Aside from the fact that good tires can contribute to good vehicle performance, it’s also important to ensure your tires are in good condition since this can save you from a flat. Flat tires are inconvenient and can even be dangerous depending on where or how your tire blows out. Here are a few early signs that you may need to replace your tires.

Tires Are Bald or Cracking

Bald tires aren’t just smooth – when your tires are bald, this means that the tread has worn down so much that the tires no longer have any traction. It’s dangerous to drive with tires that can’t grip the road, particularly during the rainy and winter seasons.

Another sign of tire trouble is cracking on your tires. Generally, tires will only crack when the rubber has dried out, which only happens in extreme heat conditions or if the tire is very old. Cracking tires are at risk of imminent blowouts when you’re driving because the sidewall of your tire can no longer handle the pressure of driving.

Tires Are Bulging

If you notice any bubbles or bulges on the sidewalls of your tires, this is usually an indication that there is a weak spot inside the tire. Bulges in your tires can burst at any time, particularly if your tires scrape against curbs or encounter potholes. If you spot any bubbles, bumps, or bulges anywhere on your tire, it’s time to schedule tire service as soon as possible.

Tire Tread Wear Indicator Is Visible

Tires manufactured in recent years are better at telling drivers when they need to be replaced. Many tire brands now build in tread wear indicators, or squares in the grooves of your tires that only become visible when your tires are getting old. If you see the tread wear indicators, then this means that the tread on your tires has worn down, and it’s time to get your tires changed.

Tires Have Uneven Wear

Sometimes, you may notice that your tires aren’t wearing out evenly. If the tread on one or two of your tires is wearing out much more quickly than the rest, this is usually a clear indication that your wheels are out of alignment or that your tires are not correctly inflated. Tires that have uneven wear can even be a sign that your car suspension is in trouble.

Although your dashboard may not have an indicator light to change your tires, there are other signs you can watch out for. For example, it may be time to replace your tires if there is visible balding, cracking, or bulging. Get in touch with Crain Kia of Bentonville to schedule Kia Express Service for your tires today.

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Searching for a car with a sleek and sporty look, but at a price that won’t break the bank? The elegant and stylish 2022 Kia Forte offers lots of amazing features to improve your driving experience but at an affordable cost.

1. Comfortable Interior

With lots of legroom and headroom in both the front and back seats, there’s plenty of space for every passenger to stretch out and enjoy the drive. This model also offers 60/40 split seating in the back, which allows for part of the back seat to be lowered to fit more cargo, while still seating two passengers. The trunk itself also offers an impressive extra 15.3 cubic feet of space.

The front two seats also offer extra comforts for the driver and passenger, with controls for both heating and ventilation. The front temperature controls are split as well, so both people can enjoy their ride being as warm or cold as they desire. Specifically for the driver, the driver’s seat is 10-way power-adjustable, allowing for a customized driving position that’s perfect for whoever is behind the wheel.

2. Advanced Driving Assistance

No matter what unexpected events may occur on the road near you, this car is here to help as much as it can. With frontal collision-avoidance technology, the brakes will automatically activate themselves in the case of an unexpected stop. It can also detect pedestrians, helping keep you and everyone else unharmed.

This model also covers its blind spots with a corrective technology that alerts the driver to any potential accidents that can’t be easily seen. And with rear traffic collision avoidance technology, the car itself helps the driver back out and park safely. Cruise control and lane-keeping assistance are just two more of the features that make driving this car feel like a partnership.

3. Smart Technology

Wherever the road may take you, this model has a navigation system that responds to both touch and voice recognition so that the driver can always have a map handy. The center console features a wireless smartphone charging station, making sure that your phone is always at full power, even on the go. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both compatible with this model, offering full access to all your music and apps.

With the Smart Key, this model lets its driver simply push a button to start the engines, with a remote start option as well. Even with no free hands, the Smart Trunk can easily be opened just by having the key nearby. And the Kia Connect smartphone option lets you remotely lock and unlock your car, adjust climate controls before even entering the car, and even offers a Find My Car feature.

