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Each spark plug has an ignition coil connected to it. A spark plug only produces 12 volts, and its connected coil boosts this power to 60,000 volts to ensure combustion in the cylinder. Coils can become worn out or damaged and will need replacement. As your Kia dealer, we want to tell you about signs of a faulty ignition coil. more Check Engine Light A problem with the ignition coil will cause a variety of additional problems for your engine. These problems include misfiring, sluggish acceleration, and increased fuel usage. Modern engines contain numerous sensors, and these sensors monitor engine components to ensure they're working efficiently. The sensors continuously update your car's computer with information. Sensors are capable of detecting even minute variances in the performance of the component they're attached to. Any problem caused by a failing coil will be noticed immediately. Your computer will log the problem with an error code and will illuminate the check engine light. Our technicians will examine the coils, and we can quickly replace any damaged ones. Decreased Mileage Every driver has at least a rough idea of how much fuel they generally use. If you suddenly find you have to make more frequent trips to the pump than you previously did, you could have one or more damaged coils. If a coil is damaged and doesn't generate enough power to boost its attached spark plug, combustion in its cylinder will become less efficient. A lack of power for the spark plug means that a large portion of the fuel in a cylinder won't burn. The unburned fuel is dumped into the catalytic converter after combustion, and it's converted with other dangerous gases into less harmful ones. The newly-converted and harmless gases are then expelled from the exhaust pipe. The extra fuel lost due to a damaged coil will quickly cause an increase in fuel consumption. Rough Idling When your car is idling, the combustion process continues, but at a slower rate. The spark plugs still require a boost from the coils for combustion. A damaged coil can sometimes be easier to identify at a lower and slower rate of combustion. You might experience strange sounds from your engine, or the engine might feel rough. If your car seems to be idling roughly, call our service department right away. Worn coils aren't the only reason for rough idling, but they're the most common one. Our technicians will examine your engine, and we can quickly replace any damaged coils if they're causing the problem. Damaged coils can result in damage to other engine components if they're not repaired. Call us today at Burns Motors Kia.

A properly working electrical system is vital for your Kia, as almost all its components depend on a constant supply of electricity to operate effectively. Any problem with the electrical system can have serious consequences, including an inability to start. Your Kia dealership is familiar with every possible problem, and we have highly-trained technicians to quickly repair any electrical problems for you. These are a few signs that you may need to see us for a repair. more Weak Battery The battery provides the power that's used to start your engine, and it also maintains your car's electrical systems when the engine is switched off. The battery will eventually wear out, and as it does it grows steadily weaker. This gradual failure is due to the breakdown of the natural breakdown of the chemicals that enable the battery to store and supply electricity. A battery has a useful life of approximately three to five years before it starts to degrade. This lifespan can be reduced by environmental and driving factors. A weakening battery will result in starting difficulties as it can't supply enough power to allow the starter motor to crank the engine. We can test your battery by connecting it to our battery tester. If the battery fails the test, we can replace it for you in minutes. Blown Fuses All the electrical systems in your car depend on fuses. The fuses act as a safety measure for the electrical systems and protect them against power surges and other rogue electrical charges. If your electrical system develops a short, the fuses in the path of the rogue current will absorb the charge and blow out. This prevents the charge from damaging the system they're connected to. A blown fuse will prevent the component connected to it from working until the fuse is replaced. If one or more of your electrical systems suddenly stop working, these problems could be caused by blown fuses. Our technicians will examine each fuse and replace any blown ones. We'll also investigate your electrical system to identify and repair the cause of the rogue electrical charge that caused the blown fuses. Worn Alternator The alternator is a mini generator in your car that produces all the electricity for your car's systems. It does this by converting mechanical energy from the movement of the crankshaft into DC for your Kia's systems. An alternator will work effectively for approximately eight years before it starts to wear out. When this happens, the alternator will gradually produce less electricity. Your car's demand for electricity is relatively static, and the reduced electricity supply will cause electrical systems to fail. We'll test your alternator and install a new one if it fails. If you suspect a problem with your electrical system, call our service department at Burns Kia.

