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Just because summer is coming to an end in Orangeburg doesn't mean fun activities around town are also stopping. As the weather begins to cool, head out and enjoy some of these excellent fall activities in and around Orangeburg. 1. Orangeburg County Fair Celebrate the Orangeburg County Fair from Oct. 3 to 9. Along with carnival rides, games, and food, you'll also find performers, livestock shows and competitions, and a craft fair. There are classic rides like the carousel and Ferris wheel, kiddie rides for the little ones, and thrill rides for those looking for a little more excitement. If you need a break from the rides, walk through the barns and check out the cows, goats, sheep, and horses, or relax in one of the pavilions to enjoy live music. more 2. Taste of Orangeburg On Oct. 30, head to Orangeburg Memorial Plaza in downtown Orangeburg and sample some of the best food from a variety of vendors and restaurants from around the city. The Taste of Orangeburg not only gives you the opportunity to try local cuisine, but you can also enjoy live music and other entertainment. Try out barbecue, fried foods, crab bites, wings, shrimp and grits, and more. 3. Raylrode Daze Festivul Raylrode Daze Festivul is a four-day event that runs from Sept. 22 to 25. The festival was created to celebrate the importance of the railroad industry in the area, and to showcase the world's oldest railroad junction. Activities include carnival rides, a pet show, a magic show, street dancing, contests, a parade, a gunfight show, a children's costume judging contest, and children and adult spike driving contests. 4. Edisto Memorial Gardens Edisto Memorial Gardens is a beautiful destination no matter what time of year you visit. The garden displays more than 4,800 rose plants that represent around 120 varieties of flowers. The roses start blooming in the middle of April and last until the first frost in November. If you're looking for a place to relax and unwind, you'll find sensory, serenity, and butterfly gardens. As you stroll along the paths, make sure you take some time to enjoy the lovely fall colors surrounding you. 5. Bowman Harvest Festival Enjoy everything fall has to offer during the Bowman Harvest Festival. The celebration happens in Bowman along Charlestown Highway from Sept. 9 to 11. There's a parade through the center of town, singing contests, karaoke, vendors, rides, and plenty of good food. Make sure you bring your empty stomach to the hot dog eating contest and the barbecue cook-off. 6. Elloree Arts and Antiques Festival Elloree is known for its great antique shopping, and the Elloree Arts and Antiques Festival on Oct. 8 celebrates these local businesses and artisans. Enjoy arts and crafts, a bake sale, antique appraisers, live music, good food, an art auction, antique car show, and more. Whether you're looking for something to do as a couple or with the family, these fun fall activities in Orangeburg are worth checking out.

If you're looking to save money at the gas pump, a fuel-efficient vehicle is the way to go. Luckily, there are plenty of vehicles from Kia that get great gas mileage. Check out one of these most fuel-efficient 2017 Kia vehicles. 1. Niro The new Kia Niro marks an exciting step forward in the world of hybrid crossover SUVs. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and small electric motor combine to generate 195 pound-feet of torque and 146 horsepower. This lets you get around 50 mpg in a mixed cycle. To help boost efficiency, the Niro uses new technology called Predictive Energy Control. This system works with the cruise control and navigation systems to detect changes in topography and figure out the best time to charge the battery. more 2. Forte The Kia Forte is a spacious sedan that comes with modern luxuries like heated leather seats, Bluetooth wireless technology, xenon headlights, and a rearview camera. The Forte comes in two trim levels: LX and EX. In the LX, you can choose a six-speed manual transmission 1.8-liter engine, which gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, or a six-speed automatic transmission, which gets 26 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. The EX comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and 2.0-liter engine that gets 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. 3. Rio The Kia Rio offers a sporty look and a fun drive. This subcompact vehicle comes as either a sedan or a hatchback, and your choice of three trim levels: LX, EX, and SX. All trim levels come with conveniences such as audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, USB and auxiliary audio jacks, and satellite radio. Opt for the top-level SX trim and enjoy sporty touches like push-button start, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather seating surfaces. No matter which trim you choose, you'll get an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. 4. Cadenza If you're looking for a full-size sedan that combines comfort and fuel efficiency, consider the Kia Cadenza. Upgrades like a high-strength steel chassis and aluminum suspension have cut 40 pounds off the new Cadenza. Combine this improvement with a 3.3-liter V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission and you'll get an EPA fuel economy rating that's 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Climb inside the roomy cabin and you'll enjoy heated and cooled leather seats, an 8-inch touch-screen display, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. 5. Sportage The compact crossover Kia Sportage challenges the idea that SUVs aren't known for their fuel efficiency. With 31 cubic feet of cargo space, you'll find the Sportage is ideal for hauling around all your belongings. Yet with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, you won't have to stop for gas as often as you'd expect. From roomy SUVs to comfortable sedans, Kia has the stylish vehicles you want with the fuel efficiency you need.

