Your car’s alternator is responsible for keeping your battery charged, so if it doesn’t work properly, you may end up with a car that won’t start. Recognizing these common signs that your car needs an alternator repair can prevent you from being stranded on the side of a road with a dead battery.
5 Common Signs That Your Car Needs an Alternator Repair
Your Lights Are Too Bright or Too Dim
Since the alternator has the job of charging your battery, when it begins to fail it may provide inconsistent volts of electricity to the accessories that run off the battery. This includes your interior lights, your headlights, your radio, and any other electronic device.. If your lights are overly bright or very dim, it’s possible your alternator is not operating properly. The problem could also be your battery, but either way, you should have the issue checked out immediately.
Your Battery Is Dead
Of course, if your battery is dead, it may just mean that you need a new battery, but it could also mean that your alternator is no longer working correctly. If you know you haven’t left your lights on overnight and you’ve recently replaced your battery, it’s probably your alternator that now needs repair. If you jump start your car and it stays running, your battery was probably drained; but if it doesn’t, it’s more than likely your alternator.
Your Car Stalls While You’re Driving
The alternator provides power to your spark plugs, which then ignite the engine. If your spark plugs are not getting enough power from the alternator, your car will stall, and this can happen at any time, even if you’re in the middle of traffic. This can cause a dangerous situation, so if your car stalls for no good reason, you need to bring your car into a service center so that your alternator can be inspected and repaired if necessary.
You Hear Whining or Growling Sounds From Under Your Hood
Whenever you hear odd or new noises coming from your vehicle, you should have your car checked out by a trained technician. This is because a new sound could mean a new problem. For instance, a whining or growling sound coming from under your hood could mean the alternator belt has become misaligned or is rubbing against the pulley. It could also mean your rotor shaft bearings are starting to fail, which can also lead to additional vehicle repairs.
Your Battery Light Illuminates
Again, this sign could mean that you need a new battery or it could mean that your alternator is going bad. This is because the car only detects when the battery is not charging properly. Since this can be an indication of either a bad battery or other problems with your car’s electrical system, including the alternator, it’s important to have your car checked out as soon as possible. Either problem can be solved at a service center.
Whether your battery needs to be replaced or your alternator is the cause of your battery issues, you want to make sure your car is in good hands. Contact Crain Kia of Fayetteville to have your alternator and battery inspected by our expert technicians.
Get to Know the 2021 Kia Forte
If you’re on the market for a brand new compact car, then you need to learn more about the 2021 Kia Forte. This compact sedan comes in a bunch of different trim options that boasts a diverse set of needs. You can find sporty trims, trims with manual transmissions, trims with daring signature designs, and more!
Basics About the 2021 Kia Forte
The 2009 Kia Forte was the first model of this compact car. The 2021 Forte is a great commuter car for any single person or small family.
Pricing
There are six trims to select from when purchasing your 2021 Forte. The FE is the base model, with a starting MSRP of $17,890. It has standard safety assists, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration systems. The LXS is another great option, with some more safety features standard and the Drive Mode Select system. It starts at $19,390. The GT-Line is a sportier choice. Starting at $20,490, the GT-Line comes with signature badging, sporty seats, and the Smart Key.
The GT is another athletic trim with a 7-Speed Quick Shift DCT Automatic Transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, and a starting MSRP of $22,790. For a trim that offers the most luxurious amenities, you should go for the EX. It starts at $23,090 and comes with a wireless phone charger, heated and ventilated front seats, and the Harman Kardon Premium Sound System. Lastly, the GT Manual is here for traditional drivers. It starts at $23,390 and has a 6-speed manual transmission.
Exemplary Features
Kia Drive Wise Safety Assists
The intelligent Kia Drive Wise suite of available safety assistance features is here to keep you and your passengers protected on the road. Smart Cruise Control lets you insert a pre-set speed and then your 2021 Forte takes control of the acceleration and braking to keep a safe distance between you and the car traveling ahead of you on the highway. Blind-Spot Collision Warning is another great tool for the highway for changing lanes with ease.
