Time for New Headlights? Visit Your Kia Dealer Today
You count on your headlights for more than just lighting up the night. They help keep you safe, letting other drivers see you, in the dark or stormy weather. Not sure when it’s time to get new headlights from your Kia dealer? Let’s check out the signs.
Your Headlights Are Dimming
One of the most common signs of headlight trouble can also be one of the hardest to spot. Dimming lights reduce your visibility on the road and make it harder for others to see you, but it often creeps up on you gradually. You might not notice that your lights are dimming until they’ve gotten very weak, so once you do, get them replaced right away.
Your Headlights Give Uneven Light
Notice one headlight shining brighter than the other? Both headlights need to provide equal illumination because uneven lighting can throw off your depth perception and reduce visibility. Plus, one headlight getting dimmer is often a sign that it’s nearing the end of its life. It’s better to get your bulbs replaced before they burn out completely.
Your Headlights Are Flickering
Headlights that flicker on and off on their own are a serious hazard. Flickering can be a sign of anything from a loose connection to a dying bulb, but if your lights are flickering there’s a good chance they’re preparing to go out completely. Bringing them in for a checkup before you can be stranded in the dark is the smart play.
You Have To Keep Replacing Them
Like any lightbulb, it’s normal for headlight bulbs to burn out every so often. If you find yourself replacing them over and over, more frequently than you think you should, there’s a chance you have a deeper electrical problem in your car that is causing them to fail prematurely.
Your Headlights Are Yellow or Cloudy
Over time, the lenses that cover your headlights can become yellowed or cloudy, typically due to exposure to strong ultraviolet rays. This haze diffuses the light, reducing its effectiveness and making your drive less safe.
There’s Water in Your Headlights
Moisture or condensation inside your headlight assembly is never a good sign. If you see water inside your lights, there’s a good chance the seal is broken. Moisture inside your headlights can lead to electrical issues, so don’t delay having it checked out by a pro.
Your Headlights Are Cracked or Damaged
This one’s obvious. If you take a look at your headlights and see that they are cracked, broken, or visibly damaged, they need to be replaced. Any physical damage to your headlights offers entry to moisture and dirt, which can only make things worse in the headlight department.
Headlights are your first line of defense for driving safely through the night, rain, or snow. If you’ve noticed signs of trouble, call Altoona Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA, and let us take a look at your headlights.
Is it time for an oil change at the Kia dealership? Don’t skip this important maintenance task, because getting the oil swapped out regularly does some great things both for your Kia and for your wallet.
Keeping Things Lubricated
Firstly, engine oil plays a critical role in lubricating the moving parts of an engine, and that’s something you really need. That engine gets hot! Over time, oil deteriorates due to heat and friction and loses its effectiveness. Regular changes ensure that the engine’s components are not subjected to excessive wear and tear, which can lead to costly repairs down the line.
Keeping Things Clean
Secondly, oil acts as a cleaning agent inside the engine. It picks up dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can accumulate over time, and this is significant to maintaining the smooth operation and efficiency your Kia is known for. If the oil is not changed out regularly, these contaminants can build up, causing sludge. This sludge can then clog the engine’s parts, leading to reduced efficiency and potentially causing significant damage.
Keeping Things Affordable
Thirdly, regular oil changes can significantly enhance your fuel efficiency. A well-lubricated engine runs more smoothly and faces less internal resistance, which translates to better fuel economy. This is especially beneficial if you care about driving economical and environmentally friendly car models. You’ll enjoy a cost savings in fuel and also lower your vehicle’s environmental impact when you get fresh oil on a regular basis.
Keeping Your Warranty Good
Regular essential maintenance is necessary to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty, and you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to ensure that happens. Otherwise, you might end up bearing the full cost of repairs that would otherwise have been covered.
Keeping Your Whole Kia Healthy
When you come in to change out the oil, you also offer us an opportunity for a professional inspection of the vehicle. During oil changes, our technicians can spot issues that may not be immediately apparent to the driver. This preventative maintenance aspect is important because early detection of problems can prevent more severe and expensive issues in the future.
Keeping Your Resale Value High
Lastly, consider the resale value of your car. Regular maintenance records demonstrate to potential buyers that the car has been well cared for, which can be a significant selling point.