Sometimes you hear a weird sound coming from your car or see a warning light pop up on your dashboard and you're not sure if it's something serious enough to see a mechanic. However, if you notice one of the following warning signs, you need to make an appointment with your mechanic right away. 1. Check Engine Light Comes On As much as we dread seeing the check engine light come on, it's actually giving us a chance to take care of engine issues before they become even more severe. The check engine light could signal anything from a faulty gas cap to a failing catalytic converter. If the check engine light is steady, it's not an emergency; but you still need to see a mechanic as soon as possible. If it's flashing, you need to have your vehicle looked at immediately so you can avoid extensive engine damage. more 2. Leaks Under the Car If you pull away from where you normally park and see evidence of major leaks on the ground, you need to see a professional as soon as possible. If you see water dripping from the front of the car on the passenger side, this is condensation from the air conditioner, and it's normal. However, if the drip is occurring toward the front of the car and it's brown or dark red, you could be leaking brake fluid, transmission oil, or engine oil. Bright green fluid indicates coolant leaks and needs taken care of so your engine doesn't overheat. 3. Smoke Under the Hood Smoke or steam coming from under the hood can indicate different issues depending on what color you see. Steam is typically white and is a sign that the radiator, pipes, or gasket are leaking. If you see steam, look at your vehicle's temperature gauge. If it's in the red, you need to pull over and let your vehicle cool down before you head to the mechanic. On the other hand, if you see blue smoke, you need to pull over and call a tow truck. This usually means you're burning oil, and letting it go too long may require a brand new engine. 4. Noisy Brakes While grinding, squeaking, or squealing sounds coming from your brakes are annoying, they're also important noises that need your attention. Many brake pads come with wear indicators that cause a squealing or squeaking sound when it's time to replace them. If you hear this sound you need to take your vehicle to a mechanic in order to avoid hearing the more serious grinding noise. Grinding indicates a major issue with your brakes. Often, this means you have no more brake pad left and you're rubbing metal on metal each time you hit the brakes. This is a significant safety concern and needs taken care of right away. Being aware of these warning signs will help you save money in the long run because you can stop a problem before it turns into an even larger issue.

