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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

To keep your car in top condition, you need to have your Kia tires replaced at regular intervals. While this might seem like a minor issue, it can lead to serious safety and performance problems with your car if you don't take care of it. Here are several points to consider when evaluating whether it's time to visit your Kia dealer and replace your tires. Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Kia Tires at Your Frederick, MD Kia Dealer 1. Signs You Need New Tires Immediately New tires can significantly improve a car's performance and give you a more comfortable ride. If your tire warning light comes on or if you measure your tire pressure and the pressure is low, it could be that you need new tires. Uneven tire wear is another sign that you need to replace your tires right away. more 2. When to Replace Your Car Tires Worn treads or bald tires are a safety hazard for everyone. Tire traction helps you control the speed and direction of your car, especially in bad weather. The Department of Transportation recommends a minimum tread depth of 2/32-inch. Since most experts recommend replacement at a higher tread than the minimum, you should inspect your tires for wear and tear at least once a month. If your steering wheel vibrates, you could have wear and tear or damage to your tire. It is critical to bring your car for a dealer inspection right away. Vibrations can be caused by under or over-inflated tires and worn treads. 3. The Penny Test The Penny Test is a quick way to see if you need to get new tires. Simply place a penny at the tread of your tire, and if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, then it is time for new tires! 4. Tire Tread Depth Gauge Another way to check your tire tread is to use a tire tread depth gauge. Tire tread depth gauges measure the depth of your tire tread to determine if you need new tires. They are inexpensive and easy to use. 5. Replace Your Tires for Safer Driving Replacing your worn and balding tires can also give you better handling and control. When your tire treads are worn, driving in rain and snow may be difficult. On wet roads, cars with worn treads can completely lose traction and skid, resulting in hydroplaning. New tires will improve traction and minimize vibration resulting in a safer and more comfortable ride overall. 6. Saving Money Replacing your tires can save you money on gas. Keeping your tires at the correct inflation can improve fuel efficiency. Get Tire Service and Replacements at Our Frederick Kia Dealership It is important to monitor the condition of your tires and replace them at the right time. Check your dealer recommendations for your vehicle and stay safe all year round. Contact DARCARS Kia of Frederick for more information and to schedule a service appointment. Find out more about your Kia tires at our dealership, like the importance of tire rotations for your Kia.

Overlooking or ignoring your car's warning signs is easy to do. That is, until the morning your vehicle doesn't start. The transmission is a critical component of your vehicle. It's also very expensive. But leaving warnings unaddressed is the worst thing you can do. Fortunately, there are some basic signs to look for, so you'll know when it's time to bring your vehicle in for transmission repair. 1. Difficulty Shifting You should feel a smooth, almost effortless transition when shifting gears. So, if you notice a strange noise, such as a loud clunk or thud, this could mean something is wrong with the transmission. Whether it's low fluid, worn-out gears or the computerized sensors are sending the wrong information to the gearbox, you should have your vehicle checked out. more 2. Response Delay When Shifting Gears Have you ever pressed on the accelerator, but it takes a few seconds to respond? Do the gears "refuse" to shift? If there's a hesitation or delay when shifting, the likely culprit is that the transmission is not fully engaged, which means power is not getting to the wheels right away. This hesitation usually means a malfunctioning transmission. Most likely you're dealing with a clutch issue, which leads to poor performance. 3. Transmission Slipping Slipping of the transmission is something that's relatively easy to recognize. If your engine suddenly goes from a low rumble to a high-pitched sound and your RPMs spike dramatically while going the same speed, your transmission is slipping. You may also notice that your car feels a bit underpowered, and your acceleration is compromised. These symptoms can be from low fluid or that it's burning too hot. Continuing to drive like this can cause further damage. 4. Leaking Fluid The transmission is a complicated technology machine with more than 800 parts protected by a sealed case. So, a leak is an automatic issue. If you notice a red or dark fluid on the ground where your car has been parked, that's transmission fluid. This isn't a reason to panic, though. Fluid leaks are easily treated by a mechanic if caught right away. 5. Check Engine Light is On This light can be daunting, but it can also simply mean a quick, inexpensive fix. But if you're noticing any of the above symptoms relating to your transmission, you should never ignore your check engine warning light. Take your vehicle to a qualified repair shop immediately. Schedule Frederick Auto Repair Transmission Service at Our Kia Service Center Don't risk blowing out your transmission in the middle of highway traffic. When you notice one or more of the above issues, it's critical to bring your car in for auto service and repairs in Frederick at our car dealership. And sooner is better than later as you don't want the problem to get worse—and inevitably—more expensive. Visit the DARCARS Kia of Frederick Service Center and let our professional mechanics diagnose your vehicle so you can get back on the road for a smooth, comfortable ride as soon as possible! Click here for appointment scheduling.

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.

