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.

The Next Generation Kia Rio 2017

One of Australia’s favourites, the KIA Rio has been one of the best-performing small cars on the market for many years. And by all accounts, 2017’s Rio has improved on the existing model and looks to take over the small car market this year. With a fresh look and a bunch of modern features that make it more energy efficient and a more convenient driving experience, the Rio is certainly primed to turn a lot of heads.

New design

This model has been redesigned from the 2012 Rio, which was the basis for all models design-wise until now. While previous models went for the cute, sweet small car look, this year’s release follows the sleek, almost futurist aesthetic style and tiger-nosed grill that has become a staple of Kia’s next-generation cars, as the brand has reinvented itself in terms of its design. This gives the car a tougher, more mature look that will likely appeal to a larger market as well as make it stand out amongst other small cars in its class.

Source: www.chadstonekia.com.au

Great value

One of the main reasons Kia has become one of the world’s premier car brands is the value these cars offer. The highly affordable 2017 Rio (starts at $16,990) is jam-packed full of features and for small car packs quite a punch when you consider its energy efficiency and lightweight nature. The four-cylinder 1.6 litres, a 74kW engine doesn’t make this a powerful car by any means, but it’s noticeably zippy and ideal for inner-city driving and holds it owns off the line,  offering acceleration. Add that to the fact that you’re looking at a very efficient and economical 5.6L/100km for the manual and it’s a reasonable trade-off.

Source: www.kia.com

In addition, the Rio has been highly praised for its handling and the fact that it provides one of the most comfortable driving experiences of any small car in its class. Excellent suspension and power steering ensure this is a smooth ride whether you’re darting through city traffic or on the freeway.

If you are looking for a little more behind the wheel, you’ll be pleased to hear that Kia is planning to release a turbocharged 1.0-litre edition later this year. Certainly, something to look out for!

Luxury interior

Another selling point is the interior, which feels much more spacious than it should when you consider the size of the Rio. Indeed, the smooth driving experience is contributed to by the fact that this interior is all about comfort, with an infotainment package that rivals those of significantly more expensive cars. 

Source: www.kia.com

The 7-inch touchscreen is able to connect to your phone to provide a number of handy features to passengers, being able to be synched up to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The dark interior features various USB ports, phone holders and bottle holders to boot.

If you’re looking for an affordable small car, the 2017 Rio is well worth looking into, so head down to your local KIA dealership in Melbourne to discuss your needs and find out more!

Valuable Things You Need To Keep in Mind When Buying A Used Car

When you’re buying a car, whether used or new, it’s important to do your homework and be prepared. There are a number of considerations you need to make before getting out there and prospecting for your vehicle. Ideally, you’ll want to have some idea of what you want, your price range and a general time frame of when you’d like to officially take ownership. It can be an exciting and often frustrating process, but it’s usually all worth it in the end! Let’s take a look at the checklist of things you need to think about before buying a used car.

Decide on A Budget

Your budget is a very important part of the equation. If you have an idea of what you’re willing to spend, you’re one step closer to finding the used car you want. There are obviously various that you need to consider here including your current income, how long you intend to own the car, how often you’ll use it and the potential for resale. Obviously, no one knows your financial situation better than you so it’s really a decision you have to make alone. What are the available car finance deals or solutions? Will you need to take out a loan to afford it? Can you afford monthly repayments? How long will it take you to pay off the loan? What about insurance? These are questions you need to be asking yourself.

Get A Good Sense of The Market

Arguably the most important aspect of buying a used car for the budget conscious shopper is having a general understanding of how far your dollar goes in the market. The way to do this is quite simply to shop around. Check multiple websites and even car dealers to get an idea of what kind of car you can afford with your budget. This obviously includes the type of car - whether that be sedan, SUV, hatchback, truck, etc. - the year, model, mileage and condition. If you have a general idea of what your money gets you, you’ll be in a much better position to bargain with sellers and get a better deal.

Establish What Car You’re Looking For

When it comes to buying a used car, indecision is never your friend. Do your research, figure out what you’re after according to your price range, tastes and reviews online, which can be a very helpful resource.

That said, the used car market can be a cruel mistress; often the model and make that you’re after won’t be easy to find, may be out of your budget or you might just not find a good deal on it.

