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The correct tire pressure is vital for your tire's health. If your tire pressure is too low, your tires will sustain more damage from abrasion and their surface grip will be weaker. Tires with a pressure that's too high will heat up faster and can blow out. As your Kia dealer, we'd like to give you some advice on how to check tire pressure to maintain healthy tires for longer. Advice From Your Kia Dealer: How to Check Tire Pressure Buy a Tire Pressure Gauge The first step is to get a tire pressure gauge. There are many different gauges available, and they are either manual or digital. A manual tire gauge looks similar to a very large pencil, and they're often called pencil gauges. A digital gauge, in contrast, usually looks similar to a large stopwatch. Both types of gauges will work just fine for checking the pressure. The choice depends on individual preference and budget. more A manual gauge is usually easy to carry and light. The gauge will slide out to reveal the tire pressure. A digital gauge is bulkier, but its readout display is easier to read. Digital gauges operate with batteries or are charged at a wall socket. Check Recommended Pressure Recommended tire pressure can vary greatly. The variance depends on your drivetrain, environment, and even weight factors, for example, if you're pulling a trailer. Your car manual gives the recommended pressure for your tires. The manual also advises changing the pressure depending on the above factors. Write the pressure of each tire down to make checking easier. You can also find the tire pressure on a sticker or a metal plaque inside the door jamb of the front driver’s side door. It's important to remember that these pressures are the correct ones for your car, not the ones molded into your tires. The pressure marked on your tire is the maximum pressure the tire can hold. Check Your Tire Pressure Remove the cap from the first tire nozzle and attach your tire pressure gauge. The gauge will give you a reading for that tire. Write this number next to the recommended pressure for the tire. After you've written it down, securely attach the cap to the nozzle. Repeat this step until you've checked all your tires. Compare the recommended pressure for each tire to its actual pressure. You'll then know which tires need air. You may find that some tires are over the recommended pressure. This can happen if you check your tires less than an hour after driving. The heat from contact with the surface increases the pressure in a tire. Get Your Tire Pressure Checked Today If any of your tires are leaking or damaged, call us at DARCARS Kia of Frederick. Our technicians will repair or replace the tires for you. Need the tire pressure checked by professionals? Schedule with us here!

If your Kia car isn't starting, the starter motor could be a problem. How can you tell that it’s the starter in your vehicle? Here are some signs that your starting motor might need to be replaced. If you notice any of these signs, take your car to a Kia dealer and have them examine it. Grinding Noise The ignition system supplies the initial power required to start your engine. When it fails, the gears inside the motor can become misaligned, causing them to grind against each other, resulting in weird noises. In some cases, the engine may still be able to start, but the starter will need to be replaced immediately to avoid further damage. Don't disregard your car's grinding sound when you try to start it! Head to your local dealer and have them take a look. more Smoke Smoke from the engine compartment is among the most typical indications that the motor is failing. The smoke is usually caused by an accumulation of heat and friction within the starting motor. Sometimes there is a burning smell, and you can detect some flames along with the smoke. It's crucial to get the starting motor inspected by a qualified mechanic immediately as soon as you notice any of these symptoms. Ignoring the issue could cause the engine severe harm. Free Wheeling You expect the car's engine to start when you turn the key in the ignition. Your starter engine may be dying if you hear a harsh grinding sound instead of the expected purr. Free-wheeling is a tell-tale sign of a failed starting motor. When the starter engine fails, it can no longer engage the flywheel to turn over the engine. As a result, the engine will continue to spin even after the key is turned off. This can cause the car to roll away if it's not in park. Free-wheeling can also damage the starter engine by overheating it. If you notice your car's free-wheeling, be sure to have it towed to a mechanic so they can diagnose and repair the problem. Engine Turns Over Slowly Have you ever started your vehicle and noticed the engine cranks slowly? If so, your starter engine is likely faulty. The starting motor supplies the initial power required to start the engine; if it malfunctions, the engine will have difficulty turning over. The starting motor may even fail in some circumstances, leaving you stranded on the road. If you're having trouble with a slow-starting engine, then it's worth getting your starting motor checked by a professional. Need to Get Your Kia in Frederick, MD Looked At? If you are experiencing any of the symptoms we've talked about in this post, it might be time to have your starter checked. Our team is more than happy to take a look and fix whatever might be wrong. Contact us at DARCARS Kia of Frederick today for all your automotive needs! Check out more of our blog to get information about electric problems in cars and much more.