There’s a lot of good reasons you want to get the oil changed out on time (as well as perform other basic maintenance tasks), whether that’s to ensure you get the most for your trade in later or just to ensure you’re never paying a dime more in gas than you need to. If it’s time for service, come see us at Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA today!
The easiest way to finance your new vehicle is to work with the finance experts at your local Kia dealership. Car financing is easy at the dealership, since your dealer has greater flexibility when building a finance deal, even if you don’t have perfect credit.
1. Competitive Interest Rates
Unlike a bank or credit union, your local dealership partners with many lenders to find you the most competitive interest rates for your auto loan. Whether it’s a local financial institution or Kia’s financing branch, your dealership finance team will do the hard work to find a low interest rate for your loan.
Even if you have poor credit, dealership financing is still a good option to consider. Your local dealership is willing to work with you if you are recovering from bankruptcy or you are trying to build better credit. You can discuss special finance programs with your dealership finance department if you have weak credit or you’ve been turned down for an auto loan before.
2. Fast Loan Pre-Approvals
If you aren’t sure what you can afford to buy or you want to preview your potential interest rate, you can submit a free credit application on your dealership’s website. Usually, your loan will be pre-approved in a matter of hours or days. With fast loan pre-approval, you can set your car shopping budget and devise a plan to get a lower monthly payment, such as by saving up for a down payment before you visit the dealership.
3. Flexible Loan and Lease Options
Your dealership can build a customized finance package that fits your financial needs. If you are interested in buying a car, then a finance plan can be tailored with a longer or shorter loan term so you can pay off your car with affordable monthly payments. Your auto loan deal can also include the trade-in valuation of your current car to knock down the sticker price on your new Kia.
If you would rather lease your new vehicle, then the finance department can create a lease agreement that fits your needs. If you are someone who drives a lot, then your lease can have a larger mileage limit. You can also reserve the option to purchase your vehicle at the end of your lease.
4. Value-Added Services
Your dealership finance department can help you protect your vehicle in the long term with value-added services. These value-added services can include extended warranties and specific vehicle protection plans for your paint or tires.
Whether you’re new to car ownership or you’ve been leasing vehicles for years, it can be daunting to figure out your financing plan by yourself. Fortunately, your dealership finance department can make this process much easier with tailor-made finance plans. Get in touch with Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA to learn about financing plans today.
3 Reasons Drivers Love the 2024 Kia Carnival
Offering one of the most spacious cabins in its category and delivering a smooth and responsive drive, the 2024 Kia Carnival is a full-size SUV that is rapidly becoming the vehicle of choice for thousands of families across the United States. At your trusted Kia dealer, we have gathered three key reasons why drivers are falling in love with this brand-new model. Read on and schedule your test drive today!
1. Class-Leading Passenger and Cargo Space
Without a doubt, the spaciousness of the Carnival’s cabin is one of the top features that make this Kia SUV a fantastic choice for families. Offering three spacious rows of seating, this model is available with seating capacity for either seven or eight passengers, making it the perfect vehicle to go on long road trips.
Seven-seat Carnivals come with two captain’s chairs in the second row, while eight-passenger models feature comfortable bench seats. Both variants offer 41.1 inches of legroom in the front, 40.5 inches in the second row, and 35.6 inches in the third one. Thanks to its 60/40 split-folding seat backs, the maximum cargo volume of this full-size SUV stands at an impressive 145.1 cubic feet.
2. Responsiveness and Efficiency
All five trim levels of the new Kia Carnival come with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine that delivers responsive acceleration and an efficient ride. Paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain achieves 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Offered exclusively with front-wheel drive, this SUV boasts a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, making it a great model to pull your boat or trailer and go on fantastic outdoor adventures.
While the new Carnival’s standard powertrain configuration pumps plenty of power and thrust, it maintains great fuel economy estimates for its category. All models come with a selectable eco drive mode for maximum fuel efficiency. The EPA ratings of this SUV stand at 19 miles per gallon in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.
3. Modern Safety and Driver-Assist Technologies
Engineered for families big and small, the new Kia Carnival offers some of the best driver-assist and safety features in the industry as standard fare. All five trim levels come with a vehicle stability management system, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist with parallel exit, lane departure warning, lane following assist, driver attention warning, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist.
If you want to take the new Kia Carnival on a test drive and get to know its best features in person, you’ve come to the right spot! Pick up the phone, call us at Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA, and we’ll get everything ready for you and your family to explore the highlights of this fantastic new SUV.