The restaurants around Columbia offer a variety of dining options to satisfy any craving. If you're in the mood for a good meal, make sure you check out these top restaurants. 1. Solstice Kitchen With its cozy atmosphere, stylish decor, and sophisticated menu, Solstice Kitchen is the restaurant you go to when you want to impress. The seasonal menu offers soups, starters, and entrées. The wine list is extensive and includes white, pink, red, and sparkling selections. You can't go wrong with the goat cheese and bacon-tomato confit and pan-seared scallops. You can make reservations for Solstice Kitchen using OpenTable.com. more 2. Motor Supply Company Bistro Motor Supply Company Bistro was one of the first restaurants to open up in the revitalized Congaree Vista. After nearly 30 years of business, the restaurant has perfected the casual upscale meal. The menu changes daily for lunch and dinner, but you'll usually find house-brined pork chops or an excellent grilled steak. While the restaurant is known for its unique mix of Asian, Italian, American, and French cuisine, the cocktails also receive a lot of buzz. The bacon-infused vodka and gin and green tomato tonic were both featured in national magazines. If you're interested in stopping by for lunch or dinner, you can make reservations on the restaurant's website. 3. Café Strudel If you're in the mood for some breakfast favorites, stop by Café Strudel. The cinnamon pancakes, omelet, and breakfast burrito will all give you the fuel you need to get your day going. If you partied a little too hard the night before, the hangover hashbrowns will cure what ails you. The lunch menu includes classics like wraps and sandwiches, and the dinner menu has burgers, beef, and chicken. You can call ahead to be placed on a wait list, but this doesn't guarantee you a seat when you arrive. 4. Southern Belly BBQ The smoked, slow-roasted barbecue at Southern Belly BBQ is consistently voted among the best in Columbia. You can choose a traditional barbecue sandwich, or try something unique like the wookie, which comes with double meat, double bacon, three cheeses, grilled onions, and a center slice of bread. No matter which sandwich you decide on, you can pick from one of the seven handmade sauces to make it complete. If you can't decide, get the sauce sampler and try them all. 5. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium You'll never look at bar fare the same way again after a trip to Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. With soft pretzels, goat cheese salad, shepherd's pie, bratwurst, and more on the menu, the European influence is easy to see. The portions are also more than generous, so you'll never leave hungry. However, what really stands out at this gastropub is the beer menu. The taproom offers more than 200 imported and domestic craft beers for you to try. From barbecue to fine dining, these top restaurants offer some of the best meals in Columbia. The next time you're out and looking for a good meal, be sure you stop by one and find your new favorite dish.

When you're traveling with kids, the activities and places to see are often quite different from what you'd see on a vacation with adults. Check out some of these kid-friendly activities in and around Orangeburg, South Carolina, so everyone in your family can enjoy the trip. Orangeburg County Aquatic Center Taking the kids to a swimming pool might seem like a daunting task, but it's one of the best ways to cool down on a hot day and allow them to burn off some of their extra energy. Located on St. Matthews Road in Orangeburg, the aquatic center has a lazy river, rain drop fall, two slides for all ages, spider spray play area, and a bowl slide. Younger kids will enjoy playing in the tot pool, which also has its own small slide. more You can reserve the group pavilion if you're hosting an event, or simply pick up munchies and drinks at the on-site snack bar. YMCA members get in free, and the cost of admission for non-members is $4 for kids. It opens in mid-June and closes after Labor Day. EdVenture Children's Museum Located in Columbia, the EdVenture Children's Museum is about 40 miles from Orangeburg, and it's well worth the trip. The purpose of each exhibit within the museum is to create new generations of lifelong learners. In addition to exhibits, kids can participate in camps dedicated to specific topics and themes. Admission is $11.50 for adults and kids ages three and up and $10.50 for seniors ages 62 and older, members of the military, and educators. If you're coming with a group of 15 or more, make a reservation and save an extra $3 off each child or adult admission. Eddie is one of the main attractions: the world's largest 10-year-old boy. Orangeburg County Fair If you're in the area during the first week of October, be sure to visit the county fair. It includes crafts, livestock competitions, live music and other entertainment, food and drinks, midway games, and carnival rides, so there is truly something for everyone. On Monday through Thursday it's open from 5:00–10:30 p.m. and it stays open until 11:00 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday it's open from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday you can go between 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. Santee State Park Spending time outdoors is often a favorite pastime of families since the kids can explore and have adventures. Santee State Park is a great spot to visit, with biking and hiking trails for people of all ages and skill levels. Some of the trails are paved so you can take a stroller on them. If you plan to spend the night, reserve a campground in the park and get a little closer to nature. Or you can also reserve one of the 10 cabins within the park. The Village Round is a community building that also includes an enclosed area for grilling. Skip the typical activities this weekend and instead have fun together as a family at one of these cool locations.

