Blog

In preparation for spring, it's important that you have many of your Kia's interior features inspected. Not sure which ones to have checked? Here's a list of six that you won't want to forget. The Fluids Don't wait until a warning light comes on to check your fluids – especially your engine oil, power steering fluid, brake and transmission fluids, windshield washer fluid, and antifreeze/coolant. Make it a point to have the levels inspected before spring and topped off, if necessary. The professional should also ensure that the radiator and gas caps are sealed properly and that the inside more gaskets are secure. If they're not, have them replaced. Follow up a fluid check by changing the oil and air filters. You can opt for a recommended warm weather oil to keep your Kia operating at peak efficiency. The Battery Car batteries work harder during the winter, especially if temperatures drop very low. For this reason, be sure to have the battery connections inspected as springtime rolls around. Keep in mind: The connections should be tight and corrosion-free. The battery's charge should also be checked. If you've had the same car battery for many years, you may need a replacement. If you're unsure, consult with your automotive professional. The Brakes Brakes are a critical part of safe vehicle operation and should definitely be examined for spring. As part of this examination, listen for any strange brake noises like grinding or squealing. A professional should also check the amount of wear on the pads, drums, and rotors. If any of these are especially worn, a replacement will likely be necessary. The Air Conditioner If air conditioning is important to you during the warmer months, be sure to have your AC system inspected for spring. This inspection should include checking the compressor belt for cracks, frays, and other damage, ensuring that the compressor turns on, and ensuring that it produces cool air. It's also crucial that refrigerant levels be checked and topped off, if necessary. The Hoses and Belts Hoses and belts are important parts of your vehicle's electrical, cooling, and climate control systems, and changing temperatures cause them to wear. Because of this, you'll want to have these components checked in preparation for spring. To inspect the hoses, a professional will squeeze them while the engine is warm. If they're soft, they'll need replacing. To inspect the belts, a professional will turn off the engine and pull on them to test tightness. If the belts are loose, they'll need replacing. The Seats and Carpets Inspect and clean the seats, vacuum dirt and debris from carpets, remove and clean floor mats, wipe down the steering wheel and dashboard, and remove empty bottles and other trash from the vehicle. If you have leather seats and furnishings, treat them with cleaner to keep them looking and feeling their best. While you're tidying up, you can also remove any unnecessary junk from your trunk to lighten your load and improve fuel efficiency. Keep your Kia running smoothly by having the fluids, battery, air conditioner, hoses, and belts inspected for spring. Photo by Kia

The holidays are a time of heightened emotions and frenetic activity and with that comes distraction on the road. To keep you and your family safe this winter, consider these safe driving tips for holiday travel. more Expect the Best, Prepare for the Worst Before you even set out on your trip, take time to ensure your vehicle is ready for the long haul. Visually inspect your vehicle and tires, and take any concerns to your preferred mechanic. If your car is due for an oil change or another routine service soon, it's better to get it done before hitting the road. Plan your preferred route in advance but have one or two alternate routes in mind, especially if you'll be driving during peak travel hours. You might also want to consider leaving a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member who will not be traveling with you. Be sure to charge your cell phone and pack an extra charger in case you end up staying the night somewhere. If you carry a roadside assistance plan through your auto insurance company, make sure you understand how to contact them in the event of an emergency. Get Your Rest Last-minute shopping, non-stop baking and cooking, and stress from minor family feuds can all zap your energy during the holiday season. Make sure you are well-rested and ready to tackle the drive if you get behind the wheel.  Don't feel as though you've failed if you find yourself nodding off or needing to take more breaks than usual to stay alert. Do the safe thing and pull over to a spot away from traffic, or find a hotel to stay in for the evening. Keep Distractions to a Minimum Rowdy children, cell phones, and even singing along to your favorite tune on the radio can spell disaster under the wrong circumstances. You have an obligation to make sure you stay as focused as possible when driving. Put your phone out of arm's reach in a suitcase or the glove box. If you must make a phone call or pick up an incoming call, pull over to a traffic-free zone. Drive Defensively in Winter Weather In most parts of the United States, winter weather can create an icy obstacle course that drivers must contend with during the holiday season. The danger is compounded when roads are busier and other drivers' patience is at a minimum. Stash winter driving essentials in your vehicle to avoid getting stuck or running into a situation where you are without heat. Stow the following items in your trunk or cargo area: Ice scraper Bag of salt, cat litter, or sand for traction control Flashlights and spare batteries Jumper cables Non-perishable snack foods Water or a cup for holding and melting snow Blankets and warm mittens; extra clothes First-aid kit Emergency flares or pop-up triangles With a little preparation and proactive vehicle maintenance, traveling during the holiday season can be a pleasurable experience and a time to create memories. Take advantage of this safe driving advice and you'll arrive safely to your holiday destination.

Sometimes cars stink. Unfortunately, that is just a fact of car ownership. Persistent smells are annoying, but they can be taken care of. Some habits, such as smoking in the car, lead to bad smells over time. Other times, a smell may seemingly come out of nowhere. No matter the cause of the smell, there are ways to get rid of those stinky scents. more Industrial-Strength Odor Remover When you are trying to get rid of a smell, do not just use an air freshener. Many times these products simply add to the smell that is already there. Instead, opt for an odor remover. Odor removers actually trap the molecules that make the car smell bad, and they get rid of them. You can get industrial-strength odor removers from auto supply stores, department stores, or online. This is a great way of neutralizing the smell in your car instead of just masking it. In some cases, you may have to use the odor remover several times to remove the stink fully. Vacuum and Shampoo Sometimes bad smells are due to food particles or other spills on the carpets in your car. If this is the case, make sure you vacuum and shampoo all the vehicle's carpet areas. Getting a good clean helps eliminate anything leaving behind a smell. While you can vacuum and shampoo the car yourself, it may be best to have a professional auto detailing shop complete it. This ensures you are using heavy-duty products that will not hurt your vehicle's interior. Household Products There are several household products you can use to help eliminate odors as well. One suggestion is to soak a few towels in vinegar, set them in bowls, and then put those bowls around the car. Vinegar is a well-known odor remover and it absorbs bad smells. Another option is to leave an open container of baking soda in the car when you are not driving. Make sure either to close the container or remove it when you go for a drive, or else you will have another mess to worry about later. The best thing about using household products is that they are easy to find, simple to use, and do not cost much. Clean the Vents If you think the smells in your car are coming from something other than food, drinks, smoking, and other more common issues, consider cleaning your vents. A car's air intake valve can become gross, especially if you drive in high-smog areas. Using a deodorizer, spray the intake valves while you have the car running. It may be necessary to repeat this a few times. In addition, if your car has a cabin air filter, consider replacing this, since it gets dirty over time. Spills and accidents happen, and sometimes that leads to bad smells in your car. Make sure you clean up your car regularly to help avoid smells in the first place. If you have smells you can't get out yourself, you may need to get a professional involved.