Getting your car winter-ready is essential, especially in Arkansas, where the weather can change in a blink. At Crain Kia of Fayetteville, we're here to help you prepare your vehicle for the cold. Check out these five easy tips to ensure your car is good to go this winter. Tires Your car's tires are crucial for a comfortable and safe driving experience, especially in winter. Tires can wear out after a while, leading to reduced performance. To prevent any driving mishaps, it's a good idea to regularly inspect your tires and replace them when needed. We offer tire maintenance services to check for wear and tear and ensure your tires are properly balanced and aligned. This boosts your car's efficiency and gives you the confidence to travel on various terrain. Click here to schedule your next tire appointment near Springdale, AR. Vehicle Fluids To keep your car running smoothly, it's important to regularly check and maintain its essential fluids. These include the engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. It's a good idea to check these fluids, especially during an oil change, which should happen every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or if you see the engine light come on. Taking care of these fluids can help you avoid expensive repairs later on. Brakes Your car's brakes are crucial, and they're even more critical in the winter. To keep them working properly, it's a good idea to get them checked whenever you're getting your tires or oil done. Our skilled team can check your brake fluid, pads, and rotors to make sure your car is safe and ready to go. Need an oil change or brake repair? Click here to book your next service visit. Emergency Kit To be prepared for any situation while driving, having a survival kit in your vehicle is smart. Consider packing these essentials: A charger for your cellphone Warm clothing like a blanket and gloves A flashlight for seeing in the dark Bottled water and snacks that won't go bad A basic medical kit for injuries A compact shovel, useful if your car gets stuck in snow Additionally, it is wise to keep your car's fuel tank full and have a spare tire on hand. This way, you can stay safe and comfortable until assistance arrives if you ever find yourself in an unexpected situation. Roadside Assistance Kit It's really important to carry an emergency roadside kit with you when you're out traveling. This kit may come in handy during tough situations. Inside, you should pack items like jumper cables and a tow rope, among other essential tools. These items are great for getting your car moving again if it stops working or if you find yourself stuck in mud or snow. These tools can ease your worries and help you deal with any surprises on the road. Book a service appointment at Crain Kia of Fayetteville to let our team assist you in preparing for the winter season.
It's essential to inspect your brakes frequently. Your car's brake system consists of several parts, like brake pads and rotors, among others. If your brakes are failing or wearing out, there are definite signs to watch for. We at Crain Kia of Fayetteville in Fayetteville, AR, want to help you recognize these signs. Screeching When you're out driving and hear a noise while braking, it's a sign to get your car checked. AAA points out that if you hear a sharp, high-pitched, or grinding sound, it likely means your brake pads are worn out and need changing. Karim Nice from HowStuffWorks ' blog mentions that this noise often comes from the brake pad's wear indicator. It's a sign that the pad is getting thin and starts rubbing against the disc, causing that squealing noise. Vibration If you're on the road and you feel your brake pedal vibrating or pulsing, this might mean your rotor is not in good shape. According to Autozone 's blog, if you hear grinding sounds or notice that it takes longer or feels inconsistent when you brake, it's likely time to get your rotor replaced. They mention that rotors can last up to 60,000 miles if you do most of your driving on highways. However, if you're mostly driving in the city with a lot of stop-and-go traffic, your rotors may only last about 20,000 miles. If you think your car needs new rotors, it's a good idea to set up a time to visit the service team at Crain Kia of Fayetteville. The Brake Pedal Pressing the brake pedal should feel solid and stop the vehicle quickly. However, Chantel Wakefield mentions in a Kelley Blue Book blog post that if the pedal feels soft and spongy, it's a sign your car might need repair. A few reasons this happens could be due to a leak in the brake line, not enough brake fluid, or air getting into the brake line. If you're experiencing a soft brake pedal, it's a good idea to get it checked by our certified service team. Dash ABS Light If you see your ABS light come on your car's dashboard, it's a clear sign you should check your brakes or have them looked at. Dustin Hawley from J.D. Power 's blog shares that the ABS keeps an eye on the speed of your car's wheels, making sure they all turn at the same pace. It uses a special tracker to notice any irregularities and lets you know by lighting up an alert on your dash. When this light turns on, it could mean a few different things, but according to Hawley, it generally boils down to one of four main issues. Four Main Dash ABS Alerts The ABS Module isn't functioning correctly. Your car is running low on brake fluid. There's a problem with the sensors that measure how fast your wheels are turning. The system has been turned off. Making sure your car's brakes work well is crucial for your own safety and for everyone else driving near you. Look for any signs that your vehicle's braking system might be malfunctioning. Don't forget to book your upcoming maintenance check at Crain Kia of Fayetteville!
Maintaining your car takes time and effort, but it's essential to keep up with basic oil changes to ensure the longevity of your vehicle. These regular service appointments can help you avoid unexpected issues and smooth your daily rides. Keeping track of oil changes and finding the right kind of oil to use can be overwhelming. The good news is that we at Crain Kia of Fayetteville in Fayetteville, Arkansas, are here to help! Which Oil Should I Get? It's important to choose the right oil for your car to keep it running smoothly. Different oil types have different properties that affect how well your vehicle performs and how often you need to change the oil. If you're unsure which type of oil your car needs, check the owner's manual in the glove box. If you have questions, our Kia Service Team is always here to help! Click here to reach out! Conventional Oils Conventional oil is the most affordable oil type available. This oil grade helps keep your engine running smoothly and protects it from wear and corrosion. Conventional oil also includes additives that help keep your engine running smoothly. Synthetic Oils Although synthetic oils are more costly compared to conventional oils, they offer extra engine protection and lubrication for superior defense. These have high oxidation resistance, which lasts longer and keeps the oil from breaking down. Not only that, it works to fight sludge and deposit buildup that could cause problems to your engine. Schedule Your Next Appointment! If you need to schedule a service appointment in NWA, we can help! If it's your first time visiting our service team, this guide can walk you through how to get things started on our website. Click here to begin! Click the "MAKE · YEAR · MODEL" button below the scheduler if you are a new customer. Pick or enter your car's make, year, model, and any additional information if requested. Enter your car's mileage (or a close estimate). Select "Replace Engine Oil and Oil Filter." You can click "All Services and Repairs" and type in the search bar if it does not appear. 6. If available, the form will then ask if you require transportation while your car is in the shop. If you choose to stay at the dealership, we offer amenities including: A child-friendly waiting area Wi-Fi And more! 7. If you want to choose your service advisor, pick their name on the Calendar and select the day and time of your appointment. Press "Review" or "Next." Enter your contact information and include further comments if necessary. Once you've reviewed your appointment details, click the schedule button. You're done! Please contact us if you have any further questions before your appointment. Regular car maintenance is essential for maintaining your vehicle's overall health and performance. If you haven't had your car checked in some time, you can check your oil levels using your dashboard's engine oil life system or by inspecting the dipstick under the hood. Schedule your next visit with us online or by calling us today! Are you shopping for a sedan in Northwest Arkansas? Click here to learn about Kia Sedans!
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.