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You rely on your Kia to get you safely where you need to go. The last thing you want to worry about when you're out on the road is how high your car's fuel consumption is, breakdowns, and expensive repairs. Below are some great car care tips from your Kia dealer in Lanham, MD, to help keep your Soul, Sportage, or Telluride in top shape. Car Care Tips from Your Kia Dealer: The Importance of Maintenance Schedules and Regular Maintenance for Kia Vehicles Ensures Reliability, Fuel Efficiency, and Safety Your Kia has factory-prescribed maintenance intervals to help you maintain your Kia and keep it performing at its best. Generally, Kia recommends a service every 7,500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. more When you regularly service your Kia, your vehicle will be reliable, and you won’t have to worry as much about your car leaving you stranded on the side of the road. Your Kia will be fuel efficient, you will not have to stress about high repair bills, and your Kia will help you get safely to your destination. Keep Your Engine Protection Regular oil and filter changes are crucial to keep your Kia running smoothly. Over time, the oil becomes dirty and contaminated, which can cause damage to the engine. Kia recommends changing the oil and filters every 7,500 miles or six months to help keep your engine well-lubricated, reduce your car's gas mileage, and save you money on repairs. Kia recommends using full synthetic oil, which has fewer impurities than conventional and blended oils. Full synthetic oil also provides lubrication, reduces friction and wear, and combats harmful contaminants to help keep your engine clean and protected. When the oil is changed, the old oil filter is replaced to help prevent dirt and debris from reaching the engine. Check your Kia owner's manual for the factory-recommended oil change intervals for your specific model, or ask your Kia technician for more information. Rely on Expert Maintenance Services Your dealer offers expert maintenance services at competitive prices at a time that suits you best. With a fast Kia Express Service, a qualified Kia technician will complete a maintenance service in 60 minutes or less. As part of this service, you'll receive a complimentary multi-point inspection to help ensure your Kia is in top condition. The technician will inspect all the essential systems and components, including testing the battery for reliability and determining if it needs replacing. The technician will also inflate your tires to the proper pressure levels and rotate them to ensure even wear, which can extend the life of your tires. When the job is done, your car will be returned, thoroughly cleaned, vacuumed, and should be running like new. Follow the Kia maintenance intervals, change the oil regularly, and rely on top-quality services from Kia-trained technicians, and your car will be reliable, fuel-efficient, and safe. Call DARCARS Kia of Lanham today to schedule a maintenance appointment and ensure your Kia is always a pleasure to drive.

Regular preventative maintenance services from the qualified Kia technicians at your Kia dealer come with a whole lot of great benefits. When your Soul, Seltos, or Sportage is in good running condition, you can save money on gas and unexpected repairs, and your Kia will be safe on the road. Why Should You Get Regular Maintenance for Your Car? 1. Your Car Will Last Longer The top benefit of regular car maintenance is that your Kia will be on the road longer. Following the Kia service schedule and maintenance intervals, getting the oil changed regularly, and relying on expert services from qualified Kia technicians will prolong your vehicle's life. more 2. Your Car Will Be Reliable Regular inspections and maintenance will increase your Kia's overall performance. Your engine will run smoothly, the chances of a breakdown will decrease drastically, and your Kia will always get you to your destinations safely. 3. You'll Save Money on Gas When the oil in your Kia is old and dirty, the filters are clogged, and the tires are worn unevenly, your car burns more gas. Regular oil changes, clean filters, and the correct tire pressure will save you money at the gas pump. 4. You'll Save Money on Repairs Taking your car regularly for maintenance to your dealer is a big money saver. During each scheduled service, your Kia technician thoroughly inspects every inch of your vehicle, checks every part and system, and will spot minor problems early before they turn into expensive repairs or replacements. 5. Your Kia Will Be Safe Your Kia must be in excellent running condition to ensure that you and your passengers are safe on the road. With your Kia's advanced safety technology, a qualified Kia technician must regularly inspect all the safety features to ensure everything is functioning correctly. With regular checkups, you can rest assured that you are safe behind the wheel of your Kia. 6. You'll Increase Your Car's Resale Value To ensure that your car has a good resale value, you must regularly take it for routine maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle with an up-to-date service record will have a higher resale value, ensuring that you'll get more for your Kia the day you decide to sell it. 7. You Can Rely on the Expert Maintenance Services When you take your Kia to your dealer for maintenance, your car will be thoroughly inspected by factory-trained Kia technicians who know your vehicle inside and out. Kia technicians use advanced technology and cutting-edge equipment, the correct oil and filters, and fit only genuine Kia parts to ensure that your car performs at its best. Make use of the fast and efficient Kia Express services in 60 minutes or less that include an oil change, tire rotation, battery test, and a complimentary multi-point inspection. Schedule Kia Service in Maryland Today Rely on the expert maintenance services at your dealer and reap all the benefits. Call DARCARS Lanham Kia today to schedule a maintenance service performed by qualified Kia technicians and ensure your Kia runs smoothly. Find out more about maintenance for your Kia in our blog, like exploring how often you should visit for car maintenance!

