A vital component in your vehicle’s engine system is the spark plug, and detecting early signs that your Hyundai needs new spark plugs can enhance performance, save you on fuel consumption, and prevent more serious problems down the road. Talk to a Hyundai dealer if you notice any of the following signs.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

One of the first telltale signs that your Hyundai might require new plugs is a decrease in fuel efficiency. These plugs play an instrumental role in combusting the fuel in your engine, so if they are malfunctioning, your car may consume more fuel than necessary. If you notice you’re visiting the gas station more frequently, it’s time to consider having your plugs checked.

Difficulty Starting the Vehicle

These plugs are key to starting your Hyundai. They ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s combustion chamber, enabling your vehicle to start. If your Hyundai struggles to start, or you’re experiencing more instances of your car failing to turn over, it may be a sign that your plugs need replacement.

Poor Acceleration and Rough Idling

The state of your plugs can impact your Hyundai’s overall performance. If you’re experiencing sluggish acceleration or your vehicle seems less responsive when you hit the gas pedal, it may be due to worn plugs. Additionally, a rough idle – where your Hyundai feels shaky and produces a loud, irregular noise while stationary – can also point to spark plug issues.

Misfires and Engine Surges

Finally, engine misfires or surges are significant indicators of spark plug failure. If your engine is not running smoothly or if it surges and falls repeatedly, it can be due to malfunctioning plugs. This erratic operation can lead to larger issues if not addressed promptly.

How a Spark Plug Works

A spark plug sends an electrical signal sent from the ignition coil, creating a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This is what powers your engine and propels your vehicle forward. The electrodes on a spark plug are subjected to extreme conditions, and over time, they wear out. This deterioration is what leads to many of the symptoms previously described, such as decreased fuel efficiency, difficulty starting, poor acceleration, rough idling, and engine misfires or surges.

At Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, we understand the importance of proactive maintenance, and our team of experienced technicians is ready to help. If you suspect your Hyundai needs new plugs, don’t wait until your vehicle’s performance suffers. Reach out to Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith today and let’s ensure your Hyundai continues to deliver the performance and efficiency you’ve come to expect.

Posted in Fort Smith Hyundai Service | No Comments »

Electrical problems can vary from minor to major, but they all affect your ability to enjoy the benefits of your Hyundai. If a problem isn’t repaired, it could lead to extensive damage to your car. Fortunately, your Hyundai dealer in Fort Smith, AR, can fix any possible problem for you. These are a few potential issues that mean you need to visit us for a repair.

Worn Alternator

The alternator is a small generator inside your engine that produces electricity for your car’s systems and devices while your engine is running. Some of the electricity it produces is used to recharge your battery. An alternator has an average lifespan of eight years before it needs replacement. Eventually, the alternator will slow down due to age wear, and this reduces the amount of power it produces.

A failing alternator isn’t usually noticeable when it starts, as the alternator produces more power than your car’s systems require. As time passes, the reduced power supply from the alternator will cause problems for your car including misfiring, slower starting, and dim lights. The battery warning light on your dash will also illuminate. We can test your alternator and install a new one very quickly if required.

Damaged Fuse Box

Every electrical system in your car has a fuse. These fuses function identically to the ones in your home, as they protect their connected systems against electrical overloads and shorts. Fuses age and wear out, and they can also blow due to electrical shorts. The blown fuse prevents a short from damaging its system but also cuts power to that system until the fuse is replaced.

If you’re experiencing multiple blown fuses, the problem is very likely due to a damaged fuse box. Our technicians will test the fuse box and the wiring connected to it to find and isolate the problem. We can replace damaged wiring and fuses and will also install a new fuse box if it is causing the problem. Once the fuses are reconnected, your car’s electrical system will work correctly again.

Damaged Spark Plugs

Healthy spark plugs are essential for efficient combustion, as they provide the ignition source for the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders. The spark plugs are supplied with power from the electrical system. Spark plugs will wear out in time, and we test and replace them as part of your car’s service schedule.

Plugs can also be damaged by the failure of other engine components, like a worn ignition coil or a fuel-rich engine. Damaged plugs will cause misfiring and could prevent your engine from starting. Our technicians will test each spark plug and replace any damaged ones.

