How Do Brake Pads Work?

Disc brake systems use brake pads to apply pressure to the rotors so that the car will stop. These brake systems attach to the front two wheels of your car, while the rotor attaches directly to the wheel as well. Brake pads are made of strong materials that won't melt, as they are prone to wear and tear as you brake constantly. With brake pads, you have to be careful and check them regularly, or else you can cause an accident by not braking fast enough.

Brake pads have different sounds depending on what's going on. A squealing…
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Tire Rotations Add Value To Your Car


Tire rotations are one of the less known ways that car owners can save money. This is because it greatly extends the amount of time that your tires will last. That is why our team here at Hyman Bros. Kia in Midlothian wants to ensure that you know all about the basics of tire rotations.

Because tires wear faster in either the front or the back of your vehicle, they should be rotated regularly so that they all last about the same amount of time. You should always reference your owner's manual to see in what way your tires…
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The Complicated Engine Cooling & Radiator System


Adding coolant to the radiator is only a small part of your cooling system, the working parts all must be as one to keep your engine from overheating. These are only a few of those parts that need to be maintained often.

The radiator fan helps move air to the radiator and over little fins that have coolant rushing through them.

The thermostat has to be able to maintain an ideal engine temperature so that all the parts are cooled and the engine doesn't overheat.

The water pump is powered by fan belts that have to be tight and…
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How You Can Test Your Car Battery

The last thing you want to deal with is a dead car battery. Before you panic and ask someone for a jump, you need to test the battery to see if that’s actually the problem. If you hear a clicking when you turn your ignition, it’s not always the fault of the battery.

A digital multimeter can be attached to your battery to tell you everything you need to know. Be sure the vehicle is off. The black lead on the multimeter should touch the negative battery cable and the red lead should touch the positive cable. Set…

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How to Recognize the Signals of a Leaking Exhaust System

The exhaust system of most vehicles consists of the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, the resonator, and the muffler, where the exhaust fumes are emitted into the atmosphere.

Because exhaust gas, like carbon monoxide, is colorless and odorless, it can't be detected inside the car, which is dangerous for passengers. That's why it's so important to pay attention to the following signals of a leaking exhaust system, and have your car serviced as soon as possible.

The most common sign of a leaking exhaust system are strange sounds. If you hear a hissing or popping noise while the…

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What You Should Be Checking About Your Tires


Your tires are one of the biggest safety features of your vehicle. Maintaining proper tire pressure and replacing your tires when their tread is worn is essential to maintaining a safe car. Luckily, we here at Hyman Bros. Kia are here to give you the basics.

Tire pressure should be checked any time you plan to drive in excess of one hour. The proper inflation for your specific tires can be found in the owner's manual of your vehicle. Tire tread, on the other hand, is essential to your safety. As your tire tread wears down, there is less…
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Transmission Fluid Leaks

Unfortunately, the transmission in any car can fail. There are a few signs that you can listen to and look at if you think that your transmission is going out.

One of the signs that there is a leak associated with the transmission is when you see fluid on the ground. The fluid will be brown or red in color. It's crucial that the transmission maintains a proper fluid level because this is what lubricates the gears so that they can easily shift. If you see fluid on the ground, it could be an indication of a leaky seal…

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What Does the Timing Belt Do?


You are probably aware that your vehicle has a part called the timing belt, but you may not know its significance. What exactly does the timing belt do? And how do you keep it working?

The timing belt keeps the engine's camshaft and crankshaft working together in rhythm. The camshaft is what works the engine's valves while the crankshaft operates the pistons. Without the timing belt, these engine components will stop functioning properly and serious damage can be done.

It is normally recommended that you replace your timing belt at somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000...
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