Your Kia car’s engine is a highly complex mechanism. Over time, any mechanical system can suffer fatigue and get damaged. Fortunately, if you have engine problems in Frederick, MD, your Kia dealer is here to help you. These are some of the problems that can temporarily spoil your enjoyment of your Kia. Smoke From the Exhaust Exhaust smoke should usually be a light gray. It's produced from the burning of fuel in the combustion chamber. Many of the most dangerous chemicals are destroyed or converted in this process. The remaining chemicals are forced out of the engine, and most of them are removed by the catalytic convertor. If your car starts producing white, blue, or black smoke, there's a problem. more Blue Smoke Blue Smoke means that oil is mixing with the fuel. This is most likely leaking from a worn or damaged seal in the crankcase. If the leak isn't fixed, the oil in your engine will be burned up, and the engine will seize up. Black Smoke Black smoke means that your engine has inefficient combustion, and much of the fuel that should be burned up is being forced out of the engine. Your car will use more gas than it should, and the unburned fuel can seriously damage your catalytic convertor. The usual cause of unburned fuel is a clogged air filter that's blocking the sir your engine needs for combustion. White Smoke White smoke means that your engine is burning antifreeze or water together with fuel. One of the possible reasons for this is damage to the coolant reservoir tank or the pipes that connect to it. The coolant is leaking into the exhaust system and mixing with the fuel that's forced out of the exhaust. You'll usually smell a sweet, fruit-like smell from the exhaust due to the coolant. Stalling Stalling is very dangerous, as your engine will suddenly cut out without any warning. This might not be too much of a problem if you're reversing out of your driveway, but it can cause an accident on the road or highway. One of the most common reasons for stalling is worn or damaged spark plugs. Combustion requires fuel, air, and a spark, and worn spark plugs can fail to produce that necessary spark. A clogged air filter can damage the spark plugs. Your engine requires large amounts of clean air for combustion, and a clogged filter will dramatically reduce the amount of air available. Without sufficient air, combustion will be fuel rich. Too much fuel in the chamber causes a build-up of carbon on the plugs that will damage the plugs. Having Engine Problems in Frederick, MD? Contact Our Kia Service Department Problems with an engine have a reputation for being expensive to repair. This doesn't, however, have to be the case. The sooner that a problem is identified with an engine diagnostic, the sooner our technicians can repair and prevent further damage and expense. If your Kia shows signs of engine trouble, call us right away at DARCARS Kia of Frederick or click here for online scheduling.

Does a scratch on your car seem like a minor issue? Not so fast. Believe it or not, a small scratch on your vehicle can be the doorway to expensive issues down the line. Learn about the potential damages of car scratches before you visit your local Kia repair shop for autobody repair advice. Tips for Dealing with Car Scratches The easiest way to deal with a scratch on your vehicle is to get the scratch treated as soon as possible. For example, you can schedule service at a dealership's autobody repair within the week to prevent worsening damage. Dealing with a scratch quickly can preserve the value of your vehicle. more How Can a Kia Dealer Help? Your local dealership will be able to correct scratches in a few ways. For example, minor and shallow scratches can be easily buffed out in the right circumstances. If this isn't an option, the autobody repair can use Kia-matched paint to correct the scratch and layer the treated area with a protective coating. In addition to repairing a scratch, the autobody department can also introduce you to other ways to take care of your Kia, such as protective treatments, waxes, and other products that can help shield the outside of your vehicle from environmental damage. Preserving the exterior of your Kia is the best way to maintain resell or trade-in value in the future. What Kind of Damage Can Scratches Cause? The damage to the body of your vehicle can be pretty extraordinary if you don't treat scratches on your car early. The paint on your car is made with multiple layers of protection that will prevent the erosion of the metal body of your vehicle. Along with the pigment that gives your car a beautiful color, there will also be layers of protective coating to shield your car from rock knicks, sunlight, and other environmental factors. When your car is scratched, this damage is not limited to ruining your paint job. In addition to the paint, the protective layers on your vehicle are also damaged. A very deep scratch that goes all the way down to the metal shell of your vehicle can lead to rust damage, additional erosion, and larger chips when the scratch is untreated. Can You Leave Small Scratches Alone? In general, small knicks and scratches need speedy treatment, just like larger scratches and chips. You can think of a scratch on your vehicle as a doorway for future erosion. The more you drive, the more likely wind can slowly erode the small scratch into a bigger scratch. Small scratches can also cause paint in the area to chip more easily, which means a more expensive repair in the future. Need Scratch Repair in Frederick, MD? Book an Appointment! Although a scratch on your car may seem like a cosmetic issue, the truth is that scratches can be a big deal in the long run. It's best to fix scratches as quickly as possible so you can preserve the value of your vehicle. Contact DARCARS Kia of Frederick to schedule service for scratch repair today.

