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Your brakes are the most important safety feature in your car. But every time you step on the pedal, your brake pads wear down a little more. If you allow them to wear too thin, your brakes become less effective, and then you're in danger while driving. It's important to replace your pads periodically, so let's look at how often to visit your local Hyundai dealer for a new set of pads. more Every 25,000 to 65,000 Miles The pads in a braking mechanism usually need replacing every 25,000 to 65,000 miles. This interval varies greatly from person to person, depending on your regular driving terrain and driving style. What Are Your Usual Driving Conditions? If you live in a mountainous region, then you'll often be driving on downhill stretches of road that require a lot of braking. Naturally, your pads will wear down faster and you'll need to replace them more often. Likewise, if you often drive through hilly terrain with plenty of winding roads, then you'll be using your brakes more. Commuters who spend time daily in heavy stop-and-go traffic also tend to use their brakes excessively. How Much Weight Does Your Car Handle? The heavier the vehicle, the harder it is to stop, and the more wear and tear the pads will undergo. So if you frequently carry large objects on your roof rack or pull a trailer or caravan, your pads will wear out sooner. Do You Have a Brake-Heavy Driving Style? Drivers are often surprised to hear that their personal driving style makes a big difference to how long their pads last. Brake-heavy drivers tend to use their brakes more than necessary. For example, while approaching a turn or red light, they keep their foot on the gas until the last moment, then use their brakes to slow the car. An alternative style of driving is to ease off the gas in advance of the need to stop, allowing your vehicle to slow itself without as much braking. Visit Your Hyundai Dealer at The First Sign of Pad Trouble If you experience indications of trouble with your pads, don't hesitate to have them replaced. When pads wear down too thin, you might hear strange squealing or grinding sounds when you brake, feel shudders through the brake pedal or steering wheel, or find your car stopping too slowly. None of these warning signs should be ignored. Have your brakes inspected or replaced today by a friendly, experienced technician at Mike Kelly Hyundai. We're a locally trusted dealership with highly-qualified staff devoted to providing the very finest customer service, no matter your vehicle purchasing or servicing needs. Image via Pixabay

Your engine needs air, and all of this air passes through the car air filter. The filter needs to trap dirt and other debris that could damage your engine. Eventually, the filter will fill up and become blocked, and you'll need a replacement. As your Hyundai dealer, we can easily install a new one for you. These are some of the signs that your filter needs to be changed. more You're Using More Gas Decreased gas mileage is always a sign that your engine is working inefficiently. Your engine needs fuel and air for combustion, but it uses far more air than fuel. As we've seen, this air must enter your car through the air filter. A blocked air filter will reduce the amount of air available, which means your engine will become fuel-rich. A fuel-rich engine makes combustion difficult, and you'll notice misfiring and even stalling. These problems are caused by the spark plugs not operating effectively in this type of environment. The lack of air also means that much of the fuel injected into the cylinders won't burn. This excess fuel is dumped into the exhaust system and wasted. Coughing Noises Strange coughing noises under the hood are a sure sign that your spark plugs are laboring. When your engine is operating correctly, the fuel and air mix enters the cylinders, are compressed, and then ignited by the spark plugs. A blocked air filter changes this, as the lack of air makes the spark plugs job much harder. The fuel-rich environment in the engine makes sparking more difficult, as the plugs can't fire without air. The coughing sounds you're hearing are the plugs struggling to spark. The plugs will also be damaged in this type of environment, as the increased heat and lack of air mean the plugs become coated in a sticky carbon solution. Replacing the filter will fix this problem. We'll also check and replace any damaged plugs. Black Exhaust Smoke Black smoke from the exhaust is caused by unburnt fuel being forced out of your exhaust. The excessive amount of fuel in the cylinders compared to air ensures much of the fuel won't burn. The hot, unburnt fuel is dumped out of the cylinders into your exhaust system. This high concentration of fuel can overwhelm the catalytic converter's ability to convert these dangerous chemicals. If you see black smoke billowing from your exhaust, call us ASAP. Our technicians will replace the filer and also check the converter and other components for signs of damage. An air filter is a quick and simple fix, and it can save expensive repair bills. Call us today at Mike Kelly Hyundai. Image via Pixabay

