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Whatever the season and road conditions, having properly pressurized tires is an essential part of a safe, smooth ride in your vehicle. Luckily, it's easy to check tire pressure at home, and by following these step-by-step instructions you can do it yourself! And if you do find your tire pressure is off, then never fear: a quick trip to your local Kia dealer to fill your tires back up to the correct pressure is all you need. Read on for our easy guide on checking your tire pressure at home. 1. Get a Tire Pressure Gauge (If You Don't Already Have One) The first step to being able to check your own tire pressure is to get a tire pressure gauge! This is a small tool that will allow you to accurately read how pressurized your tires are. You can pick these up at any gas station or auto parts store. more 2. Find Out What the Recommended Tire Pressure Is for Your Vehicle Next, you'll want to know what number you should be looking for when measuring your tire pressure! To find out what your vehicle's recommended tire pressure is, you can look at the sticker on the inside of the driver's side door. Usually, a vehicle's recommended tire pressure is written here, measured in psi (pounds per square inch). If you can't find the recommended tire pressure written down on this sticker, you can also find it on your vehicle's manual, or by searching online! 3. Wait Until Your Tires Have "Cooled Down" You should check your tire pressure when the tires are "cool," and not right after driving, which heats them up and affects the reading. Wait a few hours after driving to check your tire pressure for an accurate reading. 4. Remove the Cap from the Air Valve Next, remove the cap from the air valve on the tire you want to check. Make sure you store this somewhere safe, so you don't lose it! 5. Use and Read Your Tire Pressure Gauge Take your tire pressure gauge and push it into the now-uncapped air valve on the tire you are checking. It's normal to hear a hiss of air when you first do this, but you should push the gauge in tight enough that this hissing stops! Your tire pressure gauge should now show you (either digitally or via a moving measuring stick at the bottom, depending on the type of gauge) what your tire pressure is. Note this number and remove the gauge from the air valve. 6. Compare Your Reading to the Recommended Tire Pressure Now, compare your reading to what is recommended. If your reading is higher than recommended, your tires are overinflated. If your reading is lower, they are underinflated and may need some more air. 7. Repeat for Each Tire Simply repeat these steps for each of your vehicle's tires! Get Tires Serviced in Lanham, MD Today That's all there is to it! If you've followed these steps and noticed that your vehicle's tire pressure isn't at the recommended level, just come on down and visit us at DARCARS Lanham Kia and our team of trusted mechanics will have your tires back in perfectly-pressurized shape in no time!

Your Kia's car belt, also known as the drive belt, transmits the power of your engine to various essential accessories. It powers the alternator, thereby keeping your battery fully charged. It also powers the water pump in your cooling system, the power steering pump, and the air conditioning compressor. If you notice the following signs of accessory trouble, you might need to promptly visit your local Kia dealer for a new drive belt. Signs You Need a New Car Belt Dying Battery The alternator keeps your battery fully charged by transforming the mechanical power of your engine into electrical power. If your drive belt breaks or slips, and stops powering the alternator, then your battery will rapidly die. You'll notice this in fading headlamps, failing electrical components, and being unable to start your car in the morning. more You can check your drive belt by popping the hood and looking for a serpentine belt that weaves around various cranks and pulleys. A drive belt might occasionally slip off a pulley, in which case you can push it back on. It might also crack or break, in which case you'll need to replace it. Occasionally, drive belts can loosen, causing slippage, or have the inner grooves worn away, in which case you'll also need a new belt. Overheating Engine A more dangerous consequence of a faulty belt is the cooling system failing. The water pump, also known as the coolant pump, keeps coolant fluid circulating from your radiator to the engine and back. If your drive belt stops powering the water pump, your cooling system will no longer work properly, and your engine will begin to overheat. An overheating engine can rapidly undergo catastrophic damage, such as a blown gasket or seizing-up parts. An overheating engine can be indicated by a hood that's hot to touch, loud ticking noises from the engine, a burning smell, and wisps of steam or smoke. But the very first sign you're likely to notice is the temperature gauge on your dashboard shooting inexplicably upward. Heavier Steering Many drivers are unaware of how important power steering is. One of the reasons the popular Kia Forte and all other Kia models have such silky-smooth handling is because of Kia's advanced power steering system, which dramatically amplifies the force of your steering wheel each time you turn it. Without power steering, you wouldn't be able to turn your wheel quickly and easily. Parking, tight maneuvers, and any rapid steering would become extremely difficult and even dangerous. So if your steering ever becomes heavier, first of all, check that your drive belt hasn't slipped. Failing Air Conditioner The final accessory powered by your drive belt is the air conditioning compressor. The compressor acts as the heart of your air conditioner, liquifying refrigerant from gas to liquid and back again into vapor to cool your car. So, if you find yourself heating up as you drive because the air conditioner isn't working, the culprit might well be your drive belt. How a Kia Dealer Inspects Your Belt A technician at your local dealership will remove the belt and examine it for any signs of cracking or fraying at the edges. They'll check for splitting, missing ribs, and contamination from leaking oil or fluids. Lastly, they'll use a belt gauge tool to measure the depth of your belt's grooves. If any such problems are detected, they'll recommend a replacement, as a damaged belt can fail at any time. Have Your Drive Belt Checked, Fixed, or Replaced Today Need to visit for service at DARCARS Lanham Kia? We're a trusted local dealership that consistently offers top-notch customer service to everyone who steps foot through our doors.