No one ever wants to have to get their vehicle repaired. Sadly, repairs can and do happen. If your Kia is damaged, you want to have it repaired and returned to normal as soon as possible. As your Kia dealer, we carry genuine OEM Kia Parts. Our technicians are trained and certified by Kia to repair any mechanical problems and to repair and replace any structural damage too. These are the key steps in getting a repair with us. Initial Assessment When your vehicle arrives in our service department, our highly trained technicians will carefully examine it. They will document all visible damage, and your vehicle will also be connected to our diagnostic system. We have the most up-to-date technology from Kia that can scan your car for any mechanical problems. Our technicians will then physically check the problems highlighted by the diagnostic software. Once all the damage has been assessed, we will print out a full report, which includes the estimated cost of the necessary repairs. more Repairs Once it's been confirmed that we can start, our technicians will remove all of the damaged parts. Any parts that can be repaired will be assigned to our specialist technicians. When the damaged parts have been removed, we'll then begin repairing your car. We stock a huge variety of genuine Kia spare parts. In our repairs, we will only use original parts as they were specifically designed and built for your vehicle. Depending on the nature of the repair, we may need to repair mechanical as well as structural damage. Our technicians will work on both types of damage concurrently. We're aware of how important your Kia is to you, and we want to maximize the time that it's not available. Quality Control Once the repairs have been completed, the repair technicians will pass your vehicle and a full report on the completed repairs to our quality control team. Quality control functions as an additional check that the required work has been completed correctly. All our work must meet the high-quality standards for Kia certification. When our quality control section is satisfied that the repairs meet the required standard, they will add their confirmation to the report. Collection We thoroughly clean the inside and outside of your vehicle. We'll then call you to let you know that your vehicle is ready to be viewed. When you arrive, our technicians will go through the report with you and answer any questions you may have. As soon as you confirm you're happy that the work is complete, your car will be ready for you to drive home. Schedule an Auto Repair in Frederick, MD Online with Our Team When your car needs repairs, it can be a stressful event in anyone's life. In the event that a part breaks, or your Kia has wear and tear, call us at DARCARS Kia of Frederick. Our certified Kia service technicians can get your Kia back on the road in no time. Feel free to check out the new Kia cars and SUVs available on our lot while you’re here!

