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As the warmer weather of spring and summer approach, it’s a great time to consider whether your car is in need of any maintenance tasks.  Keeping up with the car maintenance needs of your vehicle offers a worry free drive and ensures you are as safe as possible on the roads.  Here are several items from your Tampa Bay area Kia dealer to check before the weather gets uncomfortably hot: Engine Fluids Your vehicle needs an oil change every 3,000 to 8,000 miles, depending what you drive.  Older vehicles needed oil changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but modern vehicles tend to go 6,000 to 8,000 miles before they need an oil change.  Check your owner’s manual to find out the particular oil change schedule for your car and keep up with it.  Don’t forget the oil filter, too.   Before driving your car, while the engine is still cold, check the level of your coolant.  The tank will indicate the fill-line, and this is where your coolant should be.  If you don’t have enough coolant, add some to ensure your car is not at risk of overheating.  Check your vehicle’s owner manual for adding coolant as some cars require a mix of coolant with water.   The transmission, power steering and brake fluid should all be checked, too.  If any of the fluids are below the recommended level, add more for optimum performance. Hoses and Belts If you can’t remember the last time your accessory drive belts were checked for fraying, cracking or general wear and tear – it’s probably time to schedule an appointment to have them checked.  Coolant hoses should also be checked to ensure they aren’t too soft or showing signs of leakage.  Call your Tampa Bay area Kia service department to schedule a checkup and maintenance on any of the hoses and belts as necessary. Brakes If you think your car is in need of new brakes, schedule an appointment to have them checked and replaced immediately.  Your vehicle’s brakes are your first line of defense to avoid car accidents.  You might notice it takes longer to slow down than it used to, or your steering wheel may shake when you slow down.  These are all warning signs that your brakes need replacing.  If you hear grinding or the sound of metal on metal, you may also need new rotors. Tires Take a look at all of your tires to check how much tread remains.  If the tread is less than 1/8 of an inch, it’s time for new tires.  If the tread looks good, you should probably rotate your tires as it should be done every 6,000 to 8,000 miles driven.

The 2013 Kia Forte 5-door has a few new additions that come standard, compared to the 2012 model.  On the 2013 Kia Forte 5-door, you will receive power folding outside mirrors, LED daytime running lights and 16 inch alloy wheels on the SX trim.  There is a washer fluid light in the dash now, to help you avoid running out of washer fluid just as you need it!  The Forte 5-door is possibly being redesigned for 2014 and it is rumored that it will take on a more glitz and glam style.  If you like the current Kia Forte, now is the time to visit your St. Petersburg Kia dealership and take it for a test drive before it is redesigned. Power and Performance The 5-door hatch Kia Forte does not struggle with power.  There are two 4 cylinder engine choices, offering 156 horsepower in the 2-liter EX and 173 horsepower in the 2.4 liter SX engine. The EX trim can get 27 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway.  The SX trim gets 23 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway whether you choose the 6 speed manual transmission or the 6 speed automatic transmission. 2013 Kia Forte 5-Door Exterior Appearance The Kia Forte 5-door is your basic hatchback vehicle and does not really contain any sportier looking design elements found on some of the competitors hatchback vehicles.  For people looking for a family vehicle with a hatchback, this is an ideal fit.  The door on the hatch provides easy access to loading all of your kid’s belongings, strollers, groceries or luggage for the family road trip in the cargo area.  There is 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the Kia Forte 5-door. The Kia Forte sits fairly low to the ground, which is great for small children to get in and out without too much assistance. 2013 Kia Forte 5-Door Interior Appearance The real strengths of the Forte 5-door are in the interior.  Many of the features are offered as standard inclusions, whereas other vehicles would charge extra for them as optional features.  Driver’s report that the center console controls are all perfectly placed and easy to use while the upgraded models offer keyless entry and push-button start. You can fit five passengers in the compact hatchback, but despite the limited seating the car does not feel small when you’re inside.  The driver has plenty of room behind the steering wheel and the backseat can comfortably accommodate children in safety seats or adults with enough leg room.  There are two cup holders in the front, two cup holders in the back, and even bottle shaped holders in the front door cutouts for your water or soda bottles.