Regularly switching your Kia's tires to different positions come with a whole lot of great safety and money-saving benefits. When you get a regular tire rotation at your Kia dealer, your Soul, Sportage, or Telluride will burn less gas, your car will handle better and have more traction, and your tires will last longer. more 1. Keeps You Safe Routinely swapping your car's tires around to your vehicle's specific rotation patterns is vital to ensure your safety. Repositioning your tires will reduce different wear patterns and keep the wear across all the tires uniform. Even tire wear and tread depth on all your tires will increase your car's handling, cornering, and braking performance. It will give you the necessary traction to brake quickly without the fear of losing control of your vehicle, and you won't have to worry so much about your car skidding on wet and slippery roads. 2. Saves You Money It's a fact that tires that wear evenly will last longer. Your car's front and rear tires perform different tasks and don't wear down at the same rate. On front-wheel-drive vehicles, the front tires are used for acceleration, braking, and cornering and wear at a faster rate than the rear tires. Regular rotations will ensure even wear across all four tires and reduce rolling resistance, lowering your gas mileage. When a set of tires wear evenly, they will last longer, and you will not have to replace them as often, saving you a heap of cash. 3. Limits Vibrations and Damage When you don't swap the tires regularly, they don't wear down evenly. Uneven tread wear will cause vibrations you'll feel through your steering wheel, and your car won't handle as well as it should, especially in bad weather conditions. Over time the vibrations will cause damage to components and affect the wheel alignment and balancing. 4. Keeps Your Tires in Great Shape Rotating your tires every time you take your car for an oil change every 7,500 miles or six months includes even more perks. Your Kia technician will switch the tires expertly, perform a thorough tire inspection, measure the tread depth, check the sidewalls for damage such as cuts, cracks, and bubbles, and inflate your tires to the proper pressure levels to ensure even wear and better fuel economy. You will have the peace of mind that your tires are in excellent condition and won't get you stranded on the roadside. For more information and the manufacturer's recommendations on your specific vehicle's rotation patterns and intervals, check your car's owner's manual or ask your Kia technician for assistance. Take advantage of the expert tire services from certified Kia technicians. Swing by Burns Kia today for a rotation to extend the life of your tires and save a ton of money on gas and tires.

Of the 300,000 auto accidents that brake failure causes each year in the US, most could be prevented with more diligent maintenance. As important as brakes are to your safety, it's essential to have them serviced often. How often depends largely on your regular driving habits and conditions. Let's look in detail at how many times a year you should visit your local Kia dealer for a brake service. more It's generally recommended to have your brakes serviced at least once every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. This usually works out to every six months or so for most drivers. This interval coincides nicely with regular oil changes and tire rotation. How Long Different Components Last The primary purpose of brake servicing is to check the various brake components for signs of damage or excessive wear and tear. Your technician can also keep you updated on how much longer you can expect the various parts to last. Brake pads tend to last the shortest amount of time and need replacing every 30,000 to 35,000 miles. But with lighter usage, they can last a lot longer. Rotors typically last around 50,000 to 70,000 miles. And brake calipers can go for 100,000 miles before running into trouble. Flush Brake Fluid at Your Kia Dealer Every Two Years Brake fluid typically only needs to be flushed and replaced every two years. If left longer than this, it can start to break down and lose its proper function. Brake-Heavy Driving Habits Some drivers will require more frequent brake servicing because of their driving habits. If you usually fail to slow down well in advance of turns and traffic lights and then brake at the last minute, your brakes are undergoing more wear and tear than necessary. Likewise, if you drive aggressively rather than defensively, you're likely to be using your brakes excessively. Failing to adhere to the three-second rule or using high gears in mountainous terrain can also take a toll on your brakes. Brake-Heavy Driving Conditions Heavy stop-and-go traffic requires far more braking than long drives on unrestricted highways. Regularly using steep roads has a similar negative impact on car brakes, as does driving along hilly roads with lots of consecutive sharp corners. Heavier vehicles can also be harder for brakes to stop. So if you increase the weight of your car by carrying objects on your roof rack or by towing a trailer, then your brakes will probably need to be inspected and repaired more often. Have your brakes serviced today by qualified technicians at Burns Motors Kia. We offer a broad selection of top-of-the-line Kia vehicles and award-winning customer service.

