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! 

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!