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No driver wants the problem of a failed battery, but fortunately, it's preventable. Regular battery testing can identify a weak battery so we can install a new one before the original battery fails. A battery can also be damaged due to other unforeseen issues. As your Kia dealer, we want you to know a few signs you may need to visit us for a Kia battery replacement. Dim or Flickering Lights The headlights need constant, stable power, which makes them very sensitive to changes in the electricity supply. If your battery is weak, it can't supply the power it once did. Dim lights receive only enough power to light up, while flickering lights mean the electricity supply fluctuates, and a limited amount of power is shifted from one system to another. more You can gauge if you have a battery problem by starting your engine and rechecking the light brightness. When the engine is running, the alternator supplies power to the headlights. If the lights become bright, your battery is failing. If the problem persists, the bulbs could be about to blow, or there could be an electrical problem. We'll investigate and replace the battery or the headlights, depending on the cause of the trouble. Damaged Alternator The alternator is responsible for charging the battery. The alternator's voltage regulator controls the level of power supplied to the battery. If the regulator fails, the recharging rate won't drop, and this can cause the battery to overheat. This can permanently damage the battery. We'll repair the alternator and test your battery. If it's damaged, we can install a replacement quickly. Parasitic Drain Parasitic battery drain occurs when current continues to flow to a system or component after it's switched off. It's sometimes noticeable, like if the radio continues to play when you switch it off. It can also occur without you realizing it, like a glove box light that remains on when it should switch off. A short circuit, damaged wiring, or a faulty relay are the main causes of this problem, and it can rapidly drain a healthy battery in just a short amount of time. The check battery light may light up to warn that something is wrong. We'll trace and repair the fault and test your battery to ensure it's in good condition. Have You Noticed These Signs You Need a Kia Battery Replacement? Visit Your Kia Dealer in Temple Hills Does your Kia need to get the battery inspected or replaced? Contact our service department today at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills in Temple Hills, MD.

Your car has a highly efficient braking system, but it needs regular servicing to continue to work efficiently. Brake components will inevitably wear or become damaged, resulting in brake problems, like increasing the possibility of the brakes not responding as quickly as they should. As your Kia dealership, we want you to know some signs you need to visit us for a brake repair. Do You Notice These Brake Repair Signs? The Car Has Worn Brake Pads With all of the friction that gets generated during the braking process, it helps slow and stop the wheels of your car and come to a stop. As time passes, the friction-producing material can wear off. When the brake pad thickness drops, you may notice a screeching noise as an indication that it is time for new brake pads. Once we replace the worn pads, the noise should stop. more Your Vehicle is Pulling While Driving Your car’s brake system is designed to work simultaneously, allowing your vehicle to stop quickly and smoothly. If you go to use the brakes and your car pulls to one side, this means there's a problem with the brakes on one side. Your Kia will automatically turn toward the direction of the wheel that has stopped moving. Two causes of this problem may be that there is a blockage in the brake hose that leads to the affected caliper, or the caliper could be damaged. We will investigate the brake system in your car and fix the cause of the problem using OEM parts. You Notice A Brake Fluid Leak Braking generates a lot of pressure, which causes heat. In time, the combination of age, heat, and pressure can damage the brake hoses or lines and they can leak. Old seals can also dry out, shrinking and allowing brake fluid to escape. This fluid, unfortunately, isn't easy to spot as it's pale yellow with an oil-like consistency. If there is a brake fluid leak, you might feel the lack of fluid as your brake pedal might provide less resistance. If you suspect a leak, contact our service department as soon as you can, so our technicians can find and fix it. Once the leak is repaired, we'll refill the brake fluid. Schedule a Brake Repair Appointment in Temple Hills, Maryland Today If you have a brake problem, contact us right away at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills. We can repair your vehicle’s brakes using Kia genuine parts today.

