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Looking for a new car can be incredibly overwhelming. There are so many different models, sizes, safety features, and entertainment systems to sift through, but with a little bit of research and planning, it doesn't have to be so daunting. more Set a Budget One of the first things you should do before you even start looking at cars is to consider how much you are able to spend. There's no point in walking into a luxury dealership if you know your budget is $20,000 or less. Consider Your Needs The first thing you should do is make a list of the things you absolutely need in your new vehicle. If you have a family of six, a five-seater is not going to work. Consider how many seats you'll need, how much cargo space you want, and whether you need a car that's great on fuel or can tow a trailer for your family vacations. Think about what you'll be using your new vehicle for. Is it for work or for pleasure? Will you be taking it off-road? Try to consider all of the ways in which you'll be using the vehicle and what the car will need in order for you to accomplish those tasks. Consider your Options If you fall in love with a particular car, be sure to look at all of the other vehicles in that class so that you make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. You may even realize that you can get all of the same features from the car that you love plus more space at a lower price from another car company. For instance, if you're interested in the Volkswagen Tiguan, you may want to look at the Honda CR-V or the Kia Sportage to get many of the same features for a fraction of the price. Look at the Running Costs Once you know what type of vehicle you want, compare the running costs of each of the vehicles in that class. You might be able to afford the monthly payments for a higher end car or a big truck, but how much will you spend each month on fuel? What will the insurance payments be for that vehicle? These sort of hidden costs could end up costing you a lot more money in the long run. Go for a Test Drive Once you've created your short list of vehicles, get behind the wheel of each one. Head to your nearby dealership and take them for a drive. You won't really know if the car is right for you until you take it around the block, sit in the back seat and see how much space there is, and open the trunk to see what fits. This is also a good time to speak to the salesperson about what the best price is for each vehicle. You might be able to get a great deal on a car that has a higher MSRP simply by asking. Buying a car doesn't have to be daunting. Take it step-by-step and ask lots of questions so that you know exactly what you're driving off the lot. "2015 Kia Forte" by James Case, licensed via CC BY 2.0

If you're like millions of other people, you probably cringe with anxiety when you're approaching a construction site in your new Kia. As you drive over that gravel or newly paved road, you just know you're going to end up with tar on your shiny new paint job. One way or another, tar will probably find its way onto your vehicle's surface where it sticks like Elmer's Glue in a kindergarten classroom. Fortunately, with the right products, and some good pointers, you can wipe it away. These are four top tips from your friends at Burns Kia for removing tar from your paint job. more Gather Your Tools and Supplies To get started on this little project you'll need to gather up some tools and supplies.  We suggest tar remover, which is available in the auto supply stores. You can also use the following; WD-40, Goo Gone, or gasoline. Research and review the product that will work best for your vehicle. Also, gather some soft cloths and protective gloves. Choose a shaded area, such as your garage that is well ventilated. Apply the Chosen Remover Commercial products like tar remover, WD40, or Goo Gone will work best, but rumor has it there are also some everyday products, like gasoline, or peanut butter, that will do the job and remove tar from your car. See what you have available and apply your chosen product to the area on your car's body that was splattered with tar. If using anything but tar remover made specifically for removing tar, you will need to let the product sit on the tar for a minute or two. Wipe it Clean Make sure you don't use any abrasive cloths as they may scratch the surface of the paint making the situation much worse. Wait patiently for the product to do its job. Then wipe the area gently with a soft cloth. Do not rub vigorously or you could damage your paint job. If the tar didn't come off, re-apply the product or choose a new one. Unfortunately some types of tar are more difficult than others to remove, and the freshness of the tar and the temperature outside can affect the difficulty of removal. So the lesson is, be patient and try again. Wash and Inspect Your Car Once you remove the tar, look around for any other tar splashes you might have missed that also need to be removed. Then wipe the surface to remove any leftover residue from the removal product you applied. Leaving the product on for a long time could damage the paint job and cause discoloration, so don't leave it on too long. If for some reason the tar won't come off, take it to your dealership for advice. Then, wash your car thoroughly, because it's always nice to have a clean, shiny car. Your car is a big investment, and keeping both the outside and inside in like-new condition will help maintain its value. Therefore, It's important to look over your car periodically and be proactive in repairing and minimizing damage. Bring your car in routinely to the service professionals at Burns Kia to assure yourself that your vehicle will last as long as possible.   Image via Flickr by James Case

