Do you have a large family and need a vehicle that can safely transport everyone and double as a work vehicle? Full-size SUVs have replaced minivans as the preferred large vehicle, and the 2022 Hyundai Palisade is one of the top picks for drivers today. This is just one of the options that we recommend to our customers here at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, where we carry the best vehicles for all types of drivers.

Meeting the 2022 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade is a full-size, three-row SUV. It is the largest SUV in Hyundai’s vehicle lineup and the only one to offer three-row seating for large families or hauling cargo. It has been a favorite among drivers since its release in 2020 thanks to its size and other wonderful features.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy

The Palisade comes equipped with a powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and your choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration. Front-wheel drive configurations have a fuel economy rating of 19/26mpg city/highway, while the all-wheel-drive configurations achieved a rating of 19/24 mpg city/highway.

Drivers can also purchase a hitch that enables the Palisade to tow up to 5,000 pounds for both drive configurations, making it an excellent option for anyone who needs to use it for work or hauling loads.

Safety

The Palisade received the highest five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It also received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trims, making the Palisade one of the safest SUVs on the market today.

All models also come equipped with an impressive safety suite, which includes:

• Forward collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Pedestrian detection
• Lane keep assist with centering function
• Driver attention warning
• Front and rear automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high beams
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Safe exit assist

Technology

The base SE and lower SEL trims come standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity. A large 10.3-inch infotainment system with multiple-device Bluetooth connectivity and built-in navigation is available as an upgrade for the SEL trim and standard on the higher Limited and Calligraphy trims. These two trims also come standard with a premium 12-speaker audio system and a head-up display.

New Features

There are several new features that have been made standard on all models of the Hyundai Palisade to increase safety. Rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and safe exit are now standard. The side mirrors also now include side turn indicators on all models. As far as aesthetics, the only change is that the Dark Brown Calligraphy interior is now discontinued.

If you’re looking for a full-size three-row SUV, the Hyundai Palisade is definitely an excellent candidate. This wonderful SUV has a powerful powertrain, amazing active safety features, and impressive technology to make driving it a pleasurable experience. Do you want more information about the Palisade? Don’t hesitate to contact us today at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith. We will gladly answer any further questions you have.

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If you are looking for a crossover SUV that has ample features and stylish looks but won’t break the bank, the 2022 Hyundai Venue may be for you. Hyundai has included many of the most desirable features and technology into a subcompact vehicle perfect for navigating urban landscapes. Let’s get to know the 2022 Venue.

Base Features

The Venue is a subcompact crossover SUV with one of the lowest MSRPs in its class. While it may be compact on the outside, the Venue is surprisingly spacious inside. The 2022 model is available in one of 3 available trim levels. The baseline SE starts with an MSRP of approximately $21,000, while the mid-range SEL has an MSRP of around $21,000. The newly renamed Limited trim level has an MSRP of approximately $23,000 for the new model year.

The interior of the Venue features an available leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats. The 2nd-row seats can be folded flat to increase the storage capacity from 19 cubic feet to 32 cubic feet. Passive entry and push-button starting are optional on the SE and SEL trims but are standard on the Limited model. Climate controls and the infotainment center are easily accessible for both the driver and front passenger.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Venue comes with a standard 1.6L 4-cylinder and a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The Venue’s engine produces 121 HP and 113 pounds-feet of torque. Drive Mode Select is available on the SEL and Limited trims. This feature allows the driver to select from three driving modes which improve traction and handling in a variety of terrains.

The front-wheel-drive Venue navigates tight spaces common in urban areas easily. The ride is quiet and comfortable, and the Venue’s excellent visibility helps make safe driving easier. Fuel economy is an area in which the subcompact Venue excels. The venue is rated at a combined 33 MPG for both city and highway driving.

Connectivity and Safety

The Venue comes standard with a responsive 8-inch touchscreen infotainment center. This infotainment center is within comfortable reach of both the passenger and driver and its intuitive design is easy to use. The Venue’s infotainment center features integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well Bluetooth connectivity.

