Remember how smooth and responsive your Kia was when you bought it from the local Kia dealership? You can maintain that impressive performance with regular maintenance. Read our ultimate service checklist that will help your Kia drive like new for many years. Change Engine Oil Motor oil lubricates and helps protect moving engine parts from friction, overheating, and premature wear. As oil circulates through the engine, it collects dirt and contaminants, making it less effective. Change your oil as stipulated in your owner's manual to help keep the engine running smoothly. When you get an oil change, you should also change the oil filter to avoid running fresh oil through an old filter. That way, the oil will provide enough lubrication and protection until the next scheduled service. more Service Your Braking System A reliable braking system is important for your safety and driving confidence. Service the brakes regularly and watch out for signs of trouble. Start by checking the brake fluid level in the reservoir under the hood. If the fluid is below the mark, refill it to help maintain optimal braking power. Keep an ear out for squealing or grinding noises when braking, as these are signs that it's time to replace the brake pads. Don't wait too long, or you might damage the brake rotors and end up with costly repairs. Rotate and Inflate the Tires Tires require proper care because they are the only parts of your vehicle that make contact with the road. They control handling, steering, and braking, which affects your drive and safety. Rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to help even out tread wear and improve performance. New Kia models have a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts you when the pressure is low. If you get a tire pressure warning light, inflate the tires properly. You can check the recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual or on the tire sticker inside the driver's door. Monitor Essential Fluids Your Kia fluids help keep all the vehicle systems running smoothly. Monitor the coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid and top them up if they’re low. We recommend having your fluids checked at the dealership instead of doing it at home. Our technicians will perform a quick systems check to look for minor problems that could worsen if they’re ignored. Inspect the Battery When a car that won't start, it can generally be due to a drained battery. Regular battery checks can help save you from having to jump-start your Kia frequently. Test the battery regularly and check the terminals for corrosion. If there is corrosion, our technicians can give the terminals a quick scrub to help prolong the battery's life. Schedule Kia Maintenance in Lanham, MD at Our Service Center Are you overdue for routine maintenance for your new Kia? Contact DARCARS Kia of Lanham to schedule a comprehensive service.
Car paint can do more than show off the driver's style: the outer layer of your ride is there to protect the interior steel frame, stop corrosion in its tracks, and keep the value of the vehicle high. Once you have a fresh coat, you'll want to protect it to prolong the material's life. Check this list out for the most useful methods of protection before visiting your Kia dealer near DC. How to Protect Your Car Paint and How Your Kia Dealer Can Help 1. Keep the Exterior Clean Drivers encounter all sorts of dirt and debris while traveling and allowing gunk to accumulate can result in damage to the vehicle's body. Certain natural materials are acidic, like splattered bugs, and will eat away at the car's protective layers. Even items from the driver can create this problem, like spills from coffee or soda. more It's critical to use the correct cleanser for your paint to ensure you don't strip off the wax. Most home cleansers, such as dish soap, can be far too aggressive and result in the outer layer being removed. If you're worried about cleansing incorrectly, bring the car in for a professional wash. 2. Park Cautiously Not all parking spaces are equal when it comes to the safety of your paint job. Leaving your car at the front of the parking lot exposes the vehicle to potential dings and chips from neighboring doors, shopping carts, and other passing drivers. The process of parking can even be dangerous if the area is crowded, but thankfully that's no challenge in the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro with its four exterior cameras that let you see outside from every angle. Even nature can be cause for concern when parking, since the sun's UV rays can degrade the outer layer with enough time. Alternatively, natural fixtures like trees can drop branches and acorns onto the car's surface. Taking the time to park away from hazards will prevent your vehicle from coming into contact with these risks. 3. Get Some Extra Defense There are multiple protective materials to select to add additional defense to your car's paint job. The most common substance used to save a car's paint is wax, which will function like sunscreen on your vehicle and add additional shine. You'll know if it's time to reapply wax if water no longer “beads” on the vehicle's surface. Another popular choice would be paint sealant, which not only blocks sun rays but also keeps outside pollutants from getting through and contacting the paint. Pain sealant is also durable and long-lasting, so you can rest easy knowing that once you have it on your car, you won't need another layer for quite some time. Want to Learn More Car Tips & Tricks? Our car dealership blog is your source to find out tips and tricks for all your car needs like the paint on your car, maintenance, repairs, and more. How does the paint on your car appear? Leaving your paint job exposed to the elements will eventually cause it to wear away, and once it's gone, corrosion and value reduction are sure to begin. Come to DARCARS Lanham Kia to let our professionals treat your car's exterior and keep your ride looking brand new.
Anyone who drives a new or used car in Maryland will need to get car insurance for it. While liability insurance is mandatory, there are other types of policies that are optional. When you visit your Kia dealer, you can ask them about the cost of insurance for the various cars available. The better the safety equipment, the less you will pay. Read on to find out more about insuring your car. 1. Your Kia Dealer Can Give You Details About Insurance Costs Most people believe that luxury cars are more expensive to insure than cheaper models. While this is generally true, the relationship isn't linear. Insurance companies take various factors into account, including the vehicle's horsepower, the cost of replacing damaged parts, and the safety features that could potentially prevent a crash. If an expensive car is very safe, the insurance cost might actually be lower than it would be for a less expensive model. more For this reason, you should always speak to your dealer about various models and what they cost to be insured. The salespeople have extensive experience with all Kia cars, so they will be able to give you accurate information. That way, there won't be any surprises later on. 2. You Can Affect the Price of Insurance There are many ways of getting a better deal on insurance. You should try your best to keep a clean driving record, since your payments will go up once you've made a claim. Similarly, you should always buy a car that has good safety features installed because insurance companies will see this as less risky. What's more, you can choose a policy that only covers the essentials, namely, liability. By skipping the optional add-ons, you reduce the total cost of insurance, but you increase your risk. If your car gets stolen, damaged through natural causes, or vandalized, liability insurance won't pay out, and you'll have to pay for the repairs yourself. Finally, you can choose a higher deductible to further reduce your monthly bill. However, this is only a good option if you have enough money to cover the deductible amount. 3. Auto Insurance Follows the Car If someone else drives your car, they will most likely also be covered by your insurance. While this can be very useful, it's also dangerous because you'll have to make a claim if the other person damages your car or causes an accident. You should always think carefully about who is allowed to drive your car. 4. Regular Insurance Is Only for Personal Use Most auto insurance policies only cover the personal use of the car. If you would like to use your car for business by providing a rideshare service or delivering food, you need to get an add-on policy. This usually doesn't cost much, so it's well worth it. Meet with the Sales Team at Our Lanham, MD Kia Dealership Although everyone has to pay for auto insurance, the types of policies you buy and the providers you choose are up to you. To make sure you don't overpay, speak to the professionals at your dealership. Our staff can help you find a vehicle that doesn't come with high premiums, and they can help you choose the best quote. Call us now at DARCARS Lanham Kia in Lanham, MD and ask to speak to our sales team.
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.