Fuel for Thought

 

Another summer, another spike in the price of gas. Some things never change, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. This year, squeeze the most out of every gallon by changing the way you drive and the way you care for your car and see how it impacts your bottom line.

 

There’s more to fuel efficiency than EPA ratings. In fact, the fuel economy of your Kia vehicle stretches far beyond its model and engine. The way you drive and maintain it has serious impacts on your real-world miles per gallon. In essence, while it’s great to drive your Forte rated at up to 36 mpg or more, chances are you may never approach those figures unless you think smart, drive smart and stay smart over the life of your car.

 

What does that mean? It’s simple. Start by thinking smart, or in other words, using common sense. Before your vehicle even leaves the driveway, consider how much fuel (and money) you could be wasting by overlooking a few common mistakes.

 

Is your vehicle carrying any excess weight? Every 100 pounds can impact fuel economy by one to two percent, so be sure to clean out your trunk and cabin of all unnecessary weight before driving. Do you tend to leave your car running for long periods of time without driving it? Though it may seem simple, an idling car has an EPA efficiency rating of 0 mpg. Are you using the right grade of fuel? Don’t pay for a more expensive grade of gasoline if your vehicle doesn’t require it (check your owner’s manual or ask your dealer if you’re unsure of what grade to use). When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? Underinflated tires could be decreasing your fuel economy by up to 10 percent, so keep a close eye on the tires. Even if they don’t appear low, check them and consult your owner’s manual or the driver’s side doorjamb for proper inflation levels.

 

Next, when you do hit the road, it’s more important than ever to be conscious of the way you drive. Even the most fuel-efficient cars in the world will burn through gasoline when driven too fast and too aggressively. Quick acceleration, hard braking and high-speed driving are not-so-secret fuel economy killers and could be costing you big. In fact, the fuel efficiency of most vehicles steadily declines at about 60 mph and higher.

 

Combat this by driving smarter. Ease off the gas when it’s not an emergency. Don’t drop the accelerator to the floor at every green light or brake hard and heavy at every red light. You’ll be surprised how simple, conservative driving can have a serious impact on your fuel gauge and your vehicle’s longevity. After all, obeying the speed limit is good for everyone anyway, right?

 

To maintain that longevity, it’s important to stay smart over the life of your Kia vehicle. That means routine service of some often overlooked and underappreciated systems and components. As a complex array of thousands of moving, integrated parts, it’s only natural for fluids, belts, hoses and various bits and pieces to wear out or require replacement every now and again. The stifling heat of summer is the perfect (or not-so-perfect) time for some of these components to give way, not only impacting your fuel economy, but possibly even damaging your car.

 

That said, while cooling and electrical systems tend to attract the most attention, fresh air filters, spark plugs and motor oil can not only keep your car running strong, but also help you stretch every gallon of gas. Be sure to bring your vehicle in for periodic, routine service to ensure that everything works precisely as it should.

 

You can’t control the price of gas, but you can certainly control how you use it. A little common sense, restraint and routine service can pay serious dividends at the pump. Change the way you drive, change the way you service and you can change your monthly gas bills.

 

 

Car Care: Tire Maintenance

 

Tires are hugely important to nearly every aspect of your vehicle’s performance. As the only portion of any car, truck, crossover and SUV that actually touches the road, they impact acceleration, cornering, handling and braking while also playing a huge role in fuel economy and road noise as well. Tires may not be as thrilling as sleek sheet metal or a high-horsepower engine, but there’s nothing more important to your vehicle’s safety than their care and maintenance. That means making sure your tires are properly inflated and regularly rotated and balanced. 

 

According to the experts at Goodyear, making sure your tires are correctly inflated is the most important aspect of vigilant tire care. Every tire comes with inflation recommendations – listed as “PSI,” or pounds per square inch – on the sidewall, but it’s worth noting that those are the maximum allowable pressures. While the tire can handle those inflation levels, they may not be what are actually recommended for your vehicle. Those figures can be found in your owner’s manual, on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door or on a door pillar. Lower than recommended inflation can lead to premature tire wear, uneven braking and early tire failure. It can also cause a serious drain on fuel economy, up to a 0.4 percent reduction for every single PSI below optimum levels, according to some studies.

