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For such a seemingly simple component of your car, a faulty air filter can cause a surprising amount of damage. When a car air filter gets clogged up, your engine becomes starved of oxygen. This leads to an imbalance of fuel and air inside your combustion chambers with all sorts of ensuing problems. So if you notice any of the following signs of trouble, check your filter and consider visiting your local Kia dealer to have it replaced right away. Does Your Kia Need a New Car Air Filter? Rough Idling Resting your Kia in idle is usually a smooth experience with your engine chugging quietly away at a consistent 800 or so RPMs. If your air filter is clogged and causing your engine to struggle, then your idling will no longer feel smooth. The RPMs will start jumping up and down. This happens because the fuel-air mixture inside your combustion chambers should be consistent. With less air coming in, the fuel isn't combusting as efficiently. You'll first begin to notice this when sitting in idle. Ask Your Kia Dealer to Diagnose the Problem Apart from a clogged air filter, there are various other possible causes for rough idling. It might be due to faulty spark plugs, dirty fuel injectors, a clogged catalytic converter, or something else. You can easily inspect your air filter, which will be white when new and brown or black when aging and deteriorating. But air filters naturally darken in color as they age and it's not always easy to tell if it's clogged or not. It's best to ask a trusted technician at your local dealership for their diagnosis. Misfiring Engine As the problem worsens, an excess of unburned fuel will begin to build up inside the chambers. This excess fuel causes various problems. It can deal corrosive damage to your cylinders. It also dirties the spark plugs, coating them in a sooty residue that inhibits the spark plug's ability to ignite the fuel. This leads to misfiring, which you'll experience as juddering, shaking, and coughing from your engine. You might even have brief moments when your engine falls completely quiet. If a misfiring engine goes unchecked for a long time, it will only exacerbate the engine problems. Stalling Engine Eventually, an oxygen-starved engine will start to stall. This is where the spark plugs are so dirtied and the fuel-air mixture is so unbalanced that the combustion process fails altogether. You're most likely to stall when resting in idle, such as when you stop at traffic lights. You could even have difficulty starting the engine again. If you ever stall or can't start your car, your air filter might be to blame. Have your engine and air filter checked today at Crain Kia of Fayetteville. We're a trusted local dealership offering great service and a wide range of vehicles. Image via pixabay.com by jpj2000nl

After a significant redesign for the 2022 model, the new 2023 Kia Forte has a few updates including the front grille, headlights, and some new safety features. Read on for more information on this outstanding compact sedan. Basics About the 2023 Kia Forte Engine and Transmission There are two different choices for your Forte engine. The LX, LXS, and GT-Line engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine. It puts out 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft. of torque. It comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission and gets a combined 35 MPG. The more powerful engine in the GT is a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder that puts out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque. You can choose between the 7-speed automatic transmission (combined 30 MPG) or the sporty 6-speed manual (combined 26 MPG). Technology With an 8-inch touchscreen display on the LX and LXS and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Kia Connect, and Sirius XM on all GT and GT-Line models, the technology component of the Forte is on-point. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to have smartphone connectivity in all models. Remote keyless entry for the LX and LXS models and a Kia Smart Key for the GT-Line and GT models allow you to access your car easily. Interior With unique interior detailing for each trim package, the Forte's well-appointed interiors will let you drive in comfort and style. Heated front seats come standard or as an option in all GT and GT-Line models. All models have standard steering wheel controls, and the GT-Line and GT models have a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel for added comfort. With dual-zone climate control in all GT-Line and GT models, the GT models also feature rear A/C vents for your back-seat passengers. Both front and back seats have a roomy, spacious feel. Exterior Available in a range of colors, the sleek Forte will turn heads wherever you go. Wheel size on the LX model is 15 inches, on the LXS you'll get 16-inch alloy wheels, the GT-Line features a 17-inch alloy wheel, whereas both versions of the GT offer 18-inch alloy wheels. The GT body styling that comes on the GT-Line and GT models adds a sport grille on the front, additional black gloss styling elements, and a rear spoiler. Warranty The new Forte is backed by a standard 5-year or 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and a 5-year or 100,000-mile corrosion warranty. It also comes with 5 years or 100,000 miles of free roadside assistance. New Safety Features In addition to standard safety features that were in the 2022 model, such as the rear-view monitor, Kia has added standard lane departure warning, lane keeping and following assist, forward collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning systems in all trim packages. These features have contributed to the Forte's four-star safety rating. Stop by Crain Kia of Fayetteville to shop our huge inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles and let us help you get into a sleek new Kia today!

