Winterize Your Car: Get Ready for Cold Weather at Crain Kia of Fayetteville

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!

Car tires are kind of a pain. They are the most simple yet simultaneously essential parts of your vehicle and are the only thing that makes direct contact with the road. Caring for your tires may seem time-consuming and unnecessary; however, regularly inspecting your tires helps ensure a smooth, reliable, and quiet drive while also greatly improving your car's performance. If you're unsure how to check or maintain your tires, we at Crain Kia of Fayetteville are here to help with these Tire Care Tips! Does your car need new tires in Fayetteville, AR? Click here to start your order! Tire Pressure Look, we get it. Keeping up with your car's tire pressure can be time-consuming and feel pointless. However, ensuring proper tire inflation helps keep you safe by improving your braking distance, vehicle handling, and fuel economy. AAA recommends checking your vehicle's tire pressure with a quality tire gauge just once a month. These tools are relatively cheap and are available with either a digital or analog interface. If you don't know your vehicle's recommended tire pressure, it will be in your driver's side door jamb. How to Check Your Car’s Tire Pressure Remove the caps off your tire's valve stem. Connect your gage to the end of the stem. Be sure to apply force to ensure an adequate seal. Add air with a compressor if needed. If you do not own one, gas stations should have compressors available. If there is too much pressure in your tire, you can remove air by placing the non-rounded end of your gauge on the valve stem. Does your car need an oil change in Northwest Arkansas? Click here to schedule a service appointment! Tread Inspection Checking your tire's tread is another vital component to maintaining the health of your car as well as your safety. Experts recommend the "penny test." This helps you know if you're tires are too worn to be safe to drive. Bridgestone says that most new tires come with 10/32-inch or 11/32-inch tread depths and need replacement once they hit 2/32 inches. This test lets you know if your tires have reached their end at the 2/32 threshold. Penny Test: How to Check Your Tread Place a penny between the raises on the tire's tread or "rib." Position the penny to where Lincoln's head points down Check if Lincoln's head hides between the ribs. Your tread is still above the 2/32-inch recommendation if his head is hidden. If you can see his whole head, it's likely time to replace your tires. Maintaining your vehicle's tires is a chore but can drastically impact your drive. Checking your tire pressure every month and inspecting the tread are some of the best and simplest ways to help keep your car in tip-top shape. Stop by Crain Kia of Fayetteville in Fayetteville, AR, today! Does your car need a tire rotation? Click here to schedule an appointment!