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

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.

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

Your Kia needs several forms of maintenance from your local Kia dealership. Some forms of maintenance need to be done every few years, while others need to be done every few months. A tire rotation is typically done multiple times a year, and it's vital that you never skip this essential form of maintenance. What Is a Tire Rotation? When you visit the dealership to have your tires rotated, the technicians will remove your tires and put them back in different positions on your car. This is to make sure the tread wears down evenly, as it never wears down evenly when all of your tires remain in the same position throughout their lifespan. For example, if you have a front-wheel-drive car, then the front tires experience more friction than the back ones when you're turning, braking, and accelerating. This can lead to uneven tread wear, making it essential to rotate your tires on time and often. more How Often Should You Get Your Tires Rotated At Your Local Kia Dealership? It is important to follow your car’s maintenance schedule. After your first rotation, how often you rotate the tires depends on what type of car you drive. Typically cars need to have their tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, though this can vary depending on what model you drive. Your owner's manual has more exact information relating to how often your Kia model needs a rotation. If you have an all-wheel-drive model, then you may need to have your tires rotated more frequently. What Are the Benefits of Getting Your Tires Rotated? When you don't have your tires rotated, some areas of the tread will likely wear down completely while other areas remain intact. This means your tires aren't safe to drive on. Driving with less tread than what is recommended is unsafe, so you'll need to replace your tires when any area of the tread gets too shallow. By spreading out the wear, it should help take longer for your tread to wear down. That means you have to replace regularly-rotated tires less frequently than never-rotated ones. Plus, when your tread is unevenly worn down, rides are bumpier, and your car is harder to handle. Rotating your tires regularly helps fix these problems. Schedule a Tire Rotation in Lanham, MD Today! You can get your tires rotated at your local dealership. Visit DARCARS Kia of Lanham in MD for this service today.

Remember how smooth and responsive your Kia was when you bought it from the local Kia dealership? You can maintain that impressive performance with regular maintenance. Read our ultimate service checklist that will help your Kia drive like new for many years. Change Engine Oil Motor oil lubricates and helps protect moving engine parts from friction, overheating, and premature wear. As oil circulates through the engine, it collects dirt and contaminants, making it less effective. Change your oil as stipulated in your owner's manual to help keep the engine running smoothly. When you get an oil change, you should also change the oil filter to avoid running fresh oil through an old filter. That way, the oil will provide enough lubrication and protection until the next scheduled service. more Service Your Braking System A reliable braking system is important for your safety and driving confidence. Service the brakes regularly and watch out for signs of trouble. Start by checking the brake fluid level in the reservoir under the hood. If the fluid is below the mark, refill it to help maintain optimal braking power. Keep an ear out for squealing or grinding noises when braking, as these are signs that it's time to replace the brake pads. Don't wait too long, or you might damage the brake rotors and end up with costly repairs. Rotate and Inflate the Tires Tires require proper care because they are the only parts of your vehicle that make contact with the road. They control handling, steering, and braking, which affects your drive and safety. Rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to help even out tread wear and improve performance. New Kia models have a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts you when the pressure is low. If you get a tire pressure warning light, inflate the tires properly. You can check the recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual or on the tire sticker inside the driver's door. Monitor Essential Fluids Your Kia fluids help keep all the vehicle systems running smoothly. Monitor the coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid and top them up if they’re low. We recommend having your fluids checked at the dealership instead of doing it at home. Our technicians will perform a quick systems check to look for minor problems that could worsen if they’re ignored. Inspect the Battery When a car that won't start, it can generally be due to a drained battery. Regular battery checks can help save you from having to jump-start your Kia frequently. Test the battery regularly and check the terminals for corrosion. If there is corrosion, our technicians can give the terminals a quick scrub to help prolong the battery's life. Schedule Kia Maintenance in Lanham, MD at Our Service Center Are you overdue for routine maintenance for your new Kia? Contact DARCARS Kia of Lanham to schedule a comprehensive service.

