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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.

It's a fact; a well-maintained car is a pleasure to drive. Not only that, regular Kia maintenance will save you money at the gas pump and bundles of cash on unexpected repairs. The following maintenance tips from your Temple Hills, MD, Kia dealer will ensure that your Kia stays in great shape and on the road for years to come. Advice From Your Temple Hills, MD, Kia Dealer: 1. Change the Oil at the Recommended Intervals Changing the oil at the factory-recommended intervals is vital to keep your vehicle's engine well lubricated. The oil reduces friction that causes wear, keeps your car running smoothly, and prolongs the life of your engine. Generally, Kia recommends that the oil and filter be replaced every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Check your owner's manual for the factory-recommended oil change intervals for your specific Kia model or speak to your Kia technician for assistance. more 2. Regularly Check the Fluids Make a habit of checking all the fluid levels and performing the necessary corrections at least once a month. When you check the levels, inspect the color and consistency to see if they need to be replaced. Engine oil that is an amber color will turn brown and even black when it's old and dirty. If the brake fluid is brown instead of yellow, it's time to replace it. The coolant should always be pink, orange, green, or blue, and transmission and power steering fluid should be reddish, not dark red or brown. If the fluids look thick and dirty, ask your Kia technician for a fluid change. 3. Inspect the Battery A good quality battery lasts between three and five years, depending on the temperature, driving habits, and maintenance. Inspect your battery regularly to avoid battery troubles and getting stuck on the road with a dead battery. Check the terminals are free of corrosion and if you spot build-up, clean it off with baking soda and water, and a brush. When your battery is three years old, ask your Kia technician to perform regular battery checks to determine if you need a replacement. 4. Keep Your Tires Inflated to the Proper PSI Walk around your car at least once a week and check your tires. Check the pressure levels with a tire pressure gauge and inspect each tire for damage such as bulges and cracks that could cause flat tires and blowouts. Make sure the tires are not over or underinflated, as that will cause damage and decrease the life of the tires. If your tires are always inflated to the correct PSI, your tires will last longer, and you will save money on gas. You will find the PSI for your vehicle's tires on the inside of your driver's door and in your owner's manual. 5. Routinely Rotate the Tires Every time your Kia technician changes the oil, the technician will perform a tire rotation. A tire rotation is switching the tires on your vehicle to different positions because the front and rear tires on a car wear down at different rates. Tire rotations are essential to ensure even tread wear across all four tires and extend the life of your tires, making them last longer and saving you money in the long run. Regular tire rotations will also improve handling, especially when cornering and braking. Get Kia Maintenance in Temple Hills at Our Maryland Kia Service Center With proper maintenance from your Kia technician and a little car care from you, your Kia will always get you to your destination. Contact DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today for a maintenance service. Our highly qualified and experienced Kia technicians will ensure that your vehicle is fuel-efficient, safe, reliable, and running at its best.

Be prepared for harsh weather throughout Maryland by keeping your Kia in top shape. Extreme conditions, whether it’s driving in rain or extremely hot temperatures, can make it difficult to drive and be dangerous. Below your Kia dealer gives advice on how to get your Kia ready for harsh weather and keep it running at its best. Change the Oil Protect the engine in your Kia and change the motor oil regularly. Delaying oil changes can make your vehicle’s engine work harder. If the oil is old and contaminated, it will put even more stress on the engine. Ask your Kia technician to change the oil and filter and check the condition and levels of all the other fluids in your car before extreme weather hits to ensure that your Kia runs smoothly. more Inspect the Radiator Old and contaminated radiator fluid could be damaging to your vehicle. When you take your Kia for an oil change, ask the technician to thoroughly inspect your vehicle's radiator, check the belts and hoses for wear, and replace the fluid to protect your radiator. Check the Battery Batteries can get affected by very hot temperatures, and if your battery is not in top shape, it might let you down in warm weather. Pop your head under the hood and check that your battery is in good condition. If the battery is three years or older, ask your Kia technician for a battery inspection and test to determine if the battery is still good. Inspect the battery for damage and ensure the terminals are clean and corrosion-free. If you experience any battery problems, it's best to replace the battery as soon as possible to avoid getting stranded. Have the Right Tires Having the appropriate tires on your Kia will give you the grip you need for steering and braking performance on roads. A set of good-quality tires will ensure that you have better control over your vehicle in extreme conditions. Keep an Eye on the Tire Pressure In harsh temperatures, tire pressure can get affected, making it crucial to check your tire pressure regularly. Always inflate your tires to the correct PSI for better handling, even tire wear, and fuel efficiency. Keep Your Gas Tank Full Ensuring your gas tank is always at least half full is a safety measure to avoid running out of fuel in hot or challenging weather. Wash and Wax Your Car Give your car a thorough wash and apply a powerful wax to keep it looking optimal throughout the summer. The wax will protect your vehicle's bodywork. Keep Your Car Covered If possible, it's best to keep your car in an enclosed garage when not in use to avoid sun exposure to the vehicle for long periods of time. A good quality car cover will protect your car, preventing it from getting damage from the sun. Remember Your Routine Car Servicing in Temple Hills, MD Protect your car against weather conditions around Maryland by visiting DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills for a service so that your car can get a thorough vehicle inspection and preventative maintenance. Our qualified Kia technicians will ensure your vehicle is in top condition.