A car's electrical system includes a battery, starter, and alternator. If any electrical component malfunctions or fails, it will cause various issues, from dim headlights and hard starts to burning odors and blown fuses. If you struggle with electrical problems, rely on the qualified technicians at your Kia dealer to repair the issue fast and effectively. 1. You Have Issues with Your Headlights Electrical issues, including a failing alternator, can affect the brightness of your car's headlights and brake lights. The lights could be dim due to loose wires, low voltage, a worn alternator belt, or a weak battery. When the voltage drops too low, it will affect your car's safety systems and could eventually result in complete failure. It's best to ask your Kia technician to repair the problem as quickly as possible to stay safe, especially on the roads at night. more 2. You Experience Electronic Problems Dimming lights and failing electronics are tell-tale signs of charging malfunctions and low system voltage. You will notice that your windows and windshield wipers are slow, and your turn signals and interior, dashboard, brake, and headlights are dimmer than they usually are. The electronic issues could be due to a weak battery, a failing alternator belt, or loose wires. 3. You Have Battery Problems Your battery is the heart of the electrical system and provides the power to start the engine. If you suspect that the battery is the cause of your electrical issues, check that the battery cables aren't loose, corroded, or damaged. If the cables are properly connected and look fine, but you still struggle with starting issues, ask your Kia technician to perform a battery inspection and test. 4. It's Hard to Start Your Car Your car's alternator charges the battery, and the battery provides the power to start the engine. If you have issues starting your vehicle, a weak battery is not always to blame. It could also be a failing alternator that prevents your battery from recharging, making it hard to start your car. Your engine will not turn over if your starter is failing. You will hear clicking sounds if you turn the key and a grinding sound during cranking if you have a starter problem and insufficient power in the electrical system to start the engine. 5. You Struggle with Blown Fuses Occasionally a fuse might blow, and replacing it is all that is required. If your car's fuses keep blowing, it's a sure sign of an electrical issue. Constantly replacing the fuses over a short period won't solve the issue. If you don't attend to the problem soon, it will cause further damage. Ask your Kia technician to find what is causing the fuses to blow and fix the problem. 6. You Smell Burning Plastic or Electric Insulation When you get a whiff of burning plastic or electrical insulation, please don't ignore it in the hope that it will disappear. If you see smoke, you've got a serious problem. Stop your car and phone your dealership immediately. Don't drive any further to avoid more damage and costly repairs. Schedule a Service in Frederick, MD Today If you struggle with your car's electronics, have battery problems, or it's hard to start your vehicle, contact DARCARS Kia of Frederick today. Our qualified and experienced Kia technicians will perform a thorough inspection and expert electrical repairs to ensure your car operates perfectly. Get your service appointment booked online when you click here!

Taking your Kia in for regular oil changes is extremely important. However, it's important to be aware of signs to indicate your vehicle needs extra maintenance work. One thing to keep an eye on is your brakes and brake repair signs. Specifically, the brake pads are essential to maintain. Here are some signs that you should head to your local Kia dealer to have your brake pads replaced. Stopping Your Vehicle Takes Longer Than Usual If you find you need to brake harder to stop than you usually do, or if your usual braking pattern doesn't slow you down as quickly as it used to, this is a major indicator that you need to get your brakes checked. Over time when the pads of your brakes connect with the rotors, this mechanism heats up and wears them down. If you drive in a hilly area on a regular basis, you may find your brakes wear out faster than if you don't because of the more constant braking. more You Hear Noises If you hear a clicking or rattling sound when you brake, this is an indication that the pads on your brakes are wearing out or are loosening and should get checked. Hearing a squealing or loud whining noise when you take your foot off the brake can mean that the brake warning indicator is rubbing against the rotor. Any strange noises from your brakes should get investigated immediately. Your Brake Pedal Feels Different When Pressed If your brake pedal feels like it's vibrating under your foot, or you get a pulsing reaction, this is a warning sign your brakes need to get checked as soon as possible. When it's worn down, the resin adhesive that holds the pads in place heats up and spreads around the disc which is what causes the loosening and shaking feeling in the pedal. The Front of Your Vehicle Pulls to the Side When You Stop When your brakes don't wear down at the same rate this can create a pulling to either the left or right when you stop because of the thinness of the pad on one side. If left unchecked this issue can not only pose safety risks but can lead to steering issues. This pulling to one side could also indicate a tire or a faulty wheel bearing, however, any pulling or uneven steering is something that needs to get checked by a mechanic. They Look Worn In most vehicles, you can look between the spokes of your wheel and see the pads on your brakes. You should see about a quarter of an inch of pad pressed against the metal rotor. If one or more pads measure less than that, get them checked. Your Kia Dealer Recommends It Often your brakes will get checked while your vehicle is in for an oil change or other routine maintenance. You can always request for your brakes to get checked occasionally as well. Your mechanic should give you an estimation of how long you have left on your pads. Need New Kia Brake Pads in Frederick, MD? Visit Our Kia Dealership At DARCARS Kia of Frederick, we are committed to incredible service in all departments. Our factory-trained service technicians are committed to keeping your vehicle safe and reliable for years to come. Contact us today at our Frederick, MD Kia dealership to ask questions or book service.

