My thoughts after a month with my STINGER

 Kia really got it right with this car. I have had mine for about a month, and really, every time I get in it I feel like this was the car I have always wanted. And #yesitiz a Kia. 



As far as features and style, it is up there with the Euro Lux cars.  It gets a lot of looks and a lot of parking lot attention. The drive is smooth, with just enough growl to make you remember you are in a GT. Yet, it's very easy to drive.  The Lane Keeping feature is something to get used to, but once you realize that the car is doing a little bit of thinking for you, it's really a comforting safety feature. 

I have no complaints about power whether in the 2.0 twin scroll turbo or the 3.3 v6 Twin Turbo.  It's plenty powerful enough for every day driving, and even has enough get up and get out for the wannabe street racer in all of us. 

My wife and I are both 6 feet tall or taller, and even though it is lower than our Cadenza (That we traded in for it) it is pretty entry / exit friendly. 

The hatch / trunk has a TON of room but you never feel as though you own a "hatchback".  Great for a large day at Sam's or Costco. 

Love the Android Auto feature. Very intuitive (As is Apple Carplay) and will probably be the end of onboard navigation in the future.  Pandora works seamlessly through the system.

The best way to put it, I think is that it is THE all around fun, practical, not pretentious (but VERY SEXY) driving machine. Once you own one, you will be peeking in the garage 4 or 5 times a day just to look at it and smile. 

Remember, if you have any questions about your Kia, please put them in the comments, or you can email me at    cashatkia@centurylink.net.  Wanna come see me? I am at Jim Marsh Kia, 8555 West Centennial Blvd. in Las Vegas. 702*946*1000 ... Ask for CASH. (It's a story I will tell you when your get there).

Have a KIA day.
#yesitiz 

Be aware of all the "safety features"

I had a man come in a while back who wanted to purchase an Optima for his 17 year old daughter.  She got her driver's licence about 4 months prior.  I asked him, since it was her first car, what features and price her was looking for.  Usually, a first car is something pre owned and priced low. 

His answer was that he wanted 'every safety feature known to man'. Blind Spot, Back Up camera, Lane Change warning, Crash warning, Smart cruise...The works. As a parent, I asked him why he wanted that?  He told me he wanted to make sure his daughter was always safe.  Now, I am not one to talk anyone out of exactly what they want, so, I asked him if it made more sense to teach his daughter to learn things the way WE did before depending on the car to everything for her.  If she were to think the car would do it all, she was asking for trouble. 

Remember that all these safety features are to assist you. Nothing beats paying attention to what's around you... behind you.... to the sides... I love all the safety features on my car.  But I know that with all that tech, nothing beats being an alert driver.  (Don't get me started on self driving cars)

In the end, he chose a nice new optima with a back up camera.  The rest was up to her to learn how to be a responsible driver. 

Just a note...When I was doing the Dad teaching his son to drive thing, I would cover the rear view mirror with my hand and ask my son what was behind him. After a while, he learned to check his mirrors every 20 seconds or so.  Now he is always aware of what is around him at all times. 

Have a Kia Day
#yesitiz

#yesitiz

#YESITIZ
I took the plunge and was the first in my area to lease a new 2018 Kia Stinger. OMG. What an amazing ride. I have come out of stores and seen many admirerers and the fist thing they ask is "that's a Kia?" I answer " yes it is"  then I get questions ranging from " is it fast" to "is itsmooth" ....yes it is...."it's sooo pretty". Yes it is. "Is it affordable?" .... Yes it is. So, my licence plate shall be...YESITIZ. I want to start a #yesitiz blast for the Stinger. So, from now on, any time you mention any Kia Stinger or any Kia Product...follow it up with #yesitiz. Is Kia a GREAT CAR?  (OK, EVERYONE) #YESITIZ


Have a Kia Day.   # yesitiz

To Gap or not to Gap...There IS no question.

When you buy a car, be it a Kia or something else, and you finance that car, you will no doubt be offered GAP insurance while in the finance (business) office to sign your paperwork.  The cost of this will vary depending on the car, the amount financed etc.  