It doesn't matter how powerful the engine or responsive the handling: a car that won't reliably start is going to cause you inconvenience and stress. Here are some of the signs that it might be time to contact your Kia dealer to get your starter motor checked. 5 Signs That It's Time for Your Kia Dealer to Replace a Faulty Starter Motor 1. Difficulty Starting It might sound obvious, but one of the key signs that your starting mechanisms are failing is that your car has trouble when it comes to igniting the engine. If the problem is intermittent and occurs on the first attempt but is resolved on the next, then it might be a problem with the starter relay. If it malfunctions when sending the electrical current to the starter, then the system won't work. A damaged relay may make a clicking sound when the ignition is engaged. more Problems with the ignition are often down to a weak battery. If the engine is failing to crank or turn over when you use the ignition, you might be able to solve the problem temporarily with jump leads or a starter pack. 2. Grinding Noises Grinding noises are generally never good news when you drive, but if you hear them when you turn the ignition on, it's probably down to your starting mechanisms. It could be the result of a worn starter drive gear that isn't engaging properly, or it could be coming from within the motor itself. Allowing this to continue could mean damage to the engine flywheel, so schedule a checkup as soon as you can. 3. Whining Noises You might find that the engine starts "freewheeling" when you turn the key or press the ignition button. If the engine makes a whining noise but doesn't crank, it usually means that the starter and the flywheel aren't engaging with each other. It could be that the gears have been stripped of their teeth or have become dislocated from the flywheel. This can mean that the whole starter needs replacing, so it's an urgent sign that maintenance is required. 4. Burning and Smoke If there's a blown fuse or a fault in the ignition switch, the starter might fail to switch off even once the engine has fired up. This can lead to overheating of the motor owing to an excessive amount of power being delivered to the starter gear. If this happens, you might detect smoke or a smell of burning coming from the engine. It's another serious problem that needs immediate attention. 5. Dimming Lights You might notice that your interior lights and dashboard start to dim when you switch on the ignition. This means the wiring in the starting mechanism has a problem and is draining power from other systems. Need to Get a Starter Motor Replacement in Lanham, MD? You need to know that you can rely on your car to get you to your destination on time, so contact us at DARCARS Lanham Kia to get top-notch maintenance care and ensure that your car is firing on all cylinders. If you need a starter motor replacement, you can count on our Kia dealership in Lanham, MD!

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

Your Kia car’s transmission consists of a whole range of parts that move the power from the engine to the wheels. To improve your car's gas mileage and to save money on costly repairs down the road, ask your technician at your Kia dealer to perform a transmission service and reap the benefit of optimal vehicle performance. 1. Increases Fuel Economy When your car's transmission is in good working order, you will save money at the gas pump. Follow your car's service schedule and factory-recommended maintenance intervals and ask your Kia technician to perform regular transmission inspections and transmission fluid replacements. A well-maintained transmission will reduce the strain on components and ensure that your engine runs optimally. An engine that runs smoothly will use less oil, and you will save money on gas. more 2. Minimizes Friction, Heat, and Wear The transmission fluid ensures that the moving components are well lubricated to minimize friction that causes heat and ultimately wears down the parts. Over time transmission fluid becomes contaminated. The fluid loses its protective qualities and doesn't effectively cool and lubricate the parts, affecting vehicle performance. Replacing the transmission fluid at the recommended maintenance intervals will reduce friction, ensuring that all the components run smoothly and minimize wear. 3. Improves Gear Function Old and contaminated transmission fluid that overheats will eventually become thick and sludgy. The sludgy transmission fluid will clog the gears and prevent the components from moving smoothly. It will become hard to shift gears, and you might even hear horrible noises from the damage being caused. That is why regular transmission inspections and transmission fluid replacements are so important. Replacing the transmission fluid will ensure that the parts are well lubricated to reduce friction and wear. 4. Optimizes Vehicle Performance When you take your Kia for an oil change every 7,500 miles or six months, the Kia technician will inspect every transmission component, check the transmission fluid, and top it off if necessary. The technician will check the mountings and the seals' conditions and look for leaks. The transmission inspections and transmission fluid replacement intervals are in your owner's manual, or you can speak to your Kia technician for assistance. You will be surprised what a thorough maintenance service and transmission inspection does for your Kia. Your car will perform optimally, the engine will run smoothly, and you will enjoy every minute behind the wheel. 5. Saves You Money on Repair Costs A transmission consists of a range of moving components, and when a part malfunctions or fails, it could cost you a bundle to repair or even replace. With regular transmission inspections, minor problems will be detected early on and repaired before more damage occurs, leading to expensive repairs. When your Kia technician services your transmission regularly at the recommended intervals, it will prevent unexpected repairs in the future, saving you lots of cash in the long run. Set Up a Transmission Service Appointment Online Today Interested in saving money on gas, reducing wear, and avoiding costly repairs? Ask your Kia technician to service your car's transmission. Contact DARCARS Lanham Kia today for a transmission inspection and ensure that your Kia runs smoothly. Schedule transmission service here!

