Defensive Driving 101… Again

The effects of winter weather on our roads becomes pretty apparent on those bumpy rides in the spring. But, some “bumps” are more serious than others. Potholes are usually caused through the expansions and contraction of groundwater. Water will seep into the cracks in the pavement, freeze and expand in the winter, and then thaw and leave gaps and voids in the pavement for more water to seep into and start the process all over again. Over time the structural integrity of the road is weakened and large chunks of pavement can become loose or displaced and potholes will form. Potholes come in various shapes and sizes and usually drivers only really avoid the big ones, but King Kia is here to tell you potholes are dangerous to drivers no matter their size. Below are some of the ways in which potholes can damage your vehicle. If you’re worried about the effects of your recent bumpy rides on your car, schedule a service appointment at the King Kia service center and our certified professionals will make sure your car is road ready. The Effects Of Potholes On Your Car: Wheel Misalignment This can happen when you hit one big pothole or overtime if you regularly drive on rough roads. Misalignment makes it harder to drive a straight course, puts undue stress on your suspension system, and impacts the lifespan of your tires as well. Shot Suspension System This system works to reduce the effects of driving over uneven or bumpy roads on your cabin and other driving components. It can get worn down over time or if abused by large sudden dips and make for unsafe driving conditions. Wheel and Rim Damage When your wheels come into contact with deep or jagged-edged potholes, rims can be dented and tires can get punctured or even blown out.

King Kia knows that it feels like all you do everyday is go, go, go. But, what happens when you need to stop? When was the last time you had your braking system checked? Brakes wear out gradually, so you may not notice if your ability to slow or stop begins to decline. Listed below are a few indicators that it’s time to give you brakes a break and get them checked out. And you can do so with King Kia’s diligently trained experts! We offer top notch car and truck brake repair at affordable prices at our facility here in Gaithersburg, MD. Your safety is our first priority. Make a service appointment with a King Kia maintenance professional today! Signs That You Need New Brakes: You hear a squealing noise when you brake. Most brake pads are manufactured with wear indicators. These metal tabs along the top of your brake pads will scrape against the rotors when the pads are worn down to a dangerous level; creating an awful noise as a result. Your car is taking longer to come to a complete stop. When your brake pads make contact with your rotor for extended periods of time, both components heat up and become worn, decreasing their ability to generate the friction needed to bring your car to a full stop in a timely manner. Your car is pulling to one side when you brake. This could indicate that the brake pads on one side of your vehicle are more worn out than the pads on the other side. This will cause your car to pull in one direction when stopping and puts stress on your steering rack. Your brakes vibrate or stutter when pressed. This issue arises when the binding resin holding the brake pads together is smeared across the rotor due to excessive heat and pad wear down. It is known as “glazing” and can be very dangerous if unchecked.

During the fall, we may come across a few rain showers that may lead to flooding. If you live in an area that floods often, you probably know the tricks to drive through a flood. The number one trick is don’t. Things often go wrong when trying to drive through flooding waters and risking your safety is not an option for us. This week, we have your guide on what to do when flood waters are rising and how to avoid potentially dangerous situations. You should always try to avoid driving through a flood for numerous reasons. Moving water can easily sweep your vehicle off the road or even worse, flip your vehicle upside down. Flooded areas are often times deeper than what they may appear to be. Steering clear of flooded areas will help keep you out of harm’s way and will not leave you stranded. Standing water should also be a no-no. Same as above, standing water can be misjudged and can lead to a dangerous situation if you try to drive through a “puddle” that is a lot deeper than originally thought. If you are forced to drive through standing water, try to get onto as much land as you can, let other vehicles pass by you first, drive slow and steadily to ensure you are not creating a bow wave. Once you’ve safely made it through, test your brakes to ensure that they are properly working. Go slow. When passing through any size of water on the roadway, go slow and take your time. Driving through water at fast speeds can potentially lead to a collision. You may lose contact with the road or lose steering control if you don’t take your time and go slow. To avoid this, slow down and if you feel yourself losing control, hold the steering wheel steady and slowly lift off your gas pedal until your tires regain contact with the roadway. Keep an eye out for hazards that may create dangerous situations. Look for manhole covers that can get lifted and moved in a flood, curbs can get lost and can do damage to wheels and tires if hit. Also, assume that water is contaminated and you may come across debris or harmful substances. Be alert and stay safe. Stay Safe In A New Kia!