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In the warmer months in Maryland, the harmful rays of the sun and high temperatures can seriously damage the exterior and interior of your vehicle. Your engine and battery are also at risk. Your Kia dealer provides the following advice on how to protect your car during hot weather. 1. Shield the Exterior from the Sun Extensive exposure to sun and heat will fade and crack your car's paint job, rubber trims, and seals. You need to guard the exterior of your vehicle against sun and heat exposure as much as you possibly can to avoid damage. Park in the Shade Whenever it's possible, keep your car out of the sun. Find a shady spot or park in a parking garage. more Wash and Wax Your Car Regularly Washing your vehicle will remove mud, dust, and tree sap that could discolor the paint. Wax your car at least twice a year. Wax forms a protective layer that will protect your car's paint from fading. It will also prevent grime and dust from causing minor nicks and scratches. Treat Rubber and Window Trim Treat window trims and rubber seals with a UV protectant designed for rubber. This will prevent the sun from drying the rubber out and forming cracks. Check the Tire Pressure Underinflated tires on hot road surfaces are never good. Not only will it damage the tires, but it may lead to a blowout. When it's hot, check your tire pressure more frequently to ensure that the tires are inflated to the correct PSI. Also, inspect the tread and sidewalls for wear and damage. 2. Protect the Interior from Harmful UV Rays Sun and heat can damage your dashboard, steering wheel, and upholstery when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. The dashboard will dry out, start to crack, and lose its glossy finish. The upholstery will fade, crack, and tear. Keep the Sun Out Front and rear window protectors or sunshades will keep direct sunlight out of your car that will damage the interior. Get your windows tinted to reduce sun and heat damage. Use Covers If you leave your car in the sun often, cover as much of the interior as possible. Seat and steering covers will reduce the damage caused by sun and heat exposure. Take Care of the Dashboard Your dashboard needs extra protection to prevent dryness and cracking. Use a dashboard interior UV protective cleaning product and a dash cover to ensure that your dashboard maintains its gloss finish. Look After the Upholstery Use a conditioning oil designed for the specific material your upholstery is made of. This will prevent leather and vinyl seats from cracking and tearing. 3. Decrease the Heat Under the Hood Hot temperatures increase the heat under the hood, and extra precautions must be taken. Heat affects your engine, battery, and fluids, and your car has a much higher chance of overheating. Check the Fluids Regularly In hot weather, your car uses fluids quicker. You must check all the fluid levels regularly and top them off when necessary. When it's hot outside, the cooling system works harder. Your vehicle relies on the coolant to keep the engine cool. During the warm months, regular coolant level checks and oil and filter changes are crucial. Inspect Your Battery The heat is tough on batteries. High temperatures can evaporate the battery's fluids and weaken the charge. Routine battery inspections and tests are vital to avoid battery problems and getting stranded next to the road. Watch the Temperature Gauge Keep an eye on the temperature gauge when it’s hot out to prevent overheating. Get Your Kia Serviced in Lanham at Our Kia Service Department Shield your car from the sun and protect the interior, exterior, and your car's engine and battery. Contact DARCARS Lanham Kia today to keep your car up to date on maintenance. Our qualified technicians will perform a thorough inspection to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition to withstand the heat.

