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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.

The transmission is one of the most crucial components of your vehicle. This part of your car helps you control how much power passes through the engine, directly determining how fast your vehicle moves. When this part of your car isn't functioning optimally, you may notice that controlling your speed becomes more challenging. But when should you take your car for service at your Kia dealer? Signs Your Kia Transmission Needs Repairs 1.    Strange Noises and Scents The first signs that you may be having car trouble usually come from obvious sources, such as hearing strange noises from the engine or smelling a burning scent. Unusual noises and smells typically indicate that the condition of your vehicle is serious and that you should seek repairs as soon as possible. more Strange noises can include grinding when gears shift, persistent buzzing, or even a whine beneath the hood. A burning smell usually indicates that your gearbox is getting overheated or that the fluid in your car is burning. A worn-out clutch, low fluids, or other malfunctioning components can be the culprit behind the burning scent. 2.    Visible Fluid Leaks In general, all the fluid in your engine should stay in your engine. Any time you notice unusually large puddles of fluid, such as dark oil or red liquids common to gearbox lubricants, you have a leak somewhere. A leak in the gearbox can spell trouble since insufficient fluid or lubricants can make it hard to shift gears and cause issues such as gearbox failure. Sometimes, leaking fluid from the gearbox can be caused by an old gasket or worn-out seals. The gaskets and seals of your gearbox are designed to keep fluid within the gears, so if these elements of your engine don't fit properly, your engine will swiftly lose important fluids. 3.    Delayed Gear Response Some drivers may detect a noticeable change in how readily their vehicle shifts gears. Whether you drive a manual or an automatic, you should expect your vehicle to respond immediately to different gear selections. If the response when you shift gears is delayed, then you probably have an issue. These issues can include low fluid levels, worn-out gears, or damaged clutch bands. The severity of the delay may only be a few seconds. 4.    Gear Slips Finally, if you notice that your gears are shifting out of place, then you need service immediately. Signs of gear slips include difficulty accelerating, higher engine revs without increasing speed, and poor gearbox control. Gear slips are a serious issue, so you should get service quickly to stay safe on the road. If you notice any problems with your gearbox, such as poor responsiveness or screeching noises, it's time to take your car to a certified repair garage. Get in touch with DARCARS Kia of Lanham to schedule service today.

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!