As a responsible car-owner, you already know the importance of regular maintenance from your local Hyundai dealer to ensure a comfortable drive and minimize the need for costly repairs. But there's even more at stake when it comes to the braking system, as faults might put your vehicle and even your life at risk. Here are five of the benefits of making sure that your car receives a scheduled brake service. more 1. Better Car Health When the brake pads and shoes become worn, it can result in friction between the metal parts of your car's braking system as they scrape against each other, causing ruinous wear and expensive damage. Reliable maintenance, with checks at timely intervals, will increase the lifespan of your brake parts. However, it's also essential as protection for the other components in your car, and to guard against the need for major repairs. 2. A Quieter Ride If your car has a wear indicator then worn brakes can produce a high-pitched squealing, designed to set your teeth on edge. Even worse, a low-pitched growling when you brake suggests that the brake pads have worn away, causing friction between steel and metal components of your car. Faults in your braking system might also result in rattling or clunking noises when you apply the brakes. Even without the stress of knowing that your car is suffering, these noises hardly make for an enjoyable journey! For a happier and more peaceful ride, it pays to schedule regular checkups. 3. A Better Driving Experience Responsive and well-maintained brakes will result in greater precision when driving, and more control over your vehicle. You'll particularly notice the difference when turning or performing maneuvers. It's impossible to put a price on fun, and the enjoyment you can get from driving a responsive car in good condition makes a regular brake check well worth the effort. 4. More Savings As well as reducing down on the need for prohibitive repairs, a finely-tuned braking system will reduce the amount of energy wasted by inefficient brakes. This means greater fuel efficiency and lower costs at the gas pump. Good maintenance means that you're likely to save on running costs as well. 5. Peace of Mind Life's too short to spend worrying about problems that can be easily fixed. The appearance of the brake warning-light on your dashboard will ruin your trip, as you'll have to pull over immediately to seek assistance. Even worse, driving with poorly-maintained brakes means putting yourself and others at risk of accident and injury. It just isn't worth the stress every time you get behind the wheel. So the tangible benefits of regularly servicing your brakes at your local Hyundai dealer far outweigh the costs, even before you factor in the confidence and security that you feel in a vehicle that functions at optimal capacity. Call Mike Kelly Hyundai today and schedule an appointment with a brake specialist for the assurance that your car is in the best hands.   Image via Pixabay

Your Hyundai's radiator is part of a highly-efficient cooling system in your engine. This cooling system is designed to keep your engine at a safe operating temperature and prevent it from overheating. The radiator can suffer fatigue or damage, and the time will come when you need a radiator repair. As your Hyundai dealer, we have the technicians and parts to fix any radiator problem for you. more 3 Signs You Need a Radiator Repair at Your Hyundai Dealer Broken Thermostat When your engine temperature gets too hot, it starts to cause damage to the engine. To prevent this, liquid coolant is released and pumped through your engine to reduce the temperature. The coolant absorbs excess engine heat and transports it to the radiator. In the radiator, the coolant is cooled, and it's pumped back through the system to start the process again. Coolant should be released when your engine temperature rises over 180F, and the thermostat is responsible for monitoring the engine temperature. A thermostat is a simple valve that opens when it detects a temperature higher than its been preset to. Even simple components can fail, and if your thermostat jams closed, it won't release any coolant. This will cause your engine to start overheating. Leaking Coolant The liquid coolant flows through a closed-loop system. It travels from the coolant reservoir through the cooling system to your radiator, then from your radiator back to the reservoir. Unlike engine oil, for example, it's not used up as it works. A low coolant level can only be due to a leak in the cooling system. The cooling system is a fast, high-pressurized operation, and a small amount of damage can cause a serious leak. A worn seal on the radiator cap, a hole in the radiator hose, or damage to the radiator itself can all cause pressurized coolant to leak or spray out. Two signs point to a coolant leak, namely a rising engine temperature and a puddle of pink, green, blue, or yellow liquid under your car. If you see these signs, call us right away so our technicians can fix the problem and prevent damage to your engine. Rusted Radiator Rust is caused by metal being exposed to water for periods. The rust will start slowly, and it will gradually eat away the metal beneath it. Your radiator is protected against water by the hood and the radiator grille. The only way that your radiator can be exposed to water is through water leaking from somewhere in the engine. As we've seen above, coolant is highly-pressurized and it's made from a mix of water and antifreeze. A leak in the cooling system will cause coolant to spray into your engine. This coolant can land on the radiator and start to cause rust. Once rust starts on your radiator, it can't be repaired. We will need to replace the radiator. An overheating engine is very scary, but it is preventable. Call us at Mike Kelly Hyundai, and we'll fix it. Image via Pixabay