You know that for the sake of your car’s safety you should get regular oil changes, but do you know what kind of motor oil you should be using? Today, we're talking about the differences between synthetic oil vs conventional and how often you should bring your vehicle to your local Kia dealer for an oil change. Differences Between Synthetic Oil and Conventional Oil: Which to Choose Consistent Viscosity Unlike conventional motor oil, synthetic oil has a consistent viscosity. Conventional oil can often be too thick to circulate throughout your motor as it should when your motor is still warming up to normal operating temperature. Additionally, it breaks down very quickly when it gets too hot. more Cleaner Motor Synthetic oil also helps your motor stay cleaner than conventional oil can. The formation of deposits in oil is a natural side effect of driving. If you bring your vehicle in for oil changes with conventional motor oil, these deposits can form at a much greater rate. Synthetic oil resists the formation of deposits. As a result, it will be much longer before sludge forms from the deposits and circulates throughout your engine along with the motor oil, causing extra wear and tear and reducing fuel efficiency. Less Wear and Tear Your engine is made up of many parts that spin well over 1,000 times per minute while you drive. These rapidly spinning components are in constant contact. Your motor oil is the only thing standing between them and extreme wear and tear from grinding and overheating. We've already mentioned conventional oil can't protect your motor adequately in extremely cold or hot temperatures. That said, synthetic motor oil lasts several times longer than conventional oil even if you never put your motor through extreme conditions. For example, your engine is put under extra strain if you drive down roads that strain your vehicle's air filter, such as roads that are sandy or dusty. Graveled, muddy, and salty roads can also place a great deal of pressure on your motor. Other extreme driving conditions include: Driving in stop-and-go traffic during the summer Driving very short distances How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed at My Car Dealer? You should get your oil changed generally every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you opt for an oil change with conventional motor oil. If you opt for synthetic motor oil at your next oil change visit, you may be able to go around 7,500 miles before your next oil change. Find out when to get your Kia oil change by consulting the experts at our dealership’s Service Center. Come for an Oil Change in Lanham, MD at Our Service Center Depending on the age of your vehicle, the type of motor oil used, and the strain you put your motor under regularly, when to get an oil change can vary. If you have questions about which oil to use for your vehicle or when to visit for an oil change, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Kia dealership. Schedule your oil change at DARCARS Lanham Kia.

You can expect a smooth, pleasant driving experience with your Kia if your radiator and other car parts are in excellent condition. But how do you know when it's time to replace your radiator? Before your cooling system fails, watch out for these signs that you need radiator repair from the nearest service center. Top Signs Your Car Needs a Radiator Repair 1. Your Vehicle Shows Signs of Rust and Discoloration Problems with your radiator usually involve a coolant leak. And when there's a leak in your car, rust can form on exposed metal radiators. Do you notice the signs of rust and discoloration on your hood? In this case, a radiator hose may be leaking and needs urgent repair. more 2. You Keep Noticing Unexplained Spills or Leaks on Your Driveway A visible coolant leak might be the reason behind the spills and puddles on your driveway. One of the classic signs of a faulty radiator is leaking coolant fluid. These spills not only cause your driveway to look unsightly, but they can also cause your coolant levels to become too low. When this happens, you are at risk of driving on an overheating engine. Always keep your coolant levels at a safe level to avoid dangerous engine failure. 3. Your Car Heater Doesn't Keep You Warm Anymore Are you used to feeling warm and cozy while driving your Kia on a cold day? When your heater suddenly doesn't work like before, you might be having problems with your radiator. The circulation of heated coolant powers the heaters and keeps your car warm inside. Both your cooling and heating systems need stable levels of coolant, so make sure that no leaks or problems with your radiator are causing any issue. 4. Your Engine Becomes Too Hot Are you worried that your Kia overheats after a short drive? Your cooling system should be able to regulate the temperature of your engine, no matter the distance. However, when your radiator stops working like it's supposed to, you'll need servicing to prevent worse problems from happening. Driving on an overheated engine can cause your car to break down and fail. To avoid costly engine repairs in the future, have your cooling system checked as soon as possible. 5. Your Coolant Fluid Looks Red and Rusty When your radiator or cooling system has problems, you may notice a visible change in the color of your coolant fluid. Typically, coolant fluids are bright yellow or green. Contamination can occur if you have a faulty radiator, and you might notice that the coolant has become thick and crimson. Deposits and sludge in a faulty radiator can cause contamination. By getting a radiator flush from a service center, you can fix a clogged radiator and restore its pristine condition. Schedule Lanham, MD Car Radiator Service and Repair Today All your car parts must be in excellent condition so you can confidently drive and enjoy a smooth experience. If you think that your radiator has an issue that needs to be fixed, don't hesitate to get in touch with an expert to book a Kia service appointment at our dealership. Contact DARCARS Lanham Kia for your auto maintenance needs today. Our mechanics are here to make sure you stay safe on the road for many years to come.

