED taillights to the rear. There's a good reason for the updated front grille. As mentioned earlier, it contains the optional safety features forward collision assist and pedestrian detection when fully equipped. What Interior Changes Have Been Made? While the designers made some massive improvements when it came to exterior updates, the interior of the Sportage was mostly left untouched. Kia seems to be focusing on improving tech with even the low-end model, meaning this year's model comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support. An optional wireless charging plate can be also be ordered. What Are the Optional Safety Features? The optional safety features for the new Sportage are a driver attention warning system, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control that includes a stop and go feature, high beam headlight assist, and of course the forward collision assist and pedestrian detection mentioned earlier. Is It Good on Gas? The vehicle gets an EPA-estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Kia also offers drive modes on this model, and one of those is called Eco mode. Putting the SUV in Eco mode gives you the best fuel efficiency possible. This mode also quickens acceleration. In 2020, Kia is keeping what works and improving on what doesn't. It has more safety technology than ever before, and there are some awesome improvements in the infotainment system, giving it that slight edge over it's closest competitors. The car looks defined, modern, edgy, and cool. This new model is most certainly one of the most appealing entries on the market today. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule a test drive, be sure to contact Darcars Kia of Temple Hills.