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How Often Should You Replace Your Kia's Brake Pads?

Rear profile view a gray 2023 Kia EV6 parked under a structure. | Kia service center in Sherwood, AR.

Brake pads can last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, but deciding when to replace them within this wide range is a balancing act. Too soon means unnecessary expense, but too late could put you and your car at risk of an accident. We've put together some of the things you should consider when determining when to ask your Kia dealer for a replacement.

Ask Your Kia Dealer

Pads absorb the friction created when the calipers squeeze against the rotor to slow the vehicle down. This means that they'll always wear out eventually and need regular checks, so it pays to make sure that a brake service becomes an unshakeable part of your maintenance routine. 

During this appointment, a specialist will check your rotors, clips, calipers, pads, and shoes to ensure that they're all in perfect working order, and will recommend any necessary replacements. It's best to have this check at least once a year, and for added convenience, you can schedule it alongside a routine tire rotation or oil change.

Evaluate Your Driving Habits


The lifetime of your pads depends on how often you use them, so if you're the sort of driver who relies heavily on your brakes then you'll need a shorter interval between replacements. If you "ride the brake" or tend to stop the car late and hard, then your pads will become worn more quickly, and you'll be replacing them closer to the 25,000-mile mark.

This is something that you need to factor into your maintenance routine, but it's also a good idea to try and change your driving style. Using longer stopping distances and engine braking is safer, better driving practice, and will save wear and tear on your car's components.

Consider the Driving Conditions

Some journeys are harder on your pads than others, as they require you to brake harder and more often, and may corrode parts of the braking system. These include:

  • Heavy traffic

  • Stop-start traffic

  • Steep, hilly roads

  • High temperatures

  • Dusty or gritty roads


You'll also have to brake harder if you're carrying or towing a heavy load with your car. All of these conditions mean that your pad replacements will need to happen sooner rather than later.

Listen to Your Car

If the pads are too worn, your car has a variety of ways to let you know about it. If you notice a screeching, squealing, or low rumbling noise when you brake or feel a change in sensation when you press on the brake pedal, then it could mean that your brakes are dangerously worn and need a checkup right away.

The best way of ensuring that your pads and all other parts of the braking system are in perfect working order is to seek the advice of technicians that you can rely on and trust. That's why you should schedule service at Crain Kia of Sherwood, where our exceptional customer care and specialist knowledge mean that you'll get the best advice and solutions. 

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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

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