Today: 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Blog / Car Tips and Tricks

4 Ways to Protect Your Vehicle From Sloppy Children

If you have children, you know how quickly your car turns from a pristine, new car, into a landfill. You never know when you'll find a rotting banana peel beneath the piles of wrappers, crumbs, and melted crayons. It may not be possible to alleviate all messes in your car, but here are four ways to protect your vehicle. 
  1. Cupcake Liners

Cup holders always seems to attract the stickiest messes. Things like lollipops, juice, melted chocolate, and spare coins usually mix into a nightmare that most of us just give up on. Try using cupcake liners to protect them. Simply place the cupcake liner inside the cup holder, and you automatically have a shield against the stickiness. When it gets messy, simply replace the liner. You may want to use silicone liners, as they will be more durable and won't leak through.
  1. Travel-Safe Snacks

Your kids are going to eat in the car. It is inevitable. Whether you are bouncing back and forth between soccer games, or you are on a long road trip, snacks are necessary to keep the little (and big) ones happy. But you have control over what type of snacks make it into the car. Avoid anything sticky or greasy, like applesauce, yogurt, or fries. Instead, opt for food that can easily be vacuumed up, like crackers or trail mix. Bite-size fruits or vegetables are another great snack to bring along. Just make sure you are cleaning out the car on a regular basis so you don't discover squished grapes that have been ground into the seat or carpet. You will also want to make sure that water is the only drink allowed in the car. That way, if it spills, it's not a big deal.
  1. Clean-Up Kits

You will be able to limit the extent of the messes in your car, but you won't be able to alleviate them completely. Sticky snacks will still sneak into your car, or that last fast food run will leave its evidence in the form of greasy fingerprints and spilled ketchup. There are also times when a little one will decide to draw on the door and/or window, or you may have one (or more) kids with car sickness. Have a clean-up kit handy so that you can take care of the messes quickly for easy cleanup. The kit should include things like baby wipes, stain remover, and extra grocery bags to contain anything gross.
  1. Trash Cans

Garbage piles up at an incredible speed even when you don't have children, but it tends to accumulate at an exponential rate when you do. Keep a small trash can or two, depending on the size of your vehicle, so that the garbage makes it into the trash before it ever hits the floor. Then, at the end of the day, it is easy to empty and replace with a new liner. Your car will stay clean longer, and you won't have to worry about any lingering smells. Whether you have small children, teenagers, or no children at all, these four tips will help keep your car clean for longer and will help to keep suspicious odors from taking hold.   Image by Bre LaRow, Licensed via CC BY 2.0
Posted in:

Related Posts

An interior photo of a 2025 Kia Sportage parked outdoors near Orangeburg, South Carolina

Trim Levels of the 2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage is a versatile crossover SUV designed for daily driving and capable off the beaten path. It is available in seven trim levels with various comfort and performance features that make it easy to customize this ride. more LX The model's entry trim level sets an impressively high bar for the rest of the lineup. It is powered by a 187-hp 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 178 pound-feet of torque, which is the same engine powering the upper trims. An eight-speed automatic transmission and selectable drive modes adjust performance to various driving conditions. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available and adds an extra Snow drive mode. EX The EX trim builds on the LX with a range of comfort and tech upgrades. SynTex seating surfaces give the cabin an upscale feel. Heated front seats are standard and boast power adjustments for the driver, while the remote start function allows you to set the temperature inside the cabin before entering the vehicle. This trim also comes with an upgraded infotainment system with built-in navigation and allows you to use your phone as a key. SX With its standard panoramic sunroof, the SX model is perfect for those who want to enjoy more of the outdoors as they drive. This trim level also comes with flush-mounted roof rails and a range of tech upgrades, including a curved panoramic display with a 12.3-inch driver infotainment display and a 12.3-inch center touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, and a smart power tailgate. Advanced driver assistance technologies include Highway Driving Assist. SX Prestige The SX Prestige takes luxury up a notch with heated and ventilated front seats, power adjustments for the front passenger's seat, and a heated steering wheel. Parking sensors and a surround-view monitor enhance your safety, while LED fog lamps improve illumination in adverse driving conditions. X-Line Made for off-road adventures, the X-Line trim builds on the EX and comes in standard all-wheel drive. It boasts unique styling elements that catch the eye, as well as 19-inch wheels for improved traction and a raised-style elevated roof rack. X-Pro The X-Pro is based on the SX but comes with 17-inch wheels and BFGoodrich all-terrain tires for added off-roading confidence. LED fog lamps are standard for improved visibility on dusty trails. X-Pro Prestige The X-Pro Prestige has all the luxuries of the SX Prestige and the off-roading capability of the X-Pro. It is a great option for drivers who want it all. Ready to find your Sportage? Visit us at Burns Kia in Orangeburg, SC, to browse our inventory and test-drive your favorite trim. Our team will answer any questions you might have and help with anything you need.

