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

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

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

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