Getting a regular Hyundai service is all part of being a smart driver, but where should you get your service done? The Hyundai dealership is always the best place to get your regular maintenance. There are many benefits that come with getting your maintenance performed at the dealership, and we want to tell you about some of the best of those benefits. 1. There Are Expert Technicians It's better to get work performed by an expert, and dealerships only employ the best. While regular mechanics are generalists, dealership technicians have extensive expertise. In our case, our technicians are all Hyundai experts. They work on Hyundai vehicles every day, and therefore, they know everything there is to know. Hyundai experts can notice tiny issues that general mechanics would miss. Experts have seen every problem and solution that can come up with Hyundai vehicles. You know you're in good hands when there's an expert involved. more 2. You'll Probably Get a Warranty We hope that your service won't reveal that you need repairs. However, if you do end up needing something fixed, then you'll most likely get a warranty for your repair. We want to build trust with our customers, and therefore, we provide warranties when we can. This is to let you know that if anything goes wrong after your repair, then we'll take full responsibility for it. Thankfully, though, our experts don't tend to make mistakes, so it's highly unlikely that anything will go wrong after your repair. The warranty will cover it in the extremely rare circumstance that there's an issue. 3. Faster Service and Repairs Mechanics have a lot of work to do. They need to keep busy because they only have one income stream: fixing and servicing vehicles. Dealerships, on the other hand, have lots of income streams. This lets dealership technicians book you in and perform work faster than you'd get from a regular mechanic. A regular mechanic may need a day or two to perform your service, but we'll only need a few hours. We'll need an additional few hours if there are any repairs to be made, but mechanics would need an additional few days to perform the same work. You're not just getting the best service when you get your service at a dealership, but you're getting the fastest service available, too. 4. We're Here to Help Dealerships provide the best customer service because we want to keep you coming back for more. We like to build up a working relationship with our customers, so we truly want to help you with whatever you need. Do you need to pick up your vehicle late? We'll try to accommodate that. Would you like a recommendation for somewhere to eat while you wait for your vehicle? We have lots of places that we're happy to recommend. You can always ask us your questions and share your concerns. We'll do our best to help you every time. Visit us at Mike Kelly Hyundai whenever you need regular maintenance or a repair. We'd love to help you. We want to prove that the benefits above are all true. Call our service department at 724-723-8938 so we can show you what we have to offer.

An alternator is a very unappreciated part of your car. It quietly works to produce the power for your car's electrical devices. The alternator is a fairly robust component. It also has a lifespan of approximately eight years. When an alternator starts to wear out, your Hyundai dealer can fit a replacement for you. These are some of the signs that you need an alternator repair. A Dead Battery A battery may die simply due to age. Batteries have a working life of approximately 3 to 5 years. If you have a newer battery that suddenly dies, there may be a problem with your alternator. One of the functions of the alternator is to recharge your battery. A good alternator can easily charge your battery and maintain the electrical system. If your alternator starts to fail it can quickly lead to a dead battery. A weak alternator may not be able to provide enough power to fully charge your battery. Your battery uses a significant amount of energy to maintain the electrical devices when your car is stationary. If this power is not replaced, your battery will start to die. Our technicians can test your battery to see if it can maintain a charge. We'll also check your alternator and replace it if it failed. more Electrical Glitches The alternator supplies power to your car's electrical devices. A weakening alternator won't be able to fulfill all your car's power demands. If there is limited available power, your car's computer will have to determine which components should receive power. Power is also supplied to components according to preset priorities. Critical systems will always receive power. Strange glitches can happen, for example, a sunroof that suddenly refuses to open. It's always possible for random electrical issues to occur in a car. Frequent electrical problems point to a fault with the alternator.  Our technicians will test your alternator and replace it if necessary. Damaged Alternator Belt The alternator belt is connected to the crankshaft. When your drive the crankshaft turns, and the turning of the crankshaft causes the alternator belt to move. As the belt moves, it passes over several different pulleys and causes the pulleys to spin. As the pulleys spin, they provide electricity to their attached components. The belt is made from tough reinforced rubber and has a lifespan of 50,000 to 150,000 miles. Despite its strength, friction and the heat of the engine can wear it down. A damaged alternator belt can also loosen and come off the pulley. The loose alternator belt could flap around in your engine and damage other components. A damaged alternator will cause numerous problems until its repaired or replaced. if you suspect you have a problem with the alternator, call our service department right away at Mike Kelly Hyundai. Our family-run dealership has been a part of life in Butler, PA since 1953. We provide the service you deserve.

