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As the weather warms up, you may be starting to use the AC in your vehicle. AC components will age or become damaged, and you could face an AC not working. As your Kia dealership, we want you to know a few signs you need to visit us for an AC repair. Problems with Compressor You will want to make sure that the compressor is working properly when diagnosing a problem with the AC. If you notice signs that the system is blowing out warm air, or there are unfamiliar or loud noises when turning on the air conditioning, it could be a sign of a damaged or worn AC compressor. more Refrigerant Leak Refrigerant helps to cool the air when using the AC system. As time passes, worn seals or damage to the AC can cause a leak, and refrigerant will be lost. As the AC loses refrigerant, it provides progressively warmer air until it functions like a fan. How can you spot a refrigerant leak? You can trace a refrigerant leak by adding UV dye, then switching it on and watching the dye's movement using a UV light. Once the leak site gets found, it can get sealed, and you can refill your refrigerant. Musty Smell In winter, your AC lies dormant like many other things, waiting for the warm weather to return. During this time, bacteria or mold spores carried by the air can enter the system and make a home there. The AC system provides a perfect place for this, as it is dark, cool, damp, and has little air movement. If an earthy, musty smell greets you when you switch on the AC, you will want to get the AC system inspected. You can get a new cabin air filter and clean the parts of the AC to ensure that you have a safe and clean AC system in your vehicle. AC Not Working? Visit Your Kia Dealership in Frederick, Maryland Today If you have noticed these signs that there could be a repair needed for your vehicle’s AC, we can help. Contact our service department at DARCARS Kia of Frederick. We can also help you with other services that your vehicle will need as the warm weather comes in.

One of the appeals of purchasing a hybrid vehicle is less overall vehicle maintenance. Since hybrid vehicles are unique systems that can help prevent fast wear and tear, you may be wondering about your hybrid maintenance tasks. Learn about the common services you should schedule for your hybrid vehicle at your Kia dealership. Exploring Hybrid Car Maintenance Tips The big difference between gas and hybrid vehicles is the inclusion of a hybrid battery, which helps to enable the efficient performance that hybrid vehicles offer. However, your hybrid vehicle is still equipped with a gas engine, which means you will still need to schedule maintenance for regular oil changes. Hybrid battery maintenance is another service you will need to schedule. Typically, this service involves checking the health of the battery and assessing how well the battery is holding a charge. Your hybrid will also require routine brake and tire service, particularly the regenerative braking system, to make sure the drive battery is being recharged correctly while you're on the road. more When Should You Schedule Hybrid Maintenance? If you’re not sure how often to schedule maintenance appointments for your hybrid Kia, just check the service schedule outlined in your owner's manual. While hybrid vehicle components may experience less wear and tear than traditional gas models, this still means that you will need basic services regularly to help ensure your vehicle is in good condition. You may also want to schedule maintenance at your local dealership if you notice marked differences in the performance of your hybrid Kia. If you see a drop in your normal fuel economy, experience performance issues with electrical systems, or hear unusual sounds from your vehicle, you should schedule service right away to help prevent excess damage from malfunctioning systems. Ask Our Kia Service Center About Kia Hybrid Maintenance in Frederick, MD Does your Kia hybrid in Frederick, MD need servicing? Do you have questions about services for your Kia hybrid car or SUV? Routine maintenance is the best way to maximize fuel efficiency and prolong the lifespan of your hybrid Kia vehicle. Book your service appointment at DARCARS Kia of Frederick.