Problems in the electrical system can cause additional damage to your car and its systems. Call us today at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith.

Posted in Fort Smith Hyundai Service | No Comments »

Do you need a vehicle that provides you with you optimal fuel efficiency? Well, you’re in luck because we can point you in the right direction. Visit your Hyundai dealer today, and we’ll ensure that you’re getting a car with the best gas mileage!

1. Hyundai Elantra SE

The Hyundai Elantra SE is incredible when it comes to conserving fuel. In fact, it’s one of the better models in terms of getting the most bang for your buck at the gas pump. It averages 43 MPG on the highway and 33 MPG in the city.

The beauty of the Elantra SE is that the car is pretty compact, and the size helps you save money on gas. The vehicle’s Idle Stop & Go function is also very useful in limiting fuel usage. Your engine essentially shuts down when you’re at a stop, thus preventing you from wasting fuel.

2. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hybrid vehicles are the way to go if you’re looking to reduce and economize your fuel. The Sonata Hybrid by Hyundai is also a great starting point in terms of spending less money on gas. The vehicle’s fuel economy is so good that you won’t find many other options that can compare.

While driving in the city with the Sonata Hybrid, you get 50 MGP, and on the highway, it’s 54 MPG. These estimates are in line with some of the best averages out there. Your fuel usage will improve dramatically once you start driving the Sonata Hybrid!

3. Hyundai Kona SEL

The Kona SEL by Hyundai is also an excellent option in terms of gas mileage. With estimates of 35 MPG on the highway and 30 MPG in the city, you’re getting a reliable vehicle in terms of fuel consumption. You can’t go wrong with the Kona SEL if you’re in the market for a 4-cylinder gas-powered engine.

The safety features built into the vehicle are also critical in helping you conserve fuel. The Lane Following Assist and Driver Attention Warning both ensure that you don’t deviate during your commute. In other words, you’re getting safety and efficiency from the Kona SEL.

4. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 

The Ioniq Hybrid will also blow you away in terms of how far your fuel can get you. In fact, the Ioniq model represents Hyundai’s commitment to advancing new automotive technology. It also has a fuel economy rating that’s better than most other vehicles.

The fuel-efficient hybrid model tested extremely well in its EPA estimate. It averages 58 MPG in the city and 60 MPG on the highway. This vehicle undeniably offers you great gas mileage – reducing your fuel consumption has never been easier!

You can find your next fuel-efficient vehicle by contacting Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith. Our experts will go over all your options and allow you to test drive your favorite Hyundai. Talk to our sales team today to learn more about our best models!

Posted in Fort Smith Hyundai Dealer | No Comments »

Car dents and car scratches are best repaired by a skillful technician at your local Hyundai dealer in order to restore your car’s bodywork to pristine condition. The following at-home methods may help, but without experience, there’s always the risk of causing further aesthetic damage. 

Next Steps

The shallower the scratch, the easier it usually is to repair. The mildest of clear-coat scratches and blemishes might disappear with the application of some liquid scratch remover and a little light buffing with a clean microfiber towel. A good clear scratch pen can also sometimes make the mark go away. 

When a scratch goes deeper into the base coat, you’ll see the darker enamel color layer underneath. These scratches require gentle sanding with an abrasive compound before the clear coat layer is reapplied, buffed, and polished. The deepest scratches make it down to the primer layer or even the metal beneath. These deep scratches may require cleaning and carefully layered filling before the enamel paint layer and clear coat can be reapplied. 

Dealing With Car Dents

Dents are even harder to fix properly without a trained eye. Dents in bumpers and other plastic areas of the bodywork can sometimes be fixed with a kettle of boiling water, which causes the plastic to soften and expand, and then pushed from inside or tugged back into shape with a plunger. For repairing dents in metal areas, a technique exists that involves cylindrical dowels, screws, and hot glue. 

First, you cut the dowels in half and then put a screw through each portion, creating a little handle. You can then use hot glue to stick many of these dowel handles to dented areas of your car and once the glue has dried, you simply heave the dents out. A hairdryer can help you melt the glue and remove the handles. Particularly stubborn, deep, or awkward dents can sometimes be visually fixed by simply filling them in.