After working hard during the summer it’s a good idea to get your AC maintenance done. AC components wear out naturally, and this can result in your AC underperforming or not working at all. If you have an AC not working, your Kia dealer can repair it for you. These are some signs you need to visit us for an AC repair. Is My AC System Not Working? Low Airflow The settings you choose for the AC system control the speed of air flowing into the cabin. When you choose a setting, a resistor block sets the speed for the blower motor, which controls the fan speed. A failed resistor block can prevent airflow from increasing as it may be jammed at its previous setting. The movement of air can also be restricted by a clogged air intake or blocked air ducts. more The air intake is located just below your windshield, and all the air cooled by the AC enters through this vent. Its location means it can become clogged by dirt, leaves, or other debris, reducing the amount of air that reaches the AC. Dirt and leaf particles that have already entered the system can accumulate and block the ducts, restricting the amount of air that flows into your cabin. We'll investigate and fix the problem. Damp Passenger Carpet A damp front passenger carpet can mean the AC drainpipe is blocked. Air contains moisture, which is absorbed by the liquid refrigerant so the cooling process can start. The water enters the evaporator heater box and then drains out of your vehicle through a drain line. This pipe, incidentally, is the source of the water you'll often see underneath your car. Bacteria or dirt can clog the drainpipe, causing water to accumulate in the heater box then overflow. The heater box is positioned behind the dashboard on the front passenger side, meaning overflowing water will land on the carpet. Our technicians will clear the blockage or replace the drain line, then clean the carpet with an antibacterial solution. Broken Fans The blower motor is responsible for ensuring cold air flows into your cabin at the desired speed. It controls the fans that blow the cold air. The fans are delicate and can fail due to age or get damaged by hard objects thrown up from the surface when you’re driving. Damaged fans can easily prevent cold air from reaching your cabin. Book an Air Conditioning Service at Our Lanham, MD Kia Service Center These are just a few of the AC issues we can fix. If you have an AC problem, contact us today at DARCARS Kia of Lanham.

When have you brought your Kia in last for an alignment? How can you tell that your vehicle needs to get a wheel alignment service? Here are the symptoms of a bad alignment, other problems it can cause, and how we can take care of it at your local Kia dealership. Wheel Alignment Affects Performance Have you ever noticed that the tires on one side of the vehicle sometimes wear out faster than the others? This is a common sign that your suspension is out of alignment. When you have a bad alignment, the tires affected experience more wear and tear than the ideal even treading between all four tires. It could be why you might also be using more gas than usual. more Other Symptoms of a Bad Alignment Although the wear and tear on your tires is the most common symptom of misalignment, there are many other tell-tale signs to look for. These include: Vehicle pulling to one side Crooked steering wheel Steering wheel vibrations Loose or unresponsive steering Squealing tires If you notice any of those symptoms, bringing your vehicle in with us is crucial so the situation can be straightened out. This can potentially add many miles of life and could help save you money in future repair costs. What Causes My Wheels To Get Misaligned? Any time you hit a pothole or curb, your vehicle can get out of alignment. The louder the sound you hear after encountering one of those, the more likely the misalignment is. That's why it is always essential to talk with a Kia technician and check your alignment regularly. This simple step can help prevent many issues and help keep your vehicle performing at its best. When Our Kia Dealership in Lanham, MD Should Check There are many schools of thought on when to bring your vehicle in for a checkup based on mileage or time. However, it's a good rule of thumb to bring it in at least once a year to check the alignment. But again, if you notice any of the above symptoms of your alignment, it's essential to bring it in as soon as possible. Making sure that your vehicle is in good shape should help it stay on the road longer. A quality alignment check from us can help with that. It may not seem essential to check occasionally, but it could be the difference between a smooth and rough ride. So, come into DARCARS Kia of Lanham and schedule an alignment with us today, and we'll get you back on the road in no time.

