5 Car Accessories to Keep You Safe on the Road

As we’ve discussed in our previous blog posts, road safety remains one of the biggest concerns for the community and is something we are working towards improving on an ongoing basis. More often than not, these efforts start at the individual level; driving in a responsible way and looking to obey road laws at all times. Interestingly, there are a number of car accessories developed by KIA and other providers that can help you be safer on the road. This article will go through just a few of them.

Blind Spot Mirrors

If you’re a driver, you’ll be well aware of what the blind spot is and how it needs to be checked by a full turn of the head while driving, particularly when changing lanes. Located in the back right and back left or the vehicle, this is a part of the road that you can’t see with mirrors or in your peripherals.

These 2-inch blind spot mirrors are attached to your standard side mirrors and are angled in such a way that you can see exactly what’s happening all around the car with a simple glance to the side, rather than a head turn.

Seatbelt Cutter/Window Breaker

While chances are you’ll never need it, the Rescue Me seatbelt cutter and Window Breaker is a handy tool to have in the case of emergencies. There are a number of cases where accidents have left passengers in a car trapped and unable to climb out - the door may be unable to be opened or the seatbelt may be stuck. 

Keeping this device in your car can help you out of these kinds of situations as it will quickly and efficiently cut your seatbelt and break the windshield or window glass, providing a means of escape.

For a better understanding of seatbelt cutter, you can check out this video.

Dashboard Video Recorder

This may not actively prevent an accident, but it can certainly save you from a lot of headaches if there is some kind of dispute between yourself and another motorist. If you’re in an accident for instance and it is not clear who is at fault or exactly what happened, the video recorder will help set the record straight.

Further, it stands to reason that in the future all cars will be fitted with cameras, ensuring that we have as much information about what’s happening on our roads and make informed decisions about how to improve safety.

Are you interested to know about dashboard cameras? Then watch out this worthy video. 

Rain Repellent

Rainy weather conditions often contribute to poor visibility, which can certainly contribute to drivers making mistakes which can potentially lead to accidents. Rain-X Rain Repellent might sound too good to be true, but it can help keep the rain off your windshield and improve visibility significantly. 

Applied to your windscreen before you hit the road, it causes the rain to slide off the glass once it lands. When used together with your windshield wipers, it can be highly effective.

The attached video shows the test and review of Rain Repellent. Click this to know much more about it.

Emergency Kit

You never know what’s going to happen when you’re out on the road; so having a road emergency kit in the boot is always a good idea. Usually, these packs will include first aid kit including bandages and scissors, duct tape, various tools such as screwdrivers, a flashlight, a rain poncho and safety vest, cable ties and possibly even rations.

These items can be purchased in a package or separately, but they can be well worth having with you not just for your own safety, but for that of other motorists if you happen to come across the aftermath of an accident on the road.

These are just a few of the extra accessories on the market that can help you stay safer when driving and also don't forget to scrutinise your car from authorised Kia service Centre. For more information about available Kia accessories and service related queries, talk to the team at Chadstone Kia today.

How to Fix Oil Seal Leaks On Your Car?

Many of you will come across a situation where you’ll witness oil drips on the road and wonder why is my car leaking oil? This leakage causes clutter wherever you drive your car and you will eventually end up in spending a lot of money to purchase additional oil.
To avoid such situations, it is very essential to take care of any such possible minor leakages promptly. Fixing these problems on your own will not only save money but also boost up your confidence to solve such minor car problems independently in future.
Common causes of external oil drips might be oil plug leakage caused by a damaged gasket, failure of front main seal or worn out valve cover gasket. Following are simple steps explaining how to fix oil seal leaks on your car.

Tools needed:  

• Screwdrivers - To gently remove the main seal from the seal housing

Source: Pixabay.com

• Ratchet Socket Set - For removing the Harmonic Balancer bolts or fastening them

Source: Pixabay.com

• Car Jack- This will be useful to lift up the car for replacing the front main seal. Using a heavy-duty Car Jack will be necessitous for large vehicles like Kia Sorento. This is quite powerful enough tool for jacking. 
• Jack Stands - To withstand the heavy weight of the car with high stability and strength while jacking. The Powerzone 3 Ton Steel Jack Stand - 1 Pair might be a good option for jack stands. 
• Bolt Puller Set - To efficiently remove the Harmonic Balancer from the crankshaft end

Source: Harborfreight

• Sealer - To quickly fix any minor holes or damages of the rubber seals or gaskets
• Gloves - To protect your hands from engine dust and oil

Source: Pixabay.com

• Eyewear Protection - For protection against any injury while working on front main seal replacement
• Liquid Transfer Pump - To remove excess oil from the oil reservoir, if any

Step 1: Detecting Oil Leakage

Park your car on an even level of surface and position it smartly on a paper, so that the engine is placed right above the paper. Use light colored paper so that you might recognize the color of the leaking oil easily and make sure the paper is wide enough to cover the width of your car.

