Blog

If you have a teen driver in your house, you probably worry every time they get behind the wheel. You also probably remember your own teen driving experiences, and they may not help ease your mind. Teens simply don't have much driving experience, and that may be the most worrisome. Well, here's a list of five safety tips every teen should know. Don't Drink and Drive This may be the most obvious of tips, and it's hopefully one your teenager doesn't need. Yet teenagers are under lots of pressure to do things they aren't supposed to do. They may also not know when they've had too much to drink. Teenagers are clever, and they often find ways to get alcohol. Teach them to never drink and drive... not even a sip. If they take a sip and drive, they are more likely to take two sips the next time and then two drinks. And where does it end? more Some parents encourage their teen driver to call them for a ride if they've been drinking. They would rather deal with the underage drinking issue than an arrest or an accident. Don't Use Your Cell Phone Many states have made it illegal to text and drive. That's your beginning argument. The distraction of a call or text can be fatal. It only takes a couple of seconds to drift into another lane. Teens have less driving experience, and they may not even feel the car drifting. Many things in life are critical to a teenager, and in a world that craves instant gratification, not replying to a text or picking up a call might seem life-altering to them. Teach them to stop the car if they need to talk or text. Crashing their car is the truly life-altering event. Take Driver Education Courses Every state, county, and even most high schools now have driver education courses. Insurance companies provide rate discounts to people who have completed them. These courses offer a solid foundation on which to build good driving habits. Use Statistical Reinforcement Teenagers often think themselves invincible or that an accident could never happen to them. Statistics say that 48% of teen car crashes result in injuries to the other vehicle's passengers and that 28% of those injuries result in death. So, even if the driver does not get injured, they could be the cause of another fatality. Do a little research. Bring up these numbers, pictures, and anything else that might drive the point home. Don't Speed Teach your teen to always observe the speed limit. There are systems now that can be installed in the car to monitor speed. Install one of these systems, and revoke driving privileges should the driver break the rules. It's a parent's job to prepare their children for life as an adult. That includes driving responsibly. Start early, well before they want to drive, and teach them the rules of the road. Set a good example, too. If you're a reckless driver, your child will likely emulate you. Image via pixabay.com

Order Parts! Technology is a wonderful thing. We can remotely start our cars, turn off the lights while away from home, and even program our television at home to record our favorite program while we're on vacation. But what happens when technology fails? Well, if it's your Kia's key fob that dies, don't panic. Here's all you need to do to get your Sorento started. What is a Key Fob? Many people have a key fob and aren't really sure what it is. They may call it their wireless key, or remote starter, or something similar. In reality, it is a key fob. Most car makers started using some version of the key fob decades ago, and so the term is used quite often in the automobile industry. If you have a car built later than 2010, you almost certainly have a key fob. Key fobs are electronic devices that contain wireless technology to deliver signals to your vehicle. They will unlock the doors, start the engine, activate your heated seats, or even regulate your car's interior temperature. So when you're key fob doesn't work, what do you do? Check The Battery When the key fob stops working, more than likely, the battery that powers your key fob is the culprit. Key fobs usually use a watch-size battery that is cleverly concealed within their casing. You can pry the key fob apart with a small screwdriver or key and replace the battery fairly easily yourself. more It is a good idea to find out what kind of batteries they take, and have one on hand, either at home or in your glove box. The batteries are inexpensive, ranging from $5-$25, and will save you some hassle if you have them on hand. Finding them is easy enough. Your Kia dealer should have them in stock. You can also find them in hardware stores, grocery stores, and other retailers. Be sure you get the right type. Many of these batteries look the same, but are different in their voltage output. Use the Smart Key The Kia Sorento, prior to 2014, has specific instructions to follow to help you get your car started. There is a slot inside the center console that you insert your smart key into in the event the battery in your key fob is dead. Once the key's been inserted, simply depress the brake pedal and push the start/stop button, and your vehicle will start. If it doesn't, your car's battery is most likely dead. For models made after 2014, the process has been made even easier. There is no slot. Simply press the start/stop button with your key fob while depressing the brake, and your vehicle should start right up. If it doesn't, you might have a dead car battery. Technology is certainly a blessing for us all. No matter how it is implemented though, or where it's applied, there are always areas where it fails. Everyone should know what to do when their key fob fails, and prepare accordingly. Follow the tips above and you'll be right back on the road if it ever happens to you. Contact us online today for more useful automotive tips and tricks! Shop the Kia Sorento

