Service Tips
Phone: 727-799-4499
What Service does my KIA need?
And Why?
First and foremost, regular preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your vehicle and the investment. Many things happen when you perform regular preventive maintenance, such as:
· Safety
· Prolonged vehicle life
· Reduction in major repairs – like the engine area, transmission, A/C, etc…
· Improved performance and fuel economy
· We want your vehicle trouble free and fun to drive
· Many others…
KIA Motors of America has determined what is “required” for maintenance and it is outlined in your Owners Manual. Lokey KIA has taken that information and along with our environment we have put together a Maintenance Menu that will provide your vehicle with not only the “required” but also the recommended maintenance needs to keep your vehicle in peak operating condition and off the side of the road. In the state of Florida, our maintenance schedule falls under the “Severe Usage” category for schedule maintenance.
Here are a few of our most common asked questions
v When should I change my engine oil?
o Engine Oil and Oil Filter need to be changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
§ A regular oil & oil filter change is a lot less money then it is to replace an engine. Average cost of an oil change at LOKEY KIA is $24.99 plus tax. To replace an engine is around $4,000.00 plus tax.
v What kind of oil should I be using?
o We use 10W-30 weight conventional motor oil. This is a great all-around weight that works fantastic in Florida as well as the north for our part time Floridians.
§ According to Car Care.org - 38% of the vehicles on the road either have low or dirty engine oil.
v When about my tires – what tire pressure should they have?
o Your tires are the only thing between you and the road – so they are extremely important.
o Your tire pressure can be different on every vehicle. Your vehicles correct tire pressure will be printed on a sticker that has been placed on your driver’s side door by the manufacturer. On that sticker you will find the correct tire pressures for both the front and rear tires.
§ An average of 21 percent of cars inspected in check lanes during National Car Care Month have under inflated tires. This can lead to a blowout and a serious accident.
§ Under inflated tires will reduce fuel economy – 3 to 4 MPG
v What kind of fuel should I use?
o Every car is different. Sport cars require high grade fuel due to the engine design. The average car requires the use of no less than 87% octane...
§ Using premium fuel on regular bases with an engine that calls foe either 87% or 89% octane can cause internal damage. Only cars that require premium fuel should use premium fuel all the time.
§ If you want to give your vehicle an occasional treat of premium fuel O.K., but only once in a while.
Below is what is “REQUIRED” to properly maintain your KIA
- READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL FOR COMPLETE DETAILS
- Replace engine oil and oil filter - every 3,000 miles
- Replace Air Cleaner Element - as needed, or at 30,000 miles
- Replace Automatic Transmission Fluid - every 30,000 miles
- Replace Timing Belt - every 60,000 miles
- Replace Climate Control Air Filter - as needed
Here are some of the items we will be recommending and why
· Transmission Flush: This service softens and removes normal contamination from the inside of the transmission. It is especially helpful in removing debris that collects inside the torque converter. Because the torque converter spins at a high rate of speed, debris from dirt and wear particles suspended in the transmission fluid is spun outward inside the converter and builds up on its inner surfaces. The chunks of debris restrict the flow of fluid through very small passages inside the transmission. Routine transmission flushing can double or triple the life of your automatic transmission. It is one of the most cost beneficial services you can perform.
· Power Steering Flush: This is a relatively new process that helps prevent the failure of seals and gaskets inside the power steering pump and steering rack. In the past, power steering fluid was not a concern and typically lasted the life of the vehicle. Today, power steering fluid deteriorates much sooner due to significantly higher operating temperatures and pressures. Fluid deterioration can be credited with an estimated 300% increase in power steering repairs over the past fifteen years. Power steering flushing prevents most expensive power steering failures.
· Brake Flush: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it attracts and absorbs water. This is a natural occurrence in all brake systems. Contrary to a popular myth, there is no such thing as a sealed brake system. Because brake fluid attracts water like a magnet attracts metal, moisture can even be drawn into the fluid through the pores of rubber brake system components. Moisture in the brake system combines with available oxygen, causing oxidation of brake fluid, hydraulic parts, and ABS electronic components. Some are cheap to be repaired; some are staggeringly expensive!
· Cooling System Flush: Our procedure removes sludge and contamination from inside the radiator and engine and maintains the proper coolant pH. Coolant pH is continually dropping and the lower the pH the more acidic and corrosive the coolant becomes. Coolant should be changed every two years or twenty-four thousand miles on most vehicles. Failure to flush coolant can lead to water pump failure, radiator failure, shortened hose life, failed head gaskets and many other costly failures.
· No Squeal Brake Service: Brake squeal tops the list as the most often listed complaint in the automotive service business. Simply put, brakes are not supposed to squeal. Period. With this service we install new brakes pads or shoes, conduct a routine inspection, install an anti-squeal compound, clean and reassemble all brake components.
· Note: Coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid should be replaced before they change color. When a fluid changes color it’s causing damage to the system it is supposed to protect. As an example, coolant changes color because of rust. Rust occurs as the engine begins to dissolve.
· A/C & Heat Ventilation Flush: During the winter months the blower box in your car’s ventilation system stays wet due to condensation and low ambient temperatures. The dark, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for mold and fungus. This results in a foul, musty odor and often causes allergies to flare up. Our Ventilation Flush removes all mold and fungus. Additionally, you’re A/C system becomes more efficient and gets cooler sooner.
· Fuel Injection/Induction Service: The process removes carbon and deposits from injectors, valves, and combustion chambers. Carbon deposits are the result of additives used in modern gasoline’s to keep them stable and burnable. These necessary chemicals leach out and form substantial collections of carbon. Fuel oxidation is also a major contributing factor in carbon formation. This service is recommended for emissions failures, engine pinging problems, rough idle problems, hard starting, and hesitation problems and well as general preventive maintenance. Failure to perform this service could lead to failed emissions, various performance concerns, lowered fuel economy, engine noises and sometimes – engine damage.
· Battery Service: The modern automobile is an electronic marvel. From the on-board computer to the CD player to the cigarette lighter, there’s more circuitry in today’s vehicles than NASA used early in the space program. Keeping the battery terminals clean and tight is very important. This service brings peace of mind and reduces the chances of a future breakdown.
There are many things you can do to help maintain the level of performance you expect from your vehicle. These are only a few items that people normally do have performed on their vehicles.
There is a website out on the web that can help answer a lot of the questions you may have. You should go and take a look around, it is www.carcare.org
If you have any questions please e-mail me at jhoy@lokey.com
Thank You,
James R. Hoy II – Director of Fixed Operations
and all of us at your Lokey Service & Parts