Regular maintenance helps ensure your Kia is always in good working condition. As time passes, parts will wear out due to age or damage. If worn parts are not repaired or replaced, the problem will worsen, and your engine could suffer irreparable damage. We'd like you to know a few signs you need to visit us at your Kia service center right away. 3 Signs You Need to Visit Our Kia Service Center for a Repair Colors for Exhaust Smoke Normal exhaust system smoke is wispy and white and often difficult to spot. If your exhaust starts producing blue, black, or thick white smoke, it's time to visit our service department as soon as you can, as the various smoke colors can represent serious car trouble. For instance, blue smoke coming from your exhaust can be caused by burning oil. Does your Kia exhaust have blue, black, or thick white exhaust smoke? Our technicians can help rapidly fix any of these issues, and the smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe should return to normal. more Illuminated Check Engine Light Most warning lights on your dash light up in response to problems with specific systems. The check engine light illuminates due to any issue that affects engine performance or effectiveness. Sensors in the engine are connected to all important components, and these sensors monitor their connected components for signs of trouble. If a problem is detected, the relevant sensor informs your computer. If the computer can't correct the issue, it logs it under an error code and activates the engine light. If your engine light comes on, contact us as soon as you can, and our technicians will investigate. Once the issue is identified, we'll help repair it. Rising Engine Temperature For your car’s engine to work efficiently it should run at the appropriate temperature, but excessive heat can damage sensitive engine seals or gaskets. At very high temperatures, the cylinders, pistons, and other components can become damaged, and your engine can fail. If your temperature gauge starts rising for no apparent reason, it could be caused by a coolant leak, a jammed thermostat, a failed water pump, or several other reasons. We'll investigate and help fix the problem. Does Your Kia Need Immediate Service in Frederick, MD? If something is wrong with your Kia, contact our service department at DARCARS Kia of Frederick. We’re here to help get your car back on the road.

Many of the systems in a vehicle depend on electricity to power them. Regular Kia maintenance can help prevent electrical problems as our trained technicians can identify minor issues and repair them before they have the chance to develop into serious problems. We want to tell you a few signs you may need to visit us for an electrical repair. Blown Fuses A fuse helps protect its connected component against surges or other electrical anomalies that could damage it. The fuse will absorb a rogue electrical charge and blow out. This helps protect the component or system. A blown fuse can cause a minor issue or a major problem, depending on the system the fuse is connected to. A blown alternator fuse, for example, shuts down the alternator that produces electricity for all vehicle systems and can impact the charging system. We'll examine the fuses and replace any damaged ones to help fix this problem. more Failing Alternator As we saw above, the alternator produces ample electricity. It's a mini generator that activates when you drive, and it spins at high speed. When an alternator gets too much wear and tear, it starts to slow down. The alternator's slowdown causes a drop in electricity supply. This might not be noticeable when it starts, but it can lead to problems once the alternator can’t supply enough power for all your car’s demands. When that happens, your computer will shift the limited available power from system to system as needed, causing random electrical failures. Once we replace the old alternator, electricity generation should return to normal. Check Battery Light The battery light on your dash illuminates if the electrical system isn't working correctly. Sensors are attached to the battery, alternator, and other electrical system components. These sensors receive instructions from the computer and warn it of any unusual behavior they detect in their connected component. If an issue is identified, the relevant sensor informs your computer, and the warning light will come on. We advise contacting us as soon as you can, and our technicians will investigate. We'll find the cause of the problem and repair or replace it and the warning light should go out. Electrical Problems? Visit Us for Kia Maintenance in Frederick, MD Electrical issues worsen over time and can cause further problems. If something is wrong with your Kia electrical system, contact our service department at DARCARS Kia of Frederick.

