Regular Kia maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle in good operating condition. But how do you know when it’s time to take your car in for a tune-up? Below, we look at 9 indicators your car should be checked, what to expect when you bring your vehicle into a Kia dealer, and how to find a qualified dealership near you.
9 Signs Your Kia Needs Maintenance
1. There Are Puddles of Fluid Under Your Car
If you notice dark spots or puddles underneath your car after it has been parked for a period of time, this is an indicator that you likely have a fluid leak. Depending on the color of the fluid, it could be oil, coolant, transmission fluid, or something else. If the fluid is dark brown, black, or has a rainbow film on the top, this is most likely oil. Transmission fluid appears red, while coolant has a neon green color.
Avoid driving your vehicle if you suspect any kind of leak. However, if there’s no way to get around it, be sure to check and top off your fluids frequently until you can get your car to a qualified mechanic for maintenance.
2. Your Oil Looks Dark or Dirty
Motor oil starts with a light-brown color, almost like pancake syrup. As you drive your vehicle and the oil flows through your engine, it picks up dirt and debris particles, turning it a darker color. If your oil is very brown or black when you check it, this is a sure sign that your car needs maintenance right away.
3. It’s Getting Harder to Steer
When your power steering fluid is leaking, your vehicle will get more difficult to steer over time. You may have a harder time turning corners or merging into traffic, which can be dangerous if this happens when you’re on a highway or around other cars. In some cases, steering issues they also be caused by problems with your vehicle’s electrical system.
4. You Hear Strange Noises When Driving
For example, if your car is low on oil, you may hear your engine knocking when idling. If your brakes need maintenance, you may hear squealing or screeching when you bring your vehicle to a stop. You should ever ignore strange noises and try to drive your car anyway, since this could cause serious damage to your vehicle or even pose a safety issue for you and others on the road.
5. Your Car Is Jerking, Shaking, or Shuddering
If your car shudders, shakes, or stalls when you drive, you may need Kia maintenance sooner rather than later. The problem could be with your tires, wheels, or even your engine block. When the car shakes can give you a few more clues as to what might be causing the issue. For example, shaking or shuddering that gets worse when you drive faster is likely related to your tires.
6. Your Battery Keeps Going Out
If your battery keeps dying and you find yourself having to jumpstart your vehicle more often, some simple maintenance may be able to resolve the issue. A mechanic can test your battery to see if it will hold a charge and if not, replace it with a new unit.
In some cases, however, a dying battery can indicate a larger problem with the vehicle’s electrical system. Regular maintenance can help you catch potential issues like these quickly before they escalate to more expensive repairs.
7. You Start Losing Fuel Efficiency
Poor fuel efficiency can be an indication that your vehicle is no longer performing as well as it used to. Cars and trucks with dirty oil, low fluids, and other common problems tend to use more gasoline per mile driven than vehicles that are in good working condition.
8. You Frequently Have to Air Up Your Tires
Your car’s tires are integral to its ability to get you where you need to go and keep you safe on the way. When these are low on air, out of balance, or have a more serious issue, your vehicle will need to be serviced right away.
One of the first signs of tire problems is low tire pressure and having to continually put air in your tires to keep them inflated, so if this happens to you, be sure to schedule an appointment with your local dealership as soon as they can get you in.
9. Your Vehicle’s Manufacturer Manual Recommends It
You may have heard that cars need to have their oil changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. But did you know that this recommendation differs between vehicle makes and models?
Check your automobile’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals and if it’s time, take your vehicle in for maintenance and let the technicians know exactly what your manual says needs to be done.
How to Find a Reliable Kia Dealer Near You
Choosing the right Kia dealer to service your vehicle is an important first step. The provider you choose should have robust experience working not only with Kia brand vehicles but also other makes and models. Look for a dealership that offers rental cars so you don’t have to worry about trying to use public transportation for everything while your car is being worked on.
What to Expect at Your Kia Maintenance Appointment
When you take your car in to a Kia dealer for maintenance, the technician will do several things to service your vehicle and keep it running smoothly, including things like:
- Changing your oil
- Replacing your oil filter
- Checking other fluids
- Topping them off as needed
- Testing your battery
- Check your tire pressure
- Inspect and replace brakes
Does your car need service? Contact us at Auffenberg Kia of Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau, MO to schedule your Kia maintenance and get on the road to a smoother ride today. In addition to rentals, we offer free Wi-Fi, snacks, a kids’ play center, and a business center if you prefer to stay on-site to make your wait more comfortable.