 

On the other hand, overinflation can be just as dangerous. Extreme tire pressures can warp the tire’s tread, thereby reducing the physical area where the tire touches the road. Not surprisingly, this reduces your vehicle’s traction on dry pavement, which can lead to longer braking distances and unstable handling at speed. Like underinflation, overinflation can also lead to premature tire failure.

 

Tire manufacturers recommend having a rotation performed* to promote even wear and to extend the life of the tire. A qualified factory service technician will know the best rotation pattern for your tires and your vehicle, but the procedure typically entails moving the tires that were on the drive axle to a non-drive axle and vice-versa. The process is different for all-wheel drive vehicles and those equipped with directional tires, but the aim remains the same. This prevents one area of the tire from wearing down before the rest of the tread, and can save you serious money on a premature replacement.

 

While making sure that your tires are properly inflated and regularly rotated can save you hundreds of dollars a year in replacement costs and fuel economy, making sure that your tires are accurately balanced is also important. Your vehicle’s tires and wheels spin at a rate of thousands of revolutions per minute when at highway speed, and, as a result, any small imbalance can cause a significant vibration. While tire and wheel manufacturers strive to produce the most perfectly balanced products possible, some variance will always exist. Service technicians overcome those variances by securing small, incremental lead weights to the vehicle’s wheel to achieve proper balance.

 

Balancing is typically performed anytime that a new tire is mounted to a wheel, but as the tire ages, balancing may need to be rechecked. Those lead weights routinely fall off over time as well, which can lead to a harsh vibration in one wheel. That vibration is translated directly to the vehicle’s suspension components, which can cause premature wear to expensive components like bushings and shocks, and into the vehicle’s cabin. As the vibration increases, so can driver fatigue. If you notice a regular vibration while driving your vehicle, it may be time for a rotation.

 

As the only link between your vehicle and the road, your tires are monumentally important to your safety. Simple maintenance like keeping up with inflation, regular rotations and prompt balancing can extend tire life, save you money and improve nearly every aspect of your vehicle’s performance.

Service 888-894-8645
Monday-Friday:	8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday:	8:00am – Noon
Closed on Sunday

 

2012 Kia Sorento

 

Newly arrived with more power and even higher fuel economy.

With most car companies, an all-new model gets just minor enhancements in its “sophomore” model year. Kia, however, rolls to its own beat and gave the 2012 Sorento some major upgrades in its second model year. More power with even higher fuel economy set the foundation for an even stronger value in the 2012 Kia Sorento.

 

Most car brands would be fortunate to have as big a success as the all-new Kia Sorento. This all-new crossover utility vehicle (CUV) rolled into showrooms for 2011 delivering room for up to seven, choice of four-cylinder or V6 power, elegant design, great Kia value and quality and high fuel economy. Likewise, most brands might have left well enough alone for the vehicle’s second model year. Kia, however, decided to give the U.S.-built 2012 Sorento even better performance, economy and value.

 

Simply stated, the vehicle named as one of the “Best Family Cars of 2011” by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com for 2011 gets even better for 2012. For the family vehicle buyer, no discussion about value can come without a look at safety credentials. The Kia Sorento received a “Top Safety Pick” rating for 2011 and should continue to tout this important accolade for 2012.

 

As another, more recent value endorsement for the 2012 Kia Sorento, the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) acknowledged the emphasis on value by significantly raising projections for resale value after three years. What made ALG’s analysts rate the 2012 Kia Sorento so highly in resale value? For one, they were impressed that Kia installed a new Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engine in the Sorento EX models for 2012. It’s the same size as last year’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but the GDI helps boost horsepower from 175 to 191.

