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.

7 Tips for Safe Auto Travel During the Summer

If you are planning on vacationing this summer, you will need to take your car through its paces to avoid ending up on the roadside. Summertime is particularly demanding on a car. Heat plays a major role in the deterioration of parts that will stop your car in its tracks. So, before you set off on that 200-mile road trip, follow these simple tips to keep your car safe during the summer.
As a reminder, ensure that your vehicle is off and has been given time to cool off before you go poking around under the hood. There are many parts of your car that may not look hot until you touch them, so be careful and be sure that the car’s engine is cool.

Radiator/Cooling System

Overheating is one of the most common issues our shop sees during the summer and is the most common reason for summertime breakdowns. What may be a negligible problem during the colder months can wreak havoc during the summer.
Your car’s engine will have to work harder during the summer, which means more heat. If your cooling system is not up to the task, then the engine will quickly overheat.

Checks:

- Coolant levels
- Radiator cap (loose caps can cause evaporation). Don’t ever try to remove the cap if the car is hot
- Hoses and clamps
- Dash temperature indicator

If you have not taken your vehicle in for routine maintenance, then now is the time. Coolant, for example, should typically be changed annually.  There are additional checks that a mechanic will perform that most people will be too inexperienced to do themselves.

Battery

There are many reasons why a battery may bite the dust during the summer. If you have not changed your battery in a while and then decide to go on a road trip and find yourself stuck in traffic with the AC blasting, GPS and phones plugged in and charging, then the battery can quickly begin to fade.

Checks:

- Age – You should replace your battery every 3-4 years
- Charge – You can charge your battery before you begin a road trip.
- Headlights – Dimming lights
- Cranking – Slow cranking when turning on your car

There are many auto parts stores that will test your battery free of charge (sorry). Take advantage of this as a professional will know which signs to look out for in a defective battery like corrosion.

Air Conditioning

Many people will find out at the last minute that their AC isn’t working because they don’t turn it on until the temperatures outside really start climbing. Even if your AC is working, you should ensure that it's operating at full performance. If your AC is only marginally operating, then there is a chance that it will fail when put under stress as is common during summer.

Checks:

- Temperature - Place a thermometer into your AC vent to check how cold the air is.
- Cabin air filters – These are paper filters that filter the air coming into your cabin.
- Leaks – Look for refrigerant leaks under the car.
- Controls – Make sure that you can control the speed of the fan and temperature.

If you believe that you may have AC problems, but cannot pinpoint what exactly the issue is, then it is time to bring the car into the shop. There are a number of issues that can affect a car’s AC, from failed hoses and seals to moisture in the lines. A certified mechanic will be able to diagnose and repair such problems.
As with many of the issues presented, bringing your car in for routine maintenance will solve most of these headaches.

Brakes

Brakes actually go through more stress during the colder months. Driving is generally a lot slower and can be a lot harder on brakes. When the summer months start, make sure that there hasn’t been too much wearing and tear at this critical area of your car. Ensure that your breaks are in proper working condition before going on any vacations or road trips. This is one of the most important parts of a car and malfunctioning brakes are very dangerous.

Checks:

- Strange noises
- Longer-than-normal stopping distance
- Grinding
- Corrosion – check the pads for crumbling, cracks or discoloration
 If you notice anything out of the ordinary, then you should have your brakes inspected immediately. Many mechanical problems on cars start off fairly small, but can quickly get out of hand and cost more than the initial repairs.

Tires

Tires are another essential part of your car you need to be inspected regularly. You should bring your car in to have rotations done at least every 5,000 miles. You should also have your tires inspected to see if an alignment is necessary.

Tires will put a strain on other parts of your car. Low tire pressure will make it more difficult for the engine to move the car. Proper tire pressure will also have a positive impact on gas mileage.
If you notice your car’s tire pressure symbol pop up on the dash, then you should have the tires examined immediately. Low tire pressures, if left untreated for too long, can lead to blowouts and other expensive repairs.

