Time for New Tires? Visit Your Kia Dealer Today
If you want to stay safe on the road, it’s wise to pay close attention to the condition of your tires. Diminished tread depth or damaged rubber can cause skids or blowouts on the road, putting you and your passengers at risk. If you notice any of the following five signs of tire trouble, it’s time to visit your local Kia dealer for a set of new tires.
Time for New Tires? Visit Your Kia Dealer Today
Shallow Tread Depth
New car tires come with a healthy tread depth of 10/32 of an inch or more. But over time, treads wear down. By the time a tire’s tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch, it’s become dangerous to drive upon. And it’s time for a fresh set of tires.
During winter, when the roads are icy and slippery, 5/32 of an inch is considered the minimum safe depth of tread. This is even the case when you’re using special high-traction winter tires.
Blistering Rubber
It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of damage in the rubber of your tires. If you bump over a pothole or curb, the inner layers of rubber and tubing can sometimes become ruptured. This allows air to seep out and become trapped under the outer layer of rubber, forming visible blisters.
If you notice any bubbling or blistering in either the treads or sidewalls of your tires, then the structural integrity of that tire has become compromised. You’ll have to change it out for a new one.
Cuts or Cracks
It’s natural for small hairline cracks and cuts to appear in tire rubber over time. But any cut or crack over an inch in length is problematic. A large crack like this might expand and lead to a blowout on the road. You’ll need to have it repaired or replaced before that happens.
Embedded Objects
If your tire has a nail or any other piece of metal embedded in it, you should have the object checked and removed at your local dealership. Embedded objects often cause punctures, which you might not initially notice until the object is removed.
Inexplicable Air Loss
Oftentimes, punctures are so small that you cannot even find the crack or cut causing it. During your weekly tire pressure checks, if you notice a tire losing air inexplicably, you probably have a hidden puncture. Unless the puncture can be located and repaired, that tire will have to go.
To have your tires examined, repaired, or replaced by certified professionals, visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith today. We’re the region’s go-to dealership for all things Kia. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing nothing short of exceptional service to every customer who steps foot through our doors.
Originally established in 1817 as a military outpost to patrol the nearby Indian territory, Fort Smith, AR has a unique and colorful history to explore. If you’re thirsty for local knowledge, read on to find out about some of the most fascinating historical attractions in the area.
4 Historical Attractions You Can Drive to From Fort Smith, AR
1. Fort Smith National Historic Site
If you want to know more about the history of the frontier, the site of an original fort is the very best place to learn about it. With information about western expansion, outlaws, marshalls, the Trail of Tears, and Indian removal policy, this location takes you to the very heart of Fort Smith’s identity as a frontier town.
Well-preserved and informative, the site has barracks, jails, trails, and courthouses to explore, with the 1838 commissary building standing as the oldest in town. And with Junior Ranger activity books and badges available it’s interactive and family-friendly too, making it the perfect excuse to load the family into your roomy Kia Sportage and drive down for an educational day out.
2. Fort Smith Trolley Museum
The Fort Smith Trolley Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of transportation, with a focus on electric-powered street cars. This site features a wide variety of electric street cars, railroad passenger and freight cars, locomotives, motor buses, and work equipment, and it’s also possible to take a three-quarter-mile ride on a working 1926 electric Birney streetcar down historic Garrison Avenue.
A local reenactment group regularly performs “The Robbing of the Fort Smith Trolley” and cat lovers will appreciate that the site is home to several rescue “trolley cats”. With the electric trolley system first established in 1899, this is a great way to learn about this aspect of twentieth-century history.
3. Chaffee Barbershop Museum
Known as the location where Elvis Presley famously received his first GI buzz cut in 1958, along with thousands of other army recruits, this site doubles as a repository for military memorabilia. You can learn about Fort Chaffee’s role in five wars throughout history by viewing the preserved 1950s barbershop and a large collection of photographs, documents, and newsreel archives.