From a comfortable interior to stretch out into the advanced driving assistance to keep every drive safe to the smart technology with so many wireless and hand-free options, this car is ready for any long drive or shopping trip that you take it on. To experience these features, go for a spin, and more, stop by Crain Kia of Bentonville.

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Bentonville, AR, is a hotspot for romantic date night ideas. Many places will impress you, whether you are looking for a perfect spot for a first date, a magical location to propose, or simply to spend quality time with your partner. Check out our favorite romantic sites for your next date.

Crystal Bridge Museum of American Art

If your significant other enjoys art, a visit to the Crystal Bridge Museum of American Art will be a perfect date. Bentonville’s Crystal Bridge Museum of American Art is located at 600 Museum Way. In a tranquil setting, you and your loved one can explore and marvel at intriguing works of art. They have an extensive collection of American exhibitions and art ranging from the colonial era to today.

You can also walk arm in arm with your partner along the stunning Crystal Bridge trails that wind through the gorgeous 120-acre property. Alternatively, you can also have a sunset picnic at the grounds, so bring a mat and a picnic basket.

Skyline Cinema

In downtown Bentonville, Sky Cinema adds a unique twist to the traditional movie and dinner date. You can watch a good indie film and your favorite blockbuster at Skyline Cinema. Skyline Cinema has six outfitted theaters with state-of-the-art sound and digital projection technology. They also have comfortable recliner and rocker seats for your viewing pleasure.

The theatre also has a food bar where you can order food and have it delivered to your seat. The skilled bartender can also serve you various cold drinks and cocktails. Please consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation. Therefore reserve your seats and enjoy a fine dining experience while watching your favorite film.

Bolt Escape Room

Visit the Bolt Escape Room in Bentonville to shake up your romantic night routine. Experience the thrill and excitement of an escape room as you team up to solve a mystery. Bolt Escape Room provides a fun and interactive entertainment experience that reinforces critical thinking, logic, and teamwork.

You can solve the mystery as a couple or as a group with your friends for an exciting group date. With the Bolt Escape Room’s various mysteries and themes, you’re bound to learn something new about your partner with each attempt. Escape rooms can be intense, so cuddle up in your comfortable Kia Seltos LX after escaping and reminisce on your adventure.

Bentley’s Beach Bar

Take your significant other to Bentley’s Beach Bar for a night of dancing and singing. Bentley’s Beach Bar is a karaoke and cocktail bar on Bentonville’s 28th Street. They have great music and always serve delicious cold drinks.

It’s ideal for a group date and a night of drinking and singing. You can steal the show by serenading your partner to your favorite songs, or you could also duet on a couple of songs. The bartenders are skilled at creating delicious cocktails. Please don’t drink and drive.

Bentonville, as depicted above, is an ideal location for a romantic outing. As you plan your perfect date, ensure you have a reliable vehicle to make movement easier. Please contact Crain Kia of Bentonville today to purchase a new or used car.

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In your living room, a radiator is something that keeps you warm. But in your car, the radiator has the opposite effect. It cools down the coolant which constantly flows through your engine, keeping it from overheating. A malfunctioning car radiator can quickly lead to catastrophic engine problems, so if you notice any of the following signs of trouble, visit your local Kia dealer for radiator repair as soon as possible.

Your Engine’s Overheating

An overheating engine will rapidly break down, sometimes irreparably. Never ignore indications of overheating, which might be caused by a faulty radiator.

The temperature gauge on your instrument panel will usually be the first sign of overheating. If you see the dial suddenly rising, pull over, allow your engine to cool down, and call a mechanic for advice. Other signs of an overheating engine include loud ticking noises from the engine, a smell of something burning, and a hood that’s hot to touch.

Your Coolant’s Leaking

Coolant rarely leaks but when it does, the source is often one of the joins of the coolant hose to the radiator. If your radiator’s leaking coolant, you’ll probably notice a brightly colored, sweet-smelling liquid under your car when you pull away from parking.

