Seasons are changing, so are the months which means those weather conditions are bound to change at any moment. And the best thing to do before those temperatures drastically change is to prepare for those weather changes. But where do you begin? We recommend starting in your vehicle’s trunk. Why? Well, this is because you most likely have stored a bunch of unnecessary gear in there which is hurting your vehicle more than you think it is helping. Not only does a heavy trunk lead to poor gas mileage but it can hurt you if your loose gear comes flying if you’re ever in a motor vehicle collision. So, this week we are going to give you a guide on cleaning, organizing, and preparing for the upcoming winter months. Take a look below and leave us some of your tips that help you get through those colder winter months!

Clean:

Start by cleaning your trunk from top to bottom. Take out all of the items that you’ve stored in there and separate them into two piles: keep and trash. Once you divided the items into the two piles, divide them into two additional piles whether you are going to keep these items in your vehicle or if these items should be placed within your household. Now that your trunk is clear, take some time to clean it. Using a vacuum, get rid of any dirt, grime, and build. If you want to go the extra mile, take it to a car wash and use a bit of soap to scrub out all the dirt.

Organize:

Organization is key. When you’ve decided which items belong in your vehicle, use organization tools to keep all these items in-place and from rolling around your trunk. Things like shower caddies, small totes, or pop-up totes can be great, easy, and cheap tools to keeping your items in the spot where they belong. Plus, an organized trunk will make finding your items easy. And in the event of a flat tire, it will be easy for you to get to your spare tire instead of having to remove all your items and replace when you’re finishing with the flat.

Prepare:

Winter months are coming, that means you might need to start preparing for what those months bring. Whether it is snow, rain, ice – you’ll need to pack a few necessities in your vehicle to make terrible conditions bearable. Always carry a phone charger, first aid kit, blanket or sweatshirt, jumper cables, gloves, and ice scraper. If you need a little extra weight in your vehicle, try adding a bag of sand or kitty litter in your trunk. These can also be used if your vehicle gets stuck and you need a bit of traction.

Is snow on your radar? Maybe not. But cooler temperatures are definitely setting in this October and that means that you should have already treated your Kia to some service from King Kia. But, if that’s not the case, that’s alright. This week we are bringing you some last minute savings that will allow you to get all those important service needs taken care of before those temperatures start to make you say Brrrrrr! Check out our service and parts specials below and head over to our page to schedule your appointment online today or just click here. If you prefer to give us a call, our number is (833) 234-2609. We hope to be hearing from you very soon – see you when you get here!

Brake Fluid Service – Only $149.95*

Cabin Air Filter Replacement – Just $49.95*

Engine Air Filter Replacement – Only $39.95*

The “Essentials” Special – $49.95*

• Oil & Filter Change
• Tire Rotation
• Multipoint Inspection
• Exterior Car Wash

Air Conditioning Evaporator Service – Just $99.95*

Fuel Injection and Induction Cleaning – Only $299.95* with coupon!

Power Steering Fluid Service – $129.95*

Coolant Flush Special – $159.95*

Tire Special – Buy 3 Tires, Get 4th for $1*

What’s left to do? Just print out your coupon or send it straight to your mobile device and schedule your appointment. That’s all – get ready to save on service this October! We will see you soon!

*All offers expire 10/31/2018. See specials page for full details.

It’s that time or maybe it is not but one thing you should know is how to renew your license. And whether it is that time for you or not, you need to know. This week we have your guide to renewing your driver’s license and hope you’ll make a trip to the DMV sooner rather than later!

You can choose to renew your license online, by mail, and in person.

• Your license will be valid for 8 years if you are over the age of 21 but in some circumstances, your license may only be valid from 5 to 8 years.
• You will receive a notice from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) notifying you when it is time to renew.
• Your requirements vary based on whether your license is: valid, expired, suspended, lost, stolen, or damaged.  

To Renew Online:

• Your MD driver’s license number
• Your date of birth
• The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) or MVA PIN
• A form of payment for the renewal fee.

