My check engine light is on. Is it safe to drive?

Basic rule that holds true with any vehicle, if the check engine light is on steady, and the vehicle is running ok with good oil pressure and not overheating, then it should be safe to drive until you can have the vehicle checked by your shop. If however the check engine light is flashing, and or you detect a performance problem, then it’s not recommended to drive the vehicle any distance.

My battery light is on in the dash. Is it safe to drive?

Normally when the battery light is on, that indicates a possible issue with the alternator. If indeed the alternator isn’t recharging the battery, you run the risk of being stranded if driven as the battery voltage will become depleted.

When should I have maintenance items like spark plugs, driveline fluids, timing belt, filters, etc?

By far the easiest way to keep up with all the maintenance items on your vehicle is to stay close to the Manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Remember all vehicles may not have the same service intervals for a certain item. So It’s always best to check the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.

We are driving on a long trip soon, but my car isn’t due for any maintenance yet. Should I have the vehicle looked over before leaving?

Absolutely 100% you should have the vehicle checked over before driving on any long trips. Things like spare tire pressure, quick visual inspection of tires for nails/cuts and pressures. Visual inspection under the hood to assure no leaks and all fluid levels are good. These things take maybe 15 minutes and are totally worth the piece of mind while traveling long distances.

There is a warning light on in my dash. What should I do? It seems to be running ok.

Every warning light on the instrument panel has a purpose. Warning lights are there to alert us that a computer/module has detected an abnormality in one of the systems on your vehicle. If you’re not sure what the light indicates, there is a section in your owner's manual that will give detailed information related to the light in question.

I have noticed a fluid leak under my car when parking ?

Any fluid leak should be inspected by your shop to verify the source. Trying to identify fluid on your driveway or parking lot can be a bit tricky. Coolant while water based, can have an oily feel on your fingers and may lead you to think it’s engine oil. Engine oil and transmission fluid are similar, but transmission fluid if not too spent, will have a red look unless it’s a CVT transmission. Engine oil could be darker looking, or clear if you just had the oil changed recently. Brake fluid is usually clear, but oily feeling much like engine oil. Checking the under hood fluid levels many times can lead you in the right direction.

How often should I change my engine oil?

I don’t think any 2 vehicle manufacturers are the same. At Creech Import Repair, we recommend every 5,000 miles to change the oil and filter. Many mfg’s recommend longer intervals, but if they extend past 5k we highly recommend checking the engine oil level every 1,000 miles. By nature of design, any internal combustion engine is going to use or consume some amount of oil. Also detergent in oil is designed to suspend by-products of combustion, which is what eventually turns the engine oil dark. At some point the detergent content will become loaded and can’t store anymore. This is the point when the engine can start to gum up inside with deposits and can be harmful to your engine and shorten its life.

Kia K5 GT 2021 | Creech Import Repair in Raleigh, NC

New 2021 Kia K5 GT: A Value-Packed Sports Sedan

If you’re in the market for a sports sedan, be sure to check out the new 2021 Kia K5 GT. It’s literally thousands of dollars less expensive than its European competitors. This is good news for driving enthusiasts who aren’t looking to pay a premium price. Not only is the new Kia K5 GT entertaining to drive, but it also has one of the most striking designs in the class. Here’s why this car deserves some serious consideration.

Packs A Lot of Performance for the Money

With a listed MSRP of just over $30,000, the new K5 GT proves to be a superior bang for the buck. It matches the driving fun of the BMW 3-Series, which is a lot more expensive. Under the hood of the new Kia K5 GT sits a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Kia rates it to churn out a competitive 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission enhances the sedan’s responsiveness.

You’ll definitely enjoy the Kia K5 GT’s quick acceleration. Road tests show this sedan clocks a competitive 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. Fuel economy also isn’t bad for such a powerful car. Drivers can look forward to getting up to 32 mpg on the open highway.

Impressive Driving Dynamics

When developing the new Kia K5 GT, Kia focused on making it handle far better than the previous Optima. There’s no overlooking the sedan’s poised driving dynamics. Even on twisty roads, the Kia K5 GT feels right at home. A sports-tuned suspension and 19-inch Pirelli P-Zero performance tires come standard. While the GT model rides a bit stiffer than the standard K5, most people won't have any big complaints in the comfort category.

A Drive Mode Select allows you to adjust the sedan’s driving character at the touch of a button. Activating the Sport+ mode ensures maximum performance. It stiffens the steering for more road feedback and prompts the transmission to shift quicker. If you prefer a more laid-back driving experience, keep the car in the Normal mode.

Styling That Turns Heads

One of the K5 GT’s biggest attractions is its stunning exterior design. It looks sleek and aggressive. Onlookers will immediately notice the car’s menacing front fascia, which features sharp LED headlights and a blacked-out grille. On the rear, quad exhaust finishers give the K5 GT the look of a serious performance machine. A wide, low-slung stance further enhances the sedan’s muscular road presence.

Kia equips the K5 GT with some of the most attractive factory wheels in the class. They add an extra wow factor. Among the most eye-catching paint colors include Passion Red Tint Coat, Sapphire Blue, and Ebony Black.

Fun Yet Comfy Interior

If you routinely travel with your family and friends, the K5 GT will prove to be a great alternative to a traditional sports car. Its five-passenger cabin gives everyone plenty of space to stretch out. Whether you’re traveling locally or decide to take a weekend road trip, look forward to enjoying a comfortable ride.

Driving enthusiasts also appreciate the interior's racy feel. Heated /ventilated sport seats and a flat-bottom performance steering wheel come standard. Although Kia doesn’t equip the K5 GT with leather upholstery, its SynTex seating material has a rather luxurious feel.

Modern Features

Kia offers the new K5 GT with the latest in-vehicle technology. While an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration comes standard, you can upgrade to a more exciting 10.25-inch customizable screen. Enhanced voice control technology enables you to make verbal commands while on the road. Meanwhile, five USB ports enable everyone to keep their electronic devices fully charged.

Music fans will want the optional 12-speaker Bose sound system. When cruising along the highway, you’ll be able to really rock out. Wireless smartphone charging is another perk.

Excellent Safety Scores

The new Kia K5 GT offers excellent crash protection. It was stamped with an NHTSA five-star overall safety rating. Kia Drive Wise safety technologies come standard, including automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

You will also appreciate the car’s Blind-Spot View Monitor. By streaming live video of vehicles approaching from the rear, this cutting-edge system enables you to change lanes with greater confidence. Smart cruise control is offered as well.

For all your Kia repair services, contact your trusted repair shop in Raleigh, Creech Import Repair.