Orlando Kia West

Tips From the Service Lane- Air Cabin Filter
By Ruben Rodriguez

With Spring at our doorstep it may be time to replace your Air Cabin Filter. Your Air Cabin Filter is typically a pleated-paper filter that is located in the outside air intake of your vehicle's passenger compartment. If your Air Cabin Filter is clogged or dirty it can significantly reduce airflow from the cabin air vents and can cause the air within your vehicle to be dirtier than the air outside. During the spring and summer months, contaminants, such as pollen, dust, mold spores and smog, can enter a vehicle's passenger compartment through the air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, making the air within your vehicle up to six times dirtier than the air outside. You can protect yourself and your passengers from these contaminants by replacing the vehicle's cabin air filter as outlined in your vehicle's owner manual. Kia Recommends every 15,000 mile intervals.

Tips From the Service Lane-Orlando Kia Nitrogen Tire Program
By Ruben Rodriguez

Your vehicle's tire pressure is the measurement of air in the vehicle's tires, in pounds per square inch. Your tire pressure is not only important for the care of your tires but is also a crucial safety issue. Next to your brakes your tires are the most important safety device on your vehicle. If your tires are not properly inflated it can lead to compromised cornering, braking, stability, increased fuel consumption and in worst case scenarios, tire failure.

To ensure that your vehicles tires are properly inflated you need to get an accurate reading. When taking a tire pressure reading your vehicle's tires should be cold and idle for at least three hours prior. After you have taken the tires' pressure reading make sure it is within range as instructed by your vehicles manufacturer. This information can usually be found on the inside of the driver side door or in your vehicle's owner manual.

One way to insure your vehicle's tires are properly inflated and do not lose and gain pressure with the surrounding temperature is to have them filled with nitrogen. The nitrogen molecule is bigger than its air oxygen counterpart which allows the pressure in the tires to stay at its optimum level for a longer period of time. By not allowing the tire pressure to fluctuate your tires will last longer and you will avoid problems usually associated with standard compressed air. Also, nitrogen in tires reduces tire oxidation and elliminates interior wheel corrosion. If you would like to experience the advantages of our Orlando Kias Nitrogen Tire Program first hand stop by your local Orlando Kia Dealership.

Tips From the Service Lane-Coolant Exchange
By Ruben Rodriguez

The coolant, or antifreeze, in your radiator circulates throughout your engine block keeping it cool. Like all engine fluids, such as oil, your coolant needs to be checked regularly. While having your coolant checked we are looking for two things: the amount of fluid and the overall quality of the fluid.

The radiator allows hot coolant to expand into the overflow tank as the engine's temperature rises. As the engine cools it then creates a slight vacuum that draws the fluid back from the overflow tank and into the vehicle's radiator. Insuring that the radiator cap remains sealed allows the coolant to expand and contract without the loss of the fluid itself. You can check the levels of the coolant by looking at two indicators on the side of the overflow tank. One of these indicators shows the safe operating level for when the engine is hot, the other for when it is cold. If the levels are slightly lower than the indicator it is safe to add a small amount of water bringing the coolant back to a normal level. As always you should exercise caution when maintaining your own vehicle. Some vehicles' overflow tanks are pressurized when hot and cause the removal of the radiator caps to be hazardous. These types of tanks should normally be marked with a warning decal.

If the overflow tank is close to or completely empty you will need to add a mixture of antifreeze and water to the radiator. Before attempting to do so make sure your vehicle has had adequate time to cool and the radiator hose is no longer hot. While checking the levels of the coolant be sure to check the quality of the coolant as well. If the coolant is brownish or appears dirty, it may be time to have your coolant flushed. We recommend that you have your coolant flushed every 15k to 30k miles or every one to two years. If your vehicle is in need of a coolant exchange stop by your local Orlando Kia Service Department.

Tips From the Service Lane- Multi-Point Inspection
By Ruben Rodriguez

A multi point inspection done at the time of an oil change only confirms that a car is safe on the day of the inspection. Deal with problems as soon as they arise.

Test your lights against a wall or garage regularly to confirm they're in full working order.

At least once a month, check the pressure of all your tires (spare included) according to the handbook or label inside the drivers door.

Keep the various liquids you car needs (windsheild wash, oil, water, coolant, power steering, clutch and brake fluid levels) topped up.

Check oil levels while parked on level ground.

If your windsheild wipers are smearing, replace them, otherwise you'll find it difficult driving in the rain.

Your screen wash should spray onto your windscreen, not over the top of the car. Use a pin to adjust the direction of spray.

Make sure you carry out all the recommended steps for preparing your car for the HOT Florida Summer (refer to your manual for guidance or see dealer).

Tips From the Service Lane - Prolong Your Tire Life
By Ruben Rodriguez

The quality of your tires can increase your safety, fuel efficiency and handling of your vehicle. Here are some tips on how to prolong the life of your tires.

Maintain the correct tire pressure for your car's tires.

Your tire's air pressure specifications are normally located in your glove compartment or on the sides of your doors. Maintaining your tire's air pressure allows your vehicle to run more smoothly and give you increased mileage. If your tire's air pressure is to low they will drag on the road creating friction which can lead to decreased mileage. Having your tires properly inflated will ensure good balance, better handling and grip.

Always rotate your tires.

Ideally you should rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or once every six months. During a tire rotation three things occur. Firstly, all tires are properly inflated. Secondly, all four of your vehicle's tires are rotated. Thirdly, a physical inspection of your brakes is made as the tires are removed. Having your tires rotated will help with equal amount of wear on all four tires. Having even tire wear is desirable to maintain consistent performance of your vehicle.

Ensure your wheels are properly aligned.

Ensuring your wheels are properly aligned is not just for your safety, better handling and fuel efficiency but also helps ensure uniform wear on your tires. Badly aligned wheels will lead to difficult handling, accelerated tire wear, poor fuel economy, and excessive wear on your vehicle's suspension. You can help protect your investment by checking your vehicle's alignment, if you notice any of the following you may need to have your vehicle's tires aligned. Excessive or uneven wear, steering wheel pulls left or right, feeling of looseness or wandering, steering wheel vibration or shimmy, or if your steering wheel is not centered when your car is moving straight forward.


For the best prices on service and maintenance in Orlando, visit Orlando Kia to save! $10.00 off of Cabin Air Filter. Cabin Air Filter replacement improves A/C performance and air quality. Orlando Kia recommends you to replace your Cabin Air Filter every 15,000 miles.