Blog - When to DIY vs Call A Mechanic

Shop Kia Sportage Shop Kia Soul 2016 Kia Awards Kia has built a name for itself as one of the most reliable, innovating, and value-driven brands in the auto industry. Consumers are not the only ones who’ve noticed, but experts regularly rank vehicles from the Kia lineup among the top choices from their classes. Here are just a couple of the awards Kia’s vehicles have earned for the 2016 model year. more 2016 Kia Sportage & Kia Soul The 2016 Kia Sportage was rated the “highest ranked small SUV in initial quality” by J.D. Power 1. The 2016 Kia Soul was also ranked by J.D. Power for being the “highest ranked compact multi-purpose vehicle in initial quality.” 2 This is actually the second consecutive year the Kia Soul achieved this recognition. 3* This says a lot about the time and thought Kia places behind the development of their vehicles. It demonstrates the commitment in bringing quality vehicles at affordable prices to drivers of all types. With awards like these, it's no wonder that Kia is at the top of the list when shopping for a new car. Visit our Kia dealership in St. Petersburg to schedule your test drive for any of these exceptional vehicles today. Shop All Vehicles Contact Us 1) J.D. Power: The Kia Sportage received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among small SUVs in the J.D. Power 2016 Initial Quality Study℠. Study based on 80,157 total responses, evaluating 245 models, and measures the opinions of new 2016 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, surveyed in February-May 2016. 2) J.D. Power: The Kia Soul received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among compact multi-purpose vehicles in the proprietary J.D. Power 2016 Initial Quality Study℠. Study based on the responses from 80,157 new-vehicle owners, evaluating 245 models and measures the opinions of new 2016 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February-May 2016. 3) The Kia Soul received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among compact MPVs in the J.D. Power 2015-2016 Initial Quality Study. 2016 study based on 80,157 total responses, evaluating 245 models, and measures the opinions of new 2016 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership,

Explore New Models Contact Us Crown Kia Welcomes You to St. Petersburg, FL On behalf of Crown Kia, we welcome newcomers to St. Petersburg, FL for an incredible place to enjoy warm weather and explore the local area. When you're visiting the city for business, pleasure, or relocation, there are a number of ways to stay busy and explore different attractions. When you're creating an itinerary, there are a few activities to add to your schedule for new memories that can be created. more 1. Explore Fort De Soto Park To enjoy a tropical location that feels like paradise, visit Fort De Soto Park where you can lay out on white beaches and take a dip in turquoise waters. The park features five offshore islands, which includes Bonne Fortune Key, St. Jean Key, Madelaine Key, St. Christopher Key, and Mullet Key, which is also known as the main island. You'll get the chance to fish and boat while camping overnight in a tranquil setting that feels remote from the rest of the world. There's also a historic fort on site with plenty of wildlife and a dog park. 2. Visit the Salvador Dalí Museum The Salvador Dalí Museum is a staple in the city for its modern architecture and glass exterior. The museum is home to the largest collection of Salvador Dalí outside of Europe and features spectacular views of the ocean. You'll be able to view a vast collection of original art that includes over 100 drawings and watercolors, 96 oil paintings, various sculptures, and photographs. A free audio tour is available for guests who want to learn the background of the art pieces with a cafe and gift shop that is also located on the first floor. 3. See a Ball Game at Tropicana Field Attend a classic ball game at Tropicana Field where you can see the Tampa Bay Rays play during the spring and summer season. The field is built inside of a dome, which allows the game to continue in the rain with a retractable roof and air conditioning that is also provided on warm days. It makes for a great way of eating a hot dog and rooting on the baseball team in a lively environment that will prove to be exciting. 4. Fish at Weedon Island Preserve Fish at an archeological area that is known for its lush wildlife and beautiful piers. At Weedon Island Preserve you'll spot roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, osprey, and white herons. Fishing is available on the piers and kayaks are available to rent for the day, which can be used on different mangrove rivers. There's also a museum that is available where you can view the remains of an ancient canoe with various exhibits that are featured. 5. Tour the Sunken Gardens Tour over four acres of the Sunken Gardens in a botanical paradise that is over 100 years old and is situated in the middle of the city. You'll find lush foliage and a variety of palms at the location with plenty of birds, koi fish, and turtles that roam the grounds. We hope you enjoy what our local area has to offer and if you're looking for a new or used vehicle while you’re in the St. Petersburg, FL area or have general auto maintenance needs, visit Crown Kia to receive professional service at a dealership that will exceed your expectations with our customer service. Explore New Models Contact Us