It’s important to keep your car clean and the automatic car wash is one of the easiest ways to keep up with the task.  Convenience sometimes comes with a price, however, as an automatic car wash can cause physical damage to your vehicle.  Most car washes are designed carefully and are well maintained to prevent damages, but there is always a possibility that the brushes will scratch the paint or the force of the water will damage something on your car.  Here are some tips to avoid damage from automatic car washes from a Largo area Kia dealership: Types of Damages from Automatic Car Washes The most common types of damage from automatic car wash can be avoided with a few precautions.  Before you go through the car wash, try the following: Put retractable antennas down before entering a car wash to avoid having them ripped off or bent during the car wash. If your side mirrors are loose, avoid automatic car washes which are likely to rip them off.  If your side mirrors fold in, push them in before entering the wash. Remove all cargo from the roof racks as the force of the wash can push them off or break things. Only use well maintained car washes that have new brushes.  Car washes with old brushes put you at risk for metal bristles or wires sticking out that will scratch your paint finish. Do not use an automatic car wash if you have any water leaking issues around your doors or windows.  Don’t forget to make sure all windows are closed tight before entering the car wash. Reducing Risks at Automatic Car Washes When you drive your car, you put it at risk for scratches and damages and short of leaving your car secure inside a garage all the time – there is no foolproof way to prevent every possible opportunity for damage.  If you can hand wash your car, then you eliminate all of the potential for automatic car wash damages but if you must use an automatic car wash – look for touch free versions that do not use brushes as these have less risks for damage to vehicles than car washes that use brushes to clean the dirt off your vehicle.

Kia has a long and interesting history as an automobile manufacturer.  In fact, Kia was founded in 1944 in Korea, and was called Kia Motors Corporation.  In Korean, Kia means “to arise to the world from Asia”.  The modern company of Kia is part of Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, with dealerships all over the world – including your St. Petersburg Kia dealer in Florida.  American Kia vehicles are sold under the brand name of Kia Motors America (KMA). Kia is Worldwide Kia is found all over the world, with more than 1.5 million Kia vehicles produced each year in over 13 manufacturing facilities located in 8 countries.  There are Kia dealerships selling vehicles in 172 different countries. Kia Motors America In 1992, Kia Motors America was incorporated.  They opened their first 4 dealerships in Oregon and began with the Kia Sephia.  Soon after, Kia Sportage was introduced.  Every year, Kia grew and dealerships were added in other states and by 1995, there were over 100 Kia dealerships in 30 states. Financial Troubles for Kia Asia experienced a financial crises in 1997, and it was during this time that Kia declared bankruptcy.  Hyundai Motor Company purchased 51% of the company, winning in a bidding war with Ford Motor Company who had owned part of Kia since 1986 but Hyundai won out and took over in 1998.  Over the years that followed, Kia recovered financially and Hyundai now owns less than half ownership of Kia. Design Improvements Fuel Growth for Kia In 2006, Kia decided they needed some new designs if they were going to continue to grow and succeed in the marketplace.  They brought in a new Chief Design Officer who had won awards for his previous designs in Germany working for Volkswagen and Audi.  Peter Schreyer began working with Kia in 2006 and oversaw design activities in Kia design centers located in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Germany and Korea.  He was instrumental in the new look for Kia, and the establishment of the signature Kia look, the brand that is easily recognized by the “tiger nose” design of the front end of Kia vehicles. Test Drive Kia Vehicles You can learn more about any of our Kia vehicles and take them for a test drive to find the one that matches your needs perfectly.  Visit your St. Petersburg Kia dealership for a test drive appointment or to learn more about Kia.

For most drivers, getting a traffic ticket is not on the top ten lists of things to do!   From speeding to tailgating to unsafe lane changes – you’re probably guilty of some of these habits at some point in time.  There are several bad driving habits that are likely to get you a traffic ticket if there is a cop in the area – so follow these tips from a Pinellas Park area Kia dealer to help decrease your risks for getting a ticket: Driving Too Fast Sometimes speeding is unintentional and you don’t even realize how fast you’re going until you see the flashing lights of the cop behind you.  Other times, you are purposely pushing the speed limits because you’re in a hurry to get somewhere.  If you find yourself traveling faster than the posted speed limits, you can be pretty sure eventually you will be caught and find yourself paying a traffic ticket fine or facing the judge in court. You can help prevent speeding when traveling on the highway by using your cruise control to set your speed.  When driving through the city or residential areas, just remember to check your speed regularly and keep it under the posted limits to avoid a ticket.  It’s better to get where you’re going a few minutes later than get into a car accident or end up with a speeding ticket. Driving Too Close: Tailgating When you drive too close to the vehicle in front of you, it’s called “tailgating”.  Tailgating is a dangerous way to drive because it does not give you very much time to react if the car in front of you has to stop or turn unexpectedly for some reason.  Tailgating usually ends up in a rear ending accident – or if a police officer sees a car tailgating, they may decide to give the driver a ticket for unsafe driving. A good rule of thumb is to leave about a cars length for every ten miles per hour you’re driving.  If traveling at 60 miles per hour, leave six car lengths between you and the car in front of you to give yourself adequate time to stop. Changing Lanes Without a Turn Signal Vehicles are equipped with left and right turn signals in order to let other drivers and pedestrians know what your intentions are.  If you don’t use your turn signals when turning off a highway or changing lanes on a multi-lane highway, the drivers of the vehicles around you are not sure what you plan to do and a car accident is more likely.

