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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

Orangeburg is a fairly small town in South Carolina that is also known as the Garden City. Sometimes, it is difficult to think of things to do with your crawling baby, especially outside of a city. However, there are some great things to do with your baby in the Garden City and in nearby towns on the way to Columbia, South Carolina. Knowing some good places to take your little one makes life a lot happier when you want to get out of the house. more Edisto Memorial Gardens Enjoying time with your baby is easy at Edisto Memorial Gardens. The blooming flowers in the themed gardens are perfect for sparking your little one's senses. There are more flowers than you can imagine, and the air smells beautiful and fresh. Babies love to be outside where there is so much to see. Plus, there are lots of picnic areas. So, you share lunch with your baby in the crisp, fresh air. Orangeburg County Aquatic Park Orangeburg County Aquatic Park is a favorite for babies and children of all ages. There are slides and rides for bigger kids and adults, and a tot pool for little ones. Babies love to splash in the water and watch other kids. It is amazing to watch your baby's face light up at the sight of children laughing and having a good time. The aquatic park is at the Orangeburg YMCA, which also offers free childcare for children 8 weeks to 11 years old for a maximum of two hours per day with a family membership. The childcare center has fun activities for your baby to enjoy while you work out or take a water aerobics class. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia is a big treat for babies. They love to watch the animals do funny things, and the zoo is full of families and parents who understand if your baby gets fussy. Plus, there are plenty of places to let your little one explore. Your little one might even try to walk with all of the exciting things to see and kids around. The zoo has animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America. Plus, there are eight gardens and the Waterfall Junction to explore. So, there is plenty to see just make sure you bring a stroller and blanket. It is also a great place for both personal and business family functions, like company lunches and family reunions. Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens offers event planning and picnics, so if you need a family-friendly place for an event near Orangeburg, this is a great idea. Spending time with your baby outside of the home is important. They see how other people interact and seeing other children helps your baby develop better social skills. Being active helps your baby's body properly develop, so it is important to keep your baby active even before they are able to walk. These activities give your baby plenty of space to crawl and explore. "The shark ate my baby" by Ken Hawkins, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

Myths exist about all car manufacturers and some stick with a brand for years, even after tests prove otherwise. Kia is no different. However, myths are not based on factual evidence. Like urban legends, most are no more than some person starting a bogus rumor. When it comes to cars, tests, however, do not lie. Kia debunks all of the myths below and studies show that consumers are happy with the South Korean car maker. more Kias Cost Less but Do Not Last Long Owning a Kia is more affordable than many competitors. However, the myth that they are not long lasting vehicles is simply not true. In fact, many owners report their cars are running great even with more than 250,000 miles. That is impressive and clearly proves that the idea that Kias is nothing more than a myth. Kias Are Only Good as a Starter Car Some people have the misconception that buying a Kia after owning other cars is somehow taking a step back. On the contrary, Kia upgrades your commute with innovative technology and a dependable engine. Plus, you are able to save big at the pump because all of Kia's models offer great gas mileage in comparison to other in-class vehicles. Japanese Cars are More Dependable Kia continues to fight for credit as the most dependable Asian car maker. Again and again, the South Korean company has proven itself in terms of both dependability and safety. The entire lineup offers excellent gas mileage, dependability, and value versus other comparable vehicles. Kia has fought this myth since the company started selling cars in 1991, but they are doing a great job of proving skeptics wrong. Kia Does Not Sell American-Made Cars Like many foreign car companies, Kia has a U.S. plant where many of their cars are produced. In West Point, Georgia, Kia Motors Corporation owns a massive manufacturing plant. The industry leader spent $1 billion on the 2,000,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, which is capable of producing 300,000 vehicles every year. So, you know this one is a myth because Kia definitely sells cars made in the U.S. Kia Motors Corporation is Smaller than Other Automakers Kia is actually a leading competitor in the auto industry. In fact, before becoming an automaker, Kia manufactured vehicles for many of the most popular brands worldwide for decades. Some of the companies they worked with include Peugeot, Fiat, Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, and others. Only after finding success in building cars did the company begin investing in research to develop its own models. Owning a Kia is a great experience. The maker has a complete lineup of vehicles including compact vehicles, SUVs, sedans, and minivans. The South Korean company is one of the oldest companies in the automobile manufacturing industry. There is a good chance Kia made one of your vehicles for another company without you even knowing. So, do not let these debunked myths steer you away from becoming a Kia owner.   "Kia Ray Hybrid Concept Car 02" by Katherine Tompkins, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