You won't allow a stranger to drive your car, and you shouldn't let just any technician maintain or repair your vehicle either. It is vital when maintenance or repairs are needed to schedule an appointment at a certified Kia repair shop. Qualified technicians, who know your car, will work on your vehicle to ensure that it stays as reliable and safe as it was built to be. Having your Kia repaired and maintained at a trusted Kia service center, will give you the peace of mind that your Kia is in good hands. 1. Knowledgeable Staff At DARCARS Kia of Frederick, we believe in offering exceptional customer service and quality maintenance and repairs. Our friendly service staff members are trained to answer all your questions and give you the necessary information on all our services, including maintenance and repairs. When you bring your vehicle to us, rest assured that your car is in expert hands. more 2. Comprehensive Maintenance Services Our professional, certified repair shop offers a full range of maintenance services and repairs to help you keep your vehicle in excellent running condition. The technicians perform a wide range of maintenance services such as: Oil Changes Engine Diagnostics Transmission Repairs Brake Replacements Battery Checks and Replacements Tire Rotations And much more. It is your one-stop service shop where trained technicians will efficiently and effectively deal with any vehicle problems. At a certified auto service center, maintenance and repairs get done right the first time. 3. Factory Trained Service Technicians Only qualified technicians should work on your vehicle. At a certified Kia service center, the expert technicians are trained and certified by the manufacturer and regularly sent on courses to stay up to date with the latest developments. They know your car inside and out and what it takes to keep your Kia performing at its best. 4. Multi-Point Inspections Will Be Performed At certified car repair shops, technicians first perform a multi-point inspection to check what maintenance and repairs must be done before any work commences. The technician will discuss the service and repairs with you and answer any questions you might have. 5. Stock and Fit Genuine Kia Parts If you want your Kia to perform well, use the parts that are specifically designed and engineered for your vehicle. That is why it is important to get maintenance and repairs done at a certified shop. A quality repair center stocks genuine Kia parts to keep your car in tip-top shape. The technicians only fit genuine parts to ensure that your vehicle performs optimally and is safe on the road. Best of all, our genuine parts are covered for 12 months with the Replacement Parts Limited Warranty. We’re Your Certified Kia Service Center in Frederick, MD There is only one place to go for quality automotive services, maintenance, and repairs, and that is to your trusted Kia dealership. We will ensure that your car is running smoothly. Head to DARCARS Kia of Frederick today and schedule a service. Our trained technicians will ensure that your Kia is reliable, safe, fuel-efficient, and performs optimally.

When your car needs a new battery, you can't wait too long to get it replaced or you can end up on the side of the road with a vehicle that won't run. This is why you need to be aware of the signs you need a new car battery before it's too late. Your Engine Doesn't Want to Start This is one of the earliest signs of a failing battery. If you try to start your car and it hesitates for a second or two instead of firing right up like normal, it's likely your battery is no longer creating the proper charge to ignite the starter. Bring your car to an authorized service center to have your battery inspected. A factory-trained technician will assess your battery's charge and let you know if you need a replacement. more Your Headlights Flicker or Become Dim Since your headlights run off the battery, if you notice they start flickering or are dimmer than usual, it's possible that your battery is not providing enough charge to run all the electronic components in your car. You could also notice that your cabin lights flicker or don't turn on at all, since your battery will direct its charge toward keeping your vehicle running rather than your lights if it's struggling to power everything. You Smell a Foul Odor Your battery has a variety of internal components that keep it operating as it should. However, if there's an internal short or the battery becomes damaged in some way, the battery's gas can begin to leak. This gas has the recognizable odor of rotten eggs, so if you smell this odor when you lift your car's hood, you need to get your battery checked out right away. It will probably need to be replaced since damaged batteries can be dangerous. Your Battery's Case Is an Odd Shape Your battery should be a rectangular prism, but extreme heat and cold can cause it to swell and contract, which can then lead to cracking or bulging. What you see on the outside is an indication of what's happening on the inside. If your battery is any shape other than rectangular, there's probably some internal damage as well, which could be causing the battery to malfunction. Have any misshapen battery replaced right away. Your Battery's Connectors Are Corroded The connectors on your battery can easily become corroded since the terminals are bare metal. If you see a white, flaky substance on the top of your battery near the metal components, you need to have them cleaned. Corrosion can interfere with the volts your battery generates. You may not need to replace your battery if it's corroded, but you should have it inspected anyway just to make sure no permanent damage has been done. Your Check Engine Light Comes On While your check engine light could mean that any number of things are wrong with your car, it can also come on if your battery is running out of power. Have your car inspected by an authorized technician to determine the cause of the light and replace your battery if necessary. Schedule Your Car Battery Replacements in Frederick, MD Your car simply won't run if the battery dies, and it could be unsafe. Pay attention to the above-mentioned signs to make sure you don't end up with a battery that doesn’t work correctly. Do you need to get Kia battery services, or another type of vehicle? Contact DARCARS Kia of Frederick to schedule an appointment to have your car serviced and your battery checked.