It's not one of those add ons that dealerships sell to make a ton of profit.  I have GAP on every car in my family. It is especially important if you are in a zero down situation with a moderate interest rate.  Here is how it works....

Lets say you buy a car that costs 20,000.00.  After taxes and dealer fees the amount to finance  comes to lets say 23,000.00 (just using round numbers here for example) Then, maybe you buy a service package. Now lets use a moderate interest rate of, say, 3.9%.  So after all is said and done you are financing lets say 25,000.00.

Everyone knows that your car loses about 100.00 or more a month in depreciation when you drive off.  So, if you get in an accident a year after you buy your car, your insurance will value the car less than the value you owe.  If that value is say 15,000.00 and you owe (minus remaining interest) 21,500.00.  (called negative equity). GAP will pay the outstanding 6,500.00.  If you don't have GAP, YOU are liable for that amount.  It's worth the extra 20.00 a month or so to have that peace of mind. 

When do you not need GAP?  

If you are at a 0% rate and put 20% down or more (buying equity) you are probably safe opting out of GAP. (Double check with the finance manager where you buy) BUT for about 90% of the buyers I sell to, I say "Fill the GAP!"  Pay a few dollars extra now to save a chunk later...and the possibility of hurting your credit.  As always, you can comment here, or ask any question you may have.  E mail me at cashatkia@centurylink.com or call me at Jim Marsh Kia in Las Vegas. 702*946*1000

Have a KIA Day!!

The Kia Stinger

The Stinger...Here is what I know.  We should see the first of this new super car roll out in the next couple of months...Hopefully before Thanksgiving. 😁

It will be a new model on a new frame. A fastback 4 door with a hatch. Much like the Jaguar XJ series four door.  It will be available in a 2.0 single turbo, rear wheel drive and a 3.6 twin turbo with available AWD. 

Bottom line, it will be a screamer and the full package with all the bells and whistles is expected to be about 25,000.00 less than the Jag with a much lower cost of ownership.  And don't forget the Kia 10 year 100,000
mile drive train coverage and our 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper coverage. 

Here is a link to the Stinger to see more.
I will post a blog when it hits the showroom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puu0phAVEYs

Using ANDROID AUTO and APPLE CAR PLAY

A lot of cars now, as you know, or may have noticed, had eliminated a few things.  One being your trusty CD player 😭(But hey, I had 8 tracks and cassette decks in my cars growing up. We have to flex with change. CD players are going the way of the 8 track and VCR. 😵

The other thing they are doing away with is on board Navigation.  All this being replaced Apple Car Play (tm) and Android Auto (tm) ...By pig tailing your smartphone to the USB data port in you car equipped with these services (free of charge, mind you) you bring up your phone's screen with all the legal to use while driving apps on your touch screen.  Pretty easy. You have access then to Google maps and can use your music player right out of your phone. 

Below is a quick link that shows you how all this great new tech works!

Have a Kia Day!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7su5vN_XyMI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7su5vN_XyMI

A Word about General Maintainance

Believe it or not, a lot of people think that you buy a car and drive it.  Yes, but remember, like YOU, your car needs more than food. (fuel). It occasionally needs to go in for a routine physical. 

Any car you buy, be it a Kia or any other brand will give you in excess of 100,000 miles as long as you take care of it.  At the end of the day, most cars are built pretty much the same.  Engine, Transmission, drive line.  What is put into the car as far as options, leather, Navigation, sunroof, bells and whistles and of course, badging adds to the price and prestige.  It does not matter if you are in a Kia or a Mercedes, if you don't take care of it, your car won't be worth a hoot. 

Here is a little story.  True.  A customer came into the service department with car in tow.  The customer told the service writer that the engine was frozen up, would not run, and they would like a new engine under the 10 year 100,000 mile drive train coverage. After all the car only had 28 thousand miles on it. 

The service department put it on the rack, and indeed the engine was shot.  They also noted that there was no oil in the engine, just goopy sludge.  When the customer was asked when they had their last oil change, they informed the service manager that they had never changed the oil because they were never told that it was something they needed to do.  Surely the oil light was on. The customer said they did not pay attention to it figuring it meant there was plenty of oil in the car.  Kia did not cover this repair and the customer was out almost 5,000.00 for a new engine. 

