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Tire Care 101: Mastering the Basics for a Smooth Ride

Kia Tires

Looking after your car's tires might not be the most exciting task, but it's essential to keeping your vehicle running at full capacity. Though it's easy to overlook, it's important to remember that tires are your vehicle's only contact with the road. Keeping them in top shape ensures a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency and improves overall car performance. Not sure how to inspect your tires? Don't worry! We at Crain Kia of Fort Smith will help you get started!

Click here to order new tires in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Tire Pressure

It's important to keep your tires filled with the right amount of air to make sure your car drives smoothly and safely. This not only helps with better control and stopping of the car but also helps you save on gas. The American Automobile Association (AAA) suggests that you should check how much air is in your tires every month. You can easily do this with either a digital or traditional tire gauge. Here's a simple guide on how to do it.

Checking Your Car's Tire Pressure

  1. Remove the cap on the tire's valve stem.
  2. Position the gauge reader at the end of the open stem.
    1. Apply force for a tight seal for an accurate reading. 
  3. Add or release air as needed.
    1. Use a compressor to supply air. You can stop by a nearby gas station if you do not own one. 
    2. If your tires are overinflated, place the non-rounded end of your gauge on the valve stem to release pressure. 
Auto Tires at Crain Kia

Checking Your Tire's Tread

Keeping your vehicle in good shape and ensuring your safety involves paying attention to the condition of your tires. A quick and easy way to check if it's time for new tires is by doing the "penny test." This method helps you figure out if your tires are too worn out. According to Bridgestone's blog, most car tires start with tread depths of 10/32-inch or 11/32-inch and should be replaced once they get down to 2/32-inch. The "penny test" is a straightforward technique to see if your tires are at that point.

How to Use The Penny Test

  1. Grab a penny and place it in between the raises on the tire's tread, or "rib."
  2. When setting the penny, ensure Lincoln's head points down.
  3. Inspect to see if Lincoln's head is visible.
    1. If Lincoln's head is hidden behind the tread, your tires are above the 2/32 threshold.
    2. If you can see Lincoln's entire head, it's likely time to replace your tire. 

Caring for your car's tires might seem like a hassle, but it's really important for keeping your car driving smoothly. It helps with stopping while also ensuring your vehicle handles it as it should. You can easily check by using a penny and making sure they have enough air. If you're in the Van Buren Area, swing by Crain Kia of Fort Smith for all your tire needs!

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Ordering Parts and Accessories at Crain Kia of Fort Smith

If you're searching for parts and accessories for your vehicle, we at Crain Kia of Fort Smith can help! We have the genuine Kia parts you need for your car! These are covered by our 12-month replacement parts limited warranty. We also offer a wide variety of accessories for your vehicle, including exterior and interior components, as well as safety kits. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect part or accessory, so keep reading to learn about our different types of accessories! Maintenance Parts Are you looking for parts for your Kia car or SUV? We've got you covered! Whether you need brakes, tires, oil filters, cabin air filters, or batteries, our parts department can help you find what you need. We're committed to ensuring you get the right components for your Kia vehicle. Are you shopping for Kia parts and accessories near Fort Smith, AR? Click here to start your order! Roadside Assistance Kit When you're on the go, you should have a roadside assistance kit in your car in case of trouble. You can get this kit at our Crain Kia dealership! It includes jumper cables, a tow rope, and pocket tools to help you in an emergency. These tools can keep you safe and help you escape tricky situations. Have you heard about Kia's new all-electric three-row electric vehicle? Click here to learn about the 2024 EV9! First Aid Kit It's a good idea to have a first aid kit in your vehicle in case of accidents or medical emergencies. These first-aid kits can help quickly with cuts, burns, and scrapes. Are you shopping for a used vehicle near Van Buren, AR? Click here to learn about our pre-owned selection! Cargo Covers Keep your items secure and out of sight with a cargo cover. This cover can help you hide your belongings from the view of those passing by and protect them from the sun. For example, after shopping, you can put your grocery bags inside and cover them with the cargo cover. The Telluride is an award-winning SUV! Click here to learn more! Bike Attachment If you love riding your bike often and want to take it when you travel, consider getting a bike attachment! It's an attachment you can attach to your car and use to transport your bike safely and effortlessly. These tools are great space-saving options, keeping your bike out of the way. Are you searching for car accessories near Fort Smith, AR? Click here to shop our Kia accessories! If you need parts for your car or want to add some style and utility, shop at Crain Kia of Fort Smith! We'll help you find the perfect accessories or parts. Need a minivan? Click here to learn about the Kia Carnival!

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Get Your Oil Changed at Crain Kia of Fort Smith!

It is vital to keep up with regular oil changes to ensure the longevity of your car. Not only does this improve the engine's performance, but it also helps your vehicle achieve optimal fuel efficiency. Additionally, oil changes can reduce and eliminate the accumulation of sludge in the engine. Are you wondering if it's time for an oil change or what type of oil you should use? Don't worry; we at Crain Kia of Fort Smith in Fort Smith, Arkansas, are here to help! Does your car need an oil change in Fort Smith? Click here to schedule a service appointment on our website! How Often Does My Car Need an Oil Change? You need to change your vehicle's oil regularly to keep your vehicle running smoothly. How often you need to do this depends on factors like your oil type and how often you drive. With modern lubricants, you can wait 5,000 to 7,500 miles before changing it; synthetic oil can last for up to 15,000 miles! Your choice of oil will also depend on your vehicle's engine and age. If you're still unsure about what kind of oil your car needs, give our service team a call! Are you shopping for a sedan near Van Buren, AR? Click here to learn about our selection of Kia Sedans! Signs That It's Time You can look out for a few signs to know if it's time for an oil change. The first and most obvious sign is if the oil change or check engine light on your car's dashboard turns on. Another sign is if you hear any unusual noises coming from the engine, like knocking. If you notice these sounds, it's best to take your car in to get looked at. You can also check the oil on the dipstick to see if it's dark or dirty. Additionally, if you've driven your car for a while and haven't had an oil change, it's a good idea to bring it in to get checked out. Paying attention to these signs can help keep your car running smoothly and avoid any significant problems down the line. Want to take one of our cars for a spin? Click here to learn how to schedule a service appointment! Regular vs Synthetic Oil Most modern engines perform better with full synthetic oil compared to conventional oil. Synthetic oil has many advantages, such as reduced deposit formation, excellent engine wear protection, and improved performance at high temperatures. Fully synthetic oil has fewer impurities, runs smoothly, lasts longer, and provides better engine protection. It can keep your engine running like new and protect it from overheating even at temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Are you shopping for a used vehicle near Fort Smith, AR? Click here to learn about our used inventory! If you're looking for the best, we've got you covered! Our professional certified technicians provide outstanding service for all your auto repair needs, with top-tier customer service and quality work. Give us a call, or stop by Crain Kia of Fort Smith in Fort Smith, AR, today! Are you interested in purchasing an electric vehicle? Click here to see what auto professionals are saying about the all-new 2024 Kia EV9!

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