So you've just bought a new car and you're wondering what steps you should take to keep it properly maintained. Fortunately, it's easy to recognize that there's a problem when you know what to look for. Let's discuss the signs that indicate your car needs repair. You Can't Feel the Air Since the air conditioner is a frequently used car component, it's subject to a lot of wear and tear. If there's an issue with your car's air conditioner, you'll notice that it is putting out less air, warm air instead of cool air, or no air at all. You might also notice that the air conditioner is louder or rattles when it's turned on. If you notice an odd smell when you turn on the air conditioner, that's another sign that something's wrong. Finally, be on the lookout for water pooling on the floor of the car when the air conditioner is running. more These air conditioning issues can be caused by a wide range of factors, from mold buildup to a toasted ventilation fan to a hose that's just come loose. Your car's compressor could be worn out and may need to be replaced. Another possible cause is a blockage in the air conditioner's drain. You See a Flashing Light Most drivers, at one time or another, have seen their check engine light come on while they're driving. If you see this light illuminate, it's usually nothing to panic about. Often, it's something as simple as a loose gas cap. However, if the check engine light is flashing you should get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. A flashing check engine light indicates a serious problem with the engine that if not attended to can render your car undriveable. One issue that could cause the check engine light to flash is a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor. Your car's engine needs a specific mix of air and fuel to properly function. A bad sensor can cause an improper mixture. Another cause is a misfiring engine. If your car's engine is misfiring it can cause damage to the catalytic converters and could even lead to your car catching on fire. You See Smoke You should never, ever see smoke coming from the hood of your car. If you see smoke while you're driving, you should pull over as soon as possible and have your car towed to a repair shop. Smoke indicates that your engine is overheated and continuing to drive can cause serious damage. One way to avoid this potential issue is to keep an eye on your car's temperature gauge. If the temperature starts to go up, you should have your car checked out to see what is causing the increase. Excessive smoke coming from the exhaust system is another sign that your car needs maintenance or repair. Hopefully, you've found this information helpful. If you pay attention to these signs, you can keep your car running like brand-new. Stay safe and enjoy the ride! Image by drewgstephens via CC BY-SA 2.0

The Kia Optima is a quality midsize sedan that has gained high praise from sources like U.S. News & World Report and Car and Driver. If you've settled on this make and model, you can rest assured that you've picked a fantastic vehicle known for its fuel efficiency, drivability, and comforts. The next step in your shopping experience is to pick a trim that's best for your needs. We've outlined the options below to help you decide on the right 2019 Kia Optima model. LX The LX is the base Kia model with the lowest MSRP. This option starts at $22,990 and is available in six colors. You always have two choices for the interior: brown or black cloth. The LX gets 185 horsepower out of a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine. The LX gets 25 miles per gallon in city and 35 on the highway. All 2019 Optima powertrains have a dual continuously variable valve timing transmission. more While every trim has a touch screen, the LX starts with a basic 8-inch display and UVO play. You can upgrade this to the next level and, while it's the same size, it comes with UVO link and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. S The S is one of two midlevel trims and starts at $24,990. This model is available in five exterior colors and comes with sport black cloth seats. The S gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway. Finally, this trim comes standard with UVO link and SiriusXM Satellite Radio coupled with an 8-inch touch screen. EX The EX is the next trim level, starting at $26,890. It's available in seven colors, including the exclusive titanium silver. You have your choice of either gray or black leather. The EX runs on a turbocharged 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 1-4 that gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 37 on the highway. This powertrain delivers 178 horsepower. This is the only trim that runs on a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All others have a six-speed automatic transmission. The EX comes standard with the same touch screen as the S. However, you have the option to upgrade to a system that includes voice command navigation and additional SiriusXM capabilities. SX The SX is the premium trim with an MSRP of $31,990. In exchange for a starting higher price, you get an Optima loaded with features. It starts with five choices for the exterior color and five for the interior seats: bronze Nappa leather, red leather, black Nappa leather, aubergine Nappa leather, and black leather. The SX runs on a turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine 1-4 that gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. This top-rated engine delivers 245 horsepower. The SX gets a premium touch screen as a standard feature. This display has an 8-inch screen with voice command navigation and SiriusXM Traffic and HD Radio. The Kia Optima is an exceptional vehicle that's earned its praise. While you now have a better idea of what each trim offers, it's worth shopping for the right Optima in person in order to select the best vehicle for you. Visit Burns Kia to test drive your favorites today.