The Venue comes with an impressive package of safety features and driver-assist technology. Forward-collision warning and automatic braking are standard, as well as lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist on all models. Hyundai also includes its innovative driver-attention monitor standard on all models. Blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert are available on the SEL and Limited trim levels.

Warranty Coverage

Hyundai offers one of the best manufacturer’s warranties on the market. The bumper-to-bumper warranty is good for 5 years or 60,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty is good for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Roadside assistance is available for 5 years, and the anti-perforation warranty is good for 7 years and unlimited mileage. Rest assured that you can enjoy peace of mind and just enjoy the drive in your new Venue.

Hyundai continues to build its reputation for high-quality vehicles that deliver great quality at bargain prices. The 2022 Venue will be sure to impress with its compact design and a full suite of great features. To learn more about the Venue or to take a test drive come see us at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith.

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Routine car maintenance is key to keeping your Hyundai in excellent running condition. With expert maintenance services at your Hyundai dealer performed by qualified Hyundai technicians and a little car care from you, your vehicle will always get you where you need to go and never let you down.

1. Follow the Service Schedule and Maintenance Intervals

The most important maintenance tip is to follow your vehicle’s service schedule. Every Hyundai model has a specific service schedule with factory-recommended maintenance intervals. For your Hyundai to perform optimally, stay reliable, and save money on gas and repairs, service your vehicle at the factory-recommended intervals.

The service schedule and maintenance intervals are in your owner’s manual. You can also ask your Hyundai technician for routine maintenance and service information.

2. Adhere to the Oil Change Intervals

The oil in your vehicle keeps the moving parts lubricated and reduces friction that causes heat and wear. Your Hyundai’s factory-recommended oil change intervals are every 7,500 miles or six months. With routine oil and filter replacements, your car’s engine will run smoothly and last longer.

3. Trust the Hyundai Technicians

When it comes to proper vehicle maintenance, rely on experts specifically trained to perform maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. The factory-trained technicians at your dealership have the knowledge and expertise, advanced technology, and equipment to maintain your vehicle and keep it in excellent condition.

4. Get Routine Brake Inspections

Regular brake system inspections are vital for your safety on the road. Don’t wait until you hear high-pitched squealing sounds or awful grinding noises before scheduling a brake system service. Your Hyundai technician will perform a thorough brake inspection and do the required replacements if necessary to ensure that your vehicle’s brake system is properly working.

5. Go for Regular Battery Inspections and Tests

Over time batteries deteriorate. Generally, your car’s battery can last anything between three to six years, depending on the quality of the battery, extreme temperatures, and maintenance. When your battery is older than three years, get the battery regularly tested by a qualified Hyundai technician to determine if it still holds a sufficient charge and needs to be replaced before you have to jump-start your vehicle.

6. Rotate Your Tires

Tires cost a lot of money, but they will last longer if you keep them inflated to the correct tire pressure levels and rotate them at the recommended rotation intervals. Regular rotations will also save you money because your tires will last longer. Have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or every time you take your Hyundai for an oil change to ensure even wear across all four tires.

7. Rely on Genuine Hyundai Parts

For part replacements, rely on top-quality parts specifically designed and engineered for your Hyundai. Genuine Hyundai Parts offer reliability, durability, and safety on the road.

8. Perform Monthly Checks Yourself

There are monthly maintenance inspections you can perform yourself to keep your car in excellent running order. Regularly check all the fluid levels and perform the necessary corrections and replacements at the recommended maintenance intervals. You should also check the battery for corrosion and damage and the tires for wear.

Keep your tires inflated to the correct pressure levels and ensure that the interior and exterior lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers work properly. To prevent minor scratches and protect the paint, wash your car regularly.

With top-quality maintenance from qualified Hyundai technicians and a little car care you can do yourself, your Hyundai will be more fuel-efficient, reliable, and on the road for longer. Contact Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith today for a maintenance appointment. Our qualified Hyundai technicians are here to take expert care of all your vehicle requirements.