After a day, move your car from the paper and analyze the paper keenly. If you see brown or dark colored oil dripped on the paper right beneath the engine, it is certainly oil leakage.

Step 2: Recognizing Cause of Leakage

Remove the hood of your car (Kia Sorento), check the oil level using the dipstick. If the oil level is low, fill additional oil to a desirable level. Whereas, if the oil level is above desired “Full” level, remove some oil using Liquid Transfer Pump.
Next, remove the oil fill cap. See if it is damaged, has become loose or if its seal is broken. In this case, the oil fill cap needs to be replaced.

Source: teon.co

Check the oil drain plug, if the oil seems to leak from this threaded oil drain plug then tighten the metal washer with the help of Ratchet socket set.

Source 2Carpros

Step 3: Fixing minor issues

• Slightly damaged Rubber seals or gaskets:If the oil leakage is minor, pour sealers in the oil reservoir. Follow the instructions carefully given on the Sealer. Whenever the engine runs, the sealer along with the oil will be evenly distributed throughout the engine. This will cause the sealer to stop any sort of leaks caused by slightly worn out rubber seals or gaskets. It will efficiently heal orrenew them and this gives effective results in stopping leakage. Your car might stop leaking after about 5 hours of pouring the Sealer formula in the oil reservoir. Watch the following video to know more about how to fix the oil seal instantly using Sealer. 

• Oil Filter leakage: Oil filter might cause leakage if it is loosely placed. Tighten the Oil filter, clean all the mess of previous oil leak and check again for any signs of leakage. 

Source: SuperCar Engineering

• Valve Cover Gaskets:  Valve cover is deliberately incorporated to shield the valve train and prevent the oil from leaking. A gasket is placedbetween the cylinder head and this valve cover. As time goes by, the gaskets usually wear away and might cause oil leaks. You can replace this valve cover gasket easily. Follow the simple steps given in the following video for replacing the valve cover gasket with a new unit.

Step 4: Fixing Major Issues

If the oil continues to leak then this might indicate that the ‘Main seal’ is severely damaged (generally due to the wearing caused by high temperature and engine vibration).
Front Crankshaft Main Seal Replacement:
With the help of car jack and jack stands, lift up the vehicle high enough for easy operation. Wear eyeglasses and gloves for protection against any injury.

• Remove the negative cable point of the battery to detach it completely. This will stop the supply of electrical power, for your safety.
• Take out the serpentine belt to easily access the front dampener bolt. Use 22mm or more size of socket to unfasten the dampener bolt counterclockwise (you can use air impact gun for easy unfastening)
• Take out the Harmonic Balancer with the help of Bolt puller Set and Ratchet Socket. Watch the following video for properly using the Bolt puller set

• The front main seal will now be visible to you onthe forward-facing side of the crankshaft. 
• Using a seal puller or a Standard Screwdriver, remove the main seal from the housing; make sure not to damage any part of the housing with the tools you are using. Watch this video to know how to remove the main seal easily 

• Wipe out all the surface where the new seal is going to be mounted by using a cleaning towel 
• Clean the crankshaft area as well 
• Make sure the old seal and new seal have similar dimensions to avoid inconvenience
• Take a tiny amount of silicone sealer and evenly spread it all over the outer rim of the seal to protect any external leaks around the seal housing
• Carefully  mount the new seal unit back into the seal housing, make sure the lip of the seal is facing inwards
• Using a hammer and socket unit, place the seal securely into its place and tap it lightly
• Clean the surface of the Harmonic Balancer thoroughlyusing a soft cloth, where the new seal will be rubbing against, to avoid any further leaks
• Spread slight amount of grease to this cleaned surface so that the new seal will be lubricated whenever the engine starts. Otherwise, no lubrication will cause the new seal to wear out instantly
• Using a dampener installation tool put back the balancer into its original place. Make sure the key slot on the balancer is in proper alignment with the woodruff key

