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Your Kia service center is the place to go to ensure your vehicle gets the expert care and attention it deserves. Our Kia-trained technicians, advanced technology, and Kia-approved replacement parts ensure your Kia continues to perform at its best. We want to tell you about some of the types of maintenance we provide. Brake Pad Replacement The brake pads are a vital part of your braking system. They fit into the brake calipers and have a rough material covering that generates friction against the rotors when you apply the brakes. This friction slows and stops the wheels. As time passes, the material coverings wear down, and once they drop to 1/4" thick, the pads need replacement. The brake pad wear indicator light on your dashboard will illuminate when one or more pads need to be changed. Thin pads reduce braking responsiveness, so it takes longer to stop when you need to. We recommend replacing all four pads, even if only one or two are worn, as this ensures all four wheels stop simultaneously. more Oil Replacement Your Kia uses fully synthetic oil, which can withstand greater heat and works more efficiently than regular engine oil. In addition, synthetic oil lasts longer, so an oil change is only required every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. The oil provides essential lubrication, so engine components can work faster and more efficiently while protecting them against friction damage. Older oil becomes slower and less efficient, leading to increased wear and tear on engine components. Its additives also decay, increasing the chances of engine blockages or rust. Our technicians will drain the old oil and install a new oil filter, so the oil flows freely. Once we've sealed the sump, we refill your engine with fresh oil. Tire Rotations Your tires suffer continued friction as you drive, causing the tread to slowly wear down. In addition, tires develop particular wear patterns depending on their position on your vehicle. These wear patterns are generated because of weight distribution and wheel alignment. Surface friction damage can't be prevented, but rotating your tires reduces the avoidable damage caused by a tire remaining in the same position. Our technicians remove your tires and shift them to different positions. The exact positions the tires move to depend on whether you have FWD, RWD, or AWD, as each type of drivetrain increases wear on specific tread areas. Regular tire rotations help to equalize wear and tear, extending tire life and reducing the chance of a leak or blowout. These are just a few of the many services we provide to keep your Kia in great shape. Book your next service today by contacting us at DARCARS Kia of Lanham in Lanham, MD.

Your Kia is designed for performance, reliability, and long-lasting value—but like all vehicles, it requires routine maintenance to stay in top shape. Whether you’re driving through Lanham, commuting into D.C., or exploring the Maryland countryside, staying on top of your Kia’s maintenance schedule helps ensure safer drives, better fuel efficiency, and fewer unexpected repairs. At DARCARS Kia of Lanham, we’re here to help you understand your vehicle’s maintenance needs and provide expert service every step of the way. Recommended Kia Maintenance Schedule While your specific maintenance needs may vary based on your Kia model and driving habits, here’s a general guideline for most Kia vehicles: Every 7,500 Miles or 6 Months Oil and filter change Tire rotation Brake inspection Fluid level check (coolant, brake, washer, transmission) Multi-point inspection more Every 15,000 Miles Replace engine air filter Inspect fuel lines and vapor hoses Check suspension and steering components Battery check and terminal cleaning Every 30,000 Miles Cabin air filter replacement Inspect drive belts and cooling system Check all lights, wipers, and horn Transmission and brake fluid inspection Every 60,000 Miles Replace spark plugs (depending on engine type) Flush cooling system Inspect exhaust and fuel systems Replace brake fluid Pro Tip: Check your owner’s manual for the maintenance plan specific to your Kia model—or ask our factory-trained technicians for a personalized schedule. Why Routine Maintenance Matters Sticking to your Kia maintenance schedule doesn’t just help avoid breakdowns—it also: Boosts resale value Maintains factory warranty coverage Enhances performance and fuel economy Helps identify issues early before they become costly repairs When you service with DARCARS Kia of Lanham, you’ll get genuine Kia parts, expert diagnostics, and peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in the hands of certified professionals. Schedule Kia Service in Lanham, MD Today Don’t wait until a dashboard light comes on—stay ahead of maintenance with help from your local Kia experts. Schedule your service appointment online or stop by DARCARS Kia of Lanham today. We’re proud to serve drivers from Lanham, Bowie, College Park, and beyond with reliable Kia service you can trust.