You can check your coolant by popping the hood and checking the fluid level in the coolant reservoir. You might also be able to detect the source of the leak by running your fingers over the radiator and hoses. Of course, wait until the engine is cold before you do this. Any coolant leak will most likely need a technician to fix it properly.

Your Coolant’s Contaminated

Fresh, clean coolant should be red, green, blue, or yellow in hue. If your coolant has lost its color, looks rusty, has things floating in it, or has thickened into a sludge, then you might have a buildup of contaminants inside your radiator. To fix this, the old coolant will need to be flushed out, and the radiator’s pan will need to be removed and cleaned.

Your Radiator’s Rusting

Just like any metal components of your engine, radiators are susceptible to rust in cold, wet, or humid conditions. While examining your radiator, keep an eye out for signs of brownish rust. If you check regularly, you’ll usually catch the first signs of rust and be able to scrub it away with a proper cleaning solution.

But if rust is allowed to develop over time it can seriously corrode your radiator, leading to leaks or other problems. In this case, you’ll most likely need a new radiator.

How a Kia Dealer Examines Your Radiator

A technician will inspect your entire cooling system, radiator included. After checking your coolant levels, they’ll search each part and hose for signs of malfunction, corrosion, or leaks. They’ll also run pressure tests on the thermostat, fan, radiator cap, and other components. If this reveals any problems, they’ll repair or replace the faulty part.

Have your radiator inspected, repaired, or replaced today by certified technicians at Crain Kia of Bentonville. We’re a family-owned dealership that’s been dedicated to providing outstanding value and service to our customers since 1966.

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Most of us have gone through a variety of different cars in our lives. Some of them we enjoy, and some of them can be a real pain. Every now and then, we find ourselves behind the wheel of a vehicle that feels just right. For drivers who want the features and capabilities of an SUV, but the versatile handling of a more compact car, that’s what the 2022 Kia Seltos is: just right.

Basics About the 2022 Kia Seltos

After making its debut just this year, the newest Seltos model is already being shown off in high numbers by satisfied drivers around the country. It’s a subcompact SUV that combines the interior space of a larger SUV with the smooth handling of a smaller vehicle. It offers personalization based on your needs with its five unique trims: the LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX Turbo. 

A Smooth and Practical Ride

The Seltos offers either a 1.6L or 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, depending on the trim. Its Intelligent Variable Automatic Transmission (IVT) ensures that your vehicle will respond quickly and effortlessly to any change in speed, and Smart Cruise Control lets the car handle much of the acceleration for you. If you’re going offroad or need to drive through inclement weather, you can switch to All-Wheel Drive for extra traction.

Comfort and Space

Remote-start your Seltos a few minutes before you head out the door, then take settle into your comfortable heated SynTex seat behind the wheel. With automatic climate control, your car will have already adjusted to your preferred temperature. Whether you’re filling up the car with family and friends, or folding down the back seats to load up some cargo, your vehicle can adjust to create the space you need.

New & Unique Features

The 2022 Seltos sports some exclusive features that older models or competitors simply don’t have. 

Infotainment

Choose between an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display, complete with a rear camera and compatibility apps for your Apple or Android phone. Forget fumbling with cords, and set your phone on the wireless charger while the vehicle’s touchscreen displays navigation instructions. The SX Turbo even comes outfitted with Bose Premium Audio and a sound-connected mood lamp.

Safety

The 2022 Seltos lets you drive with peace of mind as its cameras and radar scan for danger and help you avoid collisions while driving. Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist-Ped will warn you of hazards and brake automatically, while Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance protects you while you’re merging lanes. Additionally, your Seltos will warn you of any approaching vehicles while you’re in reverse, making busy parking lots much easier to navigate!


