There’s no place like home for the holidays—make sure you arrive safely!

Ready or not, we are smack-dab in the middle of the holiday hustle and bustle.  When you know you’ll be on the road for the holidays, stress takes over and many of us can’t think of anything besides that to-list.  Between coordinating outfits for the family photo, nailing that fudge recipe, packing all the gifts into the car, finding road trip music everyone in the family enjoy, we sometimes forget the most important thing: safety.  

We want your holiday season to be merry and bright.  If you follow any checklist at all this year, let it be this one:

BEFORE YOUR TRIP:

·         -Map your route and make sure you understand all your directions clearly

·        - Look up weather forecasts for your current location, final destination, and a few points here and there along your journey

·         -Tell someone at your destination what time you set out on your trip and an estimated arrival time.  

THINGS TO TRAVEL WITH:

·Emergency Kit: fleece blankets, water, batteries, granola bars—stock up your emergency kit with the basics. Here's a comprehensive list of must-haves.
 ·Patience! Remember that being in a hurry causes already-high stress levels to skyrocket.  An emotionally distressed driver is just as distracted and dangerous as a driver under the influence of alcohol. 
·A backup plan.  When you’re across the winter wonderland, it’s important to expect the unexpected.  Set out on your journey with a few different options if weather doesn’t permit you to follow the route you originally planned on.

When it comes to driving, it’s ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry!

Chances are you probably consider yourself to be a pretty safe driver.  After all, it’s something you do practically every day, right?  Between commuting to and from work, picking up the kids from school, and running errands, you’d have to be a skilled motorist.  We certainly hope so!  But it’s always better to be safe than sorry.  Here are five easy tips for staying safe on the road.

-Stay Alert: This seems like a basic one, but far too many people get behind the wheel when they are not completely aware of their surroundings.  Don’t get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or when you’re sleepy.  Remember that emotions such as anger or grief can also have an effect on your ability to focus on the road.

-Eliminate distractions: Keep your music at a reasonable volume, eat before your trip (or make a pit stop), and the most important rule (it can’t be said enough): PUT THE CELL PHONE AWAY.  

-Stay up-to-date on maintenance checks: Schedule regular appointments with us to make sure your oil is changed, tires rotated, timing belt replaced, and anything else your Kia might need to arrive safely at every destination.

-Keep your distance:  Don’t follow other vehicles too closely!  Think in threes: Stay 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you for speeds of 35 – 55 MPH in fair weather, 6 seconds for more than 55 MPH or in rain, and 9 seconds for heavy snowstorms or low visibility.

-Be defensive!  Remember that the only driver on the road you have control over is YOU.  Keep an eye out for other motorists and always expect the unexpected to happen.

Tell us how YOU stay safe on the road!  Join the conversation on our Facebook page.

Does winter weather mean your car washing schedule goes into hibernation? Here’s how to skip spraying and sparkle.

1.      Wipe down the obvious spots.  Sweep a cloth over the bumpers, trunk, and hood to eliminate water spots and dust.

 

2.      You don’t have to get the entire vehicle polished to a mirror shine… just the mirrors!  Keeping the glass surfaces clean is not only easy—the impeccable visibility will help you stay safe. 

 

3.      If you’re guilty of using your car as a garbage can on wheels, keep a small trash bag inside!  Next time you stop to fuel up, do a quick sweep for extra clutter and toss it!

 

4.      Shake out the floor mats!  Don’t have time to detail everything with a vacuum cleaner?  No problem!  Give those mats a quick shake to drastically improve the appearance of the interior.

 

5.      Next time you’re cruising down the road, pay attention to where you look inside the vehicle.  Give the gauges, mirrors, dashboard, and center console a quick dusting—your passengers will be none the wiser.

 

Visit our Service Center to make sure you're fully winter-ready!

4 easy steps for kicking road rage to the curb!

 

You’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic.  Horns are blaring, the clock is ticking, your jaw is clenched, and your knuckles are white from gripping the steering wheel.  We’re all guilty of letting road rage get the best of us.  Here are a few easy tips for avoiding it:

-Find alternate routes.  Traffic jams and construction cause your commute to be more stressful than it has to be.  Map out a few back-up plans.

 

-Eliminate distractions.  Don’t text, talk on the phone, eat, or let other activities take your attention from the road.  If you’re focused on your driving, you’ll avoid being caught off-guard by other drivers.

 

-Maintain a calm environment.  You can’t control the speed limit, traffic lights, or other drivers—but you can keep your cool by jamming out to relaxing or upbeat music.

 

-Plan ahead and leave early.  One of the primary causes of road rage is running late for something.  Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination.

In our opinion, the best way to avoid road rage is by driving a car you love.  Check out our extensive inventory of new vehicles and schedule a test drive today!

It's not just the foliage that changes in autumn. Hit the road expecting the unexpected.

As the temperature drops and the North Carolina countryside erupts with golds, yellows, and reds, make sure that your Kia is prepared for the coming months.  Autumn is a time for transformation and change!  Soon we'll be rolling into the chill of winter, and the last thing you want to be is unprepared.  When it comes to winter car care, it is always better to be safe than sorry.  Keep these things in mind before the first frost:

-When was the last time you replaced your wiper blades?  It is recommended that you replace them once a year.  It's both inconvenient and dangerous to be caught in a slushy snow storm without properly functioning wiper blades.  Depending on the weather and your daily routine, you may even need to swap them out every six months.

-Make sure your brake fluid, antifreeze, and oil are topped off before hitting the road.  Check your tire pressure, and make sure you have a fully-functioning, fully-inflated spare tire with you at all times.  Like we said, this season is all about preparation!  

