Preventative vehicle maintenance is crucial for your vehicle’s longevity and productivity. Not only does it take care of any current problems with your vehicle, but it also helps prevent any further damage which might occur in the future. Simply put, preventive maintenance is a proactive approach to taking care of your vehicle while your car is still working. Preventive maintenance primarily aims to avoid an unexpected breakdown, but it has other advantages. Continue reading this blog by Auffenberg Kia Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau, MO, and learn more about the benefits of preventive maintenance.
Not all car noises indicate a serious problem, but you must address some of these noises immediately.
If your car gives off a high-pitched squealing noise when you brake, it’s most likely due to worn brake pads. These pads wear down and get thinner until they can’t do their job anymore
The power steering system uses hydraulic fluid to help turn the steering wheel easier. A leak in the system may cause the steering to feel stiff and make that squealing noise.
Consult a professional auto mechanic as soon as you sense a serious problem. Trying to fix it yourself may cause more harm than good.
Your car is quite complex – it comprises thousands of moving parts. So, it’s no surprise that sometimes things can go wrong. If your car starts to emit strange noises, it could be trying to tell you something.
Of course, not all car noises are created equal. Some are harmless and can be easily fixed, while others could indicate a more serious problem. You must pay attention to the type of car noise and when and where you hear it..
Here are some common car noises and what they might mean:
1. Grinding Or Squealing When You Brake
When your brakes grind or squeal, it’s an indication that the brake pads require replacement. Brake pads deliver friction to stop your vehicle. Since they experience wear and tear over time, periodic check-ups are necessary to avoid accidents.
When you hear this noise, take your car for service so a professional can examine the situation. This is a straightforward repair, but it’s important to do it before the pads wear down completely. Otherwise, you could damage your brake rotors, which would be much more expensive to fix.
2. Clunking When You Turn or Go Over Bumps
If you hear a clunking sound every time you turn the wheel or go over a bump, something is likely loose in the suspension. This could signify wear and tear on the shocks or struts, designed to absorb impact and keep the ride smooth. It could also indicate that a control arm or other suspension component is loose or damaged.
While it’s not usually an emergency, fixing it before the problem worsens is important. Otherwise, you could be in for a very bumpy ride.
3. Grinding When You Step on The Brakes
If your car rips a grinding sound when you brake, it’s most likely due to a problem with the brake rotors. The rotors are the large discs your brake pads clamp down on to stop the wheels from turning.
If the rotors get too worn, they can develop grooves or other imperfections. When this happens, the brake pads can’t make full contact with the rotors, which causes them to make that grinding noise.
Replacing the brake rotors may be the only solution. This can be a pretty expensive repair, so it’s important to catch it early.
4. Squealing When You Turn the Steering Wheel
If your car makes a squealing noise when you turn the steering wheel, it’s most likely due to a problem with the power steering belt. The power steering belt is a long, flat belt that runs from the engine to the power steering pump.
If the power steering belt gets too loose or worn, it can start to slip and squeal when you turn the steering wheel. This is usually an easy fix – you just need to have the power steering belt tightened or replaced.
5. Clicking Sound When You Turn The Ignition
If your car makes a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition, it could be a sign of a problem with the starter. The starter is a small electric motor that helps get the engine going.
If the starter is going bad, it can make a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition. This is usually an easy fix – you just need to replace the starter.
6. Rattling When You Drive Over Bumps
If your car rattles when you drive over bumps, it could be a sign of a problem with the suspension. Your suspension prevents your car from bouncing around when you drive over bumps.
If the suspension goes bad, it can make a rattling noise when you drive over bumps. This is usually an easy fix – you just need to have the suspension repaired or replaced.
7. Popping Or Crackling When You Turn on The Heat Or AC
Suppose your car’s heater or air conditioner is making a popping or crackling noise. In that case, it could signify a problem with the ductwork.
The ductwork is the system of pipes & vents that deliver hot or cold air from the heater or AC to the car’s interior. Leaks in the ductwork can cause the air to escape and make that popping or crackling noise.
To fix this problem, you’ll need to have the ductwork repaired or replaced by a mechanic.
8. A Whining Noise When You Accelerate
Whining noise when you accelerate could signal a problem with the engine. The engine is what powers your car.
If the engine goes bad, it can make a whining noise when accelerating. This is usually an easy fix – you just need to have the engine repaired or replaced.
If your car makes any of these noises, be sure to take it to a mechanic to have it checked out. Ignoring these car noises may lead to more serious issues down the road.