Safety, comfort, driveability, and style – the 2022 Seltos just about has it all. With 5 different trims and more features than we could cover here, it’s easy to find the Seltos that’s just right for you. If you think it’s time to upgrade to a safer and smoother ride, talk to the professionals at Crain Kia of Bentonville about a test drive today!

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We’re confident in the quality of every vehicle sold at our Kia dealership. That confidence is backed up by the car warranty policies that Kia includes with a purchase of one of their vehicles. So what warranty protection will you be getting when you choose a new Kia for your next vehicle? Here’s some more information about the warranty coverage that you’ll have available and the benefits that come with it.

New Car Warranty

The industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty that comes with every new Kia is designed to make your ownership experience feel as worry-free as possible. This includes a powertrain warranty for the first ten years of ownership or the first 100,000 miles you drive, whichever comes first. A limited powertrain warranty covers any issues that arise out of manufacturer defects of the most crucial components of your vehicle, the parts involved in making the vehicle move.

In addition to your powertrain warranty, your new Kia also comes with a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. This covers additional components of your vehicle, letting you get complimentary repairs for any problems that arise from manufacturer defects. The policy also includes a five-year/60,000 limited anti-perforation warranty that is specifically designed to cover you in case of corrosion damage, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Emergency Roadside Assistance

A new Kia’s warranty coverage also includes roadside assistance for the first five years of ownership or the first 60,000 miles that you drive, depending on which comes first. With this protection backing you up, you’ll never be alone on the road when difficult situations such as an accident or mechanical failure occur. Experienced assistance providers are available 24 hours a day, meaning the help you need is never more than a phone call away.

There are a number of scenarios where this coverage will be invaluable to any driver. Even something as simple as accidentally running out of gas can be remedied by giving your roadside assistance agent a call. They’re also prepared to help you out with other minor mishaps, such as when your battery dies and your engine won’t start as a result. As long as you have a spare, they’ll even be able to help you with swapping out a flat.

Trip Interruption

Having to call roadside assistance over an issue with your vehicle can spoil any road trip that you had planned. Kia accounts for this concern with their trip-interruption services, which help to make a bad situation a little better. If any warranty-related disablement of your vehicle occurs more than 150 miles from home and repairs take longer than 24 hours, Kia will reimburse you for meals, finding a place to stay, and renting a vehicle.

With this warranty coverage riding with you, you’ll be getting so much more than just a quality vehicle when you drive away from our dealership in your new Kia. Shop at Crain Kia of Bentonville today to get the protection you deserve!

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Your Kia’s alternator is a generator that turns mechanical energy into electrical energy to power your car’s systems and gadgets. The alternator is designed to last for approximately 8 years, but if your car is regularly serviced, the alternator can last much longer. Any part can suffer wear, and when you need an alternator repair, your Kia dealer is here to help. These are some of the signs that we need to check your alternator for problems.

Battery Dies Quickly

Your car’s battery lasts, on average, 3-5 years and then it needs to be replaced. As a battery operates, the chemical reactions necessary to store and recharge electricity cause the battery to slowly wear out. If you turn the key, and you hear only a sad click-click noise you may need a new battery, or your alternator could be showing signs of failing.

The alternator recharges your battery as your car moves since part of the electricity generated is stored in the battery. When an alternator starts to fail, it produces less power, and the weaker the alternator becomes the less able it is to recharge the battery. A weak alternator may be supplying less power to the battery than the battery uses to start your ignition, and this will cause your battery to prematurely die.

Battery Light Comes On 

Sensors are attached to all the important components in your car, and they monitor these components for any sign of a problem. If a sensor detects a problem, a signal is sent to your car’s computer and the relevant light on your dash will come on. The battery light illuminates if a problem is detected within the electrical system itself.

A loose wire, an alternator that’s producing less voltage than it should, or even a battery that isn’t charging correctly are just a few of the possible reasons for the light to come on. Our expert technicians will test your electrical system, and we’ll find the cause of the problem and repair it.

