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Are you experiencing any electrical issues with the dashboard lights not working or the headlights flickering? If so, it may be time to have your alternator checked and fixed. Alternators are responsible for providing power to your vehicle's electrical systems, and if they are faulty, they can cause several different problems within your car. Here are signs that indicate you need to bring your vehicle to your Kia dealer for an alternator repair. Dim Lights Dim or flickering headlights can indicate alternator failure. The lights may intensify as the RPMs increase, then fade as the RPMs decrease. This is a solid clue that the alternator isn't producing enough power to meet the vehicle's electrical demands. If you notice this with your lights, you should bring your car to your local dealer and have a mechanic check your alternator. Unusual Sounds Strange noises can indicate various automotive problems, and determining where the sound comes from can be difficult. If you hear unusual noises like grinding or whining and experience other problematic alternator symptoms, your alternator is most likely failing. A worn-out, fractured, or filthy bearing is the most common cause of grinding noises. Meanwhile, whining sounds are produced when the voltage regulator directs the alternator to charge more than is required. Burning Smell A weird odor coming from under your hood is another symptom of an alternator system failure. You may notice different scents, but they're all caused by an alternator that's working too hard and about to overheat. If you smell burnt rubber, it means the rubber belt that keeps the alternator running isn't moving smoothly, resulting in excessive friction. The belt might heat up due to the friction, giving off a distinct burning rubber odor. more Electrical Accessories Not Working If your alternator fails, the accessories that rely on power are likely to fail as well. If you notice that your electric windows are slow to open, your radio is erratic, or your heated seats aren't functioning, it could signify alternator failure. If you are experiencing these issues with your electrical components, you should bring your vehicle to your local service center for a check-up and repair. Difficulty Starting the Car When the alternator malfunctions, you may notice that the automobile has a difficult time starting. This is because if the alternator is no longer adequately charging the battery, the battery does not have enough power to start the automobile properly. If you are constantly experiencing this problem, you should contact your mechanic at your service center and schedule an appointment for a check-up. At Crain Kia of Sherwood, we're happy to help our customers with their alternators. We understand that you may not know a lot about what goes into fixing your alternator and how it can affect your car's performance, and that's why we have reliable pros on staff who are willing to answer all of those questions for you! Contact Crain Kia of Sherwood if you need more information on how we can best help you and your vehicle. Image via Kia.

You may not realize it, but your car needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. If you are not taking care of your vehicle, you could be hurting its performance and even the resale value. But if you don't want to worry about all that, there is another option: working with a Kia mechanic at your Kia dealer in Sherwood, AR. Below we'll take a look at five benefits to this route so you can decide whether or not it's right for you! 1) Lots of Experience Dealer-trained mechanics are not just talented at working on cars, but they also have the experience of working with other makes and models. This means you will be getting an honest opinion on what needs to be repaired or replaced on your Kia model. It can't hurt that they are skilled in their trade! Furthermore, these technicians work with Kia repairs every day, so they know exactly what needs to be done. 2) Certified Technicians To aid them in their work, dealer-trained mechanics use factory equipment and the right Kia parts. This means the repairs are accurate. You will not need to worry about additional problems cropping up down the road because of faulty maintenance. They have been meticulously trained to work on your specific model, and this helps ensure a perfect fit every time. And if a problem ever happens with a Kia repair that a dealer-trained technician worked on, you can rest assured that the dealership will stand behind the car's performance - it is an inherent part of their jobs! 3) Warranty Another perk of working with a dealer-trained mechanic is that most repairs will come with warranties. This way, you do not have to worry about complications cropping up or faulty parts used during the repairs. You can sleep soundly, knowing the problems will be resolved immediately! more 4) A Wide Range of Repairs Dealer-trained mechanics may handle everything from regular maintenance to more involved repairs on your Kia model. They are specially trained to handle the intricacies of working with your Kia, so you will not have to worry about damage or incorrect parts being installed during the process - things that do not come with the guarantee of a warranty. 5) Personalized Service Working with a dealer-trained mechanic gives you personalized service, which is excellent when it comes to your vehicle! No two cars are alike, so why should any repair be handled in the same way? You benefit from personalized service because the dealer-trained technicians know your car inside and out. It's their job, after all! They will focus on what you need to get back on the road in no time. If you want to make sure your vehicle is in the best shape possible, visit Crain Kia today. We have a team of certified technicians who can keep your car running like new for many miles to come! All it takes is one call or stop by our dealership today, and we'll be happy to provide any assistance you need. Image via Kia.