Although many people now prefer to read their books using a tablet or their phone, there is nothing like holding an actual book. If you still enjoy the process of turning a page while you read, there are some great bookstores in the Columbia area along with excellent libraries. Here are some of the places to go for an old-fashioned book. more Main Richland Library The main branch of the Richland library is a wonderful place to browse for books and spend some time relaxing and reading. The large building has three levels filled with books, and there is a huge periodical section. On the third level, the history room is great for research, and there is even a career center. The staff at this branch is very friendly, and you'll find state-of-the-art equipment to make research or browsing during your visit easier. This library has everything from traditional books to audiobooks, and access to e-books. You can also find digital magazines, and there is a large children's area. The children's room features lots of comfy places to sit, and the library color coded all the books according to age making it easier to find what you want. The Book Dispensary The Book Dispensary is a used bookstore and a wonderful place to spend time exploring. Comfortable chairs throughout the store encourage shoppers to sit and relax while they take a look at the books, and there are sections for all readers. The children's room has a wide variety of books to choose from, and there is also a section of rare books. Head in on a Monday for special markdowns and get an additional half off clearance hardback books, and Tuesdays are senior citizen's day. The Book Dispensary will also repair your books with their binding or rebinding services. Ed's Editions Ed's Editions on Meeting Street is a fantastic used bookstore. There is a little something for everyone, and the reasonable prices make it easy to stock up whether you need summer reading or something to get you through the winter. Ed's has vintage books and new selections, and everything is well organized making it easy to browse and find what you need. The owner is very friendly and helpful, and the resident cat even might make an appearance. Books A Million Books A Million is a large chain bookstore filled with new books, electronics, gifts, and a coffee shop. You can spend a whole afternoon looking through the books at this store relax at Joe Muggs while you read the paper or do homework. There is also a large music selection, periodicals, and toys and games. Bring the kids on a rainy afternoon, and they can look at books in the children's section while you find a new book to take home. Books A Million sits on Forum Drive in Columbia. These are some of the best libraries and bookstores in the Columbia area. Whether you like to just browse or you need a specific book, you can find it at one of these Columbia places. Image by GoToVan, licensed via CC BY 2.0

Kia consistently produces some of the best automobiles and comes up with some of the best commercials to advertise them. Whether they feature well-known celebrities or dancing hamsters, over the years, the manufacturer has released some of the most amusing and laugh out loud commercials. Here are a few of the funniest. more Melissa McCarthy Saves The Environment During the 2017 Super Bowl Kia released a commercial starring Melissa McCarthy trying to save the whales, rhinoceros, and the trees as she drives the environmentally friendly Kia Niro. The commercial, titled "Hero's Journey," was hysterical to watch as Melissa ran into trouble each time she tried to save something. She gets thrown across the ocean and into a ship as she tries to save the whales, and the look on her face is priceless when she hears the roar of a chain-saw as she hangs on high up in a tree. The commercial was so good it even earned the USA Today's Super Bowl Ad Meter. 2017 Kia Soul Turbo Kia introduced the Kia Soul Turbo in 2017 with a funny commercial featuring a newborn hamster that has turbo power. In this commercial, the baby hamster escapes from its crib and starts running through the hospital. The staff at the hospital starts chasing the little hamster who keeps getting into mischief and staying out of reach of the staff. The baby hamster makes its way outside where the rest of the hamster family arrives just in time in a Kia Soul Turbo. He jumps in the car and off they go. Motorhead's song "Ace of Spades" plays throughout the whole commercial giving it the perfect sound. Where Do Babies Come From The 2013 Kia Sorento commercial "Where Do Babies Come From" is one of their funniest. Set partly on the fictional planet of Babylandia, the commercial shows all kinds of babies from dogs, elephants, boys, and girls making their way to Earth to join their families after their birth. All these babies are part of the story a father tells his son as he tries to explain where babies come from. As they ride down the road in their Kia Sorento, the son starts to suggest a different and more accurate account of where they come from, but the father quickly cuts him off by using the voice controls to start playing a kids song on the radio. Totally Transformed The transformed Kia Soul is just one of the stars of the 2014 "Totally Transformed" commercial featuring the Kia hamsters. Viewers see the hamsters working out and exercising through the whole commercial while Lady Gaga's "Applause" plays. In the end, the three hamsters get out of the redesigned Soul, and they have a whole new look too. Instead of the chubby hamsters with their baggy clothing, we see three slim and buff hamsters dressed in black tuxedos strutting down the red carpet. Kia's funny commercials are always highly anticipated each year, and they never disappoint. From funny hamsters to sports figures and celebrities, you can always count on a good laugh when the manufacturer debuts a new ad. "Kia Niro 2016" by Janitors, licensed via CC BY 2.0

