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3 Reasons to Get an Engine Diagnostic for Your Kia

Rear profile view of a parked, light blue 2023 Kia Soul. | Kia dealer in Sherwood, AR.
If you want your Kia to have a long life, then one thing you can do is have routine engine diagnostics at your Kia dealer. As part of the annual maintenance for your vehicle, a diagnostic exam of your engine will identify any mechanical errors early on so you can save on repair costs in the future. Learn about other reasons to schedule a diagnostic test for your engine.

1. Maintain Safety Standards

First and foremost, a diagnostic exam for your engine is the easiest and most convenient way to maintain the safety standards of your vehicle. This exam is performed by trained Kia technicians who will ensure that your engine meets all the rigorous safety standards that make your Kia roadworthy. A byproduct of maintaining safety standards is the ability to ensure that your engine performs well even as it ages. All engines begin to perform less efficiently as the vehicle ages, which is why routine maintenance is so important. If you aren't sure how frequently to schedule routine maintenance, refer to your Kia owner manual.

2. Reveal Hidden Issues

A diagnostic exam for your engine can reveal many hidden problems - not only in your engine but in other systems, too. For example, a diagnostic exam may unearth issues with your braking systems, such as pulling when coming to a stop, steering wheel stiffness or vibrations, or other signs of brake issues that may not be obvious. Another major system that benefits from routine diagnostic tests for your engine is the electrical system of your vehicle. Your engine is composed of several sophisticated electrical systems, and if one of them starts to fail, then it may compromise the safety of your car. It's important to identify electrical issues early on so you can get them fixed as soon as possible.

3. Save on Repairs

Routine diagnostics for your engine can also help you save on repairs in the future. If hidden issues with your engine go unnoticed for too long, the components of your engine are more likely to be damaged. The only reliable way to correct severe damage to your engine is with costly repairs. Like with your personal health, preventative exams can be hugely beneficial.

How to Schedule a Diagnostic Exam at Your Kia Dealer

Usually, a diagnostic test for your engine is part of your annual service at your local dealership. However, if you are concerned about your vehicle because you've noticed signs of poor performance, you can always request an exam when you schedule Express Service. Scheduling your diagnostic exam is as easy as booking your routine service online or over the phone. If you want to avoid expensive repair costs in the future, it's a good idea to have your engine diagnosed by certified Kia technicians. A diagnostic test can maintain engine safety standards and reveal hidden issues that compromise the performance of your car. To schedule your diagnostic test, please contact Crain Kia of Sherwood today. Image via Kia.
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Get your Oil Changed at Crain Kia of Sherwood

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Crain Kia of Sherwood in Sherwood, AR Brake Repair