You should be visiting your Kia dealer for maintenance and checkups regularly. You should also get an engine diagnostic during one of those visits, as it will be highly beneficial to your vehicle. There's a lot you can learn from a diagnostic, so read on to learn more about what a diagnostic can teach us about your vehicle. 1. What Hidden Issues Your Vehicle Is Having Your vehicle won't always be having hidden problems, but sometimes there will be parts that are malfunctioning yet not showing any signs that something is wrong. A series of minor issues can build up over time, and eventually, they'll lead to a breakdown and costly repair. Catching them early with a diagnostic will let you fix them when the problem is still minor. This will save you money and inconvenience. more 2. What Your Technician Has to Do to Fix Your Problems Technicians often need to spend quite some time figuring out the best approach to fixing the problems that your vehicle is having but getting a diagnostic can speed this process up. The diagnostic will show what's wrong with your vehicle in detail, so it will be easier to make a plan to repair all the faulty parts. This will make the process of repairing the parts more efficient, and you get your vehicle back sooner. 3. What You Can Expect to Pay for Your Repairs Automotive repairs can be extremely costly, and it's frightening when your vehicle is being repaired without you being given an estimate beforehand. You may panic and worry about scraping together the money to pay for your repair once it's complete. However, if your technician can see exactly what's wrong with your vehicle, then they'll be able to estimate how much the repairs will cost with more accuracy. Your technician will let you know what that estimate is, and you can spend time getting your finances in order. It will bring you peace of mind throughout the process, and you won't spend the whole time thinking you're going to have to pay a lot for what, in reality, turns out to be a very minor repair. 4. What You Can Do to Improve Your Maintenance Schedule Vehicles need more maintenance as they age, as their parts start to wear down and need more work to keep them going strong. A diagnostic will reveal exactly how your parts are aging, and it'll let you know which components you should keep an eye on and what services you need to be getting more frequently. If your brake system is showing an unexpected amount of wear, then you're going to need to get the brakes checked more regularly. If your transmission isn't in the best condition, then you may need a transmission service more often than you used to. Knowing what you need to do to ensure your vehicle is in the best condition possible will help you extend your vehicle's life and avoid big, costly repairs in the future. Schedule Engine Diagnostic Service in Frederick at Our Kia Dealership Come to DARCARS Kia of Frederick for a diagnostic on your engine regularly. We want to help you keep your vehicle working well and getting a regular diagnostic scheduled with us will let us do that.

Whether you've purchased a new or a used vehicle, you'll need to have it inspected at your Kia dealer on a regular basis. There are several reasons why this car safety inspection is so important: it keeps your Kia safe and performing well, you retain the vehicle's value, and you will save money on repairs. Today, let's have a look at how often you need to come to the dealership and why it's so important that you choose qualified mechanics. When to Get Your Car Safety Inspection in Frederick, MD If you opt for a reputable dealership for your annual car maintenance appointment, they will perform all the necessary safety checks and make sure your car is in great working order. Normally, this should be enough to ensure your safety, but to be sure, you can double check your car's manual. Different Kia models have different requirements, and your manual will let you know how often your car needs to be seen by a professional. If you drive very often or you regularly take long road trips, you might need to see your mechanic more frequently. Similarly, if your car is older, it could be sensible to stop by every six months. more What If My Kia Has a Problem? Your routine appointment should be kept even if you think your car is in perfect condition and you haven't perceived an issue. Often, small problems will go unnoticed for a while, and by addressing them quickly, you can prevent them from turning into a more expensive repair. Sometimes, you might notice that your car's function has declined or that there is a strange sound or smell you hadn't previously encountered. Additionally, one of the warning lights on your dashboard may start to light up, which also indicates that an inspection and service appointment might be necessary. In such a case, you should always go to your dealership as soon as possible and have the problem checked out. If you don't address it, you might break down at an inconvenient time, so your inspection could save you a lot of hassle. Should I Always Go to the Kia Dealer for My Inspection? There are many places in the local area where you can go to have your vehicle inspected and fixed. So, should you always go to the dealership, or can you choose your own mechanic? In most cases, sticking with the technicians who specialize in Kia vehicles is best because they are much more familiar with your car. What's more, they will always have genuine spare parts in stock, so you don't have to worry about issues with your warranty. Get a Car Safety Inspection in Maryland at Our Frederick Car Dealership A regular inspection can prevent damage to your car, allow it to retain its value, and keep you and your family safe when you're out and about. You should come to the dealership at least once a year or whenever you perceive a problem with your vehicle. Our highly qualified mechanics will be able to diagnose the issue and let you know what repairs you need. Call us today at DARCARS Kia of Frederick to book your first maintenance appointment.