Have Your Hyundai Dealer Fix It for You

Removing dents completely is remarkably difficult without experience. And any of these methods entails the risk of leaving visible marks around the scratched or dented area. Even polishing too hard can leave scuffs or blemishes which then require an additional repair job. 

Qualified technicians can remedy any external and internal damage to a car with professional detailing. When you take into account the amount of time and energy you save by taking pesky dents and scratches to a dealership to solve, let alone the difference in workmanship quality, it’s rarely worth attempting home solutions that might make the problem worse. Have your car’s bodywork repaired to its pristine condition today at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith. Our courteous, knowledgeable staff and mechanics are dedicated to delivering great results and customer service, whatever your car-related need might be.

Posted in Fort Smith Hyundai Dealer | No Comments »

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is an innovative SUV that is sure to turn heads. It combines the convenience of a family-friendly vehicle with the performance and luxury of a premium car. With its sleek exterior design, advanced technology features, and comfortable interior, the Palisade is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile family vehicle.

Vehicle Overview

The 2023 Palisade is the perfect choice for a large, luxurious, and practical family vehicle. This three-row SUV has something to offer everyone in your family with its upscale features, strong performance, and all-around practicality. Starting at just $35,550, the base model Palisade offers an impressive 19 to 27 mpg on city and highway roads, respectively.

At the heart of this SUV lies a powerful 6-cylinder engine that produces 291 hp, providing plenty of power for when you need it most. For even more road confidence, optional all-wheel drive is available, making sure you stay safe no matter what the conditions throw your way. With plenty of room for passengers and luggage alike, plus great towing capability, the Palisade will make sure any journey feels like first-class travel for everyone inside.

Bold Exterior Design

The all-new Palisade has been an iconic SUV for quite some time, and now its 2023 model is reinventing the classic. This exterior will feature a bold grille with LED headlights to help illuminate the way ahead. The standard wheels will be 18″, but drivers can opt for 20″ if they’re looking for a more robust look. To make driving even easier, side mirrors come with LED turn-signal indicators to clearly alert other motorists of your intentions.

The 2023 Palisade exterior is designed to give drivers a sense of confidence on the road while also providing them with the comfort and style that they’ve come to expect from this beloved SUV. With its sleek design, powerful engine options, and advanced safety features, there’s no doubt that it’s well worth considering if you’re in the market for a reliable vehicle that looks great too!

Interior Design and Amenities

The 2023 Palisade is an impressive SUV that has a plush interior for up to 8 passengers. It comes with a touchscreen infotainment system that provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as built-in navigation. This system gives you access to your favorite apps, music, and more while on the road. The Palisade also features a standard WiFi hotspot so that you can stay connected wherever you go.

This SUV also offers plenty of comfort thanks to its spacious cabin and supportive seating. There are multiple USB ports throughout the cabin so everyone can stay charged while they are riding. The driver’s seat is adjustable with lumbar support, allowing it to be tailored to fit your needs perfectly. With amenities like these and more, the 2023 Palisade will take your daily commute or family vacation to the next level!

Stop by Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith today and test drive the all-new Palisade!

Posted in Fort Smith Hyundai Dealer | No Comments »

The 2023 Hyundai Kona N is one of the most anticipated car models of the year and is available now at your local Hyundai dealer! This next-generation SUV is sure to be a hit with drivers everywhere, featuring a powerful turbocharged engine, an array of innovative and convenient technologies, and an eye-catching design. 

Three Specs and Features of the 2023 Hyundai Kona N Available at Your Hyundai Dealer

Unique and Stunning Exterior

The 2023 Kona N features a wing-type roof spoiler, which not only adds to the car’s overall aesthetic appeal but also improves its aerodynamic performance. The dual exhaust tips provide a sporty look and enhance the car’s exhaust sound. Also, the N-designed grill with its unique N badge is another standout feature that gives off an aggressive and distinct appearance while also improving airflow to the engine. 
Furthermore, there are numerous N design accents throughout the exterior of this vehicle, including curvy lines that give it a sleek and modern look. The 2023 Kona N comes equipped with 19-inch N Design alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Pirelli P Zero tires, providing drivers with superior handling and grip on any road surface.

