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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. more 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. more 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. more 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.