 

Bigger news, however, await at the gas pump, where the 2012 Kia Sorento is projected to deliver up to 32 mpg in highway driving. Think about that: a mid-size CUV with seating for up to seven and an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating that can also deliver up to 32 mpg in highway driving. Anybody who thinks you have to give up room, comfort, safety and versatility to cope with $4-per-gallon gasoline will learn a valuable lesson from the 2012 Kia Sorento.

 

The 191 hp 2012 Sorento EX has a starting MSRP of $25,950 for the front-wheel drive model. The 2012 Sorento LX continues with the 175 hp version of the engine and starts at an MSRP of $23,150. Outstanding Kia value shows up in such standard LX features as a tilt and telescopic steering column, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth® wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

 

Both the LX and EX models continue to offer an available 276 hp 3.5 liter V6 engine, which powers the SX as standard. All Sorento models offer the choice between front-wheel drive or full-time automatic all-wheel drive. The AWD system offers a “Lock” feature that evenly distributes power front-to-rear in slippery low-speed situations.

 

Kia didn’t stop at with improving performance and fuel economy in the 2012 Sorento. You’ll also find newly available luxuries including power-folding mirrors, memory seat and power passenger seat, ventilated driver’s seat and heated and a wood-trim steering wheel. The new UVO powered-by-Microsoft® hands-free infotainment and communications system, which is based on the Windows Embedded Automotive platform, comes standard on EX models and is available with an Infinity audio system as well. Other trim lines offer premium audio upgrades, and even a rear seat entertainment system.

 

Feel free to compare 2012 Kia Sorento SX to SUV’s costing many thousands of dollars more. After all, it’s in luxury-brand CUV’s that you’ll generally find such standard features as leather seat trim for the first and second rows, three-stage heated front seats, automatic dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®, stainless steel pedals and a stainless steel sill plates with illuminated scuff trim.

 

Jump back to the news about increased power and 32-mpg highway fuel economy, and then mull those figures over in the context of a the 72.5 cubic feet of carrying space the 2012 Kia Sorento offers with all seats folded. The Sorento also provides more middle- and third-row headroom and more third-row legroom than the Acura MDX.

 

When you come in to test drive a 2012 Kia Sorento, remember, too, that all new Kia models are covered by a standard five-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper new car warranty with Roadside Assistance, plus the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That, too, is a luxury that you pay extra for in many luxury models.

 

 

2012 Kia Sportage SX

Performance crossover offers 260 hp.

Kia, with its recent flurry of new-model introductions, sent a clear message to competitors: “Just try to keep up with us.” That message comes through emphatically from the 2012 Kia Sportage SX, in more ways than one.

 

With the all-new Sportage, introduced for the 2011 model year, Kia designers melded the sharpest lines from a high-performance sport sedan with the utility of a compact SUV. Then, this past spring, the engineers stepped up their game and added some extra zing with the new turbocharged Sportage SX. Now, for the 2012 model, Kia continues to enhance the Sportage SX, adding the standard UVO in-car, hands-free entertainment and communication system, which is based on the Microsoft® Windows Embedded Automotive technology.

 

Turbo-boosted performance has been gaining popularity in the compact crossover segment, with the Acura RDX (240 hp), Mazda CX-7 (244 hp) and Volkswagen Tiguan (200 hp) each offering a combination of turbo performance, sporty handling and versatility. And then along comes the 2012 Kia Sportage SX, blowing them away on power and fuel economy, at a better value and with a longer warranty, the 2012 Kia Sportage SX throws down the gauntlet for those other turbo CUV’s.

 

Do 260 hp and 269 lb/ft of torque sound compelling to you? The 2012 Kia Sportage SX puts those hefty performance figures to excellent use. Motor Trend Magazine tested the Sportage SX for its July issue and recorded zero-to-60 in just 7.3 seconds. Yet, the 2012 Sportage SX also posts EPA fuel economy ratings that beat even less-powerful, non-turbo crossovers: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway for the FWD model, and 21/26 for the AWD version.

 

Compare those impressive economy figures to the Acura RDX at 19/24 for FWD and 17/22 with AWD. That value gap gets even wider when you consider that the Kia Sportage SX makes maximum power using regular-grade gasoline, not the more expensive premium that many turbocharged models specify, including the Acura RDX and VW Tiguan.