Broken or Loose Connections

Your alternator may be working perfectly and producing more than enough electricity, yet your battery isn’t charging properly and the electrical components aren’t working. Two of the main reasons for this are damaged wires from the alternator or a worn-out diode rectifier. The electricity produced by the alternator travels through a wiring system to the electrical components, but if any of these wires are worn or damaged they won’t receive power and the component won’t work.

The diode rectifier has the important job of converting three-phase alternating current (AC) produced by the alternator into direct current (DC) for your car’s accessories. If the diode rectifier fails, the AC won’t be converted to DC, and your accessories just won’t work.

If you experience any of these signals that your alternator has a problem, call our service center right away at Crain Kia of Bentonville. Our technicians will speedily diagnose and repair the problem.

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Most of Bentonville AR was burned down and had to be rebuilt after the Civil War, so most of the historical attractions don’t reflect the city’s history prior to 1873. Apple production started in 1901, and poultry production started in the 1920s. In 1951, Sam Walton opened Walton’s 5 and 10 Variety Store in the town square, which was the start of Walmart.

Museum of Native American History

The museum actually began when David Bogle bought his scout master’s arrowhead collection. His collection grew, and he wanted a place to display it. He also wanted to use his collection to educate others about the lives of Native Americans. He founded the museum in 2006. Items were added in 2003 when the University of Arkansas’ museum closed.

Jim and Nancy Blair donated items from Southern Mexico, Central America, and South America in 2015. The skeleton of a Wooly Mammoth guards the museum entrance. The displays feature all Native American tribes from 12,000 BC to 1900. It includes items from the Paleo, Archaic, Woodlands, Mississippian, Historic, and pre-Columbian eras.

The Old Spanish Treasure Cave

The Old Spanish Treasure Cave, located in the Ozark Mountains, allegedly contains Spanish treasure left by the Conquistadors. Searches have been ongoing since the 1800s. The one-hour tour includes:

• An explanation of how the treasure was transported to the cave
• Proof that it hasn’t been found
• The current attempts to find it

Even if you don’t find the treasure, you will enjoy exploring the cave, understanding how the cave is a maze, and possibly seeing cave inhabitants.

Walmart Museum 

Located on the town square in the original Walton’s 5 and 10 Variety store, the museum offers a self-guided tour of this original 5 and 10 Variety store. It also includes The Spark Café Soda Fountain. Enjoy sodas and ice cream cones. While you are at the Walmart Museum, you can also take a walk around the town square of Bentonville.

Scott Family Amazeum

The Amazeum is a children’s interactive museum that features thirteen galleries with some historic Bentonville connections. The displays in the Amazeum include:

• The Art Studio
• The Canopy Climber
• The Cave
• The Cloud Theater
• The Emerging Explorers
• The Hershey’s Lab
• The Homestead Cabin and Farm
• Lift, Load & Haul
• The Nickelodeon Play Lab
• The Outdoor Playscape
• The Tinkering Hub
• The Walmart Market
• Water Amazements

From the grounds around the Amazeum, you can use the walking and biking trails to connect to the Crystal Bridges and Bentonville. Even though much of Bentonville was destroyed during the Civil War, many historical sites remain, including two historic residential areas. The Museum of Native American History offers a view of the history of all Native American tribes. The Walmart Museum lets you experience the store that launched the iconic chain.

To explore the 2022 vehicles that Kia has to offer, visit Crain Kia of Bentonville where you can explore our selection of new and used cars, check for our special deals, schedule a service appointment for your current car, or fill out an online credit application to purchase a new car.

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Good brakes are essential for your safety, as they are the only way that you can control your car’s speed and stop. All mechanical parts will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. As your Kia dealer, we want you to know the signs that you may need a brake repair.

Screeching Brakes

A high-pitched screeching from the front of your car is certainly unnerving. This awful sound is a first warning that you need to change your brake pads. When you apply the brakes, brake fluid is forced down the hoses. This exerts hydraulic pressure on the calipers, causing them to close. The calipers sit above each of your wheel rotors. When the calipers close on the rotors, the friction generated brings your car to a stop.