High Beam Assist makes sure to automatically switch your high beams on when it gets dark out, and then off again when cars approach you in the other lane to make sure everyone can see. Forward-Collision Avoidance Assist uses radar to monitor the road ahead of you for potential hazards, and can even activate your brakes you avoid or lessen the impact. Lane Keeping Assist makes sure you don’t sway unannounced into the neighboring lane.
Incredible Remote Connectivity
With UVO Link Services, you can access information about your 2021 Forte and even control some important functions of your car from afar. View maintenance reports, safety recalls, and more as well as lock and unlock your doors, start the engine and turn up the heat or AC, and so much more! All you have to do is download the available app to your compatible smartphone, and you can access your car anywhere.
Charge Up with Ease!
All you have to do is place your compatible smartphone on the 2021 Forte’s available wireless phone charging pad, and your phone will increase in battery power as you drive. It’s that easy!
Call Crain Kia of Fayetteville today for more information on the outstanding 2021 Forte!
4 Great Parks in and Around Fayetteville, AR
Fayetteville, AR is the third-largest city in the state and it was named after Fayetteville, Tennessee. As the home to the University of Arkansas, 40 listings on the National Register of Historic Places, bike trails, museums, and many restaurants, Fayetteville is a wonderful place to live or visit. There are also many amazing parks in and around the city which are worth checking out!
1. The Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
As Arkansas’s largest state park, the Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is a wonderful place to spend time. The park has 12,054 acres and a 52-mile trail system which is great for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Visitors can follow the Historic Van Winkle Trail, the Pigeon Roost Trail, the Hidden Diversity Trail, the Shaddox Hollow Nature Trail, or the Monument Trails.
There’s also an interactive visitor center, primitive campsites, metal grills, and an outdoor shooting range. The Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is the only state park in the state which allows regulated hunting.
4 Reasons Drivers Love the 2020 Kia Forte
When you’re in the market for a daily driver, comfort with practicality is key. Kia sets the tone for the future of commuter vehicles, proving to drivers that you can have luxury, style, and technology, all in an affordable package. Read on to discover four reasons drivers love the 2020 Kia Forte.
1. Commuting Doesn’t Have to Be Slow
Say “bye” to the days when owning a commuter car meant a slow, unrefined drive to work. The 2020 Forte allows drivers to choose how they want their horsepower and torque delivered.
The 2020 Forte offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, delivering 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, mated to either the base 6-speed manual or a responsive CVT automatic transmission. But if performance is your cup of tea, opt for the new-for-2020 Forte GT, unleashing a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, throwing down 201 hp. Pick your weapon in either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and you’ll be transforming your boring daily commute into a legendary track day!
How Often Should You Get Your Kia Oil Change?
Oil is the virtual lifeblood of an automobile engine. As such it is vitally important to make sure that the oil in your car is changed regularly and that the proper type and grade of oil is used as part of the service. The question most Kia owners have is how and when they should perform a Kia oil change.
Why Oil Changes Are So Important
The first thing to understand is why oil is so vital for a car’s engine. Oil serves a host of functions for your Kia, such as maintaining lubrication in the engine, cooling down all the very hot components of the engine, and removing dirt and sludge.
In addition to those important functions, regular oil changes can improve gas mileage, saving you money in the long run. A well-maintained engine is also going to greatly enhance the longevity of the car.
The 2020 Kia Sedona: 4 Important Features and Specs
The Sedona brings some serious style to the minivan class. Featuring a powerful engine, sporty good looks, and solid safety features, it goes above and beyond what you might think a minivan can do. The 2020 Kia Sedona carries over a lot from previous years, which is a testament to the Sedona’s solid design and staying power.
