Regular car maintenance is an easy way to keep your vehicle running at top performance for an extended time. Most people know to give their car frequent oil changes, but did you know giving your transmission some tender loving care will save you from costly repairs down the road? Here are some illuminating facts about the transmission service available at your Crain Kia dealer.

What Is a Transmission Service?

Transmission Pan-Drop Fluid Change

Your service technician will remove the bottom pan and drain the fluid using some help from gravity. Debris discovered in the bottom of the pan can provide valuable insight into the condition of your transmission. It’s important to note that the pan-drop change only replaces about half of the fluid at a time, as the other half remains in the torque converter. To thoroughly clean the transmission, your technician will drain and replace the fluid several times.

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Since Sherwood, AR is such a quick drive from Little Rock, you can choose from a wide range of local entertainment venues for live music, comedy, theater, and much more. Start by checking out the event schedules at these five top concert spots near Sherwood.

5 Favorite Entertainment Venues in Driving Distance of Sherwood, AR

1. Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock

This 18,000-seat venue minutes from Sherwood has been an Arkansas mainstay for concerts and sporting events for more than 20 years. You can catch everything from family events like Disney on Ice to comedy, WWE wrestling matches, and retro 90s rock acts like The Offspring and Three Doors Down. Simmons Bank Arena is conveniently situated along the Arkansas River. You can even reserve a luxury suite or VIP area if you’re planning a night to remember.

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As the evenings get longer and our hearts get lighter, it’s a fantastic time to start exploring your local surroundings in Sherwood, AR and Little Rock, AR. Read on for ideas of spring activities to get you out and about in the good weather.

1. Take Part in Earth Day at the Zoo in Little Rock, AR

The zoo in War Memorial Park is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but don’t miss this spring’s Party for the Planet to celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Not only will the kids be able to visit their favorite animals, they’ll also be able to take part in an art contest, learn at education tables, and help out at the zoo clean-up event. It’s a great reason to use all seven seats in your Kia Sorento so that family and friends can join the party.

2. Go Bass Fishing in Lake Cherrywood Park

Angling is open to anyone with a fishing license in Sherwood all year, but spring is the best time to catch bass, and Lake Cherrywood Park is the perfect place to try. It’s located on Summit Street and offers fishing from the banks, fishing pier, or boats. Largemouth bass are plentiful, and the serene surroundings let you escape the hustle and bustle for a peaceful afternoon.

3. Photo Opportunities at the Old Mill

One of the prettiest spots in the area, the Old Mill is at its best when the dogwoods and azaleas are in bloom. Located in the TR Pugh Memorial Park at 3800 Lakeshore Drive in North Little Rock, it’s a lovely place to stroll, or to sit with a book and enjoy the fresh air. With bridges sculpted by Dionicio Rodriguez and the recreated nineteenth-century grist mill to admire, it’s a great place to take photographic memories of this year’s springtime.

4. Walk Along the Bridge

Springtime can be exhilarating, and one of the best ways to capture that feeling is with a walk along America’s longest pedestrian-only bridge at 4000 Cook’s Landing Road in North Little Rock. Watching the rushing water beneath your feet from the Murray Lock and Dam is a breathtaking experience, and walking the 4,226-foot length gives bird watchers the opportunity to view kingfishers and redtail hawks.

Connecting over 14 miles of riverside trails, walking the Big Dam Bridge is a surefire way to invigorate yourself after a long winter.

Everything seems better in springtime, and by making the most of the opportunities in your local community you can turn this time of year into a treasured memory. And if a car meets your family’s needs for comfort, style, and space, it’ll make a great trip even more enjoyable. So be sure to visit us at Crain Kia of Sherwood and browse our extensive selection of new and used vehicles to find the perfect one for you.

Image via Pixabay.

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Crain Automotive, RV, Powersports, and Collision Centers would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to all of those impacted by the devastating storms. For years, Arkansans have been here for us, now we would like to be there for you. We have partnered with the American Red Cross to assist in the recovery of our local communities. The Crain Team is dedicated to helping those in our community and across the state. We are Arkansas Driven and community focused.

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It’s no secret that headlights play an integral role in the safety of a vehicle. They allow drivers to see in low-light conditions and help them navigate the road safely. If you’re driving a Kia, it’s crucial to ensure your headlights are always in good condition. Here are signs to prompt you to visit your Kia dealer for new headlights.

1. Headlights Are Dim

When driving at night or in foggy weather, it is important to have clean and functioning headlights. Dim headlights can be a sign that your Kia’s headlight is faulty. This can be caused by dirty lenses, a burnt bulb, or corroded bulb terminals. If unsure of what’s causing the problem, it’s best to take your KIA to the dealer for service. They will diagnose the problem and get your KIA back on the road with bright, functioning headlights.

 2. Flickering Headlights

Flickering headlights are usually a sign that your headlights need to be replaced. This could be due to faulty bulbs or wiring. If you notice flickering, it’s best to visit a dealer so they can properly diagnose the problem. Ignoring could lead to more serious issues down the road.