Kia recommends oil changes every 7,000 miles to stay within coverage. We always tell people here at Jim Marsh 3-5,000 just to be sure.  DO IT!!

Tires should be rotated every other oil change, and DO your 15, 30 and 60,000 mile full service. It may cost you 5 or 600.00 to do, but will save you 4 or 5 times that if something goes bad. Cars have become very complicated. Several computer systems, sensors and gobs of electronics. 

With proper service you will get 200.000 plus miles out of our Kia. 

Remember you can always contact me at  cashatkia@centurylink.net

or if you are in the Las Vegas area, come by Jim Marsh Kia, 8555 W. Centennial, Las Vegas and ask for "Cash".

Have a Kia Day

Why Certified Pre Owned?

Are you Covered? Trust Kia Certified. Ever breakdown in the middle of vacation, or have a tire go flat from roadside debris? Kia Certified Pre-Owned vehicles come with numerous quality benefits not found with a typical used car purchase. Upon purchasing a Kia Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you will receive a welcome package detailing the additional coverage provided, including Roadside Assistance and Towing / Rental / Travel Breakdown coverage. Kia Certified Pre-Owned benefits are available on a variety of Kia models. Make sure the Kia Certified logo appears on your next used vehicle. Kia Certified Pre-Owned vehicles provide you with peace of mind and assurance that you have purchased a quality used vehicle. By purchasing a Kia Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you can be assured that you are investing in a quality product, which comes with a Pre-Owned Limited Powertrain Warranty. Choosing a Certified Pre-Owned Kia gives you the confidence of knowing every vehicle comes equipped with Kia's comprehensive:

• 10-year/100,000-mile Certified Pre-Owned Limited Powertrain Warranty
• 12 month/12,000 mile Platinum Coverage

• 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
• Towing/Rental/Travel Breakdown Coverage

• 150-Point Quality Assurance Inspection
• Free CARFAX® Report on vehicle history
• 10-Year Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance Plan
• Eligible for Additional Failure Coverage

  • RENTAL CAR COVERAGE

Up to $35 per day for maximum of ten (10) days for car rental expense incurred due to a covered mechanical breakdown or manufacturer's warranty repair.

• TOWING COVERAGE

Up to $75 for towing charges per covered mechanical breakdown.

• TRAVEL BREAKDOWN COVERAGE

For breakdowns more than 100 miles from home you will be reimbursed up to $100 per day for a maximum of $500 per occurrence for food and lodging per covered mechanical breakdown.

• Certified is a great way to buy. Remember, you can always contact me at : cashatkia@centurylink.com

Using Kia Installed Remote Start on your new Kia

The Remote start on Kia Products involves a few steps. Here is a Video showing you easy steps for remote start. Thanks to McDonald Automotive for this.

Using Kia Remote Start (video)

The Kia NIRO Hybrid. A different driving experience.

The Kia Niro is our latest addition to the Kia line.  It has been available for a few months now, and is a huge seller.  At 48-52 MPG in town and 43-46 on the highway, it has the attention of the hybrid driving community. 

It's the first fully dedicated crossover hybrid. Has tons of cargo space, and is not hard to look at.  

There are a lot of Hybrids out there. Right now most manufacturers have a hybrid on the market. What makes ours so special? Glad you asked.  

For one thing, the Niro has the Kia 10 year 100,000 mile warranty that also cover the hybrid battery. That's HUGE. It also features luxury appointments like leather, sunroof, intelligent navigation (which reads the future terrain and adjusts the charging process for optimum MPG's) lane change departure warning, smart cruise, blind spot indicator, rear camera, Android Auto (r) and apple Carplay (r) and a whole host of other cool stuff for a price tag lower than the less equipped competitors. But, enough with the ad..(lol) let's talk about the difference between a Hybrid and a non Hybrid. 

