Smart Keys are all the rage. A few things about your smart key. You can unlock your car and start it without ever taking that key out of your pocket. To unlock your car, just walk up with your key in your pocket or purse and press the button on the door handle. Once for the drivers door and twice to unlock all the doors. As long as the key in within about 3 feet of the driver's door it will work. If it does not unlock the door, it indicates a weak fob battery. Simple to replace, just bring it to your Kia dealership or any auto parts store.
If your battery is too low to enter the car, simply take the hard key out of the fob. Push the small button on the fob and slide they key out. Use it to unlock the door. Then push the start button WITH THE FOB and the car should start.
I always recommend that you keep a key next to your bed. Should you ever have an intruder or medical emergency, you can always hit the panic button on the fob to draw attention to your emergency.
Also, NEVER keep your fob next to any exterior wall or near your front door. There are people that can access the key code that your fob transmits to unlock and start your car. As great as these keys are, like anything else, they have their shortcomings. Keep your key somewhere in the center of your house, or you can get an aluminum box that will block the signal. They are available on line.
All in all, push button start and smart keys are great. Rumor is the next step with be bio-metric ID to start and unlock your car with a finger print, much like many smart phones. Some upper Luxury Brands are already doing this.
As always, should you have any questions or comments, leave me a note here... or email me at cashatkia@gmail.com
Come see me any time at Jim Marsh Kia, West Centennial in Las Vegas, NV
Have a KIA day!!
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!