As reliable and durable as Kia vehicles are, all cars eventually need a few replacement parts after acquiring wear and tear. The quality of the components you choose to install, however, can hugely impact long-term performance, safety, and vehicle value. Let's look at why you should always opt for Kia OEM parts during repairs in your car. Superior Performance OEM parts are designed and built with quality standards. This means you can expect the same performance as the original part when your car was new. By contrast, generic aftermarket car parts can vary in quality. When you replace worn-out parts with identical Kia parts, your car functions at its best and maintains optimal performance for years to come. more Long-Term Reliability You can expect your OEM parts to last just as long as the car's original components. Conversely, generic parts might appear to work well but you never know if they'll start causing serious problems in your car. Greater Compatibility When it comes to compatibility, OEM parts are far more compatible. Original Kia parts are perfectly compatible in every way as they're designed with precisely the same specs and dimensions as the parts they're replacing. This unmatched compatibility means minimal friction with connected parts and helps reduce wear and tear on your car. Easy Installation OEM parts come ready to go and are straightforward to install without the risk of compatibility issues. Generic parts, on the other hand, may need adjustments before installation, which can cause delays. Even when modified, an aftermarket part might not as OEM parts do. Fewer Future Faults Generic parts may wear out prematurely, which means they need to be replaced more frequently. This leads to higher maintenance costs in the long run. On top of this, aftermarket parts can accelerate wear in connected components, increasing the incidence of faults throughout your vehicle. Superior Road Safety Many car parts are directly related to your road safety. With OEM car parts, you can rest assured that you and your passengers are protected by a vehicle with parts that get designed to match your exact make and model. Enhanced Vehicle Value Used car buyers are delighted to learn that a car has only OEM car parts installed. It helps reassure them that they're avoiding problems associated with aftermarket components. Order Genuine OEM Kia Parts in Frederick, MD Visit DARCARS Kia of Frederick today to have car parts promptly replaced with top-notch OEM components. When it comes to safety, vehicle value, maintenance costs, and fun behind the wheel, consider OEM parts.

With winter right around the corner, now is a great time to check on your Kia heating system. Heating maintenance at your Kia dealer will ensure your heater is good to go when the cold weather hits, which will ensure a comfortable cabin environment and may even help with tasks like de-fogging your inner windshield or melting ice off your windows. Vehicle Heating System Prep for Winter When you visit your dealership for winterizing service, your car's heater will be thoroughly inspected to ensure the system is in good working order. The first thing a mechanic might do is simply turn on the heater to test how long it takes for the air vents to blow out warm air. The heater might be tested at various temperatures along with any rear heater vents to make sure all parts of the heater are functioning correctly. If your heater has issues, a Kia certified technician can get you back on the road with a working heating system. For example, your vehicle might have low coolant levels or dirty antifreeze that needs to be replaced, so the heater can function. Other times, replacing the air filter in the cabin air vents can improve the performance of your heating system. more When Is the Best Time to Schedule Heating Maintenance? Fall is a great time to schedule maintenance for your Kia to prepare for the cold weather. Ideally, you should schedule service before you need to use your heater so that you're fully prepared for the first cold snap. However, if you just recently turned on your heater and it has shown a sign like blowing out cold air, be sure to book an appointment as soon as possible. Signs of a Bad Heater Aside from blowing out cold air, your heating system may display other signs that the system is failing. One common issue is a failing heater core, which may be caused by leaks, blocked hoses unable to transport coolant, or other issues. You might have a failing heater core if your vehicle smells sweet, quickly overheats, or fogs up when you turn on your HVAC system. Another sign of a bad heater is a weak airflow. If you turn on your heater and you don't feel any air pressure, you may have issues with the blower motor that is preventing strong airflow from the vents. A bad heater may also make unusual noises when the air vents are turned on, or may not get very hot even when the heat is turned all the way up. Do You Need to Schedule Your Kia Service for Winter in Frederick, MD? Driving without a heater in winter can be uncomfortable, so it's a good idea to schedule maintenance early. Book service for your Kia heating system at DARCARS Kia of Frederick