-As the days get shorter, it becomes increasingly important that you are visible on the road.   This autumn car care tip is easy: make sure all your headlights and taillights work!  While it may seem simple, keeping this tip in mind can and will help everyone on the road arrive at their destinations safely.

You want to experience this beautiful time in all its glory, don't you?  You want to get up, get out, and go places…prepared.  So, why haven’t you called Paramount Kia of Asheville yet?  We can’t wait to help you hit the road with the peace of mind that comes with our unbeatable service.   Make the call or visit us online to schedule your servicing appointment today!

Skip the TRICKS! Your favorite Halloween TREAT is how you'll find your next Kia.

Candy Corn: Optima
One thing is for certain, it just wouldn’t be Halloween without candy corn!  It's the classic choice.  You’ve got a timeless sense of style, impeccable taste in food, and always recommend choice movies.  People often turn to you for advice--you've got it all figured out!  That means you and the Optima are meant to be.  

Caramel Apples: Soul

Not only are you fashion-conscious, you’re a ton of fun and always up for trying something new!  Your biting sense of humor makes you a treat to be around--not to mention that contagious laugh of yours.  You belong behind the wheel of a Soul.  

 

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Sportage

A no-nonsense person like you should be cruising in a Kia Sportage!  You are sharp, tough, and you don’t sugarcoat anything.  You have an unshakable dedication to your family and you finish every job you start.

 

Sugar Daddies: Sedona

Whoa-- you hit the mother-load!  You fulfill your duties as a parent, best friend, coworker, employee, committee member, and all the other hats you wear-- to the fullest.  A busy bee like you needs room--both inside the vehicle and out on the road! We'd bet money on it-- the Sedona is your perfect Caddy.

Shop with us online to find the Kia that suits your taste! 

 

Whoever said you can’t have your cake and eat it too hasn't met the 2014 Kia Cadenza!

Take a minute and envision your dream vehicle.  You probably have a few key features in mind, right?  Things like fuel efficiency, safety, and comfort are important to you.  A powerful engine and sleek exterior wouldn’t hurt, either.   

We’ve got some good news—the 2014 Kia Cadenza is all that and more!  This roomy sedan is equipped with Blind Spot Detection, Front & Rear Parking Assist, pushbutton start, and stylish leather trim.  Oh, did we mention that it’s powered by a V-6 engine?

If you’re ready to drive a luxury car without paying a luxury price, check out the 2014 Kia Candenzas available at Paramount Kia Asheville today!

What does the color of your Kia say about you? Find out!

  Red: Outgoing and High Energy

There’s something about the color red that just screams “unstoppable.”  It is a dynamic, bold, and sensual color that really sets you apart from the rest.  If you like to be center stage with all eyes on you, get behind the wheel of a spicy red hot ride!

 

Black: Classic and Elegant.

Black is truly a timeless color.  Not only is it simple and versatile, it is an unmistakable symbol of power.  If you are the owner of a black vehicle, you probably have very classy taste in clothing and appreciate the finer things in life.

 

Blue: Trustworthy, Calm, and Patient

Much like the ocean on a bright sunny day, blue car owners tend to be cool and calm.  People who drive blue cars are likely to be trustworthy, sensitive, and caring.  They are excellent life-long friends that usually squash arguments instead of starting them.

 

White: Direct, Organized, and Clean

Those who own white cars tend to be a bit high maintenance.   Generally, if you drive a white vehicle you probably insist upon keeping your office space, home, and vehicle in pristine condition.  White isn’t able to camouflage very much when it comes to mud and dust, so your motto is “cleanliness is next to godliness.”

Click here to check out our online inventory and find a car in the right hue for you!

To buy or to lease? That is the question. We've got the answer!

 
When you find yourself in the market for a new Kia, the choices you are faced with can be intimidating.  Not only do you need to choose a practical vehicle to suit your everyday needs, you need to decide whether buying or leasing is right for you.  Feeling a little confused about which option is best?  Not to worry!  Paramount Kia of Asheville will help you find a fast and personalized answer.

Woof-woof! We'd like to wish a very Happy Dog Day to all our loyal customers and their furry friends!

Today is National Dog Day! This special holiday was founded in 2004 by the National Dog Day Foundation in the hopes of raising awareness for homeless and abused canines. Celebrate the day by treating your furry friend to a special cruise in your car, or by adopting a dog that’s in need of a home!  How do you plan to have fun today with man’s best friend?  How about stopping in for a test drive?

4 Easy Tips For Avoiding Car Sickness

We’re right in the middle of road trip season!  For many, that sounds like nothing but fun and adventure.  But for those prone to car sickness, road trips can be a nightmare.  Here are a few tips for avoiding that dizzy, nauseous feeling:

Sit in the front seat (or maybe do the driving for a little while)

Crack a window (fresh air helps some avoid nausea)

Close your eyes (if you can’t see anything, you won’t get motion sickness)

Avoid focusing your eyes on one particular thing (like a card game or a book)

If you keep these handy tips in mind, you should be able to get out and enjoy the open road with ease.  Check out our online inventory to find the perfect Kia to take on yournext road trip.

Passionate about Kia and looking for a career change?

If you’ve always dreamed of working in a fun, fast-paced environment surrounded by the vehicles you love, we’ve got just the thing for you.  Paramount Kia of Asheville is currently looking to hire sales people—no experience required!  If you are an enthusiastic Kia-fan that’s ready to start loving Mondays, submit your application today.