Your vehicle is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s an investment, a lifeline, and for most of us, an essential part of everyday life. At Russell Barnett Kia in Tullahoma, we understand how important it is to keep your car, truck, or SUV in great shape for as long as possible. Whether you’re driving a reliable Kia Sorento, a family-friendly Telluride, or anything in between, the right maintenance and care can help you get the most miles out of your ride. In this guide, we’ll offer vehicle health tips to prolong its life for years down the road, including maintenance tips, driving habits, seasonal care, and more. Our team of certified Kia technicians is here to help every step of the way!
🛠️ 1. Keep Up with Regular Oil Changes
Your engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It keeps engine parts lubricated, prevents overheating, and removes sludge and debris. Skipping oil changes can lead to serious engine damage, which is costly to repair. This is one of the most vital vehicle health tips, and, unfortunately, one of the most commonly overlooked.
Tips:
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Follow the oil change interval recommended in your Kia owner’s manual
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Use genuine Kia oil filters and synthetic oils for best performance
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Schedule oil changes every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on your driving style and OEM recommendation
Pro Tip: Use Russell Barnett Kia’s online scheduling tool to make booking your oil changes quick and convenient.
🔁 2. Rotate Your Tires and Check Tire Pressure
Tires are a major safety feature on any vehicle. Uneven tread wear, improper inflation, or neglecting rotations can shorten their lifespan and affect fuel economy and handling.
Tire Care Checklist:
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Rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
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Check tire pressure monthly, especially before long drives
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Keep tires inflated to the PSI listed on your door sticker
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Don’t forget to check your spare tire!
At Russell Barnett Kia, we offer free tire inspections with most service visits—just ask!
🔧 3. Don’t Skip Routine Multi-Point Inspections
A regular multi-point inspection is like a health checkup for your vehicle. Our factory-trained Kia technicians can catch small issues before they become major repairs.
During a multi-point inspection, we check:
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Brakes and brake fluid levels
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Steering and suspension systems
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Belts and hoses
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Battery health and terminals
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Lights, signals, and wipers
Scheduling one every 6 to 12 months will keep you ahead of any surprises on the road.
🔋 4. Maintain Your Battery
A dead battery always seems to happen at the worst time. Luckily, preventive battery care is simple and affordable.
Battery Maintenance Tips:
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Check for corrosion around terminals
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Have your battery tested before the colder months
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Replace it every 3 to 5 years, or as recommended
Our Kia Service Department can test your battery for free during any visit!
🧊 5. Take Care of Your Cooling System
Overheating is a leading cause of engine failure. To avoid it, you’ll need to stay on top of coolant levels, radiator health, and thermostat performance.
Best Practices:
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Flush your coolant system every 30,000 to 60,000 miles
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Check coolant levels monthly
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Make sure your radiator fans are functioning properly
Let our Tullahoma team inspect your coolant system before long summer road trips!
🛞 6. Don’t Ignore Brake Service
Your brakes are your first line of defense in an emergency. That’s why keeping them in perfect condition is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe and extend your vehicle’s lifespan.
Watch for warning signs like:
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Squeaking or grinding sounds
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Vibration when braking
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A spongy brake pedal
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Longer stopping distances
We recommend brake pad inspections every 10,000 to 12,000 miles and replacing them as needed.
💡 7. Replace Filters Regularly
Your Kia has multiple filters that need replacing to keep everything running efficiently.
Key Filters:
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Engine Air Filter – Replace every 15,000 to 30,000 miles
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Cabin Air Filter – Replace every 10,000 to 15,000 miles
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Fuel Filter – Replace per manufacturer’s guidance
A clean filter can improve engine performance, fuel economy, and air quality inside your cabin.
🌀 8. Keep Your Transmission Healthy
Transmission repairs are some of the most expensive, but they’re also highly preventable. Take good care of your transmission and it could last well over 150,000 miles.
Transmission Tips:
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Check fluid levels regularly
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Change fluid as recommended by manufacturer
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Avoid “riding” the clutch in manual cars
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Don’t tow more than your vehicle’s rated capacity
Have questions about your Kia’s transmission care? Call our service team—we’re happy to help.
🧽 9. Wash and Wax Frequently
Protecting your vehicle’s exterior paint and undercarriage is more than cosmetic—it prevents rust, corrosion, and resale value loss.
Exterior Care Tips:
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Wash your car every 2–4 weeks
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Wax it every 3–6 months
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Pay attention to undercarriage wash, especially in winter (to remove road salt)
Our team offers detailing services right here in Tullahoma. Ask about our service packages!
❄️ 10. Be Prepared for Every Season
Seasonal maintenance ensures your Kia is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Summer:
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Test A/C system
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Check coolant and radiator
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Monitor tire pressure
Winter:
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Inspect battery and charging system
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Swap for winter tires if needed
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Use the correct engine oil viscosity
Bonus Tip: Keep an emergency kit with jumper cables, flashlight, water, and a first-aid kit in your trunk year-round.
🛣️ 11. Drive Smarter, Not Harder
Your driving habits have a direct effect on your vehicle’s longevity.
Smart Driving Habits:
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Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking
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Don’t overload your vehicle
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Use cruise control on highways when possible
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Avoid potholes and rough roads when you can
Smooth, consistent driving equals less wear and tear!
📘 12. Follow Your Kia Maintenance Schedule
Kia provides a custom maintenance schedule for every model, along with an array of vehicle health tips of their own. Whether you drive a Sportage, Seltos, or Carnival, following this schedule ensures you’re doing exactly what your vehicle needs—nothing more, nothing less.
You can find your model’s schedule:
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In the owner’s manual
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On the Kia Access App
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At rbkia.com under Service → Maintenance Schedule
Our staff at Russell Barnett Kia can also look it up for you during your visit.
📱 13. Use the Kia Access App
Technology can help you stay on top of your vehicle’s condition. The Kia Access App gives you easy access to:
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Maintenance reminders
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Remote start and climate control (on select models)
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Vehicle diagnostics
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Roadside assistance
Download the free app for Apple or Android and link your Kia today!
🧰 14. Don’t Delay Repairs
If your car starts making a new noise or shows a warning light on the dashboard, don’t ignore it. Your instrument cluster’s warning lights serve as vehicle health tips of their own, and small issues can quickly snowball into major repairs if left untreated.
Our factory-trained technicians can run diagnostics and fix issues before they get worse. Early detection saves money and prevents breakdowns.
💵 15. Keep Good Records
Maintaining a complete service history adds value to your vehicle and gives you peace of mind. Whether you’re trading in or selling it down the road, detailed records show buyers that your car was well cared for.
At Russell Barnett Kia, we keep a digital service record on file, and you’re welcome to request copies at any time.
📍 Visit Russell Barnett Kia for Expert Service in Tullahoma, TN
Your Kia deserves the very best—and so do you. Our dedicated service team at Russell Barnett Kia is here to help and offer more vehicle health tips to maximize its lifespan with expert maintenance, genuine Kia parts, and unbeatable customer service.
From routine oil changes to full inspections and major repairs, we’re proud to serve drivers from Tullahoma, Winchester, Shelbyville, and beyond.
✅ Click Here to Schedule Your Next Service Appointment Today!
📍 Russell Barnett Kia
915 S Anderson St
Tullahoma, TN 37388
📞 (931) 455-6066
🌐 rbkia.com