The 2019 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV, and despite its size, it's got a surprising amount of utility. This is only one factor that elevates this vehicle over others in its class. These are four reasons why you'll love driving a Kia Sportage. Utility Compact vehicles usually don't have much utility, but the new Sportage changes things. Though it's not as powerful as a full-size SUV, it's still got ample space. With the seats up, you've got 30.7 cubic feet of cargo volume to work with. You can lower the back seats to access double that amount at 60.1 cubic feet of space. The convenience of ample room in a compact SUV is nice, but this isn't the only way the Sportage delivers in terms of functionality. This vehicle offers a max towing capacity of 1,650 pounds, which is great news for families who like to travel with luggage, kayaks, or a small trailer. more Fuel Efficiency Fuel efficiency is another area where most SUVs don't stand out. Yet again, the Sportage goes against convention with an economic engine compared to others in its class. This Kia boasts up to 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. This is possible on the front-wheel drive LX, which has a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4. The EX has the same engine, but the front-wheel drive model delivers slightly less efficiency at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway. Finally, the premium SX Turbo has the most powerful engine and gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway. Power The Sportage has two engines: the 2.4-liter in the LX and EX and a turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 exclusive to the SX Turbo. All engines have an automatic transmission and come standard with front-wheel drive. Regardless of the trim, you can upgrade to an available four-wheel drive powertrain. A locking center differential is optional on all trims. The LX and EX front and all-wheel drive models gain 181 horsepower. The SX Turbo front-wheel drive gets 240 horsepower and 237 as an all-wheel drive vehicle. Plush Interior and Stylish Exterior The Sportage looks thrilling inside and out. Occupants are kept comfortable on quality seating materials, though options vary depending on the trim you select. The LX has either black or gray woven cloth seats. With the EX, you can pick a black, gray, or cool gray leather interior. The SX also has black leather, or you can upgrade to beige or gray leather. The exterior also has a range of color choices, including eight on the LX and SX Turbo and 11 on the EX. The EX has three special paint jobs that go with this trim's exclusive Sport Appearance Package. Don't let its size fool you. The Kia Sportage is powerful and economic for its class, delivers an exceptional driving experience, and is fun to customize. Check out the latest models at Burns Kia and stop by for more information about this compact SUV.

Orangeburg is loaded with delicious places to eat, and if you crave Italian, you're especially in for a treat. There are many local eateries that specialize in this type of cuisine. Check out these restaurants specializing in pizza, risotto, and other Italian foods. Villa Tronco From the 19th century building its housed in to its traditional Italian fare, Villa Tronco stands out as a particularly romantic eatery. The menu is loaded with tasty entrees, including classics like tomato sauce and cheese pizza and linguine with clam sauce. There are also a few unique specialty items, including Carmella's Famous Cheesecake and salads tossed in their special Villa Tronco dressing. The restaurant is also known for its generous slices of pizza. more Villa Tronco is in neighboring Columbia at 1213 Blanding St. It's open Tuesday through Friday for lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday for dinner from 5-10 p.m. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday. Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant is another exceptional option if you're looking for a charming location to take your loved one to. This eatery has been in business since 1979, and in that time, it's become a local favorite known for its wonderful ambiance and equally fantastic food. The menu features Italian staples like chicken parmigiana and paradelle Bolognese, as well as a rotating selection of chef's specials. Al's Upstairs Italian Restaurant can be found at 300 Meeting St. in nearby West Columbia. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m. Original House of Pizza Original House of Pizza is another spot that's been in business for a long time. The restaurant has operated as a family business since 1981. It's also the perfect balance between intimate and convenient. You can make a reservation to ensure you get a table during peak hours, or you can place a takeout order to enjoy at home or work. On the menu, you'll find appetizers, salads, and dozens of options for pizza, Stromboli dishes, calzones, and more. Original House of Pizza is in Orangeburg at 591 John C. Calhoun Drive. It's open at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday. However, the restaurant closes at 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. DE Mara's Italian Restaurant Just outside of Orangeburg in Sumter is a superb Italian restaurant known for its casual atmosphere. It's excellent food, large portions, and prices that attract so many people to this eatery. Sandwiches and classic Italian options, like pizza, are on the menu. You can find DE Mara's Italian Restaurant at 2070 Peach Orchard Road. It's open during the week from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., although it stays open an extra half hour every Friday. Saturday hours are from 4:30-9:30 p.m., and Sunday hours are from noon-5:30 p.m. Orangeburg has several memorable Italian restaurants, and you'll find even more in nearby towns, like Columbia and Augusta. This gives you ample options for affordable, quick-serve spots, as well as upscale eateries and everything in between. Check out the above restaurants the next time you're craving quality Italian food. Image by Melissakis, H. via CC BY 2.0