A Hybrid runs on both gas engine and electric power. (This is not an EV car, or a plug in). The engine charges the hybrid batteries, then the batteries take over, mostly in city traffic. When it runs on battery power, the gas engine is shut down.  Driving a Hybrid is an experience you have to get used to. You may be at a red light and the engine will suddenly quit. Normal.  The other thing you have to get used to is when you start the car, the engine may or may not start (depending on the battery charge) It's a little strange at first, but once you know the signs that the Hybrid power is on, it's like being in stealth mode. (Could have used it back when we were in high school and late for curfew). 

Or course, the thing that is a pleasure to get used to is the 50 MPG that the Niro provides!! True, it is not a muscle car. But, it will pass a lot more gas stations that most. 

For more info, feel free to email me at   cashatkia@centurylink.net, or come on into Jum Marsh Kia in Las Vegas. 8555 West Centennial. 702*946*1000  Ask for "CASH"

Have a Kia Day

A FEW THINGS TO THINK ABOUT IN THE HEAT

So, it was 117 degrees in Las Vegas yesterday. Cars were dropping like flies.  Mostly battery and tire issues.

So, you may or may not live in this 'surface of the Sun zone' but with summer here, there are some important things to remember to avoid calling Kia Roadside Assistance (1-800-333-4Kia).

Tires: Make sure your tires are in good shape. Also, make sure the pressures are correct. Remember, underinflation causes heat, Combine that with the road temps and you have the perfect storm for a blowout.  Tires are one of the first things to fail in heat like this. 

Battery: In Vegas, the average life span of a car battery is about 2 years.  Heat (and Cold) really take their toll on your car's battery.  You can go to your nearest Kia dealership (or favorite mechanic) and have your battery tested.  It's simple and usually free if you request it with other services such as an oil change.  I advise doing this every spring and fall just before the weather extremes hit.

A/C: HAVE YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED! One failure can lead to a lot of expense down the road.  I advise against the cans of A/C chargers at Walmart or the auto parts store. If your system is not running right it could be a whole host of things, and over charging the system without the proper tools is asking for trouble. GET IT DONE BY A PRO!

OIL: Make sure your oil changes are up to date, and your oil levels are full. Especially if you have a TURBO. Turbos get very hot without any help from mother nature.

Use a window shade.  They can reduce the temp by 30 or 40 degrees if you have to park in the sun. (Be sure to remove it before driving off though LOL)

Keep your windows open when parked. Even just an eighth of an inch. OR vent your sunroof.  This will keep heat pressure from building up and possibly blowing your windows out. Yes, it does occasionally happen. Don't make it you that it happens to. 

DO NOT LEAVE KIDS AND PETS IN THE CAR. EVER. FOR ANY REASON, NOT EVEN FOR 30 SECONDS. If you run in the house and trip and hurt yourself, or you get distracted, THEY CAN NOT GET OUT.  Use common sense. 

Or, the best thing. Park in the garage and don't got out in extreme heat if you don't have to.  Make a list of things you need to do and try to combine them into one trip. If you have to go out, do it early in the morning or later at night.  No matter how well you take care of the car, it will still prefer to not be driven when it's a hundred plus degrees out.

As always, you can direct your questions to this blog, or cashatkia@centurylink.net

Remember, if you are in Vegas, stop by Jim Marsh Kia and say Hi. Or call and make an appointment to drive your new Kia. 702*946*1000 and ask for "Cash"

Have a KIA day! 

Changing your thermometer from C to F or visa versa

I had a customer come in today who needed help changing his thermometer on the instrument panel from C to F.  He had no idea why it changed.  (He was messing around with is reset button and it will be clear when I explain).

It's a simple procedure.  If you want to change from Celsius to Fahrenheit or visa versa,  scroll your menu to the RANGE reading (distance to empty) and then hold the reset button for 5 or 6 seconds.  The temperature reading will change. That's all there is to it.  Useful for all those road trips to Canada or Mexico! :-)

Have a KIA Day!

Activation of UVO App

Simplified Registration and Activation

A Simpler Way to Enjoy the Power of UVO eServices

1-800-333-4KIA (4542)

YOU ASKED FOR IT. WE DELIVERED.

Kia Motors America, Inc. is proud to announce that you can now enjoy the power of UVO eServices such as maintenance reminders, parking minder, and much more with less setup time.