Kia is growing its electric vehicle selection. So, your local Kia dealer is sure to offer a range of EV and PHEV models to suit a range of diverse needs. From the functional Niro PHEV to the sporty EV6, going hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric with Kia provides an exciting drive while boasting great efficiency. But you need to note that Kia EV maintenance also comes with key differences from its gas counterparts. Effective Kia EV Maintenance Tips Battery Care and Longevity One of the most important aspects of Kia electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance is properly caring for the battery pack. Batteries degrade over time, so following best practices like avoiding extreme temperatures, not leaving the battery at a very low or full charge for extended periods, and using battery conditioning modes can help maximize longevity. Dealers will also typically check battery health during service. more Regenerative Braking System Servicing The regenerative braking systems capture energy from deceleration and send it back to the battery pack. This system requires specific maintenance to help ensure optimal efficiency and brake performance over time. Technicians will inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and the regenerative braking system itself during service intervals. What Maintenance Does My Kia EV Need? You will want to look at your Kia model’s maintenance schedule to see exactly what type of services your electric car needs and at what intervals you will want to book an appointment for them. However, there are some services that you can count on that you will need for your Kia, including battery maintenance like we talked about above and braking system services. You will also want to schedule routine tire rotations, windshield wiper blade replacements when necessary, and an overall multi-point inspection. Book an Appointment for Your EV's Maintenance in Lanham, MD The bottom line? Kia electric models usher in sustainable transportation without sacrificing performance, tech, or versatility. Kia is charging ahead with EV innovation and car shoppers are enjoying the ride! This EV lineup truly aims to be the total package. Stop by DARCARS Kia of Lanham to experience these EVs firsthand and see what the hype is all about.

You probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about your Kia's transmission, but it's one of the most critical parts of the engine, and keeping it in good working order is essential. A sound transmission directs power to your wheels, making it easy for the vehicle to change gears and operate efficiently and smoothly. Here's what you need to know about transmission service at your local Kia dealer in Lanham. Transmission Service at Your Kia Dealer How To Tell When Your Transmission Needs Service Sometimes, you can tell that your transmission is failing because of how the vehicle handles it. If it's difficult to change gears or your car frequently slips out of gear, you may have a transmission that needs attention. Grinding noises and strong vibrations as you shift gears are also signs that you may have transmission problems. more Other symptoms of trouble include a burning odor, weak acceleration, and leaking transmission fluid. Placing a fresh piece of cardboard beneath your Kia while it's parked is a great way of getting a close look at the type of fluid that's puddling beneath the car. If the leaking fluid is red or brown, it's likely transmission fluid. Understanding the Various Types of Service Several different types of service can be performed to support your Kia's transmission. Each transmission has a filter that removes dirt and debris, and periodically replacing that filter is a proactive way of helping to keep your vehicle in good shape. Transmission fluid helps keep the gears lubricated and functioning smoothly, and that fluid occasionally needs to be topped off and replaced. Replacing your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. We may recommend a transmission flush, which involves draining and replacing the fluid in cooler lines and other transmission parts. This more extensive service thoroughly cleans and flushes the transmission system. While transmissions can often be repaired, in some cases a complete transmission replacement is the best way to go. Why You Should Schedule Service with Our Service Department The transmission is a crucial part of your engine, so only well-trained technicians should work on it. When you bring a Kia into our service department, the vehicle will be in the capable hands of one of our factory-trained technicians, who will diagnose the problem and perform the appropriate repair. Genuine Kia parts will always be used, and our service department offers convenient online scheduling and dealer coupons on many common maintenance services. The professionals in our service department make it easy to maintain your vehicle's transmission. When you're ready to schedule your next service appointment, call us at DARCARS Kia of Lanham.