4. Fort Smith Museum of History
Housing a vast collection of artifacts, this museum will tell you about all aspects of the area’s development, from antique automobiles to William O Darby, who founded Darby’s Rangers in World War Two. It’s also possible to enjoy a handmade ice-cream soda and old-time soda fountain in the working exhibit of an early-twentieth-century pharmacy.
There’s nothing like learning about the heritage of a place to help you to deepen your connection with it and with our dealership’s extensive history of offering excellent assistance and support, you can enjoy the same sense of security when shopping for a car. Visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith, and benefit from our long commitment to giving you the very best customer experience.
Image via Pixabay.com by WikimediaImages
With awe-inspiring sunsets, waterfalls, and other natural wonders, there’s no shortage of scenic views near Fort Smith, AR. Whether you’re planning a weeklong trip or an afternoon getaway, there’s plenty to choose from if you’re looking for spectacular views nearby. Check out our list of some of the best views near Ft. Smith.
Take the Kia and Check Out the 3 Best Views Near Fort Smith, AR
Devil’s Den State Park
If you’re looking for an affordable trip for the family, load up your Kia Sorento and head over to Devil’s Den State Park. You’ll get to the park in no time with this three-row roomy SUV with its plentiful cargo space. Located in the Ozark Mountains, Devil’s Den is one of the most beautiful places in Arkansas, with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Located about 44 miles from Fort Smith, this park is an excellent place for hiking, picnicking, and exploring nature. The many trails wind through the park, including a path that leads to the Yellow Rock Overlook and incredible views of the Lee Creek Valley. The park also features caves, a waterfall, and a lake with swimming areas and picnic pavilions.
Fort Smith Historic Site
The Fort Smith National Historic Site is an excellent place for those who want to see great views and learn about the history of Fort Smith. It is located in Ft Smith and has many activities for visitors. The Fort Smith National Historic Site was first established as a military base in 1817 by General Andrew Jackson.
The first fort at Fort Smith was built on top of a hill overlooking the Arkansas River. Belle Point, the fort’s area overlooking the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers, offers fantastic views and is a short walk up the hill. The historic site includes a trail along the Arkansas River with various exhibits detailing the history of Fort Smith.
Lake Fort Smith State Park
Lake Fort Smith State Park is a great place to visit for the views alone. The 260-acre park sits on the banks of the crystal clear Lake Fort Smith and the edge of the Ozarks National Forest, making it feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. The stunning views feature the 1500 acres of Lake Fort Smith and scenic but strenuous hiking trails.
The views are magnificent at sunset when the sun sets over the lake and lights up the sky with shades of orange, purple, and pink. The park is about 32 miles from Fort Smith via I-49. Admission is free, and a visitor’s center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit any of these remarkable places when you want incredible views of Mother Nature. The parks have campgrounds but check each site’s amenities or restrictions. When you’re done exploring, stop by Crain Kia of Fort Smith and see our new and used vehicles. We’ll be happy to set up a test drive!
Image via Pixabay.com by rehood
As your Kia dealer, we can understand how stressful an accident and its aftermath can be. If your Kia has been damaged, it’s understandable that you want to have it repaired ASAP. We have the best technicians, tools, and parts to ensure a flawless repair. As many drivers aren’t familiar with the process, we’d like to tell you how we can provide a quality collision repair for your Kia.
How You Receive a Quality Collision Repair at Your Kia Dealer
Arrival and Estimate
When your vehicle arrives at one of our three collision centers, one of our expert technicians will be assigned to assess the damage. The technician will examine the damage and create a report. This report will be used to prepare the repair plan for your vehicle. Once the report is complete, we’ll schedule a written estimate for the repair.
If you’re arranging the repair, we’ll send the copy to you. If your insurance is arranging the repairs, we’ll send a copy to them. We will work with your insurance to speed up the process so your Kia can be repaired as quickly as possible. Once we receive confirmation from you or your insurance, we’ll start the repair process.