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Your transmission is probably the hardest working component in your car. Your engine generates energy, but this energy isn’t focused. Your transmission takes the energy from your engine and harnesses and controls it via gears. The gears allow the right amount of power to be transferred to your wheels. Transmissions are very hardy components, but they can suffer damage. When you need a transmission repair, your local Hyundai dealer is here to help you.

Hesitating Shifting Gears

When the gears shift, they should move smoothly and effortlessly. One of the early signs of a transmission problem is a delay in gear shifting. In an automatic transmission, there is normally a slight delay between shifting from drive into park. A manual transmission has a disconnect between the RPMs and your actual speed. The high RPMs suggest you’re traveling at a much higher speed than you are.

One of the most common reasons for this is a lack of transmission fluid, but there could also be other mechanical or electrical causes. If you experience this strange disconnect, call us and our technicians will investigate.

Strange Sounds

No driver ever likes to hear strange sounds. Buzzing, humming, or clunking sounds are some of the most common signs that there’s a problem with your transmission. The sounds vary, depending on whether you have an automatic transmission or a manual transmission. Automatic transmissions tend to make humming or buzzing sounds, and these sounds get louder and more frequent as the problem gets worse.

Manual transmissions make harsher clunking noises. Often, these sounds are caused by a lack of transmission fluid. Transmission fluid serves to lubricate the hundreds of moving parts in your transmission, and it also helps to reduce the temperature in the transmission. The constantly moving parts, many of which depend on friction to work, will make awful noises without the friction barrier provided by the fluid.

Fluid Leak

Transmission fluid is red and sweet-smelling. If you find a puddle of this liquid under your car, it’s a sure sign that you have a transmission leak. The fluid fills your transmission. It protects the parts from damage, controls the temperature, and also provides hydraulic power to allow your gears to change easily. Without this fluid, your transmission can easily overheat and size up. You’ll also notice that gear shifts become rougher and noisier.

Transmission fluid can leak from several different areas, including a damaged hose, a worn seal, or even a blown gasket. Our technicians will trace the source of the leak and repair it. We will also check for any additional damage and then refill your transmission fluid.

Damaged transmission is always thought of as an expensive repair. The reason for this is usually because a problem was ignored, and a damaged or broken component caused additional serious damage to the transmission. If you experience any problems with your transmission, call our service center immediately at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith.
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Tires are made from polyester bands with a steel band in the middle and they’re covered in thick rubber. The bands give the rubber strength and durability. Despite their reinforcement, your tires can still wear and regular tire rotation is important to extend the lifespan of your tires. When it’s time to have your tires changed around, as your Hyundai dealer we can do it for you. These are some of the reasons why regular rotation is important.

Increased Fuel Economy

Tire treads are carefully designed to reduce the resistance your tires face when you drive. Unevenly worn tires create more resistance when your tires travel over any surface. This increased resistance means your engine has to work harder than it should to overcome that resistance, and that means burning more gas.

When your tires are regularly rotated, they maintain a more even wear pattern. This even wear reduces surface resistance and also reduces the demands on your engine. You’ll save wear and tear on engine components too as your engine doesn’t have to work as hard.

Better Handling

Your tread helps to keep your car stable, especially when it drives over uneven surfaces, wet roads, or snow. The tread patterns are designed to keep as much of your tire in contact with the surface as possible. If your tires aren’t regularly rotated, the tire treads wear unevenly.  The reduced depth of the groove means that liquid isn’t easily or evenly displaced and this causes vibrations.

Regularly rotated tires show a more even wear on the tread which allows for maintaining better contact with the surface. It also prevents your car from pulling to one side due to more wear on the tires on one side of your car than the other.

Improved Tire Life

Good tires can be expensive, and it makes good economic sense to prevent replacing them for as long as possible. If your tires are not rotated, they can take quite a beating. Your front ties, for example, carry more weight than the rear tires as more than 60% of a car’s weight is in the front. By rotating tires between the front and the rear, you help to reduce the damage done to them by carrying extra weight.