 

The remarkable balance of performance and fuel economy in the 2012 Sportage SX comes courtesy of the Kia 2.0-liter gas direct injection (GDI) engine and standard six-speed automatic transmission. The twin-scroll turbocharger ensures ample low-end power and super-quick responsiveness. You’ll feel that power in everyday driving situations, not just when you’re charging up a highway entrance ramp.

 

When the word “sport” takes up most of your model name, you’d better deliver on that promise. The all-new Kia Sportage models do, with crisp handling and a cockpit that feels more like a sports coupe than a CUV. The 2011 Sportage SX amps up the handling factor with sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels. If the unique wheel design makes you think of a concept vehicle’s wheels, that’s a reflection of how Kia designers obsess over such details. The grille, duel exhaust outlets and special side sill moldings contribute to the hunkered-down sporty attitude in the Sportage SX.

 

The special SX treatment carries over inside, where you’ll find an exclusive Supervision gauge cluster, aluminum doorsills, “Welding cloth” seat trim and the availability of exclusive options. In other regards, the Sportage SX follows the high-content equipment level of the Sportage EX model.

 

Within the Sportage line, the SX exclusively offers the available interior color packages that you might expect from a luxury-brand vehicle. The Orange Color Package adds orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats, along with orange accents on the door panels and air vents. The Blue Color Package brings a unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents.

 

The 2012 Kia Sportage SX offers those color packages in conjunction with the Premium Package. This comprehensive smorgasbord of comfort and convenience equips the Sportage with heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, Navigation with SIRIUS Traffic and rear camera display, pushbutton start, a premium audio system with subwoofer, Back Up Warning System and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink®. 

 

That’s a lot of performance, comfort and value in what you could rightly call a “designer vehicle.” The Kia Sportage also gets the “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it comes with the brand’s renowned five-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper new car warranty with Roadside Assistance, plus the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

 

If you’re looking for truly sporty performance in a compact crossover, along with a strong helping of technology and comfort, then come in to test-drive the 2012 Kia Sportage SX.

 

The Rockin’ 2011 Kia Rio

The sub-compact that delivers value and efficiency.
Coming off its best sales year ever in 2010, Kia Motors started 2011 with an astounding 23 percent gain in sales for the month of January. Throughout this steady rise, Kia has remained steadfast in its core philosophy: Regardless of segment, Kia vehicles always deliver unsurpassed value. A shining example of the carmaker’s commitment to giving buyers the greatest bang for their buck is the new 2011 Kia Rio.

A tried-and-true leader among sub-compacts, the 2010 Kia Rio was named a “Recommended Vehicle” by Consumer Guide Automotive. For 2011, the Rio continues its segment dominance with superior value, fuel economy, roominess, safety and standard features. An added technology boost, Bluetooth connectivity, also joins the options list this year.

Kia sells the Rio sedan (MSRP $12,295) in three versions: Base, LX and SX. There’s also a five-door hatchback available, called the Kia Rio5, but our focus here will be the four-door sedan.

Standard throughout the range is a 1.6-liter dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine featuring continuously variable valve timing and making 110 hp. Power runs to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission (standard on the Base trim) or an electronic four-speed automatic (standard on the LX and SX).

Along with value, buyers shopping the sub-compact class demand outstanding fuel economy. Here, once again, the Rio more than meets the demand. Models equipped with the automatic transmission deliver an EPA-rated 36 mpg on the highway (expect 34 highway mpg with the standard gearbox). To help you maximize your fuel use, LX and SX models feature the EcoMinder monitor, a light mounted in the gauge cluster that lets you know when you’re achieving optimal fuel economy.

The Rio’s independent front suspension and available ABS brakes (standard on LX and SX trims) are up to the task when driving turns spirited. Standard rack-and-pinion steering gains power assist on models equipped with the automatic gearbox. Occupant safety is also paramount; the Rio’s six airbags and active-restraints include front seat-mounted side airbags, front active headrests and full-length side-curtain airbags.