If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, you probably spend a lot of time trying to make your home as allergy friendly as possible. However, many people often forget to put the same effort into their cars. Typically what someone that suffers from allergies does is leave the car windows rolled up and set the ventilation system to recirculate. This does help, but there are also other ways to alleviate the symptoms. Burns Kia wants you to feel healthy and happy in your car. Here are three car care tips for allergy sufferers. more Remove Your Shoes You probably remove your shoes in your home to minimize allergens, and the same rule applies to your car. Whenever possible remove your shoes when you get in the car and put them in a sealed plastic bag. Shoes and outwear are the main way that allergens are often brought in from the outdoors. Have your kids remove their cleats when getting in the car after soccer practice and take off your coat before driving home. Keep these items in a separate area, like the trunk, until you get home. Watch Out for Mold Mold is always a big problem for allergy sufferers. Typically we aren't as careful with cleaning up spills in our vehicle as we are with our home, and this can lead to mold. Always clean up messes on the carpet and upholstery as soon as possible and do a thorough job. The surfaces need to be dry. Also, periodically look at the weather stripping around your car doors and windows to make sure it's intact. This will help prevent mold from forming by keeping the inside of your car dry. Placing rubber mats on the floors can also help reduce moisture buildup by protecting your carpets and making it easier to clean up any spills. Vacuum Often Unless you have leather or vinyl seats, dust mites can infiltrate your car upholstery as easily as they can your mattress at home. Be sure to vacuum your car seats on a regular basis to help remove dust mites, their waste, and the material they eat. It's best to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and minimize your exposure while you're cleaning. Did you know that many newer vehicles now have HEPA air filters built right into their heating and cooling systems? This can really help remove allergens as they circulate through the car air. If your vehicle has these, it's a good idea to have them checked and replaced on a regular basis. From the morning commute to a weekend of fun activities, most of us spend significant time in our cars. In fact, many people spend hours a day in their vehicle, so it's important to keep as allergy-free as possible. Removing your outwear when riding in the car, immediately and thoroughly cleaning up spills, vacuuming often, and replacing your air filters will all surely help reduce allergens. Image by yashima, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0

Driving in high winds is much less challenging for those in smaller cars, such as Kias, than those in SUVs and other larger vehicles. It can still be dangerous, however. You share the road with other drivers, after all, and roadside hazards are always a factor. You should take windy driving conditions seriously. more Watch for Larger Vehicles Even if you're having minimal difficulties keeping your car in your own lane, other vehicles may not be as fortunate. High-sided vehicles, such as trucks, can easily lose control when hit by a strong gust of wind. Watch for trucks that can't seem to keep a straight line, and be sure to give them a wide berth. Some truck drivers are better than others, plus their differing rigs and cargo weights can make certain runs more challenging than others. Be especially vigilant around any RVs and cars or trucks pulling travel trailers. Driving these vehicles doesn't require a commercial driver's license, yet they are just as dangerous in high winds as those that professionals drive. Keep an eye out for trailer sway, wandering outside of lanes, and other warning signs. Stay Alert Don't fix your gaze on the car ahead. Instead, constantly monitor your side mirrors and rearview. Most importantly, look for debris on the road's surface ahead and watch the sides of the road for any branches or other hazards that can enter your path. Check the trees on the side of the road for an indication of how bad the wind is — since it's easy to lose track when you have all your windows up. Also be watchful for other drivers. If you see a car or truck that's struggling to stay in their lane, keep your distance. The best driver in the world can still become involved in an accident if someone else loses control. Keep Both Hands on the Wheel This may seem like an obvious one. However, without even thinking about it, we often tend to use one hand to steer and the other to fiddle with controls or hold a coffee cup. A strong gust can easily pull the steering wheel to one side, so always use both hands and keep a firm grip when things get windy. Slow Down It's tempting to speed up so you get to your destination (and the safety it provides) more quickly, but this can be a bad idea. It's easier to maintain control at lower speeds. Plus, wind can push you from behind, causing unexpected acceleration. You may even consider stopping completely — by finding a safe place to pull over and wait out the storm. Keep Your Distance Collisions only occur when someone (or something) gets too close. Avoid the lane that's closest to the side of the road and the hazards it can introduce. Don't ride next to other drivers. Instead, adopt a "staggered" pattern in case someone gets blown into a neighboring lane. Try to keep empty space around you on all sides. Driving in high winds can be hazardous. Stay mindful of other drivers and your surroundings. If you play it safe, you'll get to your destination in one piece.   Image via Flickr by I_nJ0I