The 2023 Kia Carnival is an impressive multi-purpose minivan, and it's not hard to see why so many critics and drivers love it. It's beautiful inside-out, powerful and tech-savvy. To understand more about this new car, keep reading! Introducing the 2023 Kia Carnival 1. Exterior and Interior The '23 Carnival was designed to turn heads wherever you go. It comes in LX, LX Seat Package, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trim levels. Its length, height, and overall width with mirrors measure 203, 68.5, and 89.2 inches, respectively. You have several exterior hues to choose from, including deep chrome blue, Panthera metal, silky silver, deep chroma blue, and snow-white pearl. It seats seven or eight passengers, depending on the selected trim. Cloth seats come standard, while synthetic or genuine leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and carpeted floor mats are available. Interior comfort features every Carnival has includes keyless ignition, manual rear seat entry, rear ventilation ducts, dual-zone air conditioning, and front seatback storage. 2. Performance The new Carnival has enough power for all your daily errands. Every variant features a 3.5-liter V-6 that cranks 290 horsepower and 262 lb. feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is the only drivetrain, and an eight-speed automatic is the default transmission mode. It gets a fuel efficiency rate of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. Its maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. 3. Infotainment and Connectivity With a host of modern infotainment and connectivity features, all your trips in the Carnival are guaranteed to be fun and relaxing. Standard features are an 8-inch touchpad, compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, a 6-speaker sound system, and seven USB ports. You could also opt for the available 12.3-inch display system that's classy and easy to use. Other features offered as upgrades are navigation, an 8-speaker sound system, a 12-speaker Bose system, wireless smartphone charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system. 4. Driver-Asisstance Features There are plenty of standard driver-assist features in the 2023 Carnival to ensure your trips are safer than ever. They include pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitoring, forward automated emergency brakes, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist system. The vehicle exit warning notifies exiting passengers of approaching cars from behind. The rear-seat alert reminds you to check if occupants are in the back seat before you leave your vehicle. Available driver-help features are adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, parallel-exit assist, cyclist detection, and a 360-degree parking assist system. The all-new Carnival boasts comfy seats even for taller passengers. It also has quiet ride quality and enough space to store all your passengers' luggage. Stop by Crain Kia of Fayetteville to view our vast collection of new and high-quality pre-owned cars for sale. Our kind employees will gladly help you choose the best Kia trim to match your lifestyle.

A car's engine generates large amounts of heat. The heat has to be controlled, or your engine could overheat and suffer critical damage. Your Kia's cooling system requires regular service and maintenance to keep it running effectively. As your Kia dealer, we'd like to tell you some of the causes of car overheating and how we can help you. Advice From Your Kia Dealer: 3 Reasons Your Car Engine Is Overheating Coolant Leak Coolant is a mix of water and antifreeze. This solution is vital for your engine, as it helps to control the heat. Coolant is pumped through your engine. This liquid absorbs the heat generated by combustion and the hundreds of moving parts. The coolant is pumped into the radiator and enters rows of thin metal tubes. Air flows through the radiator grille and blows over the tubes to cool the hot coolant. A coolant leak can happen from wear or damage to parts of the cooling system, including the pipes, hoses, radiator, or radiator cap. As coolant leaks out, the pressure in the cooling system will drop, and the cooling process will slow down. This will cause your engine to overheat rapidly. Our expert technicians can trace the leak and repair it. Once the leak is fixed, we'll refill the coolant. Worn Radiator Cap The radiator cap fits on top of the radiator. This cap helps to control the pressure in the cooling system and prevent leaks. The cooling system is highly pressurized, and the heat absorbed by the coolant can increase the pressure. When this happens, the radiator cap will open to release the pressure and then close again. Two seals on the radiator cap provide an airtight fit and prevent coolant from leaking. Over time, these seals can shrink or wear out, and coolant can escape. This coolant will rapidly burn up in the engine's heat but leaves thin white lines around the radiator cap. We'll check the cap for signs of damage, and we'll replace the seals to fix this problem. Worn Hoses Two reinforced rubber hoses attach the radiator to your cooling system. The hose at the top brings hot coolant into the radiator, and the bottom hose removes the coolant once it's cooled. These hoses are attached to the radiator by strong clamps. The clamps prevent the hot and highly-pressurized coolant from escaping the cooling system. We check your hoses as part of your Kia's scheduled service. If the hoses haven't been checked, they can eventually become less elastic. The stiffer rubber becomes more prone to cracks and leaks. We'll examine the hoses and replace them if they're damaged. If your temperature gauge is rising, call us immediately at Crain Kia of Fayetteville.