Vehicle Prep
Our technicians will remove any damaged sections of your vehicle, and we’ll also remove original layers of paint. Our paint shop will color match your Kia’s color in preparation for anybody sections that need painting. Our technicians will also draw all of the required parts from our parts department. We only use genuine Kia parts, as these parts have a longer life and will look and function better than any other parts.
Body Work and Painting
Most repairs involve damaged bodywork. In this section, we’ll remove dents, replace panels, and complete any other body repairs. Replacement sections will be sent to our paint shop where they’re primed, painted, and sealed. Once these parts have been painted, they will be attached to your car.
Other technicians will work on repairing any internal or mechanical damage. We may use several teams simultaneously so we can reduce the time to complete the repairs. We know that you want your Kia home as quickly as possible.
Quality Control
Once the repairs have been completed, our quality control team will conduct a further inspection. Numerous checks ensure that no damage has been missed and that the repair quality meets the standard set by Kia. Once quality control has confirmed the work is complete, your car will be ready to go home with you.
Each repair situation is different, but our technicians can repair any damage for you. If you need any repairs, call us right away at Crain Kia of Ft Smith.
Does Your Kia Need a New Catalytic Converter?
The catalytic converter is an important part of your car, as its job is to take the harmful gases from exhaust fumes and transform them into less harmful ones. There are indicative signs that will usually show up when you need to drop by your nearest Kia dealer and have it checked out. Here’s a list of some of the signs you should be looking out for.
Does Your Kia Need a New Catalytic Converter?
1. Decline in Engine Performance
This is one of the earliest signs that the exhaust pipe may be getting worn down and need to be replaced soon, so your car’s performance is something to keep a very close eye on in order to catch any problems early. Diminished engine performance will lead to things like slower acceleration, reduced power, and substandard fuel economy.
2. Rattling Sounds Under the Vehicle
When the mesh inside the exhaust system gets worn down by age or fuel mixtures, it can lead to a rattling coming from underneath the car. This rattle is most noticeable when the engine is turned on, so listening for strange sounds when you first turn your engine over is important.
3. Sulfurous Smelling Exhaust
As the exhaust system is important in the transformation of harmful (and odiferous!) gases into less harmful ones, the smell of sulfur may indicate that there is something wrong. When gasoline goes through the combustion process, it releases hydrogen sulfide that the car’s exhaust system then transforms into odorless sulfur dioxide. If there’s a problem with the exhaust system, unburnt fuel may remain, leading to a nasty smell.
4. Check Engine Light Is Activated
Of course, there are many more reasons than just this that cause the check engine light to turn on, but a damaged or worn exhaust system will lead to the car’s oxygen sensor and air-fuel ratio sensor registering that something is wrong. Service center mechanics can easily scan a car to locate any problems, and this may be one of them.
5. Cleaned, Repaired, or Replaced
Not every sign points automatically to needing a replacement; sometimes, it may be as simple as a clogging issue, in which case the service center mechanics can remove it and give your exhaust pipe a good power wash. There are also other elements in the exhaust system that may be causing problems, in which case minor repairs are all that are needed.
6. Preventing Issues
Catching and preventing potential problems is smart, and there are several ways in which you can make sure that your exhaust system will be set. Keeping up with regularly scheduled car maintenance is the best way for issues to be prevented. Changing spark plugs every 50,000 miles will keep carbon buildups from happening, and driving your car at higher speeds for at least 20 minutes once a week will make sure leftover deposits are burned off.
Keeping your car’s engine running at top performance and staying safe from harmful gases are both extremely important, so a functioning exhaust system is mandatory. Come to the Crain Kia Dealer of Fort Smith for excellent car service and maintenance.
Your vehicle’s brakes are one of its most essential components, and whether you’re setting out on a road trip or just to run errands around town, you definitely want them to be in perfect working condition! This is why it’s important to know what signs to look out for that will let you know when it’s time to head down to your local Kia dealer and get them to inspect and replace your Kia’s brake pads. Here are some common signs to look out for!
