How Does Power Steering Work?

One of the best things about buying a brand new car is not having to stress about breakdowns and costly repairs. However, that doesn't mean you don't have to worry about taking your car into the dealership at all. There are several important maintenance services that your Kia requires to keep it running at its best and to protect your warranty. The 15,000-mile service is the first significant tuneup your Kia will require. Read on to learn what Kia's 15,000-mile service package will include. Oil Change It's recommended to change your Kia's oil every 3,750 miles, so when it's time for your 15,000 mile service, your car will be ready for its fourth lifetime oil change. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your car's engine, and it's important to replace it regularly to ensure that the oil is clean and lubricating properly. This simple maintenance task goes a long way to keeping your car running smoothly and maximizing its lifespan. more As part of an oil change package at your Kia dealership, your old engine oil will be removed and replaced with new oil, and your oil filter will be replaced with a new genuine Kia oil filter. This also provides an opportunity for your local Kia technicians to check fluids like the window washer fluid and engine coolant, and top off as necessary. Cabin Air Filter Replacement Your car's cabin air filter is responsible for catching pollutants like dust, mold, insect debris, and other air contaminants before they pass through your car's A/C vents and into the air you breathe. Replacing your Kia's cabin air filter does more than keep the air inside of your car clean — it also helps prevent damage to your car's engine that can be caused by the A/C working too hard to move air through a clogged filter. Tire Inspection and Rotation As part of your 15,000-mile service package, your Kia dealership will inspect your car's tires for uneven wear and pressure, adjust the pressure as needed, and rotate your tires. Front tires tend to wear down more quickly than rear tires, so regular tire rotations are important to ensure an even amount of treadwear on all four tires. Rotating your tires not only extends their lifespan, but it also gives your mechanic an opportunity to catch treadwear patterns that could indicate a more significant problem with your vehicle. Visual Inspection In addition to the maintenance items listed above, when you bring your Kia to the dealer for a 15,000-mile service you'll also receive a full visual inspection of your vehicle by a Kia Certified Technician. We'll inspect your front suspension, battery, fuel tank and lines, and steering, and make sure your brakes are clean and wearing evenly. Our associates will review the inspection results with you, informing you of any additional recommended maintenance and answering any questions you may have. Don't neglect to have your Kia serviced by your dealer according to the Manufacturer's Recommended Maintenance Schedule. Regularly scheduled maintenance keeps your car operating in peak condition and lets you catch any minor problems before they turn into costly repairs. Looking to do a job yourself? Checkout our parts department to get high quality affordable parts.

Driving in heavy rain calls for extra caution on the road. While it's always best practice to stay home during bad weather when possible, sometimes you have no choice but to get behind the wheel. For those times, follow these six tips for driving in heavy rain. Slow Down Wet roads mean longer stopping distances and increased risk of accidents. Ensure that you stay in control of your vehicle and have plenty of time to react to sudden traffic changes by reducing your speed in heavy rain. Remember that the posted speed limit is an upper limit based on ideal driving conditions, and you'll typically need to drive slower than the speed limit in inclement weather. more Turn On Your Headlights Visibility decreases dramatically in heavy rain. It's not just your ability to see the road that's affected, but also other drivers' ability to see you. Turn on your headlights any time it's raining to make sure that other drivers can identify all four corners of your vehicle. Use your low beam headlights, so you don't accidentally blind other drivers. Give Yourself More Space You should always increase your following distance in the rain, and you should give yourself even more space when the rain is severe. Rear-end collisions are the most common accidents, and the risk is even greater in heavy rain due to decreased visibility and increased stopping distance. Keep at least five car lengths between you and the car in front of you, and don't be afraid to give even more space if conditions call for it. Avoid Standing Water Driving through standing water increases the odds of hydroplaning and creates an opportunity for water to enter your engine. Both of these are bad news, so avoid standing water when possible. If you're on a multi-lane road, drive in the middle lane, as it's higher than the outer lanes and less likely to accumulate water. If you do find yourself hydroplaning, let off the accelerator and gently steer in the direction you want to go. Don't slam on your brakes or jerk your steering wheel, as this may cause you to lose control. Never drive through water if you can't see the road markings underneath, or you risk getting stuck or swept away. Keep Your Tires in Good Condition A car with under-inflated tires or worn tire tread is at greater risk of an accident. If your tires aren't in good shape, you'll be more likely to hydroplane and you'll have trouble stopping in time on wet roads. Make sure you're not caught unprepared in a storm by ensuring that your tires have adequate tread and are inflated to the manufacturer's recommendation. Pull Over When Necessary Sometimes a storm is simply greater than what your car can safely handle. If your wipers can't keep up with the rain, if water is accumulating on the roadway, or if you're having trouble maintaining control of your vehicle, find a safe place to pull over and wait out the worst of the storm. Rain is a top cause of automobile accidents in the United States, and it's important to not underestimate the power of heavy rains. Follow these tips to improve your driving in heavy rain, and remember to always stay off the road in unsafe conditions.

As summer hits, it is important to keep an eye on your vehicle. Unfortunately, even though summer is great for many people, it's a tough time for your car. There are hazards you should watch out for. Make sure your car is protected this summer by safeguarding against hot weather, extra driving, and more. Protect the Interior When the sun is beating down on your parked vehicle, the car is susceptible to interior damage. Not only does it get extremely hot inside a parked car in the summer, the heat and light work together to fade your upholstery. Dashboards and steering wheels also fade over time because of the extra sunlight. There are steps you can take to ensure you keep the inside of your car looking great. First, use a windshield sunshade. Shades are easy to find at dealerships, auto parts stores, and even department stores. They usually fold, making them easy to store in the car. When using a sunshade, you're cutting down on the sun's rays and reducing the heat buildup in the car. Wipe your car down with commercial products that help protect against damage from the sun. You can find these at many of the same places you'll find sunshades. When using sun protection products, you are giving the car's surfaces an extra layer of protection. more Check the Battery and Fluids It's a smart idea to take your car to a dealership regularly during the summer to get a professional eye on the vehicle's mechanical workings. The mechanic can check the battery, fluids, and any other possible problem areas. Summer heat causes fluid evaporation, which can put extra strain on the battery. It's also important to make sure all fluids are topped off. One of the biggest concerns in the summer is having enough coolant in the engine. Make sure you ask your technician to check for any fluid leaks, especially around the coolant system. While it is possible to check fluid levels and battery life by yourself, having a trained technician do it gives you a better look at what's actually going on in the vehicle. He or she will be able to pinpoint any current or potential problems, keeping your car in great condition longer. Drive Smart Whether you're going on an extended road trip or simply heading to the park with the kids more often, it's likely that you drive more hours in the summer than other times of the year. Unfortunately, driving in extreme heat can be harmful to your car. Try to do most of your driving when it's cooler, early in the morning or after the sun sets. Driving when it's cool helps keep your car from overheating. Don't let your car be a huge source of stress this summer. Keep it protected from the perils of hot weather and sunshine. Take the time to have your mechanic or dealership thoroughly check out your car before the heat of summer fully hits, to ensure it's working at peak performance.