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In this section you'll learn when it's time for new Brakes, Battery, Tries, and Wipers.
When Will You Know It's Time For Brakes?
Brake pads typically wear
gradually, so for some it may be difficult to readily notice a decline
in performance. Below are some common signs you should look out for, as
they can signal that your brake system needs repair/replacement.
 | High-Pitched Squeal: Many brake pads have a "wear indicator" that emits an audible warning when time for replacement. |
Grinding Noise: Metal-on-metal noise can be caused by the backing plate grinding against rotors, due to worn brake pads. |  |
 | Brake Pad Thickness: Generally, if pads are less than 2-3mm thick, they likely need to be replaced. And if less than 4-5mm, they are nearing replacement. |
Pulling: If your car feels like it pulls to one side when braking, this can be caused by brake pads wearing unevenly, dirty brake fluid, a collapsed brake hose, or a stuck caliper. |  |
 | Vibration/Pulsation: If your brake pedal feels like it's vibrating or pulsing when braking, this can be caused by unevenly worn rotors. |
Pedal Responsiveness: If your brake pedal is not as responsive as it once was, or it feels soft/mushy, this may signal a problem in the brake fluid system. |  |
Van Nuys Kia understands there is nothing more important than your safety.
For peace of mind, visit our dealership for a brake inspection by our factory-trained Kia technicians.
What Should You Expect From Your Battery?
Most batteries go for thousands of miles without service. However,
everyday driving conditions - such as climate and driving habits - can
affect the life of your battery. If you still have your original battery
or f eel a sluggish start from time to time, it may be a good idea to
come in for battery inspection and testing.
Factors that can shorten your battery's life are:
 | Severe Temperatures: Your battery should be inspected every six months, and in areas of high heat/cold, this becomes even more imperative. |
| Lights Are Left On: Even if your vehicle starts, the battery may have lost a lot of its reserve power. |  |
Corrosion Or Leakage:
This is likely a sign that your battery is not operating at 100%.
When it's time for a new battery, choose a Genuine Kia Battery.
Our batteries meet rigorous specifications for quality, long life and dependability.
Here are some features you can expect with every Kia Genuine Battery:
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| Genuine Kia batteries meet or exceed Kia's reserve capacity specifications and cold cranking amps specifications. | Positive grid cover can help prevent corrosion. | Special electrolyte additive improves battery charging effectiveness, especially following severe discharge. | All Kia dealerships nationwide can service these batteries, which is especially helpful when your are traveling. |
When Will You Know It's Time For New Tires? All tires eventually need to be replaced. We'll let you know when you need new ones. If you're thinking of going to a big box store for your tire needs, you may want to think again. At Van Nuys Kia our Kia experts help make your tire replacement easy, convenient, cost-effective, and specific to your needs. |  |
 | Our factory-trained technicians will first check your tire tread depth and pressure. If it's determined that you need replacement tires, our experts will help find the set that is right for your Kia. Here are some reasons to buy tires from us:
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New tires also help you stop sooner on wet roads!
A professional driver took nearly 10 car lengths longer to stop on worn tires than he did on new tires.
While your stopping distance may vary, newer tires can help you stop sooner.
| When Will You Know It's Time For New Wipers? You'll know it's time to replace your wiper blades when you see these signs of wear:
Wiper blades tend to wear evenly, so even if only one blade appears worn, the other isn't far behind. You should replace both wiper blades at the same time. |  |
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The transition from spring into summer brings some of the most demanding driving conditions in Southern California. The combination of rising valley temperatures, canyon commutes, and stop-and-go gridlock on the 101 puts immense stress on your vehicle's core systems.
At Van Nuys Kia, our certified master technicians specialize in preventative maintenance designed to stop mechanical failures before they happen. By preparing your vehicle for the heat now, you can avoid costly breakdowns and ensure your family's safety during summer road trips.
Essential Spring and Summer Auto Prep
To combat the intense Los Angeles heat, our service center focuses on three critical areas of preventative maintenance during the spring season:
1. Cooling System and Radiator Diagnostics
Your engine operates at extreme temperatures, and your cooling system is its only defense against catastrophic overheating. As summer approaches, our technicians will inspect your radiator for stress cracks, test the integrity of your hoses, and verify that your coolant mixture is at the exact concentration required by Kia factory standards.
2. A/C Service and Cabin Air Filters
Do not wait for a 100-degree day in the valley to discover your air conditioning is failing. Our preventative A/C service includes a comprehensive leak test, compressor inspection, and refrigerant recharge. Additionally, we replace your cabin air filter using genuine Kia OEM Parts to block spring pollen, dust, and exhaust fumes from entering your interior, ensuring maximum HVAC airflow.
3. Tire Health and Pressure Calibration
Sizzling asphalt accelerates rubber degradation and increases the risk of a blowout at highway speeds. Our team will perform a detailed inspection of your tire tread depth, look for sidewall blistering, and adjust your tire pressure to account for thermal expansion. If you require a tire rotation to ensure even wear, our service bays are fully equipped to handle it swiftly.
Protect Your Investment and Your Wallet
Preventative maintenance is the most cost-effective way to own a vehicle. Identifying a worn serpentine belt or a minor coolant leak today is infinitely less expensive than paying for an engine repair and a tow truck tomorrow.
To help our Van Nuys community prepare for the season, we continually update our Service and Parts Coupons. We encourage you to browse these current offers for exclusive discounts on A/C recharges, synthetic oil changes, and multi-point inspections before booking your visit.
If you are planning a long road trip this summer, trust the experts at Van Nuys Kia to give your vehicle a clean bill of health.