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Are you starting to lose confidence in your tires? If you've experienced a sudden loss of traction on a wet patch of the road or noticed your cornering and braking become less exact, it may be time for new tires. Any of the following warning signs should prompt you to visit your local Kia dealership right away to have your tires examined or replaced. Diminished Tread Depths After four to six years of use, the treads of most tires will wear too thin for safe use. The minimum legal tread depth in Illinois is 2/32 of an inch. It's generally considered a good idea to replace your tires even before they become this shallow. You can use a tread depth gauge to measure the treads of your tires. You can also use a penny; insert the coin into the tread voids at a central part of the tire with Abe’s head inside the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, the treads are too shallow, and you need a new set of tires. Less Firm Tire Traction When on the road, it's important to feel absolute confidence in your tires at all times. If you sense reduced traction during wet weather, have your tires inspected by a professional without delay. You may need replacements. Excessive Vibrations Worn-out tires will gradually worsen your handling and generate more road noise and vibrations. If your car seems excessively noisy and shaky, ask a trusted technician to examine your tires. Unevenly Worn Tires If you routinely have your tires rotated, they'll last a good deal longer. Regular rotations combat uneven tire wear, keeping all four tires in a similar condition. Neglecting to rotate your tires may cause them to wear down unevenly to an excessive degree, which will cause all kinds of trouble and may mean you need to prematurely replace all four. Cracked, Cut, or Bulging Rubber Serious damage to the rubber of any tire usually makes it no longer safe to use. If a tire's sidewalls have myriad cracks that are spreading and deepening, you'll probably need to get rid of that tire. Similarly, deep cuts or gashes threaten the structural integrity of tire rubber, as do bulges or blisters, which may indicate an internal rupture. Continual Loss of Air Pressure All drivers should check the air pressure of their tires once a month or more, maintaining the pressure at precisely the recommended PSI for their vehicle. If one of your tires is persistently losing air pressure, have it inspected by a technician; it may have a hidden puncture or some other hazardous flaw. Visit Auffenberg Kia in Shiloh, IL, today to have your tires rotated or replaced. We're a trusted local dealership offering top-notch cars, deals, and customer service.

By identifying the signs below, you will detect battery issues early on, giving you ample time to get a new car battery from your Kia dealer before finding yourself stranded on the side of the road. Let’s explore eight signs that your Kia needs a new car battery, so you can head to your local dealer to get the problem fixed quickly. 1. Illuminated Dashboard Warning Lights Your Kia has an advanced onboard computer that diligently monitors the performance of multiple systems, including your car battery. If there is a battery problem, the battery, check engine, and alternator lights will go on. These warning lights are early indications that your battery is losing strength and should be replaced. 2. Heavy Corrosion Keep an eye out for an excessive blueish buildup on the battery terminals that could indicate your battery may give off acidic fumes or leak battery acid. It's best to ask your Nissan technician to take a look and assess the issue. 3. Foul Odor If you detect a strange smell coming from the front of your vehicle, it could indicate a battery leak. Leaks occur due to an accumulation of corrosion around the battery terminals, which could prevent your Kia from starting. If the corrosion is severe, have your Kia technician replace the battery. 4. Battery Case Damage The case may bloat due to excessive heat buildup within the battery caused by overcharging or prolonged exposure to high temperatures. A bloated battery case is a safety risk and must be replaced promptly. 5. Electrical Problems A weak battery causes electrical issues. If your radio is cutting out, headlights are dimming, or the windshield wipers or power windows are moving slower, it's likely due to a weak battery. 6. Hard Starts If your car starts one day but struggles the next, it could be a battery issue. A weakening battery needs more time to create a charge, causing your engine to take longer to turn over. If your Kia struggles to start, it's time to invest in a new battery. 7. Jump Starts A clear sign that your battery is approaching the end of its life is the frequent need to jump-start your vehicle to get it going. While jump-starting your vehicle may offer a temporary solution, promptly replacing the battery is vital to prevent more breakdowns and damage to the electrical system. 8. Battery Age Car batteries generally last between three and five years. If your battery is over three years old, it's a good idea to have it regularly checked by a technician to ensure trouble-free driving.  Don't wait until you have to rely on a stranger for a jump start or get stuck with a dead battery. When you notice any signs of a bad battery, stop at Auffenberg Kia in Shiloh, IL, for a range of quality batteries and professional installation services.

