Top Five Useful Tips for Tire Maintenance

August 12th, 2011 Posted in Communications,FYI   

• By Kia BUZZ Editorial Team

Taking good care of your tires does not have to be difficult or time consuming. By following these tips, you can ensure safe performance, top mileage and longer tire life for your car.

1. Check the tire pressure

It is essential to check tire pressures at least once a month. There are several places you can find the correct pressure level for your vehicle: the vehicle’s owner manual, inside the gas tank lid, the driver’s side doorframe and on the door post.

Remember the air pressure listed on the side of your tire is not the correct air pressure, but the maximum level for your car. Check the air pressure when the tire is cold because the pressure is highly affected by temperature.

After removing the valve cap, press a tire gauge into the valve and read the gauge. If you find your tire is overinflated, push on the metal stem of the valve and release the air. If the pressure is underinflated, add air until the pressure reaches the proper level. Finally, make sure to close the valve cap tightly to prevent leaking and damage from dirt.

2. Check the tread depth

Worn down tire tread is more likely to cause a sliding accident and lower the traction of your car. It is recommended to replace your tires before the treads get less than 1/16 of an inch.

Using “wear bars,” or built-in tread wear indicators, is a good way to determine tread depth. If you see these narrow strips of smooth rubber, you should replace the tires.

3. Store the tires in proper conditions

It is very important to keep tires in the right place. To prevent changes in the tire rubber, you should avoid storing tires in a place where the temperature is above 77 ºF or below 32 ºF. It is also necessary to keep your tires away from any form of oils or solvents. Tires should also be kept away from ozone-producing equipment, such as fluorescence lamps, as ozone has a very strong deteriorating effect on tires.

4. Rotate your tires regularly

Regular tire rotation will help to get uniform wear on all your tires. To avoid irregular tire wear, you should rotate tires every 6,000 – 8,000 miles or as specified in the vehicle’s owner manual.

5. Replace the tires

When you replace your tires, it is important to use the tires with the same size, type and speed rating that originally came on the vehicle.
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Video: Kia Sportage with Parallel Park Assist System.

BY 

JOSE ANTONIO LÓPEZ

 – 11 AUGUST, 2011POSTED IN: HOME, KIA

Some countries offer the option of include Parallel Park Assist System on the Kia Sportage, this system allows us to park the vehicle without touching the steering wheel. 

Its operation is similar to that used inother models of competition, click on the button of Park Assist and we rank in the hole where we parked, the system will detect the gap and if it is enough to start the maneuver.

via YouTube

via YouTube

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Ten Tips for Long-Distance Driving

August 2nd, 2011 Posted in Communications,FYI   

• By Kia BUZZ Editorial Team

Summer is in full swing and cars are hitting the roads for vacation destinations. Before you hop in the car to zoom off to your getaway, take note of our suggestions for a safe and fun drive.

Check the vehicle.
Prior to the trip, make sure to get a vehicle maintenance check for factors including tire tread depth, tire pressures and engine & brake oil condition. Check your lights, signals, wiper blades, horn and radio. Also check to see, if the spare tire is usable. Bring a solution like Rain-X (glass treatment) for optimal visibility in case of rain.

Prepare an emergency kit.
Related to the maintenance check, pack an emergency kit. A basic kit should include the car manual, a flashlight, extra batteries, a reflective triangle (in case you need to pull over), flares, basic tools and a first aid kit. Other items such as waterproof matches, a whistle, a blanket, a jumper cable, rope, cutting device and duct tape could be included.

Get a good night sleep.
Before heading out for the road, make sure to get full night’s rest. If you set off tired, it’s likely that you’ll feel fatigued throughout your trip.

Secure the luggage and cargo.
The word “vacation” may be synonymous with “luggage.” When loading the luggage, make sure to have your items well placed, so that they don’t move around during quick stops or turns.

Pack car-friendly items.
It’s helpful to bring wet wipes and to have easy-to-access trash bags in the car. Make your driving experience as comfortable and safe as possible. Remember to pack a hands-free device for your mobile phone to prevent distracted driving. According to research by Carnegie Mellon University, driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent. Another car-friendly item is bed sheets or thin blankets to place over the car seats if the vehicle is going to be left in the sun for a while. Also, don’t forget to pack medicine if you or your passengers are prone to motion sickness.

Bring food.
Take some snacks for the road. A cooler filled with water and homemade snacks is a good idea for those who aren’t huge fans of convenience store food. However, avoid anything that has excessive sugar or salt. These foods can lead to changes in mood and energy. Eating heavy meals will bring your blood sugar down and make you feel tired. Try snacks like dried fruit or trail mix, which are easy to eat and.

Take breaks.
Take a break if feeling tired or sleepy. Taking even a five minute break to stretch your legs can make a big difference. As a general rule, stop at least once every two hours for a break.

Bring your favorite music.
Radio stations will vary by region and may not always be able to offer what you want. By preparing music, you don’t have to worry about fiddling around with the radio while you are driving. Upbeat music is best for helping to stay awake and energized while driving.

Research the route.
Check for local events and landmarks along your route that you may want to stop and see. Make your schedule flexible to allow for time to see extra sights. This also includes scoping out spots that have heavy traffic. Jot down the traffic stations along your route to get traffic news in real-time. Find out where and when to avoid certain areas, because nothing ruins a road trip like a traffic jam.

Have fun.
With tips 1-9 taken care of, you can relax and enjoy the ride!

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