Catalytic converters have been a part of every vehicle in the US since 1975. Converters reduce the amount of airborne pollution produced by combustion engines. Combustion produces dangerous and toxic chemicals, and the converter's job is to change these chemicals into harmless ones. Like any other component, a converter can fail. As your Kia dealer, we want to tell you some signs that we need to replace your converter. Do You Need a New Catalytic Converter From Your Kia Dealer? Sulfur Smells Hydrogen Sulfide stinks, as it smells like rotten eggs. If you smell this foul odor from your exhaust or engine, your converter may have failed. The converter uses heat, high pressure, and chemical reactions to change the combustion byproducts. Hydrogen sulfide, for example, is converted into odorless and harmless sulfur dioxide. A converter has a lifespan of approximately ten years before it needs replacement. If the converter fails, the combustion byproducts will still be dumped into the exhaust system by the cylinders. The byproducts will pass through the damaged converter and emerge from the exhaust as toxic smoke. Our technicians will examine and test the converter and install a new one if it's broken. Blocked Converter Your converter may be working perfectly, but it can become clogged with the residue of the conversion processes. Carbon and other residues can build up in the converter over time and create a blockage. A blocked converter will prevent the exhaust gases from exiting your car. These gases will be forced back into your engine. The inflow of these gases into your engine will increase the fuel-to-air ratio in your engine. The high fuel ratio will reduce your engine performance and cause additional problems like misfiring or stalling. We can clear a blocked converter and allow the gases to exit the exhaust again. Once this happens, you'll see an immediate increase in engine performance. Your Converter Is Blue A converter is a bright silver, and easy to distinguish from the rest of the exhaust system. If you look at your converter and it has a blue tinge, it may be seriously damaged. The blue color suggests that the converter is overheating. A converter operates at high temperatures as it works, but other engine problems can increase this temperature above the converter's temperature threshold. A high fuel-to-air ratio, for example, can cause this problem. Much of the fuel in a fuel-rich environment won't burn. The hot, unburnt fuel will flow into the converter and raise its temperature. The higher temperature can cause the inside of the converter to burn. We can't fix a burnt converter, but we can install a new one. Driving with a damaged converter increases pollution and will damage your engine. Call us ASAP at Crain Kia of Fayetteville.

Your tires will wear as you drive. Modern tires are tougher than ever before, but they will still gradually wear due to contact with the surface. Worn tires are dangerous, as they reduce your ability to control your car. As your Kia dealer, we care about your safety, and we'd like you to know some signs that you need new tires. Signs You Need New Tires From Your Kia Dealer Your Tires Are Bald Bald tires are tires that have lost all their tread. The tread is the raised rubber sections on the tires that allow them to grip the surface. This grip is important, as it enables you to control your car as you drive, corner, and perform any other maneuvers. The tread on the tires slowly wears down due to abrasion with the road surface. If your tires have lost all of their treads, driving and braking will become extremely dangerous. Bald tires don't grip the road surface, they move across it. This makes it more likely that your car can skid, especially in wet or snowy conditions. Braking is also more dangerous as the tread helps to provide friction that aids in braking. If you have one or more bald tires, we must replace them ASAP for your safety. Bulges in the Sidewall The sidewall of a tire is made from a softer rubber than the tread. A sidewall isn't subject to abrasion like the tread, and it doesn't support the weight of your car. The sidewall is potentially easier to damage. A bulge in the sidewall is usually caused by contact with a hard surface, like a curb. Even a small bump causes a bulge to form. Striking a hard surface pinches the rubber in the sidewall and increases the amount of air in that section of the tire. The additional air also puts the rubber under more pressure. Any additional damage to a bulge can lead to a blowout in that tire, which can have disastrous consequences if you're driving. We advise that any tire with a bulge is replaced immediately. You're Driving on Your Spare Tire Every car has a spare tire for emergencies. It allows you to change the tire and continue to drive after a puncture. A spare tire, however, isn't intended for long-term use. The spare tire, or donut as it's also called, should not be driven on for more than 30 miles, and you shouldn't exceed 30mph when using it. A spare tire isn't manufactured to the same levels of strength and durability as a regular tire. This makes a spare more likely to get a puncture or a blowout. If your tires need replacement, call us ASAP at Crain Kia of Fayetteville.