Your Kia's transmission is the system that works behind the scenes to transfer power from your engine to the wheels, allowing smooth shifting. The transmission requires proper care, but knowing how often to service it can be challenging. Let's talk about the signs that tell you it's time to get transmission service at your Kia dealer. Rough Shifting and Slipping Gears You are cruising down the road with your foot on the gas, but instead of your Kia accelerating smoothly, you feel harsh kicks or shudders as the transmission changes gears. The vehicle may even slip out of gear entirely, causing a momentary loss of acceleration. This erratic behavior points to low transmission fluid, worn-out clutch components, or a faulty solenoid. Our skilled Kia technicians can resolve this issue with a transmission fluid and filter change. They will also inspect the system and replace worn components to restore smooth shifting. Transmission Fluid Leaks If you notice a leak underneath your car, you should get it checked out immediately. A bright red, dark red, or brown leak could be a sign of a transmission fluid leak. Leaks are often caused by worn seals, gaskets, or other components within the transmission itself. Transmission fluid lubricates moving parts and absorbs and dissipates heat from the system. If the fluid is low, your transmission could overheat, leading to premature component wear. Have the system serviced immediately to prevent costly damage. Sluggish Acceleration Does your Kia feel a bit sluggish or unresponsive when you hit the gas? The culprit could be lurking within your transmission. Poor acceleration occurs due to low fluid levels, worn clutch components, or a faulty torque converter. Your vehicle feels sluggish because the transmission is not able to transfer the engine's power to the wheels efficiently. Sweet, Burning Odor in the Cabin Transmission fluid produces a sweet smell when it burns. If you notice this smell in your cabin, your transmission may be overheating due to low fluid levels or even a leak. You may even get a "check engine" light because a faulty transmission forces the engine to work harder to deliver the needed power. This can cause engine inefficiency and overheating, so it's best to address it immediately. Schedule Routine Transmission Inspections at Your Kia Dealer You don't have to wait for your transmission to fail to get it serviced. Although you don't have to change the fluid as often as you get an oil service, it's a good idea to schedule routine inspections. Our technicians will inspect your Kia's transmission for worn components, fluid leaks, and other faults that could hinder performance. Fixing these issues early keeps your Kia running smoothly and prevents costly damage. If you take good care of your Kia's transmission, it will reward you with smooth gear shifts and responsive performance for years. Contact Auffenberg Kia in Shiloh, IL to schedule a service.

Brakes are a vital component of the functionality of your Kia, and brakes that need repair can't and won't work at their peak, which could lead to accidents. The best thing to know is the signs that your Kia needs a brake repair at your local Kia dealer. Let’s examine five of the most common signs it’s time to contact us for service right away. Dashboard ABS Light Turns On Any dashboard light is cause for concern. This is especially true if you notice the antilock braking system, or ABS, light pops up and depicts a red or yellow color. This indicates a current problem with your brakes or a looming problem that will soon become bigger. If you notice your ABS light pops up on your dashboard, have your Kia checked by a professional immediately. They can fix the issue before it becomes more serious. Taking Longer to Stop Brakes working at peak performance are designed to stop your Kia immediately. If your brakes take longer to halt your vehicle, this is a very serious problem. You may be dealing with air in your brake fluid, low brake fluid, or ​worn-down brake pads that are too thin to get the job done correctly. Get your Kia's brakes checked ASAP by an experienced mechanic, such as those at our dealership. Odd and Loud Noises When Braking You shouldn't be able to hear your brakes. If you start hearing odd and loud noises when braking, there's an issue. The sound can indicate the severity. Squeaking is typically the first sign of trouble, indicating worn-down brake pads, while grinding is a more significant problem involving the rotors. Have your Kia checked by an experienced technician when you hear noises from your bakes. The sooner, the better. Vibrating Steering Wheel This probably goes without saying, but your steering wheel shouldn't vibrate. If it does, especially when pressing down on the brake pedal, the culprit is probably your brakes and rotors. At this point, there is a high chance your rotors have lost their shape or warped and will need to be replaced. Keep in mind that other issues can cause a vibrating steering wheel. Regardless, you need to find out what's causing the vibrations and have them remedied as soon as possible. Visit our Kia dealer to have your vehicle inspected and repaired. Burning Smell If you notice a burning smell when braking, you need to get your Kia checked out immediately. A burning smell is a significant warning sign that shouldn't be overlooked. It can be caused by a number of brake issues, from overheating and stuck calipers to brake fluid leaks and worn-out brake pads. Leaving the issue unattended can lead to serious problems and the potential for the brakes to give out entirely. Do you need your Kia's brakes inspected and potentially repaired? Visit Auffenberg Kia in Shiloh, IL today! We have a team of experienced mechanics standing by to remedy any brake problems.

