Ok! Lets talk about the safety features that you may have in your new Kia!!
Something that was introduced recently in the Kia product line that you may have in your new Kia is the DRIVE WISE Package. It offers a plethora of very helpful function and is available on selected Cars, Suvs and vans. Lets look at some of these:
Back up camera: Pretty basic. Almost every new car has one. They are very helpful in making sure that you are clear to go...no bikes, pets or small kids behind the car. They are tied in many times with audible back up sensors for added safety that beep at you if there is something behind you. Some models, like our SXL packages are available with a surround camera which gives you a view of everything around the car for 360 degree visibility. Remember, all these safety features are not a substitute for actually looking around and seeing what is there. (just like you did BEFORE all this stuff).
Cross Traffic Alert: This is a nifty sensor that will let you know if someone is crossing your rear. 👉👈Especially helpful if you are in a Stinger 😁and have two large SUVs in your way as you try to back out of a parking space.
Blind Spot Warning: Again, helpful, but be aware of who is around you. (Sometimes you may accidentally turn off the blind spot system and , well, you get it). If someone is in your blind spot, you will see an icon light up on the driver's side or passenger's side view mirror. If you have your turn signal on, it will beep at you. I think this is probably the most important feature to have aside from the rear camera.
Lane DepartureWarning System: This will help you pay attention to the road, but is by no means a substitute for driver awareness. Two cameras up behind the rear view mirror read the lines on the road. If you drift out of the lane without a turn signal, it will warn you that you are drifting, and in the case of the active system (available in some models) may even attempt to bump you back into your lane. I tend to turn this system off in city driving. It activates at about 40mph, and can be annoying in town where streets tend to have a lot of lines.
Smart Cruise Control: Available of selected Kias. It works like your old cruise control, but has radar that will pace the car in front of you at a pre set distance. Slowing down and speeding up with the traffic flow. The link below will explain in detail the LDWS and Smart cruise.
smart cruise and lane change warning
Autonomous Emergency Braking: I will let the Kia Video below go through this. It's very informative.
Autonomous Emergency Braking Video
And of course, the most important safety feature is YOU. Drive wise, and drive alert.
Remember, you can contact me any time by asking a question below, or e mailing me at cashatkia@gmail.com or if you are in Vegasm come see me at Jim Marsh Kia on West Centennial.
Have a KIA DAY!
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
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!