This update is available for download as an app on select iPhone and Android devices. Here’s how to get started.

1.  Download or update to the latest UVO eServices app
2.  Launch UVO eServices
3.  Register an account

                   

4.  Accept the Terms of Service

               

      

5.  Activate your vehicle using the UVO eServices app

Using your HOMELINK system (Video)

If you look at your rear view mirror, you might see a series of buttons. If you see this, you have HOMELINK in your Kia. This allows you to program gates and garage doors to your mirror rather than having them hanging on your sun visor, freeing them up for other cars.  Rather than trying to explain all the ways to program your HOMELINK, I am going to just let Homelink explain in their training video.

https://youtu.be/qSe_Yhez-ro


As always, if you have any questions you can e mail me any time at  cashatkia@centurylink.net

or if you are in the Las Vegas Area, feel free to stop in at Jim Marsh Kia 8555 W. Centennial 89149

(702)946-1000

Have a Kia Day

Updating the GPS SD CARD in your Kia

I was asked if the dealership has updates for the navigation system in your Kia.  If your Kia has an SD Navigation card, it is best to just update from your PC onto the SD card that has your mapping on it.  I go to http://www.kia-gpsmap.us and enter the year and model.  The download runs about $149.00 US for the update.  (The new loaded card is about twice that cost).  Just follow the directions on the site.

The trend now is getting away from onboard navigation and is steering toward smartphone hard links (Apple Car Play / Android Auto). The advantage to this is that the mapping is from your phone direct to the screen and the maps are always current.  They work as well or better than the old onboard navigation system and there is no charge for updates.

I have not found any site yet that will let you download the navigation update for free. Sorry.

Advanced Smart Cruise Control

Once, a thing for Ultra High End cars, Kia now offers Advanced Smart Cruise control.  Kia has allowed me to use some of their video presentations to go into depth about certain features.  Smart Cruise Control is one.  It allows you to 'pace' the car in front of you, and adjusts your speed according to the speed of the car in front of you.  Take a minute and check out the video


Remember, You can always contact me at   cashatkia@centurylink.net or at Jim Marsh Kia, Las Vegas. 

Copy and paste this link
https://youtu.be/AlZX8dU9dZI

Have a Kia Day!

How do I play CDs in my new Kia that does not have a CD player??

Good Question

Many cars on the market are doing away with CD players. Many people opt to stream music from a service such as Pandora. You also have the option of XM radio and, of course, MP3 files on a thumb drive, which is what this is about.

You will notice that your Kia has a USB port in the front of the center console. This is a trickle charge for your phone, but also serves as a USB Data port for MP3 files on a thumb (Flash) Drive.

Get your favorite CDs and load them to your computer. In Windows they will save in Media Player as a WAV file. These can not be played through your system.  You must first convert them to an MP3 format. There are several conversion programs out there. Just google WAV to MP3.  After that, just move the MP3 file to the flash drive (drag and drop) and there ya go.  You can put hundreds of songs on a 8 or 16 Gigabyte flash. They are small, and portable. Play your MP3 files by putting the flash drive in the USB port in your car and then go to the MEDIA setting and it will pull the music up. 

KIA ... LX/EX/SX/SXL ..WHAT'S WHAT!

Ok, So I will ask customers when they come in for a Kia Vehicle, "are you looking at an Lx, Ex or Sx?"  Many of them know already because, after all, the internet is a wealth of information. 

For those who are not in the know, here is what the different designations mean.

LX /GDI /FE  are designated as the lower end of the scale.  (I detest using the term 'base model' as it brings up connotations of manual windows, stick shift and am/fm radio. Actually our LX models are more about affordability thank trying to strip a lot of creature comforts.  All Kias come with bluetooth connectivity, am/fm/xm radio. many with CD players, although these days, CD players are going the way of cassette players as most folks listen to streamed media. but that's another blog....The typical LX model has upgraded cloth interior, cruise control, many have back up cameras, power driver's seats and of course all of them come with the Kia 10 year / 100,000 mile drive train coverage and the 5 year/60,0000 manufacturer coverage as well as 5/60,000 roadside assistance. 