Are you experiencing any electrical issues with the dashboard lights not working or the headlights flickering? If so, it may be time to have your alternator checked and fixed. Alternators are responsible for providing power to your vehicle's electrical systems, and if they are faulty, they can cause several different problems within your car. Here are signs that indicate you need to bring your vehicle to your Kia dealer for an alternator repair. Dim Lights Dim or flickering headlights can indicate alternator failure. The lights may intensify as the RPMs increase, then fade as the RPMs decrease. This is a solid clue that the alternator isn't producing enough power to meet the vehicle's electrical demands. If you notice this with your lights, you should bring your car to your local dealer and have a mechanic check your alternator. Unusual Sounds Strange noises can indicate various automotive problems, and determining where the sound comes from can be difficult. If you hear unusual noises like grinding or whining and experience other problematic alternator symptoms, your alternator is most likely failing. A worn-out, fractured, or filthy bearing is the most common cause of grinding noises. Meanwhile, whining sounds are produced when the voltage regulator directs the alternator to charge more than is required. Burning Smell A weird odor coming from under your hood is another symptom of an alternator system failure. You may notice different scents, but they're all caused by an alternator that's working too hard and about to overheat. If you smell burnt rubber, it means the rubber belt that keeps the alternator running isn't moving smoothly, resulting in excessive friction. The belt might heat up due to the friction, giving off a distinct burning rubber odor. more Electrical Accessories Not Working If your alternator fails, the accessories that rely on power are likely to fail as well. If you notice that your electric windows are slow to open, your radio is erratic, or your heated seats aren't functioning, it could signify alternator failure. If you are experiencing these issues with your electrical components, you should bring your vehicle to your local service center for a check-up and repair. Difficulty Starting the Car When the alternator malfunctions, you may notice that the automobile has a difficult time starting. This is because if the alternator is no longer adequately charging the battery, the battery does not have enough power to start the automobile properly. If you are constantly experiencing this problem, you should contact your mechanic at your service center and schedule an appointment for a check-up. At Crain Kia of Sherwood, we're happy to help our customers with their alternators. We understand that you may not know a lot about what goes into fixing your alternator and how it can affect your car's performance, and that's why we have reliable pros on staff who are willing to answer all of those questions for you! Contact Crain Kia of Sherwood if you need more information on how we can best help you and your vehicle. Image via Kia.

Whether you are first time Kia owner or a seasoned Kia veteran, you should know about your friendly local Kia repair shop in Sherwood, AR. Here you will find quality and specialized care for your Kia that can't be matched anywhere else. We pride ourselves in our customer-first approach to car care, and we aim to give you an experience you will love. Your Local Kia Repair Shop in Sherwood, AR Crain Kia of Sherwood is a friendly local repair shop where you can find quality service to help you with all of your Kia maintenance and repair needs. If you are looking for a friendly local service, then you can count on us! We have highly qualified technicians, and customer satisfaction is our top priority. You could go somewhere else, but you won't find a service like this anywhere but here. What You'll Love About Our Service We know you will love our friendly repair shop, and we can tell you why. We offer top-quality service, and here is what sets us apart. Quality Parts and Technicians At Crain Kia of Sherwood, we offer quality factory parts and top-tier service technicians. You will want to take your Kia to someone you can trust to service your car and do it right. At Kia of Sherwood, we provide all of the Kia maintenance and repair services you will need, including routine maintenance, a tire center, express service, and more. You won't need to go anywhere else, and you can drive confidently knowing your Kia is being cared for by someone you can trust. more Helpful Financing Apply for financing easily online to get the repairs you need when you need them the most, and with our Car Care One card, you won't even have to pay interest if you pay it off within 90 days. At Crain Kia of Sherwood we understand that when our customers need car care, it cannot wait. Customer Focused Service At Crain Kia of Sherwood, we strive to provide the best customer experience. For your convenience, we offer online scheduling, chat support, and text support. Because we understand our customers are busy, we also offer certain express services that guarantee some of your small maintenance services take 60 minutes or less. This way you can get on with your life and keep your Kia healthy too. Amazing Deals Because we love our customers, we offer some pretty amazing deals and specials. You can learn about all of our specials easily right from our website. We stand by our mission to save you money, so at our tire center, we even offer a price match guarantee. We want to save you money so you can show your Kia the love it deserves. We know maintenance and repairs can be inconvenient, so we aim to provide you with friendly service that will make you look forward to working with us. Contact us today at Crain Kia of Sherwood and let us know how we can help. We look forward to seeing you soon!

