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You know your car gets hot in the summer, and you know that there are several things— kids and pets, for example — you simply shouldn't leave in a hot car. However, you may not know there are many other things you shouldn't leave in your car as the temperature rises. Check out some of the most surprising items you should take with you when you leave the car. Medication If you're like many Americans, you probably have a stash of medications in your vehicle. From prescription meds to over-the-counter items such as Tylenol, many people try to keep medication on hand as often as possible. The problem is that the molecular structure of medications changes when you leave it in extremely hot temperatures. If you leave your medication in the car during the summer, it may become less effective or even lose all potency. In some cases, the heat can change the medication to such a degree that it affects you in strange ways. more Bottles of Water When it's hot outside, it is tempting to have water in the car. However, if you leave plastic bottles of water in the car, you may end up with several problems. First, the water gets hots, and who wants to drink hot water? However, the bigger problem is that when plastic bottles get hot, they start to break down. While it's unappealing to drink hot water when you're already warm, it's even more unappealing when you realize you could be drinking bits of plastic and the chemicals used to make the bottles. Electronic Devices Have you ever been tempted to leave your camera, phone, or portable DVD player in the car? While it seems easier to just leave these items in the vehicle for a few hours, it's not a good idea. Most manufacturers of electronic devices state their products are rated up to 113 degrees. In the summer, your car can easily top 130 degrees, which is significantly above and beyond the average rating. Unless you want your devices melting or simply not turning on the next time you want to use them, make sure to take them with you when you get out of the car. Pens Are you one of the many people who leave pens in their car for emergency writing needs? If so, you need to reconsider. Put your pens in a travel bag you take with you everywhere, rather than leaving them in the car. When a pen gets too hot, it may burst, getting ink everywhere. Don't put your upholstery through the trauma of an exploded pen. Keep ink out of your hot car this summer. Make sure to clean your car out before you leave it. Leaving any of these items, and many others, in a hot car ends only in disaster. From meltdowns to explosions and changes in molecular structure, the heat your car experiences is simply too much for most day-to-day products. Stay safe by keeping everything possible out of the car on a hot summer day. Image by Bradley Gordon via Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Whether you live in South Carolina or you're just here for a visit, make sure you take some time to explore the state. South Carolina offers numerous remarkable road trip options. No matter your interests, you're sure to find a trip that suits your needs. From outdoor adventures to amazing shopping, these are some of the best road trips in South Carolina. more The Angel Oak One of the state's most beautiful natural wonders is The Angel Oak. Less than 25 miles outside Charleston, you'll find this 66-foot-tall oak tree. It is estimated to be about 400 years old and is still alive today. The canopy is huge, with shades of 17,000 square feet. The longest branch on this historical beauty is 187 feet. Within a 5-mile drive, there are several great restaurants, allowing you to make a day of your road trip. Wild Olive offers delicious Italian food. If you're in the mood for American cuisine, head to Tomato Shed Café. JBS Smoke Shack offers amazing barbecue. Myrtle Beach The biggest tourist destination in South Carolina is Myrtle Beach. Here you'll find all sorts of themed restaurants, such as Hard Rock Café, Margaritaville, and Planet Hollywood. Head to the beach for some fun in the sun, and bring along a picnic lunch. The city offers several amusement parks and attractions, such as the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, and Myrtle Beach Pavilion. There's something for everyone in Myrtle Beach, making it a fantastic road trip option for individuals, families, or groups. Drayton Hall Check out the history and majesty of South Carolina with a visit to Drayton Hall. This well-preserved plantation home is one of the best-kept historical buildings around. Drayton Hall is one of only three plantation homes on the Ashley River that didn't get destroyed when Union soldiers took over the area during the Civil War. Today, the home has been restored and preserved. It is now part of the National Trust, and there are professional guided tours available for visitors. After your tour of the home and gardens, head to Nigel's Good Food or Middleton Place Restaurant for a meal to end your day. Huntington Beach State Park If you're in the mood for an outdoor adventure, head to Huntington Beach State Park outside of Murrells Inlet. You'll find fishing and boating areas, hiking trails, picnic shelters, and even camping areas throughout the park. In September, Huntington Beach State Park hosts the Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival, featuring over 100 artists. Live music, food options, and art vendors all come together in this amazing celebration of beauty. If you don't want to camp, but still plan to spend extra time in the area, there are several hotel options nearby, including the Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort and The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn. Throughout South Carolina, there are several road trip options. When planning your trip, decide what type of attractions you're most interested in. Whether you're planning a single day road trip or something a little longer, you'll find beauty and excitement in South Carolina.