Advice From Your Kia Dealer: 5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Kia’s Brake Pads
1. Your Brakes Make a Squealing Sound When you Use Them
It’s normal for your brakes to make a certain amount of noise in some weather, like rain, but if you’re hearing consistent squealing or screeching sounds when you apply the brakes, it’s probably time to get them replaced. In fact, in recent years, many brakes have been designed with built-in wear indicators on them that will emit a squealing noise consistently, even when you’re not pressing the brake pedal, as a sign to the driver that it’s time for new pads for your brakes!
2. The Brake Pedal Vibrates When You Apply the Brakes
If you’ve noticed that your vehicle’s brake pedal has started vibrating when you push down on it, it’s a sign that your pads have worn out and are no longer making good, consistent contact with the rotors. This is definitely a sign that you should be getting your pads changed as soon as possible, as a vibrating brake pedal is a sign that your brakes could be compromised and may not be as trustworthy as you need them to be when you’re on the road.
3. You Can Hear a Grinding, Metallic Sound
If you can hear a rumbling, grinding sound coming from your brakes, there’s a chance that your brakes are worn out to the point that the backing plate that they rest on is actually making contact with the rotor of your brakes. If this is the case, there’s very little braking material left on your pads, and it’s definitely time to get them looked at and replaced!
4. You Can See There’s Less Than a Quarter of an Inch of Pad Left
You may not always be able to visually check the status of your brakes, but in situations where you can get a look at them (while changing your tires, for example, or by looking down through the spokes of your rims on certain wheels) you can tell if your brakes need replacing by checking to see if they are at least a quarter of an inch thick. Any thinner than that and it’s probably time for new pads for your brakes!
5. It Takes Longer for Your Brakes to Respond
If you are noticing that bringing your car to a complete stop is taking more time and more distance than it used to, this is a good sign that you should be replacing your brakes sooner rather than later: worn pads that are affecting your brakes’ performance to this extent can put you at risk by diminising your vehicle’s ability to respond quickly to situations on the road.
Have you been noticing any of these signs of worn brakes, or just want to give them a routine inspection to make sure? Then come on down and visit us at Crain Kia of Fort Smith today, and our team of skilled mechanics will look after all your braking needs!
3 Signs It’s Time for New Headlights
Headlights are your most important safety in low visibility. They allow you to see the road ahead and warn other vehicles and pedestrians that you’re approaching. The bulbs, however, have a limited lifespan and will eventually fail. When you need new headlights, as your Kia dealer we can easily fit them for you. These are some of the signs that headlight replacement is due.
3 SIgns It’s Time for New Headlights From Your Kia Dealer
Blown Headlight
A blown headlight is a nuisance, and it can also result in a fine. It’s a traffic offense to drive without working headlights. Headlights are easy to replace, and our skilled technicians can fit new ones while you wait. We recommend replacing both headlights, even if only one of them has failed. Headlights are installed in pairs, and since they have the same lifespan, they’re expected to fall around the same time.
By replacing both of your lights at the same time, you save both money and time. If only one is replaced, you’ll probably need to have the second replaced in a day or two. Headlights have a lifespan of 500 to 30,000 hours depending on the type of bulb. Our technicians can give you great advice on other headlight options available.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems can cause blown bulbs, and they can also prevent healthy headlights from working correctly. The three main causes of this are fuse problems, relay problems, and a worn alternator. Your headlights, like all of your car’s electrical systems, have fuses. If a fuse blows, one or both of your headlights will stop working. We’ll test your fuses and replace them if necessary.
Relays are installed in your headlights, and they control the shift between high and low beams. If a relay fails, one of your headlights won’t be able to shift between the different beams. It’s an easy fix, as we can install a replacement relay. Finally, a weak alternator will produce power fluctuations. Headlights depend on a constant power supply, and changes to this supply will cause them to blow.