Posted in Fort Smith Hyundai Dealer | No Comments »

Hyundai continues to amaze us with the newest addition to their vehicle’s lineup: the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. This eco-friendly car is a perfect blend of performance, style, and efficiency. The Elantra Hybrid offers an enhanced driving experience like no other with a modern design and advanced technology. Keep reading to learn more about it!

Meet the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Futuristic Exterior Design

The 2023 Elantra Hybrid features an exterior that is both elegant and aerodynamic, with sleek lines that will steal the show. It comes in six different colors, so drivers can choose one that suits their style. The stylish grille adds a touch of sophistication to the car’s front fascia and helps improve its overall aerodynamics. 
In addition, there are 17-inch alloy wheels available for drivers who want a bit more flair. These wheels not only look great but also help reduce drag for improved fuel efficiency. Finally, LED taillights complete the sporty look of this vehicle’s exterior. The LED lights are stylish as well as highly functional, providing brighter illumination at night than traditional bulbs.

Posted in Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, Fort Smith Hyundai Dealer | No Comments »

As technology becomes increasingly pivotal in our lives, the scope of tech features a Hyundai dealer can demonstrate across the range of vehicles they offer is truly impressive. With Hyundai at the forefront of technological innovation, your ability to reach your destination smoothly and without incident has never been surer.

5 Tech Features Showcased at Your Hyundai Dealer

Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

Safety is at the heart of many of Hyundai’s technical advancements, and its driver attention monitoring system is among the most valuable. Tiredness can easily set in on long drives, and momentarily switching off during these periods can have calamitous consequences.

Posted in Fort Smith Hyundai Dealer | No Comments »

The Hyundai Sonata has been with us now for almost 40 years, and in this time, it has managed to secure its spot as one of Hyundai’s most popular cars. As its flagship sedan, Hyundai has ensured it stays fresh and relevant in a constantly changing world by continually upgrading it every few years. This year, Hyundai has released a new 2023 model, and it’s getting motorists everywhere excited with its range of fascinating new features.

Stylish New Design

The Sonata has always been stunning, but this new range brings that beauty to a whole new level. Its smooth, sleek body coupled with its impressive 19-inch alloy wheels make it a true spectacle that will be turning heads everywhere you go. And, with a wide range of gorgeous paint options, you’re sure to end up with a car that you are truly proud to drive around.

Hybrid Options Available

With ongoing problems caused by climate change, more and more Americans are making the switch to a hybrid vehicle. The carbon emissions produced by hybrids are much lower than their gas-powered equivalents, and this is proven to help reduce the damage we are doing to our planet.

Luckily, nowadays, getting a hybrid car still means you get all the power and comfort you want from a sedan but without as many harmful by-products. In fact, when the electric motor and gas-powered engine work together, you’ll have access to much higher speeds. All three Hybrid Sonatas boast an incredible 190 horsepower: even more than their predominantly gas-powered counterparts.

Heaps of Modern Tech

Hyundai is one of the innovators when it comes to modern technologies in cars, and the new Sonata comes with a wide array of Hyundai’s amazing driver-assist and safety technologies. Among these are parking-assist features, a blind-spot display monitor, highway driving assistance, and forward-collision avoidance alerts with automatic braking.

Powerful Engines

Another area where Hyundai famously excels is power, and the new Sonatas are no exception. All the cars in the new range are powerful; however, if you opt for the N Line model, its 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine will put out an outstanding 290 horsepower, enough to bring it up to a phenomenal 155 mph.

With all these incredible features on the new 2023 Sonata, there’s no surprise drivers everywhere are talking about it. From its staggeringly good looks to its suite of modern technologies, there are so many reasons to love this new range. If you’re interested in test driving a new Sonata, then drop by and visit us at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, where our professionals can help match you up with your perfect new model.

Posted in Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, Fort Smith Hyundai Dealer | No Comments »

Crain Automotive, RV, Powersports, and Collision Centers would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to all of those impacted by the devastating storms. For years, Arkansans have been here for us, now we would like to be there for you. We have partnered with the American Red Cross to assist in the recovery of our local communities. The Crain Team is dedicated to helping those in our community and across the state. We are Arkansas Driven and community focused.

Posted in Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith | No Comments »