Classed a “sub-compact,” the Rio exceeds all expectations when you open the doors and climb inside. The quality of the cabin’s materials and finishes is superb and the car’s spaciousness is unsurpassed. The Rio offers 92.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, an amount that surpasses some larger, compact-class sedans including the 2011 Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla.

In addition to offering more space than bigger cars, the Rio has a long list of standard equipment. The Rio base trim boasts a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, a USB/auxiliary input jack, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a front 12-volt power outlet, Auto-Off Clear-Lens Black Bezel Headlamps, a rear window defroster, variable intermittent wipers and a tire pressure monitoring system, among other features.

The LX nets you additional standards such as air conditioning, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, rear adjustable headrests and dual 12-volt power outlets. Options include 15-inch alloy wheels, a body-colored rear spoiler and body-colored, heated, power outside mirrors with integrated turn signals.

You can also opt for the Value Package, which boasts features like Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, power windows and door locks with keyless remote, tweeter speakers and steering wheel audio and cruise controls – all for just $750.

The Rio SX gathers all the LX’s standard and optional equipment and adds unique, sport-cloth seat trim along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shiftknob and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels. There’s also an SX-exclusive Sunset Orange exterior color option.

Best of all, regardless which Rio you choose, long-term value is a given thanks to the company’s comprehensive warranty program, which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile Limited Basic Warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile 24-hour Roadside Assistance Plan.

For budget-minded buyers looking for unbeatable space, security, performance and fuel efficiency in a sub-compact sedan, only one car hits the mark – the 2011 Kia Rio.

 

The 2011 Kia Sedona

Innovation shapes Kia’s award-winning minivan.
Make no mistake; Kia designers are proud of the many awards earned by the Sedona minivan, culminating last year in a “Top Recommended Vehicle” award from Edmunds.com. Kia’s designers have never been comfortable resting on their laurels, however. They’d rather be busy developing and executing the innovations that will win tomorrow’s awards. For the new 2011 Kia Sedona, those innovations include a new engine and transmission, increased fuel economy and more standard features.

In well-equipped LX and upscale EX trims for 2011, the Kia Sedona (MSRP $24,494) has garnered eight five-star crash safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as four “Top Safety Pick” rankings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) since its introduction. Illustrating Kia’s established commitment to delivering superior safety and unsurpassed value, the 2011 Kia Sedona boasts power, comfort and efficiency improvements that keep it at the forefront of innovation in the minivan segment.

The big news for 2011 is found under the Sedona’s hood. The new 3.5-liter, dual overhead cam V6 makes 248 lb/ft of torque and 271 hp – that’s a 27-hp increase despite a reduction in displacement from the outgoing 3.8-liter V6. There’s also a new six-speed, electronically controlled Sportmatic^® automatic transmission (up one gear from last year). The Sportmatic features a “Sport” mode, along with manual shift control. This new powertrain combination boosts the Sedona’s fuel economy rating to 25 highway mpg, up from 23 mpg for the 2010 model.

You’ll sometimes hear minivans referred to as “family haulers.” That may sound a bit disparaging, but Kia understands that for most buyers, a minivan’s primary job is transporting loved ones. Kia earned the many awards we mentioned (the IIHS dubbed the Sedona the “safest minivan ever tested”) by making safety job one. To that end, the new Sedona features an impressive array of airbags and active restraints including active front headrests and full-length side-curtain airbags for all three rows of seats.

The Sedona also delivers security at speed with leading-edge driver-assistance technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TCS) and a four-channel, four-sensor Antilock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). ESC works in concert with these other systems to give you assured control no matter the road you travel, even applying the brakes at individual wheels to regain traction on slippery surfaces or during emergency maneuvers.

Kia’s designers also understand the importance of comfort, amenities and utility in a family vehicle. Even the base LX model overwhelms with its exhaustive list of standard features. Among them, you’ll find two second-row captains’ chairs and a 60/40 split third-row bench. Remove the captains’ chairs and fold the third-row seat into the floor and you’ll get a cavernous 141.5 cubic feet of cargo volume.