Looking for the perfect way to spend a date night around the Orangeburg, South Carolina area? Whether you are looking for a traditional night of romance, a fun and exciting night out, or a unique and thrilling experience, the Orangeburg area has plenty of places to plan a good date night. Wine and Design If your idea of a great night is relaxing and enjoying some wine with your loved one, why not step it up a notch by trying a wine sampling and painting class at Wine and Design. There are multiple classes to choose from, and you will not only have an amazing night making masterpieces but making unforgettable memories with your loved one as well. The one- to two-hour classes include everything that you would need for the perfect evening of wine sampling and painting, including a painting guide to help you realize your potential. more Nickelodeon Theater Founded in 1979 by students at the University of Columbia, the Nickelodeon Theater was created as a place for enjoyment, enrichment, and education. It serves as a place for film lovers to enjoy everything from independent films in their first run, to curated series, to one-off screenings that have an impact on the community. Not only can you enjoy snuggling up with your loved one to watch a unique film screening, but you also can engage in the banter of community members and speakers as they discuss the film. If you are looking to plan a one-of-a-kind date night in the future, check out the theater during the Indie Grits Film Festival, which showcases the best in Southern do-it-yourself films and culture. Escape Plan Columbia If you are looking for a fun and adventurous date night that takes you a little outside of the box, you can schedule your date at the Escape Plan Columbia. Each room gives you 60 minutes to find clues and solve codes and puzzles to escape the room. These experiences can be great to enjoy as a couple as well as make the perfect double and group date option. There are multiple rooms to choose from including: Mutiny - Your goal is to take over Captain Roberts' ship and raise your flag before you are caught. The perfect choice for action lovers. Espionage - In this room, the CIA will enlist your skills to help stop a spy intent on destroying the city. You will need to first escape the spy's office and work the clues to aid in your plan. Floor 23 - Find out what is behind the strange activity occurring on the elevator to the 23rd floor and how to escape. This game is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic. The Woody If you are looking for a night of dancing, great music, and interesting people-watching, you can take your date down to The Woody. Weekend sets usually include new age and club mixes, but throughout the week other genres are played as well. The cover is only $5, and the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Create the perfect date night in the Orangeburg area by checking out one of the stops listed above. Image by josh.greentree via CC BY-SA 2.0

