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.
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.



Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.