Kia Service Schedule: 4 Important Check-Ups You Shouldn't Ignore

Modern cars depend on six essential fluids to keep running smoothly in tip-top condition. Responsible drivers should regularly carry out fluid checks to know the level and condition of each one. Not only will this help keep each car part working optimally, but it can also help reduce wear and tear and extend the overall vehicle lifespan. Here are the six vital fluids to check, all of which you can have topped up or flushed at your local Kia service center in Frederick, MD. How To Keep Your Kia Running Smoothly with Regular Fluid Checks Motor Oil With so many moving parts, your Kia's engine needs excellent lubrication. Motor oil provides this, and it also helps combat corrosion, clean out debris, and maintain a safe temperature. You can check your motor oil with the dipstick; always remove and clean the dipstick before reinserting it for an accurate reading. For optimal engine performance, motor oil usually needs to be changed at least twice a year. more Coolant Your engine's primary defense against overheating is the cooling system, which constantly circulates coolant through the system while the engine's running. In most cars, you can visually check the level and condition of your coolant by inspecting the transparent coolant reservoir. If the coolant appears to be low or discolored, have it topped up or refreshed. Coolant usually needs to be flushed every two years or so. Brake Fluid Without sufficient brake fluid filling the brake lines with hydraulic pressure, you'll find it hard to slow down and stop your car. You can check the level and condition of your brake fluid by removing the cap of its reservoir. Brake fluid also typically lasts about two years before it needs to be flushed. Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid can last a good 60,000 to 100,000 miles before it needs to be refreshed. In cars with manual transmissions, this interval is usually 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Power Steering Fluid Checking your power steering fluid may require removing a reservoir cap or using a dipstick. Power steering fluid only normally needs to be flushed every 40,000 to 80,000 miles. Flush Fluids Routinely at Your MD Kia Dealership With so many fluids with different servicing requirements and degrees of durability, it's best to set up a schedule at your local dealership. This way, the technicians can organize an optimal maintenance schedule, keep a close eye on all of your car's fluids, and remind you whenever you need to visit for a fluid inspection or flush. Visit DARCARS Kia of Frederick today to have your car's fluids inspected, changed or flushed. We offer a wide range of top-notch new and pre-owned vehicles and prompt, courteous customer service. Let us be your one stop shop for your car and service needs in Frederick.

You may think that buying a new electric vehicle from your Kia dealer in Frederick means no regular servicing, but in fact, routine Kia EV maintenance is still essential. While it's true that electric cars tend to require less ongoing maintenance than one with a gas-powered engine, that doesn't mean you can forgo servicing and routine checks altogether. Do I Need to Visit My Kia Dealer for Regular Kia EV Maintenance? A diesel or gas-powered car is fitted with an internal combustion engine, which is composed of many moving components. This increases the chances of something going wrong since an issue with any of these smaller parts can result in a costly breakdown. EVs have fewer moving components, which helps minimize the risk of an issue developing. more Also, EVs use fewer fluids than gas-powered cars. With no oil to change or transmission fluid to top up, ongoing maintenance is less onerous and time-consuming. Furthermore, EVs use a regenerative braking system that lasts longer than the brake system of a conventional car and, thus, requires less frequent maintenance. What About Non-Engine Components? EVs still have other running components that are found in regular cars, like suspension components, steering systems, and wheel bearings. These still require routine maintenance to help keep them in good shape. What Is Checked During EV Maintenance? Your EV's battery is a key component that will be checked during routine EV maintenance along with its coolant system, tires, brakes, steering and suspension systems, wipers and lights, air filters, and fluid levels. How Often Do EVs Require Maintenance? You can check your Kia owner's manual to find out the recommended interval between services for your specific model. However, annual servicing is always a good idea to help ensure your car stays in good working order. There are a few signs to look out for, too, that indicate it's time to arrange a service for your Kia EV, including: Reduced range Unusual sounds while driving Slower charging Warning lights staying on while driving Reduced performance Difficulty starting your vehicle If you notice any of these symptoms, you should visit your dealership to arrange a service for your electric vehicle as soon as possible. Failing to take action could result in the development of a serious issue that could not only be expensive to fix, but that could also put you at risk while driving. If your Kia electric vehicle is due for its regular service, or if it's been a while since you've had your car checked over by a professional and you want to stay safe behind the wheel, call DARCARS Kia of Frederick today. We'll help make sure you can enjoy driving around Frederick without any problems!

Have you ever gotten a flat tire and needed to get a tire replaced? We all dread the day getting stuck next to the road with a flat tire. Below are helpful advice and tips from your Kia dealer on precisely what to do. Pull Over Safely and Turn on Your Hazards The moment you realize you've got a flat, look for a safe place to pull over. It must preferably be a spot with solid, level ground and far enough away from the road to change the tire safely. Before you do anything else, first turn on your hazard lights to be more visible to other motorists. If you drive an automatic vehicle, put your car in park, and if it's a manual, shift into reverse to prevent your vehicle from rolling backward or forward. more Get the Jack, Lug Wrench, and Spare Tire Out of the Trunk It's imperative always to have wheel wedges, a quality jack and lug wrench, and a properly inflated spare tire in your trunk. Place everything you need in easy reach close to the area where you will change the tire. Prevent Your Car from Rolling and Loosen the Lug Nuts Use the wheel wedges, stones, or bricks in front and behind the tires to prevent your car from rolling. If your vehicle has hub caps, remove them. Loosen the lug nuts with the lug wrench counterclockwise without removing the nuts. Jack-Up Your Car Your car has special jacking points where you can place the jack to lift your vehicle without causing damage to the bodywork. Check your owner's manual for information on your car's jacking points. Use the jacking point closest to the flat that you want to change. You only need to jack your car up enough to lift the wheel off. Remove the Lug Nuts and Remove the Flat Loosen the lug nuts until you can remove them. Put the nuts in your pocket or somewhere safe so you don't lose them. Take the flat off and put it under the car for protection if it slides off the jack. Fit the Spare Tire Put the spare in front of the wheel well. Now, check carefully and line up the rim and the bolts. Push the tire in until the bolts push through the rim. Place the nuts onto the bolts. You don't use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts at this stage. Use your fingers and, in a clockwise direction, turn the nuts as tightly as possible with your fingers. Lower Your Car and Tighten the Nuts Use the jack to lower your car so that the spare touches the ground. You can now tighten the lug nuts clockwise with the lug wrench until the wheel is flush against the hub. If you have four nuts, tighten them in opposing pairs and if there are five nuts, tighten every other one until each nut is perfectly tightened. If your car has hub caps, replace them and pack the wheel wedges, jack, lug wrench, and the tire you've just changed in your trunk. Get New Tires in Frederick, MD at Our Car Dealership And there you have it. You can now easily change a tire. Visit DARCARS Kia of Frederick today for a range of top tire brands and expert tire installations performed by qualified Kia technicians.