The engine air filter is a small component with a vital job. This filter removes dirt and other debris, like pollen and allergens. As your Kia dealer, we want you to know some signs you need to visit us for a Kia air filter replacement. Let’s explore air filter replacement signs! Dirty Filter The air filter can eventually become clogged. When this happens, airflow into the engine is restricted, and your engine can turn fuel-rich. A fuel-rich engine contains more fuel than air in the fuel-air mixture used in combustion. If this happens, it can affect engine performance. If you suspect the filter is dirty, you can quickly check it to see if the air filter looks clogged. If the filter looks like it has a lot of debris on it or you notice the filter is darker, contact us, and our technicians will speedily install a new one while you wait. more Regular Misfiring There are several possible causes for misfiring, but when the air filter gets too clogged and impacts the fuel-air mixture, this can result in engine misfiring. The combustion process can also be impacted. What happens when the vehicle experiences improper combustion? It can cause the engine to misfire. If your vehicle is regularly misfiring, be sure to schedule a service appointment for your car as soon as you can. Black Exhaust Smoke Remember the fuel that didn't burn due to a lack of air? When there are issues happening with the fuel-air blend for the vehicle, this can result in black exhaust smoke. If you notice black exhaust smoke coming from your vehicle, you can book a service with us, and we can replace the air filter in your car, and the exhaust smoke should return to normal. Does Your Vehicle Need a Kia Cabin Air Filter Replacement in Lanham, MD? From the engine misfiring to the cabin air filter being dirty and clogged, as well as your car showing external signs like black exhaust smoke, these are all signs that you may need to schedule a service visit to get the air filter replaced. Is your car showing signs of needing a new cabin air filter? Contact our service department today at DARCARS Kia of Lanham. We can do a comprehensive service of your vehicle in addition to servicing the cabin air filter and get your Kia repaired with genuine Kia parts to help keep your Kia running great for miles to come.

Spark Plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinders, creating combustion that provides the energy to move your Kia. These plugs wear out with age and can also be damaged by problems with your engine. Check out some of these signs you need to visit us to have us replace your car’s spark plugs. Signs You Need Your Spark Plugs Replaced at Your Kia Dealership Carbon Buildup If you notice carbon buildup on the spark plugs, it’s a sign your engine can be running fuel-rich. Combustion occurs when air and fuel, mixed in a precise ratio, are compressed and then ignited by a spark plug. If the mixture isn’t the right ratio, it can become fuel-rich. A fuel-rich engine can lead to the buildup of carbon on the spark plugs. more Carbon attaches to the spark plugs and it may make the spark plugs work harder as a result, and they may wear out faster. In addition, the buildup of carbon can cause engine misfire issues. Our technicians will replace the damaged plugs and get the performance of your car’s engine back up and running great. Damaged Ignition Coils A spark plug screws into the cylinder head, and can be connected to ignition coils. Ignition coils wear out due to age and while the time for replacement can vary, generally they can last around 100,000 miles. We'll replace any damaged coils and test and replace any damaged spark plugs. Oily Spark Plugs Another sign that your vehicle needs its spark plugs replaced is if you find oily spark plugs. Worn parts in your vehicle can allow oil to get to the spark plugs and affect the engine performance of your car, causing things like misfires and can even damage the engine if it gets too severe. We'll replace the damaged plugs and install new seals to help fix this issue. Get a Kia Spark Plug Replacement in Lanham, MD While these are some warning sign highlights of bad spark plugs in a vehicle, there’s no need to worry. Spark plug replacement is quick and inexpensive and can help prevent engine damage. Does your Kia need its spark plugs replaced? Contact us today at DARCARS Kia of Lanham. Our Kia Service Center can replace the plugs in your Kia using genuine OEM Kia parts and do a comprehensive inspection of your Kia to ensure that other parts are working correctly as well. Do you want to save on your next Kia service or repair? See if there is a service deal online!