Checks:

- Tire pressure – Follow your owner’s manual and check the pressure when its cold outside
- Tire replacement components – Do you have a jack, spare tire, etc?
- Tread – uneven or completely worn tread is a sign of trouble. Use the penny trick on your tread
- Cuts, nicks and nails
- Pulling – Does the car pull more to one side?

Oil

Oil lubricates the many parts of the engine and keeps components save damaging from each other. So it's important to choose the best oil for your car. This is particularly important during the summer months as it helps prevent overheating. Changing or topping off your oil is an inexpensive maintenance item that goes a long way. Whenever you change your oil, do not forget to change the oil filter along with it.

Check to make sure that you have enough oil in the car and that the color is golden brown. An off color or too much residue in the oil is a clear sign that you need to have an oil change. If you notice that there is not enough oil in the car, but the color is alright, then just add some oil.
Most modern vehicles will give you an indicator on your dash or screen when you require an oil change. If this is not the case, then simply consult with your manual and keep a note of at what mileage your next oil change should be. Always use the oil grade recommended by your car's manufacturer.

Checks:

- Dipstick – The oil should come up to the fill line and be a clean, golden-brown color
- Leaks – Oil leaks are very common. Many times, you will smell these before you see them.

General Maintenance Items

Here are some additional maintenance items you should be performing on a routine basis, but especially right before the start of the summer months.

Checks:

- Gas cap – Loosely fitting or missing gas caps result in gas evaporating from your vehicle
- Belts – Screeching or creaking noises from belts may be a result of cracking. Check for poor tension
- Wiper blades – don’t get stuck in a summer storm without adequate protection from the rain
- Wash and detail – after a stay at the beach, make sure you properly wash the top and undercarriage of the car to get rid of salt residue
- Jumper Cables
- Emergency kit – flares, water, food, basic tools, first-aid kit and a flashlight at the very minimum

Traveling during the summer is fun, but it’s important to be prepared. If you made it through summer in the past without any car problems, then consider yourself lucky. Give your car the due diligence it deserves and you will continue to enjoy it throughout the rest of your vacation. It is also recommended to see a car service centre like Chadstone Kia before you leave for a long and entertaining summer vacation

Author Bio

Adam Chmielewski is the owner at Malone’s Service and Performance, a European automotive repair shop located in Marietta, Georgia. He and his team have been servicing, repairing and upgrading vehicles in the metro Atlanta area for over a decade. Adam is passionate about the automotive industry and seeks to deliver outstanding services and education to everyone that steps into his garage.

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.

Kia Marketing Campaigns for Euro 2016 in July is A Big Success

It’s been a busy month in July for Kia, who have organised some very interesting marketing and social media campaigns surrounding the 2016 Euro Cup.

One of the world’s most important football or soccer competitions, the UEFA Euro Cup 2016 wrapped up earlier this month, with plenty of people tuning in late at night to catch the action. It was Portugal that got the job done over to the hosts France, and what a tournament it was!

The official sponsors Kia organised a bunch of activities around the event, including the ‘Champ into the Arena’ five-on-five amateur tournament, in which literally thousands of different teams competed from all around the world. The winner from each participating country was rewarded with an all expenses trip to France to compete against the world’s best. The quality of competition was extremely high, exceeded only by the Euro Cup itself.

Another successful campaign surrounding this every-four-year event was the ‘Carry your Dream’ social media campaign, which encouraged children to post content that demonstrates how crazy they are about soccer and what it means to them. Fifty-one of the best entries were selected as official match ball carriers at the event in France, meaning they would take the ball out onto the pitch and hand it to the referee!

Keep an eye on other special offers and exciting campaigns organised by Kia through 2016, and of course, don’t forget to check out the huge range of Kia cars that can be seen on the Chadstone Kia website.