Is your car AC not working as it should? It might be failing after a long and hot summer. But don't worry, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot the problem and get your A/C up and running again. Plus, we'll give you some tips on how to prevent this issue from happening in the future. If all fails, make sure to visit your Kia dealer for repair or replacement. Car AC Not Working? First Things to Check The A/C Compressor This is a pretty common issue and one that can be relatively easy to fix. If your compressor is not working, it could be due to a blown fuse or even a failed relay. The best way to check is by consulting your car's owner's manual. The A/C Condenser The condenser is responsible for cooling the refrigerant. If it's not working properly, then the entire system will be thrown off. If your condenser is dirty or blocked, this can be the source of the issue. Take a look at the condenser and see if there is any debris or dirt that needs to be removed. The A/C Evaporator If your evaporator is leaking, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. A leaky evaporator can cause all sorts of problems, including water damage to your car's interior. A Refrigerant Leak This is a serious issue that needs to be fixed by a professional as soon as possible. A refrigerant leak can cause your air conditioner to stop working properly and can even be dangerous. When to Visit Your Kia Dealer If you're still having trouble after troubleshooting these common issues, then it's time to take your car to the dealership for further diagnosis. The trained professionals at your dealership will be able to quickly identify the problem and get your A/C up and running again in no time. Plus, they can also perform preventative maintenance to help keep your A/C in good working condition for years to come. We hope these tips were helpful in getting your car's air conditioner up and running again. Remember, if you're ever unsure about what to do, always consult your car's owner's manual or take it to Crain Kia of Fayetteville for servicing. And last but not least, don't forget about proper maintenance! Regularly cleaning your car's interior and exterior will help keep the A/C system running smoothly so you can enjoy those cool, comfortable rides all summer long. Image via Pixabay.com by ninofficialphotography

Looking for good ways to maintain your car and keep it in good shape? There are several car maintenance tips that every driver should know. Here are some tips to keep in mind, and how your Kia dealer can help you. Ask Your Kia Dealer: 4 Car Maintenance Tips Every Kia Owner Can Use 1. Keep Your Car Clean Many people think that a car's cleanliness is only about aesthetics. While it's true that keeping your car clean does have a lot to do with how it looks, there's much more to it than that. Things like dirt, grime, and rust can build up on your car, damaging its bodywork and other components and making it operate less smoothly. Cleaning your car regularly can help prevent problems like this. Aim to clean it thoroughly inside and out every couple of weeks, or more often if you drive in particularly dirty areas. 2. Check Your Fluids Another important element of your vehicle's maintenance is checking your fluids. Your mechanic will do this themselves when you take your car for regular servicing. However, you should also be mindful about checking your fluids at home and refilling them if they are getting low. You should also be looking for any signs of leaking fluids. A leak doesn't just make your car run less efficiently—it could also put your vehicle at risk for more dangerous damages. If you notice any signs that your car is leaking fluid, get it to your dealership right away. 3. Check Your Tire Pressure Because your car's tires are its points of contact with the road, it's important to make sure that they are in good shape. Keeping your tires at the appropriate pressure will prevent potential issues like blowouts and flat tires. Make sure you're checking the pressure at least once a month and having them refilled as needed. During the changes in seasons when the outside air pressure changes as well, you might need to check your tires more regularly. You should also be keeping an eye on your tires' treads to make sure they're not wearing down too quickly. 4. Go for Regular Servicing Part of keeping your vehicle in the best shape possible is bringing it in for maintenance when it needs it. Staying proactive and taking your car in for regular service checks will prevent small problems from becoming major ones. You should be taking your vehicle to your dealer's mechanics every 6 months or so for interim service checks and every year for full-service checks. During these checks, the mechanics at your dealer will take a close look at your vehicle and ensure that everything is working the way it should. If you want your Kia to last for years to come, you need to make sure you know the right ways to keep it in good shape. Keep all the above tips in mind to ensure your car always gets what it needs. Time to get service for your car? Visit us at Crain Kia of Fayetteville.