In today's busy world, sometimes you need to take a break and hit the links. If you happen to be in South Carolina, you couldn't ask for a better selection of world-class golf courses. We've put together this short list of our favorites to help you get started. Harbour Town Golf Links Imagine losing yourself in the game with the sound of the water lapping at the shore just behind you, while a striking red-and-white lighthouse towers over the course. This is the picturesque reality of golfing at Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort. The course has been selected as a favorite by multiple PGA players. The holes reward finesse and subtlety, as opposed to sheer strength, and the careful golfer will find a lot to enjoy in these pleasant surroundings. Interestingly, the course has been recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, adding to its unique appeal. more The Ocean Course Put your skills to the test at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, regularly recognized as one of the toughest courses in the country. The Ocean Course has hosted PGA tournaments, UBS Cups, and Ryder Cup Matches, and it will serve as the home of the 2021 PGA Championship. However, you don't necessarily have to be a pro to golf here. You can reserve a tee time on the course's web site, giving yourself the chance to try your luck at 10 challenging holes situated directly against the Atlantic Ocean, with the remaining eight holes not far from the water. Dunes Golf and Beach Club Visit scenic Myrtle Beach to find the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, an exclusive organization that rewards its members with some of the best golfing in the state. The course has seen occasional renovations since its inception in 1947, but its essential design has withstood the passage of time. Golfing here is traditionally limited to the club's 750 permanent members, but you can also get access to the links by staying at an associated Member Hotel or purchasing a golf package. Don't miss your chance to try your hand at playing here; you won't regret your time spent swinging your clubs in these peaceful surroundings. Wild Dunes Resort Links Course Oceanside fairways, rolling tussocks of carefully trimmed greenery, and a course studded with palm trees await the traveling golfer who ventures to the Wild Dunes Resort Links Course. This is a well-balanced course in a remarkably beautiful environment, and the 18 holes here will provide a healthy challenge for players of all skill levels. This was the first course designed by Tom Fazio, and it's reputed to still rank among his favorites. In addition to playing on the course itself, practicing golfers can use a driving range, chipping area, and putting green on the premises. These four courses are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to South Carolina's golfing destinations. Almost everywhere you go along the coast, you'll find courses that will beguile your senses and test your skills. Image by danperry.com via CC BY 2.0

If you've been driving the same car for a long time, you've gotten used to how it brakes, where the controls are, and how it handles. When it comes time to trade in your old vehicle for a new one, you might feel some apprehension about learning everything you need to know about your new car. Fortunately, by keeping these tips in mind, you'll be feeling comfortable behind the wheel of your new vehicle in no time. more Adjust the Mirrors One of the first things you'll likely notice when you get in your new vehicle is that the mirrors are in slightly different positions, which will give you a different view around the vehicle. To make sure you feel comfortable driving your new vehicle, take some time to adjust the mirrors properly. Your rearview mirror should give you a complete view of the back window without needing to move your head. For the best view using your side mirrors, you should see a small section of the side of your car, and the horizon should be in the middle of the mirror. Learn the Brakes Every vehicle has a different feel and response time when it comes to braking. You'll feel more comfortable in your new vehicle when you have a better idea of how much pressure you need to apply to the brake pedal to get the vehicle to slow down. To get used to braking, make sure you leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Also, when you're approaching stopped traffic, don't wait until the last minute to start braking. Familiarize Yourself With the Controls Before you start driving your new vehicle, take some time to learn where all the controls are. Make sure you know how to turn on the windshield wipers, headlights, and hazard lights. If your vehicle has an infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, such as the Kia Optima, be sure your smartphone is properly connected. Finally, don't forget the little details, like knowing which side of the vehicle has the fuel tank door. Get Used to New Handling Along with braking response time, your new vehicle's handling will also feel different until you get used to it. Part of the reason new cars have a different feel is because the tires have a thin, oil-like coating that's a result of new rubber and a release agent on the tire mold. This coating takes time to wear off, so you'll want to use extra care when driving, especially during wet weather. Take it Easy The best way to feel comfortable driving your new car is to simply take it easy when you're on the road. Avoid fast accelerations and sudden stops until you have a better idea of how your vehicle will react. Within a few weeks, it will feel like second nature when you're driving your new car. Getting the behind the wheel of your new vehicle doesn't have to feel daunting when you keep these helpful tips in mind.   Image by State Farm, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

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. more 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. 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. 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. 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