While your Kia dealership will, no doubt, advise you to carry out a regular fluid check on your vehicle, a surprising number of drivers are uncertain of which fluids to check and what they should be looking for when they carry out this maintenance task. So, let's take a closer look at what's under your Kia's hood and what you need to be inspecting. What Kind of Fluid Check Should I Carry Out? There are several vital fluids in your vehicle's engine that you should inspect regularly. Your owner's manual will advise you as to how frequently those checks should be done and what the appropriate levels should be. Engine Oil Engine oil is one of the most important fluids for your vehicle's proper function since it helps keep the engine's components lubricated and running smoothly. You need to check the level of your oil to make sure there's enough to help provide optimal lubrication. It’s also important to check whether it's clean since dirty oil will eventually cause damage. more Engine Coolant Friction in your engine results in high temperatures. Without sufficient coolant to keep your engine at the right temperature, it could overheat, damaging the engine and potentially even causing a fire. Engine coolant must be checked at a minimum after completing 50,000 miles. Transmission Fluid This fluid will lubricate your vehicle's transmission's moving parts, helping guard against premature wear and excess friction. Depending on your Kia model and age, you may not be able to check this fluid yourself and may have to visit a mechanic to get the level inspected. Brake Fluid Hydraulic pressure is used by your Kia's braking system to apply its brakes, and brake fluid has a vital part to play in this process. If your vehicle's brake fluid is leaking, or contaminated, your braking performance may be negatively affected, which can put you in danger. Power Steering Fluid Depending on the age of your vehicle, it may use a power steering fluid to help keep its power steering operational. Heavy steering, which makes turning difficult, suggests this fluid is leaking or at a low level and needs checking. Can I Visit My Kia Dealership to Check My Fluids? The trained mechanics at your Kia dealer will be able to check your vehicle's fluid levels for you and top them up if necessary, helping ensure you stay safe on the roads. Your fluids will be checked as part of your vehicle's annual service as standard. If you need to book your Kia for service or need help checking your fluid levels, call DARCARS Kia of Lanham in Maryland today.

Regular Kia maintenance is the key to keeping your vehicle in excellent running condition. Trust the certified technicians at your Lanham, MD, Kia dealer to provide professional car maintenance services that should help keep your vehicle fuel-efficient and on the road for many years. Essential Car Maintenance Tips From Your Lanham, MD, Kia Dealer for Keeping Your Vehicle in Top Condition Follow Your Kia Service Schedule Your Kia owner's manual contains guidelines and service schedules provided by the manufacturer. Follow these intervals outlined in the service schedule to maintain your Kia's condition. more Stay on Top of Oil Changes Regularly changing your Kia's oil is one of the most important maintenance tasks. Kia recommends changing the oil with synthetic oil twice a year to ensure proper engine lubrication and help extend its lifespan. Check and Refill the Fluids Check the fluid levels, such as the coolant, transmission, power steering, brake, and windshield washer fluids monthly. Maintaining levels helps ensure that all systems are functioning properly. If the fluids appear dirty, ask your Kia technician to replace them. Change a Dirty Air Filter The air filter helps ensure optimal engine performance by filtering out dirt and debris. Have your Kia technician inspect and replace the air filter at the recommended intervals. A clean air filter helps protect the engine components and improve your Kia's fuel efficiency. Have Your Brakes Inspected Regularly Have your Kia technician inspect your brakes according to the intervals specified by the manufacturer. If you hear squeaking or grinding noises, feel vibrations, or notice that your car veers to one side when applying the brakes, get repairs as soon as possible. Take Care of Your Battery Regularly examine your car battery for signs of corrosion or leaks. Check that the terminals are securely connected and clean. If you notice corrosion, remove it using a solution made of baking soda and water. If your battery is older than three years, ask your Kia technician for a battery test. Replace the Spark Plugs When Necessary Having your car's spark plugs checked and replaced by your Kia technicians at the recommended intervals is highly beneficial. Worn or damaged spark plugs can significantly impact power output and decrease your Kia's fuel efficiency. Look After Your Tires Check your Kia's tire pressure and tread depth every time you check the fluids. Avoid over or underinflated tires, as they can impact fuel efficiency and handling. Worn-down tread can compromise your safety while driving. To help prolong the lifespan of your tires, remember to rotate them every time you take your Kia for an oil change. While there are maintenance tasks that you can handle yourself, schedule inspections with our Kia technicians at the recommended maintenance intervals to help ensure your Kia stays in top shape. Stop by DARCARS Kia of Lanham today, and our certified Kia technicians will help you keep your Kia performing at its best.