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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Car Tips and Tricks | No Comments »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Vehicle Safety Tips | No Comments »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Around South Carolina, Summer Fun | No Comments »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Vehicle Safety Tips | No Comments »

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. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Car Tips and Tricks | No Comments »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Vehicle Safety Tips | No Comments »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Around South Carolina, Road Trips | No Comments »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in New Kia Models | No Comments »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in New Kia Models | No Comments »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in New Kia Models | No Comments »