When you're in need of a quality collision repair for your Kia, it's important to know what to look for. Your local Kia dealer is a great place to start, but there are also other factors you should consider when making your decision. Read on as we discuss what to look for when choosing a collision center for your Kia, as well as some tips and tricks that will make the process easier. From Your Local Kia Dealer: How to Find a Quality Collision Repair for Your Car Consider a Dealer Who Offers Free Estimates When your car has been in a collision, it can be a stressful and confusing time. You may be wondering how much the repairs will cost, and whether your insurance will cover the damage. One way to ease your anxiety is to find a dealer who offers free estimates. This way, you can get an idea of the cost of repairs before you commit to anything. Consider a Dealer Who Will Liaise With Your Insurance Company Ideally, you should find a dealer who will liaise with your insurance company on your behalf. This way, you can be sure that the repairs will be done properly and that you won't be left with any out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, having the dealer handle the insurance paperwork for you can save you a lot of time and hassle. When choosing a dealer, be sure to ask about their services and whether they offer this type of assistance. Consider the Team That Is Doing the Work When your vehicle has been in an accident, you want to be certain that the team working on it is qualified to return it to its pre-accident condition. Factory-trained technicians have the specific knowledge and skillset required to work on your make and model of vehicle. In addition, the technicians know the inside and out and can give expert advice regarding any modifications that you may be considering during this time. In addition, they have access to the latest tools and technology, which means that your vehicle will be repaired correctly the first time. Consider a Dealer That Can Guarantee Their Work Unfortunately, there are a lot of fly-by-night operations out there that are more interested in your money than they are in doing a good job. They might use inferior parts or cut corners on the repair process, and that can put your safety at risk. When it comes to something as important as your car, don't take any chances - go with a dealer that can guarantee their work. If you're looking for a quality collision center for your Kia, be sure to keep these four things in mind. Call us today at Crain Kia of Fayetteville and you can rest assured that your vehicle will be repaired by a professional team and restored to its pre-accident condition.

No driver wants to think about a problem with their engine. The first thought that comes to mind is the expense of having it repaired. Fortunately, if you're near Fayetteville, AR, your Kia dealer is here to help you with any engine problems. These are some of the issues that we can fix for you. 3 Engine Problems You Should Always Have Fixed at Your Kia Dealer Clogged Radiator The radiator is the heart of your Kia's cooling system. When the temperature in your engine rises, coolant is released into the engine. As the coolant is pumped through your engine, it absorbs heat, and it also absorbs metal chips, rust particles, and other debris. Once the coolant enters the radiator, it's cooled by airflow over the radiator tubes that are filled with hot coolant. Once the coolant temperature has fallen, the coolant is drawn out of the radiator. The debris it carried, however, is left behind. In time this debris will build up and it can block the radiator, the radiator hoses, and the radiator fins. We can flush your radiator and remove the debris that's blocking it. Starting Problems One of the most frustrating situations for any driver is an engine that won't start. If your turn the key, and you're rewarded with the sound of silence, your Kia has a starting problem. The battery, the alternator, and the starter motor are all prime candidates for a starting problem. Each of these components must work together to bring your Kia engine to life. The battery provides the electrical charge to start the engine. When you turn the key or press the button, this electrical charge is sent to the start solenoid. The starter solenoid will start the crank, and your engine should turn over almost immediately. The role of the alternator is to recharge the battery and maintain your car's electrical systems. Our technicians will check each of these components, and repair the problem. Strange Engine Noises If you start hearing strange sounds coming from under the hood, there's an engine problem. Some of the sounds you may hear are coughing, grinding, and rattling. These sounds all represent different problems. A coughing sound generally means that your engine is starved of air, and the spark plugs have difficulty igniting. Grinding noises can come from several different places, including worn bearings in the alternator or an alternator belt that's sticking on a jammed pulley. Rattling noises suggest that there's a loose component, and one of the possibilities is a damaged catalytic converter. Our technicians will check your engine and find and fix the problem. If you have any problems with your engine, call us right away at Crain Kia of Fayetteville.