Your transmission is a crucial component that ensures smooth shifting between gears, providing a comfortable and efficient driving experience. Like any other part of your car, the transmission can encounter issues. Understanding when you need transmission repair at the Kia dealership is key to maintaining your car’s health and performance.
Difficulty Shifting Gears
You might notice the gear shift is not as smooth as it used to be, or there might be hesitation before the car engages into drive or reverse. In manual transmissions, the clutch may feel different, and shifting might require more effort or result in grinding noises.
Unusual Noises
Keep an ear out for any unusual sounds from your vehicle. If you hear whining, buzzing, or humming noises, especially in neutral, these could indicate transmission issues. Such sounds may not always be present in every gear, but noticing them is a reason to have your Kia checked out.
Leaking Fluid
Transmission fluid plays a vital role in keeping transmission components cool and lubricated. If you spot a red, sweet-smelling fluid under your car, it could be transmission fluid. Ignoring it can lead to further damage due to insufficient lubrication and cooling.
Transmission Warning Light
Most Kias come equipped with sensors that monitor the health of your transmission. If there’s a problem, the transmission warning light on your dashboard will illuminate. While it might indicate something as simple as a sensor malfunction, it’s best to get it checked to rule out serious transmission issues.
Slipping Gears
Your transmission is supposed to stay in the chosen gear until a change is initiated. If your Kia’s transmission is slipping, meaning it changes gears randomly or falls into neutral without your input, it’s a significant safety risk and a sign of transmission trouble. This can also manifest as a lack of acceleration or a noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
Delayed Response
A healthy transmission will engage quickly and smoothly when you shift out of park into drive or reverse. If there’s a delay or a long pause before your Kia responds, it’s known as delayed engagement. This delay can be brief, but any hesitation is a symptom of transmission issues.
Burning Smell
A burning smell coming from your vehicle is a red flag for several potential issues, including transmission problems. Overheating transmission fluid can produce a burned odor.
Get Transmission Repair at Your Kia Dealership
Preventing transmission issues starts with regular maintenance, including routine checks and fluid changes as recommended in your Kia’s owner’s manual. Ignoring maintenance schedules can lead to premature wear and tear on your transmission, resulting in the need for expensive repairs or even a complete replacement.
Recognizing the signs that your Kia needs help with its transmission is crucial to keep your car running as long as it should. Call Altoona Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA, to schedule service for your transmission.
How to Tell When Your Kia Needs an Alternator Repair
Do you know the signs that your car needs an alternator repair? It’s a good idea to learn how to tell your alternator is in disrepair, as that’ll help you get to the Kia dealer sooner to get it fixed.
Battery Warning Light
A battery-shaped warning light will illuminate on your dashboard if your car’s electrical system is having problems. As soon as this comes on, head to the dealer to find out what the problem is. It often indicates problems with your alternator, but it can be a sign of other problems, too.
Headlight Problems
A faulty alternator can cause problems with your headlights. Commonly, alternator problems result in dimmer headlights. A faulty alternator can also make your headlights flicker, or it could cause them to become brighter when you rev the engine. Make sure you head to the dealer once it’s bright enough to drive without your headlights on.
Dead Battery
An alternator that’s in disrepair may not be able to charge your battery sufficiently. This leads to a dead battery, and therefore, trouble starting your car. Although, if you jumpstart your car, and your car remains on, then your alternator probably isn’t the problem. However, you will need to visit the dealer to get your battery checked.
Faulty Accessories
The accessories in your car, such as the radio, power seats, power windows, and USB ports get their power supply from the battery. An alternator that’s having problems can’t supply the battery with enough power to keep all the accessories running, leading to faulty accessories. However, if just one of your accessories stops working but the rest are fine, then your car may have a blown fuse.
Unusual Noises
A rubbing or misaligned drive belt may make a whining or growling sound. Other problems, such as a bad rotor shaft or failed bearings, can also result in whining or growling noises. Make sure you take a little time out of every drive to listen for strange noises, as different components of your car make different noises when there’s something wrong.
Burning Smell
If there’s a burning smell coming from the engine, then it could be down to your alternator. The drive belt or other components of the alternator may be damaged.