Signs Your Brakes Need Repair

Regularly checking the condition of your brakes is essential to ensure your safety. Your car's braking system comprises various parts, including rotors, brake pads, and more. Identifying the warning signs of worn-out or faulty brakes is crucial, and we at Crain Kia of Sherwood, located in Sherwood, AR, are here to help you recognize these symptoms. Are you shopping for a minivan? Click here to learn about the 2024 Kia Carnival! Brake Pads If you hear a screeching sound when you push the brake pedal, it's a sign that you should take your car in for a check-up. AAA 's website says that a piercing, high-pitched, or grinding sound typically means that your brake pads have worn down and need replacing. Karim Nice explains on the HowStuffWorks blog that this noise is generally caused by the brake pad's wear indicator, which is designed to let you know when it needs replacing. As the pad frays from use, the wear indicator contacts the disk, producing a high-pitched screeching sound. Click here to see what reviewers are saying about the 2024 EV9! Rotors If you're behind the wheel and notice an unusual pulse or vibration in your brake pedal, it may mean that your rotor is warped. On their blog, Autozone suggests that grinding sounds and longer or inconsistent braking distances are signs that you need to replace your rotor. Autozone also states that rotors can last up to 60,000 miles if you mostly drive on the interstate. However, if you drive mainly in the city with stop-and-go traffic, the lifespan of your rotors could be as short as 20,000 miles. If you need to replace your car's rotors, you can schedule an appointment with the skilled service team at Crain Kia of Sherwood. Click here to learn about tire care basics! Brake Pedal Keeping your brakes in good working condition is paramount to ensure your safety. When you press down on the brake pedal, your vehicle should come to a quick stop with a firm press. If you notice that your brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or mushy, it's a warning sign that something is wrong. On Kelley Blue Book 's blog, Chantel Wakefield states that this could indicate several potential issues, including low brake fluid, air in the brake line, or a leaking brake line. To avoid any potential problems and ensure that your brakes are working correctly, it's best to schedule an appointment with our certified service team. Are you shopping for an electric vehicle? Click here to see what reviewers are saying about the EV6! ABS Light If the ABS light on your car's dashboard lights up, it indicates that you should have your brakes checked by a technician. On J.D. Power 's blog, Dustin Hawley says the ABS system monitors your car's wheels to ensure they all turn at the same speed. The system will alert you via the dashboard light if something is amiss. There could be several reasons the light is on, but the most common ones are a malfunctioning ABS module, low brake fluid levels, faulty wheel speed sensors, or the ABS itself being off. Remember, proper brake function is crucial for your safety and others on the road. Therefore, watching for abnormalities or possible issues with your car's braking system is important. If you suspect any problems, book an appointment at Crain Kia of Sherwood for a brake check-up.

Tire Care at Crain Kia Sherwood in Sherwood, AR

Tire Care

As simple as it is, caring for your car's tires can be time-consuming and, frankly, annoying. It's an easily forgettable part of your routine vehicle check, making it all the more important as they are the only part of your vehicle that makes contact with the ground, or at least the only part that should. Ensuring your tires are in their best shape provides a smooth, dependable, and peaceful drive and helps your car's fuel economy and performance. Not sure how to check your tires? Luckily, we at Crain Kia of Sherwood are here to help you get started! Are you shopping around for new tires? Click here to start your order! Tire Pressure A simple but essential factor in maintaining your tires is ensuring they have the proper amount of air. Keeping your tires aired properly helps keep you, your passengers, and others on the road safe by improving handling, braking, and fuel economy. AAA, on their blog, recommends checking your vehicle's tire pressure once a month. You can check your tire's air pressure with a digital or analog gauge. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need to do. Checking Your Car's Tire Pressure Twist off the cap of the tire's valve stem. Place the gauge reader on the end of the open stem. Apply force for a tight seal for a proper reading. Add or remove air as needed. Use a compressor to add air. You can visit your local gas station if you do not own one. If your tires are overinflated, place the non-rounded end of your gauge on the valve stem to release pressure. Does your car need an oil change in Sherwood, AR? Click here to schedule a service appointment! Checking Your Tire's Tread Another critical component of maintaining your vehicle's health and your safety is keeping track of your tire tread. Professionals recommend inspecting your tread using the "penny test." This lets you know if it's time to replace your tires when they become too worn down. On their blog, Bridgestone states that most automotive tires come with 10/32-inch or 11/32-inch tread depths and need replacement when they hit the 2/32-inch threshold. The "penny test" lets you know if you're tires have reached this point in a simple yet effective way. The Penny Test Take the penny and put it in between the raises on the tire tread, or "rib." When placing the penny, make sure Lincoln's head points down. Check to see if Lincoln's head is visible. If Lincoln's head hides behind the tread, your tires are above the 2/32 threshold. If Lincoln's entire head is visible, it's probably time to replace the tire. Are you shopping for an electric vehicle in Central Arkansas? Click here to check out the EV9! Taking care of your car's tires is a chore, but it can significantly impact how well your car drives by affecting braking and handling. Inspecting your tire tread with the penny test and checking tire pressure are simple tasks that can drastically impact your car's performance. Stop by Crain Kia of Sherwood in Sherwood, AR, today!