When you're in college, you want a vehicle that's a step or two above what you drove in high school. Young adults have specific preferences when it comes to safety, technology, appearance, and entertainment. Car manufacturers looking to earn the loyalty of college students must offer affordable options and features this consumer segment wants. Kia is no exception. Here are the top four models from this brand that appeal to young adults. more 1. The Forte: Affordable and Connected Tricked out with voice-command navigation, the Uvo infotainment package, and a Bluetooth wireless system, the 2016 Kia Forte wins the hearts of university students. With a free app, you can share locations with the vehicle's navigation system via Google Maps. The exterior is fun and sporty, appealing to a younger demographic. With a combined fuel efficiency of 31 miles per gallon, driving this compact is easy on your wallet, a plus for many college students. 2. The Rio: Burns Performance Thanks to its gasoline direct injection engine, the 2016 Kia Rio has the powerful pick-up you need on long road trips with your friends or for the drive home for the weekend. As a sub-compact, this car is a real value, putting it well within reach of many young adults. With a push-button start, an onboard entertainment system, and wireless technology, the Rio has many of the bells and whistles you expect to find on more expensive vehicles. In terms of safety, all models have standard equipment such as airbags, stability control, and side-impact door beams. Whether you're involved in a fender bender in a campus parking lot or a rear-end collision driving through town, the Rio has the infrastructure to protect you. 3. The Soul: Boxy and Fun Several lists of recommended cars for college students include Kia's crossover, the 2016 Soul. With a memorable silhouette and an array of fun exterior colors, this vehicle catches the eye instantly. Plus, the Soul one of the most affordable crossovers on the market. Any young adult who loves music can appreciate the Soul's integration of Pandora radio and the Digital Jukebox feature, allowing you to stream or upload your favorite tunes. Use your voice to activate your smart phone or shuffle to another song all while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. 4. The Sportage: Agile and Smooth The 2016 Kia Sportage appeals to recent grads who may have already landed a job and have some sort of regular income. Earning rave reviews for the powerful engine, this crossover begs to hit the road. At the same time, it's agile enough to take you on adventures in the woods or by the lake. Wherever you go, use the hands-free voice system to make calls more safely. In addition to a great lineup of cars catering to a young adult's tastes, Kia has a discount incentive program available to students who buy a new car within one year of graduation from a qualifying institution.

It's exciting when manufacturers embrace innovation with concept cars and new models. Drivers love to see new features, styling, and trims coming to the showroom of their local dealership. One company that's set to enter new market segments in the coming years is Kia. The South Korean automaker hopes to use these new offerings to expand the brand's appeal to new consumers who might not have considered a Kia before. Here's a rundown of three new vehicles capturing the attention of consumers and the industry. more 1. A Combination of Wagon and Sports Car Car companies know that station wagons get a bad rap. The 1980s version with faux wood paneling down the side is forever seared into people's minds. Kudos to Kia for recognizing the potential of merging the cargo space of a wagon with the hipness of a sports car to get the best of both worlds. Thus was born the Kia Optima Sportswagon. This vehicle began as a concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015. Kia plans to enter the European market's D segment first because of an increasing demand there for mid-size touring cars. The most appealing feature of the Optima Sportswagon is the cargo space, which measures 20 cubic feet. You can access this area easily through convenient power open and close liftgates. In addition, this model retains many of the popular features of its sedan namesake for driver and passenger comfort and style. 2. A Hybrid Crossover It's fair to say that crossovers get a lot of love. They offer more space than a sedan without the image of a minivan. They are usually more fuel-efficient than an SUV, an advantage that's about to grow with the arrival of the 2017 Kia Niro. This is the manufacturer's first dedicated hybrid. It has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor connected to a six-speed transmission. A lithium-ion battery provides the juice that makes the system run. Beyond fuel efficiency, the exterior styling and silhouette distinguish this vehicle from competitors and even other Kias. The Niro looks different from others in its class, leaning more toward an SUV shape with a taller roof and larger wheels. 3. A Sporty New Coupe The Kia GT is a sports coupe based on a concept car called the GT4 Stinger, which made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2014. The Stinger had a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission cranking out 315 horsepower. The Kia GT model would be the company's first foray into grand touring territory. Industry observers have expected Kia to enter this segment for several years. They anticipate that the GT will have an elegant, modern design reminiscent of a four-door coupe first unveiled in 2011. Unlike the entries into the D and crossover segments, the production timeline of the GT is uncertain. Regardless of which segment grabs your imagination, Kia is set to reveal some memorable vehicles in the coming years.