Shopping around for a compact SUV but hoping for one that's reasonably priced? Take a good look at the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The Tucson has many positive features that will make anyone shopping for a dependable SUV take a long hard look at it. Basics About the 2021 Hyundai Tucson Introduced in 2004 by the South Korean car manufacturer, Hyundai, the Tucson originally had just three trim levels: GLS, SE, and Limited. The 2021 version has six trim levels: SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate. Each trim level comes standard with all the safety features that Hyundai has been recognized for by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Standard Safety Features Here are some safety features that are standard for all the trim levels: Driver Attention Warning Lane-keeping Assist Forward collision avoidance assist Front crumple zone Anti-lock braking system Tire Pressure Monitoring System What's New in 2021 With Hyundai redesigning the Tucson for 2022, there are no major changes for 2021. Color choices are the only notable difference for 2021. Ash Black, Red Crimson, and Coliseum Gray are the alternative choices, replacing the previous Black Noir Pearl, Gemstone Red, and Sage Brown. Trim Levels and Starting MSRPs Hyundai is known for its affordability and versatility. Let's explore its pricing and the features each trim has to offer. SE Starting at $23700 This has the standard features that you'll find in a Tucson, but while it lacks the Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning that the other trim levels offer, it comes with driver attention warning and lane-keeping assist. It also includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-way adjustable driver's seat. Value Starting at $25150 The Value has the Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning that's missing in the SE and also has heated front seats and side mirrors. Its eight-way power driver seat and power lumbar support ensure a comfortable drive for you. SEL Starting at $26100 18-inch alloy wheels, second-row USB outlet, dual automatic temperature control, and floor console-mounted rear A/C vents are added to this trim level. Sport Starting at $28250 Wireless device charging, leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight speakers, a hands-free power liftgate, LED headlights, and 19-inch wheels give this trim an edge. Limited Starting at $29400 This trim has leather seating and an eight-way power passenger seat. Its heated steering wheel will keep your hands warm, and a side mirror with turn signal indicators, chrome grill and handles, and surround-view monitor gives this trim an attractive option. Ultimate Starting at $32050 This trim includes pedestrian detection, high beam assist, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, smart cruise control, heated rear seats, and an eight-inch color touchscreen navigation. This is really the Ultimate! The 2021 Tucson gives any other SUV in its class a run for its money. Priced reasonably, and with all the outstanding features that any car owner would want, it's just a matter of choosing which trim's features are important to you. Stop by Mike Kelly Hyundai and test drive one today.

If you're shopping for a new SUV, the 2020 Hyundai Kona has a lot to offer. From a wide variety of entertainment features to its power and performance capabilities, you can't overlook this new SUV crossover. Read on to learn more about the various features that make the 2020 Hyundai Kona a great vehicle. more Diverse Exteriors When it comes to the exterior of the vehicle, the 2020 Hyundai Kona offers six trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, and Ultimate. The Limited and Ultimate editions come with LED headlights. All models apart from the SE and SEL editions have a shark-fin antenna. The SE edition has 16-inch alloy wheels, whereas the SEL and SEL Plus have 17-inch alloy wheels. The Limited and Ultimate trim levels feature 18-inch alloy wheels. Variety of Engines and Transmissions The Hyundai Kona comes with an inline four-cylinder engine, though the Limited and Ultimate editions feature the turbocharged versions of this engine. The standard version of this engine is 2.0-liters and generates 147 horsepower and 132 torque. The turbocharged engine is a 1.6-liter engine that generates 175 horsepower and 195 torque. Though all trims come with front-wheel drive, the transmissions vary. Whereas most trim levels feature a six-speed automatic transmission, the Limited and Ultimate editions come with a seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission. Quality Interior The 2020 Kona features a comfortable cabin with quality materials. All trims come with cloth seating, apart from the Limited and Ultimate editions, which feature leather seats. You also get heated front seats with all trim levels apart from the base model. All trim levels come with an interior volume of 113.3 cubic feet and 94.1 cubic feet for your passengers. You also get 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Entertainment and Connectivity Options The Kona also has several entertainment and connectivity features, including a touchscreen infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The latter lets you connect your smartphones and gives you access to various apps on the road. All editions apart from the Ultimate trim come with a 7-inch color touchscreen display audio system. The higher-end Ultimate edition features an 8-inch touchscreen with a navigation system. You also get a USB port in every model, which makes it easier for you to stay plugged in on the road. From the SEL Plus edition on up, you get wireless device charging for added convenience. Several Safety Features The 2020 Hyundai Kona comes with many features to keep you and your passengers safe. Standard safety measures for this vehicle include automated emergency braking and a lane-keeping warning. You can also get the available automatic high-beam headlamps for added confidence on the road. The crossover has a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. If you want to check out the 2020 Hyundai Kona up close or go for a spin, visit us at Mike Kelly Automotive today. We're here to answer your questions and help you make a wise choice regarding your next vehicle purchase.   Image via Hyundai.com