Are your Kia headlights looking dim? It may be time for a trip to the dealer for some new ones. Knowing when it's time to replace the headlights on your Kia can be tricky, but there are some signs to look out for. Read on to find out if you should make a trip to the Kia dealer for new headlights. more You Notice Dim or Yellowing Lights If you've noticed that your headlights look dimmer than usual or have a yellow tint, then it's time to have them inspected by a professional. This could signify that your headlights are failing and need to be replaced. Fortunately, replacing headlights on a Kia is easy and can usually be done in a matter of minutes. It is always important to visit your local mechanic to get the correct parts. Your Lights Flicker or Go Out Completely If your headlights start to flicker or go out completely, it could mean that the wiring is faulty or that the bulbs are worn out. Either way, if your lights are flickering, you should have a professional check them out and replace them if necessary. You may need other electrical work on your car's system. There are Cracks or Discoloration on the Headlight Lens If you've noticed cracks or discoloration on your Kia's headlights, you should consider a trip to the dealer for new ones. Cracks and discoloration indicate that the headlight lens no longer provides the protection needed for safe nighttime driving. Discoloration can be caused by age and wear, dirt buildup, and exposure to sunlight. The damage can cause light beams to be distorted, reducing visibility and creating a dangerous driving situation. Frequent Changing of Bulbs Your bulbs will eventually burn out due to wear and tear. However, if you notice that you are changing them too frequently, there is a problem. An electrical issue, moisture, or a corroded socket could be responsible for premature burnouts. Changing your bulbs too often is a headache and an overpriced one too. You can find out about the lifespan of bulbs in the manual. You'll know that it's time for service if it doesn't match what you're experiencing. There Is Only One Working Headlight If you've noticed that one of the headlights has stopped working, it's time to check it out. One of the best ways to tell if you need to replace your headlights is to pay attention to how they look while driving at night. You'll want to ensure that both headlights produce a bright, clear beam. If you're noticing that your Kia's headlights aren't providing the same quality of light as they once did, it may be time to take a trip to the dealership. Faulty or burned-out headlights can be dangerous and could lead to a ticket, so it's best to address the issue as soon as possible. Visit Burns Motors Kia today if you need a headlight replacement. Image courtesy of Eliel Frances Etruiste via pexels

Your engine is the most important part of your Kia, as it provides the power that allows your car to move. An engine is complex and requires regular services to keep it working efficiently. Time or lack of maintenance can lead to engine problems, which can be expensive to repair if they're neglected. As your local Kia dealer, we'd like to tell you about some of the problems we can fix for you. more Your Engine Is Overheating Overheating is one of the most serious problems for any engine. Your Kia has an efficient cooling system designed to control the heat while allowing the engine to operate at an effective temperature. Your engine temperature should sit around the mid-point on the temperature gauge, although it will temporarily climb when you accelerate or drive uphill. If your engine temperature is climbing for no obvious reason, it's in danger of overheating. An engine that gets too hot can result in a blown head gasket, warped cylinders, or damaged pistons. To prevent damage, pull over as soon as it's safe to do so and allow your engine to cool. Our technicians will examine your engine and find and fix the problem. Low Oil Your engine depends on a continual flow of oil for several reasons. Oil lubricates all the moving parts, allowing them to move faster and protecting them from damage. The oil flow helps to reduce the temperature and removes dirt and grime from the engine. The oil is pumped through your engine by the oil pump. At the end of its cycle, it passes through the oil filter that traps dirt and debris. Low oil could be due to natural wastage. Engine oil is consumed as it passes through the system, and gradually your oil level will drop. A lack of oil will increase the engine temperature, allow dirt to build up in the engine, and cause friction damage to various components. We'll test for any signs of a leak and repair it if we find one. We'll also refill your oil. Broken Thermostat The thermostat is a small valve in your engine that controls the flow of coolant. Coolant is vital for your engine, as it absorbs the heat generated by the constantly moving parts. The coolant is pumped to the radiator where the heat is removed. The constant flow of coolant helps to keep your engine temperature under control. If the thermostat fails, it will release no coolant or too much coolant. A lack of coolant will cause your engine to overheat in minutes. We can easily check the thermostat and replace a damaged one in minutes. If your engine isn't working as efficiently as it used to, call us at Burns Kia to schedule a service appointment soon. Image courtesy of Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