That’s why often times it’s a good idea to be open to a few different options, rather than having your heart set on just one. You might, for example, be open to checking out Toyota, Mitsubishi or Kia used cars of a certain make, and if you find one for a good price, you can bargain and buy with confidence that you’re getting what you want.

Test Driving and Checking Vehicle History is Crucial

It goes without saying that you need to test drive the car, if possible in various conditions before making the purchase. Don’t be afraid to request to the seller if you can take the car around the block on numerous days before making your decision, and remember to test it at different speeds and road conditions and under several criteria if you can. Before making the purchase. You should also check the vehicle history and maintenance records, which the seller should be able to provide. If they are unable to provide this, be very aware!  Lastly, searching online can provide you with other details on the vehicle that the seller - in rare cases - may be trying to keep hidden, including major accidents.

Keep these things in mind when shopping for a used car and you’ll be well on your way to making a great purchase that is right for you. Remember that there are a number of additional considerations you need to make when going through the process, always be careful and practice common sense! We’d highly recommend having a third party professional check over any used car you’re looking to purchase, for example. Good luck out there!

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 2014 Kia Cerato Koup Review

Every once in a while a car comes along that puts a little smile on your face. The Kia Cerato Koup is one of those cars and for good reason. This sporty little car offers a great level of performance, all of the niche features you’ll be expecting to find in a modern motor as well as a few surprises along the way. Over the past few years, Kia has been making strides in its automotive quality and design, and here is the product of all of that advancement.

Performance wise, the Kia Cerato Koup is a feisty little car that offers a relatively nippy drive. Thanks to the choice of its 1.6L Turbo or 2.0L GDI petrol engine, the Koup provides just the right amount of responsiveness to make driving a more enjoyable experience again. With an overall smooth driving experience, you can expect to stay comfortable, with plenty of extra power to overtake in this responsive motor.

A Comfortable Interior with A Stylish Touch

Comfort wise, the interior boasts a number of delights that are made to make your driving experience cosier. With an interior that features hints of carbon fibre that surround the cockpit to match the exterior features, the use of LED lighting to highlight the cabin is a nice little touch. The rear seats have generous space for the tallest of passengers, with surprisingly easy access.

The Kia Cerato Koup is a little on the weighty side at 1334kg but features superb handling in the corners. With a top speed of 224kph and a power output of 150kW/265Nm, it lives up to its honest performance as a nippy little car with plenty of get-up-and-go. With clean gear changes and decent performance, the Koup is an excellent day tripper.

The fuel economy of the Koup is also a welcome benefit with around 7L/100km available for careful drivers. This also helps the Koup achieve a Euro 4 emissions rating for a regular unleaded. The 1.6 model features a six-speed manual gearbox while the 2.0L variant comes with the added option of a dual-clutch automatic.

In-Car Features and Upgrade Packs

For its mid-range price point in its league, the Cerato Koup has a multitude of features at its disposal to warrant the extra price. The leather sports seats are a welcome addition, and so is the use of a carbon fibre weave used throughout the interior and parts of the exterior. The Koup looks just as sporty as it handles and features a number of features such as paddle shifts on the automatic version. 

The addition of premium gadgets on the Koup is a welcome addition and features premium seats, Bluetooth phone and audio, trip computer, and a SUNA satnav system. Stylish features such as the alloy pedals, chrome finished interior parts and high quality finished embellishments make the Koup a real “looker” on today’s modern streets.

Full Range of Safety Features Included

The 2014 Kia Cerato Koup offers a large number of safety benefits for what you might expect on a mid-tier coup. Featuring a five-star crash rating for starters, the Koup features a number of driver assists to help you out in tough situations. Featuring front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera, auto headlights and wipers, as well as door locks and a hill start, assist, the Koup gets top marks in the safety department.

If you are after a nippy little car that looks as good as it drives, features all of the best safety ratings you might enjoy on a European car, and want a host of added in-car entertainment gadgets then the 2014 Kia Cerato Koup is the car for you. Being a genuinely fun car to drive, the Koup is a sporty little number that will also help save on fuel, in the long run, making it a great choice for drivers who love exciting trips on the open road.

Image Source: chadstonekia, kia, fullboost, performancedrive