There's good reason why cars with a well-documented maintenance history claim substantially higher prices in the pre-owned vehicle market. Routine maintenance keeps any car in superior condition, functioning and looking better for longer. If the longevity of your Kia is important to you, make sure you routinely visit your local Kia dealer to have the following Kia maintenance services carried out. Check out an overview of why regular maintenance is vital to your Kia’s longevity. Better Long-Term Vehicle Performance When each part of your car is carefully serviced by experienced professionals, your vehicle as a whole naturally performs far better over the long run. Each essential maintenance service, such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and wheel alignment, keeps that particular component performing at its peak. By contrast, neglecting maintenance can only result in a gradual deterioration in the car's capacity to function. Wear and Tear Is Significantly Diminished A great deal of regular maintenance is geared toward reducing wear and tear. Motor oil, for example, keeps each moving engine part lubricated, thereby reducing friction and overheating. Your car's other friction-minimizing functions also need to be kept working well with regular checks. Without diligent upkeep, small faults can develop that rapidly accelerate wear and tear. Problems Are Identified and Fixed Early On One of the main reasons to have an experienced technician regularly inspect your vehicle is to spot nascent problems and nip them in the bud early on. This reduces the damage that vehicle faults can cause to other car parts, thereby extending your car's overall lifespan. You Need Fewer Repairs in the Long Run Repeated repairs gradually cause a car to age. Anything you can do to put off the need to repair malfunctioning car parts helps with vehicle longevity. Routine maintenance is by far the best thing you can do in this regard; the technicians keep each individual part in top working order, fixing issues early and continually reducing the need for serious repair work. Your Car Looks Beautiful for Longer Vehicle longevity is more than performance alone. You also want your car to look fantastic for as long as possible, especially if you'd like to sell it one day. By regularly having your car professionally cleaned, waxed, polished, and perhaps even protected with ceramic coating, you're maintaining its aesthetic appeal and protecting against external corrosion. It's also worth bearing in mind that drivers who take pride in the appearance of their cars are also more likely to keep up with a proper maintenance schedule. Arrange Regular Kia Maintenance At Your Local Kia Dealer One of the surest ways to keep your car in excellent condition for longer is to enlist the help of experienced professionals. When you arrange a regular maintenance schedule at your local dealership, the technicians can provide regular service reminders. Visit Auffenberg Kia in Shiloh, IL, today to have your vehicle serviced by qualified technicians.