The endless forms (and their six-point-font fine print) can make car financing a daunting experience. It's tempting to sign whatever is shoved in front of you, grab those keys, and start enjoying your purchase. Beware! Bad auto financing decisions can follow you around for years. Fortunately, many common mistakes can be avoided. more Going the Path of Least Resistance It's all too easy to accept whatever financing company the seller recommends. They're likely getting kickbacks for setting up these loans, so it's to their advantage to provide a loan service. It may not be the best option for you, however. Instead of waiting for the day of purchase, secure financing beforehand. Check with banks or credit unions you already have a relationship with, such as the one that's providing your mortgage or your current auto loan. Falling into the "Hidden Fees" Trap The sticker price isn't all you pay when you buy a car. You'll also need to pay for the tags, sales tax, and any closing costs. A fee is also required to file the car's title. Some dealerships may mark these up, so be sure to ask before you sign. One particularly dangerous trap is the "document fee" typically tacked on to the loan. This fee covers the costs of filling out, processing, and filing paperwork associated with the purchase. The fee is a common way for sellers to inflate costs without your knowledge. Ask about these types of fees, and get an "out-the-door" price in writing before you commit. Not Using Your Bargaining Power Remember that prices aren't set in stone. Dealerships price their vehicles to allow for some wiggle room when buyers want to haggle. If you see a great price in print or online, grab a screenshot or something else you can present in person. Give your local dealership a chance to match (or beat) that price. You'd be surprised at the flexibility they can offer. If you've got your own financing set up already, don't let on about it. Your salesperson will probably assume that you'll go with their in-house loan company. The kickback they'll expect out of the loan will factor into their numbers as they bargain with you. Once you get a price in writing, that's when you'll cheerfully announce that you already have a loan from your own source. Refusing to Walk Away You're the customer. The dealership depends on your business. Never buy a car at the last minute, and always have a backup plan in mind. This allows you to do the most important thing — turn around and leave. Don't be unreasonable in your expectations, but be sure to get a deal that you'll be happy with in the years to come. The last thing you want is to feel regret every time you get behind the wheel of your shiny new car. Buying a new car is already a stressful experience, and securing a loan only adds more pressure. By doing your homework in advance and going in with a confident mindset, you can get a loan that will satisfy both you and the dealership.   Image via Flickr by perzonseo

Whether you're preparing for a road trip or just going through a routine cleaning, your vehicle's interior is the key to an enjoyable ride. A quality car vacuum is, therefore, an essential tool — one that's worth careful research. So how do you know which model is right for you? Here are three tips to help you find the best vacuum for your budget. more Consider Your Unique Needs Do you have a large family, or do you carpool with coworkers on the weekdays? Do you spend your weekends camping or mudding? Your lifestyle will largely dictate the right vacuum for you, so consider that first. The importance of every other vacuum feature covered in this list — weight, tank capacity, and corded or cordless — will depend on how much work you'll need out of the unit.   You should also prioritize your needs and be prepared to nix the features on the bottom of your list to help meet your budget. For example, if mobility is a top concern, consider compromising on tank capacity or suction power to find something in your price range.   A good starting point for your research is to look at top brands. From there, you'll want to narrow your search by reviewing the pros and cons of whatever models capture your interest. Check the Weight and Tank Capacity A lighter vacuum is typically ideal for a car, especially if you plan on doing spot cleaning on the road. Another option is a unit that you'll keep in the garage. Either way, the weight and tank capacity are critical. A larger tank typically means a heavier unit, and smaller tanks afford greater maneuverability and portability — but you will have to empty the tank more frequently.   If you plan to clean up immediately when a spill occurs, a smaller and more mobile machine is your best bet. If you're looking for a unit capable of a seasonal deep clean, something heavier and with a larger tank is a better choice. Regardless of weight, a 5- to 8-gallon tank should work for frequent cleanings. A larger capacity is useful for a big family or an infrequent vacuumer. Decide: Corded or Cordless? If you're leaning toward a corded model, consider the length of the cord and whether this is a viable option for your needs. Some are cheaper and allow for greater power (and you won't have to worry about battery life), but you won't be able to use these without a place to plug them in.   Another option is to pick up a corded vacuum and an adapter to run it through your car's electric system. Carefully check reviews for firsthand information regarding battery life and power if you prefer a cordless model. A 12-volt model is powerful enough to thoroughly clean a car. Pick the Perfect Vacuum The two best sources to help inform your decision are user reviews and personal experience. Read several reviews and personal accounts regarding the vacuums you're interested in and, if possible, check out your favorite models in person. This is the best way to know if a unit will suit your needs, so visit some local shops before you commit to your next car vacuum!   Image via Flickr by Marina

