Having a car gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Not only do you have to get car insurance and make your car payment on time, but you also have to maintain your vehicle to keep it in top shape.
Your car has many parts that make it run properly, so it’s important to get routine maintenance and replace parts when necessary if you don’t want to find yourself stranded somewhere in Corinth, Texas. This guide explains which parts you should replace and how often so your car continues to run for as long as you own it.
Fluids
There are several fluids in your car, and knowing when they need to be changed or topped off can ensure everything under the hood has the lubrication it needs. Depending on your driving habits, you may need to check and change your car’s fluids more or less often than what’s recommended. The following list tells you about the fluids in your car and when to change them based on the average person’s driving habits:
- Oil and oil filter: Oil keeps the major engine parts in your car lubricated and moving. You’ll need to change your car’s oil and oil filter approximately every three months or 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
- Windshield washer fluid: The windshield washer fluid level drains every time you use it, so you can top it off as often as you’d like.
- Brake fluid: The brake fluid needs to stay full for your car’s brakes to work well, and you should change this fluid around every three years or 45,000 miles.
- Transmission fluid: The transmission fluid in an automatic transmission can last for years, so you’ll only need to change it once every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. For a manual transmission, you’ll probably need to switch this fluid out at the 30,000- to 60,000-mile mark.
- Power steering fluid: The power steering fluid in your car’s steering system is essential for making steering and turning your car easier. You need to check its level to make sure it’s full and change it about every 40,000 to 80,000 miles.
- Coolant fluid: The coolant fluid, or antifreeze, in your car’s radiator helps the system maintain its temperature. You’ll need to flush and replace this fluid every two or three years or at 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter
Every Kia has an air filter that helps catch dust and other particles before they reach the cabin. The filter uses layers of paper that get dirty over time. So, you should check your cabin air filter often, especially after windy days in Corinth that blow in dust from the panhandle. You’ll usually need to swap it out about once a year. This is a car part you can likely change yourself, but our team at Huffines Kia Corinth is always happy to help with this simple task.
Spark Plugs
The number of spark plugs in your car depends on how many cylinders its engine has. There’s one spark plug per cylinder. These spark plugs create a mini explosion when the gas mixes with air, which ignites the mixture in the engine. With use, the spark plugs become corroded, and you need to replace them about every 20,000 to 40,000 miles.
Belts
Modern cars have between one and three belts that help the engine run and move the parts that need it. The main belt, called a timing belt or timing chain, isn’t always easy to check, so you need to have it changed on time according to the manufacturer’s suggestion. Normally, you need to replace the timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Another important belt, the serpentine belt, drives parts such as the water pump, alternator, and air conditioner compressor. You may have to change this belt at 50,000 miles, but it can last up to 100,000 miles.
Windshield Wiper Blades
How often you change your windshield wiper blades largely depends on how often you use them. Here in North Texas, it can rain a lot during certain times of the year, which means you might need to replace your wipers every couple of months. We can also go months without rain. When we do, your windshield wipers may last up to a year. If you notice streaking or scraping when you turn your wipers on, it means it’s time to replace this car part.
Brakes
Stopping is just as important as starting when driving around Corinth. This is why having your car’s brakes inspected and changing them regularly is vital to your safety. The brake pads wear down every time you step on the brake pedal, so getting them replaced as soon as you notice a screeching sound when using the brakes should be a top priority.
Because of the traffic in Corinth and Dallas, you’ll likely need to replace your car’s brake pads every two to three years. You don’t need to replace the rotors and drums as often, but inspect them for damage and wear when changing the pads.
Tires
Your car’s tires have a specific number of miles they’re rated to last, and when the tread wears down, it’s time to get new ones. Tires vary in how long they’ll last, with some being rated for only 30,000 miles on the low end. Some of the best tires will last for up to 100,000 miles. However, on average, a tire warranty is good for around 50,000 miles. When to replace your tires depends on the tread depth. The more tread you have the better the grip.
Battery
A car’s battery provides it with the power it needs to start. It’s a good idea to replace your car’s battery before it fails, as this could cause other problems with your car. Car batteries can last anywhere from three to five years. If you notice your car is taking longer than usual to start, you can test the battery to see if it’s time to get a new one.
Find Car Parts and Great Service at Huffines Kia
While you can always bring your car to us for all your servicing needs, we also have an extensive parts center where you’ll find the car parts that can keep your Kia in tiptop shape. We frequently offer parts specials that help you save on the Kia parts and accessories you need. Give our parts center a call and let us know what part you’re looking for, and we’ll make sure you get it.