Keeping your Kia in good condition is key to maintaining its longevity and value. If you're wondering when your Kia maintenance is due, here are some maintenance tips and tricks. Plus, find out where to take your Kia for reliable oil changes, tire service, and more. When Do I Need Kia Maintenance? Routinely, there are various maintenance services that your Kia may need, ranging from an oil change to a filter change, and inspection. An inspection might include the battery and cables, tires, lighting system, latches and locks, and other critical components. Another service that you will want to include in regular maintenance will be inspecting the brakes for signs of wear and tear. Over time, there are other services that can be included in your maintenance schedule. A couple of these services might be inspection of the ignition system and inspection of hoses. If any parts are excessively worn or damaged, they will likely be replaced. As you add more mileage to your vehicle, you’ll likely need ​an even more detailed service to check for issues within the engine, fuel tank, ​and electronics assembly. more Get Your Car Serviced if You Have Driven in Tough Conditions Have you been driving in rough conditions with your vehicle? If your Kia has recently been through prolonged extreme weather or it navigates a lot of dense traffic, you may want to preemptively schedule service to make sure that all parts are working correctly. This could also help catch any small repairs that may need to be addressed. Some challenging conditions might be: Driving in hilly areas for extended periods Driving in ice and salt in cold temperatures Driving in heavy traffic often When You Notice Something Wrong Schedule a Service You should also consider ​bringing your Kia to a dealership for maintenance if you notice anything wrong. For example, if you start hearing noises ​coming from your engine while you're driving, or controls on your vehicle aren't as responsive as they once were, ​it might be time for a vehicle checkup. When Indicated by Your Owner's Manual to Service Your Vehicle Finally, you should always check the Kia ​Owner's Manual for the recommended service schedule for your ​vehicle's specific year, make, and model. ​This helps provide the most specific guidelines on how your car should be maintained. Schedule Kia Service in Temple Hills, MD at Our Kia Service Department When it's time for the upkeep of your Kia, contact us at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills. We would be happy to go into more details about your Kia maintenance schedule and get a Kia service appointment scheduled.

What is the importance of getting a tire rotation for your Kia? Why are wheel alignments important? Find out in this blog about tire services for your Kia car or SUV. The Rotation A rotation is about helping your tires bear the load of the vehicle evenly. A lot of us might drive along the same roads most of the time, and those roads have various imperfections that will hit one tire and not another. Do you also tend to take the same curves and turns in the same way and at the same speeds? What this means is that some tires will wear at different rates, and if you allow this to just continue without getting regular tire rotations, you could end up with one tire wearing at a faster rate than the others. You might also need to change one tire when the other tires don't need to be changed yet. This may result in you not getting the full usage out of all four tires and you might even have to pay for new tires for your Kia before you need to. Simply rotating them regularly, at the same intervals as you get your oil changed, helps ensure they all wear in an even way and last as long as possible. more Tire Alignment An alignment for your tires is performed so that all four tires are parallel to each other and to the road in exactly the right way. They should all be pointing directly forward and not slightly in or out, and they should all be vertically aligned. Fixing your tire alignment has several important benefits. First, it makes the car easier to drive and handle. When your wheels are properly aligned, they won’t have a tendency to drift in one direction or another. If the tires are slightly unaligned, the tires will be getting worn in places they weren't made to and may prematurely fail. If your tires need to be aligned, your car might get poor fuel economy because there will be slightly more resistance. When there’s more resistance, your engine has to work harder. Finally, getting your tires aligned also helps protect your suspension and steering. These can be costly systems to replace, so getting an alignment on a regular basis is an affordable way to help protect them. Does Your Kia Need a Tire Service in Temple Hills, Maryland? If your vehicle’s tires are in need of servicing, come see us today at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills in MD or make an appointment online with our Kia-trained service specialists.