It is possible to get a sporty SUV that is stylish and luxurious.  Take a look at the 2013 Kia Sportage, starting at $20,000 for the base model.  This SUV provides sports handling and more luxurious options than expected for an SUV.  If you want to test drive the 2013 Kia Sportgage, come to your Largo area Kia dealer. 2013 Exterior Features There is no mistaking the 2013 Kia Sportage for anything but a Kia because of the signature grille design across the front of all Kia vehicles.  The lines of this vehicle are all angular and masculine.  You can take this SUV off road if you like, because there is 7 inches ground clearance under the SUV. Interior Features On the inside, the 2013 Kia Sportage wows with LED lighting for both trim levels.  It also features surprising blue seats.  Passengers in the front and back seats can enjoy the panoramic sunroof – or can pull the included sun shade if it’s too bright of a day!  If you need more room for cargo and less room for passengers, the backseat can be folded down flat.  You will have 54.6 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are flat.   The 2013 Kia Sportage comes standard with air conditioning, steering wheel controls, four speakers and satellite radio, and under floor storage in the back.  On the SX, you receive power-folding side mirrors as a standard option, and can add it on to the EX if desired.   At the SX and EX trim levels for the 2013 Kia Sportage, you can upgrade to a push button start system, a cooling box, infotainment system, and a back up warning system  to eliminate back up car accidents. Power and Performance for the 2013 Kia Sportage The Kia Sportage is an all wheel drive vehicle that offers a six speed automatic transmission as the standard option.  The base model allows you to switch to a manual transmission if preferred.   When choosing engines for your Kia Sportage you have two options.  A 2.0 liter turbocharged engine with 260 hp and gasoline direct injection for improved fuel economy and no reduction in power; or a 2.4 liter four cylinder with 176 hp that will pass cars and climb hills with no issues.   Fuel economy for both engines are decent, with the 2.4 liter offering 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway and the 2.0 engine offering 20 mpg in the city and a slight reduction of fuel efficiency of 25 mpg on the highway.

If you can’t see out your windshield, you can’t drive safely. Your windshield wipers play an important role in ensuring visibility when the weather is less than ideal.  A dirty windshield or one that is covered in rain, snow or ice all increase your risks for being involved in a car accident.  If you try to spray windshield wiper fluid on your windshield and discover your wipers are not working properly, try the following trouble shooting tips from your Clearwater area Kia dealer: Do You Have Enough Windshield Washer Fluid? The first step to troubleshooting windshield wiper issues is to check that your washer fluid tank actually has fluid it in. The most common reason you can’t get the fluid to spray on your windshield is because you’ve run out of it!  Open the hood of your car and look for your windshield wiper fluid reservoir.  They’re usually easy to spot, but if you can’t find it, check the owner’s manual to find out where it is located. If you have to refill your fluid, make sure you “prime” your windshield wipers if they don’t work immediately.  Sometimes you will need to press and release the button a few times in a row in order to get the liquid flowing back through the tank into the lines that carry it to your windshield. Scrub the Wiper Nozzle Area Sometimes the nozzle of the windshield wiper becomes clogged from dirt.  Use an old toothbrush and scrub the nozzle area to remove any dirt that may have built up. You can also use a can of compressed air, such as those used to clean a computer keyboard, to spray the dirt out. Pump or Fuse Needs Replacing If there is no sound when you push the button to spray windshield wiper fluid, it could be the fuse needs to be replaced or the washer pump itself needs to be replaced.  Start by checking your car’s owner’s manual to see where the fuse box is and where the windshield wiper pump fuse is.  Replace the fuse and try the spray button – if there is still no noise and no spray, you probably need to bring your car to a service station to have the washer pump replaced. Clean the Fluid Reservoir Tank The tank under the hood that holds the washer fluid can get built up with algae or dirt.  Removing the reservoir tank to clean it can sometimes help the fluid move from the tank to the windshield wipers.