Even with affordable gasoline prices, sales remain brisk for electric vehicles, or EVs for short. Sales hit an all-time high in December 2015 despite gas prices being at their lowest levels since the late 2000s. Drivers are becoming better educated about the financial, environmental, and driving benefits of owning these cars. Kia is offering an EV model of its popular Soul crossover. Keep reading for five reasons to consider this vehicle. Save Yourself Some Cash Driving a car with a traditional engine is fun until gas prices skyrocket. Owners of EVs aren't hostage to the pump, so fluctuations in fuel price don't impact your bank account. The Kia Soul EV has a concealed charge port built into the front fascia. A 6.6 kilowatt charger speeds up the process of replenishing the ultra-dense battery. The Soul earns high marks for its efficiency and can carry more people longer distances on a single charge. more Do Something Good for Your Mother EVs are one way to help take care of Mother Nature. Gas and diesel-powered engines rely on combustion systems that burn fuel to produce power. This results in emissions, which are coming under tighter regulation in cities and states across the U.S. due to air quality concerns. The Soul runs exclusively on electric power, so there are no emissions produced and released into the air. Some critics note that EVs plug into electrical outlets, many of which draw power from coal-fired power plants. However, as more cities move to renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind, and solar, it's possible that the vehicle's environmental footprint will be reduced even further. Experience a More Pleasant Ride Whether you're driving or riding, you care about the amount of noise a vehicle produces. When road and engine noise invade the cabin, it interferes with conversation and audio entertainment. One advantage of driving the Kia Soul is that there's no noise from engine pistons pumping away under the hood. The Soul and other EVs are so quiet, pedestrians can no longer rely on the sound of an approaching engine to warn them of an oncoming vehicle. Get Government Assistance to Pay for Your New Car The U.S. government wants to encourage people to buy electric cars, so lawmakers have established a tax credit to incentivize these purchases. Qualifying consumers can save up to $7,500 when they buy the 2016 Kia Soul EV. Congress set up this program because it's in the country's best interest to reduce dependence on foreign sources of oil. Electric powered cars help do that. Become One of the Cool Kids Like it or not, the Kia Soul and other electric cars are among the coolest vehicles to own. From cocktail party fodder to social media bragging rights, EVs show you're in the know when it comes to the latest and greatest transportation options. With the financial and environmental benefits, it's easy to see why so many people are buying electric vehicles instead of gas guzzlers. Checkout the latest Kia Soul collection at Burns Kia of Orangeburg, SC.

Families with kids have very specific needs when it comes to buying a new car. Children need a roomy interior, storage areas for snacks and toys, and entertainment. Parents want a vehicle that prioritizes safety and integrates technology to make life a little easier. Car manufacturers know what's on the family wish list and do their best to meet or exceed those expectations. Browse the three most kid-friendly models available from Kia. more 1. Savor the Comfort of the Sorento The Kia Sorento seats up to seven passengers, so it's large enough to compete with minivans in terms of capacity. This crossover allows the driver to adjust the entertainment system with voice commands, a true asset when the children are ready to watch a new movie. An available roof rack provides extra space for cargo on extended road trips. Integrated safety features such as traction control, airbags, and blind spot warnings protect families from accidents. Interior comfort is front and center with the Sorento, which offers dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air conditioning knobs. Little ones love the sun shades for the second-row seats and the cup holders and other small storage areas throughout the cabin. With stain-resistant cloth seats, mom and dad won't mind letting the kids snack while on the go. 2. Go Road Tripping in the Sedona Packed with features, the 2016 Kia Sedona earns praise from third-party reviewers for value, which is sure to attract budget-conscious families. This minivan offers every member of the family a smooth ride. With the SXL model, passengers in the second row get lounge seats that recline. The second-row middle seat has slide-and-stow ability, so it's quick and easy to reconfigure the seating to accommodate fewer people and more cargo. The front center console has small compartments that are handy for organizing small toys, loose change, and similar items. The passenger areas also have cup holders and more small storage bins. Safety is an important part of the Sedona's design with options like a rearview camera and parking sensors. The Uvo emergency communications system alerts first responders for you if you're involved in an accident. In government crash tests, the Sedona earned the highest rating for protecting passengers, something that gives parents peace of mind. 3. Accommodate Your Kids in the Soul With its boxy shape, the 2016 Kia Soul has a roomier interior than many competitors, a bonus for kids who need space for their backpacks and sports equipment. This design is ideal for small children because the thresholds are low enough that most don't have to step up to get in or jump down to exit. Choose one of the higher trim levels and you get Kia's signature entertainment system to engage kids on long drives. Keyless entry and ignition save parents the hassle of finding their keys at the bottom of the diaper bag. If you have children, you can't go wrong with any of these three vehicles from Kia. All offer family friendly features at a reasonable price.