Parents often have a different set of needs and wants when it comes to buying a new family car. The performance might not be as important as fuel economy, and luxury features often aren't nearly as high on the priority list as those that add convenience and comfort. There are a number of Kia vehicles that have everything you've been looking for in a new car. Kia Optima The Optima is a great choice for smaller families since it has plenty of safety features along with extras that make it feel more impressive than other sedans. It also earned the Best Buy Award from kbb.com, and the 2016 model is the fourth generation of the family car. It gets great fuel economy with an EPA estimate of up to 39 mpg on the highway. There are three engine options available beneath the hood of the Optima. Standard safety features include seven airbags, including one at the driver's knee, hill start assist, and a backup camera. Optional extras are available, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, forward collision alert, and a 360-degree surround view camera. more Kia Sedona It's hard to make a list of top family cars without including a minivan. With plenty of seating capacity and extra cargo space, this is a class of vehicle that many families love. The Kia Sedona is a great contender with styling features that make it feel a little more like a crossover SUV. The SXL trim level includes lounge-style seats in the second row for maximum comfort on long trips. Other trim levels have a bench in the second row to bump the capacity up to eight instead of seven. Both sides of the van have sliding doors, and upper trim levels have power doors. All Sedona models include rear parking sensors, hill start assist, active front head restraints, and traction and stability control. Optional safety features include a rearview or surround-view camera, front parking sensors, a forward collision system, lane departure warning, and a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alerts. Kia Sportage If you're not interested in a minivan but need more space than a sedan can offer, the Kia Sportage is the perfect solution. This crossover SUV offers impressive performance and easy handling. It has seating for five and is available in three trim levels. Standard safety features include traction and stability control, airbags throughout the cabin, antilock brakes, and active front head restraints. On the upper two trims, you get the Uvo telematics system, which adds roadside assistance, speed tracking and geo-fencing, stolen vehicle tracking, and several other features through a smartphone. It also earned a five-star safety rating in government crash tests on the all-wheel drive configuration and a four-star overall rating on the front-wheel drive version. You don't have to sacrifice the features you want in a car in order for it to be family-friendly. Take one of these Kia models for a test drive to learn how each can accommodate the needs of you and your family.

Located where the Saluda and Broad Rivers converge to form the Congaree River, Columbia is the capital and largest city in South Carolina. Columbia is a modest sized city, but with its long history and riverfront geography, there is no shortage of interesting activities to enjoy. Whether you're a local or just visiting, be sure to check out these four must-see Columbia attractions. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Pay a visit to this remarkable facility and you'll quickly realize why it's a two-time recipient of the Governor's Cup for South Carolina's Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction. Featuring over 2,000 animals and 4,200 native and exotic plant species on a 170-acre site, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is sure to keep visitors enthralled for hours. Don't miss the award-winning Birdhouse at Riverbanks exhibit, which features three varieties of penguins among several other exotic bird species. Admission to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is affordable at $13.95 for adults and $11.50 for children ages 2-12. Discounts are available for military members and senior citizens, and children under two get in free. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park Take in some scenery and history with a visit to the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. This park is the original site of Columbia's waterworks and the home of the first-ever electrically operated textile mill. Visitors can stroll along over two miles of scenic riverfront trail while learning about the history of the Columbia Canal, first built in 1824 with the labor of indentured Irish servants. Today, a memorial in the park recognizes the Irish workers who built the canal. The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park are located just outside of Columbia's downtown business district, providing a convenient escape from the bustle of downtown. The park is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and admission is free. Nickelodeon Theatre Film buffs won't want to miss a chance to visit Columbia's Nickelodeon Theater. Founded in 1979, this nonprofit theater hosts independent films, curated series, and one-off screenings, and is the home of the Indie Grits Film Festival, an annual showcase of area DIY films. Screening attendees can engage in discussions with experts and community members before or after many screenings. The Nickelodeon is also home to the Helen Hill Media Education Center, which offers filmmaking workshops and educational opportunities for adults and children alike. Ticket prices for the Nick vary, but most screenings are $10. If you're a Columbia local, consider becoming a member of the Nickelodeon Theater to enjoy exclusive benefits like free tickets, discounted special screenings, and free popcorn. Congaree National Park When you need an escape to nature, look no further than Congaree National Park. Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, this national park is home of the largest expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Visitors to the park can camp, fish, canoe, and kayak, or simply hike and take in the scenery of this unique floodplain forest. Admission to Congaree National Park is free, and the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether you're interested in nature, history, wildlife, or the arts, Columbia has something for you.