If you notice that your car's headlights are starting to dim, it may be time for a new pair. Many drivers don't realize how much impact their headlights have on driving visibility and safety until they experience it themselves. If you experience these six symptoms, then it's high time you brought your car to your Kia dealer to purchase new headlights. 1. Dim Headlights Your car's headlights are supposed to project bright beams of light that can shine through the darkness and illuminate the road ahead. If your lights seem dimmer than usual, it may be time for new ones. Your headlight bulb may be burned out or have a corroded or damaged ground connection. You should head over to your local dealer to properly determine the exact cause of your headlight issue. more 2. Cloudy Headlights Over time, your headlights can become cloudy and discolored. If you notice that your headlight has a foggy look to it, then it's time to have those checked by a professional. While hazy headlights can be remedied with the use of a unique cleanser, there may be underlying issues that may necessitate a replacement. An experienced professional at your local dealer will be able to ascertain the best course of action to fix this issue. 3. Flickering Lights When headlights start to flicker and dim, it may be a sign that the wiring in your car is faulty. It's best to take your Kia to your dealer, as you don't want this problem to worsen over time. Flickering lights can often be fixed by replacing the ground wire or the headlight bulb. 4. Blown Fuses If your headlight fuses are blown or not supplying power to your headlights, then you may need to have them checked. This is a sign that there could be severe damage done to the wiring of your car. It's best to take your Kia in for an inspection so that it can be appropriately diagnosed before more severe problems occur. 5. Only One Headlight Is Working When one of your vehicle's headlight bulbs burns out, it might be difficult to recognize at first. However, it is a clear indication that the headlights in your car may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Because headlights are typically replaced in pairs, the other is sure to follow soon if one goes out. If one of your headlights' bulbs has gone out, you should bring your car to your local dealer and have them replace the pair as soon as possible. 6. Your Headlights Don't Turn On If you turn on the headlights in your car and they do not light up, it's a good indication of a problem with your wiring. A burned-out ground wire or headlight bulb could be the cause of this issue, so be sure to bring your Kia in for a thorough inspection if this problem occurs. Get Headlight Replacements in Maryland at Our Frederick Car Dealership Drivers need to know how headlights work and if they need new ones. Headlights are a critical safety feature, so you must keep them in good working order with regular maintenance. If you notice any of these six signs listed above, we encourage you to contact DARCARS Kia of Frederick and schedule an appointment today! We can diagnose and help you with all your repair needs. Experiencing car battery troubles or in need of brake repair? We’ve got you covered.

