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Your car's radiator is a vital part of your engine cooling system. Hot coolant flows into the radiator, the coolant is cooled by airflow through the radiator grille, and the coolant flows back to start the cycle again. Without a radiator, your car would not be able to control the temperature in the engine and it would overheat. To prevent serious damage to your car, as your Hyundai dealer in Little Rock, AR we want you to know the signs you may need a radiator repair. Radiator Rust Rust on the radiator is caused by leaking fluid in the engine. The cooling system is pressurized and operates at a high temperature, and any damage to the cooling system can cause hot coolant to spray out onto the radiator. The damage could be from a worn radiator cap, a punctured hose, or even damage to the radiator itself. The coolant will dry in the heat of the engine, but it will cause rust that will start to eat into the radiator. Rust is easy to check by opening the hood and examining your radiator. If you see patches of rust, we will need to replace the radiator. Failed Water Pump The water pump pumps coolant throughout the engine to the radiator and back again. All mechanical parts can wear out, and if the water pump fails it will no longer circulate coolant and the engine temperature will rise dramatically. If your car's temperature rises rapidly, and it's accompanied by a grinding sound, the most likely cause is a worn pump bearing. It is quick and inexpensive to replace the pump, and we advise contacting our service department ASAP. An engine that overheats can result in serious and very expensive repairs. more White Exhaust Smoke Thick White smoke from the exhaust is a sign of a serious coolant leak. Its caused by coolant leaking into the combustion chamber where it burns up and then billows out of the exhaust pipe. Coolant should never enter the combustion chamber, and its presence there means that your engine has been damaged, for example, a blown head gasket or a crack in the engine block The white smoke from the coolant is also very toxic and dangerous. We advise calling our service department ASAP if you have a coolant leak of this type. Without coolant, your engine is in danger of overheating and this can cause serious and permanent damage to your engine. A faulty radiator can lead to serious damage to your engine, but there are always warning signs that your radiator is failing. If your engine temperature is too high and you have any of these signs, call our service center immediately at Crain Hyundai of North Little Rock. Our highly trained and certified technicians have the best diagnostic equipment available. We will make all necessary repairs, and if your radiator needs to be replaced we will do that too.   Image via Hyundai.

Brakes are an essential component of your car, but one that can be easily forgotten. They work by creating friction with your tires to allow them to slow down and come to a stop. This friction, however, also causes them to wear out. For safe, stress-free driving your brakes must always work when you need them to. As your Hyundai dealer in Little Rock, AR these are some of the signs that you may need to visit us for a brake repair. High-Pitched Screeching From the Brakes A screeching sound from the brakes sounds awful and frightening, but it is a first warning that your brake pads are wearing thin. The sound is made by a small piece of metal built into the pads that signal that they need to be changed soon. When you hear this sound, don't panic as your brakes are not about to fail, just call our service center and we will replace the pads for you. Brake Light Comes On As with any warning light, it is easy to ignore. This light is a sign that there is a problem with your braking system that has been detected by your car's sensors. The problem may be a simple as needing more brake fluid, or it could be mean that there is a more serious problem. For safety, contact our technicians ASAP and we will investigate and fix the problem. Slow Stopping If you find that your brakes are slow to stop, this is potentially very dangerous. Your brakes should apply as soon as you depress the brake pedal, and any delay means that there is an issue with the braking system. Our technicians will check your brakes, and the issue is usually either a brake fluid leak or a leak in the air hose. more Pulling to One Side When you brake, and it feels like you are being pulled to either the left or right, this is usually a sign that your brake linings are wearing unevenly. The brake linings are made of friction material, and they are welded onto the brake pads. As the linings wear, your brakes will start to make chattering or squealing sounds. If the problem is not fixed, they will start to eat into the wheel rotor and damage it. Visible Wear If you look between the spokes of your wheels, you will see the brake pads. These pads become thinner as they work, and if you notice that they are less than a quarter-inch thick they need to be changed for safety. To keep you safe and your car functioning correctly, it's essential that your brakes work properly every time. If you have any doubt about your brakes, call us immediately at Crain Hyundai of North Little Rock. Our Hyundai-certified technicians have the training and technology to assess and repair any problem with your vehicle and keep you safely on the road.   Image via Hyundai.

Hyundai vehicles need their oil changed every 4,500-7,500 miles. This is quite a wide range, but the exact number of miles depends on the vehicle's model. It largely depends on your driving habits, too. You should consult your vehicle's manual, as it may have a smaller range to recommend. You should also consult a technician, as they'll be able to give you personalized advice. So, how long has it been since your last Hyundai oil change? Visiting Your Dealer for Your Hyundai Oil Change As Hyundais have such a wide suggested range, you should definitely visit a dealer for personalized advice. The dealership's technician will take a look at your vehicle, and they'll examine it to see how well it's working. Then they'll ask you about your driving habits, and they'll use what they know to give you a suggestion. Follow the technician's suggestion on how often you should get your oil changed, as they really know best. If you don't heed their advice, then you might damage your vehicle. Going too long between oil changes can harm your engine, and an engine repair costs much more than a regular oil change. Don't put off your oil change. Oil Changes If You Don't Drive Much You should get your oil changed every six months, even if you don't drive much. Your oil doesn't need to be in use to spoil. Driving with poorly textured oil is going to damage your vehicle. Be sure to get a regular oil change, even if you haven't hit 4,500 miles or more. Whether you drive a lot or not, sometimes you'll need an oil change earlier than expected. You should learn the signs that something is wrong with your oil. If you know the signs, then you'll know when it's time to get to a  dealer. more 3 Signs That You Need an Oil Change 1. Loud Engine If your engine is louder than usual, then it could be a sign that the parts aren't properly lubricated. Your oil is what lubricates the engine parts, so if the oil is not doing its job properly, then it's time for an oil change. 2. Dark Exhaust Fumes If the oil isn't working at its best, then it may darken your exhaust fumes. Exhaust fumes are supposed to be clear. If the fumes darken, then you know it's time to visit the dealership. 3. An Oil Leak There are several that indicate an oil leak. Get an oil leak repaired as soon as you notice it, as you'll cause less damage to your vehicle that way. Here's what to look out for: Quickly falling oil levels A pool of oil near the vehicle Oil smell in the cabin Are you ready for your next oil change? Visit us at Crain Hyundai of North Little Rock. We'll change your oil, and we'll provide the best service that we can offer you while we're doing it. If you have any questions, then don't hesitate to ask. Our technicians are more than qualified to answer all of your concerns. Call our service department at 501-835-9995 to book your oil change now.