Further LX standards include Bluetooth with Voice Recognition, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, USB and auxiliary input jacks, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, front and rear air conditioning and a folding, extendable side table with four cupholders mounted between the front seats.

Opting for the Power Package on the LX gets you items like dual power-sliding doors, 16-inch alloy wheels and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink universal remote and Rear Camera Display. The available trailer hitch makes it easy for you to take advantage of the Sedona’s 3,500-pound towing capacity.

In addition to all the LX standard features and the Power Package equipment, the EX model delivers a six-way power driver’s seat and a four-way power passenger’s seat. You also get 17-inch alloy wheels, front foglamps, chrome door handles and side moldings, a power tailgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and interior wood-grain accents.

For buyers seeking the ultimate in comfort and infotainment technology, the EX offers three personalization packages. Luxury Package highlights include heated front seats, leather seat trim, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control and a power tilt/sliding sunroof. The Navigation Package nets you a navigation system and a bump to an Infinity^® eight-speaker sound system. Finally, the Premium Entertainment Package delivers a rear-seat DVD Entertainment System with wireless headsets and remote control, and a top-of-the-line Infinity® audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers.

While you’re outfitting the Sedona to best meet the needs of your family, don’t forget the added value and security you’ll get from Kia’s comprehensive warranty package, which includes a five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan to go with its 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty and five-year/60,000-mile Limited Basic Warranty.

Recognized as a segment leader in safety, luxury, performance and value, the new Kia Sedona has already received another award for its innovative designers to add to their collection: U.S. News & World Report has named it the “Best Minivan for the Money” for 2011.

 

Air Conditioning Maintenance for the Summer Months

Catching small problems early is the key to a cool car.

The summer months are officially here and hot weather has already settled in through much of the country. That means that owners are clicking on their vehicles’ air conditioning systems to escape the heat. Air conditioning systems are specifically designed to be largely maintenance free, but small issues can grow into big problems without regular checks. That’s why the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), recommends having your vehicle’s systems examined twice a year to make certain everything is in top working order.

ASE has been certifying the nation’s automotive technicians since 1972. According to Tony Molla, the organization’s vice president of communications, most air conditioning systems can function properly for well over 100,000 miles without needing a serious overhaul. But that’s only true so long as a qualified service individual makes sure everything is running smoothly.

“It’s more like a health check to make sure [the air conditioning] is not just cooling, but that it’s cooling properly,” Molla said.

That means running a few quick checks. Molla is a certified ASE tech himself, and he says that an air conditioning exam starts by simply measuring the temperature of the air coming from the vehicle’s vents. Mechanics use specially calibrated thermometers designed just for this task and check the results against the operating parameters for your vehicle. Technicians also look for any leaks that may lead to the slow degradation of your system’s performance, and they check the condition of the belt that runs the air conditioning compressor.

If everything is operating properly and no visual problems are spotted, the climate control is given a clean bill of health. If the air temperature is too high even at the coldest setting, the technician will then move to the second stage of the checkup by examining the refrigerant pressure in the system. Molla says this is as simple as hooking up a special pressure gauge and reading the results with the compressor on and off. Typically, if an A/C system isn’t functioning at optimum capacity, the refrigerant levels are too low. If the pressure readings fall below the recommended levels for your vehicle, chances are there’s a leak somewhere in the system.

From there, it’s as simple as repairing the leak and filling the refrigerant to the proper pressure levels. But Molla says that routine system checks can prevent more than lackluster performance.

“For example, there’s a problem that happens in very humid areas of the country where mold will form inside the vents,” Molla says. “Normal maintenance will pick that problem up before it becomes a bigger issue.”

According to Molla, catching mold early is an easy fix that simply involves using a special spray in the ductwork. Left unchecked, however, the issue could require costly replacement.