EX models have a few more goodies, usually an upgrade to leather interior, sunroof options, navigation and upgraded stereo options, some feature upgraded engine size options (like on the Soul you go from a 1.6 to a 2.0 litre engine) ... Technology package options and more. 

The SX / SX limited will feature all the upgrades that are  are available including heated and cooled seats, electronic parking brake, some models have the heads up display, smart cruise, chrome package (SXL) and upgraded NAPPA Leather interior. 

I happen to drive a Kia Cadenza (K7) which is fully loaded, but one step below the SXL.  I grew up with Mercedes, Audi and Volvo. All amazing cars.  My Cadenza is my favorite car out of all the cars I have ever owned.  Euro Luxury without the Euro Luxury price or cost of ownership.

Remember, you can always get ahold of me at Jim Marsh Kia in Las Vegas. (702) 946-1000. Ask for Cash.

Also, you can e mail me at cashatkia@centurylink.net
I will be happy to address your questions!

Thanks and have a Kia Day!

Help! My 2017 Sportage gas door won't open!!

Thanks for the question.  Eventually, this person figured it out.  

To open the 2017 Kia Sportage gas cap door, you press it and it will spring open.  HOWEVER, when the car is locked, so is the gas door.  You must first unlock all the doors on the vehicle (two presses of the remote or use the door unlock switch on the driver's door.  

Remember, all the kia engines run fine on regular unleaded.  If you have a turbo, mid grade is a good idea.  The K900 runs best on 91 octane, and that is recommended. 

Have a GREAT Kia Day!

Eco / Normal /Sport Lets talk Drive Modes

Ok, So here you are in your new Kia. You spot a button that says DRIVE MODE or MODE. When you press it, you see that it takes you to ECO, SPORT and NORMAL (actually there is no 'normal' light, it's just blank).

Here is a quick education on what they do.

ECO MODE adjusts the shift points, fuel mix and the efficiency of the Air Conditioner.  You will notice that the car shifts at a lower RPM, and that the Air does not seem quite as cold.  The thinking behind this is that the lower the RPMs between shifts saves on gas in the long run.  You will really notice the difference between ECO and SPORT when you trying to pass that semi on the freeway. 

SPORT MODE is the 180 degree opposite of ECO mode. The car will climb in RPMs between shifts. Adding power, but reducing fuel efficiency a bit...But you will notice the difference between it and ECO mode.

NORMAL MODE is somewhere in between.  

Just as a side note, I always drive in sport mode. I find the small difference in miles per tankful is not worth the loss of power. But, this is a personal preference. Try all three and see which suites you best.  You might even try the "manual  +/- option.  We will talk about that next time along with how to properly use your paddle shifters if so equipped.

Remember, you can always submit Kia Question to me at  cashatkia@centurylink.net

AND if you are in the Las Vegas Area, stop by Jim Marsh Kia. 8555 West Centennial in Northwest Vegas.  I will happy to answer your questions!

Have a great KIA day!!

SMART KEY TIPS

If you purchased a Kia Ex or SX model, chances are you have a smart key. A smart key is a key that you never have to remove from your pocket or purse to have access to unlocking the doors and starting the car. There are several styles depending on the model.  

The way these work is simple. A sensor in the car reads the key. It must be within 18 inches of the car in order for the car to read it.  You will notice a button on the door handle of the car. With the key in your pocket or purse, and the car locked, press the button one time to unlock the driver's door, twice to unlock all the doors. When leaving the car, press the button once to lock the car. 

Once inside the car, place you foot on the brake pedal and push the start button. Note the key MUST BE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR in order for the car to start. 

You will also notice a button the the key fob that releases a hard key. In the event of a dead battery, you can use this key to unlock the driver's door (check the door handle. You will see a slot at the bottom rear that allows you to remove a cover to access the key hole). 


The smart key will not allow you to lock the car if the keys are left in it. It will also beep at you if you leave the car running and walk away. 

The buttons are pretty simple.  To the right is a Sedona Van key. Top to bottom. Lock, unlock, left and right power sliding doors, power tailgate and the red "I lost my car in the Wal Mart parking lot" button.