Good headlights are very important for safe driving at night, or anytime light conditions are bad. The bulbs, however, will wear out and will need to be replaced. As your Kia dealer, we can easily fix new headlights when you need them. These are some of the signs that you'll need to come in and see us for replacements soon. 3 Signs It’s Time for a Headlight Replacement from Your Kia Dealer Damaged Lens Your headlights are protected by clear lenses. These lenses are designed to keep water, dirt, and other debris from damaging the bulb or the electrical system. The lenses, however, can be damaged by gravel or other material from the surface that's thrown up and hits a lens. A damaged lens can allow water or dirt to get into the headlight cavity. more Water can immediately short the bulb and can cause damage to the bulb socket and potentially other damage to the electrical system. A cracked lens can affect the look of the vehicle, and it's also illegal to drive with a damaged lens. The good news is that our technicians can easily replace the bulb and repair any possible damage very quickly. We can have your headlights back to how they were before in no time. A Blown Bulb A blown headlight bulb is a nuisance, and it's also dangerous. If your car has only one working headlight, it can give other drivers or pedestrians a false idea of what is coming towards them. It's also illegal to drive without working headlights, and you can be at risk of a fine. Bulbs have a limited lifespan, which varies from 500 hours to 30,000 hours, depending on the type of bulb you have. We advise replacing both bulbs even if only one of them has failed. The reason for this is that bulbs are always installed in pairs. If one bulb has failed, the other bulb will likely fail in a couple of days. Replacing both bulbs at the same time prevents your needing to return to replace the second bulb. Our technicians can fit replacement bulbs quickly as we always have spare bulbs available. Dim Bulbs Dim headlight bulbs, like dim bulbs in your house, usually mean that the bulb is going to blow. If you have recently replaced your bulbs, this could be a sign of a problem with your electrical supply. Your alternator supplies all of the power that your car's electrical systems need. If your alternator is wearing out, it will supply less power than it should, causing an electrical shortfall for your car. Your car's computer will supply just enough of the available power to enable the headlights to work. The limited power available from the alternator will cause the bulbs to blow, as they require a constant and consistent power source. Our technicians will test the bulbs, and we can also check and test your alternator for any problems. Get New Headlights at Our Maryland Kia Dealership Don't risk your safety by driving with headlight problems. Call us at DARCARS Lanham Kia, and our technicians will fix the problem. Schedule your next appointment here.