3. Only One Headlight Is Working

If you notice that one of your headlights is no longer working, it’s a sign that the other one is about to go out. Headlights are essential for helping you see at night, and they also help other drivers see you.

When you take your car to the dealer for a replacement, they’ll check both headlights to ensure they’re working properly and pointing in the right direction. With replaced headlights, your driving visibility will be clear, reducing the chances of an accident.

4. Damaged Lenses

Damaged headlights can be a serious safety hazard. If you notice that your headlights are cracked or scratched, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible at your local dealer. There, trained professionals will inspect your headlights and replace them if necessary. Headlight replacement is a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure, so there’s no reason to delay.

5. Headlights Don’t Turn on

There are a few different reasons your headlights are not turning on, but the most common reason is that the wires have burned out. If this is the case, you’ll need to take your car to the dealer to have it checked out. In some cases, they may replace the wires for you, but in other cases, you’ll need to replace the entire headlight assembly. Either way, getting it fixed as soon as possible is important so you can continue driving safely.

If you notice that your headlights are not as bright as they once were, or if the headlight cover is cracked, it’s time for a replacement. Our trained technicians use genuine Kia parts to ensure quality and durability in our replacement services. Contact us today at Crain Kia of Sherwood for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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Providing easy access to the Arkansas River and several nearby lakes and reservoirs, the city of Sherwood, AR, is a great place to visit for water lovers and those wanting to spend some time in nature. Whether you live in the city or are passing by as part of a road trip in your new 2023 KIA Carnival LX, here are three fantastic boating destinations you should check out.

1. Lake Conway

Covering a surface area of nearly 7,000 acres, Lake Conway is the largest body of water ever created by a state wildlife commission, as well as one of the best-known destinations among local anglers thanks to its healthy populations of flathead catfish, bluegill, bass, and crappie. Constructed in the late 1940s, this lake is located a little over 20 miles northwest of downtown Sherwood.

Public access to Lake Conway is provided by a series of parks and nature reserves established around its shores. For boaters, the Pierce Creek Public Boat Landing is the most popular spot, offering a series of boat launching ramps in the southern section of the lake. Getting here takes less than half an hour via route I-40.

2. Lake Maumelle

Another manmade reservoir located about 30 miles west of the Sherwood city center, Lake Maumelle is a fantastic destination for boaters, anglers, kayakers, and nature lovers from all over the region. This artificial body of water encompasses nearly 9,000 acres and is not only a popular recreational destination but also one of the main sources of drinking water for the Little Rock metropolitan area.

Most of the public boat ramps providing access to Lake Maumelle are located along its southern shores, with the most popular spot being WestRock Landing. This place features a launching ramp that can be used for a small fee, as well as boat rentals and a small shop selling fishing supplies. Getting here takes about half an hour by car via route AR-10.

3. Greers Ferry Lake

Located about 70 miles north of downtown Sherwood, Greers Ferry Lake is another expansive body of water that draws boaters, anglers, swimmers, and scuba divers throughout the year. Since its formation in the 1960s, this lake has become a popular tourist destination, with public boat ramps and recreation areas located around the shores. Driving to this lake takes a little over one hour via route AR-5.

If you are thinking of buying a new car for you and your family and are searching for a trusted local dealership with great customer service and the latest models in the market, we’ve got your back. Visit us today at Crain Kia of Sherwood, check out our extensive lineup of new and pre-owned vehicles, and learn all about our custom financing plans.

Image via Pixabay.

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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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With the car AC not working, a long journey can become something that you dread rather than look forward to. Make sure that you’re aware of the symptoms of a malfunctioning aircon system so that you can contact your Kia dealer and get it fixed in good time. 

How Does It Feel?

One of the best indications that your air conditioning unit is in trouble will come when it stops working effectively and no long keeps the air in your cabin feeling cool and dry. However, if the air from the vents blows warm when it should be blowing cold, or if it starts cold but becomes warm, then the aircon system is struggling. It could be a simple case of low refrigerant, but alternatively, there might be issues with other components of the AC.



Another problem might be a weak airflow, which points to a clogged air filter or an issue with the fans. A muggy feel to the air suggests that the humidity regulation system in the aircon is malfunctioning.
 

How Does It Smell?

Your nose might also tell you if the aircon isn’t quite right. A musty odor from the vents can occur if mold has built up in the system. This is not only unpleasant, but is bad for your respiratory system in the long term, so it’s important to book an appointment to have it cleaned out. A sweetish or chemical smell can point to a coolant leak in the system.

How Does It Sound?

Strange and unfamiliar sounds from any of your car’s systems are generally not very good news, and the same applies to the car aircon. Problems with the compressor or the compressor clutch might be signalled by a rattling or loud humming noise when you turn the AC on, while knocking and clicking could point to loose fixtures within the system. A whirring or whistling noise should also be checked out.

What Can You See?

