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Every now and then, your car will need the attention of a technician at your local Kia repair shop. Some issues are easy enough to fix yourself, such as a dead car battery or a flat tire. Others require a professional technician. Here are five times you'll need a technician to identify and repair a problem before it develops into something more costly or even dangerous. Your "Check Engine" Light Is Blinking A modern Kia is filled with computer monitors that keep an eye on hundreds of pre-set parameters all over your vehicle. When you see a "check engine" light come on, something needs attention. If the light starts blinking, then the problem is more serious. It's time to have a professional identify and fix the issue. Your Handling Is Off The handling and responsiveness of a Kia are ordinarily very smooth. If you ever sense a problem with your handling, don't ignore it. Any issues with steering can potentially lead to accidents. One such possible handling problem is if the wheel begins pulling to one side or the other. Another is if it becomes difficult to steer, pointing to a problem with your power steering. And if the steering wheel itself starts vibrating or feels loose, make sure you have it seen to. You Notice a Leak When parking, if you ever notice a liquid pooling on the ground under your car, then you probably have a leak of some sort. There are many fluids in your car that are vital to its proper functioning, including engine oil, coolant fluid, braking fluid, and more. If a leak isn't fixed and the fluid isn't topped up to correct levels, then at least one part of your car is going to break down pretty rapidly. You See Smoke The only time when you see "smoke" coming from your car and it's harmless is if it's a whiff of steam from your tailpipe or bonnet. Any time you see thicker smoke, of any color, then you'll need a technician to check it out. Black smoke usually indicates a problem with the fuel-air mixture in your combustion chambers, which might be the result of a clogged air filter, or something more serious. Blue smoke is usually created by oil burning in your engine, which is generally a worse situation. And thick white smoke is worst of all, as it usually means coolant is burning. In that case, you'll need to pull over and call a tow truck. You Hear Persistent Noises The occasional odd sound from your car isn't necessarily a reason to worry. But if you're hearing an ongoing grinding, squealing, knocking, crunching, or any other sound, then it's time to have a professional find the source and fix it. For prompt repairs by friendly, certified technicians, visit Coughlin Kia of Newark. We're a trusted dealership that's been awarded the Central Ohio BBB Torch Award for Ethics, which means that we always put you, our customer, first and foremost in all our dealings. Image via Edmunds