A person being handed the keys to their newly purchased car near Orangeburg, SC

Introducing the 2025 Kia K4

A completely new design, the 2025 Kia K4 is a compact sedan that packs style, robust performance, and great amenities into one affordable package. Let's explore its long list of compelling features! more Power and Performance The standard powerplant for the K4 lineup comes in the form of a naturally aspirated 2.0L inline-4 making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission completes the drivetrain and distinguishes itself from other continuously variable transmissions with its ability to emulate a traditional automatic gearbox. The result is especially smooth power distribution and a more engaging drive. Enthusiasts looking for a daily driver with some extra oomph will definitely want to consider the GT-Line Turbo trim. It's equipped with a turbocharged 1.6L inline-4 that increases performance to 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, enabling an impressive 0-to-60 time of around seven seconds. When it comes to handling, the K4 is nimble and responsive thanks to an independent strut front suspension and torsion-beam rear suspension. Exterior Design The K4 is certain to turn heads with its fastback body style, wide stance, and bold, futuristic styling. Its exterior is further enhanced by uniquely shaped LED headlights and taillights, plus aggressive 16-inch steel wheels. Also available are 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels in a black machined finish. Chrome and gloss black accents on GT-Line models help to achieve a sportier look. Passenger Cabin Much like the exterior, the K4's cabin has a sleek, ultra-modern design that wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi film. The layout for the vehicle's controls is clean and streamlined, and premium materials can be found throughout the interior. Base LX models come standard with LED interior lighting, 6-way adjustable front seats, and solar control glass that keeps the cabin cooler during sunny days. Deluxe options include plush SynTex leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, and a wide sunroof with power sunshade. As for passenger space, the car boasts a respective 42.3 and 38 inches of front and rear legroom. The cargo hold offers close to 15 cubic feet of space. Multimedia System and Connectivity A large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is featured with every K4 variant and lets users access wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both rows feature a pair of USB-C ports for easy access, no matter where you're seated. Support for HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio is standard, so there's never a shortage of great programming to listen to. Stunning sound comes from an available 8-speaker Harman Kardon system. Kia's all-new K4 is clear proof that you can have premium style and comfort without breaking the bank. Make a trip to Burns Kia in Orang eburg, SC today and take it for a spin!

A person walking toward their parked blue Kia K5 near Orangeburg, South Carolina

Understanding Your Kia's Warranty Benefits

Kia's are fuel-efficient, reliable, and cater to every budget. Each new Kia also comes with an industry-leading warranty to give you extra peace of mind. As your Kia dealer, we want to tell you about some of the main features of your Kia warranty. more Basic Warranty This warranty covers most systems and components in your vehicle against any defect. Kia's are built to high standards of quality control, and in the unlikely event that a labor or material-related issue appears, the situation will be corrected ASAP. All repairs or adjustments are performed by Kia-trained technicians using only Kia-approved replacement parts. Schedule your next appointment online with ease here. Warranty protection applies for the first five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Maintenance items and damage caused by general wear and tear are not covered by warranty. Additional situations not covered by warranty include damage due to unauthorized repairs, accidental damage, or damage due to insufficient maintenance. These situations are detailed in your warranty handbook. Powertrain Warranty The powertrain includes your engine, transmission, transaxles, axles, differentials, and propeller shafts. These are the most expensive and complex systems in your vehicle, and they are essential for your vehicle to be able to drive. These systems are covered for ten years or 120,000 miles for the original owner. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ If you sell your Kia, the warranty on the powertrain isn't transferrable. In this circumstance, the powertrain is covered for any remaining portion of the basic warranty. Certain circumstances and situations that might occur are not covered by warranty, and their details are specified in your warranty handbook. Adjustment Coverage Service adjustments are any changes or alternations that don't require replacement parts. This includes adjusting seatbelts, car belts, cables, levers, or pedals. These and any other adjustments will be performed at no charge for the first year or 12,000 miles. Battery Coverage Your original battery is protected by warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles. If the battery fails due to a warranty-related issue, it will be replaced at no charge. Audio/Entertainment System Coverage Your stereo, CD player, DVD player, and navigation system are protected for three years or 36,000 miles. Brake and Clutch Linings Coverage Your brake pads, shoes, and clutch linings are all protected for one year or 12,000 miles under normal usage. These components gradually wear out as they work, and this type of damage is not covered by warranty. Paint Your car paint consists of several layers to enhance the color. The final layer is a clear coat that protects the color against fading. If your paint suffers from chipping, discoloration, fading, or flaking during the first three years or 36,000 miles, this situation will be corrected at a Kia dealer. If you'd like to know more about your warranty, contact us today at Burns Kia in Orangeburg, SC.