You rely on your vehicle to take you where you need to go. The last thing you need is unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. Allow the experts to take care of your car to ensure that your Kia never lets you down. For top-quality maintenance services, you can rely on your Kia service center in Sherwood, AR. We provide expert maintenance and repairs performed by Kia-trained technicians who will ensure that your car continues to be a pleasure to drive. How Often Should You Get Routine Maintenance at Your Sherwood, AR, Kia Service Center? The Kia Maintenance Schedule Every Kia model has a maintenance schedule with factory-recommended service intervals to ensure that your vehicle continues to perform at its best. To make it easy, we've divided the intervals into Service A, B, and C. Service A is a lubrication service and must be performed every 7,500 miles or six months. During this maintenance service, the oil and filter will be replaced to keep your engine lubricated. This will reduce friction that causes wear and ensure that your engine lasts longer. Service B must be performed every 15,000 miles or 12 months. All the Service A maintenance will be repeated. Additional inspections, adjustments, top-offs, and replacements will be performed. The comprehensive Service C must take place every 30,000 miles or 24 months. It is a repeat of the Service A and B inspections, adjustments, top-offs, and replacements. This maintenance service is crucial to ensure reliability, safety, fuel efficiency, and optimal vehicle performance. more Service A, B, and C Intervals The following service intervals are general guidelines to assist you in taking good care of your car. Consult your owner's manual for the factory recommended maintenance schedule and service intervals for your specific Kia model and year. Lubrication Service A: Every 7,500 Miles or Six Months Engine oil and filter change Drain plug washer replacement Brake fluid level check and top-off Transmission fluid level check and top-off Coolant fluid level check and top-off Power steering fluid level check and top-off Battery check Cooling system and hoses inspection Drive belt inspection Transmission and mountings inspection Fuel tank, pipeline, and hoses inspection Brake system inspection Electronic system check Exhaust system inspection Drive axle boots and CV joints inspection Check for fluid leaks Horn operation check Lights inspection Front and rear windshield wiper inspection Tire condition and pressure check Tire rotation Maintenance Service B: Every 15,000 Miles or 12 Months A repeat of Service A maintenance Air conditioning filter replacement Engine air filter replacement Brake system inspection Clutch system inspection Steering system and linkages inspection Suspension system inspection Clean and lubricate all brakes Comprehensive Service C: Every 30,000 Miles or 24 Months A repeat of Service A and B maintenance Brake fluid replacement Transmission fluid replacement Engine coolant replacement Fuel filter replacement Spark plugs replacement Quality Maintenance As important as it is to adhere to the prescribed service intervals, top-quality maintenance services are just as crucial. The technicians at your authorized Kia dealership are factory trained and know every inch of your vehicle inside and out. They know what maintenance is needed to keep your Kia in tip-top shape. We have advanced technology and equipment and genuine Kia parts. Our qualified technicians guarantee top-quality warranty services, maintenance, and repairs to ensure that your vehicle always performs at its peak. For your Kia to be reliable, fuel-efficient, safe, and in tip-top condition, regular maintenance services performed by Kia-trained technicians are crucial. Contact Crain Kia of Sherwood today. Our qualified technicians will perform top-quality maintenance services to keep your vehicle running at its best.

One of the best ways to make sure your car is as safe to drive as possible is to get your brakes services regularly. However, if you haven't had a chance to get your brakes inspected for a while, here are five signs that indicate Sherwood, AR drivers may need a brake repair. 5 Signs that Indicate Sherwood, AR Drivers Should Consider Getting a Brake Repair There Is a Squealing Sound Coming from the Brakes All brake pads are equipped with wear indicators that are designed to warn drivers that their brake pads are wearing down and should be replaced soon. When the pads wear past the indicator, a squealing sound is produced when you're driving around and NOT when you're pressing on the brakes. This squealing sound means that while your brakes are still working for now, but they may not be effective for much longer, so you should get them inspected soon. Your Brake Light Comes On The most obvious sign that your brakes need repair is when your brake light illuminates on your dashboard. This light could mean that your regular brakes need services or that there's something wrong with your emergency brake, but either way, it's important to bring your car in for service to determine why the light came on. Never ignore any warning light that is on your dashboard because your car is smart enough to know when it needs help. more There Is a Grinding Noise Coming from the Brakes If you ignore the squealing sound long enough, or if you somehow don't hear it, eventually you'll start hearing a grinding noise when you press on the brake pedal. This means that your brake pads are entirely worn away and your bare metal calipers are now squeezing against the metal rotor. Since your rotor needs to be completely smooth, the grinding will make them less effective when stopping. You'll probably need new rotors as well as new brake pads. It Takes You Longer to Stop In regular driving conditions, the time it takes you to stop should remain consistent if your brakes are functioning properly. If they are failing, though, you will notice that your stopping time has increased. You might even find yourself pressing your brake pedal all the way to the floor before your vehicle comes to a stop. This is a major indication that you need new brakes, and you should get your car serviced as soon as possible. Your Brake Pedal Feels Spongy A brake pedal that feels spongy or squishy when you press on it is a sign that you could be leaking brake fluid. You'll have to press harder on the pedal to get your car to stop, which means your stopping time is also increased, elevating the risk of a collision. Fluid is necessary to ensure your brakes work properly, so your car should be inspected right away to make sure you have enough fluid to keep them working well. You always want your car to be safe to drive, but if you're not getting your brakes serviced regularly, you're actually driving an unsafe vehicle. Bring your car by Crain Kia for a brake check today.