Whether you know it or not, the cleanliness of your Kia is a reflection of you as a person, even if you aren't exactly the tidiest of people. However, you don't have to let the interior and exterior of your car go by the wayside. Instead, you can follow a few easy steps to keep your Kia immaculate. Once you begin to use these tips, you'll never have to worry about having a messy vehicle again. Here's how to do it. Stay Organized If you consistently have clutter or trash in your Kia, you probably have a problem with organization. To counteract this disorganization, take strides to follow a regimented plan. Start by setting a specific place for everything in your car. Once each item in your car has a proper location, it's easier to keep things orderly. In addition, use a small waste basket to collect trash, or make a concerted effort to take all the trash out of your Kia every time you exit the vehicle. more Cleaning the Seats One of the biggest problems that people have with interior cleanliness lies within the seating. Both cloth and leather seating have particular nuances that make them difficult to clean, especially without the proper tools and equipment. If you have cloth seating in your Kia, note that these surfaces are particularly susceptible to dirt and dust. To remove this, you need to take a high-powered vacuum and suck up any loose particles. After that, take an automotive cloth upholstery cleaner, apply it to the seats, and follow the directions to remove any other dirt. If you have a Kia with leather seats, you can still use a vacuum to get rid of the dirt and debris. However, you'll need a special leather cleaner to properly remove the extra grime. An added bonus of these cleaners is that they also restore the original shine and luster of your seating, making it look just as it did the day you bought it. Avoid the Automatic Car Wash At many gas stations, you'll see cheaper gas prices if you also choose to go through the automatic car wash. However, you need to resist this temptation. Sure, the automatic wash is easier and more convenient, but it doesn't do the Burns job that you can do with your own hands. If you're in a time crunch, it's better than nothing, but it pales in comparison to manual jobs. Washing at the Proper Time Even if you decide to wash your car yourself, there are proper times to undertake the task. Remember that the best day to wash your car is when it's overcast and somewhat cool outside. If you wash your car on a hot, sunny day, the soapy water evaporates much too quickly, resulting in soap spots all over your car. You'll also want to avoid waxing on these hot days, as the soap spots covered with wax are actually making your car dirtier. Cleaning your Kia like a pro isn't as hard as it seems. It just takes a little education and discipline. To make it easier, you also may want to set a schedule. That way, you clean your car the same way every time, and it stays cleaner longer.

Driving in heavy rain calls for extra caution on the road. While it's always best practice to stay home during bad weather when possible, sometimes you have no choice but to get behind the wheel. For those times, follow these six tips for driving in heavy rain. Slow Down Wet roads mean longer stopping distances and increased risk of accidents. Ensure that you stay in control of your vehicle and have plenty of time to react to sudden traffic changes by reducing your speed in heavy rain. Remember that the posted speed limit is an upper limit based on ideal driving conditions, and you'll typically need to drive slower than the speed limit in inclement weather. more Turn On Your Headlights Visibility decreases dramatically in heavy rain. It's not just your ability to see the road that's affected, but also other drivers' ability to see you. Turn on your headlights any time it's raining to make sure that other drivers can identify all four corners of your vehicle. Use your low beam headlights, so you don't accidentally blind other drivers. Give Yourself More Space You should always increase your following distance in the rain, and you should give yourself even more space when the rain is severe. Rear-end collisions are the most common accidents, and the risk is even greater in heavy rain due to decreased visibility and increased stopping distance. Keep at least five car lengths between you and the car in front of you, and don't be afraid to give even more space if conditions call for it. Avoid Standing Water Driving through standing water increases the odds of hydroplaning and creates an opportunity for water to enter your engine. Both of these are bad news, so avoid standing water when possible. If you're on a multi-lane road, drive in the middle lane, as it's higher than the outer lanes and less likely to accumulate water. If you do find yourself hydroplaning, let off the accelerator and gently steer in the direction you want to go. Don't slam on your brakes or jerk your steering wheel, as this may cause you to lose control. Never drive through water if you can't see the road markings underneath, or you risk getting stuck or swept away. Keep Your Tires in Good Condition A car with under-inflated tires or worn tire tread is at greater risk of an accident. If your tires aren't in good shape, you'll be more likely to hydroplane and you'll have trouble stopping in time on wet roads. Make sure you're not caught unprepared in a storm by ensuring that your tires have adequate tread and are inflated to the manufacturer's recommendation. Pull Over When Necessary Sometimes a storm is simply greater than what your car can safely handle. If your wipers can't keep up with the rain, if water is accumulating on the roadway, or if you're having trouble maintaining control of your vehicle, find a safe place to pull over and wait out the worst of the storm. Rain is a top cause of automobile accidents in the United States, and it's important to not underestimate the power of heavy rains. Follow these tips to improve your driving in heavy rain, and remember to always stay off the road in unsafe conditions.