Many car buyers need to shop for a vehicle based on their budget.  With the average new car priced in the $28,000 range – and the average used car priced in the $15,000 range – it’s no surprise that many car buyers choose to purchase a pre-owned car.  Even if you can afford a newer, more expensive model, you may just prefer a used car since they have already depreciated rapidly and will maintain their value better than a new car. St. Petersburg Kia offers Certified Pre-owned Kia vehicles.  Here’s what you need to know about the Certified Kia Pre-owned program: Certified Pre-Owned Kia Vehicles Inspection Process All certified pre-owned Kia’s must go through rigorous inspections before they gain their certification.  In fact, vehicles undergo a 150-point inspection prior to being listed as a certified pre-owned Kia vehicle.  With this level of inspecting, you should feel confident that your used Kia purchase is just as reliable as a new Kia. Limited Powertrain Warranties You may worry that purchasing a used car instead of new leaves you unprotected, but all Certified Pre-owned Kia vehicles have a limited powertrain warranty. The limited powertrain warranty provides coverage for ten years from the date of purchase or until 100,000 miles. View the CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports™ Before you buy a Certified Pre-owned Kia, you can view a CARFAX report ™ for the vehicle you’re interested in.  The information contained in CARFAX reports is from an independent company and does not come from Kia itself.  You can find out whether the car has been involved in car accidents with previous owners or if it was used as a rental car, for example. While considered reliable, Kia does not take responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be in the CARFAX report. Additional Coverage Provided to Certified Pre-Owned Kia Buyers In addition to the peace of mind that comes from buying a thoroughly inspected vehicle with a powertrain warranty and CARFAX® report, Certified Pre-owned Kia cars come with roadside assistance and travel breakdown coverage. Roadside assistance – if you should break down, you have roadside assistance for ten years from the date of sale on a Certified Pre-owned Kia.  We doubt you will really have to use it, but if you do have a problem it is nice to know you’re covered and prepared. Travel breakdown coverage – when you’re on a road trip and traveling away from home, for ten years after you purchase a Certified Pre-owned Kia, you are covered for a variety of breakdown services under the Travel Breakdown Coverage.

Families have enjoyed the small to midsize crossover SUV from the Kia Sorento family, and the 2014 Kia Sorento will continue to deliver on those expectations.  The standard model has a powerful four-cylinder engine, but buyers can upgrade to a V6 engine if desired.  If you’re interested in the 2014 Kia Sorento, visit our St. Petersburg Kia dealership and take it for a test drive and see what you think of the sporty handling. Upscale Crossover SUV The 2014 Kia Sorento and its redesigned cabin, additional features, and changes t o the exterior moves the vehicle to an upscale category of SUVs. The top of the line, SX limited model, is packed so full of features it can display a sticker price of almost $40,000. The SX with all-wheel drive will start with a price tag in the $34,000 range. 2014 Kia Sorento Engine The midsize crossover has a completely redesigned cabin and competes with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V with its four-cylinder engine; while the V6 version competes nicely with the Dodge Journey and Chevy Equinox crossovers. Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines feature a six-speed automatic transmission, and the option for all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. 2014 Kia Sorento Interior Design Inside the Kia Sorento, buyers can choose an optional navigation system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen for connecting with the UVO eServices and premium Infinity audio system.  You can select a panoramic sunroof, back-up cameras and blind-spot monitoring systems, and ventilated front seats.  The upholstery is trimmed with leather while the steering wheel and rear seats are both heated for comfort. Test Driving the Kia Sorento The 2014 Kia Sorento will be available at our St. Petersburg Kia dealership in the spring, although the SX Limited edition will not be out until summer.  Before making a car buying decision, it is always recommended that drivers take several vehicles for a test run.  It is the only way to see how you feel when you are behind the wheel, and to get a good understanding for how the vehicle handles in relation to your own driving habits.  Sometimes, you can look at a vehicle and love it – but not like the way it feels when you drive it.  Make sure you test drive any vehicle you are considering before you make the purchase to be sure you choose one that meets your needs.