Watch the video to know how to use the Dampener installation tool efficiently

• After completely installing the Harmonic balancer, thread the balancer bolts into the crankshaft end terminal and use socket wrench to fasten these bolts. 
• Put back the serpentine belt into its place securely
• Change the oil if necessary to avoid any further complications
• Start the engine and check for any abnormalities
• If no possible problems occur, you are good to go and the front main seal is successfully replaced

End of the line: 

If there are any minor leaking problems, above given first three simple steps might help you to fix such car leaking oil issues.
For the front main seal failure, all the steps mentioned in Step 4 will certainly help you to replace the main seal properly. Watch the YouTube videos for better understanding and proper execution of the steps.
Hope the instructions were clear enough and easy for you to understand. You can ask any questions below in the comments section for further queries or share your experiences of fixing oil leakages to help other readers. Also, if you liked this article then don’t forget to share it with others to benefit them as well!

Alice is the founder behind the automotivebros.  She is described as the car repair helper, money sever and advice giver when it comes to automobile industry. Automotivebros  gives best automotive products and repair posts that are straightforward and share her expertise in a manner that is easy-to-understand. Readers definitely are in for a unique and fun reading experience when the visit automotivebros.

Best Ways To Keep Your Kia In Good Condition

Kia Cars - Reliable ride on Road

Kia has a reputation as one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. Because the vehicles are well built and have a relatively simple operating system, it isn’t uncommon for owners to drive their Kia Cars to well over 150,000 miles without significant inconveniences. But in order to do this, proper car care and detailing are required along the way, and that goes deeper than just changing the oil every 3,000 miles.

I drive a 2013 Kia Forte and I love it- I have learned several tricks to keep my Kia always in good condition. Here in this article, we will take a look at the best ways to keep your Kia Car in good condition, even over extended periods of time.

Take Good Care of Your Kia Car With These Tips

Keeping a Kia running smoothly is generally inexpensive compared to American and European cars, and the more complex Japanese brands like Lexus and Subaru. I recommend regularly using an obd2 scanner to make sure there aren’t any critical errors in the way the car is running. These devices scan the engine and electric components of the car and deliver a report of any issues, sometimes offering simple solutions. If you don’t have one, most car parts stores can run the scan for you and turn off the “check engine” light, or you can buy one for around $15 to $20.

Tips:

• Check Your Air Filter.
• I try to check the filter on my Kia every few months, particularly during summer when it’s windy outside. If your engine is being hit by a bunch of dust and debris, it will wear down quicker and not run as smoothly. This leads to lower gas mileage and potentially larger issues down the line, and all it takes to prevent it is to change air filter!
• Keep your Kia prepared for the elements.
• This means winterizing the car in late Autumn, and then reversing the process in late Spring. Because of a Kia’ build, it can be susceptible to extreme weather if not taken proper care of.

Credit: Bridgestone Tire

• Also, have seasonally appropriate tires. This helps gas mileage and also makes it easier on the engine. Running snow tires when it's ninety degrees outside is extremely inefficient, and the same goes for not changing those bald, worn out old tires before it snows.
• Keep the interior and exterior clean.
• Regular details and vacuuming of the car can go a long way in maintaining your Kia’s value and keeping the car feeling like new. When looking to always keep your Kia in good condition, taking care of the interior of the car is just as important as the vehicle maintenance. No one wants to buy (or even ride in!) a car that is trashed and has a foul odour, so do yourself a favour and keep it clean.
• While you’re at it, a car wash is only going to help the cause. Use soap of a decent quality to ensure that it won’t damage the paint and always rinse thoroughly.
•  If an accident happens, make repairs quickly
• We’ve all seen it- the guy driving around with a bashed-in front bumper, clearly trying to delay the expenditure it will take to get the car up to snuff. But he is also hurting his car’s value and potentially risking further damages by not getting it fixed. Leaving problems unsolved can lead to bigger problems down the line, especially if the problem is mechanical and not just external.
• Having comprehensive insurance, a good warranty plan, a good Kia finance deal can really help keep your Kia in good condition always because you likely won’t have as many out-of-pocket costs to get the car fixed. By spending a little more now, you can save a bunch of money later.

• Change the serpentine belt.