Your transmission is one of the most important parts of your Kia. If you repair transmission issues at an early stage, you'll be less likely to experience more serious and expensive car issues in the future. Read on to learn common warning signs that may indicate that your car has developed transmission problems. 6 Signs Your Car May Be Having Transmission Problems 1. You Notice a Burning Smell If you notice a burning smell while you are driving your vehicle, you should never ignore this problem. This unpleasant odor may be a sign that the fluid in your transmission has started to burn. 2. You Hear Odd Noises If your transmission is damaged, you might hear buzzing or humming sounds while you are driving. This type of car problem can also cause your car to make clunking, bumping, or whining noises. For example, you might notice a bumping noise after you put your vehicle in neutral. This sound may be a warning sign that the bearings or other aspects of your transmission are becoming too worn. Dirty or insufficient transmission fluid can also cause your car to make this noise. If you notice any unusual sounds, you should visit a service center that can diagnose the cause of this issue. more 3. You Are Struggling To Change Gears If you are having difficulty changing gears, your transmission may be malfunctioning. For example, you might struggle to move your car out of park. Having inadequate amounts of transmission fluid can cause you to experience this issue. Alternatively, you may have this problem if your transmission fluid becomes dirty. 4. Your Check Engine Light Has Turned On Your check engine light will come on when sensors in your car identify jerks, vibrations, or other changes that are connected to maintenance issues. Although you might be tempted to ignore this directive, this light may indicate that you have a malfunctioning transmission or other problem. If you take your car to a reliable service center, you will lower your risk of experiencing a significant transmission issue while you are driving. 5. Your Car Is Leaking Fluid If your transmission develops a leak, you might notice a pool of fluid under your car. This fluid may be red and smell sweet. If your fluid needs to be replaced, this liquid may be brown and have a burnt odor. This type of leak is likely to appear under the middle or front areas of your vehicle. 6. You Are Slipping Gears If your transmission malfunctions, you might slip into a new gear without an obvious reason. Since this problem will decrease your ability to control your car, you should address this issue immediately. If you smell a burning odor when you drive, have leaking fluid, or are experiencing other car issues, you should not ignore these warning signs. We can repair your broken transmission and lower your risk of developing car problems in the future. To schedule an appointment with our service center, contact us at Crain Kia today.

You need a Kia oil change every 7,500-10,00 miles, so visit your dealer in Sherwood, AR for regular oil changes. Generally, you need an oil change once every 6 months, even if you haven't reached 7,500 miles. Letting old oil sit around in your vehicle can damage the engine, so stay on top of this maintenance and don't delay when you need your oil changed. Where Should You Get A Kia Oil Change in Sherwood, AR? You should get your oil changed at a local Kia dealership. Dealers have technicians who specialize in the cars sold at the dealership. A specialist technician is always more desirable than a generalist one, as specialists can provide more detailed advice and insight on your vehicle. Sometimes you'll need an oil change more frequently than every 7,500 miles, but it depends on several variables that a specialist technician can advise on. A specialist technician will make sure that your oil change frequently is in line with what your vehicle needs. That 7,500-,10,000 miles is just a general suggestion, but your technician can give you a personalized suggestion. Technicians are also happy to help if you need an oil change earlier than expected. You should learn to recognize the signs that you need an oil change, though, so you can take your Kia in ASAP. 3 Signs You Need an Oil Change 1. Dark Exhaust Fumes The fumes from your exhaust pipe are supposed to be invisible. If the fumes are suddenly dark, then you may have a problem with your oil. It's not doing its job well, and that results in smoke-like fumes coming out of your tailpipe. more 2. Louder Engine An engine that's suddenly louder than usual is a sign that you need an oil change. The oil lubricates your engine, and when your engine isn't lubricated correctly, the engine gets louder. You may also hear a knocking sound coming from your engine. The knocking indicates an issue with your oil, even if your engine seems to be performing at its usual volume. 3. Unusual Oil Texture If you notice that your oil has changed texture, then it's a sure sign that you need an oil change. Your oil should be smooth, translucent, and amber in color. If it becomes cloudy, gritty, or thin in places, then something is wrong with the oil. Your oil may appear darker than it used to be, but that's not always a sign of bad oil. The oil darkens as it goes through the engine. If the oil appears gritty and dirty as well as dark, then that's when you should be worried. Get an oil change if the color change is accompanied by the presence of particles. If you need an oil change, visit us at Crain Kia of Sherwood. We'll change your oil, and we'll fix any faults in your system. We can take care of all of your regular maintenance needs, so don't hesitate to call if you have a problem. You can reach us at 501-542-5200.