As the weather cools, getting your Kia ready for winter helps ensure safe, reliable driving in the colder months ahead. Fall is the ideal time to prepare your vehicle for the unique challenges that winter weather brings. Colder temperatures, icy roads, and potential snowfall can affect your car's performance and your safety on the road. By handling essential maintenance now, you can help avoid unexpected breakdowns, improve your vehicle’s handling in harsh conditions, and make sure your Kia is ready to take on winter with confidence. The Importance of Winter Service for Your Kia Why is it important to prepare your car for winter? Winter driving conditions can put extra strain on your vehicle, making it crucial to perform maintenance that can help it handle colder weather. Low temperatures can impact your battery, engine fluids, and tire pressure, among other components. Regular service before winter helps reduce the risk of issues like engine trouble, poor traction, or a dead battery, all of which can leave you stranded in challenging weather. Preparing your Kia with proper winter service helps maintain its value, improves performance, and provides peace of mind, knowing you’re set up for safe and smooth winter driving. more Essential Services for Winter Readiness To fully winterize your Kia, focus on services designed to keep your vehicle running efficiently despite the seasonal challenges. Start with a battery inspection, as colder weather can drain an older battery faster than usual. You will want to make sure that your car is up to date on its oil change, so your engine runs smoothly even in freezing temperatures. Checking tire tread depth and switching to winter tires if you live in an area prone to snow or icy conditions can dramatically improve handling and braking. Additionally, tire pressure tends to drop as temperatures fall, so ensuring your tires are properly inflated helps maintain safety and fuel efficiency. Have your brake system inspected as well, since reliable brakes are essential for icy or wet roads. Finally, consider topping off or replacing your windshield wiper fluid with one designed for winter, as well as replacing old wiper blades for maximum visibility. Schedule Winter Service at Our Kia Service Center in Temple Hills, MD When it’s time to get your Kia ready for winter, trust our Kia Service Center to provide thorough, expert maintenance. Our certified technicians know Kia vehicles inside and out and can recommend the services needed to help keep your car in optimal shape all season long. Don’t wait until the first snowstorm to prepare your vehicle for winter. Schedule your service appointment with us today, and drive into winter with confidence, knowing your Kia is fully prepared for whatever the season brings.

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!

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.

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.

Your local Kia dealer can help you maintain your Kia air conditioning system, so it is working efficiently. If your AC is not working at optimum levels because of compressor issues, refrigerant leaks, or blower motor malfunction, it is sometimes best to let the experts at your dealership handle it. AC Not Working When you find that your Kia AC system is not cooling to perfection, it is time to take a look at what could be causing the issue. Regular maintenance of the system is essential to help prevent large repairs, and below is a quick list of things to look out for that can indicate it's time for a service appointment: more Warm air and high humidity levels Strange noises when the AC is on Unpleasant smell from vents Noticeable water leakage inside the car Inconsistent temperature fluctuations Smooth Running To ensure the smooth running of the AC system, a technician will perform tests such as visually inspecting parts like the compressor, condenser, hoses, and filters for damage and wear. A performance test will then be carried out to confirm the possible repairs that are needed. Refrigerant levels will need to be ascertained to ensure no leaks. In some cases, the refrigerant can be recharged if it is low. If the compressor, blower motor, and cabin air filter are not functioning efficiently, replacement may be necessary. Cleaning the evaporator and drain tube may also help solve the problem of strange odors, which a buildup of mildew or bacteria can cause. Cleaning the condenser coils can also help improve cooling by removing dust or debris that may be present, hindering heat exchange. Precautions To Take To ensure your Kia AC system is continuously operating at optimum levels, it is vital to conduct regular service appointments where Kia technicians can check parts and systems. In addition, keeping the vents free of dust and debris can help prevent the system from working harder than it needs to, to keep your car cool. Running the system, even if the weather does not require it, can help make sure that it is entirely free from bacteria buildup and functioning. Using the owner's manual to familiarize yourself with the components and parts of the AC system can help raise red flags when it is time for a service appointment or replacement of parts. Ultimately, not waiting but getting the system checked out promptly can help make sure everything is up and running again without damage to parts or a major breakdown. Let Your Kia Dealer in Temple Hills, MD Help You Keep Your Car AC in Top Shape If your Kia AC system is not keeping you cool this summer, come on in and let us have a look. Tell us about your Kia year, model, and problem. We can provide transportation if required and schedule an appointment for a date and time that works for you. Get in touch with DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills, to get your AC system checked today!