Now in the fourth year of its third generation, the 2018 midsize crossover SUV Kia Sorento is hitting its stride. Packed with amenities from bumper to bumper and featuring alluring looks, the Sorento is unlike any other vehicle on the market. But it doesn't end there. The 2018 Sorento is a driving enthusiast's dream, offering performance, power, handling, and more options that don't often find their way into the segment. If driving is more than just getting from here to there, the Sorento is the car you wish you owned. more Excellent Standard Power The 2018 Kia Sorento features a whopping seven trim levels, but what's more important is that it gives you the ability to choose between three engine choices. The entry-level L and LX come with a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that's perfect for even the most finicky drivers. With this at the helm, the Sorento packs 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, which gets you moving when you need it most. Plus, you'll get up to 28 mpg thanks to the smaller engine displacement. Turbo Oomph For drivers who need some more pep when they hit the gas, the EX 2.0T's 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder should do the trick. With a turbo added, you still get premium efficiency of up to 27 mpg, yet you'll certainly notice the crisp power of 240 ponies paired with 260 pound-feet of torque. Six-Cylinder Pep Still not enough power to satisfy your insatiable hunger for speed? Opt for the 3.3-liter V-6 found on the LX V6, EX V6, SX, and SX Limited. The only V-6 in the lineup, this engine muscles up with 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. This provides a zero-to-60 time of just around 7.0 seconds, making it one of the faster vehicles in its class. It also gives you 5,000 pounds of towing prowess, perfect for hauling a boat, trailer, or small camper. Intelligent Control All-Wheel Drive If you're a bit of an off-roading junkie, the 2018 Kia Sorento has you covered thanks to its integrated, intelligent control systems. The fully active Dynamax all-wheel-drive system monitors driving conditions and directs power to the wheels as necessary. Armed with this tech, you can tackle any terrain or weather that's thrown in your path while also getting premium performance. It also adds torque vectoring cornering control for this year, giving you more precise turning and handling than ever. Drive Mode Select Although every trim of the Sorento comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, that doesn't mean you'll lose your chance to take the reins. With a manual drive mode select, you can set the tone of your drive depending on your taste, mood, or the conditions outside. With normal mode, you'll get perfect balance across all types of terrain, while Eco mode improves efficiency by managing the engine, transmission, and even the air conditioner. Sport mode will probably be your favorite, turning the Sorento into a well-oiled, high-performance machine. Passionate drivers who need the versatility of a crossover SUV have many options in 2018, but none are quite so intriguing as the 2018 Kia Sorento. Make sure to stop into our showroom for a test drive to see what this exciting SUV is all about. Image by James Case, licensed via CC BY 2.0

