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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.

The timing belt helps keep everything working in sync inside your engine. If your belt wears out or breaks, your engine can malfunction and may refuse to start. Let's look at how frequently you're likely to need Kia timing belt replacement and a few warning signs to look out for. Every 60,000 to 100,000 Miles Car timing belts are extremely durable and will typically last from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. It's important to have your timing belt routinely inspected for signs of wear and tear, especially after you pass the four-year mark. Consult your owner's manual for specific guidance on your model. more Symptoms of a Worn-Out Timing Belt When should a Kia timing belt be replaced? As these belts are crucial to proper engine functioning, you'll notice signs of trouble as soon as your belt malfunctions. It's advisable to respond promptly to the following symptoms of a bad belt. Engine Refuses To Start The clearest indication of a worn or broken belt is the engine refusing to start. When you turn the key or press the ignition button, you'll hear the starter working but nothing else happens. Check Engine Light If a bad belt causes your engine to falter, you're very likely to see the check engine light light up on your instrument panel. This warning light should prompt you to have your car examined at once by a professional. Visual Signs of Damage If you suspect a bad belt, or simply want to carry out a routine check, you can pop the hood to visually inspect your timing belt for signs of damage. Look for cracks and excess looseness. One of our technicians can examine your belt for you to determine whether or not it is recommended to get replaced. Ticking Sounds Timing belt issues can lead to a ticking sound from the engine compartment. The ticking could be caused by the irregular gaps or the bad belt failing to work properly. Excessive Engine Revving A failing timing belt could also cause your engine to rev loudly and erratically. This is a sign that the engine is struggling to produce as much power as usual without a fully functioning belt. Need to Book a Kia Repair in Lanham, MD? Visit DARCARS Kia of Lanham to have your timing belt inspected or replaced by experienced technicians. We offer a variety of new and pre-owned vehicles plus comprehensive maintenance and repair services.

Automobiles need to routinely get serviced to ensure that they are running correctly. And just like the human body, regular inspections and maintenance make all the difference. There's a strong argument for spark plugs being one of the most essential parts of your vehicle. Read on to learn more about these components and what your Maryland Kia dealer can do for you. How Often Should You Replace Your Spark Plugs? The best rule of thumb to follow is using the manufacturer's guidelines. Each manufacturer will have time intervals for how often each part needs replacing. Typically, you'll find most recommend changing your plugs between 30,000 and 60,000 miles, though some are increasing this from 80,000 to 100,000 miles. more These suggestions may vary widely, due to mechanical issues, electric issues, and other car-related problems. Signs Something Is Wrong Engine Misfire An engine misfire occurs when plugs don't provide the proper spark to ignite fuel. Misfires can happen in either an idle state, cruising, or acceleration. However, misfires are not exclusive to problems with your plugs. A faulty ignition coil, gasket leakage, and general engine damage can all play a part. Symptoms of a misfire are jerking or vibrating sensations. Almost as if the engine gives out and kicks back in, the plugs are not steadily and uniformly igniting the fuel. So next time you feel a misfire, don't hesitate and get an inspection – it could save you more money down the road. Engine Knocking Engine knocking is a loud knocking sound coming from your engine. The uneven fuel burn causes shockwaves throughout the engine, causing the knocking sound. This knocking is a sign of faulty plugs, but it can wreak much more havoc on the surrounding parts. The pistons, cylinder head valves, and other components suffer from these shockwaves. Acceleration Problems If you notice weak acceleration, your plugs may be failing. The plugs aren't firing at the optimal rate. The erratic firing forces an uneven distribution of work to the cylinders, which in turn causes decreased power output. Visiting Your Kia Dealer in Lanham, MD Entrusting a Kia professional with your automobile ensures the job gets done right. Kia-certified mechanics have a wide range of knowledge and experience with Kia vehicles and their possible problems. A third-party auto body may use aftermarket parts not designed for your specific make and model. A Kia professional eliminates that worry by using components made by Kia and for Kia vehicles. For all the things that can go wrong, Kia vehicles are reliable, durable, and capable machines. Beyond that, the support network provided by dealers makes owning a Kia all the more wonderful. Finding a dealer may be a difficult task, but said dealer should be professional, trusted, and emphasize customer-oriented services. Call DARCARS Lanham Kia today to speak to Kia experts who can help you with any problems you may have whether it’s replacing a car belt or getting new tires, we can assist!

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.

The performance of your Kia is highly influenced by its parts, and regular usage leads to wear and tear. This calls for the replacement of the affected parts. While there are genuine parts, some are counterfeit. Here are five tips for making sure you get genuine Kia parts. 1. Know the Exact Part Car parts vary depending on their make, model, and year of manufacture, among other things. To ensure you have the correct part, check your vehicle identification number, and indicate the part code. Getting the correct spare parts allows your Kia to perform as designed. more 2. Buy from Local Authorized Dealers Authorized dealers stock genuine parts, making it easy for you to access them. The dealers are affiliated with Kia, so you can trust them. After buying genuine parts, you can install them on your own. Or you can take it to the dealership where you can benefit from Kia factory workmanship. These dealers also stock all Kia car parts, so you get all you need under one roof. Ordering locally allows you to enjoy the convenience of getting roadside assistance in case of emergency. You can get your parts delivered to you and serviced by Kia-trained technicians. You also have the option of visiting the service center for a comprehensive check and service for your Kia. 3. Check the Branding of the Parts Since it can be hard to differentiate between genuine and aftermarket parts if you are not ordering from your dealership, make sure you check for inconsistencies in the branding of the parts. Genuine parts are marked with the brand's logo and made specifically for your Kia. The pricing of the parts can also guide you in knowing if it's a genuine part or not. If the part is too cheap, then you should start having doubts. Go for reasonably priced genuine parts, which are always available at your dealer. 4. Get Your Warranty Genuine parts come with up to 12 months warranty from the date of installation or 12,000 miles. This gives you an assurance that you have ordered quality parts, and, in case of any fault, they will be replaced by the dealer. You also save on cost in case the parts have issues within the warranty period. 5. Ensure Safety and Quality Tests Are Done Aftermarket parts are a gamble. Genuine parts are tested for quality, safety, fit, and functionality for your Kia. This allows you to protect your Kia from malfunctions that can cost you a lot in repairs. You also benefit from a comprehensive inspection when you come into your dealer for service. Order Kia Parts and Get Your Kia Serviced Today Your Kia is an investment: protect it to ensure proper functionality and longevity. Call DARCARS Lanham Kia to order genuine parts for your Kia. You will also benefit from services from factory-trained technicians to ensure the excellent performance of your vehicle. Schedule with us today!