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!