Tires wear down at different rates depending on their position. By rotating your tires you allow each tire to wear evenly.

Rotation is Fast and Affordable

Rotating your tires is very affordable, and it pays for itself very quickly. You save money by saving fuel and reducing the chance of costly damage to your axles and other components. Our technicians are highly experienced and we have the best equipment available to speedily rotate your tires.

We advise that your tires be rotated every six months. When you’re in Fort Smith, call our service department at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith. Our technicians will rotate your tires while you enjoy a great coffee in our waiting room.

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If you’re buying a new car, you might be wondering if it’s better to pay for it in cash or to get financing. There are a lot of benefits to getting car financing from your Hyundai dealer. Here are some of the major advantages that you can expect.

1. Get the Car You Want

Buying a car can be a pretty big purchase. They can get expensive, which means you might have to make some sacrifices if you’re paying for the car in cash. You might have to go with the car you can afford, rather than the car you want.

But when you decide to get financing, you’re giving yourself a lot more options. Instead of having to make do with what you can afford in cash, you’ll be able to purchase the fancier, more expensive vehicle or trim level you’ve been thinking about.

2. Build Your Savings Account

You might have enough money in your savings account to pay for the entirety of your new vehicle. But it might not be the best idea to blow your whole savings account on one single purchase, even something as important as a car.

Your savings account is an important part of your financial health, and it’s important to have money set aside for emergencies and other large purchases. When you get financing, you’ll be able to keep growing your account, which means you’ll still have that money available to you if you end up needing it for something else.

3. Improve Your Credit Score

Do you have a good credit score? Having a good credit score can help you get mortgages, rentals, and even good jobs in some cases. If you have a poor credit score, lenders are going to be less likely to give you loans.

Purchasing a car with financing and paying your fees on time can be a great way to increase your credit score. One of the best things about getting financing from your dealer is that it’s easy to get financing even if you already have a low credit score.

4. Budget Easily

Buying a car is a pretty big purchase, which means that if you’re paying for the whole thing in cash, you might have to avoid making certain other purchases. This can have a pretty big impact on your budget.

One of the great things about getting financing for your car is that you’ll be able to budget much more easily. You’ll get to save money as soon as you make your purchase. Knowing what your monthly payments are going to be and when you can expect them to come out of your account is also good for budgeting.

If you’re looking at buying a new vehicle, you might want to consider getting financing from your dealership. Wondering what your financing options are and how they can help you? Make sure you call us at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith to learn more.
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When it comes time to replace parts on your Hyundai, you may be wondering whether or not you should take your car to a Hyundai dealership. There are several good reasons why you should replace your Hyundai parts at your local dealer in Ft. Smith, AR. Here are seven to consider.

1. Designed By Hyundai

One of the reasons to get parts replaced at a dealership is because Hyundai makes them for your car. That means that they have been specifically designed to fit your vehicle, and they will offer the best performance. You won’t have to bring them in repeatedly for repairs.

2. Experienced Installation

Another reason to use a dealership for parts is that they have a team of experienced technicians who know how to install them properly. When you bring your car in for repairs, you can be sure that it will be fixed right the first time, and you won’t have to worry about any further damage.

3. It’s Faster

One of the biggest reasons to have your parts replaced at a dealership is because it’s easier and faster. You save lots of time since you don’t have to search and haggle for aftermarket parts. Most dealerships have a service department that can quickly take care of any repairs or replacements that you need. So, if you’re looking for quick, reliable service, a dealership is the best place to go.

4. You Know They Will Fit Properly

In addition to the reasons already given, you can ensure that parts will fit when you replace them at a dealership. That’s because they have been designed for an exact fit without needing soldering at the dealership. Additionally, using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts helps to ensure that your car stays covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
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Car batteries can’t last forever. Eventually, all that energy inside them runs out and they need to be replaced. But how do you know when the time is right for a new car battery? Well, there are actually several key warning signs that may start to appear when your current battery is nearing the end of its days and needs to be replaced. This guide will look at common signs that may appear when you need a new battery from your local Hyundai dealer.