• You will notice when the serpentine belt is wearing out because riding in the car will become noticeably less comfortable. There will be vibrations, and sometimes noises coming from under the hood.
• Check to see if the belt is brittle, frayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged. If something sounds wrong, it probably is.
• Serpentine belts can be changed with just a few tools and the purchase of a new belt. Otherwise, a dealership or maintenance garage can do it very quickly.
• Keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance
• The engine and parts on your Kia are relatively simple and minimize the risk of major breakdowns, particularly on the coupe and sedan models like Rio and Forte. When you buy the vehicle from a dealership, have them sign you up for maintenance reminders.
  
  Often, they will send coupons and incentives along with these reminders to help keep the cost down. Again, use the obd2 scanner if you suspect something is awry here, that way you’ll have an idea of what to tell the mechanic when you bring the car into the shop.
• Oil changes, tire rotations, and engine checks will all keep the car running well and maximize gas mileage. If there is uneven wear on the tires, it is time for an alignment!
• Regular alignments and checks on the suspension system can be super helpful in maximizing your Kia’s performance.
• Filling fluids and changing windshield wipers seasonally is a great habit to get into, that way you won’t be stuck needing to pull over on a road trip or drive to work for something simple like wiper fluid.
• Change the brake pads regularly to avoid metal-on-metal grinding that will kill the rotors. As soon as you hear any noise when braking, schedule an appointment with your mechanic.
• Adding to that, your important vehicle should get good care and service from authorised Kia service centres to get the best care outcome

Enjoy Cruising on Open Roads in  A Kia Car

Buying and maintaining a Kia is a worthwhile venture, whether you drive it purely for commuting or like to get out on the open road and enjoy a cruise. Kia Cars have the reputation of Asian vehicles- long lasting and durable, but with a Kia, you have the added benefit of a car that won’t run you into the ground financially. A Kia is a good investment and with proper maintenance and care, can quickly become a great one.

Five Most Essential Items Your Car Must Have

For many people, driving is the epitome of freedom; the freedom to go anywhere you desire the way you want, in the vehicle you want. But for those unfortunate times that things don’t go your way, you can always rely on several essential driving items that should go with your KIA on every journey. Call outs for breakdowns have skyrocketed in recent years, and getting stuck in the middle of nowhere is no fun at all, so here is a quick list of what you need to get you out of trouble if something goes wrong.

1. Spare Tyre and Jack

It doesn’t get more essential than these two right here. A very high percentage of vehicle breakdowns are caused by flat tyres or punctures, so ensuring that you have a spare tyre and jack to change tyre when necessary is one of the most important items you should always have ready in your vehicle.

Many vehicles come with a built in spare tyre that is only made to get you home, or to your local Kia parts garage to be replaced for a new one. Always ensure on a regular basis that your spare tyre is in good working condition and that it is ready to get you home in case of an emergency. You do not want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without a replacement.

2. Emergency Petrol Can

One of the most important tools in all of motoring is making sure you have enough petrol. You can often find yourself out in the middle of nowhere with a limited amount of fuel hoping that it will get you home, but if you are out of luck, a quick refill will be just enough to get you home.

Obviously you will want to ensure that you have enough fuel at all times, but in those cases where you know you will be running low, you should always carry a can. The majority of petrol stations sell the necessary equipment if you really need it, but having one in your vehicle will save you that extra bit of money in desperate times on the road.

3. A Motoring Toolbox

A toolbox is an essential piece of motoring gear that should go with you at all times and for all occasions. You never know when you may need to tweak something in the engine to get you home in an emergency, so ensure that you have a full set of tools that is suitable for your car at all times.

Find out what your vehicle may be susceptible to when breaking down and ensure that you have all of the right tools for the job. Most KIA parts retailers will point you in the right direction as far as tools are concerned, but a good start will be to take a big roll of gaffer tape, a spanner set, and if all else fails: a hammer.

4. GPS

One of the many marvels of modern motoring is the GPS navigation system. Gone are the days that you need to check your route via a large and cumbersome paper map. Now all you have to do is type or speak your destination address and you will be directed gently to your destination with a calming and polite voice.

It can be easy to get lost very quickly when travelling to a destination you are not familiar with, so taking a backup plan with you will ensure that you will get to your destination unscathed. When all else fails, you should probably take a paper map of your area and learn the routes, but otherwise, keep your GPS charged up and updated with the latest firmware and maps to make your journey go a little more smoother.