Kia Soul - The Scintillating One

The Boost of Kia Car Sales in Australia

Kia Cars - Big on Style and Big on Standard Features

If there is one brand of car right now that has seen an incredible turn of fortune over the past few years in terms of popularity, that award goes hands down to Kia. This modern car manufacturer company seems to have tapped into a booming market of people wishing for an affordable, modern and simple vehicle that also comes with all the bells and whistles. But how did this relatively small car company become one of the most in-demand car brands in Australia today? Why is Kia so popular? Here’s why.

Kia didn’t get off to the best of the starts when it started importing vehicles into Australia; there was huge competition from other brands that had already established themselves in the country for their particular classes. Kia had the right ideas when it came to producing a relatively cheap vehicle when they manufactured a few entry-level budget cars for Ford to be sold in Australia, but it wasn’t until roughly 10 years ago when Kia started to produce their own vehicles to sale abroad.

The Korean car manufacturer produced a number of cars such as the Kia Rio that was positioned in a market filled with similar cars that didn’t really stand out from the crowd. Being a bit more inexpensive that its rivals, the Rio was a popular car for what it was, and allowed Kia to hone their skills in creating a full line-up of vehicles that fits for a relative newcomer to the market.

Bold Design, Reliable Functionality

Everything changed in recent years when the Kia Soul was launched that was packed with features as cool as its exterior look. We all knew then that Kia was going to a different direction from the already over-crowded market and would have a hit-or-miss effect on its customers. Thankfully for Kia, the Soul took off big time and with a number of interesting and funny commercials backing the launch, Kia had finally come into form as one of the small car manufacturers to watch, and respect.

The Kia Cee’d was always known as a positive little car that had huge ambitions to become one of the best little run-arounds you could get for your money, and the newer models bear that fruit of the company's design and research. The Pro C’eed 2015 and 2016 models are well respected as functional and fun vehicles that put up a mighty fine challenge to other vehicles in its class from the likes of VW.

A Modern Range of Vehicles

The Kia Rondo, Kia Optima and Kia Sportage models offer a glimpse into what makes this South Korean car manufacturer's vehicles so appealing. The form and function of the vehicles often is on par or sometimes outperforms much more expensive rivals, as well as the reliability that we have come to expect from Kia.

The Optima GT Turbo is Australia’s Best Medium Sedan under $50K – As judged by Australia’s Best Cars. 

Making fun, sporty, modern and reliable vehicles is the key ingredient in achieving a larger customer base that now swears by their cars as the vehicles of choice to recommend others. Kia has focused its efforts on providing everyday drivers the best feel for the road, as well as all of the little fun features that make driving a little more pleasurable.

New Kia Picanto with Auto is now Good To Go, with five doors and Rear Parking Sensors

Having a car made by a manufacturer that excels in making vehicles, even for other manufacturers, means that you will have a thriving parts and serving base that will pay dividends if you ever find your vehicle in trouble. You may find a Kia service centre in your town, as well as a number of places in larger cities such as the well-known Kia services Melbourne provides.

Over the year 2014-15 Kia has seen a surge in sales of 21% increase, thanks in part to a number of exciting new models that have launched such as the new Sorento and the latest Cerato, Picanto models. Passenger and utility vehicles (Ute) made by Kia have improved so dramatically that the 29% increase has led them to break into the top ten car manufacturers in terms of sales.

An Award-Winning Formula

One of the big reasons why Kia has seen such a dramatic increase in sales could mainly be down to the amount of awards that Kia vehicles have won over the past two years. The Sorento and Carnival have both won Drive Car of the Year awards for 2015, with the Sorento going on to win a whole host of important awards to break through into the public perception.

The All-New Sorento has won two Australia’s Best Cars awards in two categories! 

Kia continues to make headway in the vehicle market across all of its vehicle classes, and today stands as one of the most trusted and reliable car brands on the market. The company continues to provide fantastic Kia service centres in important locations around the country, with Kia dealers Melbourne making huge enhancements to their stock and servicing abilities.

Images Source: facebook.com/KiaAustralia

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!