Caring for your Kia exterior to match the pristine Kia interior is easier than you might think. Whether you drive the sporty Kia EV6 or the trendy Kia Sorento, these tips will help keep your exterior protected and looking like new. Care Tips to Keep Your Exterior Looking as Fresh as Your Kia Interior Explore Kia Protection Plans There are different plans offered with the Kia Protection Plan program, where you can find additional service for eligible pre-owned Kia models. Some exterior items that are offered with these plans include protection for features like the headlights and light bulbs, as well as windshield wiper blades. more At-Home Washing Car paint requires special care. You can use these guidelines to help protect your exterior at home and avoid car washes that may cause damage to your exterior. Pre-rinse to remove dirt and debris Hand wash with soft mitts Dry with clean and damp microfiber towels Never scrub with a dry towel Use detergent formulated for your vehicle's paint Use light pressure with damp cloths Minimize high-pressure washing If you do plan to use a high-pressure washer, be sure to keep the nozzle at a distance away from the vehicle to avoid damaging the paint. Be careful when moving the hose across the vehicle's surface as it could cause paint damage. At-Home Maintenance Use special waxes and sealers formulated for car paint only, and never use abrasive materials or cloths. Do not use wax or sealers containing an abrasive or cleaner to remove scratches. Always test products in an inconspicuous spot. Rub or blemish spots will need repainting by a professional and should not be attempted at home. Always avoid parking under trees that release sap or fruit, as this can have a negative impact on your vehicle’s exterior as well. Get More Tips on How to Maintain Your Kia in Frederick, MD These tips should help keep your Kia exterior looking like it is fresh off the lot. Regardless if your Kia is an older model or one of our newer inventory models, we hope you find these guidelines useful and will take them into account to help keep your Kia looking its best. If you have questions about the care or maintenance of your own Kia, visit DARCARS Kia of Frederick.

There are lots of components in your car that you need to take care of. The tires are one of the most important ones. Wheel alignments, tire tread depth checks, and tire pressure monitoring are three ways you can take care of your tires. As well as doing those things, you need to get a regular tire rotation from your Kia dealership. How Often Should You Get a Tire Rotation at the Kia Dealership? You need to rotate your tires pretty regularly—around every 5,000 miles. This applies to front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive vehicles. Although, depending on different driving factors, this number can change. more To find out exactly when you need to schedule a tire rotation, you should check out your vehicle's maintenance schedule. The maintenance schedule can help you determine when it's time to schedule an appointment. Why Do You Need to Get the Tires Rotated? Rotations are performed to help prevent uneven tread wear. When you drive, your tires don't all wear down at the same rate. What Benefits Does Getting a Regular Rotation Have? Your Car Performs Better When you drive on unevenly worn tires, your car isn't going to perform as well as it could. Your tires won't grip the road as much as they could, leading to an uncomfortable ride quality and compromised safety. Handling can even suffer when your tires are unevenly worn. Your Tires Last Longer When your tires' tread gets too shallow, you need to replace your tires. It'll get too shallow a lot faster on some tires than others if the tread wears down unevenly. So, instead of replacing your entire set of tires every few years, you'll be replacing one or two tires a lot more often. Your Gas Mileage Is Better Your gas mileage is better when you drive on tires that have worn down evenly. This is because your car is under extra strain and has to work harder when your tires have uneven tread. Working harder leads to faster fuel consumption, which could lead to many more trips to the gas station than you're used to. Book a Tire Rotation in Frederick, MD Today Is it time for your next rotation? Schedule service online or visit DARCARS Kia of Frederick to schedule it in person.

