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Does Your Kia Need an Alternator Repair?

Front view of a dark green 2022 Kia Sorento with the headlights on. | Kia dealer in Sherwood, AR.
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.

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.
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Service professional changing oil at Crain Kia of Sherwood

Get your Oil Changed at Crain Kia of Sherwood

Taking care of your vehicle with regular maintenance is important to ensure it runs smoothly and lasts for a long time. Regular checkups are necessary and can help identify any potential vehicle issues. Oil changes are one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your car, truck, or SUV in great shape. However, staying on top of all the necessary checkups can be a hassle. That's why we at Crain Kia of Sherwood are here to assist you! We make vehicle maintenance easy and stress-free. Does your car need an oil change in Central Arkansas? Click here to schedule your appointment! How Frequently? To keep your car running smoothly, it's important to get the oil changed every 3,000 miles. This helps to keep your engine well-lubricated and free of dirt and grime, which can cause damage. Regular oil changes also help your car last longer and maintain its value. So, make sure you don't skip out on this important maintenance task! Oil Types Choosing the right oil for your car is super important for how well your car runs and how often you need to change the oil. Check the manual in your glovebox to find what oil your car needs. If you can't find it, don't worry - reach out to our certified service team, and we'll help you out. Conventional If you're looking for a wallet-friendly option to keep your engine running smoothly, this one's for you. It not only provides ample lubrication but also packs in a bunch of additives to ensure a smooth ride. Synthetic Synthetic oils are better for your engine! They keep it cleaner by preventing dirt buildup, which means less wear and tear on your car. They also protect against high temperatures and work better in cold weather. How to Schedule an Oil Change Now that you know what oil type to use for your car, it's time to schedule an oil change! You can book your appointment online with our scheduling tool. Here's a quick step-by-step guide to help walk you through the process. Click here to schedule your oil change! If this is your first time with us, click the "MAKE · YEAR · MODEL" button below the scheduler. Choose your car's make and year. Enter your car's mileage (or a rough estimate). Select your desired service. You can search for oil changes in the search bar if it does not initially appear. It will ask if you need transportation while your car is in the shop. You can request a shuttle to transport you within a 20-mile radius. If you want to wait at the dealership, we offer amenities including: A child-friendly waiting area Customer Wi-Fi And more! Next, you can request a specific service advisor by selecting their name on the Appointment Calendar. Then, choose a day and time for your visit. Select Review. Enter your contact info and provide any additional information if necessary. Click "Schedule." You're finished! Please feel free to reach out for any additional questions before your appointment. Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial for keeping your car in good condition. You can check your oil levels using your dashboard's engine oil life system or the dipstick under the hood. Schedule your next appointment online or call us at Crain Kia of Sherwood in Sherwood, AR! Click here to learn about the Kia EV9!

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!