If you're looking for a midsize sedan that is comfortable, safe, and efficient, then you should take time to test drive the new Kia Optima. It has several features that make it an excellent vehicle for individuals and families. Before you decide which car you want to buy, consider these three reasons the Kia Optima is not your average midsize sedan. There's a Plug-In Hybrid Version If you're tired of spending money on gasoline, then you will want to consider the plug-in hybrid version of the 2016 Kia Optima. The Optima pairs an electric engine with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine to give you 199 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. You can expect to get about 36 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. With plug-in hybrid technology, you get the financial benefits of driving an electric car without worrying that you will run out of power. You'll barely use any gas during your daily commute, which will help you save money. In fact, you won't use any gas at all if your commute only covers 10 miles. When you take a longer drive, such as when want to visit one of South Carolina's beaches, you can count on the gas engine to get you there as efficiently as possible. A plug-in hybrid like this is the best of both worlds. The Kia Optima Has Great Safety Features The 2016 Kia Optima comes loaded with features that will keep you and your family safe on the road. Some of the most important safety features include: Four-wheel antilock disc brakes Side airbags Side curtain airbags Traction control Stability control You can make the Optima even safer by adding: A rearview camera Rear parking sensors Blind-spot monitoring In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests, the Optima scored a five out of five overall rating. It also received five stars for side crash, rollover, and frontal barrier crash protections. It Offers Plenty of Interior Space You expect a fair amount of interior room from a midsize sedan. The 2016 Kia Optima will exceed those expectations. The base Optima gives you 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space. That's more than enough room for groceries. You'll even have enough room for luggage when you want to take a long road trip. Inside the cabin, you get 120.7 cubic feet of space to keep everyone comfortable. There's even enough room for tall passengers who want to stretch out during long drives. You do lose a little area when you choose the hybrid version. Expect your cargo space to fall to 10.8 cubic feet and the interior space to drop to 113 cubic feet. That's still plenty of room for most drivers and passengers, but it isn't quite as roomy as the regular model. If you have never taken a Kia Optima for a test drive, now is the right time. After you experience this vehicle, you'll know why so many people consider it one of the best midsize sedans available in 2016.

Buying a car is a huge financial commitment, so you want to make sure you know exactly what you are getting. Unfortunately, a lot of people make mistakes when they shop for new and pre-owned vehicles. The next time you visit a dealership, make sure you avoid these three common car-buying mistakes. Doing so will help you pick a car that really meets your needs. more Not Making the Most of Their Test Drives The test drive is your chance to really experience a vehicle. All the research in the world can't compare to half an hour behind the wheel. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't seem to know how to test drive vehicles. When you take your next test drive, make sure you: Drive the car in a variety of environments, including winding roads and Interstates like I-26 Focus on performance and comfort instead of worrying too much about fancy gadgets Pay attention to how much road noise you can hear in the cabin Take notes so you can compare vehicles objectively Give yourself at least one day to make a decision Focusing too Much on Monthly Payment Amounts Buyers obviously need to choose vehicles that they can afford. In most cases, the dealership will try to make cars affordable for you by giving you several payment options. Just because you get an inexpensive monthly payment, however, doesn't mean that you are getting a better deal on the car. Long-term loans usually have higher interest rates than short-term options. Even if you get the same rate, spreading payments out over a longer period means that you will pay more interest. If you use a 36-month loan with a three percent interest rate to borrow $15,000, you will repay a total $15,703.92. If you get the same interest rate on a 60-month loan, then you will pay $467.88 more. Make sure you pay attention to the total amount so you can get the best overall deal. Forgetting to Think About Cost of Ownership Just because a car's price fits your budget doesn't mean that it is an affordable option for you. The cost of owning a car is much higher than the sticker price. Over the lifetime of the car, you will spend money on: Repair parts Maintenance services Insurance Fuel Taxes This makes it important for you to consider how these costs will affect the vehicle's affordability. You may find that you need to focus on cars that cost less. You can use a cost to own calculator to get a rough estimate of how much you will really spend on the vehicle. Of course, if the monthly payment barely fits your budget, you should already know that it isn't a good option for you. By the time you finish paying other expenses, it will become too expensive. Finding the right car requires some effort, but you need to take steps that will help you choose an option that truly matches your needs. By following these three tips, you are already ahead of most buyers.