As unthreatening as potholes may seem, driving over one at a normal speed can cause a surprising amount of damage to your car. Sometimes the damage is clearly visible, such as a dented rim or blistered tire, but sometimes it's harder to detect, as with damaged suspension or minor wheel misalignment. If you notice any of the following seven signs of pothole damage, visit your local Kia dealer to have it repaired as soon as you can. Bulging Tire Rubber Potholes can wreak havoc on your tires. The most common result of a pothole bump is a bulge in your tire wall. This results from the pothole pinching the tire's inner lining, allowing a burst of air to seep out, under the surface layer of rubber. Any large bulge or blister puts the tire at risk of blowing out on the road, and you'll most likely need to have it replaced. more Punctured Tire A tire that's struck a pothole can also come away with a slow-leaking puncture. If you ever notice the slight bump or veer of striking a pothole, always check your tire pressure soon afterward. If you have a puncture, it might be repairable: or you might need an entirely new tire. Dented Wheel Rim If you hit a pothole really hard, you may later find a dent in your wheel rim. The aluminum-based rims of modern cars can bend or dent quite visibly under such impacts. If you can't see any damage on the outside, check on the inside lip of the wheel rim as well. Damaged Suspension The shocks and struts in your suspension system are designed to cushion you and protect your car from bumps in the road. Unfortunately, they can also be worn out prematurely by heavy knocks over potholes. You'll feel suspension damage as a swaying sensation when turning corners or bottoming out when you go over a speed bump. If you don't have these essential shock absorption features repaired, the next pothole you encounter may do a whole lot more damage. Wheel Misalignment A pothole might knock one of your wheels a little off kilter. You'll experience this misalignment in a slight pull to the left or right as you try to drive straight. In this case, you'll need to have a technician set your wheel back to parallel. Leaking Fluids An especially hard pothole bump can actually damage your undercarriage, where many pipes are exposed. These pipes can be torn or cracked by an impact, causing one of your vehicle's vital fluids to leak. After any pothole impact, check with care that you're not leaving pools of liquid on the ground after parking. Strange Exhaust Noises The exhaust system under your car can also be dented or even knocked loose by a pothole. If your exhaust gets damaged, it will often emit strange noises, such as rattling, knocking, or coughing sounds. Schedule Repairs in Lanham, MD Today If you've struck a pothole and detected any of the above signs of damage, visit DARCARS Lanham Kia. Our leading service team is dedicated to providing an outstanding experience to each and every customer who sets foot through our doors.

As a car owner, are you aware of how important your air filter is to the proper operation of your vehicle? Air filters ensure that the air coming into your engine is clean and free from debris. To be sure, it's important to check for any signs of wear or tear on your air filter before it becomes too late. Here are some signs that you need a new car air filter from your Kia dealer: Signs You Need a New Car Air Filter at Your Kia Dealer in Lanham, MD Decrease in Your Fuel Efficiency The first and perhaps most common sign of a deteriorating air filter is the decrease in your fuel efficiency. As debris builds upon the surface of your car's air filter, it can reduce or even obstruct airflow into the engine. The exact effect that this will have varies depending on the type and level of obstruction. However, there's no doubt about the fact that your fuel efficiency will suffer. more Engine Misfires Excess air is restricted by a dirty air filter, resulting in soot residue leaving the engine as unburnt fuel. The spark plug becomes coated in soot, which prevents it from producing the right spark to burn the air-fuel mixture. Because of this, you'll notice that the engine doesn't start up quickly, misfires, or jerks erratically. Odd Engine Sounds Odd sounds from your engine can also signify an air filter that needs to be replaced. If you hear rattling or wheezing sounds coming from the engine area when it is running, this may indicate a problem with a clogged air filter damaging the spark plug. It would be best to have your vehicle checked by a professional for a proper diagnosis and repair. Check Engine Light Is On For each gallon of gasoline burned in the engine's combustion cycle, modern engines consume around 10,000 gallons of air. Carbon deposits — the result of combustion — may build up in the engine if there is an insufficient supply of air, leading to the check engine light illuminating. When you see this light on, you should immediately bring your vehicle to your local dealer and have a mechanic check the air filter. Dirty Air Filter A clean air filter might be white or off-white in appearance while it is new, but as it gets clogged with dust and grime, it will become darker. However, even in bright light, dust and debris can be present in the inner layers of filter paper within the air filter but are not immediately visible upon first glance. As a result, you must have your technician inspect the air filter whenever you bring your car in for service. Get a New Car Air Filter in Lanham, MD at Our Kia Service Department Whether you're looking for a new Kia, ready to get your car serviced, or just need an air filter replaced, our team of experts at our Kia dealership are here to help. Call DARCARS Lanham Kia or click here to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Getting a new air filter is crucial as this will keep your engine running efficiently while also keeping out dirt and dust particles that may clog up other parts of your engine.