It's easy to take for granted, but with the car AC not working, you'll quickly appreciate how much you rely on it to keep the air in the cabin cool and dry. To guarantee a comfortable drive, make sure that you stay alert to the health of your system and can recognize when it's time to contact your Kia dealer. more Preparing To Check If you've noticed that the atmosphere in your car isn't as comfortable as it should be, it's worth taking some time to check the aircon while the car is parked. With the engine running, first make sure that the system is turned on, running at max power, and switched to the coldest setting, so that you can effectively judge where the problem might lie. Aircon Won't Turn On (or Off!) One of the most obvious problems with the AC occurs when there's no response when you flick the switch. There are many reasons why the system might refuse to run, including broken switches, dials, or fuses, faulty wiring or valves, low refrigerant, or a bad compressor. Conversely, it's also a problem if the system won't switch off, as this can also point to malfunctioning controls and could lead to a dead battery if it continues while the engine isn't running. Air Won't Blow Cold Another sign of malfunctioning aircon is when the system switches on, but the air from the vents isn't cool or even blows warm. This might just be a case of low refrigerant levels that can be solved with a refill, but it might also point to a broken condenser, electrical faults, blockages, or damaged fans. You rely on your AC to keep your car comfortable, so schedule an appointment for a specialist to diagnose the problem as soon as you can. Bad Smells From the Vents You can rely on your nose to let you know about some problems in the aircon system, as they'll make themselves apparent with bad smells in the cabin. Dirty air filters or a buildup of mold will lead to a musty, mildewed odor from the vents, while a refrigerant leak might mean that the car has a sweet or chemical-like fragrance. Nothing will spoil a drive faster than a nasty smell, so this is another reason to book your car in for an aircon checkup. Problems with the air conditioning might not prevent you from reaching your destination, but you don't want to risk the discomfort of a long drive on a warm day. And the good news is that you don't have to live with that nagging sense of irritation or worry. Contact us at Burns Kia and make the most of our friendly and professional service while we make sure that every part of your car is running like new. image courtesy of kaboompics.com via pexels

Your car’s air filter is vital for keeping your engine running smoothly. This small component makes the difference between efficient and inefficient combustion. The filter traps dirt and other debris, which prevents damage to your engine. In time the filter will become clogged, and you'll need a replacement. Your friendly Kia dealer in Orangeburg, SC can install a new one for you. These are signs it's time to change the filter. more Strange Engine Noises Air enters your car through the radiator grille and then passes into the air filter. This filter traps dust, so only clean air enters your engine. This is important, as dirt and debris in the air can damage sensitive engine components. Once the air passes through the filter, it arrives in the intake manifold. Fuel mixes with the air and is then injected into the cylinders so combustion can start. A clogged filter prevents enough air from entering the manifold. Combustion requires a 14:1 ratio of air to fuel. Without air, your engine will become fuel rich. The heady, fuel-filled atmosphere makes combustion more difficult. The lack of air hinders effective compression in the cylinders, and your spark plugs will struggle to fire. This causes strange noises like coughing and slurping to come from your engine. The Filter Is Dirty An air filter is one of your car's components that's easy to check without special tools or skills. The air filter is housed in the filter box behind the radiator grille. Its position is listed in your car's manual. If you want to check the condition of the filter yourself, check its position in the manual and then pop the hood. Once you open the filter box, you'll see the filter nestled inside. A good filter is white or cream. As it fills up with dirt, the filter's color will change. If you have a brown or black filter, your engine is suffering. Call our service department, and one of our Kia-trained technicians will replace the filter for you. A new, clean filter will dramatically increase your engine performance. Strong Fuel Smell As we saw above, your engine requires far more air than fuel for combustion. Combustion will become very inefficient when the filter is blocked and your engine doesn't have enough air. The spark plugs can't easily ignite in a fuel-rich environment, which means much of the fuel that enters the manifold won't burn. The high fuel concentration in the manifold allows some of the vapors to leak out. This is the strong fuel smell that will waft through your car window. A new filter provides numerous benefits for your car. Call us at Burns Kia today to schedule a service check-in. Image courtesy of JarkkoManty via Pixabay