Schedule Service See Service Specials Why Is My Car Shaking? Nobody likes the feeling of being broken down on the side of the road with no auto repair shop in sight. Oftentimes, these instances can be avoided with regular vehicle maintenance. While it is typical for some parts to wear down over time, sometimes it costs you much more to solve a bigger problem that could have been avoided with regular vehicle maintenance. Our Kia dealership employs certified professionals who can diagnose problems and devise a maintenance schedule. more One of the most common problems that drivers experience is vehicle shaking. It can happen while accelerating or braking and there are some common causes as to why this happens. Top Reasons Your Car May Be Shaking 1. Engine Problems There are a few parts within a vehicle's engine that could cause a car to shake if they malfunction. These include the spark plugs and engine air filter. Check the spark plugs and their connections. As a general rule, spark plugs last for about 80,000-100,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. If the spark plugs are okay and their connections seem sound, then check your air filter next. A dirty or clogged engine air filter can starve the engine of oxygen and/or fuel that it needs to run properly. 2. Brake Problems If vibration is occurring when you are applying the brakes, the problem is likely related to your car's front brake mechanism as the front brakes take the most stress when the car's brakes are applied. There are a few parts on front disc brakes that need to be replaced every so often - namely, the pads and rotors. The rotor is the round metal disc that attaches to the wheel. Over time it can become warped from heavy wear and tear. There are pads that press against the rotor in order to slow down the vehicle and these pads need to be a certain thickness in order to work properly. If the pads have become too worn, it can cause the vehicle to vibrate. The caliper helps to squeeze the pads against the rotor to slow down and stop the vehicle. All vehicles vary on timelines for when brakes need to be replaced. On average, they should be replaced every 50,000 miles but many makes and models can last longer. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for a more accurate timeline for replacement. In addition, whenever you get an oil change, have your mechanic visually check the condition of your pads and rotors. These professionals can give you a better idea of when replacement is necessary. 3. Axle Problems Most vehicles have 2 axles - one that connects the front wheels, and another that connects the rear wheels. Vibration can occur if either of the axles is bent or dented - which can happen in an accident or other mishap with the road - and vibration will usually increase in intensity as you accelerate if the problem is related to the axle. Also inspect the CV joints and driveshaft for potential problems. If the CV joints are worn, that can let in dust and other debris which can damage the joints. 4. Wheel Problems If your steering wheel feels wiggly or wobbles when you drive, this can cause vibration problems as well and it may mean that one of the wheels is not spinning properly, or it may relate to the wheel bearings, tie rod ends, or ball joints. 5. Tires Depending on the specific type of vibration the driver is feeling, the problem can be related to the tires and can be addressed a number of ways. If vibration is felt at certain speeds, the tires may need to be balanced. If the tires are wearing unevenly and causing the car to vibrate, the driver may need a tire rotation. In some cases, the driver may need new tires to solve the problem of vibration. Whatever the cause of shaking may be, drivers can prevent this problem by visiting our Kia dealership in St. Petersburg to have qualified, certified professionals examine and inspect your vehicle. They will give you a specific maintenance schedule that pertains to your vehicle's make and model, which will hopefully prevent you from encountering problems like vehicle vibration in the future. Hours & Directions Contact Us