Your calipers have brake pads attached to them. The brake pads are covered in a friction material, which helps to slow down and stop the rotors faster. Each time the pads are used, a small amount of the pas wears off. When the pads have worn down to a level that they need to be replaced, a small metal piece in the pad becomes visible. The next time you use your brakes, the metal pad will contact the metal rotor and you’ll hear an awful screeching. It’s time to change your brake pads.

Boiling Brake Fluid

A chemical burning smell is a sign that your brakes need to be checked. As we’ve seen, brake fluid is used to exert hydraulic pressure on the calipers. If you have been using your brake to frequently stop and start, particularly on a hot day, you might get this chemical smell. Brake fluid is pumped into the hoses when you hit the brakes. Once you take your foot off the brakes, the fluid returns to its reservoir.

Brake fluid gets hot as it’s under pressure. If you’re frequently stepping on the brakes, the fluid doesn’t get a chance to cool down before it’s used again. The hotter your brake fluid gets, the greater chance it might boil. Boiling brake fluid is dangerous, as brake fluid loses its hydraulic ability when it gets too hot. If you smell a hot chemical smell, call us and our technicians will repair the problem.

Glazed Rotors

Another problem caused by frequent, sharp braking is damage to the rotors. The rotors are flat metal discs attached to each wheel. When you use the brakes, the caliper grab onto the rotors to stop them from moving. The caliper causes the rotor to stop due to friction, and friction produces heat. If your brake frequently, the increased heat from the friction can glaze your rotors.

A glazed rotor looks very smooth and shiny. This shiny surface can cause shrieking noise when you brake. We would be to replace the rotors to remove the noise.

Worn brakes are very dangerous. If you have this problem, call us ASAP at Crain Kia of Bentonville.

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No one wants to hear the click-click of an engine that won’t start. It’s also something that will always happen at the worst time. While there are several possible reasons that your car won’t start, the most common is a dead battery. Car batteries have a limited life and will need to be replaced. When you need a new car battery, you’re in safe hands with your Kia dealer. These are some of the signs that your battery has failed.

Dim Headlights

When your car’s engine is switched off, your battery supplies the power for the various components that require a continuous power supply. Some of these components include the dash lights, headlights, and car alarm system. Your battery draws down its power supplying these components, but the battery should be recharged when your engine is running again.

If you switch on your headlights, and they shine brightly, your car battery should be in good condition. If the headlights seem dimmer than they should be, this means that your battery doesn’t have enough power to supply the lights with a full charge. If your headlights are dim, you should bring your car into our service department so we can test your battery.

Engine Won’t Start

The click-click sound when you turn the key means that your engine isn’t receiving the electrical charge needed to crank the engine. This could be because you have a dead battery, a failed alternator, or even a damaged starter solenoid. You can test this by jump-starting your car. Attach the jumper cables to the battery terminals, and remove them as soon as your engine starts. If your engine doesn’t start, the starter solenoid is damaged, and we can quickly replace that.

If your engine starts and then dies almost immediately, this means that your alternator has failed. Your battery depends on the alternator to recharge it, and a failed alternator won’t produce any electricity. Once the external electrical supply is withdrawn, your battery will fail. If your engine continues to run, then the most likely cause of the problem is a dead battery.

Parasitic Drain

This strange problem can drain your battery overnight. It isn’t caused by a battery fault, it’s caused by an electrical component that doesn’t switch off when it should. It’s very easy to see if you’ve left the interior lights on, but a parasitic drain has a less obvious cause.

Prime candidates for draining power are the trunk lights and the glove box lights. These lights should automatically switch off when their compartment lids are closed, but a wiring fault can cause them to stay on. Although these lights are small, they can very quickly drain your battery. Our technicians can trace and repair the fault.

Your car battery will start showing signs of aging, and this gives you time to plan for its replacement. Call our service center at Crain Kia of Bentonville, and our trained technicians fit a new battery for you.

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