Known for being more “hip” and “fun” than your traditional wagon, the 2013 Kia Soul Wagon offers a 6-speed manual transmission and seating for five in a practical four door, hatchback design.   The vehicle offers an impressive and confidence boosting 10 year/100,000 powertrain warranties. The best way to get a feel for a vehicle and see if it is one you would be interested in owning is to visit our St. Petersburg Kia dealership in Florida and take it for a test drive. 2013 Kia Soul Wagon Changes The 2013 Kia Soul Wagon did not undergo a ton of major design changes, but the vehicle did gain new Bluetooth connectivity for the base model with manual-transmission, and power-folding outside mirrors for the “!” trim.  All trim levels of the 2013 Kia Soul Wagon feature a revised Kia badge. Quality Economy Passenger Vehicle The 2013 Kia Soul Wagon is an inexpensive option for families and individuals, but inexpensive doesn’t mean it’s cheaply made or lacking in bells and whistles.  Bring your iPod along for the ride, because the 2013 Kia Soul features an iPod hookup, quality audio system and satellite radio.  The audio speakers are even illuminated, giving your interior a fun and unexpected touch not generally seen in vehicles at this price point. Also available are two-tone interior color schemes and a print upholstery – giving the 2013 Kia Soul Wagon a “hip” image. While the 2013 Kia Soul is an economy wagon, you have the option of spending a little more to get a little more. In the top of the line Kia Soul, you can choose 18-inch alloy wheels, upgrade the headlights, add fog lamps, a sunroof, running lights, upgrade the audio package, and power-folding outside mirrors. If purchasing the “!” trim level, you can go with a premium package which includes a keyless ignition and entry system, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a touchscreen navigation system with real time traffic updates. Fuel Economy Magic The 2013 Kia Soul scores highly on EPA’s fuel economy testing, with 25 miles per gallon city driving and 30 miles per gallon highway driving, and buyers can choose an optional eco package to give the 2.0 liter engine the same mileage as the 1.6 liter.  The fuel economy is enhanced by low rolling resistance tires, and technology that literally shuts the engine off when you stop at a light and then starts it again when you take your foot off the brake pedal.

Drivers can face a wide variety of obstacles and challenges when on the road, from a minor roadside situation to a full-on emergency.  While we can never predict every possible situation we could face, there are a number of common scenarios drivers experience that you can actually prepare for.  Being prepared helps reduce anxiety and helps you take action to remedy any negative situation.  One way to prepare for common situations on the road is to keep a fully stocked car emergency kit available at all times.  Here are some suggestions for what to keep in your car emergency kit from a Kia dealer near Clearwater: Car Emergency Kit: Items for the Vehicle Even a well maintained vehicle can experience unexpected maintenance issues.  Keeping the following items in your car emergency kit will help you get back on the road faster: Fuses that fit your Kia (in case a headlight goes out or the lights in your dash, for example) Road flares or emergency caution sign/cones to alert other drivers in case you break down on the side of the road Jumper box or cables, to give your battery a boost if your car won’t start Travel-size tool kit (screwdrivers, scissors, etc) Fluids for your vehicle, things like windshield washer fluid, oil, transmission fluid and antifreeze.  Keep a jug of water handy too, in case of overheating. Car Emergency Kit: Items for People In addition to keeping items handy for minor repairs for your car, you can also keep a number of things around to help people in minor situations, including: Aspirin or pain reliever Flashlight First aid kit (bandages, cleansing wipes, burn ointment, gauze) Drinking water, nonperishable snacks (in case you are stuck waiting for help for long periods of time) Sunscreen Clean rags or a roll of paper towels Road atlas (in case your GPS fails and you don’t know where you are!) These items can be kept in your trunk at all times to minimize the negative effects of many common roadside emergencies.  If you are going on a longer road trip through colder areas during the winter months, you might also want to include a blanket and perhaps a pair of gloves for each passenger in case you break down and need to wait for help.  You don’t want to count on your heater working if your car is out of commission, particularly when traveling through cold weather states.

When you are ready to get your first car or replace your existing car, one of the first decisions you have to make is whether you want to buy a new or used car.  Our Tampa Bay area Kia dealership offers both new and used Kia vehicles to buyers, and each person makes their decision based on how much they plan to spend on their car purchase, what kind of warranty they want, and how confident they are in used car maintenance needs.  Here are some considerations to help you make your decision between new or used Kia vehicles: Used Kia Vehicles Many drivers prefer used vehicles over new, since a new car loses so much of its value the second it is driven off the showroom floor.  Used Kia vehicles also make it possible for drivers to get more features and bells and whistles for less money – which helps people who want the technology but need to stick to a budget.  Buying a vehicle that is even just one year old can offer considerable savings over buying the same vehicle in the latest model.   If you decide to buy older used cars, you will want to keep in mind that while the price tag gets lower the older the vehicle is, you’ll also tend to have more maintenance issues with older vehicles.  If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, having extensive car maintenance needs can result in having to pay more over the life of the car in repair expenses than if you had just purchased a newer car in the first place. New Kia Vehicles If buying your vehicle with a car loan, you’ll generally get a better interest rate when you buy a new car.  For people who will make a loan payment, many prefer a new car for the lower interest rate and because they’re going to make payments on the vehicle anyway, they figure they may as well go top of the line! Newer cars should not have any maintenance concerns beyond the typical oil and filter change for many years and miles – and if you do have problems, it will be covered under the warranty for three to five years or for so many miles.  New cars are good to go, while a used car may need a new battery soon after you buy it, brakes, rotors, transmission or other costly maintenance sooner – and more frequently.