Known as "The Garden City," Orangeburg, South Carolina, offers an unexpected amount of culture despite its small size, thanks to its two local universities. Whether you live in Orangeburg or you're just visiting from nearby Columbia or Charleston, be sure to check out these unique local activities that are sure to please the whole family. Travel Back in Time at Raylrode Daze Festivul Each September, drive about 20 minutes south of Orangeburg to Branchville, South Carolina, home of the annual Raylrode Daze Festivul. Now in its 48th year, this festival celebrates Branchville's railroad junction, which is the oldest railroad junction in the world. The festival offers activities ranging from a cornhole tournament to a gunfight performance hosted by the Branch Junction Gunfighters. Children will enjoy the carnival rides, parade, and arts and crafts activities. The 2016 Raylrode Daze Festivul runs from September 18th through 25th. more Explore the Outdoors at Congaree National Park Outdoorsy families will love a day trip to Congaree National Park, located less than an hour northeast of Orangeburg. Visitors will be mesmerized by the tall trees of the largest expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Congaree National Park offers hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and backcountry camping. In addition to over 20 miles of hiking trails, the park offers a 2.4-mile boardwalk trail that gives hikers close-up views of the delicate wetland ecosystem. Congaree National Park is free and open to the public year-round, but spring and fall are the best times to visit to avoid the hot and humid summer weather. Catch a Show at the BlueBird Theatre Located in the former home of the historic Edisto Theatre, the BlueBird Theatre is the place to be in downtown Orangeburg for live theatre performances. It is the home of the Orangeburg Part-Time Players acting troupe, which has produced both adult and children's theatre shows since 1981. The Part-Time Players 2016 schedule features a number of family-friendly performances, including children's theatre performances of the Disney classics Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. Tickets to performances at the BlueBird Theatre are $19 for adults and $17 for children and seniors. Kick Back at Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile is more than just a barbecue restaurant. Designed by a local business person who wanted to capture the spirit of the Old South, Lone Star is a restaurant, museum, and a front porch pickin' venue all in one. The four buildings that make up Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile date back as far as 1876, and each one is full of antiques and Southern kitsch for visitors to enjoy as they dine on classic barbecue dinners. Lone Star BBQ & Mercantile hosts live bluegrass and country music most Saturday nights, as well as day-long music festivals on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Lone Star is located just outside Orangeburg in Santee, SC. Next time you're in Orangeburg, make a point to slow down and connect with the community by enjoying these four family-friendly activities.