Whether you've had your Kia for just a couple of years or owned your Kia for a decade, you have to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle to ensure it is safe for the road. This includes keeping your brakes in working condition. We don't often think about our brakes until they don't work, which is not a good idea, as it can turn into a lengthy and expensive repair. Learn to recognize the signs that your car needs a brake repair by reading below! 1. Squeaking or Grinding Noises When brake pads start wearing out, you'll hear a squeaking or squealing noise when you press on your brake pedal. This is an intentional design to make drivers aware that their brake pads need to be replaced soon. If you ignore the noise for long enough, you can start hearing a grinding noise, which is indicative of a larger problem. This means that the brake pad could be completely gone and you're now squeezing the rotor when you brake. more 2. Brake Light Comes On Of course, the more obvious sign that you need to have your brakes inspected is if your car's brake light comes on. When you see the brake light, it's typically letting you know that you need more brake fluid, but it could be an indication of a bigger problem with your brakes. You should get your vehicle to a Kia Service Center quickly for brake diagnostic. 3. Brake Pedal Feels Squishy If your brake starts to feel differently when you press on it, pay attention to the change. A squishy feeling, which may also feel like it's taking longer for your vehicle to stop when you push the pedal, could mean that your car is leaking brake fluid. There are other brake problems that this could indicate as well, so it's important that you bring your vehicle in for service right away to avoid making the problem worse. 4. Burning Smell When You Brake When there is a burning smell when you press on the brakes, this is an indication that you have been "riding" the brakes or using them too often. This is a frequent occurrence when you're coming down a steep slope and have to use your brakes to keep the vehicle in control. You want to let your brakes cool down before continuing when this happens. Then, schedule an appointment to have your brakes inspected right away. 5. Steering Wheel Shakes If your steering wheel shakes when you brake, or it pulls to one side, it could mean that your rotor is warped and needs to get straightened out. Your brake pads are not able to apply to the rotor evenly, which is causing your steering wheel to vibrate as you work to keep your car straight. This is a brake condition that will likely need repair by an experienced mechanic. Visit for Professional Kia Brake Repair in Frederick, MD Your Kia's brakes are critical to keeping you and your passengers safe on the road. This is not a maintenance issue that you can afford to delay, and we want to keep your Kia running great. Schedule a brake service at DARCARS Kia of Frederick to get your brakes inspected and repaired by certified technicians!

When your Kia needs to be serviced you have a broad range of choices on where to take it. The question on many people's minds when their vehicle needs Kia parts is whether they should take it to the dealership or have someone else repair their car. Below are a few reasons to take your car to our dealership as opposed to a third-party mechanic that may help you make the right choice. Why Do You Need to Replace Kia Parts at a Kia Dealership? Specialist Mechanics The mechanics who work at Kia dealerships undergo specialized training, turning them into experts in the repair and maintenance of Kia vehicles specifically. While general mechanics can sometimes successfully repair your car, the quality of their work can often be dubious. Our mechanics are held to a strict standard and are intimately familiar with the workings of Kia vehicles both inside and out. Tools and Parts The best place to go when your Kia needs new parts is the Kia dealership. The equipment used at a dealership is specifically designed for servicing Kia models, while general mechanics tend to use tools made for servicing multiple makes and models, which may not be as well-suited for your vehicle as the tools used at the dealership. more Additionally, since Kia dealerships regularly work on Kia vehicles, dealerships are much more likely to have the part you need in stock, significantly reducing the amount of time it takes to repair your car. Warranties If your vehicle is under warranty, taking it to a third-party repair shop may not void your coverage. However, if your vehicle is under warranty, why take it anywhere else than the dealership? Repairs under warranty can save you a lot of money since they're free, provided you uphold your end of the warranty agreement. Often, holding up your end of the bargain simply means getting regular maintenance as specified in your agreement. Thorough and Specialized Diagnostics Most people have experienced seeing one or more dashboard lights indicating a possible issue with your vehicle. A lot of repair shops, including Kia dealerships, offer diagnostic tests to find out what's wrong with your car. When you take your car to our Kia dealership, our mechanics use specialized diagnostic tools designed for Kia vehicles and Kia vehicles only. When diagnostics are run, you aren't necessarily repairing your vehicle – you're just trying to see what's wrong. If the diagnostic tools your mechanic uses aren't accurate, you may find yourself paying for parts you don't need. Service for Older Kias Like any older vehicle, it can be hard to find someone who knows how to work on your car and can obtain the correct parts. At a dealership, we have access to a multitude of parts both new and old which we can use to repair your car. Taking your vehicle to a dealership to replace parts provides you with access to the expertise of specially-trained mechanics who work on Kia makes and models. If your vehicle is under warranty, you may not need to pay anything for parts. Last but not least, taking your vehicle to a dealership to replace parts ensures you're getting legitimate Kia parts and not a third-party off-brand. If you'd like to know more about why you should bring your vehicle to a Kia Dealership, or why dealerships are your best bet when you need parts, contact DARCARS Kia of Frederick, MD. We're happy to answer any questions you may have.