Stalling Engine
Your battery will eventually run out of power if your alternator can’t charge it. This leads to your engine stalling. Even if you jumpstart your battery, it won’t stay running for long, as your alternator can’t charge it to keep it supplied with power.
Stop by Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA if you notice any of the signs above. Our factory-trained technicians can get your alternator back in great shape in no time.
There are many types of car maintenance you should regularly visit your Kia dealership for. Oil changes, fluid top-ups, brake checks, and many more services are essential to keeping your car running smoothly for many years to come.
1. Maintain Your Fluid Levels
Cars contain many fluids that keep them running smoothly. If any of these fluid levels get too low, then your car can’t perform at its best. Check your fluids at home regularly, and visit the dealer any time one of them needs to be topped off.
Make sure you visit the dealer for routine maintenance regularly, too, as they’ll check your fluid levels during this maintenance. One form of maintenance you need approximately every six months is an oil change, and other fluids also need to be changed out periodically.
2. Keep Your Car Clean and Shiny
Cars should be kept clean of dirt and salt. Both of these substances can be damaging to your paint job and underbody. Take your car to be washed as often as possible, and look into getting a protective coating to protect your paint job. Not only will your car look better if it’s clean and shiny, but it’ll be healthier.
3. Keep Replacing Old Parts
Old belts, window wipers, and filters should be replaced every few months. Your owner’s manual outlines a mileage-based service schedule that you should stay on top of, as replacing these old parts on schedule makes sure your car stays running well.
4. Keep on Top of Your Tire Health
Check your tire pressure regularly and top up the air in them as needed. Visit the dealer for tire rotations every six months, and make sure you also get your wheels aligned and balanced. Check your tire tread depth regularly, and replace your tires when the tread depth becomes too low. You need at least 1/16 of an inch of tire tread to drive safely, but double that is even better.
5. Keep Out Of Stop-and-Go Traffic
Avoid driving in too much heavy stop-and-go traffic if you can, as the frequent braking required for this type of driving isn’t good for your braking system. Harsh braking compromises the health of the braking system, too. Make sure you get regular brake service, and always listen out for the high-pitched metallic shrieking sound that tells you when you need to get your brake pads replaced. Promptly replace your brake pads when you hear this noise.
Following the tips above will make sure your car stays running smoothly for as long as you have it. Come and get all necessary preventative maintenance at Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA.
The 2024 Kia Sportage: Redefining Compact SUVs
If you are in the market for a crossover SUV that offers heaps of passenger space, an efficient powertrain configuration, and available AWD for your offroad adventures, the 2024 Kia Sportage is a fantastic option. Offered in seven trim levels, this model is now available at your trusted Kia dealer, so grab your keys, hit the road, and come check it out in person today.
Performance and Efficiency
Every trim level of the 2024 Sportage comes with the same responsive, smooth-riding, and efficient powertrain configuration. This crossover SUV is powered by a 187-horsepower 2.5-iter four-cylinder engine, which pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and achieves 178 pounds of torque. While the SX model is front-wheel drive only, the rest of the lineup offers either standard or optional AWD.
Besides its class-leading performance and its responsive acceleration, the 2024 Sportage also offers excellent EPA ratings. FWD LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige models get 25 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the AWD versions of these trim levels, as well as the X-Line Sportage, are rated at 23 mpg and 26 mpg, respectively. The Sportage X-Pro and Sportage X-Pro Prestige achieve 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Safety and Connectivity Systems
Equipped with the latest tech features in the auto industry, the 2024 Sportage is designed to ensure the safety, comfort, and entertainment of everyone onboard. No matter which trim level you choose, you will always feel confident behind the wheel of this crossover SUV, which boasts lane departure warning, tire pressure monitoring, hill start assist control, and driver attention warning as standard fare.
When it comes to connectivity and infotainment, the base LX trim level of the new Sportage features an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center panel. The rest of the lineup, on the other hand, gets a larger 12.3-inch display. Every model offers standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as Bluetooth wireless technology. A wireless smartphone charging pad, as well as SiriusXM satellite radio are standard in every trim level except the base LX.
Passenger and Cargo Space
With two spacious rows of seating, the 2024 Sportage can carry up to five adults comfortably, offering 41.4 inches of legroom in the front and 41.3 inches in the rear. Folding the rear seat back of this crossover SUV increases its cargo capacity from 39.6 to 74.1 cubic feet. Except the base LX model, every trim level features dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment.