Damaged Lenses
Clean plastic lenses protect your headlights from water, dirt, and any debris that’s thrown up from the surface. The lenses, however, can be damaged and this can affect the headlights. A stone, for example, can crack one of the lenses, and this has the potential to allow water to get into the headlight recess. Water will find its way through even the smallest crack.
If water gets into the recess, it will cause the headlight to blow, and it can start to rust the headlight socket. The water would also cause the headlight fuse to blow. Our technicians can replace a lens and test the socket and other electrical fittings for any damage. It’s also important to remember that it’s a traffic offense to drive with a cracked lens.
Headlight replacements are quick and easy, and they will save you money in repairs and keep you legally driving. Call us at Crain Kia of Ft Smith, and we’ll fix the problem ASAP.
If you’ve bought a new car at the Kia dealer, you might have been told that you should come back to have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. But is this really necessary? What are the main benefits of a tire rotation? Read on to find out why this type of service is so important.
3 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation at Your Kia Dealer
1. Your Tires Last Longer
When you visit the dealer, they will tell you that rotating your tires on a regular basis is important because it reduces wear and tear. The reason why tires last longer when they are regularly rotated is that they wear down more evenly. Therefore, you can use them for longer, and you don’t have to pay for new ones so often.
The type of rotation you need and the optimal frequency depend on the kind of vehicle you drive. For example, cars with a front-wheel-drive tend to put more pressure on the front tires, so they should be switched out with the back tires regularly. A car with all-wheel drive uses the tires more evenly, but your mechanic might still recommend a rotation.
2. Your Kia Drives Better
When the tread depth on your tires isn’t even, you might experience various problems with your vehicle. Your Kia won’t be as balanced, which could lead to unsafe situations and, in the worst-case scenario, to an accident.
In contrast, when the tires are evenly worn down, your car is more balanced, and you will have greater control over your Kia. This allows you to have more balanced traction and therefore keep yourself and your passengers safe no matter the driving conditions. Another big problem with unevenly worn down tires is tread cupping, which can cause bouncing, vibration, and noise when you drive. Regular rotations can reduce or eliminate this problem.
3. Other Car Parts Are Protected
Because the various car parts are connected to each other, the way your tires work affects the whole car. That’s why taking great care of your tires can increase the lifespan of your brakes, wheels, wheel bearings, axles, and suspension system.
When you come to the dealership to have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, you might spend more money on maintenance in the short term. However, you’ll save a lot in the long term because your car will be in much better shape.
4. Your Ride Will Be Quieter
A car with uneven tread or tread cupping is usually noisier than a car that has been maintained optimally. This can make your ride much more comfortable and pleasant, especially if you’re on the road a lot or you have a long commute.
Having your tires rotated frequently has many benefits. It keeps your car’s various components in good shape, prevents unsafe situations, and allows you to fully enjoy your ride. Get in touch with us today at Crain Kia of Fort Smith to book your rotation with your experienced technicians. We will be more than happy to welcome you to the dealership and show you how to best take care of your Kia.
Shopping for your next vehicle at your Kia dealer will give you a vehicle that lets you achieve a higher degree of peace of mind and security on the road. Here are some of the car safety features included in modern Kia vehicles.
7 Car Safety Features You’ll Find in Vehicles at Your Kia Dealer
1. Advanced Airbag Protection
When you choose a Kia, you’ll get a comprehensive level of safety in the event of an accident. If a collision is detected, advanced airbags located throughout the vehicle deploy to minimize the impact that anybody on board feels. There are even curtain airbags that help to reduce the risk of injury resulting from broken glass.
2. Blind-Spot Collision Warning
Radar-based detection offers you an extra set of eyes watching your back when you’re navigating traffic. If another vehicle enters into the blind-spot on either side of your vehicle, you’ll receive visual and/or auditory alerts that keep you posted about any potential danger that you might not otherwise see.
3. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance
The advanced radar detection that protects you when you’re on the highway also makes backing out of a parking space or driveway a more secure experience as well. If this feature detects that there are any other vehicles crossing the path that you’re reversing into, you’ll be warned so that you can choose the right time to make your move.
4. Smart Parking Assist System
Not only is getting out of a parking space easier and safer in a Kia, but so is getting into that space in the first place. Ultrasonic sensors read the space around you when you pull alongside a parking spot and activate this feature, automatically guiding you into the space to give you one less thing to worry about in your drive.
5. Lane Keeping Assist
Staying where you need to be on the road helps keep you out of harm’s way, and your Kia is intelligent enough to lend you a helping hand towards this goal. The lane-keeping assist system reads markings on the road around you, helping to keep you centered in your lane and warning you if you inadvertently start to drift out of it.
6. Smart Cruise Control
Cruise control helps to manage your speed on the highway to make long trips easier, but this feature becomes even more intelligent when you choose a Kia. Your vehicle will automatically detect vehicles moving through traffic around you, adjusting your speed so that you’re never tailgating another driver too closely.
7. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Your Kia will be there for you during the most challenging times you face on the road, helping you navigate safely and minimize your chance of an accident. If a potential collision is detected, you’ll receive alerts that help you steer clear of the danger before automatically applying the brakes to reduce the impact or, in some cases, avert an accident altogether.
All of these features and more are waiting for you in your next Kia. Find yours at Crain Kia of Fort Smith today!
3 Signs Your Kia Needs a Transmission Repair
Your transmission is an exceptionally hard-working part of your car. It uses a series of gears to harness your engine’s power and transfer this power to your wheels. Without a transmission, there would be no way for your car to move, and your engine’s power would cause it to tear itself apart. A transmission, like any other component, can suffer damage. If you need a transmission repair in Fort Smith, AR, your Kia dealer can fix it.
3 Signs You Need a Transmission Repair at Your Kia Dealer
Difficulty Shifting
Your automatic transmission will shift gears according to the dictates of your transmission computer. This computer handles vast amounts of information every minute to determine when the gears should shift. If you have a manual transmission, your gear shifting is down to your experience in understanding the sounds from your engine and knowing when to shift into a higher or lower gear. Both systems should always work perfectly.
If you have an automatic transmission, one of the signs of a problem is a slight hesitation between the gear shifting and the gear engaging. This problem will become more noticeable if it’s not repaired. A manual transmission, on the other hand, will show a disconnect between your speed and the RPMs your engine is generating.
Noises in Neutral
If you suspect that you have a transmission problem you can try a test. Let your engine idle and shift the transmission to neutral, then gently step on the gas pedal. If your transmission is working correctly, you’ll only hear the sound of your engine’s RPMs rising. If you hear a humming noise that gets louder as you increase the gas, you have a problem with the transmission pump or shaft.
If you don’t hear humming, you can try keeping your foot firmly on the brake pedal, then shifting into drive and pushing on the accelerator. The normal sound you should hear is your engine revving. If your car shudders or you hear a clunk sound, your torque convertor mount has been damaged and will need to be repaired.
Burning Rubber Smell
The smell of burning rubber could mean that you have a tire problem, an engine belt problem, or an old transmission fluid. Transmission fluid circulates through your transmission to reduce the temperature, lubricate the hundreds of parts in the transmission, and provide the hydraulic power to allow your transmission to shift. Over time, this fluid absorbs dirt and debris from the transmission, and it becomes less able to do its job.
We routinely replace transmission fluid as part of your scheduled service. If the transmission fluid isn’t replaced, it can start to burn in the heat of the transmission. Burning transmission fluid smells similar to burning rubber, and it’s a sign that we will need to flush your transmission to repair it.
If you experience any problems with your transmission, call our service department right away at Crain Kia of Ft Smith. Our highly-technicians will find and fix the problem.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.