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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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!