Believe it or not, your car's tire pressure monitoring system is a life-saving feature that all cars built after Sept. 1, 2007 must have. The first vehicle to feature a tire pressure monitoring system was the Porsche 959 in 1986. Today, the TREAD Act mandates that all automakers include the feature on every vehicle made to warn drivers that they are driving a vehicle with improperly inflated tires. After the debut of tire pressure monitoring system by Porsche, many high-end vehicle lineups began including these systems. Additional automakers began phasing the life-saving feature into their lineups during 2005. Shortly after the United States began requiring tire pressure monitoring systems in all new vehicles in 2007, a similar law passed in the European Union. Below are 5 reasons why the system is so important and why you should never ignore your car's tire pressure monitoring system. more Make Your Ride Smoother When your tires are properly filled, your ride is much smoother. Underinflated tires are a leading cause for a bumpy ride. Your tire pressure monitoring system lets you know when you need to add air, so your tires are always at the proper pounds per square inch. The difference in the quality of your driving experience when your tires are properly inflated is significant. Get Better Gas Mileage No matter what vehicle you drive, properly filled tires help you get better gas mileage in the city and on the highway. This is a great reason to pay attention to your tire pressure monitoring system. When your tire pressure monitoring system light appears, pull over at the closest gas station or rest stop. Then, add or remove air until all of your tires are at the correct pounds per square inch. Extend the Life of Your Tires Driving on tires that do not have enough air is a major cause of tread wear. Thus, you are able to extend the life of your tires by filling them properly. The tread on over-inflated tires usually wears prematurely in the middle, while under-inflation causes wearing on the outside of the tread. Furthermore, you are less likely to damage your car's tires when you correctly fill all four. Prevent Blowout Debris from Damaging Your Car A blowout is one of the scariest experiences a motorist can have, especially if the failure occurs at a high rate of speed or on a wet road during stormy weather. Luckily, since the leading cause of tire blowouts is underinflated tires, your tire pressure monitoring system is great at predicting a future blowout. The moment your tire blows, you may hear a loud pop followed by an immediate loss of most, if not all, of your tire's air. Depending on where you are driving, this could leave you in a very dangerous position. Blowouts Cause Fatal Accidents Improperly filled tires cause many fatal car accidents. In fact, it is a leading cause of auto-related fatalities around the world. You are taking a huge risk if you ignore your car's tire pressure monitoring system. Lawmakers passed the TREAD Act to protect you from such danger. So, never ignore your tire pressure monitoring system. "Flat Tire" by The Tire Zoo, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

Deciding whether you should purchase an extended service plan for your Kia is a big decision. However, by knowing some basic information about the plans, you are better able to make an informed decision. So, below you'll find a list of key things to consider before you buy. more What is an Extended Service Plan? Extended service plans offered by dealerships can provide more peace of mind to drivers by adding protection after your standard vehicle warranty expires. Warranties cover different systems in your vehicle for a specified period of time or up to a certain mileage. All new Kias come with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance package, and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. These warranties cover most of the workmanship and parts on your vehicle. If something goes wrong with your vehicle during the warranty, the dealer fixes the covered items for you free of charge. However, these warranties are only effective for the specified period and you cannot extend them. So, if you want added protection at the end of your warranty or if you are buying a used vehicle, you may purchase an extended service package. Who Should Buy an Extended Vehicle Service Plan? You have some important facts to take into account when you consider buying an extended service plan. Some people really benefit from the purchase, while other people literally throw their money away when they "invest" in peace-of-mind. So, how do you know when you should buy a plan? Well, it is not as difficult as you may think to determine if a service plan is right for you. If you are purchasing a brand new Kia and you do not plan to keep your car for more than 5 years/60,000 miles, there is really no reason to spend the extra money. However, if you are purchasing a used Kia with higher mileage and no warranty, an extended service plan is an excellent choice that gives you the confidence to hit the open road and live life to the fullest. Basically, the older your car is and the longer you plan to own your vehicle, the more beneficial an extended service plan becomes. You may not know how long you plan to keep your car, but you need an educated estimate to make the correct choice. What Does an Extended Service Plan Cover? Each plan has differences in the fine print. Some, like the roadside assistance package that comes standard with every new Kia, offer free roadside assistance. Others cover tires, rims, glass, paint chips, and more. There are plans that require you to pay a deductible when you make a claim for repairs and others that allow you to drop your car off for a covered repair without paying a penny out of pocket. When it comes down to it, you are the only person who can decide if buying an extended service plan for your Kia is the correct decision. However, by weighing the pros and cons you will know what is right for you, your family, and your Kia. "Kia" by James Case, Licensed via CC BY 2.0