The alternator is a vital part of your Kia's electrical charging system. It's responsible for producing the electricity your car's systems need. It starts working when you start your engine and only stops when your engine is switched off. In time, like any other mechanical system, your alternator can get damaged. If this happens, your local Kia dealer can likely perform an alternator repair. These are a few signs that your alternator needs repair. more Grinding Noises A grinding or whining noise from your engine can be caused by several different problems. If you're experiencing electrical problems, however, the most likely suspect is a damaged alternator. These particular sounds are usually caused by damaged alternator bearings. Your alternator has four bearings that allow it to move and generate power. The bearings have to be greased to allow them to work effectively. This grease slowly dries out and needs to be replaced during your scheduled car service. If the bearings are dry, this can cause friction and damage. The good news is that our technicians can replace your bearings with new ones. This will prevent the noise and allow your alternator a longer life. Burning Wiring The wiring in your car transmits the electricity from the alternator to all your car's components and devices. The alternator also has wiring inside it. A car's engine is a very hostile environment for wiring, as it's hot and subject to movement and damage. Wiring is delicate, and it's protected against these conditions by thick rubber and plastic coverings. We routinely check your wiring during your regular service schedule. If the wiring isn't checked, it can get damaged or broken. Broken wires can lead to a fire, as the alternator will continue to supply power through the broken wire. If the wires get hot enough, they can cause the rubber and plastic insulation to burn. Our technicians will find and replace the damaged wiring. Battery Warning Light The battery warning light lights up as a sign that there's a problem with your car's electrical system. The problem could be caused by the alternator, the battery, or even damaged wiring. The various components of your electrical system have sensors attached to them. These sensors monitor their attached component and send information back to your computer. The sensors also detect problems with a component and report this to your computer. For example, a worn alternator can cause the battery light to come on if its voltage output drops below 12.5 volts. This is a sign that the alternator can't properly supply your car's electrical requirements. A worn alternator will need to be replaced. If you see or suspect an alternator problem, call our service department at Burns Kia for an appointment today. Image courtesy of Devolk via Pixabay

We know how much you adore your Kia. Car maintenance is essential if you want to take good care of your vehicle. While it may seem like a lot of effort, you don't have to do it alone. Your local Kia dealer can assist you. Here are some pointers to keep your Kia in top condition for years. more 1. Stay on Top of Your Service Schedule The first step in maintaining your vehicle is sticking to your vehicle's specified service schedule. Different vehicle models have varying recommendations, and the services you need can also vary based on how and where you drive. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You should consult your owner's manual if you are unsure of the services you might require or when you might need them. Your owner's manual is a valuable resource that can assist you with various vehicle maintenance topics. Be sure to take advantage of it whenever possible. Finally, if you have any questions about your service schedule, we would be happy to answer them. 2. Visually Inspect Your Vehicle Regularly Visually inspect your vehicle regularly for any signs of concern. It can save you a lot of trouble on the road. Start by checking your tires and ensuring the tread is not worn out. It is also necessary to keep an eye on your tire pressure. Check your headlights, taillights, and mirrors to ensure they are not damaged, and ensure that your windshield stays clean and free of debris. When you get into your vehicle, make sure you don't have any service lights on, and if you notice any strange sounds or behaviors, get your car a proper inspection. 3. Assemble a Basic Car Care and Emergency Kit You can assemble an inexpensive basic car care kit to help you keep your vehicle clean and in good condition between service appointments. Include microfiber towels, gloves, a bucket, trash bags, and your preferred cleaning products. You should also have an emergency kit and a spare tire in your vehicle. Having these items on hand can save you a lot of trouble. 4. Visit Your Kia Dealer for Service You Can Trust When it is time to service your Kia, take it to a service center you can trust. At Burns Motors Kia, we offer a service center that is dependable and convenient. You can be sure that our highly-trained and experienced technicians will use genuine parts and treat your vehicle as if it was their own. Let us help you care for your Kia the right way. We hope you find this information helpful. Are you in need of quality vehicle service? If so, we can help. Contact us today at Burns Motors Kia. We would be happy to help with any of your automotive needs image courtesy of pexels.com