1. A Slow or Unresponsive Engine

Usually, all you need to do to get your car started is take a seat behind the wheel and turn the key in the ignition. However, if your engine doesn’t start right away and you have to keep on turning the key a few times to get it started, it could be because the battery is running low on power. If you don’t get it replaced, you may eventually find that your engine simply will not start at all.

2. Weak and Unreliable Headlights

Your car’s headlights are so vital for driving safely in dark conditions, like at night or on cloudy days, and it’s the battery that keeps those lights shining brightly. However, if the battery doesn’t have much charge left, your headlights may appear far less bright than normal. The beams may appear weak or dim, and you might even notice that the lights start to flicker or cut out, leaving you in danger and in the dark.

3. Old Age

Car batteries have an estimated lifespan of around four years. So, if you’ve already had your battery for quite a while, it may be time to think about getting it changed, even if you haven’t noticed any other issues yet. The longer you wait, the more likely you’ll be to start noticing things going wrong with your car, like the aforementioned headlight and engine issues.

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The alternator generates electrical power as your car moves. This power is used to maintain your battery at full charge and also to supply all the electrical power your car’s electronic components demand. An alternator does last for many years, but it will eventually fail and will need to be replaced. In Fort Smith, AR, your Hyundai dealer can replace it for you. These are some of the signs that you may need an alternator repair.

Battery Warning Light

The battery warning light is often believed to signal a problem with the battery, but it means that there is a problem with the electrical system. The alternator is designed to work at a specific voltage, which is usually 13-14.5 volts. When an alternator starts to fail, its voltage will drop and this can cause the warning light to come on.

The warning light may also start to flick on and off if your alternator is weakening. This is because the demands by the electrical components, for example, the windshield wipers, are constant but the alternator is not able to supply enough power. If the warning light comes on or flickers, we recommend bringing your car to our service department ASAP so we can investigate.

Burning Rubber or Metal Smells

Both of these smells are nasty, but they also represent problems with your alternator. The alternator is driven by a long belt called the serpentine belt that runs through several pulleys. The belt moves at great speed under constant tension and friction in a hot environment, and this can cause wear. A worn belt will give off the smell of burnt rubber.

A worn alternator or damaged wires produce a smell of burning metal. Frayed or damaged wires create resistance to electricity, and as the alternator tries to supply power through them, they heat up and being to smell.
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Hyundai put its successful motorsport experience to good use when developing the Veloster. The powerful turbocharged engine and its quick maneuvering make for incredible performance. It’s practical, too, with its plentiful space and good fuel economy. Keep reading to find out why the Hyundai Veloster is the compact hatchback with a perfect combination of handling and practicality.

1. Impressive Powertrain

You wouldn’t expect much power from a typical hatchback, but this one stands out from the rest. The 2.0L Turbo GDI inline-4 engine puts out a whopping 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than enough power for passing on the highway and to get you flying through windy backcountry roads.

The engine is paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission that automatically rev-matches or the available eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Either choice offers a responsive experience that lets you control the power with ease.

2. Customizable N Grin Control System

Depending on how you want to drive, Hyundai’s N Grin offers plenty of options. For everyday driving, you can select the Normal mode or you can choose Eco to maximize your gas mileage. If you want a bit more excitement, you can select the Sport or N modes to really take advantage of the sport-tuned steering, MacPherson strut front suspension, and multi-link rear suspension. You can even add your own unique settings with the N Custom mode.

The modes are easy to change using two dedicated buttons on the steering wheel.

3. Racy and Practical Interior

Step into the cabin and you’ll find a modern and stylish interior featuring lightweight N Light Sport bucket seats for the driver and front passenger and fold-down rear seating for two in the back. The driver and center controls are smartly laid out and require minimal effort to operate. LED lighting for the shift lights are also featured on the instrument cluster. The steering wheel and manual shifter are covered with high-quality leather.

You’ll find plenty of cargo space in the rear thanks to the hatchback design and even more available with the rear seats folded down.

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