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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.

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.

Your Kia will help keep you and your family safe and happy on the road for many years to come. However, as with any vehicle, regular maintenance is required, and wear and tear issues will come up. One of those wear and tear issues is low tire pressure. We will give you five crucial reasons to head to your Kia dealer to get this dealt with as soon as possible. 5 Reasons to Go to Your Kia Dealer for Low Tire Pressure 1.    Your Fuel Mileage Will Suffer When tire pressure is low, it causes your tire to become slightly deflated, which means more of the tire surface is on the road. Therefore, the car needs to give the tire more power to turn, thus using more fuel. 2.    Extra Wear and Tear As mentioned above, more tire surface hits the road when tire pressure is low. This can lead to the tire(s) wearing down significantly faster than they would if they were inflated properly. more 3.    Higher Risk of Flat Tires Getting a flat tire while driving is not fun, and if your tire pressure is low, you're more likely to get one! The tread on your tire can wear down quickly when the tire is not inflated properly, which could lead to a flat tire or even a frightening tire blowout. 4.    Increased Safety Issues You've learned that you could experience a tire blowout if you're driving on tires that aren't inflated properly, which can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, putting you and others at risk. Even without a tire blowout, underinflated tires still pose a safety risk. You won't have total control of your vehicle if you're riding on underinflated tires, which means that your response time could be slower. Plus, since your tires are worn down, you run the risk of hydroplaning. 5.    You Could Do Further Damage You're not just risking extra wear and tear and tire blowouts if you continue to drive on your underinflated tire. The tire itself could be damaged, which would require a total replacement as opposed to a simple air top-up. Your rims could also be damaged if your tire gets too flat. And in some extreme cases, your vehicle alignment could need adjusting if you're constantly overcompensating for driving on an underinflated tire. Our dedicated team at DARCARS Kia of Frederick wants to help you drive off in the new or used Kia of your dreams. We're incredibly proud of our vast inventory, our helpful staff, and our top-tier service department. Visit DARCARS Kia of Frederick today to check out our new and used vehicles, discuss financing, or schedule your next service appointment.

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.

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.

Tire inspections and rotations are crucial for safety on the roads in Frederick, MD. A regular tire rotation around every 5,000 miles, or at least every six months has loads of benefits that you can count on to keep your vehicle performing well and you and your passengers safe on the road. 1. Even Tread Wear Factors such as road conditions, driving habits, temperature, and the position of the tires on your vehicle, all affect the tread wear. The front left and right tires don't wear down in the same way as the left and right back tires. When tires are swapped from the front to the rear, or side to side (depending on the wheel drive), it will ensure that the tread wears down more evenly among all four tires. more 2. Increased Tire Life On a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the front tires work harder, and they will wear out faster than the back tires. When tires are rotated often, it increases the life of all four tires. They will wear down more evenly and last longer. That means you won't have to replace your tires as often, which can save you money. 3. Reduced Noise and Vibrations When tires are not rotated often, uneven tread wear will cause noise and light vibrations that you will feel through your steering wheel or pedals. In time, the vibrations will affect the alignment and suspension that will eventually result in repairs. Regular rotation will ensure a much smoother, quieter ride. 4. Enhanced Performance Regular rotation will ensure better traction and handling, from steering and cornering to braking, especially on uneven, wet, and snowy roads. Not only will you have better control over your vehicle, but you will also be safer on the road. 5. Road Safety The most important benefit of regular rotations is that you will know that you can depend on your vehicle to get you out of a tight spot. The technician will also inspect the tires for any defects, such as bulges or cracks. The wear on the tread is also checked, and the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. If tires are not inspected and rotated often, the tread on the front tires will wear down fast, and if you suddenly have to brake hard or swerve, you might lose control of your vehicle. Defects in your vehicle's tires can cause a blowout and even an accident. 6. Rotations Save You Money Tires can get expensive, and it's recommended that you don't replace just one tire but a pair or the entire set. Regular rotations will reduce uneven tread wear and vibrations that will make your tires last longer. Over time this will save you money, as you will not have to replace your tires as often. Schedule a Tire Rotation Appointment at Our Kia Dealership Taking your vehicle to a certified dealership for regular rotations can definitely increase your vehicle's performance, keep you safe, and save you money. Visit DARCARS Kia of Frederick today. Our expert technicians will perform a tire inspection and a rotation to ensure that your vehicle performs at its best. We also offer many other auto services in Frederick, and auto repairs, to help keep your vehicle in top shape! You can book an appointment online here.

When you buy a new car, you probably aren't thinking about the maintenance that's required to keep it running at its best. However, paying attention to car maintenance by regularly scheduling appointments for auto service in Frederick at your Kia dealer is one of the best actions you can take to preserve your car's quality and value. Extend the Life of Your Car This is probably the best reason to keep on top of your maintenance schedule. You want to keep your car for as long as possible, or at least until you want to sell it. Making sure you get the oil changed on time, check the fluids regularly, and replace worn parts like brakes and spark plugs, will ensure your car will last for thousands of miles more than it would if you ignored these basic maintenance actions. more Increases Resale Value Speaking of selling, when you want to sell your car, having kept up the maintenance routine that's recommended by the manufacturer can ensure you get top dollar for your vehicle. Prospective buyers will choose the car that's been meticulously serviced on schedule over a similar car that's had its maintenance neglected, even if the first vehicle has more miles. Taking appropriate care of your property can translate into more dollars down the road when it's time to sell. Want to find out your car’s value? Get your vehicle’s estimated trade-in value here! Increases Safety Worn car parts present a safety hazard to you and your passengers because worn parts lead to broken parts, which can cause your car to not function properly or at all. Breaking down on the side of a dark road in the middle of the night is not the safest situation to be in, but if you don't get regular maintenance checkups, this could be the circumstances you face. Find the weaknesses ahead of time to avoid breakdowns altogether. Lowers Major Repair Costs When you catch repairs early, you're less likely to have to spend money on major repairs because small repairs typically cost less than major repairs. For example, it's much cheaper to change the oil on a regular basis than it is to have your engine seize up because you let your oil run dry and have to replace the entire engine (or get a new car). Catch problems early through preventative maintenance to prevent major, more expensive, problems. Keeps Your Warranty Intact This is specifically important if you buy a brand-new car that comes with a limited-time warranty. Most manufacturers will not cover repairs that are the result of maintenance neglect, so if you don't stay current on your maintenance schedule, you could end up paying for repairs that should have been covered under your warranty. This could be a very expensive mistake if something major goes wrong with your car early on. Increases Gas Mileage It's always nice to save money, especially at the gas pump when fuel prices are so high. Keeping your car properly maintained will help make your car run at its most efficient level. In fact, poor gas mileage can be a sign that you need to get your maintenance scheduled. Listen to your car and give it what it wants! Keep Up with Auto Service in Frederick, MD at Our Kia Dealership Auto Repair and Service Center Maintaining your car is probably not your favorite activity, but it's a critical step to ensuring it keeps running when you need it most. Bring your car by DARCARS Kia of Frederick for its scheduled maintenance appointment today.