The brakes are one of the most essential parts of your Kia. Could you imagine trying to drive without them? It would be nearly impossible and lead to accidents on the road. It’s important to keep your brakes in tip-top shape, and knowing when to have brake service at your Temple Hills, MD, Kia dealer can help save you time, money, and hassle in the future. Watch out for these five signs your Kia needs its brakes professionally serviced, and schedule a service appointment at your convenience. 5 Indicators That Your Kia Requires Brake Maintenance Squeaking Noise While Braking A squeaking noise while braking is the most common and obvious sign that your car needs its brakes repaired or replaced. Once you hear this unmistakable sound, getting your Kia serviced immediately is crucial. If it’s left untreated, you'll soon hear the infamous grinding noise, which indicates a larger issue with the brakes and rotors. more Pulling to One Side Brakes typically don't wear out at the same speed, which means one side of your brakes may be more worn down than the other. This will result in your Kia pulling off in one direction while braking. An issue like this should be inspected and repaired immediately by a professional at your local Kia dealer. Failure to do so can lead to problems beyond brakes, such as wheel alignment and steering rack issues. Brake Light Comes On Whenever a light comes on in your Kia, it's essential to pay attention to it, including the brake light. If you see the brake light pop up, there's a good chance there is an issue with your brakes. It may be a minor issue, such as the fluids needing to be topped off, or a more significant problem that should be addressed ASAP. Difficulty Braking Pushing the brake pedal shouldn't be challenging, and your Kia should also be able to slow down without sluggishness. If you notice that it's becoming increasingly challenging to push on your brake pedal or that your Kia is having trouble coming to a halt swiftly, there's likely a problem with your brakes that requires professional fixing. Having your Kia checked upon the first signs of slow or difficult braking is crucial. Waiting too long can lead to faulty brakes, which can potentially cause accidents. Shaky/Vibrating Steering Wheel Pay attention to how your steering wheel reacts the next time you hit the brake pedal. When the rotors are warped, and the brake pads can't make contact properly, the steering wheel will be shaky and vibrating. This issue requires a mechanic. Are you noticing any of these signs while braking in your Kia? Visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today to have your Kia brakes professionally serviced by one of our experienced technicians!

Without regular maintenance, both the scorching heat of summer and the freezing cold of winter can take a real toll on a car. With a few good weather protection habits, you can keep your car looking beautiful and functioning properly for longer. Here are six terrific car care tips to keep your car well-protected all year round. 6 Car Care Tips for Keeping Your Kia in Great Condition Year-Round Check Your Tire Pressure Often Tires should always be kept at the recommended pressure. During summer, excessive heat can expand tires, putting them at risk of over-inflation. The cold of winter has the opposite effect, reducing air pressure and putting your tires at risk of under-inflation. more Either under or overinflated tires can lead to blowouts and skids on the road. To avoid these risks, check your tire pressure at least once a month, if not more frequently, all year round. Change Your Motor Oil Regularly Motor oil needs to be changed at least every six months to avoid overheating the engine. Having fresh, high-quality oil is essential during winter, when the cold causes the oil to move and lubricate the engine more slowly, putting both your oil and engine under greater pressure. Watch Where You Park Always pay attention to where you park your car. During summer, direct sunlight can cause your dashboard and upholstery to gradually dry out and crack. Constant exposure to UV light can also dry out the moisture in tire rubber and cause the clear coat over car paint to deteriorate. Parking in the shade will help save your car from sun damage, although be wary of parking under trees: tree sap and bird droppings can also damage car paint. During winter, parking in the shade puts your car at risk of damage from falling snow and ice. When the temperature plummets, keeping your car in a garage or at least protected by an insulated car cover is best. If you don't, the cold can damage your car's battery, windshield wipers, fuel lines, LCD screens, and more. Snow, rain, hail, and strong winds can also damage the bodywork of an unprotected car. Keep Your Car's Bodywork Clean Try to keep your car sparkling clean at any time of year. It's important to keep your car clean of dust and dirt during summer, which can cause tiny scratches over time. During winter, keeping your car clean of the salty slush from the roads is even more important, which can rapidly corrode any exposed area of your car's bodywork, wheel wells, or undercarriage. Wax Well for All Weather Protection Wax is one of a car's greatest protections against all kinds of harmful contaminants, including snow, ice, salt, bird droppings, tree sap, dirt, dust, and stones. If you wax well and wax often, you'll keep it shiny and beautiful-looking for far longer. You'll retain its resale value for longer, too. Never Miss a Regular Maintenance Servicing Visit Above all, always keep the various components of your car in tip-top condition with regular servicing visits to your local dealership. Whatever the weather conditions, periodic servicing is the best way to keep your car safe from malfunctions on the road. Have your car serviced by experienced professionals today at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills. We're a trusted local full-service dealership with highly qualified technicians working in our onsite certified Kia service and repair center.

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.