It's imperative that you stay safe on the roads, and it can be most difficult when those roads are covered in snow and ice. If tackling icy roads is a challenge for you, don't worry. We have some tips that may help you keep you, your passengers, and your vehicle safe. 1. Use Winter Tires Winter tires are the best for taking on ice, and they have the added benefit of being able to tackle deep snow, too. Winter tires usually have a more aggressive tread with superior traction; they can make any winter journey safer. Visit your dealer to talk about acquiring some winter tires. If you're buying a new vehicle, you should ask your dealer if they can throw in some winter tires as part of the deal. more 2. Be Gentle You never want to drive with speed on ice. Always go slowly and ensure you can hear the tires on the ice. Although road noise isn't always desirable, that crackling sound that tells you the tires are sticking to the ice is vital. If you speed up too much, then this sound disappears, and you know you're not getting as much traction as you should be. Be sure to take corners even slower and drive with care. If you do this then you should have no problem staying safe. 3. Black Ice - Watch Out On ice-covered roads, you shouldn't trust any street that looks shiny or wet. While a potential shine you're seeing may just be a puddle, it's better not to risk it. Treat every road like it's covered in black ice. If you think like that then you should have no problems. It's better to go slow but not hit ice than it is to speed up and skid on ice that you didn't account for. 4. Be Mindful of Other Accidents While you may not get into an accident yourself, it's far too easy to get caught up in someone else's. For example, say you're driving behind car A and you think they're going a little too fast. Car B comes along in the other lane, skidding a little, and suddenly car A and B are on a collision course. None of this is your fault, but it can be just as fatal for you as an accident of your own doing. On ice-covered roads, you should pay as much attention to other motorists' issues as you pay to your own. If you think someone on the road is driving dangerously, stop. Get out from behind them, switch lanes, or find another route. Visit Our Lanham, MD Kia Dealership for Winter Maintenance If any of these tips helped you, visit us at DARCARS Lanham Kia and we can get you a great deal on a vehicle that's fantastic for driving on ice-covered roads. We also have a Kia Service Center so we can get your vehicle fixed up with some solid tires for taking on ice and other challenging conditions. Need other services? Schedule an appointment today.

An important service that a Kia owner can do to keep their vehicle running at peak performance is to come in for regular oil changes. How often a Kia oil change is needed can depend on a variety of factors, such as what kind of road and weather conditions you're driving in and how much your car gets used in an average month. So, When Should You Get an Oil Change? It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your car’s oil change. If you're wondering whether or not your vehicle is overdue for an oil change, then there's a good chance it is. As a general rule of thumb, your oil should be changed about every six months or 5,000 to 7,500 miles. It used to be advised to schedule an oil change every 3,000 miles, but cars being made now are much more efficient than they used to be, so unless you are routinely driving in extreme weather or off-roading conditions then a six-month check-in should suffice. more While some new energy-efficient engines advertise an interval of up to 10,000 miles between oil changes, it is best to ask a certified technician what is best for your car. Spacing out your oil changes too far apart can result in unnecessary wear and tear on your engine, and can significantly shorten the lifespan of your vehicle. What About My Kia's Oil Filter? Your car’s oil filter should be replaced every time your oil gets changed. While you might have heard that an oil filter can be replaced with every other oil change, this can make the filter much less effective at doing its job, which is filtering out contaminants that cause wear on your engine. For the sake of a very inexpensive part, making do with an old filter is simply not worth it. Did You Know? Extending the life of your engine is not the only reason to get regular oil changes. Another less obvious incentive is that the cleaner your oil is, the fewer stops you have to make at the gas station! That's right; regular oil changes can save you money. This is because dirty oil forces your engine to work a lot harder than it needs to, which in turn causes your Kia to burn more fuel. Why Every Kia Oil Change Should be Done by an Expert Oil and filter changes should always be done by a trained Kia technician, like at the DARCARS Lanham Kia Service Center. Our service experts know exactly what your Kia needs! Our technicians will pick the correct oil and filter for your particular model, and while they're under the hood they will also keep an eye out for any issues that could potentially affect your vehicle. Schedule Oil Changes and Other Services Online! Having routine inspections done can catch small problems before they become big ones, and significantly extend the lifespan of your Kia. Our Kia dealership will be glad to set up an appointment for your next oil change, or any other service your Kia may require. For more information, contact DARCARS Lanham Kia today!