Another telltale sign of a faulty aircon unit might be damp patches or leaks within the car cabin itself. This is caused when the evaporator drain becomes clogged, causing condensation to build up inside the system, or might be a result of damaged and corroded seals. This often manifests as drops of water down the dashboard, and a permanent damp patch on the floor, usually on the passenger side.

If you’ve invested in a quality car, you definitely don’t want problems in your air conditioning unit to undermine your enjoyment of the drive. The good news is that the sooner you take action, the sooner it will be fixed and the less likely it is that your car will suffer ongoing problems. For exceptional service and expert care, contact Crain Kia of Sherwood and let us give your AC some TLC.

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Nothing warms the soul like the recognition of human nature through art. Art has a magical way of bringing people together even in the roughest times. We’ve compiled a list of local art galleries near Little Rock and Sherwood, AR to bring some joy into your life.

1. The House of Art

This local dive has earned the respect of talented artists all over Arkansas for their incredible support of the arts in all shapes and forms. Visit their open mic night to discover masters of poetry who make magic using words as their medium, dancers who transcend language with their body movement, and to just generally vibe with the laid-back atmosphere of a group of like-minded artists and browse their collection of art in between acts.

2. Art Group Gallery

You might just witness the process of a masterpiece in action when you stop by the Art Group Gallery. The artists whose work resides in this gallery can often be found engaged in conversation with customers and making time to explain their techniques. Watch them work while you discuss booking a private art lesson, or consider commissioning a one-of-a-kind work of art depicting your favorite landscape to drive through in your 2023 Kia Forte GT.
 

3. Cantrell Gallery

There is a good reason that this gallery has been the longest-standing gallery and custom framing company in the area. Their customer satisfaction goes above and beyond a typical gallery setting, with a certified art appraiser on staff and restoration specialists working with various subjects. If you have an heirloom art piece that needs conserving, bring it to the professionals at the Cantrell Gallery for their expertise.
 You will also find their gallery of both established and emerging local artists that span mediums from paintings, dolls, glass works, and more. Browse the collection of beautiful artwork and see their expert framing department for a custom frame to fit your new piece.

4. The Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square

Located at the Library Square in Little Rock, this little gemstone is a must-visit for any art or book lover. The quiet atmosphere of a bookstore combines with the vibrant colors of abstract art. In serving the objective to support local, the bookstore features gently-used books of all genres donated by the community.

The unique artwork found in their three gallery spaces ranges from handmade jewelry to repurposed comic book pages. They also regularly rotate their featured exhibitions with inspiring local works of art. Check out their upcoming events for exhibits about personalized yard art, landscape pieces influenced by areas of Arkansas, and more.

Art has a way of expressing the beauty in life that we aren’t always capable of seeing on our own. When you have talked to the extraordinary artists who bring life to the impossible at the Art Group Gallery, stop in to see us at Crain Kia of Sherwood to tell us your favorite medium to work with!

Image via Pixabay.

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The 2023 Kia Forte is an excellent compact sedan that provides the perfect balance between design, sportiness, value, and moderation. Overall, this vehicle is an excellent choice if you are looking for a daily driver, a commuter, or a family vehicle. Keep reading to learn why drivers love the impressive features of the ’23 Forte.

1. Navigation

The ’23 Forte makes it easy to find your destination with voice-command navigation. This available system responds to your vocal commands, searching for and putting turn-by-turn directions directly on the available 10.25-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash. This is perfect when you are driving, lost, and can’t find someplace to stop to input the destination manually.

2. Accessibility

Hands-free access to the cargo area is no longer just for SUVs and hatchbacks. The ’23 Forte is now available with Smart Trunk technology. This technology allows you to stand behind the sedan with your key fob. The car senses you and the key and can automatically open the trunk, so you don’t have to put the groceries on the ground to free up a hand.

3. Powertrains

The ’23 Forte comes with two available powertrain options. The first is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that pumps 147 horsepower. The second available powertrain is a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 201 ponies. Additionally, you can opt for a model with the available steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters if you are looking for a more exhilarating drive.

4. Forte GT

If heart-pounding sporty drives are more your style, choose the ’23 Forte GT with its sleek front bumper, redesigned headlights, and aggressive grille. The GT boasts 17-inch sport wheels and LED lights. Additionally, the GT comes with either an automatic or manual transmission. So if you are looking for a more engaging ride, you can opt for a manual transmission.

5. Fuel Economy

The ’23 Forte from Kia allows you to drive longer and pass more gas stations with its impressive fuel economy. This vehicle can get an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and an incredible 41 mpg while on the highway. Of course, your fuel mileage in the Forte does change depending on which model you choose. However, every model of the ’23 Forte maintains its integrity as a fuel-efficient compact sedan.

If you are ready to find a new compact sedan for your road trips, work commutes, and family days, make sure that the ’23 Forte is on your list of vehicles to test drive. Come visit us at Crain Kia of Sherwood and check out our new and used inventory, including our Kia-certified program and certified pre-owned vehicles, today.

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