If you are searching for the best local dealership to discover the 2024 Sportage in person, you’ve come to the right place! Drop in by Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA, and we’ll be ready to show you the features of this and other models in our showroom.
Get to Know the 2024 Kia Soul at Your Kia Dealership
The 2024 Kia Soul is a standout subcompact SUV that comes in four value-packed trims. It was even named the 2024 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money by US News and World Report and has the highest class residual value according to JD Power and Associates. Check it out today at your Kia dealership if you’re looking for a spacious crossover with a style all its own.
Power and Fuel Economy
The Kia Soul has a 147-horsepower engine, along with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. You’ll get up to 35 miles per gallon and 132 pound-feet of torque. The Soul’s tight turning radius and sharp silhouette make it the ideal adventure vehicle for driving and parking in the city.
Infotainment and Driver Assistance Tech
The Soul has a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth, a USB port, a digital gauge cluster, and a six-speaker stereo. Higher trims add two extra USB ports, a 10.2-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation, a 10-speaker stereo with satellite radio, and wireless charging. The Kia Access app lets you lock and unlock your vehicle with your device.
You can take advantage of a range of standard driver assistance equipment in the Soul. It includes rear-seat alert, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, auto high beams, cyclist detection, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, and a rearview camera. Options in this category include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Cabin Space and Features
The Soul is equipped with proximity keyless entry across the lineup. You can upgrade to add a sunroof, remote start, push-button start, and dual-zone auto climate control. You’ll have more than 24 cubic feet of cargo space, and folding down the seats expands the area to more than 62 cubic feet, more space than in many class competitors.
The top-tier trim of the 2024 Soul includes an adjustable cargo shelf, a cargo cover, and heated front seats. All models have a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, which makes it easy to load and unload sports gear or groceries. The tall profile of the Soul gives passengers plenty of room in both the front and rear.The Kia Soul was named the 2024 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money by US News and World Report. Each trim has unique touches, like the all-new EX Designer package that adds synthetic leather trim and 18-inch sport wheels. You can also customize your Soul with a two-tone color scheme and a high-gloss black mirror and grille. Test drive this exciting crossover today with the team at Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA, and get ready for your next adventure.
Does Your Kia Need a Brake Repair? 6 Signs
If there is a problem with your car’s brake system and any of the components break, it will severely affect your safety while driving. Pay attention to the following signs that will warn you when you need a brake repair from the certified technicians at your Kia dealer.
1. A Brake Warning Light Is On
If there is an issue with your brake system, you will see the brake warning light or the Antilock Braking System (ABS) light turn on. If either of the lights is on, get repairs from your Kia technician as soon as possible to prevent your brakes from failing.
2. Your Brakes Squeal
If you hear squealing when you step on the brake pedal, it’s a warning from the wear indicator bars in the brake pads that they are worn down. Ask your Kia technician to measure the brake pads, and if they are less than a quarter-inch thick, replace them immediately for your safety. Ignoring this may damage other brake system components, which could cause expensive repairs.
3. You Hear Grinding Noises
If you don’t replace the brake pads soon after hearing the high-pitched warning sounds from the wear indicator bars in the brake pads, you may begin to hear awful grinding noises. The grinding comes from the brake pads that have worn down so much that the metal scrapes against the steel rotors.
4. Your Brake Pedal Vibrates
The rotors may have warped if you experience vibrations or pulsations in the brake pedal. Rotors warp due to wear or when they get excessively hot. Warped rotors make uneven contact with the brake pads, causing the brake pedal to vibrate.
5. Your Car Pulls Sideways When You Brake
It is important to note that brake pads do not wear down uniformly. One side may wear out at a faster rate than the other. When brake pads wear unevenly, or the brake fluid is old and dirty, it could result in your car pulling to either the left or the right when you step on the brake pedal.
6. You Notice Yellow or Brown Puddles Under Your Car
Yellow or brown puddles on the ground under your car could indicate a brake fluid leak. Brake fluid is critical in ensuring your brakes function correctly. Insufficient brake fluid could cause brake failure. Getting the leak repaired right away is imperative.
Your brake system is one of your Kia’s most important safety features. If your brakes are not functioning correctly, call Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA, now. Our certified Kia technicians will perform professional repairs to ensure your brakes work as they should every time you step on the brake pedal.
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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.