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!

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.

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

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

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!

If there's one component of your car that should always be kept in tip-top working condition, it's the braking system. Faulty brakes can put your life and that of your passengers in jeopardy. You should constantly watch out for any signs your Kia needs a brake repair to ensure a safe and reliable ride down the road. Common Tell-Tale Indicators Your Kia Needs a Brake Repair Brake issues tend to manifest themselves in several ways. Luckily, most vehicles exhibit a mix of obvious and less obvious warning signs that the brakes are in less-than-ideal working conditions. Being able to detect and rectify the common symptoms of brake system failure early will help you avoid possible breakdowns and expensive brake overhauls in the long run. more Dashboard ABS Light Turns On One of the easiest ways to spot a failure in your car's braking system is to check the dashboard indicator light as soon as the engine kicks in. Red or yellow warning light with ABS reading that stays on while driving could indicate a problem with your brakes. The ABS, which is an abbreviation for antilock braking system, lights up on your dashboard to warn you of current or potential problems with your brakes. Either way, take your Kia in for brake system diagnosis and possible repair before things get out of hand. Brakes Taking Longer to Respond Another telling sign your Kia needs a brake service is when your vehicle is taking longer than usual to stop. Fully functional brakes bring the vehicle to a complete halt almost immediately after the pedals are pressed. On the other hand, defective ones aren't responsive enough to slow down or stop the vehicle as fast as they should. Unresponsive brakes can be dangerous, especially if you're driving on busy roadways. In most cases, a leak in the brake fluid or an air leak in the brake hose can cause sluggish stopping responses. If you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle isn't stopping fast enough, get your brakes inspected immediately. Brakes Making Unnerving Noises The brake pads help keep the brake rotors and calipers apart from each other to avoid the likelihood of friction between them. However, when the brake pads are heavily worn out, the two parts get exposed, resulting in corrosion, overheating, and strange noises when the brake pedal is pressed. Weird and unnerving sounds like squealing, grating, and chirping are caused by metal grinding on metal. Try and replace your Kia's brake pads as soon as these odd sounds start to manifest themselves. If left unchecked, worn pads can damage other brake parts like rotors, ultimately leading to more costly repairs. Vehicle Swerving Left or Right While Braking Have you ever felt like there's some invisible force pulling your vehicle to the left or right when you apply the brakes? This problem can be caused by uneven wear on the brake linings, a stuck wheel cylinder, or contaminants in the brake fluid. For unbalanced stopping, the issue may be caused by a malfunctioned brake hose or a caliper problem. If your Kia veers left or right on applying the brakes, it represents a control issue that calls for immediate resolution. A professional Kia technician will diagnose and fix the problem accordingly. The solution to a vehicle pulling to one side could be as simple as replacing the brake fluid or adjusting the brake linings. Get Professional Kia Brake Repair and Service in Temple Hills, MD Are you noticing signs that your Kia brakes might need repairs? Is it time to get the brakes serviced? For top-notch brake tune-ups and other automotive services, click here to schedule at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills!

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.