5. Breakdown Kit

Probably the most important aspect of motoring has to be road safety. So in case of an emergency or a breakdown, ensure that you have a little breakdown kit that will allow you to be safe on the road, as well as let others know of your situation for the safety of everyone.

Your breakdown kit should include essential tools, a torch, a mat to work under your car, a jack, jump leads, an all-weather hazard jacket and hazard sign, as well as a tow-rope and petrol can. These items are essential in the majority of breakdowns, so ensure that you have all of these items in an easy to reach place in your vehicle so that when something does go wrong – you are well-prepared for the worst.

These are the most of the essential things you need to take on any driving tip; without them, there’s every chance you’re left vulnerable in the case of an emergency. Spare car parts are also an option if you’ve got a bit more mechanical knowledge. Things like hoses, nuts/bolts and other bits and bobs can be crucial. You can pick up these kinds of parts for your specific vehicle from spare parts specialists and some car dealerships too.

Being one of the largest Kia car dealers in Melbourne, we have a team of expert and authorised Kia spare parts specialists whom you can trust and they will warmly assist you in making your car prepared enough for the emergency situation. So, make sure you are well prepared on the road and as always – be safe!

Quick Tips for Keeping Your Kia Vehicle in Tip Top Condition

Taking good care of your car sits snugly alongside road safety in being one of the most important aspects of car ownership overall. Making sure that your car is kept in good operating order with regular inspection and servicing will help to prolong the life of your vehicle, as well as the enjoyment you gain from it.

Inspection plays a big role in determining the overall condition of your KIA, so make sure that your vehicle undergoes regular inspection by a local professional, ideally a KIA specialist. Choosing a specialist will help you with explaining the type of inspection that will be carried out, as well as the results from the tests to help you decide your next move.

Most vehicles require a little maintenance every now and then, so by ensuring you do your part as a motorist to ensure good levels of oil and water, checking your brakes and tyres will go a long way to prolonging the life of your car. A professional KIA specialist will be able to point you in the right direction when you need to replace your brake heads or tyres, as well as oil changes based on how frequent you use the car.

When Something Goes Wrong

A breakdown can lead to many headaches for the average motorist. Ignoring a problem with your vehicle or putting off fixing it until the last moment can not only cost you dearly down the road, but may also put your safety on the road into question.

When you need to buy spare parts for your KIA, a good rule is to find a local authorized dealership to aid you in your vehicle’s repair. A professional dealer will be able to advise you on the parts needed for your vehicle, and being an authorized KIA spare parts dealer, can offer you genuine parts for replacement.

Many dealerships and mechanics may offer you third party parts for your vehicle at discount prices that seem too good to be true. In most cases, small mechanics may offer you inferior parts that are not genuine and may either not resolve the issues with your vehicle, or break down quicker than genuine parts. The rule to buying spare parts of your KIA is to buy genuine.

Genuine Accessories and Upgrades for Your Kia

Oil checked, tyres checked, regular inspection and regular general maintenance checked, the next step you may wish to take is to buy genuine KIA accessories for your car. Many authorized dealers offer accessory packages for your car at great prices, so if you decided to skip the upgrades when you firth purchased your car, you can find accessories to boost your driving enjoyment and add a little to the resale value of your car, too.

Larger genuine KIA parts and accessories dealers will be able to offer you a range of body upgrades such as allow wheels, matched tyres as well as a host of in-car entertainment options. You may choose to upgrade the interior of your Kia with the latest innovations in speaker systems, SATNAV and guidance devices as well as performance upgrades with exhaust systems and performance tweaks.

So to keep you safe on the road, and to keep those wheels turning, ensure that you regularly inspect your vehicle for signs of wear and tear. If you require a little more insight into the general upkeep of your KIA, take if to your local authorized dealership for a professional inspection. If something goes wrong with your vehicle, ensure that you buy genuine parts from an authorized dealer, and you will prolong the life of your car to enjoy for years to come.

If you are in Melbourne you have the perfect option for your Own Kia Vehicle. We, in Chadstone Kia happily offer the largest parts and accessories department among Victoria wide Kia Car Dealers. We have a vast range of Kia genuine parts just for your feasibility with bulk buying capabilities. We also ensure the fact that if you have a older vehicle,and the required part or accessories are not available to us, we will get them for you. You can also have the right advise for your beloved vehicle by calling our expert service team who are always there to assist you.