While car batteries deliver about 12 volts of electricity, the engine's spark plugs need thousands of volts to ignite the fuel inside the cylinders hundreds of times per minute. Ignition coils massively magnify the battery's voltage, allowing the spark plugs to do their job. If your car ever experiences a coil malfunction, you'll see a variety of vehicle problems. Your local Kia dealer can promptly repair these issues. But a little knowledge goes a long way, so here are 6 signs of a faulty ignition coil. Misfiring Spark Plugs When a fouled or faulty ignition coil fails to deliver the necessary voltage to its corresponding spark plug, that spark plug will stop firing properly. This misfiring will cause the engine to cough and shake, especially when driving at high speeds on the highway on resting in idle. While you're waiting at traffic lights, your car might even stall. Trouble Starting Your Car Whenever you start the engine, both the starter and spark plugs need a reliable surge of electricity. If a malfunctioning coil can't deliver this voltage, the engine won't start. As a coil first falters, you might initially notice your engine becoming slower to turn over. That's the time to head straight to your nearest dealership to have the coils checked. Plummeting Engine Power When one coil dies, its cylinder will no longer properly function. Without all cylinders firing reliably, your car's engine may lose a significant amount of power, and you'll find it harder to accelerate. How much power you lose depends on how badly the coil is malfunctioning and also on the overall number of cylinders in the engine. Falling Fuel Economy While a bad coil leads to misfiring spark plugs, the fuel injector is still sending fuel into the combustion chamber. But this fuel is no longer igniting properly, leading to various problems, including dropping gas mileage. Black Smoke from the Tailpipe The excess unburned fuel that results from misfiring spark plugs can start to leak back into the car's exhaust system. Therein, the fuel can suddenly combust or partially ignite, causing black smoke to emerge from the car's tailpipe. Check Engine Light The many problems caused by a failing coil will usually trigger the check engine light to appear on the dashboard. This light should never be ignored; a trusted technician can quickly identify and resolve the root problem. Your Kia Dealer Can Clean, Repair, or Replace Your Car's Coils Depending on how damaged your faulty coil is, the technician might be able to restore it to working function. Sometimes coils can be cleaned, repaired, or refurbished. However, the costs of testing, dissembling, reassembling, and ordering parts will often outweigh the cost of simply purchasing and installing a brand-new coil. Visit Auffenberg Kia in Shiloh, IL today to have your malfunctioning coils repaired or replaced. We're a local full-service dealership providing the region's drivers with great cars, great deals, and great customer care.

Maintaining your Kia involves numerous tasks, but none is more crucial than regular oil changes. Neglecting the oil in your vehicle can lead to a host of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency, engine overheating, and even catastrophic engine failure. Here are a few signs to watch for that indicate when your car is due for an oil change at your Kia dealer. Watch Your Oil Life Monitoring System Most modern Kias come equipped with an oil life monitoring system, a handy tool that calculates the oil's condition based on factors like engine temperatures, speed, and trip duration. When it's time for an oil change, your dashboard will alert you with a maintenance light or message. However, if your vehicle lacks this feature, or you prefer a more hands-on approach, here are some ways to tell that it's time. Check Your Mileage Your first step should be to consult your Kia's owner's manual. It contains specific recommendations for oil service intervals, tailored to your vehicle model. Most newer models should go about 5,000 to 7,500 miles between changes under normal driving conditions. Check the corner of your windshield for a sticker with your car's mileage the last time your oil was changed. If you've exceeded the mileage recommendation since then, it's time to change your oil. Perform a Manual Inspection Oil needs to be changed when it has broken down too much to do its job anymore. Fortunately, this is something you can check yourself. Use the dipstick to ensure the oil reaches the correct level and take a look at its color. Fresh oil should be amber and transparent. Oil or Check Engine Light Is On – You Are Overdue for an Oil Change The most obvious sign is when your Kia's dashboard indicates it. If the check engine light comes on, it could mean your oil is contaminated or not properly lubricating the engine. Noisy Engine – Get Your Oil Changed Now Oil reduces friction between parts of your engine. Without it, you might hear knocking, rumbling, or grinding sounds from the engine compartment. Those sounds mean parts are wearing down due to a lack of lubrication. Smoke From the Exhaust – Have Your Oil Checked Soon It's normal to see some vapor from your exhaust, especially in the cold, but smoke is another story. Smoke can point to oil burning off in your engine. Engine Overheating – Could Indicate Other Issues Oil helps to cool the engine by reducing friction. If your engine has started overheating, it might be due to old or low oil levels. In addition, an overheating engine could point to a wealth of other problems that should not be ignored. Get your car to an authorized Kia Dealer for service quickly. By staying vigilant and following the recommended maintenance schedule, you can avoid the pitfalls of neglect and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Call Auffenberg Kia in Shiloh, IL, to schedule your next service appointment today.