To Renew By-Mail:

• Complete the renewal application
• Meet the vision requirements, if you are 40 years or older
• Ask your eye doctor to complete the Vision Certification section of the   
• Include a check for the renewal fee

To Renew In-Person:

• Bring your current MD driver’s license
• Have your photo taken
• Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, and 1099 form
• Provide a new signature
• Pay the renewal fee

For questions, reach out to your local DMV or visit their website.

October is a great month to take a road trip to explore a little farther without any limitations. But, that old ride might be holding you back and if it is, we want to help you enjoy the fall season by getting you behind the wheel of a brand new, reliable Kia vehicle! Whether you’re looking for something for just you and the pooch, something sporty to offer a thrilling ride, or something the entire family can pack into – we have something for everyone here at King Kia! And this month, we’re going to help you SAVE some cash! Check out our October offers below and stop in to see us for a test drive before the month is over. Don’t wait – these deals won’t last and neither will this spectacular fall foliage! Hurry in, today!

2018 Kia Optima LX

• Buy for ONLY $15,999*

2018 Kia Forte LX

• Buy for ONLY $10,999*

2018 Kia Stinger Base

• Buy for ONLY $22,799*

2018 Kia Sedona SX-L

• Buy for ONLY $29,999*

*All offers expire 10/31/2018. See specials page for full details.

October is finally here and that means that it may be time to swap out your summer tires for a fresh new set of winter tires. Or the ones that have been stored away. Whichever you choose, we want to help you properly store your summer tires away from any extreme temperature exposure, ozone, and possible heat sources. Here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your summer tires!

• Before storing your summer tires, give them a good wash. Get out the soap, tire brush, and bucket of water – cleaning off any dirt, grime, and built up brake dust will keep your tires healthier. If you choose to keep your wheels on your tires, clean them accordingly. Dry them completely and do not apply any type of tire dressing.
• Once dry, place each tire in its own separate airtight plastic bag. Avoid moisture at all costs and remove as much air as you can. Close up the bag tightly with tape or a zip tie to prevent oil evaporation.
• Place the tires in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. A basement or climate-controlled area works best whereas a garage or shed are often exposed to extreme temperatures. Your tires should also be stored away from sources of ozone like motors, furnaces, sump pumps, and switches.
• If you have enough room, store your tires vertically rather than stacking them horizontally. This reduces stress and distortion. If you choose to stack them without bags, stack them “white to white” and “black to black.”
• If you are leaving the tires on a vehicle, do not let the vehicle sit for an extended period of time. Long-term inactivity is extremely harmful to tires. Take the vehicle for a weekly drive to ensure that the tires maintain oil dispersion within the rubber compounds.

Whether you live in a neighborhood or pass through one on occasion, there are many things that you need to constantly be on the lookout for. Children playing, dogs running across the road, sidewalks, crosswalks, and everything in between. While many people believe driving through a neighborhood is a safe drive and doesn’t require much attention, the truth is is that it does. A drive must be at their most careful and vigilant when passing through a neighborhood. This week, we have a list of safety tips to help you pass through while being safe and keeping the neighborhood a safe place too.

• Drive slowly and take your time. A vehicle passing by at or under the reduced speed limit in neighborhoods can and will prevent a severe accident from happening.
• Don’t tailgate slower drivers. Give them space and let them take their time. Be polite to other drivers, bicyclists, and others who you are sharing the roadway with. Don’t pass, this could lead to dangerous situations.
• Be cautious when passing through intersections and turns. Be sure to look in all directions twice for potential hazards before advancing through the intersection. If children are nearby, there is a chance they may walk out in front of your without looking – be vigilant.
• Give pedestrians the right of way and look for people in the roadway or people who are looking to cross the road. Either slow down or come to a complete stop and let them pass by, especially if they are waiting in a crosswalk.
• Always use your lights. In dark areas, use your headlights to illuminate the roadway so you can see potential hazards. You may even need to use your high beams in some areas. Turn them on and go slow.

And there you have it! Five safety tips for driving through a neighborhood! We hope you will use these in your everyday commute or the next time you have to pass through a neighborhood. Have others we didn’t mention? Let us know what tips you use or what ones you would like to see other drivers using when they pass through your neighborhood.  

