Blog

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.

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