Driving in rain can be extremely nerve-wracking and dangerous, especially when it's pouring down and your visibility is impaired. How can you navigate securely during rain? The following tips will help you to drive safely in wet conditions. 1. Defog Your Windows Turn on your heater or defroster and defog your windows before you drive off to ensure that you can see where you are going. There are also products available on the market that will prevent fog from forming on your windows. more 2. Test Your Windshield Wipers Before you take to the road, check that your wipers are in good working order. Test all the settings to ensure that your wipers will give you the visibility you need to see where you are going. 3. Check Your Tire Pressure If your vehicle's tires are in good condition and inflated to the correct pressure, you will have more traction. This will lower the risk of your vehicle sliding and skidding in wet conditions. 4. Put Your Lights On Often, rain can impair visibility on the road, especially during heavier storms. The headlights on your car will increase your visibility and make it easier for other drivers to see you. 5. Drive Slowly The water can make driving conditions very slippery. When you drive fast on wet roads, your car can easily slide over the wet, oily road surface, and you can lose control of your vehicle. If your car hydroplanes, stay calm, immediately take your foot off the gas, and don't steer until your car makes contact with the road again. 6. Keep a Safe Following Distance You want to be able to have time to spot if need be. Keep plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to assist. This will give you more time to react. 7. Don't Brake Hard If there is enough space between you and the car in front of you, you will have enough time to remove your foot from the accelerator to slow down without hitting the brakes hard. Hard braking can cause your car to slide on the wet road and cause a collision. 8. Avoid Outside Lanes There are more water and big puddles in the outside lanes. Drive in the middle lane where possible to avoid running or standing water. 9. Keep Proper Space from Large Vehicles If there is a truck or a bus in front of you, keep generous space in between you and the other vehicle. The large tires can cause more water to hit your windshield and make it difficult for you to see. 10. If You Can't See Pull Over If it's raining hard and you find it difficult to see, find a safe spot to pull over and wait for the weather to improve. Trying to drive in extreme conditions is extremely dangerous and should be avoided where possible. Be Prepared for Wet Weather and Remember Routine Maintenance If you can, and we know it's not always possible, try to avoid driving in wet, rainy conditions. If possible, be patient and wait until the rains stop before driving. It’s also important to keep your car maintained to ensure parts, like the brakes, tires, and more, can work optimally in inclement weather. Schedule service with DARCARS Lanham Kia, and the certified technicians can perform a complete inspection to ensure that your vehicle performs at its best in wet weather conditions.

Kia models are known to be some of the best-value vehicles you can buy on the market today, but car maintenance is one of the most important things to keep in mind when trying to extend your vehicle's time on the road. Maintenance is more than just an oil change every few months - below are some tips for long-term Kia maintenance. Remember Regular Maintenance It is imperative to look at the maintenance schedule for your Kia to see when it is recommended to get your car’s maintenance completed. There are many moving parts on a vehicle, and they all require servicing to keep your vehicle running smoothly. It is vital that you follow the maintenance guide within your owner's manual to ensure that you are maximizing the life of your vehicle. more Over the course of a year, there are a number of things that you should be getting looked at by a trained mechanic such as: Oil change Transmission fluid Brake fluid and brake pads Tire rotation Tire pressure and tire tread There are many other parts that work to keep your vehicle secure and plenty of fluids to check on, so be sure to stay up to date with your Kia owner's manual. Seek Out Dealership Expertise An easy and convenient way to make sure that your Kia is being properly maintained is to ensure that you are taking it to a certified Kia dealership. There are trained mechanics that are experts on Kia vehicles, and you should use that to your advantage when you are in need of maintenance. No one knows more about Kia vehicles than a Kia dealership! It is a very simple process scheduling regular vehicle maintenance through a Kia dealership because they keep track of all of the prior maintenance that has been done to the vehicle, any special repairs or replacements, and the proper mileage for future repairs. There is no better way to get the most out of your vehicle than to make sure that the right people are servicing your Kia. Don't Ignore Warning Signs If you get into your car and have issues trying to get the engine to start, there may be bigger issues at hand. If you have service lights lit up on your dashboard, such as the check engine light or the tire pressure light, do not ignore these signs. The best thing for the long-term life of your vehicle is to make sure you fix the smaller problems before they turn into bigger problems. When fixing a small problem such as low tire pressure by inflating the tire to the correct PSI, you avoid the possibility of a tire blowout, which could result in a costly repair, as well as cause extensive damage to the vehicle and can lower your car's life expectancy. Need Kia Maintenance in Lanham, MD? At the end of the day, everyone is trying to get the most out of their vehicle. Proper maintenance and professional service for your Kia will keep it on the road for as long as possible and keep you safe. Schedule Kia maintenance and repairs at DARCARS Lanham Kia today!