Even if you carefully follow the recommended service schedule, there may come a time when you need to order parts to replace worn-out vehicle components, repair parts, or you want to customize your Kia with adding parts or accessories. Ideally, you should purchase Kia OEM parts for your vehicle repair at your Kia dealership. See why OEM parts can be better for your vehicle's longevity today. Kia Genuine Parts vs. Aftermarket OEM parts are parts crafted by the original equipment manufacturer that supplied the parts installed by the factory when your vehicle was built. Also called genuine parts, the major advantage of OEM parts is quality. Genuine car parts use premium materials that are durable, which means your vehicle repair can last longer. You can also count on these parts to fit your precise model and trim for a longer-lasting repair. more Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are designed with a generalized approach. While these parts may offer affordability, they aren’t made specifically for your vehicle and may not be an exact match. It's also important to note that when going with non-OEM parts, they might not last as long as investing in high-quality genuine parts. This could result in you paying more in the long run, if you have to continually replace parts in your vehicle. Can You Order Kia OEM Parts at Your Kia Dealership? The easiest way to order genuine Kia parts for your next vehicle repair is to visit your local dealership's website and submit an order request online. The online form will need information about the model, year, and trim of your vehicle, along with the specific part you need for your repair. If you aren't sure which parts you need, you can visit the service department and have a Kia mechanic place an order for genuine parts as well. Ordering parts through your dealership is a reliable way to ensure you are purchasing genuine Kia parts. Oftentimes, you can also find parts and service deals at your dealership that can help you save. You can speak with your dealership's service department about specials for genuine Kia parts. Submit a Parts Order in Lanham, MD for Your Kia OEM parts are a great investment if you want to maintain the performance and longevity of your Kia. Get in touch with DARCARS Kia of Lanham to start your genuine parts order today.

If you need new brake rotors, your Kia dealer is the place to go for genuine parts, and service that comes with peace of mind. Let’s explore what brake rotors are, why you would need rotor replacement, and how you can tell if it’s time to get them replaced. What Are Brake Rotors? Brake rotors are the disks that you see connected to each of your wheels. Whenever you press the brake pedal, the rotors are a large part of what makes the vehicle come to a stop. When you press the brake pedal, a lot of friction is created, and this friction slows the rotation of the wheel and stops your car from moving. more Why Would I Need New Rotors? By using the brakes in your car, there is friction that happens repeatedly, and after a while the friction can cause wear and tear to the brake and rotors. How Can I Tell I Need a Rotor Replacement? There are different signs to look for that tell that the rotors need replacing. For instance, when you are pressing down on the brake pedal, do you have to press all of the way down and when you do you hear a squealing noise? This sound can alert you that you need to change your brake pads, and if you do so quickly, you can help protect the rotor from any unnecessary wear. If you allow the brake pads to wear down too far without getting them changed, you may start to hear a grinding noise whenever you brake. That's not good: if you hear this, come to your dealership immediately to have your rotors looked at so you don't compromise your braking ability when you most need it. Other signs you may need the rotors changed include feeling a pulsing sensation whenever you press on the brakes, or simply noticing a change in your brake performance generally. Your vehicle's stopping time may also get longer. Have Questions About Brake Services for Your Kia in Lanham, MD? To have your brakes safely serviced by Kia professionals, make an appointment with us at DARCARS Kia of Lanham today.