Car tires tend to last three to five years, although some will last longer when properly maintained. Sometimes, tires wear out prematurely because of uneven wear or one of the other problems laid out below. If you think any of your tires are no longer safe to use, visit your Frederick, MD, Kia dealership right away for a set of new tires. Tires Worn Thin? Visit Your MD Kia Dealership Today Diminished Tread Depths One of the most common reasons for replacing tires is that the treads have worn out. If patches of a tire are balding, that tire can no longer reliably hold a grip on the road, especially during wet weather. Car tires need deep treads to help displace water, help maintain traction, and help avoid hydroplaning, the sudden loss of traction on wet road surfaces. more The minimum legal tread depth in most states, including Maryland, is 2/32 of an inch. You can use a tread depth gauge to check the depth of your tire treads. Alternatively, you can carry out the penny test. For the penny test, you insert a penny into the tread voids with Lincoln's head toward the tire; if the top of Lincoln's head is completely visible, those treads are shallower than 2/32 of an inch, and the tire has to go. Excessive Unevenness When tires grow excessively uneven, the full set of four might need to be replaced. This is because uneven tires increase the danger of skids or blowouts while also reducing vehicle handling and putting undue strain on the suspension. Damaged Tire Rubber Serious punctures, cuts, bulges, blistering, or embedded objects can all spell the end of the road for a tire. Occasionally, very minor damage can be repaired, but even then, the tire is often weaker than before. It's usually best to replace a damaged tire with a new one. Cracks From Dry Rot It's quite normal for cracks to begin to appear in the sidewalls of a tire as it ages. Tire rubber gradually becomes dried out by UV rays, extreme heat or cold, and other environmental factors. A few hairline cracks are nothing to worry about, but a sudden spreading of deeper cracks might indicate the presence of dry rot. This is where tire rubber loses too much moisture, becomes brittle, and develops too many cracks to remain structurally sound. Persistent Low Pressure If any of your tires keep losing air pressure, no matter how little, consider replacing it. Under-inflated tires are risky to drive on because too much of the tire rubber comes in contact with the road, which can lead to overheating and blowouts. Visit DARCARS Kia of Frederick today to have your car tires rotated or replaced. We're a local full-service dealership offering a broad range of new and used vehicles, competitive deals, and high-quality customer service, whatever your automotive needs may be.

Owning and driving a Kia is fun, but if it starts acting a little differently, then it may be time to take it to a Kia dealer in Frederick for diagnostic testing. Why Go to a Kia Dealer for Diagnostic Testing? To Get Accurate Repairs Like most modern cars, your Kia is a complicated machine with many moving parts and sensors that depend on each other to function properly. All this tech helps make sure that your life is easier and helps you stay safer, but it also means there are many potential points of failure. more For example, when the check engine light flashes, it could be because of a loose gas cap or something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. Without a diagnostic test, any attempt to fix this issue would be a "guestimate" at best and can cost you money and time. With a proper diagnostic test from a competent mechanic, you'll get accurate information on the parts that need to be repaired or replaced. To Help Prevent Costly Damages When one part of the car fails, it can lead to other, more expensive parts failing as well. For instance, a thermostat that fails to open and close properly can cause the engine to overheat, leading to damage to the head gasket or even the engine block. All this can be typically be avoided by booking a testing service at your local dealership. Using their sophisticated tools, they'll help identify any issue early and plan the next best course of action. To Help Ensure Safety By taking your car to the dealer for a diagnostic, you'll know what part of the safety system is malfunctioning or near the end of its life, which can help keep you and your passengers safe if something happens while on the road. How Long Does a Diagnostic Take? The severity of the issues found in your vehicle will determine the amount of time you spend at your mechanic. If the issues found are minor and easy to fix, expect to be in and out of the dealership in about an hour. More complicated issues that require further diagnosis may take up to four hours or longer. Why Not Use a Home Diagnostic Reader? You've probably seen many diagnostic readers sold online and wondered why you should even bother going to the dealership for testing. Well, it's all about capability. The scanners or readers at dealerships are specially made for Kia vehicles. In addition, the capabilities and prices of home readers vary wildly. Finding one that will actually solve your issues at a reasonable cost will likely be challenging. Regular testing is an invaluable part of owning a Kia. Contact DARCARS Kia of Frederick to schedule top-notch Kia service. We also have replacement parts and a certified staff that knows your car inside and out.

