Brake pads typically wear gradually, so for some it may be difficult to readily notice a decline in performance. Below are some common signs you should look out for, as they can signal that your brake system needs repair/replacement.
Click the link to the right to watch an informative video on common sources of excessive wear to your brakes and what you can do to prevent your braking system from wearing down too much.
Many brake pads have a "wear indicator" that emits an audible warning when it's time for replacement.
Metal-on-metal noise can be caused by the backing plate grinding against rotors, due to worn brake pads.
Generally, if pads are less than 2-3mm thick, they likely need to be replaced. And if less than 4-5mm, they are nearing replacement.
If your car feels like it 'pulls' to one side when braking, this can be caused by brake pads wearing unevenly, dirty brake fluid, a collapsed brake hose, or a stuck caliper.
If your brake pedal feels like it's vibrating or pulsing when braking, this can be caused by unevenly worn rotors.
If your brake pedal is not as responsive as it once was, or it feels soft/mushy, this may signal a problem in the brake fluid system.
For peace of mind, visit our dealership for a brake inspection by our factory-trained Kia technicians.
Most batteries go for thousands of miles without service. However, everyday driving conditions - such as climate and driving habits - can affect the life of your battery. If you still have your original battery or feel a sluggish start from time to time, it may be a good idea to come in for battery inspection and testing.
Your battery should be inspected every six months, and in areas of high heat/cold, this becomes even more imperative.
Even if your vehicle starts, the battery may have lost a lot of its reserve power.
This is likely a sign that your battery is not operating at 100%.
Our batteries meet rigorous specifications for quality, long life and dependability.
Here are some features you can expect with every Kia Genuine Battery:
Genuine Kia batteries meet or exceed Kia's reserve capacity specifications and cold cranking amps specifications.
Positive grid cover can help prevent corrosion.
Special electrolyte additive improves battery charging effectiveness, especially following severe discharge.
All Kia dealerships nationwide can service these batteries, which is especially helpful when you're traveling.All tires eventually need to be replaced. We'll let you know when you need new ones. If you're thinking of going to a big box store for your tire needs, you may want to think again. At Kia Store Rainbow City - Gadsden our Kia experts help make your tire replacement easy, convenient, cost-effective, and specific to your needs.
Our factory-trained technicians will first check your tire tread depth and pressure. If it's determined that you need replacement tires, our experts will help find the set that is right for your Kia. Here are some reasons to buy tires from us:
A professional driver took nearly 10 car lengths longer to stop on worn tires than he did on new tires.
While your stopping distance may vary, newer tires can help you stop sooner.
You'll know it's time to replace your wiper blades when you see these signs of wear:
Wiper blades tend to wear evenly, so even if only one blade appears worn, the other isn't far behind. You should replace both wiper blades at the same time.
Preventative maintenance includes following the recommended service schedule for your specific model. Not only can preventative maintenance mitigate the need for repairs on the road, but it also helps your set of wheels perform at its best.
At Kia Store Rainbow City – Gadsden, our certified service technicians are ready to provide your Kia or other model with all types of preventative maintenance, so you can continue to enjoy safe drives throughout Rainbow City, Gadsden, and Glencoe, AL.
The recommended service schedule for your Kia or other model can be found in your owner’s manual. It lays out specific time and mileage intervals for service throughout its life. A few of the most important types of preventative maintenance services include:
One of the best ways to extend the life of your Kia is by scheduling regular oil and filter changes. Since your engine powers you forward, it’s important to ensure each component has what it needs to do its job well.
Oil lubricates the entire engine, which keeps everything cool. It also helps keep out and remove any debris that gets in. After a while, the oil becomes dirty and needs to be replaced.
Tires typically need a rotation about every six months or between every 6,000 and 8,000 miles. This ensures even wear across all four of them, which in turn makes them last longer and enables them to provide maximum traction. When you visit us for this Kia preventative maintenance, we’ll remove the tires, move them to another spot, and remount them.
About every six months or around every 6,000 miles, you’ll also want to have your wheels aligned. This ensures an even weight distribution, which leads to a smooth, efficient drive. We’ll make any necessary adjustments to ensure each wheel sits perpendicular to the road and parallel to the other wheels.
Windshield wipers help you see clearly through your windshield when the weather takes a turn. Depending on driving conditions, it’s a good idea to have them replaced every six to 12 months, as well as any time the rubber has worn down and they are no longer effectively removing rain from your line of vision.
For the most part, you’ll also want to replace your engine air filter around every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. It works to keep dust and other debris out of the engine. Similarly, your cabin air filter needs to be replaced about once per year. This keeps pollen, dust, and other particulates out of your Kia cabin.
We offer rotating service and preventative maintenance specials to make it easy to stay current with your recommended maintenance plan. Check back frequently to view our current deals!
Think it’s time for your next oil change? How about a tire rotation or wheel alignment? Maybe you want to bring your Kia in for an engine tune-up, along with a model inspection. Whatever preventative maintenance you’re looking for, visit us at Kia Store Rainbow City – Gadsden today!
We look forward to getting you back behind the wheel near Rainbow City, Gadsden, and Glencoe, Alabama.