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Get Your Car Ready for the Winter at Crain Kia!

Car traveling on icy road

When winter is here, getting your car ready for the colder weather is important, especially if you live in Arkansas, where the weather can be unpredictable. Crain Kia of Sherwood offers assistance in preparing your car for the cold season. Here are five tips to help you prepare your vehicle for winter. 

Tires

Your car's tires play a significant role in ensuring you have a safe and comfortable ride any time of the year, but especially during the winter. Your tires can get worn out over time and may not perform as well as they used to. We recommend checking your tires' condition regularly and replacing them if necessary. This can help you avoid any accidents or sudden breakdowns while driving. We can help you with tire maintenance, check for wear and tear, and ensure the tires are balanced and aligned correctly. This will improve your car's performance and provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're driving on safe and reliable tires.

Does your car need its tires replaced? Click here to schedule an appointment!

Vehicle Fluids

Your car needs various fluids to operate optimally. These fluids include engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Regularly checking these fluids is essential, especially when your oil is changed. Ideally, you should get this service done every 5,000-7,500 miles or if you notice your engine light illuminate on your dashboard. Proper maintenance of these fluids can help prevent costly repairs in the future. 

Does your car need an oil change near Little Rock, AR? Click here to learn how to schedule an appointment!

Car traveling on a winter road

Brakes

One of the most crucial components of your car is the brakes. During winter, brakes play an even more significant role. To ensure your brakes are in good working condition, you should have them checked every time you take your car for tire maintenance or an oil change. Our team of experienced technicians can check the brakes and examine the brake fluid, brake pads, and rotors to ensure your car is in optimal condition.

Does your car need brake repair? Click here to schedule an appointment in Sherwood, AR!

Emergency Kit

You should have an emergency kit in your car to ensure you're ready for anything. Here are some things you should consider including:

  • A portable phone charger
  • A warm blanket and gloves
  • A flashlight
  • Drinking water and non-perishable food
  • A first-aid kit
  • A small shovel (in case you get stuck in the snow)

It's also a good idea to make sure your car has plenty of fuel and a spare tire, just in case. By being prepared, you can avoid getting caught off guard and stay safe and comfortable until help arrives.

Roadside Assistance Kit

When traveling, it's crucial to have a roadside assistance kit in case of emergencies. This kit comes with various tools that can be super helpful when you're in a tight spot. Some of the items you can find in the kit are jumper cables, a tow rope, and other valuable tools. The kit works to help you move your car again if it won't start or gets stuck in mud or snow. This can give you peace of mind and help you navigate unexpected roadblocks while driving.

Schedule a service appointment with us at Crain Kia of Sherwood, and let our team help you prepare for the cold season.

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xperience some electrical trouble in its lifetime. Electrical issues are difficult to diagnose and can be troublesome. Electrical problems are best solved by your Kia dealer to save you time, money, and stress. We have compiled a list of common electrical issues your car might experience for your convenience. 4 Electrical Problems Your Kia Dealer Can Fix For You 1. Alternator Troubles Your alternator is a relatively small and lightweight part. Think roughly the size of a coconut in most vehicles. The alternator works to deliver power to our vehicles and recharge your vehicle's battery. When an alternator is failing or has broken, you might find that your battery cannot hold a charge, you have dim lights while driving down the road, or the vehicle dies while driving. more Your dealership will be able to diagnose, repair, or replace your alternator if it is the cause of your electrical issues. Additionally, the dealership will use OEM parts to ensure they work perfectly with your vehicle. 2. Spark Plug Woes If your vehicle is lurching, idling roughly, or you have a cylinder misfiring, your issue could be the spark plugs in your engine. Dirty, loose, and bad spark plugs are incapable of lighting the fuel mixture in your engine to provide the combustion needed to make your engine function. The certified technicians at your dealership will be able to diagnose which spark plug is having trouble and have it replaced to get you back on the road asap. 3. Fuse Misery The fuses in your car protect your electrical system, disconnecting when they detect dangerous current levels. There are dozens of fuses in your vehicle, and locating which fuse has blown is stressful and complicated - a task best left to a professional. When a fuse blows, some of the electrical components in your vehicle will cease to function. This could be something as small as the door lights to something significant like your windshield wipers or headlights. Your dealership can diagnose which fuse or fuses have gone bad, locate them, and replace them. 4. Battery Challenges The battery in your car has two main functions. The first is to provide power to the starter in your car. The second is to store electrical energy for the electrical components in your vehicle. A dead battery or one that won't hold charge means your car won't start. However, battery trouble can mean more than just the battery itself. Your battery trouble might be with the cables themselves. The battery cables in your car can become corroded or disconnected. Don't let electrical issues keep you stranded at home. Call us at Crain Kia of Sherwood and schedule an appointment with the certified technicians in our service department today.

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When you buy a new car, you want to keep it looking that way for as long as possible. It may seem like a tedious task but it doesn't have to be. Here are our favorite, easy tips for interior car care. Clean up Leather Seating It's suggested that you clean the interior of your car at least once a month or as needed. Cleaning your leather seats will keep your car feeling luxurious for years to come, if done correctly. Start by vacuuming your seats to remove dirt and debris. The next step is to use a leather cleaner and apply it as directed. You can either purchase a commercial cleaner or make your own but make sure to skip products such as ammonia and bleach. A simple water and soap mix will actually do the trick. Make sure not to fully saturate your seats because it could cause staining and pooling of water. You should only dampen the surface of your seats and then wipe clean to remove anything that is stuck on. Take Care of Cloth Seats If you have cloth seating, your car care will be a little different. Still start by vacuuming your seats and making sure that there are no crumbs or anything down inside of them. After vacuuming, tackle any larger stains with a spot cleaner. You can buy this or make your own with a bleach-free product and hot water. After doing this you should spray with clean water and then suction the water out using a wet/dry vacuum. Always make sure your seats are dry before sitting in your car. more Vacuum Everything One of the easiest things you can do to keep your car looking and smelling fresh is to vacuum the interior. You should vacuum your floor mats, seats, and just about anything you can reach. The cup holders and storage compartments can also be vacuumed for a deep clean. Not just any household vacuum will be strong enough though. You can either invest in a good car vacuum to keep at home or stop by a car wash and use theirs for a small cost. Clean Your Dash Cleaning your dash will instantly give your car's interior a facelift. Start by wiping down the hard surfaces with a microfiber cloth so you don't leave any residue behind. Then use either just a slightly dampened cloth or a cleaner specific for your interior finishes. Using a small brush will reach crevices you can't reach with your rag. Keep Your Windows and Mirrors Shiny Not only does cleaning your windows and mirrors make your car look good, but it's also better for safety reasons, as well.  Start with a microfiber rag to be sure that your glass gets the ultimate, long-lasting shine you are looking for. Then use an auto window cleaner and wipe clean. Don't forget to go back over with a dry rag and get rid of all those streaks! We hope that these basic tips to keep the inside of your car looking new come in helpful the next time you tidy up. If you keep up with these simple steps on a regular basis it will save you time and energy in the long run.

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