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.
Car owners often take the little things for granted. One example is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS, a safety system that warns of low tire pressure in any of the four tires on a vehicle. The TPMS is standard equipment on many vehicles and for good reason. Also, it is important to regularly check the tire pressure on your car. Underinflated tires not only cost money, but they can also be downright dangerous. Here's an important message from your Kia dealer about the dangers of underinflated tires. Why Shouldn’t You Drive with Low Tire Pressure? Blowouts Underinflated tires are one of the leading causes of blowouts. When a tire's air pressure drops below the tire's design specifications, it causes excessive flexing in the sidewalls when cornering and braking. This can cause the tire to overheat and lead to a catastrophic failure in which the tire suddenly loses all its air pressure. If this blowout happens while you're driving at high speeds, it can be very dangerous. more Poor Handling Most people are aware that underinflated tires can lead to a flat tire or even a blowout, but few realize the other dangers they pose. For example, driving on underinflated tires can hurt your car's handling and make it harder for your car to grip the road. This can lead to accidents, especially in wet or icy conditions. Driving on underinflated tires is also hard on your suspension. The extra flexing of the tires puts additional stress on your shocks and other suspension components. Over time, this can lead to expensive repairs or even failure of these vital parts. Poor Mileage Another danger of driving on underinflated tires is that it can reduce fuel economy by as much as three percent. When a tire is not properly inflated, it has more rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. Besides reducing fuel economy and increasing unwanted emissions, it also puts additional strain on the engine, which can lead to mechanical problems. Reduced Tire Life Finally, another danger of driving with underinflated tires is reduced tire life. When a tire's pressure is low, the tire's footprint is distorted. This means that the rubber that contacts the road is not contacting it evenly, which causes increased wear on both the inner and outer shoulders of the tire. In addition to being dangerous, it's also costly. Over time, the distorted footprint will shorten the tire's life expectancy and you'll have to replace it prematurely. Notice Low Tire Pressure in Temple Hills, MD? Contact Us Today! The best way for avoiding problems caused by underinflated tires is to check your tire pressure regularly, keep your tires properly inflated, and respond in a timely way if your car's Tire Pressure Monitoring System indicates a problem. Remember, we're always here to help with any service or maintenance issue. And if you're in the market for a new car, visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today and let us help find the perfect vehicle for you and your family!
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.