Your car's alternator is one of the most vital components in your vehicle. This electrical generator is what charges your car battery and powers your engine's electrical system, and when it begins to fail, you'll probably notice some clear signs that your vehicle is struggling. Read ahead to learn 5 common signs that indicate you need an alternator repair. 1. Dim Headlights Your car's alternator provides power to its entire electrical system – including your headlights. One of the top warning signs that your alternator needs a repair is dim or flickering headlights. Of course, your lights could also be burning out or in need of a cleaning, which is why many drivers overlook this issue as relating to their alternator. However, the only way to truly know if your alternator needs a repair is to visit your local car dealer to diagnose the issue and perform any necessary auto repairs. more 2. Strange Noises Strange noises are often the first indication that something is wrong in your vehicle. If you notice unusual rattling sounds coming from your car's internal workings, you may have a problem with your alternator. Sometimes, alternator bearings break off and fall into the engine, causing them to rattle around. Rattling noises, coupled with other symptoms on this list, are a surefire indication that your alternator needs a repair. 3. Difficulty Starting Your alternator provides power to different areas of your vehicle, including your spark plug. If this piece of equipment fails, you may have trouble starting your vehicle, as the spark plugs will not be able to ignite your gasoline and start your engine. If your car has difficulty starting, take it to a mechanic right away. Waiting around to see if the issue solves itself could lead your car to stop starting altogether, resulting in pricey and more serious repairs. 4. Dead Battery A dead battery is another warning sign that your alternator could be having trouble. A bad alternator could fail to recharge your battery, causing it to drain more quickly and fail on you. If your battery is dying frequently or you have trouble jumping it with cables, you'll probably want to get your alternator checked out. 5. Indicator Light The clearest sign that something is wrong with your alternator comes from the alternator warning light. Not all vehicles have these lights, but if yours does, a warning will appear on your dashboard reading "ALT" or "GEN." If this light comes on, take your vehicle to the shop before the issue worsens. A mechanic may be able to repair it before any further damage is done. We're Your Lanham, MD Dealership for Alternator Repairs and More Many car owners can have trouble diagnosing vehicle issues on their own, which could result in more repairs as time passes without proper repairs. The best way to know if your car alternator is failing is to take your car to a trusted dealership that will provide a thorough inspection of all of its parts. Contact DARCARS Lanham Kia today to schedule an auto repair appointment, and we welcome you to check out our new Kia vehicle inventory while on your next service visit!