Have you noticed potholes while driving around Frederick or anywhere else in Maryland? While hitting a pothole can be a nasty jolt, did you know that it can also seriously damage your car? Read on to find out how to avoid pothole damage and how your local Kia dealer can help with auto repairs in Frederick, MD. 1. Tires and Potholes Don't Mix One of the most damage-prone areas of your car is the tires. These take the brunt of the impact when your car hits the pothole, but the impact can cause a whole range of issues. When the hard edge of the pothole presses against your car, the bolts that hold the tire together can break, resulting in issues such as tread separation and sidewall bulges. Sometimes, the pothole's edge can slice through the edge of the tire altogether, resulting in a puncture. more A puncture when travelling at high speed can be very dangerous, so always be sure to slow down when driving through a pothole-prone area. If you drive a low, sporty car, you should be especially careful, as these types of vehicles often have thinner tire walls that can puncture more easily. Making sure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressures can help you avoid the worst of the damage. 2. Potholes Can Damage Your Wheels Not only are potholes seriously bad for your tires, but in some cases, your wheels can be damaged as well, especially in a particularly hard impact. Nicks and scrapes on the wheel rims are common, but sometimes the entire wheel can bend, causing it to lose its airtight seal with the tire. Minor damage, such as chips to the wheel rim, can often be repaired, but if the wheel itself is bent, or has been chipped, then it'll need to be replaced. 3. Bodywork and Exhaust Scrapes Are Common Another factor that plagues low-riding cars is damage to the bodywork or exhaust system. As your wheel dips into the pothole, the side skirts or any low bumpers can slam into the ground, causing them to be damaged or even dislodged. While this is usually just a cosmetic problem, a far more serious issue occurs if the exhaust comes into contact with the ground. A deep pothole could cause you to scrape your car's undercarriage on the asphalt, denting the exhaust pipe or even making a hole. If this happens, you might hear an unusual noise or experience a loss of engine power. 4. Misaligned Suspension Means a Trip to Your Kia Dealer! The sudden jolt your car's suspension experiences upon hitting a pothole can cause it to come out of alignment. You'll notice this pretty quickly; the steering will pull in one direction and the car's handling will feel different. Make sure you get it fixed right away! Experience Pothole Damage? Visit Our Frederick, MD Auto Service Center If you've hit a pothole, and you think your car might be damaged, bring it into DARCARS Kia of Frederick today, and our exceptional service team will be happy to help.   Image by Pixabay

Every part of your vehicle is as vital as the last and that's why routine auto service in Frederick is essential. You need to keep every small component in top condition, otherwise, you're in for some difficulties and discomfort. The car air filter is no different, and it loves as much love and care as the most sensitive parts of your engine. However, how do you know when it's time to change out this filter? We have some tips that may help you. 1. It's Visually Dirty It's no secret that there's lots of dust, mites, and other undesirable particles in the air. Over time this builds up, especially if you frequently get in and out of the vehicle in messy air conditions. This can result in a visually dirty air filter. The dirt may present itself as something that looks grimy and highly unappealing. Other times the filter simply looks a little darker than it used to. Either way, this is a sure sign you need a new filter. more 2. Your Exhaust Suffers If your exhaust pipe is suddenly coughing out a soot-like substance this may be an air filter issue. Without adequate, clean oxygen your fuel may not burn the way it should. This means the air filter isn't doing its job, so the fuel isn't being used efficiently either. You should also be mindful of sparks, strange popping noises, or any other issues around your tailpipe. As soon as you notice any issues around your tailpipe, you should take your car in for a service. It may be the air filter, or it could be something far more serious. Either way, a good technician will be able to diagnose the issue quickly and get you fixed up and back on the road before anything too serious happens. 3. You Smell Gas You're not supposed to smell your car's fuel. If you can smell gas inside the cabin and you haven't just filled up, then something's wrong. It's particularly dangerous if you start your vehicle and smell gas. Your air filter needs changing straight away. Your fuel isn't being burned correctly and it's leaking out of your tailpipe, making the whole vehicle smell. If the issue persists this can become very dangerous for you. 4. Jerky, Slow Car A vehicle that's not speeding up well when you press on the gas is a vehicle that has an issue. If it's jerking instead of accelerating smoothly this is a sign, too. This means you're experiencing lower horsepower and there isn't enough air to make the vehicle run efficiently. You need to get your air filter changed so your vehicle can return to its previous, safe power level. Schedule Air Filter Replacements in Frederick, MD Here Does your car need a new air filter? Visit us at DARCARS Kia of Frederick and talk to us about getting a service or acquiring parts for your vehicle. We have genuine Kia parts that will fit your Kia model ideally when you come in for Frederick auto repairs. There are many other auto services available here, too! Click here to explore Kia services that we have available at our Kia dealership.