Do you need your car serviced but don’t want to spend all day at the mechanic? Bring your car down to Auffenberg Kia of Cape Girardeau, serving McClure, IL; our team of experts will take care of it. We know it’s critical to get back on the road, so we’ll work quickly to get your car up and running again. Plus, we value transparency and clear communication, so you’ll always know what’s going on with your vehicle.
You won’t find a better service team for your Kia than ours. We’re passionate about cars and fixing them up, so you can rest assured that your car is in good hands.
Affordable Service for Your Kia Vehicles in Cape Girardeau, MO
Getting your vehicles checked once in a while for any possible maintenance issues or missing functions is imperative. But you need a trustworthy and reliable service station to get started. At Auffenberg Kia of Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau, MO, we offer quality services for your vehicle at an affordable cost. Keep reading to know more.
Getting your car’s oil changed regularly – every six months is essential. If it’s been longer than that since your last oil change, visit a service center as soon as possible. Regular oil changes are key to keeping your vehicle running efficiently and ensuring that your engine stays healthy and lasts a long time. At Auffenberg Kia Cape Girardeau, in Cape Girardeau, MO, we provide full-service oil changes for your Kia vehicle. Our highly skilled and experienced professionals use high-quality motor oil to improve the lifespan and performance of your car. We’re dedicated to providing the best possible service for our customers.
Coolant and antifreeze keep the engine running at a consistent temperature by absorbing heat.
Antifreeze, if used more than required, can damage an engine. It is important to use a corrosion-resistant coolant to protect your engine from rust and other damage.
Different colors of engine coolant indicate the different chemical compositions of the fluid.
Most engines require a 50:50 mix of antifreeze and water to run properly.
Kia engines use various cooling fluids, each with its specific function. Antifreeze and coolant are the most common radiator fluids that help keep the engine’s temperature stable.
The terms “antifreeze” and “engine coolant” are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. Antifreeze is a chemical additive that lowers the freezing point of water. On the other hand, engine coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze.
In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the difference between antifreeze and engine coolant and how Kia cars use each one.
The Difference Between Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
While antifreeze and coolant are used to cool the engine, they work differently. Antifreeze is a glycol-based fluid that circulates through the radiator to keep the engine from overheating. On the other hand, engine coolant is a water-based fluid that circulates through the engine itself to absorb heat.
While both fluids are essential for cooling the engine, they serve different purposes and should be used in the correct ratios. It’s crucial to use the right fluid for each system to prevent damage to the engine.
Does the Color Matter?
Different colors of engine coolant indicate the different chemical compositions of the fluid. It doesn’t matter what color antifreeze you use if it is the right type for your car. The wrong kind of coolant can result in corrosion and scale build-up, damaging the engine.
Do not mix different types of coolant, as this can decrease the performance of the corrosion inhibitor. If you need to top off your coolant, make sure to use the same type that is already in the system.
How Are Kia Coolants Different?
Kia coolants have been tested to ensure compatibility with all the materials used in your engine. They are based on propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. This helps to reduce the risk of corrosion and doesn’t have the sweet smell that attracts animals, so it’s less likely to be ingested by pets or wildlife.
You should use only Kia-branded coolant in Kia vehicles. This is because Kia’s coolant has been designed specifically for Kia engines and contains a corrosion inhibitor that helps protect the engine.
However, if you cannot find a Kia-branded coolant, you can use another type of ethylene glycol-based coolant as long as it meets ASTM D3306 and D4985 standards and is compatible with Kia’s cooling system.
Antifreeze & Coolant: Which One Should I Use?
Antifreeze is a glycol-based fluid that prevents the engine from overheating by circulating through the radiator. It is important to use antifreeze to keep the engine from freezing in cold weather and boiling over in hot weather.
Engine coolant is a water-based fluid that circulates through the engine itself to absorb heat. It is important to use engine coolant to keep the engine from overheating.
The answer to this question depends on the climate you live in. If you live in a cold climate, it is important to use antifreeze to keep the engine from freezing. If you live in a hot climate, it is important to use engine coolant to keep the engine from boiling.
How Often Should I Check the Level of Coolant in My Car?
You should check the level of coolant/antifreeze in your engine regularly to ensure it is at the correct level. The frequency with which you should check the fluid depends on the fluid type and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most coolants will need to be changed every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What Are the Signs That I Need to Change My Coolant/Antifreeze?
Consult a professional mechanic if you’re unsure whether to change your coolant/antifreeze.
What’s the Correct Ratio?