Have you heard the terms diagnostic testing, an engine diagnostic, or a car diagnostic test? This service can be highly beneficial to your vehicle. It helps the technicians greatly in diagnosing problems with your vehicle, and the technicians can help ensure that your car is safe and performs efficiently. Kia Maintenance & Diagnostic Tests Diagnostic tests are done many times when your vehicle's check engine light switches on. This is because these types of tests can help the technicians at the dealership figure out what caused the check engine light to illuminate. Various systems in your vehicle are all connected like they're part of one computer, and when the check engine light comes on, it generates a code. Once the code is generated, diagnostic tests can then access this code and show it to the technicians. Experienced Kia technicians can understand what the code means. The results of the test often point the technicians toward one specific system in your vehicle that's having issues, so now they know which area of your car to begin investigating manually. more How Often Should You Get a Diagnostic Test from the Kia Dealer? As a part of your annual vehicle maintenance, you may want to consider getting a diagnostic test done. If you want to be extra vigilant in maintaining your car's health, then it's wise to begin implementing them into your regular maintenance routine. Asking the dealer to run this test during your annual service is a good idea so that they can inspect your vehicle's health thoroughly. What Are the Benefits of Getting Diagnostic Tests Done? You Can Help Prevent Unexpected Breakdowns Getting diagnostic tests done can even help you discover when there are other issues with your car. It can also show problems with various systems in the vehicle. Small problems can quickly worsen and lead to an unexpected breakdown, so finding and fixing these issues early can be highly beneficial for you as the car owner. Safety with Your Car When diagnostic tests find problems that the technicians then fix, it can help make your car more secure. Cars are safer when all the parts work as they should. They can also perform better when every component is doing its job the way it should. Need to Get a Diagnostic Test for Your Kia in Lanham, MD? Come to DARCARS Kia of Lanham to get a diagnostic test if your check engine light is on, or if you simply want to get it completed during your routine maintenance. Be sure to get your other routine maintenance services at our dealership, too.

Does your Kia require a new muffler? Mufflers are a vital part of your car's exhaust system. When functioning properly, they deaden the airborne noise of your automobile's engine to minimize noise pollution while driving. When they fail, you may need to visit a Kia dealer in Lanham, MD, to get new engine noise silencers. 4 Signs You May Need a New Muffler from Your Local Kia Dealer 1.    Loud Noises Your muffler's primary function is to reduce engine noise. If you hear loud or weird noises from the vehicle's exhaust tailpipe, odds are the muffler is defunct and needs to be replaced. Some common car exhaust noises that may signal it's time for a muffler replacement include constant hissing, excessive rattling, and loud roaring. more Keep an ear out for the sounds your car makes while driving to ensure the timely repair or replacement of a bad muffler. Many factors can contribute to each unusual car noise, so it's prudent to let a car repair specialist diagnose and fix the issue. 2.    Excessive Vibrations In many cases, loud engine noises are accompanied by solid car vibrations. Several factors, including a non-functioning muffler, can lead to this scenario. When your car's muffler is faulty, it may not effectively cushion against the vibrations that occur as engine noise travels through the exhaust system. This can cause the vehicle to shake, resulting in uncomfortable and unpleasant driving experiences. Replacing the muffler can help you remedy the problem. 3.    Rust Damage Exposure to road salt and precipitation can cause your muffler to corrode, as it is located on the vehicle's underside. If you see rust or pinholes when you visually inspect the muffler, it may be time to replace it. Rust can render your vehicle's exhaust silencer ineffective at curbing noise pollution and allow exhaust gases to infiltrate your car interior, so it's best to replace a rusty muffler immediately. 4.    Low Gas Mileage As gas prices continue to rise, improving your vehicle's fuel economy can help you save money on gas. Healthy mufflers help maximize the overall efficiency of your ride, as they allow you to travel a longer distance using a certain amount of fuel. If you notice a significant decline in the distance covered per unit of fuel, you may need to replace your muffler. A malfunctioning muffler can affect the performance and safety of your Kia ride in a big way, so it's wise to get a replacement at the first sign of trouble. Contact us at DARCARS Kia of Lanham to order genuine parts for your ride. Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay

It's easy to take your windshield wipers for granted—until they stop working properly, that is. If the wipers on your Kia aren't doing their job like they used to, it may be time to replace them yourself or with your Kia dealer. 6 Signs You Need New Windshield Wipers: Pro Tips from a Kia Dealer 1. Your Wipers Are Leaving Streaks If your wipers are leaving streaks behind, it's a pretty clear sign that they need to be replaced. Streaks can obscure your vision and make it difficult to see while driving, which can be dangerous. If you notice streaks, it's best to replace your wipers as soon as possible. more 2. Your Wipers Are Making Noise If you notice that your wipers are making a noise when they run, it's another sign that they need to be replaced. The noise is usually caused by the blades being worn down and no longer making good contact with the windshield. If you hear noise, it's time for new blades. 3. The Rubber Is Cracked or Brittle If you inspect your wipers and notice that the rubber is cracked or brittle, it means the blades are getting old and need to be replaced. Rubber deteriorates over time and needs to be replaced periodically to ensure optimal performance. 4. The Wiper Arms Are Damaged If you notice that the wiper arms are bent or damaged, it's a sign that they've been through a lot and need to be replaced. Wiper arms can get damaged from hitting objects on the road or exposure to extreme weather conditions. It can also happen if you try to remove the blades without depressing the tab that releases them. If you see any damage, get new arms as soon as possible. 5. They've Been Used for a Year As a general rule of thumb, replace your wipers every 6-12 months, even if they don't seem like they need it yet. This is because the rubber quality deteriorates over time, even if you can't see it with the naked eye. To be safe, replace them once a year so you know for sure that they'll work properly when you need them most. 6. The Climate Changes Significantly Having wipers designed for the specific type of weather you will encounter is important if your climate changes drastically throughout the year. There are summer and winter blades available, so make sure you have the right ones for the season. By doing so, you'll be able to ensure optimal performance and prevent streaks. Schedule a Windshield Wiper Replacement in Lanham, MD Today If your wipers are leaving streaks, making noise, or showing any other signs of wear and tear, we'll do the heavy lifting for you. Bring in your Kia for servicing at DARCARS Lanham Kia and get your wipers replaced today!

Is your engine misfiring, stumbling, and losing speed? A misfiring engine spells trouble under the hood, wastes gas, and causes an increase in exhaust emissions. You shouldn't ignore a misfiring engine because the longer you wait before taking your Soul, Sportage, or Sorento for repairs at your Kia dealer, the more money you will likely pay to fix the problem. Ignition System Issues An ignition system contains many components, including the ignition coil, spark plugs, and wiring that join the components. Issues with any ignition system components will cause your car's engine to misfire and trigger the check engine light. more Misfires happen when the combustion process within the cylinder fails. Your engine may idle roughly, accelerate poorly or jerk, make awful clanking, coughing, or sputtering noises, and you might even see black smoke pouring out of your tailpipe. Old and Dirty Spark Plugs and Worn Wires The most common cause of misfiring is old or fouled spark plugs not sparking to start the combustion reaction that produces engine power. To repair the problem, ask your Kia technician to replace the spark plugs and the wires, a relatively cheap and easy job that will get you back on the road in no time at all. Clogged Fuel Injectors Over time your car's fuel injectors, which inject fuel into the engine's cylinders, can get clogged with residue and small carbon particles. If your engine is misfiring, the cylinders are not receiving fuel to combust. At first, the misfires will be sporadic but will become more frequent as the residue builds up and the injectors become more clogged. If a fuel injector can't deliver fuel and there's only air in the combustion chamber, it will cause your car to misfire. Failing Ignition Coils The ignition coils that serve the cylinders send electricity to the spark plugs that ignite the air-fuel mixture. If an ignition coil fails, one of the cylinders fires incorrectly or not at all, and the engine misfires. A Leaky Head Gasket The head gasket prevents oil and coolant from mixing or entering the combustion cylinders as they flow through various engine parts. After many miles of driving, the head gasket can get damaged or warp, and leaks can form. When a head gasket leaks, it could cause multiple cylinders to misfire. A Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter A malfunctioning or clogged catalytic converter in the exhaust system can cause overheating issues and misfires. In turn, the malfunction caused by incomplete combustion in the cylinder can overheat the catalytic converter and cause catastrophic damage to your engine. Is Your Car's Engine Misfiring? Visit Your Kia Dealer in Lanham, MD Although you can still drive your car when the engine is misfiring, it's best not to. If your car's engine is misfiring, call DARCARS Lanham Kia today for repairs before it causes severe engine damage. Our team of certified Kia service technicians can inspect your vehicle and do the necessary repairs, using state-of-the-art technology and genuine Kia parts.