Powerful Performance
The Sedona comes equipped with a fireball of an engine: a 3.6 L V6 that gets you 276 horsepower and 248 foot-pounds of torque. This is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, and the engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Sedona will go from 0-60 miles per hour in 7.8 seconds, which is seriously impressive for a minivan. It gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Sedona can also be used for towing and can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
How Much Can a 2020 Kia Sportage Haul?
An impressive towing capacity is one of the main reasons why the 2020 Kia Sportage outpaces its rivals in the compact crossover SUV category. This capability makes it the ultimate companion if you need a seamless blend of family-friendly driving and high tow ratings. But how much can this Kia model haul? Here’s everything you need to know.
2020 Kia Sportage Towing Capacity
This compact SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000lbs. It beats rival models like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, and Mazda CX-30 by a whole 500lbs in hauling capability. However, the towing capacity of this crossover SUV varies depending on a couple of factors. These factors are the engine option and trailer brakes.
Engine Options
There are two powerful engine options that deliver a sharp and exhilarating performance. You can choose between the following options, which have different towing capacities.
Read the rest of this entry »The 2020 Kia Rio: 4 Important Features and Specs
The 2020 Kia Rio is an exceptionally safe sedan ideal for daily driving. It features simplistic yet contemporary design, comfortable handling, superb fuel-efficiency, and reasonable practicality. Moreover, the new Rio makes the perfect car for an entry-level subcompact sedan amongst first time drivers, thanks to its amicable driving manners and fuel-efficient engine.
1. Excellent Performance
The new Rio is more suited to optimizing gas mileage figures than prioritizing high top speeds and straight-line acceleration, but, that said, the car is fitted with a new, efficiency-minded CVT gearbox and a new 1.6-liter engine delivering 120 hp and 112 lb-ft torque. While the new engine capacity is ten horsepower less than the 2019 Rio’s models, its performance is still in line with competitors, losing no significant points against the rest of the pack.
Rio’s performance figures are very acceptable given that it’s suited to thrive within city confines and save you money at the pump. Pulling away from the traffic is a simple task, and accelerating from 0-60 feels satisfying.
5 Standout Features of the 2020 Kia Optima
Building on over a century of experience, the 2020 Kia Optima combines luxury and safety to transform 
the sedan as we know it. This stylish vehicle possesses top of the range power and with a five-star safety rating, Optima is one of the safest cars on the road. In addition to a broad range of intelligence features, the Kia Optima’s efficiency makes it an absolute eye-catcher.
1. Lane Keeping and Lane Following
Everyone loves cruising along the road. However, staying in your lane can become difficult in challenging driving conditions. Employing ultrasonic technology, the Optima will inform the driver if the vehicle begins drifting out of your lane.
This feature will use steering and even braking is required to keep you and your loved ones safe. Kia wishes to deliver an enjoyable driving experience by allowing you to drive confidently in all conditions.
2. An 8.0-inch Touchscreen Display With Rear Camera
Fitted with a sleek center touchscreen, with bold vibrant graphics and intelligent brightness adjustment, the Kia Optima minimizes distractions while providing you with the information you need. Neatly placed within easy reach, the streamlined 8-inch touchscreen provides maps and messages at your fingertips.
Wilson Park is a hidden gem located in the center of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The location is easily accessible as it is only a short drive from any direction of the city. Once you arrive, you’ll find that you’re not at an average park but have arrived at an experience that your entire family will enjoy.
7 Family-Friendly Activities You Can Do at Wilson Park
1. Play a Sport
Families can play different games in one of the multiple sporting areas at the park, which has a soccer field as well as basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts.
2. Walk the Trail
You will definitely get your steps in for the day at the park’s walking path. The path follows a .9 mile loop and features lighting for night walking, benches, and access to playgrounds, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Families can stop along the path to enjoy the many pieces of art sprinkled throughout the park as well as view the different varieties of plant life.
3. Go for a Swim
The pool at the park is the only municipal pool in the city and offers plenty of family-friendly activities. The pool provides swim lessons, fitness swimming, designated family swim times, and recreational swimming.
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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.