Your Kia's battery is essential for starting your engine. It provides the electrical charge that's used to power the starter motor, which causes your engine to crank and turn over. Your battery also provides electrical power to your car's systems when its engine is switched off. The battery will wear out, and as your Kia dealer, we'd like you to know some of the signs that you need a new car battery. Signs Its Time for a New Car Battery From Your Kia Dealer Dim Lights This is one of the first signs of a weakening battery. When your engine is off, your battery supplies power for the headlights, alarm, interior lights, and other components. Maintaining these components does use a large amount of energy, and this electricity is recharged by the alternator as soon as your engine is running. A worn battery, however, loses its ability to charge completely, and it also stores less energy. If you find that your dash lights, interior lights, and headlights are dimmer than they should be, you could have a weak battery. To test this switch on your engine and check all these lights again. If they seem brighter, your battery could be wearing out and need to be replaced. Corroded Battery Terminals Your battery has several different chemicals inside it. The reaction of these chemicals with the other battery components allows your battery to store and recharge electricity. One of the signs of your battery aging is a breakdown of these chemicals inside the battery. Sulfuric acid is the main chemical in the battery, and over time it breaks down and releases hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas can escape the confines of your battery and enter the engine compartment. In the engine, it mixes with other chemicals in the air and forms hydrogen sulfide. This new chemical is drawn to the positive and negative terminals on your battery, and it will form an acidic salt around them. Gradually, the acidic salt will corrode your battery. A corroded battery can't be repaired and will have to be replaced. Parasitic Drain As we've seen, your battery maintains your car's electrical systems when the engine is off. This doesn't normally place any strain on the battery as most components, for example, the headlights, only draw power when they're switched on. A parasitic drain is a short in the electrical system or a fault where a component doesn't switch off when it is supposed to. In either case, this problem causes a drain on your battery power, and it can be severe. You can have a fully-charged battery when you park your car at night and wake up to an almost dead battery the next day. Our technicians will find the source of the problem and repair it. A car battery very rarely just dies. Most of the time, you'll start to see signs that it's failing, which gives time to plan for a replacement. If your battery shows signs of wearing out, call us at Crain Kia of Fayetteville.

Do you remember the last time your brake pads were replaced? If you don't, you're not alone. Most people can't remember the last time they visited their local Kia dealer for pad replacement. However, one of the most important systems in your vehicle is your brake system, and regular pad replacement will keep your brake system operating safely and effectively. Here's what you need to know. How Often Should You Replace Your Brake Pads? As a general rule of thumb, your brake system will benefit significantly if you get your pads changed every 10,000 miles if you brake aggressively on a regular basis. If you don't, you may be okay to not get your pads changed until you have driven 20,000 miles. If you put a lot of miles on your car taking your kids to school, going to work, running errands, and traveling, you may feel frustrated by how often your pads need to be replaced. Fortunately, your brake rotors don't need to be replaced nearly as often as your pads. Specifically, most brake rotors will remain safe and effective for 50,000 miles. If you rarely brake aggressively, they may even remain safe and effective for 70,000 miles. Should I Go to My Local Kia Dealer to Get My Pads Replaced? Yes, you should go to your local authorized dealer of Kias to get your pads replaced because our dealership technicians are certified to work on Kias. Not only can you be confident that your pads will be replaced correctly, but our techs can also spot other safety issues your vehicle may be having. For instance, we can tell if your alignment is off or if one of your wheel bearings is loose and needs to be tightened. How Do I Know Whether My Pads Need Replacement? A Vibrating Steering Wheel There is a very good chance that something is wrong with the pads of your brakes if your steering wheel shakes when you depress your brake pedal. Specifically, it is likely that one of your pads is more worn than the other pads if you feel your steering wheel shake when you slow or stop your car. Nonetheless, there is a chance that you have a warped rotor, so the cause of the shaking must be diagnosed by a certified technician. A Grinding Sound When Decelerating There is also a strong possibility that it is time to have your pads replaced if you hear a grinding sound coming from one of your tires consistently when you decelerate your vehicle. This indicates your pads are so worn that they are no longer very effective or safe. Typically, your pads should be replaced every 10 to 20,000 miles. If you can't remember the last time your pads were replaced at your local authorized automobile dealer, it is probably time for your pads to be replaced by a certified Kia technician. Contact us today at Crain Kia of Fayetteville on N College Avenue to schedule an appointment and find out whether your brake rotors, pads, or both are ready to be replaced by a professional mechanic. Image via Pixabay.com by geraldoswald62