Have you checked your vehicle’s tire pressure? Driving with low tire pressure causes problems that range from inconvenient to dangerous. What are the signs that your car’s tires are having tire pressure problems? Read on to find out whether it's time to contact your Kia dealer to get certified tire service. Is Your Car’s Tire Pressure Low? Tires need refilling over time, so it's best to get in the habit of checking the pressure on a regular basis. However, there are other issues that may cause your tires to deflate, such as: more Damage from a nail or other sharp object Temperature changes causing a loss of air density in the tires Bent rims or other structural problems with the wheel Old and worn tires that have reached the end of their lifetime Signs That Your Tires Are Underinflated If the pressure in your tires is too low, you're likely to notice changes in your car's performance. These could include: Steering Issues Underinflated tires will severely affect the handling of your vehicle. It might affect the alignment so that your car feels as though it's pulling to one side. The steering might feel clumsy or spongy, and the vehicle will take longer to turn. Stopping Distance Because underinflated tires don't have the same grip or traction on the road, you might find that your stopping distances increase, and braking becomes slower. Lower Fuel Economy It's harder for your engine to push the car forward when the tires are too flat, so you might find that you're spending more at the gas pump. More Impact When the pressure is low, your tires will lose the ability to absorb and cushion the effect of bumps and ridges in the road, and the impact will feel stronger. Tire Warning Light Many vehicles are fitted with a warning light on the dashboard that will tell you if the pressure is too low. However, this is only activated if a tire is significantly underinflated, meaning that you could still be driving with problem tires before the light comes on. Why the Pressure in Your Tires Matters All of these effects mean that driving with low pressure in your tires will undermine your driving experience. More importantly, though, you will put your car at risk of a blowout. Underinflated tires heat up more quickly, and highway driving will put them under pressure that could cause them to collapse, putting you and other people in danger. Get Your Tire Pressure Inspected in Lanham, MD Today It's always a good idea to know the ideal PSI of your tires, and how to check the pressure yourself. However, there are extra advantages to using a professional service, as a technician will be able to rotate your tires, identify underlying problems, and adjust air pressure to allow for temperature changes. For the best tire services, schedule an appointment at DARCARS Lanham Kia, and let us make sure that your car is in optimal condition.

No matter how well you take care of your Kia, there's a chance that it will eventually end up with a few dents and scratches. While these imperfections can be frustrating, your local Kia dealer offers different ways to fix the damage and make your car look as good as new again. Keep reading to learn four tips for dealing with car dents and scratches. 1. Visit Your Local Dealer Most people think that the best way to deal with dents and scratches on their car is to visit their local body shop. However, your local dealer can often provide a better service. Firstly, they have the latest equipment and trained staff to deal with any cosmetic damage to your car. Secondly, if your car is still under warranty, visiting the dealer will ensure that this is not invalidated. more Thirdly, most dealers have good relationships with all the major insurance companies, so they can bill them directly for any work carried out. Finally, dealers are usually able to offer a courtesy car while your own car is being repaired, so you can still get around without any inconvenience. For all these reasons, it makes sense to visit your local dealer when dealing with dents and scratches. 2. Insist on Expert Color Refinishing and Matching A good paint job isn't just about applying a fresh coat of paint. It's also about getting the color right. And that's not always easy, especially if you're dealing with dents and scratches. That's why you should insist on getting expert color refinishing and matching. The local dealer is able to offer this, and they have the experience and expertise to get the job done right. 3. Go for Environmentally Friendly Paints and Materials If you're not willing to let your car's appearance suffer, you'll need to take action. The good news is that there are now eco-friendly paints and materials available that can help you repair the damage without causing further harm to the planet. Be sure to talk to your local dealer about eco-friendly repair options during the consultation. They will also be able to help you choose the right products based on your unique situation. 4. Inquire About Protection Plan Discounts If you're worried about future damages, many dealerships offer coverage for accidents and theft. Be sure to ask about protection plan discounts at your local dealer, and you may be surprised at how much you can save the next time you go for car repair. Notice Dents or Scratches on Your Car? Visit Us Today Have you spotted dents on your Kia SUV? Do you see scratches on your Kia car? If your Kia has sustained any damage, whether it be dents or scratches, we can help by offering all the above services at our state-of-the-art facility. Our collision center is staffed by experts who will make sure the job is done right the first time. Come see us at DARCARS Lanham Kia today and let us take care of everything for you.