These keys cost a lot so don't lose them. They contain a battery that can be replaces if the fob fails to work properly. 

This key is considered a theft deterrent/ engine disability device to many insurance companies. Let them know you have a smart key.

Remember, you can always e mail me with questions at 'cashatkia@centurylink.net', or if you are in the Las Vegas Area, come see me at Jim Marsh Kia, 8555 West Centennial, Las Vegas. Ask for "Cash" and I will be happy to help you. 

Have a GREAT Kia Day

Smart Trunk / Tailgate on your Kia

Your new Kia Forte S, Optima  EX / SX, Sportage SX, Cadenza, Sorento EX / SX, Sedona EX and above and k900 feature the Kia Smart Trunk.  Standard on the Cadenza and K900 and an option on the rest.  

Your dealership may or may not have activated it prior to delivery. The easiest way to check it out is to lock your car, walk away from it for a minute and then go stand about a foot behind it.  If you have smart trunk / tailgate, you will hear three beeps along with tail light flashing, and a 4th beep that will either release the trunk (on the Forte, Optima and Cadenza, or lift the power tailgate on the Sportage, sorento and Sedona that is equipped with the feature). 

menu button

If nothing happens, this does not mean that you don't have the feature, it means it's not activated.  Get in the car and start it up.

Go to the Menu button on the steering wheel and press until you get to the USER SETTINGS Screen

user settings  / Door / OK

Now scroll down until you see DOOR
Press OK 

Scroll down until you see SMART TRUNK (Or GATE)

smart trunk / OK

Check the box by pressing OK then exit the screen by pressing the menu button on the steering wheel again. 

Get out of the car, lock it, walk 20 - 40 feet from vehicle, wait about 30 seconds.  Now go stand behind the vehicle and see if it works. Remember, the car needs a minute to arm the smart trunk, that's why you need to walk away from the vehicle. 

Also, remember not ALL Kias come with this feature. If it's not in the user settings, you don't have it.

Remember, you can always contact me with questions at cashatkia@centurylink.net

OR, if you are in the Las Vegas area, come see me at Jim Marsh Kia. 8555 West Centennial.  

Have a KIA day!

UVO E-SERVICES in your Kia

In your new Kia, you might notice it comes with UVO E-Services. First of all, UVO stands for "Your Voice".  So lets start with that.  Your entertainment system and navigation is voice command friendly.  When you press the voice prompt, it will ask you to Please Say a Command .  WAIT FOR THE BEEP and say something like "Serious channel 56" Or "FM one oh two point 5"  If you are listening to a CD you can tell it what track to listen to.  

You can use it for your phone by telling it who to call. Keep in mind that you must use names in your phone directory as they are entered. So if your nick name for your spouse in your phone is "muffy" you have to tell it to "Call Muffy" then follow the prompts.  You can also say "Dial 555-555-1212" and it will dial the number.  You can ask it for call history and it will show you your last calls. 

In Navigation mode, you can say "Find address in (whatever state you are in) ..." When prompted, you can just say the number, street and city, and it will do the rest. ALWAYS WAIT FOR THE BEEP WHENEVER DOING ANY VOICE COMMAND. And NO, you can not change the prompt girl's voice, You CAN shut her off in the settings screen though. Remember, talk to her like a 4 year old.  She is not SIRI. 


Now we come to UVO e-Services.  This is a free service that Kia provides.  You need a smart phone with the UVO app. (go to apple store or Play store and download my uvo. It's the RED one.



Then go online to MYUVO.COM and register. Pretty Simple.  You will have to know which screen you have, so take a picture of your screen in the car to match up. Simple.  Again, this is a free service that features one touch to roadside assistance, one touch call to KIA for questions, self diagnostics so if you get a check engine light, it will tell you what it is, send an e mail to your chosen Kia dealership so they know what is wrong with the car before you bring it in, Parking Minder, which sends a location signal to your phone and gives you directions back to your car. Useful for BIG BIG parking areas.  My Car zone allows you to keep track of where the kids went. A Little big brotherish, but hey, who is making the payments here??