A sudden warning light on the dash is never a good sign, nor is the engine temperature reading going up. Every driver may experience the stress of their car overheating at some point, but rest assured your Kia dealer in Lanham, MD, can help you. Here are 8 top reasons why your car might overheat. Engine Coolant Level Is Wrong This is the most common reason for overheating. Too little coolant causes overheating, but the higher pressure in the system from too much coolant will also cause temperature rises. Checking your coolant level regularly is a cheap and easy way to prevent expensive future problems. more Coolant Hose Leaks Temperature variations and environmental conditions can, over time, cause hoses to lose their elasticity and become brittle. It takes just a small weakness in a hose under pressure to become a leak, and the loss of coolant will inevitably lead to overheating if it is not replaced quickly. Loose Hose Clamps Over time due to movement, hose clamps can start to loosen. The hose can also shrink, and loosen them, and coolant will start to leak out. Securely fitted clamps will keep this potential problem at bay. Broken Thermostat The thermostat is essentially a switch, controlling the flow of coolant and regulating engine temperature by opening and releasing coolant when the engine gets too hot. General usage, especially in a high-mileage car, can cause it to wear and jam in a closed position. Without the flow of coolant, a car will start to overheat. Thermal Switch on the Radiator This switch controls the radiator fan, which will switch on when the coolant temperature rises. Material wear and tear can cause it to malfunction, causing the coolant temperature to rise and the engine to overheat. Broken Water Pump This is a potentially serious and expensive problem that is very easy to avoid. The water pump is a turbine, pushing coolant through the system and it is driven by the camshaft timing belt. Replacing the water pump when the timing belt is replaced can prevent a problem from ever occurring. A Clogged or Cracked Radiator The radiator's purpose is to lower engine temperature. Engine heat is carried by the coolant through the radiator, where the airflow cools it and recirculates it back into the system. Over time, the pipes can become clogged, reducing the radiator cooling effect, and any crack in the radiator can cause loss of coolant. In either case, the engine temperature will start to rise. Clog in the Coolant System If the coolant system is blocked, an engine will easily overheat. While it’s a common problem, it is also completely avoidable. The usual reason is using tap water or low-grade coolant that causes a scale build-up that blocks the pipes. Car Overheating? Get Your Kia Serviced in Lanham, MD Here Visit us at DARCARS Lanham Kia, and our highly trained Kia Service Department can repair these or any other potential issue you may encounter. Our exceptional service will keep you and your Kia safe and on the road. Get an appointment for service booked today!

One unfortunate reality of driving is that accidents do happen, leading to a need for collision repair after the fact to restore the vehicle to working condition. If you've been involved in a collision, here are some tips to keep in mind before you bring your vehicle to your Kia dealer auto repair shop. Tips From Your Kia Dealer for When Your Kia Needs Collision Repairs Assess the Damages The first step in getting your vehicle back to working order after a collision is assessing the extent of the damages that need to be repaired. Remember that looks can be deceiving, and even an apparently minor dent may have underlying body damage that involves extensive repairs. In some cases, the vehicle may even be declared totaled, which means that repairs would cost more than simply replacing the vehicle. more Your insurance provider will send an appraiser to help determine the costs of the damages that your vehicle has suffered. Be sure to ask plenty of questions so that you have a full understanding of the repairs that need to be done. You may also want to get a second opinion on the matter by calling in another appraiser to have a look at the vehicle as well, giving you a more complete assessment of your situation. Plan the Necessary Repairs Although your insurance provider may offer recommendations based on auto body shops that they have a relationship with, the ultimate decision on where to go to get your car repaired lies with you. If you want to get quality repairs that you can count on, you should get in touch with your dealership. Their extensive knowledge of your model of vehicle will give you the assurance that your repairs are being handled correctly. One consideration to take into account when choosing where to get your repairs done is the availability of official parts straight from the manufacturer of your vehicle. The service department of your local dealership is most likely to have access to official manufacturer parts rather than aftermarket parts. Using these official parts will let you rest assured that your vehicle is running just the way it was prior to suffering damage. Visit Your Dealership Auto Repair Shop In order to get reliable service and the authentic parts that were used in the original construction of your vehicle, get your vehicle to your local dealership. Depending on the extent of the damage that your vehicle suffered, it may not be safe to drive the vehicle to the dealership yourself. In this case, contact your dealer to ask them about towing services in the area that you can take advantage of to safely bring your vehicle in for the repairs it needs. Get Reliable Collision Repairs in Lanham, MD If you've been involved in a collision, trust our skilled service team to get your vehicle running like new again. We'll get you back on the road with the confidence that comes from knowing experienced technicians handled all of your vehicle's repairs. Visit us at DARCARS Lanham Kia today!