Road trips create opportunities to bond and explore, but they require planning. Before a trip, check your tires, battery health, brakes and brake pads, fluid levels, and spare tire and tools. You should also pack an emergency kit. Let's ​take a closer look at how these tips ​benefit you and your vehicle. Car Maintenance Tips for Long Road Trips from Your Kia Dealer Even the best-maintained vehicles need a little help before a long-distance trip. Car maintenance enhances vehicle longevity and safety. To stay safe on a long trip, follow these tips. more Check Your Tires Rotation Tires should be rotated once every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. During rotation, check for tire bulges or other damage. Air Pressure Air pressure impacts tire life and gas mileage. Most tires reach optimum pressure between 30 and 32 PSI. Check air pressure every 1,000 miles. Tread Bald tires don't grip the road, causing safety risks. Some of the factors impacting tire tread wear include: Weight balance Suspension calibration Road and weather conditions Driving customs Tires should be replaced every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. Battery Health Check your car battery with a voltmeter or multimeter. A healthy car battery should read between 13.7 and 14.7 volts. If your battery reads below 12, it might be time to have it replaced. Brakes and Brake Pads Brakes are essential for slowing and stopping your vehicle. They wear down with use like your tires do. Signs your pads are wearing down include: Squealing noise during braking Sticking brakes Taking longer than usual, or more pressure to brake Brake pads should be replaced every 25,000 to 70,000 miles. Emergency Kit Check your car for emergency gear. Purchase or pack a kit if you don't have one in the car. The kit should include items such as: Jumper cables Tow rope Emergency blanket Water bottle Flashlight Mobile air pressure tool You should also pack a first aid kit. Spare Tire and Tools Any driver is at risk of a flat tire, even if you check them before the trip. A spare tire, jack, and socket wrench or lug wrench set are essential for changing a flat on the road. Fluid Levels Cars aren't so different from humans. Both need fluids to function at maximum health. Some fluids to check before your road trip include: Radiator fluid Brake fluid Oil Transmission fluid Power steering fluid Windshield fluid Some fluids you can top up yourself. Others will require a trip to the automotive shop. Bring your car in for a thorough inspection. A certified mechanic will go over all the steps on this list and more. Call us to book a checkup at DARCARS Kia of Frederick.

It's every driver's nightmare: you've gone out to start your Kia K5, and nothing happens when you turn the key. It can be nerve-wracking when your car doesn't start, and you don't know the cause. When in doubt, the professionals at your Kia dealer will be able to diagnose and fix the problem for you. Read on to learn about five common reasons your vehicle won't start. 3 Possible Reasons Your Car Won't Start - Let Your Kia Dealer Help Baby, It's Cold Outside During the winter, temperatures can drop; when they do, it can often cause dead batteries. However, cold weather is not the only cause of a dead battery. Dead batteries can occur when lights are left on, alternators are dying, or doors are left open. A dead battery can also occur as the battery ages. If your vehicle isn't starting because the battery is dead, you might notice dim lights or the motor may not crank at all. more If you know how to do so safely, you can use another vehicle to jump the battery on your car. Then you can get it to your dealership and have it diagnosed. However, if you don't know how to jump a vehicle safely, contact your dealership and see what option they have for you. Talk About Bad Connections The next possible reason your vehicle won't start also has to do with your battery. It doesn't matter how much juice your battery has if you have bad battery connections. Your car is going to struggle. Over time, battery cables can become corroded, keeping them from making good contact with the battery terminals. Additionally, your lines can become loose or may be faulty. The technicians at your dealership can fix or replace the battery cables for you. I've Got an Empty Feeling If the lights are on, the accessories are working, and your starter cranks, the problem likely isn't your battery. However, it could be that you are out of fuel. If your gas tank is empty or you are so low on gas that fuel cannot be delivered to the engine, the vehicle won't start. Low fuel is one of many fuel system problems you may encounter. Your vehicle may not start if the gas tank isn't working correctly, or your fuel filter or gas lines are clogged. The professionals at your local dealership will be able to diagnose any fuel system issues and fix them for you. There are many reasons that your vehicle may not start. Save yourself the stress of trying to self-diagnose issues with your car and get it to your local dealership. Give us a call at DARCARS Kia of Frederick to schedule an appointment with the certified technicians in our service department today.