Remember, you can program up to 5 phones into your bluetooth system.  We also are featuring Android Auto and Apple Car Play in our vehicles. We will cover this in another blog.

Remember, If you are in the Las VEgas area, Stop in to Jim Marsh Kia, 8555 West Centennial. Ask for me, Ron "CASH" Twist and let me help you.  You can e mail comments or questions to cashatkia@centurylink.net. 

Have a GREAT DAY                                                                                                

Let's talk about your spare tire (or lack thereof)....

Ok Kia Owner!  Here's one that MIGHT just surprise you.   If you own a Soul, Optima, Forte, Rio and even some Sorentos and Sportages newer than about 2010, chances are you do NOT have a spare tire.  Now, before you panic, let's talk about this. 

Granted, your sales person should have shown you this at the time of the demonstration of the car, or during final delivery.  To be fair, it's a very easy thing to overlook. So, before you go back yelling and screaming, let's be clear.  About 80% of cars sold today (especially imports) do not have a spare tire.  They have a 'Mobility Kit' that allows you seal and reinflate the tire to drive and get it repaired.  There are a few reasons for this. 

Reason 1: Federal Regulations require a minimum gas milage target. One way that car makers increase milage is to reduce weight.  A mobility kit weights about 2 pounds compared to a spare, jack and lug wrench which can weigh somewhere around 25 to 30 pounds. Sometime more. That does not sound like a lot, but it does make a difference especially when combined with other weight saving measures. 

Reason2: The way tires are made now, 9 out of 10 flats are caused by a puncture. (Nail, screw, Bic pen..etc).  It is easier to seal and re inflate the tire and take it to be fixed.  (Especially at 2am on the side of the freeway. 

NO SPARE (Optima EX)

SPARE (Cadenza)

Reason 3: It's safer.  When you buy a Kia, you get Road Side Assistance for 5 years, 60,000 miles. That means, you make a call, a tow truck comes and either tows you to the nearest Kia dealership, or they change your tire (if you have a spare) or they help with your mobility kit. All without you getting your hands dirty.  And seriously, when was the last time you changed a tire by yourself??

Now, all this being said, if you are losing your mind over not having a spare tire in your life, it is a simple thing to go to your Kia dealership parts department and get a spare tire kit. This includes the donut spare, lug wrench and jack.  On average it's about $200.00.  (Plus you get to keep the mobility kit that came with the car, so you are double covered. 

Remember the number to Kia Roadside assistance is programmed your UVO eservices . 1800-333-4KIA

Thanks, and remember, Jim Marsh Kia in Las Vegas is THE place to buy your next KIA! Come ask for me, (CASH) and I will be glad to help.

Have a GREAT day!

Allow me to introduce myself....I am a Kia Product Specialist

Hello Fellow Kia Owners.  Allow me to introduce myself to you.  My name is Ron Twist. They call me Cash. (Having something to do with the fact that I am also a singer who tributes Johnny Cash, but that's another day) 

I am the Certified Product Specialist at Jim Marsh Kia in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

I am offering this blog to Kia owners who have questions about anything and everything Kia.  I will post tips on how to.....whatever.  From programming your Bluetooth to activating your UVO system.  I will be posting short videos as well explaining different systems. 

The Kia Lineup is amazing. Technology is advancing quickly so I will try to keep you up on it.  We will discuss the new Niro, Sedona Van, Sorento SUV, Optima, Optima Turbo, Forte, Soul, Rio, Sportage, and of course the amazing K900.  And we also are very excited about the new Kia STINGER GT coming this fall. 

I open this up to you to submit questions about anything involving our kia.  I have a vast network of resources.  I sell the product, and have for 5 years.  My whole family drives Kias, and trust me....they aren't what they used to be. They are a JD powers #1 pick and having Peter Schryer from Audi as a head designer does not hurt. 

So feel free to submit questions to be answered on this blog. Many people have the same questions you do.  You can submit here in the comments, or you can email questions to
                           cashatkia@centurylink.net

Remember, if you are in the Vegas Area, Jim Marsh Kia is #1 in Nevada. 

Have a great day!