Brakes are arguably the most important safety feature of any car, but brake pads wear out fast. Many car owners don't consider them a priority, but it's only fine until something goes wrong. We've put together some of the key signs that it's time to take your car into your local Kia dealer, where we'll be happy to replace your pads and keep your brake system as good as new. How Do They Work? A modern car's braking system consists of several components that see the most wear and tear. The system consists of the rotors, disks of metal behind the wheel, the calipers, which press the pads onto the rotor, and the pads themselves, which press against the rotor to create friction that slows down your car. When you press the brake pedal, the calipers squeeze the rotor, and the harder you press, the more they squeeze. more Eventually, over time, the friction will wear down the pads and make them less effective. This significantly increases your braking distance, which can be very dangerous. Luckily, the pads are designed to be easily replaceable, as they will likely need to be changed several times in your car's lifetime. How Do I Know if They're Wearing Out? It's usually fairly obvious when your pads are starting to wear thin. You might notice the car behaving strangely or hear some odd noises when you brake. When you notice any of the signs listed below, then it's time to pay your Kia mechanic a visit. 1. Squealing Noises Usually, the first sign you'll notice when your pads start to get worn is a horrible squealing noise as soon as your foot touches the pedal. Not every noise that fits this description will be the pads, but it's still best to get it checked out. However, if you find the noise only appears when you're touching the brake pedal, your pads are probably to blame. Interestingly, the pads are designed to make this noise to alert you when they've worn away past a certain level. 2. Braking Time Increases A sure sign that your brakes are going downhill is an increase in braking times. This is the dangerous consequence of not changing your pads often enough. Imagine what would happen if you had to stop in an emergency! This is usually due to increased heat from the worn pads. 3. The Car Pulls to One Side When Braking Sometimes, the pads don't always wear at the same rate, especially if they're made by different brands. This can cause one side to take more than the other, with the result being that the nose of the vehicle drifts to one side when you press the brake pedal. What Can My Kia Dealer Do? Your qualified mechanic at your local dealership will be able to thoroughly check your brakes for you and replace any pads that are wearing out. They can also service the entire system if required to make sure the rest of the components are in top condition. Schedule Brake Service in Lanham, MD with Our Kia Service Center If you notice any of the tell-tale signs above, give us a call at DARCARS Lanham Kia today, and get your car booked in for a brake service. Wondering when to get an oil change or another type of service? We can help you with all your Kia service needs!

Sitting in a car with the car AC not working can be miserable and frustrating. Whether you're stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic or sitting outside enjoying the summer, having an AC that doesn't work is highly inconvenient. If your car isn't blowing cold air, take it to your Kia dealer and ask to look at the car AC. Issues Your Kia Dealer Can Discover 1. The Refrigerant Is Leaking One of the most common causes for the car's air conditioning to malfunction is a refrigerant leak. This happens when the car's AC compressor puts too much pressure on the car's system and causes a small hole to develop, which allows all of the car's refrigerant to escape. When this occurs, it isn't long before the car AC doesn't work. more 2. The Car's AC System Is Clogged Another cause for the vehicle's air conditioning to conk out is car system overuse. When car air conditioners are used constantly, it's almost certain that the car's system will clog up and become soiled and dirty. If this occurs and isn't taken care of right away, your vehicle will feel like a sauna. 3. The Car's AC Compressor Is on the Brink of Failure A car AC compressor that is about to stop working will cause the car's AC system to continuously turn on and off, which will make a clicking sound. If you notice this sound coming from your car's AC system, have it looked at as soon as possible. 4. The Cooling Fans Are Broken Your car's AC system has two types of fans; one is located in the front of your vehicle and blows cool air into your car. The other sits behind your radiator and helps cool down the water. A faulty cooling fan can cause your car AC not to work, so have them both checked out when you take your car in for service. 5. The Condenser Is Malfunctioning The condenser is another part of your car's AC system that can stop working and cause the AC not to work. If any of the following sounds occur when you use your car AC, turn off the engine and take it in for service: The AC turns on but blows warm air There is a whistling sound during operation There is a bubbling or gurgling noise when you turn on the AC 6. You Have an Electrical Problem If your car AC isn't blowing air, you might have an electrical problem. Electrical issues can be challenging to diagnose, so be sure that you take your car into the dealership if it's still not working after exhausting all of the other possibilities. Come for an AC Service in Lanham, MD The best way to ensure your car AC is working properly before the heat sets in is by visiting DARCARS Lanham Kia today. Our team of experts will diagnose and repair any issues with your vehicle while also helping you find a new or used Kia that's perfect for you. We want everyone to get out of their cars happy, so visit us today! Find out how to keep your Kia running optimally over time by checking out our long-term Kia maintenance blog!