Most drivers know how important engine oil is, but what distinguishes modern engine oil from those of the past may not be common knowledge. It can be easy to assume that issues affecting older engines still apply today. Before performing a DIY oil change or visiting a mechanic for scheduled maintenance, learn about these four modern engine oil myths and the truth behind them. more Myth #1: Mixing in Additives Will Improve Your Vehicle's Performance It's true that oil additives can improve your vehicle's performance, but you probably don't need to add them yourself. The misconception is that you need to add additional material to your vehicle's recommended oil to get the promised performance results.   Check your owner's manual. Unless you have a high-performance engine or other unique need, the oils recommended there will be all that's necessary to achieve optimal performance. This is because many modern oils already have the additives needed to boost your car's performance by optimizing the oil's viscosity index or keeping the engine sludge-free. Yes, additives will improve your vehicle's performance. No, you shouldn't need to mix them in yourself. Myth #2: Synthetic Oils Cause Leaks Some drivers may want to work exclusively with petroleum-based oils because they think that synthetic oils will cause leaks. Although it's true that synthetic oils affected engine seals in vehicles circa 1970, this is no longer a concern with newer cars and modern oils. Again, check your owner's manual to confirm which oils will work with your engine. Synthetics are perfectly safe if appropriate for your vehicle. Myth #3: You Must Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles This is a popular misconception that's absolutely incorrect given the technological strides that have been made with modern oils and engines. Vehicles do not need an oil change every 3,000 miles. Instead, you should consult your owner's manual for more information about ideal change intervals. Note that today's engines and oils can go without a change for approximately 8,000 miles, though this will vary depending on use and other factors. Myth #4: If the Oil Is Dirty, It Needs to Be Changed Early one morning, you perform a quick engine check in your garage. You pull out the dipstick, and, as you clean the gauge, you notice that the oil is very dark. Do you need an oil change? Nope! Though dark or even black oil indicates use, it doesn't tell a driver much more than that. Yet again, you should follow the oil change interval requirements listed in your owner's manual. Your oil should have no problem hitting that mark regardless of its transparency. Change Your Oil the Right Way Using the incorrect oil will obviously not be good for your car, so it's important to check your owner's manual and conduct research as needed. You can also take your car to a local dealership in South Carolina for more information. There you can speak with a mechanic, get answers to any questions you have, and schedule an oil change if one is due.   Image via Flickr by Torsten Scholz

One of the most important things anyone purchasing a new or used car from a dealership needs to do is take the vehicle out for a test drive. No one buys a house without considering the features it must and must not have. You should take the same reflections when it comes to buying motor vehicles as well. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of a test drive. more Have an Idea of What You're Looking For Research. Think about the kind of life you live. Find a car that suits your work, hobbies, and dreams. Does your car need four doors? Hatchback or no? How often do you go camping? Is a tow-bar necessary? How much space do you need in the back seat for your kids or your pets? Or when it's your turn to carpool?   Give yourself about three solid vehicle options. It'll help focus your final decision at the dealership. Don't risk it — be convinced. Make buying a car an investment worth taking. Ride in Comfort If it's not comfortable now, it probably won't be comfortable in a year's time, either. Nestle yourself in before you take off for your test drive. Adjust both your seat and your mirrors to how you like them and make sure you are satisfied. Then, think of your other senses. Are all the components smooth to touch? Do you enjoy the smell? Does the car hum quietly? Does it taste good? Actually, we can probably skip that last one. Test Yourself Give yourself a challenge. If possible on your test drive, take a route that covers many road styles and terrains that you may experience often. See how well the vehicle handles itself and how well you handle the vehicle. Would you be confident driving down winding country roads in this car? Or long highways? How about making sharp turns? Are the brakes fluid? Can you park it well? Hills — how does the car pull when you're on one? All these questions ultimately serve to help you narrow down your choice.   In addition, see if you can schedule a test drive at night or in the late afternoon when the sun starts to set. Visibility is important, Sample the Features If there's GPS, have the dealer run you through the basics, and decide if this GPS is right for you. Test the air conditioning. Make sure the displays are concise and easy to read and understand. If you're a big phone user, you'll want to be on the lookout for a vehicle that accommodates a phone charger. Not that you should use your phone when driving, but having it fully charged always comes in handy in an emergency. If you live in an area with harsh winters, seat heating is something worth looking into as well! Bring a Friend or Family Member Having a second opinion on the car can make all the difference during a test drive. If you'll be driving children often, bring one of them along. Have them experience what it's like for a backseat passenger in the car. Does the car adequately support the safety of both the front and back passengers?   At the end of the day, you're the one making the decision. Go in prepared and with an open mind. Give your four-wheeled candidates an honest chance to impress you.   Image via Flickr by The National Roads and Motorists' Association