Taking a long road trip always seems like a good idea since you can save money on travel and you have full control over where you go. A couple hundred miles into the drive, though, people can start to get cranky. This summer, follow these four tips so everyone in the vehicle will enjoy spending time on the road. more Make Several Playlists Before the Trip It's often difficult to find good radio stations as you drive from state to state. Avoid this problem by making several playlists before you leave home. Try making a variety of playlists to match different moods and driving conditions. If you start to feel sleepy behind the wheel, it helps to turn on an energetic playlist that will get your blood pumping. If you start to feel stressed out by traffic, then you may need a calming playlist that helps you stay in control of your emotions. Catch up on Your Favorite TV Shows A road trip is the perfect time to binge watch your favorite TV shows. If you're taking a really long drive, then you'll want to fill a few DVDs with shows that have been on air for several seasons. Some great options include: "Battlestar Galactica" "Seinfeld" "SpongeBob SquarePants" "The Wire" Of course, you can choose any show or movie that you like. Sorry drivers, but this one isn't for you. At least you can use TV shows to keep the kids quiet. Play Games to Pass the Time Long car rides have encouraged children and adults to come up with dozens of inventive games to pass the time. Some popular games you should learn before taking your road trip include: "Cows on My Side" "The Alphabet Game" "The Name Game" "The Counting Game" "Did You Hear That…?" "21 Questions" Most of these games don't require so much as paper and pencil. They're more about having fun than trying to win, but you can keep track of points if your passengers enjoy competition. Take Detours to Quirky Destinations You don't have to stay on the road until you reach your destination. In fact, taking a few detours could make your road trip more fun. Of course, those detours will also give you a chance to stretch your legs and refresh yourself so you can focus on your driving. There are a lot of quirky tourist attractions worth visiting. Some interesting places you can stop before leaving South Carolina include: An odd statue of war hero Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion in Johnsonville Garden City Beach's Spaceship House The atom bomb crater in Mars Bluff Some of these sites are on private property, so make sure you find out whether the owners allow visitors. You don't want to cur your vacation short by getting arrested for trespassing! A road trip can introduce you to parts of the country that you wouldn't otherwise see. If you decide to take a long drive this summer, try using these four tips to make the experience more enjoyable.

Living in South Carolina means that you have relatively easy access to some of the best beaches on the east coast. This summer, take some time out of your schedule to visit one of these four beaches. They're within a 150 miles of Orangeburg and they offer plenty of things to do. more Myrtle Beach Distance from Orangeburg: 141 miles Myrtle Breach attracts about 14 million tourists every year, making it one of the most popular destinations in South Carolina. Attractions that bring people to Myrtle Beach include shopping at Broadway on the Beach, The SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach State Park, and Ripley's Aquarium. If you like locally made beer, then you should visit the breweries in Myrtle Beach. Three popular options include Gordon Biersch, Liberty Brewery and Grill, and New South Brewing Company. New South Brewing Company offers free tours at 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It's a chance to see how the company brews its beers. Plus, you can get free samples. Folly Beach Distance from Orangeburg: 86 miles Folly Beach is a good destination for people who want to enjoy the sun and water without putting up with the large crowds at Myrtle Beach. The Folly Beach pier gives you an excellent spot to cast your fishing line into the water. You can also explore the coast with kayak, paddleboard, and boat rentals. If you have a Kia SUV, like the Sorento or Sedona, then you should bring a surfboard with you to Folly Beach. There aren't a lot of spots on the eastern seaboard with enough waves for surfing. Folly Beach is one of the few places where you can expect to catch a few good waves during your stay. Of course, you can rent a surfboard if you don't own one. Kiawah Island Distance from Orangeburg: 101 miles Kiawah Island is noted for its exclusive resorts and magnificent golf courses. Some of the island's best courses include Turtle Point Golf Club, Osprey Point Golf Course, The Ocean Course, and Cougar Point Golf Course. If you are really looking to test your skill, then you have to play a round at the Ocean Course. It is one of the toughest courses on the coast. Of course, there are more things to do in Kiawah Island than play golf. Try exploring the beautiful island with bike or kayak rentals. You should also set time aside to visit Night Heron Park and indulge in services at some of the island's numerous spas. Isle of Palms Distance from Orangeburg: 88 miles Isle of Palms is a good destination for people who also want to visit Charleston. You not only have access to water sports and a relaxing sand beach, but all of the restaurants and retail stores of a large city. Considering how close it is to Orangeburg, you should visit it at least once. Going to the beach is always a fun way to spend a few summer days. This year, try to visit one of these destinations so you can experience the best in South Carolina.