An official Kia dealer will usually be the first to know about new car models, recalls, and servicing techniques and equipment. Official dealerships hold a distinct advantage over grey importers and independent garages by virtue of their manufacturer backing and the accountability that arises from their by-the-book approach. 4 Services You'll Find at an Official Kia Dealer Dealers usually offer a wide range of services. Some are accessible online, such as scheduling a test drive, while you need to visit the dealership to access others. 1. New Car Sales This has been and still is, the primary function of a dealership. All dealerships have a showroom where they showcase new car models, their features, and prices. Up until recent times, dealerships have only sold brand new models, but today's dealers do more. more 2. Used Car Sales Many dealerships have now begun selling certified used cars. The ‘certified' moniker means that the car has been inspected by manufacturer-trained technicians, any issues have been fixed with genuine parts, and the car has been restored to full working order. Used cars are cheaper than brand new ones, and this certification gives you peace of mind that despite paying less, you're still getting a good car: one which does not carry any gremlins from its previous ownership. In many cases, you can even get a warranty to go with it. 3. Car Servicing Servicing is an indispensable part of car ownership. It ensures your car remains in peak condition and helps maintain its resale value. While you do not necessarily have to get your car serviced at an official Kia dealer, doing so ensures that the correct parts, tools, and techniques are being used. Servicing includes: Replacing Worn Components A full car service varies with your car's age, condition, and mileage. Servicing a brand new car may only require changing its air filters and engine oil. One that's seen more use, on the other hand, may need to have its spark plugs, anti-freeze agent, and power-steering and brake fluids changed. Diagnostics Official dealerships also conduct diagnostic checks to determine whether the car has any unresolved issues that need to be attended to. Such diagnostic checks are not only conducted on the engine but also other parts of the vehicle, such as the suspension, brakes, tires, and electrical system. Recalls Official dealerships also provide behind-the-scenes services that independent garages do not offer. If, for instance, there's a recall for your model, they'll fix these issues for you at no extra charge. They might even upgrade your car's software, which can result in a number of things, from better Bluetooth connectivity to improved fuel efficiency. 4. Car Financing If for some reason you can't pay the full price of your car upfront, official dealerships also offer financing options. These options vary from one dealer to the other, but all of them can be tailored to your specific needs. Have you been looking to get a new car? Is your heart set on one of Kia's offerings? If so, get in touch with DARCARS Kia of Lanham today to learn more about new models, certified used cars, financing options service schedules, and test drives.

To get the most miles out of your new KIA vehicle, you will want to abide by a regular maintenance routine at your local KIA dealership, as outlined below. Keeping a regular maintenance schedule will also add to the re-sell value of your vehicle in the future, making your new purchase a good long-term investment. How Often Should You Visit Your Kia Dealership for Maintenance? To most, this may seem like an odd question. Most people do not even give a second thought to the maintenance of their vehicle until something goes terribly wrong. The key word here is REGULAR maintenance. You often prevent mechanical breakdowns by keeping a regular maintenance schedule for your vehicle. more Often times, things that are not working properly or close to failure can be spotted by a good mechanic during regular maintenance check-ups. Keeping your new vehicle well-tuned also provides a longer life for your car, making your hard-earned dollars count. Below are recommended milestones for your new Kia maintenance as a guideline to put you at ease: 3-Month/3,000 Mile Check-Up You should change your engine oil and air filter every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. It is also recommended to check the following: Automatic transmission fluid Power steering fluid Windshield wipers and fluid Tire pressure Tire tread Belts Hoses Exhaust system Fuel filter All interior/exterior lights 6-Month/6,000 Mile Check-Up Be sure to inspect the vehicle battery, cables, and windshield wipers twice a year. In addition, you should lubricate the chassis well. A high-quality polish coating should be applied to your exterior paint, to ensure that your paint does not fade or crack. 12 Month/12,000 Mile Check-Up The following should be inspected properly on a yearly basis: Brakes Brake fluid Coolant level Power steering fluid Transmission fluid Suspension Light Checks You should take notice anytime the check engine light comes on for any reason. If this should happen, please take your vehicle into your nearest Kia service department without delay. The above Kia maintenance schedule is a general guideline to avoid any unwanted surprises further down the road. However, it is always good practice to check with your Kia model's manual for any discrepancies between various models and yearly updates. Don't Neglect Your Maintenance! We often take our vehicles for granted. However, ensuring a proper maintenance schedule for your new vehicle will help you to avoid expensive issues that could arise down the road. Most often, this tends to happen at a time most inconvenient for you. Daily life has enough headaches of its own without the added stress of vehicle issues. This Kia maintenance schedule should help keep you and your new vehicle on the road for your first five years at least without any issues. If you have questions or require additional information about these or future maintenance recommendations, visit DARCARS Lanham Kia to find out more or get the service you need.