Learning how to drive is often viewed as a rite of passage for teenagers. In fact, most driving schools seem to market themselves just for teens. However, if you're an adult looking to learn how to drive, don't let this common perception deter you from learning! Just like many other skills, practice makes perfect, and you're never too old to learn how to drive. Still not convinced? Read on for reasons you should start learning to drive today. more Cheaper Insurance One of the most overlooked, but perhaps the most rewarding, parts of being an older driver is that insurance is far cheaper for adults than it is for teens. As an older driver, insurance companies are more willing to give you cheaper insurance rates, which makes learning to drive and then actually driving a much more affordable luxury. Insurance is a big cost, and getting an affordable rate is a concern for many drivers. If the cost is what's keeping you from getting your license, this is a big consideration to take into account! Fewer Distractions Teens are notoriously easy to distract, which can make them dangerous drivers. As an adult, drivers are more likely to just focus on the road instead of texting, eating, chatting, or using social media. Being distracted while driving can not only lead to difficulty learning and remembering the rules of the road, it can also lead to accidents and tragedies that would be easily avoided if the driver hadn't been focused on other things. Confidence Many teens who get behind the wheel for the first time think they're invincible, and therefore are perhaps overconfident when they head out onto the road. Folks who start driving when they're a little older tend to be less confident than teens, which can actually work in your favor. Taking your time and being more cautious can lead to fewer accidents. Just don't get too anxious! Over-anxiety can massively reduce your ability to make snap judgments or movements, which is necessary when driving. Another plus for adult drivers is that many adults are much better at handling stressful situations than teens. Since stress happens a lot when driving, this can lead to adult learners being more capable on the road than their younger counterparts. Experience What is often overlooked by older first-time drivers is that you've been using cars a lot longer than younger drivers. You've undoubtedly been on way more longer car trips, quick runs to the store, or commutes than many of the teens learning to drive, and you've subconsciously noticed many of the driving habits of others. This will actually make it easier to figure out how to drive! Think about all the things you've noticed that are good and bad habits in other drivers, and try to apply that knowledge to your own driving. In addition, you're probably far more familiar with the streets and directions of your city than teens, which means you'll have an easier time getting around! These are just a few reasons why you should strongly consider learning to drive, even if you're well out of your teenage years.   Image via Flickr by Nicolas Alejandro

The time of year that you buy a new car can have a big impact on what vehicle you get and how much you spend on it. Experts don't always agree about the best time to buy a car, but you can learn from their opinions to make a good decision. Buying a Car in December Can Save You Money The holidays make December so hectic that you probably don't even want to think about buying a new car. Going to the dealership in December, however, could save you quite a bit of money. Some research shows that consumers get 7.7 percent off MSRP when they buy cars in December. Dealerships lower prices in December because they know that most people don't have time to shop for cars. When fewer people shop, dealerships have to sweeten deals for people who walk through the door. Dealerships also know that most people don't want to buy cars in bad weather. The very idea of walking around a lot in 30-degree weather will make most people pass on the opportunity to save some cash. Many buyers also prefer test driving cars in good weather when they can push engines and enjoy the ride. If you're willing to brave the cold weather, you might want to think about getting a new Kia as a Christmas present to yourself. more Buying a Car in Summer Gives You More Options Buying a new vehicle at the end of the year could help you save money. Unfortunately, you'll have a limited selection because other shoppers have already bought the most popular models. If you want a larger selection, then you should shop for a new Kia during early summer. Kia tends to release most of its new models about halfway through the year. The company doesn't always follow this schedule, but it's true more often than not. By shopping during early summer, you can choose the specific Kia that you want. That matters a lot to discerning drivers who do their research and know which vehicles match their lifestyles best. Shopping at the End of Any Month Could Save You Money Most car dealerships have to meet monthly quotas so they can qualify for bonuses. If they fall short, then they can lose a lot of money. Knowing this, it makes sense for you to shop for your next Kia at the end of the month. Salespersons who haven't met their quotas will make deals to get cars off the lot quickly. It doesn't matter what time of the year it is. If you shop at the end of the month, you have a good chance of saving money and getting some freebies. The time of year that you choose to shop for a new Kia depends on your priorities. The good news is that you always have an opportunity to buy an affordable vehicle that fits your lifestyle. By shopping at the right time, though, you can save some money or get the features that you love most. Image via Flickr by Nicholas_T