Though your vehicle’s air conditioning system may not require frequent attention, routine maintenance is key to keeping the cabin comfortable and your bank account safe from big repair bills. A routine examination by your dealer’s certified service personnel will ensure that your vehicle’s air conditioning system stays in top shape for years to come.

Service   888-894-8645
Monday-Friday:	8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday:	8:00am – Noon
Closed on Sunday

 

Kia UVO Offers Voice-Activated Control of Multimedia

Imagine if you could talk to your car like Michael Knight talked to KITT in the 1980’s television show Knight Rider. Well, now you can, thanks to cutting-edge technology known as Kia UVO, which allows for voice-activated control of your in-vehicle multimedia systems.

Kia UVO is an in car infotainment system with advanced voice- and touch-activated features. Kia UVO, short for ‘Your Voice,’ provides simple and quick access to vehicle’s multimedia and infotainment systems.

• Advanced Speech Technology: Integrate speech recognition and synthesis technology from Microsoft.

• Natural Interface Advancements : A full-color, in-dash monitor allows occupants to quickly scroll through media and mobile device content through intuitive voice and touch-screen commands.

• Custom Media Experiences with MyMusic : UVO’s “Jukebox” function features a hard drive for media storage, allowing users to rip music from CDs or an MP3 player into personal MyMusic folders and store songs sorted by title and/or artist – all through voice commands. The system can shuffle through an MP3 player or AM/FM and SIRIUS radio stations and instantly identify what’s playing all through simple voice commands.

• Rear Backup Camera : When the vehicle is put in reverse, a built-in rear backup camera uses UVO’s in-dash display to provide images of the environment behind the car assisting the driver to identify certain objects that otherwise may be difficult to see.

• Ability to Continuously Update Features and Services

 

Regular Coolant Flushes Extend the Life of Your Motor

 

Like all other fluid in your car, the antifreeze/coolant used by your radiator to keep your engine at peak operating temperature requires periodic replacement. There are some key differences between an oil change and changing your antifreeze, however, that make the process a little bit more involved than simply pulling the plug and draining out the old coolant.

 

According to the fluids experts at Castrol, one of the key aspects of cooling system maintenance is flushing out old antifreeze in order to keep ahead of rust and sludge formation. Your engine bay contains tubing and piping that is designed to transport coolant to and from the engine, and through the HVAC system, and the motor itself also features channels, which circulate antifreeze on a continual basis. Over time, these passages can get clogged up with corrosion or sludge – stuff that doesn’t always drain out easily on its own. Fortunately, our dealership offers the specialized equipment and expertise required to flush out any cooling system contaminants and ensure that the antifreeze mixture running through your radiator is as pure as possible. Our technicians don’t just remove old coolant and fill your car up with a new mixture; instead, they employ a machine designed to run a unique mixture of antifreeze and distilled water through your engine’s entire cooling system and then vacuum it all out, creating enough pressure during the process to also remove any debris that might be lurking inside your radiator or its associated plumbing.

 

There are a number of other benefits associated with coming to our dealership for a coolant flush. The first is the time savings involved. Using a computerized radiator flush machine can cut the amount of time significantly shorter than the hours required for a gravity drain, garden hose refill, second drain for flushing purposes and then filling everything up again in the driveway at home. More important, using our dealership’s fluid flush service is much safer, both for you and for the environment. You don’t have to worry about dealing with the scalding hot antifreeze coursing through your motor, nor do you run the risk of spilling the used ethylene glycol coolant on the ground where it can seep into the water supply or even poison pets, which are attracted by its sweet smell and taste. Even if your car features “non-toxic” propylene glycol coolant, the coolant has still picked up nasty contaminants and trace metals inside the engine, so simply pouring it on the ground is extremely detrimental to the environment.

 

Our dealership antifreeze flushes are a convenient, inexpensive and important aspect of your vehicle’s routine maintenance schedule. Castrol recommends flushing your coolant every two years, which gives you plenty of time to set up an appointment at our service department and benefit from the peace of mind that this type of service offers.