If you live in an area with cold winters & hot summers, it’s best to use a 50:50 mix of antifreeze and water in your engine coolant. This will help to prevent the coolant from freezing and causing damage to the engine.
For extreme weather, you can slightly change the ratio of antifreeze as the temperature drops. For harsh winter, you can use 60 – 70 percent antifreeze in water to make the perfect combination of coolant.
Can I Use Water Instead of Coolant?
You can add water to your car coolant, but it’s not advisable to add too much water. Water will evaporate more quickly than the coolant, and it won’t be able to protect the engine from corrosion as effectively.
It’s also worth noting that most modern engines are designed to run on a 50:50 mix of antifreeze and water. So, if you need to top up your coolant, use a 50:50 mixture of antifreeze and water.
Conclusion
You need to mix water and antifreeze to keep your engine running properly. However, remember that most engines require a 50:50 mix of antifreeze and water. Antifreeze, by itself, can damage your engine. So, if you choose to use antifreeze, mix it with water too.
If you’re looking for a reliable service center, Auffenberg Kia of Cape Girardeau, serving Chaffee, MO, is the place to go. We have an extensive inventory of vehicles from some of today’s top automakers, and our expert team can help you find the perfect car for your needs. We offer services to keep your vehicle running like new, including coolant flush service, radiator fluid check, and more. Learn about our dealership and services by contacting us today!
Tires play a critical role in the safety of your vehicle. They must be in good shape to provide traction, handling, and braking on icy or wet roads. They should also be replaced after a certain amount of time has passed.
But how can you tell when your tires need to be replaced and which are best for your KIA?
In this blog post, Auffenberg KIA of Cape Girardeau will discuss when to replace your car tires and how to snag the perfect tires for your KIA!
Should I change my car’s tire after a certain age?
The response to this query is a resounding “maybe”! Tires are made of rubber and other materials that naturally degrade over time.
However, the rate of this degradation will depend on numerous factors, such as:
The quality of the tires when they were manufactured
How often are they used
The conditions in which they are driven (hot, cold, dry, wet, etc.)
How they are stored
As a result, it is hard to give a definitive answer as to when your car’s tires should be replaced.
However, most experts believe you should, at the very least, get your tires checked annually to look for wear and tear.
Look for the following signs to know when to replace or change your tires:
Tread depth is below the minimum legal limit
Tires are cracked, torn, or otherwise damaged
Tires are balding or have uneven wear
Tires leak air
Of course, if you have any doubts, it is always best to consult with a professional.
How to find the ideal tires for your KIA?
You may be surprised to learn that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The ideal tires for your KIA will rely on a variety of variables:
The KIA model you have:
Your particular KIA model is one of several available, ranging from cars to SUVs. The kind of tires you’ll require will depend on the make and model of your vehicle. For example, If you own a KIA Rio, you’ll need passenger car tires, whereas if you have a KIA Sorento, you’ll need SUV tires.
Your driving habits:
Are you a cautious driver who obeys the speed limit? Or are you a more aggressive driver who likes to push your KIA to its limits? Your driving habits will impact the kind of tires that work best for you.
The climate where you live and drive:
Are the roads in your area primarily dry? Do they frequently get icy or wet? The weather conditions where you live and drive will help to determine what type of tire is best suited for your vehicle. Tires designed for warm, dry climates may not perform well in cold, wet conditions. Tires designed for snowy or icy weather may not be ideal for use on hot, dry pavement.
Choosing the most appropriate tires can be a bit confusing for some. Auffenberg KIA of Cape Girardeau, serving Scott City, MO, can help with tire selection. We are committed to ensuring you receive tires that meet or exceed the requirements for your car.
We provide a price match guarantee, so our customers can be confident they’re getting the best deal.
Kia Maintenance Plan™ – A Convenient Way to Take Care of Your Kia
Routine maintenance is essential for keeping your Kia in top shape and ensuring peak performance. A Kia Maintenance Plan™ is based on the Kia factory-recommended maintenance that may be found in your Kia Owner’s Manual. There are 1-6-year plans available, including two services every year. Keep reading the blog post by Auffenberg Kia of Cape Girardeau, MO, to learn more about Kia Maintenance Plan™
Are you looking for a service center here in the Cape Girardeau, MO area that offers express service? If so, then you should consider visiting us here at Auffenberg Kia today to take advantage of Kia Express Service™ for yourself today! Join the Auffenberg Kia staff today as we explore the key services that are available with Kia Express Service™!