What’s that? Your Kia needs a little bit of service before the fall weather really sets in? No worries – King Kia is the place to be when it is time to service your Kia. And if you’re looking to save money, King Kia is really the only choice you need when it comes to routine service. This week we are bringing you all of our service and parts specials that are available to you this September! Check them out below and be sure to schedule your appointment before these savings are gone for good!

The “Essentials” Special – $49.95*

• Oil & filter change
• Tire rotation
• Multipoint inspection
• Exterior car wash

Brake Fluid Service – $149.95*

Cabin Air Filter Replacement – $49.95*

Engine Air Filter Replacement – $39.95*

Air Conditioning Evaporator Service – $99.95*

Complete Fuel Injection and Induction Cleaning – $299.95*

Power Steering Fluid Service – $129.95*

Coolant Flush Special – $159.95*

Buy 3 Tires and get the 4th for $1*

Have you chosen what service you’ll be stopping in for, yet? We hope you have! How do you save? All you have to do is visit our service and parts specials page, choose your coupon, print/ send to mobile device, and schedule your service appointment. That’s all you have to do! Easy peasy. We hope to see you and your Kia soon!

*All offers expire 9/30/2018. See specials page for full details.

It’s September, you know what that means. If you don’t, let me lay it out for you. NEW CAR SPECIALS! Yeah, we are a little bit excited as you should be because this month we have two great monthly offers that are going to get you a new set of wheels in your driveway while keeping some cash right where you like it, in your wallet. Check them out below and stop in to see us for a test drive before these deals are gone for good!

2018 Kia Forte LX

• Buy for ONLY $10,999*
• The perfect compact sedan for road trips. If you’re looking for a vehicle with a little attitude and a lot of style, the Kia Forte is the right choice for you. The Forte will keep you well-connected on any journey with a surplus of advanced technological innovations. Plus, the Forte will keep you safe with innovative safety features. Don’t believe us? Stop by and take one for a test drive today!

2018 Kia Optima LX

• Buy for ONLY $15,999*
• The perfect family sedan, the Kia Optima will let you get more out of less. With 25 City and 36 Highway MPGs, the Optima will let you go farther without having to stop to fill up the tank. Plus, with a reborn style, the Optima will make heads turn on every street you choose to drive. You have a family and you need to protect them. Inside the Kia Optima, your precious cargo is protected front, back, and side to side.

Are you ready to get in and go? We knew you would be! Stop by King Kia today and let’s start making the most of your drive behind the wheel of a stylish Kia! Run, don’t walk, these amazing savings won’t last long and we don’t want you to miss out!

*All offers expire 9/30/2018. See specials page for full details.

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.

The summer is quickly coming to an end, there I said it. I know, I know you are sad that your nights by the pool and weekends at the lake or the beach will soon be a thing of the past. But, it is important to get your Kia in tip-top shape for the upcoming seasons. We have compiled a list of fall car care tips to make it easier to decide which services are the most important for you to perform before temperatures begin to drop. Check them out below!

• Have your battery tested to be sure that it is in good health. Extreme temperatures can do a lot of damage to your battery and can leave you stranded if you’re power up.
• Check the tread and PSI of your tires.
• Brake fluid and your brake pads should be in good shape. If you’re having difficulty stopping or hear any squeaking, consult a technician as soon as possible.
• Check all fluids to ensure they are reading at proper levels. If not, fill them up or schedule an appointment and our technicians will top off your fluids!
• Your HVAC system should be checked before seasons are changing especially if heating or cooling in your vehicle has been a problem in the past. This system is critical for a number of safety reasons and you should never fool around with it.
• Show your lights a little TLC. Whether you are swapping out bulbs or replacing a dimming headlight altogether, give your head and taillights the proper attention. Especially in fall months.
• Fill up your windshield washer fluid reservoir with a cold-weather washer fluid that won’t freeze your windshield if cold temperatures sneak up.
• Making your vehicle’s health a top priority will better your gas mileage by an average of four percent.

Fall is here, can you feel it? We sure can and we want to help you get your ride ready for the changing seasons. Stop in to see us today or schedule your appointment with us online! Our trained technicians are happy to answer any questions or get your Kia geared-up and ready for the fall!