Whether you want to find a beautiful backdrop for an engagement photo or family photo shoot, or you just want to take pictures of beautiful scenery, there are some places you can go in and around the Columbia,  South Carolina, area. This state has mountains upstate, and beaches on the coast, so you are sure to find just the right setting for your photos. Here are some gorgeous places to shoot a photo near Columbia. more Riverwalk The Riverwalk area in Columbia has some beautiful places for pictures. Head over to the canal side for photos of the old waterworks building. This has huge red barn door that makes a wonderful backdrop for family photos. You can also get some great shots of the Blossom St. bridge or the Gervais Bridge. The Gervais Street bridge is an iconic sight in the Columbia area, and there are a few places where you can get pictures of it. Head down on the riverbank along the Riverwalk, and aim your camera up toward the bridge for a picture, or you can even stand up on the bridge and get some images of the surrounding area. Riverbanks Botanical Gardens The Riverbanks Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place for pictures. It features over 70 acres of flowers and plants with something blooming no matter what time of year you go. The springtime or during the fall is the best time to go since most of the flowers are at their peak, but this is a beautiful place anytime. Congaree National Park Congaree National Park is just a short drive from Columbia. This park has trails that wind through the forest with little bridges to get you over the rivers. It is home to the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Look up through your camera lens to see the tallest trees in the eastern part of the U.S. and one of the highest canopies you'll find anywhere. The park stays open seven days a week, 24 hours a day so you can explore and take pictures whenever you want. South Carolina State House The South Carolina State House is an elegant building with a lot of history. The massive columns and iconic dome of the building create a beautiful image, but the grounds around the state house are also beautiful. There is always something blooming at every time of the year, and there are many places to catch a good photo whether it is just the scenery or you use the beautiful gardens as a backdrop for a special picture. For a unique view, head to Main Street right before the sun sets and take some photos of the State House. You'll see it slowly light up as the sun's rays go down over the horizon. These are just a few of the beautiful places around Columbia where you can take pictures. There are also several other local parks, and even the downtown streets have some interesting and photo-worthy sights. "Columbia, SC" by brandon walker

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

The 2018 Kia Forte is packed with features that you're sure to love. more Power and Performance The 2018 Kia Forte has plenty of power and performance compared to other vehicles in its class. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve engine that offers drivers 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It's a solid engine that not only offers you plenty of power, but it is also excellent on fuel. You can expect to get up to 37 miles per gallon highway and 29 miles per gallon city. For all of this power, you'll need high-performance brakes. The 2018 Forte comes standard with 4-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system. Exterior Style The Kia Forte has a distinctive style that is sure to turn heads. You can take pride in the vehicle's signature Kia tiger-nose front grille. You can also style your Forte with available 17-inch alloy wheels and LED lights for a sportier look. The style continues to the rear of the vehicle. You get a chrome exhaust, available LED combination lamps, and a hands-free trunk opener. Interior Comfort The Forte doesn't just look good; it's packed with comfort to make driving even more enjoyable. You can enjoy heated and ventilated leather seats which keep you warm during those chilly winter months and cool you down on hot summer days so you'll never stick to the leather again. The Forte also has available dual-zone automatic temperature controls. Entertainment System The Kia Forte has several different entertainment system options available depending on which trim level you choose. The LX comes standard with an AM/FM 4-speaker audio system and Sirius XM capabilities. The S and EX trim levels offer tweeter speakers, a 7-inch touch-screen display which allows you to connect your smart device with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Then you can play your own music, podcasts, or audiobooks directly from your phone. All trim levels come with Bluetooth and hands-free connectivity so that you can change the song or raise and lower the volume without ever taking your hands off the wheel. Safety Features The 2018 Kia Forte is packed with features that make getting behind the wheel easier and safer. It comes standard with dual front air bags, full-length side curtain air bags, three-point seatbelts for every passenger, electronic stability control, traction control, front and rear crumple zones, and side-impact door beams. Opt for the Kia DriveWise system to get a whole suite of safety features, such as emergency braking that automatically applies the brakes if it senses an impending collision, forward collision warning to alert you of a possible collision, lane departure warning in case you drift into a different lane, and lane keeping assistance in the event you don't adjust after the alert. There are a lot of reasons to love the brand new 2018 Kia Forte. Head to your nearest Kia dealer today to take a test drive and learn more about the features of the Kia Forte. "2014 Kia Forte 2 - SMADEMEDIA.com MediaGalleria" by THE SMADE JOURNAL, licensed via CC BY 2.0