The only part of your car that's in contact with the ground is your tires. This contact, whether on gravel, sand, or the highway, leads to friction and damage. Modern tires are far stronger than those of just 30 years ago, but they will still wear out. A blowout could leave you stranded, or even worse, it could cause a serious accident. If you need new tires in Maryland, as your old ones are showing signs of wear, your Kia dealer in Lanham can help. The Penny Trick Your tire tread is the raised section of your tires, and its purpose is to allow for a better grip on the surface as you drive. This is important to maintain good control and handling and is even more important in wet or snowy conditions. As your tires move, they gradually wear due to surface contact. The tread thickness will start to thin out, and the thinner the tread, the less grip your tires have. An old trick to test tread thickness is to put an upside-down penny into the thinnest part of the tread. If you can see only part of Lincoln's face, that's great as your tire tread is fine. Seeing Lincoln's hairline means that your tire tread is thin, and it's time to plan for replacement. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tread is very worn, and they need to be replaced immediately. more Uneven Wear Depending on whether your car is an FWD, RWD, or AWD, your car's tires will suffer different degrees of wear. Your rear tires will generally wear less than the front ones as approximately 60% of the weight of your car is in the front. We advise that your car's tires should be regularly rotated to spread the wear and allow for a more standard tread thickness between tires. If your tires are not rotated regularly, you'll find that driving becomes bumpier. Any worn tires will wear out faster and need to be replaced. The worn tires will also affect your car's balance. Damaged Sidewalls The sidewalls of your tires are made of a softer rubber than the tread of your tires. This makes them more prone to damage. Small scrapes or nicks in the sidewall aren't normally a problem, as they don't penetrate deep into the tire. Any cut or gouge in the sidewall, however, can grow in size and cause a leak. Any sharp object that sticks into the sidewall also can’t be fixed, as the softer rubber prevents applying a patch. Bulging or blistering in the sidewall can be caused by age as the rubber weakens through time, or due to persistent hot conditions. If you have a bulge in the sidewall, the tire will need to be replaced ASAP as it can burst at any time. Need New Tires in Lanham, MD? Get Tires and Expert Installation Here For safe driving, good tires are essential. Call our Service Department at DARCARS Lanham Kia. We have the perfect tires available for your car.

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!

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!

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!

If your car is in need of some aid, it's always best to have a professional service technician take care of it. But sometimes life surprises us and we need to provide some first aid to our vehicle before we can get it to a professional. That's why we've made a list of the essential items you should include in your car first aid kit. 1. Reflective Cones and Triangles First things first: if your car breaks down on the side of the road, you want to be able to get out and look at your vehicle safely. Whether it happens at night or in the light of day, it's always best to set up some cones around your vehicle and secure the perimeter. Reflective cones are relatively inexpensive to buy, and most people don't think of them when they're planning on items for car trouble, but it's always best to be safe if your car breaks down in unexpected places. more 2. Reflective Vest This goes hand-in-hand with the item above. You don't just want cones to keep your vehicle safe from oncoming traffic. If you're outside the vehicle and performing some first aid on your car, you also want other drivers to be able to see you. That's why you want a bright yellow or orange reflective vest to let other drivers see you no matter what time it is. 3. Spare Tire and Tools One of the simplest and most common reasons you may need to perform first aid on your vehicle is to change a tire. Flat tires are unexpected, but we can always plan ahead by keeping a spare tire and the proper tools in our vehicle. Make sure that you have a wheel wrench and tripod jack so you can change your tire in case of an emergency. 4. Jumper Cables The second most common reason you may need to perform some first aid on your vehicle is if the car battery stops working. Always have a set of jumper cables in your vehicle because you don't know when you might need them. A dead battery is a simple and easy thing to fix as long as you've got the essential items needed to handle it. 5. Cell Phone Charger In case your car troubles are a little more serious and you can't perform any momentary fixes like the ones outlined above, it's always best to have your phone fully charged so you can call for help. That's why you should always have a cell phone charger ready inside your car, so you never lose the ability to call for help in the case of an emergency. Remember Your Lanham, MD Car Maintenance, too! You never know what the road may bring you, so it's always best to think ahead and be ready. That's why everyone should have a kit of essential items in their car in case of emergency, as well as have your car regularly maintained. Come to DARCARS Lanham Kia for all your vehicle maintenance needs! Click here to schedule an appointment.

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.