We've got Soul-- and we're giving one to YOU!

Thanks to the generous support of Paramount Kia Asheville, the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is giving away a Kia Soul on February 11! Join us at noon on February 11 at Paramount Kia of Asheville's showroom on 1000 Ridgefield Boulevard as the 10 finalists try their keys in an effort to unlock the car.

Starting in September, anyone who made a contribution of $250 or more to United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s Community Investment Fund during was eligible. Ten finalists have been selected at random. On Tuesday, February 11, each finalist will draw a key; they’ll each try to open the car, but only one key will work.

The United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s Community Investment Fund supports long-lasting, measurable change in people’s lives in our community. Results-based investments are made through a competitive grant process.

Congratulations to the finalists!

Donna Cook


Cat Kessler, Asheville Convention and Vistors Bureau


Pam Wright, SunTrust Bank


Georgeanna Logan, Daniels Business Services


Stacie Hicks, HomeTrust Bank


Emory Cowart, EATON


Joshua Gasaway, EATON


Greg Sullins, HomeTrust Bank


Roy Davis, The Van Winkle Law Firm


Ashley Ensley, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is mobilizing people into collective action through Giving, Advocating, and Volunteering in the areas of Education, Income, and Health. We believe these are the building blocks of a good life for everyone. By making results-based investments in our community, we support long-lasting, measurable change in people’s lives, right here in Buncombe County. That’s what happens when a community decides to LIVE UNITED.

http://www.unitedwayabc.org/

Paramount Kia Asheville is proud to be an automotive leader in our area. Since opening, Paramount Kia Asheville has offered a wide selection of vehicles and hope to make the car buying process as quick and hassle free as possible. The Kia Soul is a compact car designed at Kia's design center in California, unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and marketed globally.

http://www.paramountkiaasheville.com/

http://www.facebook.com/ParamountKiaofAsheville

@ParamountKia1

More info:

Chris.bubenik@unitedwayabc.org

Chris Bubenik

Marketing & Communications Manager

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

50 S. French Broad Avenue, Asheville NC 28801

Direct: 828 239-1030 Main: 828 255-0696 x 3308 Fax: 828 255-8004

The 'check engine' light and you: what to do, when to do it, and why!

It's one of the most common occurrences on the road, but how do you handle it?  If the “check engine” light comes on while you're out and about, do you know what to do?  Here's a hint: don't panic!  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

The first thing you should do is pay attention to the sound and feel of your car.  Is there smoke coming out of the tailpipe?  Any odd mechanical rattling?  You should stop and call for help if you notice anything abnormal about the way your vehicle is running.  
 
If that’s not the case, think about where you were before the light came on.  Did you just buy gas?  If so, the “check engine” light might be on to alert you that the gas cap is loose.  Pull over, tighten the cap, and continue driving.  If that was the source of the problem, the light will turn off by itself.  

If you’re not fresh from fueling up and everything is still running normally (no smokey/electrical smells, mechanical noises, etc.) call our Service Department and make an appointment or schedule a visit with us online.  We want to make sure you’re safe on the road—let us diagnose and repair the problem for you. 

How not to lose ALL the control when you let your teen driver take the wheel

We know it’s difficult—and we can help!  The best remedy to the parental stress that accompanies a smiling teenager with a glossy new license?  Making sure they’ve got the right car.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re out looking for a new whip (or whatever the kids are saying these days).

New instead of used

 It might decrease your stress level momentarily to put your teen in charge of a vehicle that costs less, but think about it long-term.  You want your kiddo to be safe and you don’t want to end up having to spend money on repairs that end up being more costly than the vehicle itself.

Not too big, not too small

It doesn’t matter that “everyone else” has a tiny sports car, or that your teen “will be the laughing stock” of the school unless they are behind the wheel of a huge SUV.  The truth of it is that a happy medium is, well… a happy medium.  New drivers behind the wheel of big vehicles are more likely to roll it in an accident and new drivers with sports cars are more likely to disobey the speed limit and get into trouble that way.

Stay away from stick! 

We know back in our day everyone knew how to drive a manual transmission, but the sad truth is that it is becoming somewhat of an endangered skill.  Your teen can learn how to drive stick!  Just make the first vehicle as easy and safe as possible for your teen—and everyone else on the road.

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!