 

Service                   888-894-8645
Monday-Friday:	8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday:	8:00am – Noon
Closed on Sunday

 

The 2011 Kia Soul Makes No Compromises

 

Roomy interior. Upscale amenities. Superior value.
When Kia introduced the Soul urban crossover last year, the carmaker shattered yesterday’s paradigms and forged a new one all its own, producing a dynamic, spacious, comfortable and fuel-efficient five-door hatchback aimed squarely at the young and the young at heart. This year, the 2011 Kia Soul keeps on breaking new ground with two Special Edition models and a broader palette of personalization choices.

 

Representing a new approach to the five-person compact hatchback, the 2011 Kia Soul matches bold design with surprising roominess, practical utility and tremendous value. Based on the awards the Soul has earned since its debut, that’s clearly a winning formula. In its first year of production, the Soul was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as well as one of the “Best Family Cars for 2010” by Edmunds.com and Parents magazine. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance rated the Soul the “Best New Car for Your Teen” while Cars.com pronounced it the “Best Hatchback of 2010.”

 

The Base model Soul (MSRP $13,300) features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Three additional models come equipped with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant: Soul + (MSRP $15,495), Soul ! (MSRP $18,495) and Soul sport (MSRP $18,495).

 

The Soul’s 2.0-liter inline four boasts lightweight aluminum construction, dual overhead cams and continuously variable valve timing. At 142 hp and 137 lb/ft of torque, engine output is ideal for darting through city traffic or leisurely ticking off the miles on the interstate. Power shuttles to the front wheels through either the standard five-speed manual or the optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic. Best of all, choosing the automatic won’t require any compromise at the gas pump since the Soul achieves an EPA estimated 30 mpg highway with either gearbox.

 

Automotive writers have commended the Soul’s “nimble and secure” handling in reviews. Thanks go to the Soul’s power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts, coilsprings and a stabilizer bar. Calibrated for more spirited driving dynamics, the Soul sport’s suspension features firmer springs, retuned shocks and a larger front stabilizer bar.

 

Standard high-tech contributors to the Soul’s deft road manners include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TCS), four-wheel antilock disc brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

 

Belying its diminutive footprint, the Soul has earned raves for its roomy cabin including a review in Car and Driver magazine that pronounced, “From a comfort standpoint, this little vehicle is a winner.” Passengers front and rear get a generous 40 inches of headroom and 55 inches of shoulder room. When hauling is a priority – say for back-to-school travel – dropping the 60/40-split folding rear seats nets you 53.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

 

The Soul’s generosity extends to its host of standard features. On the Soul + that list includes air conditioning, metal-finish interior trim, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, dual 12-volt power outlets, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, remote keyless entry and 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

 

You also get Bluetooth^® wireless connectivity, USB/auxiliary input jacks and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with a six-month subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Standout options include foglamps and a body-colored, wing-type rear spoiler (also available on the Soul !).

 

Step up to the Soul ! and the list of standards broadens to include Push-Button Start, dual body-colored heated power mirrors, foglamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shiftknob, a tilting power sunroof (optional on the sport), exclusive “Sand + Black” interior trim with matching Houndstooth Seat Inserts and 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (shared with the sport).

 

The Soul sport gathers most of the standards from the Soul ! and adds exclusives such as metal pedals, “Red + Black” interior trim, unique front and rear fascias and side sills and a body-colored liftgate rear spoiler.

 

Audiophiles will appreciate the Audio Upgrade Package, standard on the Soul ! and Soul sport, which adds a subwoofer, center speaker, 315-watt external amplifier and pulsing speaker lights. The Premium Package delivers leather seats and heat for the front seats.

 

The two new Special Edition models are based on the Soul +. They’ll feature automatic climate control, as well as model-exclusive styling cues and accessories. No one would blame you for considering high value a Kia exclusive after checking out the brand’s industry leading warranty program, which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan.

 

Underscoring its revolutionary approach to the compact hatchback, Kia calls the 2011 Soul a “new way to roll.” When you’re ready to break from the pack of staid urban crossovers, be sure to schedule a test drive.