As a car owner, the best thing you can do to prolong the life of your vehicle is to keep up with your recommended maintenance intervals. Scheduling Kia maintenance at your Kia dealership is the most convenient way to get high-quality service, save money on vehicle maintenance and repairs, and keep your Kia vehicle under warranty.
1. Lower Gas Mileage
Reduced fuel efficiency is a major performance indicator that can point to issues with your engine, low motor oil levels, clogged air filters, and various leaks under the hood. You may notice reduced gas mileage because you have to fill up your tank more frequently. It’s important to seek service as soon as you notice poor fuel economy so you can avoid costly repairs.
2. Excessive Noise and Vibration
When certain parts of your vehicle are in poor condition, you will notice excessive vibration or noise. A vibrating steering wheel may be caused by poor wheel alignment or uneven tire tread, while excessive noise can be caused by balding brake pads, engine issues, and more. Grinding is another noise to pay attention to, particularly if you hear your brakes grinding when in use or your gears grinding when you adjust the transmission.
3. Visible Leaks
Your car is full of essential fluids, whether you drive a gas model or a hybrid. Critical vehicle fluids include transmission fluid, brake fluid, motor oil, and radiator fluid. If you notice a puddle beneath your vehicle when you park for any length of time, you should book service right away to identify the cause of the leak. Sometimes, visible leaks may be paired with strong odors in the cabin area.
4. Poor Battery Performance
The battery in your vehicle plays a major role in most daily functions, from powering your infotainment system to rolling down windows. Signs of poor battery performance may be flickering or dim headlights, ignition issues, and malfunctioning electrical features. Sometimes, your check engine light or check battery light on the dashboard will turn on when the battery is not holding an adequate charge.
5. Weak Acceleration
Weak or slow acceleration can be another sign that your vehicle needs prompt maintenance. If it feels like your vehicle works harder to come to cruising speed, the underlying cause may be failing spark plugs or other issues with the engine. A Kia mechanic can tune up your engine and inspect your vehicle to diagnose poor performance.
Routine maintenance and prompt repairs ensure your Kia performs safely and efficiently while you’re on the road. You should schedule repair services as soon as you notice performance issues or dashboard warning indicator lights. Make sure your Kia is ready for the road by booking service at Kia of Marin in Novato, CA today.


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.