Last month Kia announced that the 2018 Kia Stinger was given the honor of being listed as one of Wards 10 Best Engines. more How Are the Vehicles Chosen? Wards has been creating this list of 10 Best Engines for the past 24 years. In order to choose which vehicles make the list, they shortlist engines and vehicles based on a few criteria such as engine output, fuel efficiency, and torque. To make a level playing field, all of the vehicles listed must also have a base price under $63,000. This year, Wards Auto editors chose the winner after spending two months evaluating over 30 different engines as well as electric propulsion systems. They test the engines by taking them on their regular commutes in metro Detroit. Kia's First Entry Into Wards Top Ten This award marks Kia's first entry into Wards 10 Best Engines. Up until recent years, this award was granted only to luxury vehicles with very powerful sports engines. It's a huge boost to Kia and to the Kia Stinger to be among names like Jaguar, INFINITI, and the Ford Mustang. It has even beat out the powerful BMW 440i Gran Coupe. The Stinger Engine The 2018 Kia Stinger has a 3.3L twin turbo V-6 engine that pumps out a powerful 365 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. The engine takes you from zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 167 miles per hour. The editors at Wards Auto felt that the engine gave this rear-wheel-drive vehicle the sound and power of a V-8 when under hard throttle, yet it remained a quiet and smooth ride inside the cabin. More Reasons to Love the Stinger The 2018 Kia Stinger is more than just an award-winning engine. This powerful sports sedan starts at an MSRP of $31,900, a fantastic price for a vehicle with so much power, style, and comfort. To go along with that powerful engine, the Stinger has a sleek exterior that cuts through the air to offer a more aerodynamic ride. The wing mirrors have been engineered to reduce wind noise while still offering a stylish chrome finish for a sportier look. Drivers can enjoy a longer wheelbase and wider body to give the vehicle more stability around corners as well as more cabin space than the Lexus GS or BMW 4 Gran Coupe. Inside the vehicle, you can enjoy utter luxury. In the front seat, driver and passenger sit in low-slung leather seats with hand stitching to add to the sleek silhouette of the vehicle and allow you to feel closer to the road. You can enjoy the comfort of ergonomic, contoured seats that cradle your body as you take those curves at speed. There are a lot of reasons to love the new 2018 Kia Stinger. The recognition earned for the Stinger's engine and overall vehicle performance is well-deserved. Head to your nearest Kia dealer today to take a drive and see for yourself.   "Besucher schauen sich das Modell KIA Stinger an" by Marco Verch, licensed via CC BY 2.0

There are so many great places to explore within a short drive from Columbia, South Carolina. Check out these fun day trips this weekend! more Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge Only two hours southeast of Columbia is the fantastic Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and its beautiful Boneyard Beach. The refuge has an avian sanctuary that spreads over 66,000 acres where you can spot 277 different bird species that call this refuge home. From the beach, you can sometimes see Loggerhead turtles. You can also explore the park's two different lighthouses which offer stunning views along the coastline. The park is only accessible by ferry. Walhalla Drive about two and a half hours northwest of Columbia, and you'll discover the small town of Walhalla, South Carolina. If you want to explore the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, this is where you want to start your day. From Walhalla, you can join hiking or biking trails that will lead you to waterfalls, past gorges, through forests, and along rivers. The mountains are so accessible from here and it's also a wonderful place to head to see the fall foliage in October and November. Parris Island Parris Island is located in Beaufort and is roughly two and a half hours south of Columbia. It is packed with history and beauty that is well worth a day trip. The island itself is best known now as a Marine Corps training facility, but it is open to the public to explore The history of Parris Island is long. It starts with the Native Americans and moves onto the arrival of the French in 1562. The Spanish came to the area for a brief time and the island also played a large role in the Spanish-American war. Be sure to head to the museum to learn all about the island's history and the efforts of the Marines. Camden This historic town is only 45 minutes from downtown Columbia, making it a fantastic spot for a day trip. Camden was founded in 1732 by decree by King George II, making it South Carolina's oldest inland town. While you're in town, check out the Camden Revolutionary War site. It's an open-air museum where you can learn about the American Revolutionary War. The site was a major supply post for the British during the war. You can read different plaques located around the park as well as see some buildings which have been reconstructed to look as they did during the Revolutionary War. While in Camden, you can also have a nice walk through Goodale State Park, which has a historical mill pond and a 140-acre lake where you can go kayaking or canoeing. Horse racing fanatics will love the Steeplechase Museum in Camden with memorabilia and information about the sport's rise in American culture. Whether you're looking for an educational day trip that is packed with history and fascinating sites or you're more interested in getting outside and exploring the natural beauty of South Carolina, you'll find it all within a few hours of downtown Columbia. "Garris Landing, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge" by Todd Van Hoosear, licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0