As summer hits, it is important to keep an eye on your vehicle. Unfortunately, even though summer is great for many people, it's a tough time for your car. There are hazards you should watch out for. Make sure your car is protected this summer by safeguarding against hot weather, extra driving, and more. Protect the Interior When the sun is beating down on your parked vehicle, the car is susceptible to interior damage. Not only does it get extremely hot inside a parked car in the summer, the heat and light work together to fade your upholstery. Dashboards and steering wheels also fade over time because of the extra sunlight. There are steps you can take to ensure you keep the inside of your car looking great. First, use a windshield sunshade. Shades are easy to find at dealerships, auto parts stores, and even department stores. They usually fold, making them easy to store in the car. When using a sunshade, you're cutting down on the sun's rays and reducing the heat buildup in the car. Wipe your car down with commercial products that help protect against damage from the sun. You can find these at many of the same places you'll find sunshades. When using sun protection products, you are giving the car's surfaces an extra layer of protection. more Check the Battery and Fluids It's a smart idea to take your car to a dealership regularly during the summer to get a professional eye on the vehicle's mechanical workings. The mechanic can check the battery, fluids, and any other possible problem areas. Summer heat causes fluid evaporation, which can put extra strain on the battery. It's also important to make sure all fluids are topped off. One of the biggest concerns in the summer is having enough coolant in the engine. Make sure you ask your technician to check for any fluid leaks, especially around the coolant system. While it is possible to check fluid levels and battery life by yourself, having a trained technician do it gives you a better look at what's actually going on in the vehicle. He or she will be able to pinpoint any current or potential problems, keeping your car in great condition longer. Drive Smart Whether you're going on an extended road trip or simply heading to the park with the kids more often, it's likely that you drive more hours in the summer than other times of the year. Unfortunately, driving in extreme heat can be harmful to your car. Try to do most of your driving when it's cooler, early in the morning or after the sun sets. Driving when it's cool helps keep your car from overheating. Don't let your car be a huge source of stress this summer. Keep it protected from the perils of hot weather and sunshine. Take the time to have your mechanic or dealership thoroughly check out your car before the heat of summer fully hits, to ensure it's working at peak performance.

When you get a new Kia Optima, one of the most important features you should take advantage of is the Bluetooth pairing. Using Bluetooth allows you to make and receive calls hands-free, which is a much safer option than using your handset. It's quick and easy to pair your iPhone 6 with your Kia Optima. Pairing Your Phone When you're getting ready to pair your phone to your car, make sure your phone is charged and turned on. You must also be connected to your service provider. Your car must also be running or have the ignition in the ACC position. Keep the car in Park while pairing your device. Since any prompts come through the car's sound system, it is also a good idea to have the radio volume turned up. more While you are in your car, turn on your phone. From the iPhone 6 home screen, select Settings. Choose Bluetooth. You will see a toggle for Bluetooth. If Bluetooth is currently turned off, the slider will be to the left and the bar will be gray. Slide the toggle to the right, which turns the bar green. This shows that Bluetooth is turned on. Select Phone on your Optima's display screen. Select Settings; then choose Pairings. Select Add to. Once the Bluetooth has been turned on in the car and your phone, they will search for each other. Under the Bluetooth settings on your phone, you will see your car's name. Select this. There will be a code on both the car's display and your phone. Make sure these match. Accept the connection on your phone. When your iPhone 6 and Kia Optima are paired, you will be able to make and receive calls easily. The car uses voice recognition technology, so you can easily make calls without ever picking up your phone. There are also phone controls on your steering wheel, allowing you to take calls, hang up, and more. Available Hands-free Options Depending on the Optima model you choose, you may be able to do more than simply make calls. Some models allow for audio streaming from your phone. This lets you listen to any music on your phone through your car's speaker system. When connected, your car's display system has access to your phone call history, your phone book, and the option for multiple call handling. You can connect multiple devices to your Optima. This allows you to ensure that no matter who is in the car or who is driving, hands-free calling is available. The first phone paired with the car is given priority, unless you change this in the car's phone pairing settings. Setting up the Bluetooth connection between your car and your phone is an important safety feature. You are able to stay focused on the road even when you have to take a call. Many states no longer allow you to take calls while you are driving unless you are using a hands-free option. Pair your phone and car as soon as possible. Bring your car into Burns Kia of Orangeburg to let us serve all your car needs. Image by Pedro Isaac Piedra Apolo via No Copyright