How do you know when it's time for a transmission repair on your Kia? It can be difficult to tell, but there are a few key signs to look out for. One of the most obvious is if your car is hesitating or jerking when you try to accelerate. If you're noticing the symptoms discussed below, or others like them, it's best to bring your vehicle in to a Kia dealer as soon as possible for a diagnosis. more 1. Your Car Is Jerking or Vibrating When You Drive If you're driving along and suddenly your car starts to jerk or vibrate, it's likely that you have a problem with your transmission. The transmission is responsible for transferring the power from the engine to the wheels, and if it's not working properly, it can cause all sorts of problems. In some cases, the transmission may need to be completely replaced. However, in other cases, a simple repair may be all that's needed. 2. You Hear a Strange Noise When the Engine Is Running There are a few different types of noises that can indicate a problem with the transmission. One is a grinding noise that happens when the gears are not meshing properly. This can be caused by wear and tear on the gears, or by a build-up of debris. Another type of noise is a whining sound that is caused by a fluid leak. This can happen if there is a hole in the transmission casing or if the seals are beginning to fail. Lastly, a thumping noise can indicate an issue with the torque converter. If this component is damaged, it can cause vibrations that are felt throughout the car. 3. The Gears Are Slipping or Not Changing Properly This happens when the transmission fluid is low or dirty, or when there's a problem with the clutches or gears. When the fluid is low, it can't lubricate the gears properly, causing them hard to shift. Dirty fluid can also cause the clutches to slip, and it can make the gears harder to turn. If there's a problem with the clutches, they may not engage properly, which can cause the gears to slip. And if there's a problem with the gears, they may not mesh together properly, which can cause them to slip or not change properly. If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's time to bring your car in for repair. Contact us today at Burns Motors Kia to schedule a service appointment and get your car back on the road. We'll take care of everything from diagnostics to repairs so you can rest assured that your car is in good hands. image courtesy of pexels.com

No driver wants to consider the possibility of being in a collision, but unfortunately, accidents do happen. Whether your collision was a literal fender-bender or caused more significant damage, you'll need to get your Kia repaired. Having your collision repair done at a Kia dealer ensures that you will receive top-notch service and that your car will be fixed using high-end parts. Here's what you need to know before taking your vehicle to be repaired. more All cars are not created equal, so you'll want your Kia to be repaired by someone familiar with your car's make and model. Kia-certified mechanics have to undergo extensive training to earn their status. This knowledge means you'll be able to feel peace of mind leaving your car with them for repair. In addition to having a higher level of expertise, Kia-certified technicians will also be up to date on any product recalls affecting your vehicle. The average driver may not know about recalls on engine parts or airbags, which can leave them at risk. Finally, when your trust your car to a Kia-certified technician, you'll know that every repair they made was up to brand standards. 2. Ensure Only Authentic OEM Parts Are Used Don't settle for parts that aren't designed specifically for your Kia. Original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, parts are created for your car and are identical to the original they are replacing. This authenticity is essential when it comes to increasing your car's longevity. Aftermarket parts are generic pieces made to fit a variety of vehicles. Since they are designed to suit a wide range of vehicles, they don't fit your car as perfectly as OEM parts. In addition, issues such as friction due to an improper fit and poor performance are possible when your vehicle is repaired with generic parts. Finally, if your car is still under warranty, using anything other than OEM parts can void it. 3. Make Sure to Ask Questions If the technician uses a term you don't understand or says your car needs a repair you aren't sure is necessary, don't be afraid to speak up. When you receive the estimate of what the service is expected to cost, make sure you look at it carefully and understand all the charges. Address anything that you find confusing before leaving your car to be repaired. A reliable service provider will be happy to discuss your questions and concerns. 4. Visit Your Local Kia Dealer The ultimate way to ensure you are satisfied with your car's repair job is to visit a dealership service center. Not only will a dealership only employ Kia-certified technicians and use OEM parts, but they will have fantastic customer service. In addition, since dealerships directly represent a brand, they are held to a standard that independent repair centers aren't. Dealerships also offer amenities to make your life more convenient. From shuttle services to lounges outfitted with WiFi and high-definition televisions, dealerships go above and beyond to ensure you are comfortable while your car is being repaired. While no one wants their Kia to need repairs, when you visit a dealership service center, you know that your car is in excellent hands. If your vehicle was damaged in a collision or needs preventative servicing, call Burns Kia today. image courtesy of pexels.com