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It might be hard to believe, but winter is right around the corner, and before the snow starts falling we want to help you get your Kia prepared for the months ahead. That’s why this week’s blog is all about the essential items you should have in your car before you hit the road this winter! Think of it as a winter emergency kit in case you find yourself broken down, in an accident, or in need of some minor medical assistance. Take a peek below at our 12 essentials and if you find you’re in need of service or repairs for your Kia, give us a call or schedule your appointment online today! Must-Have Winter Accessories: Ice scraper and snow brush With winter right around the corner, it’s crucial to have a sturdy ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle. Whether you’re leaving work, the mall, the grocery store, etc, snow can obstruct your view, and just using your wipers to clear your view can be dangerous for other drivers when the snow flies off at them. Small/Collapsible shovel Keeping a small or collapsible shovel in your truck can be a lifesaver if you find your vehicle stuck in the snow or if you have to clear a path to drive Gloves, hats, scarves, etc. You have the snow brush and shovel, but now you need to actually use them. Having extra gloves will be a lifesaver when you have to brush off your vehicle, pump gas, or even change a tire! Blanket Doesn’t everybody have extra blankets lying around at home? Just me? Well, if you have an extra blanket, throw it in your trunk in case you find yourself in an accident having to stand outside, or experience a breakdown in colder temperatures. Emergency flares or reflectors Finding yourself stuck in the snow? Ensure other vehicles can see you with emergency flares or reflectors Rock salt Stuck in the snow? Did ice form around your tires? Gain traction with rock salt, sand, or kitty litter! Spread the material near your tires and in your car’s path to get out of a slippery situation. First aid kit This is an all-year-round necessity, but it’s always good to replenish what you need in your first aid kit Whether your passenger has a small cut or you’re in an accident and need to be bandaged up, a first aid kit is crucial to this list Extra windshield washer fluid Make sure your windshield washer fluid has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing. Clearing your windshield with fluid will improve visibility in a winter storm. Flashlight We all know it gets dark very early during the winter months. Having a flashlight in your trunk is always a good idea. Whether you need it for maintenance purposes or even to feel safer when walking to and from your vehicle. Jumper cables Cold weather can affect a car’s battery. You can’t start your car if the battery’s dead, which means you won’t be able to use the car’s heater for warmth. Waiting for a jump start in the cold is not fun. You won’t have to wait as long if you have jumper cables with you. Cell phone charger It’s always important to keep your phone charged before hitting the road but with maps, music, and more, your battery can die quickly Keep your phone charged up in case you need to make a call for assistance or need your maps for directions Water and non-perishable snacks Breakdowns are never fun and sometimes happen in the worst place. This means if you find yourself stranded, waiting for a tow truck and it might be a while before you get help, having a snack to hold you over is always helpful Upgrade To A Brand New Kia Today: https://www.destinationkia.com/searchnew.aspx

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Fall is the perfect time to say hello to a new vehicle, with the winter months ahead, you want to be sure that your vehicle can get you and your passengers from point A to point B without any issue. Peace of mind is important, but your comfort and convenience are too and that’s why we have an impressive lineup of new and used Kia vehicles that have features and functions you are looking for. But before you say yes to a brand new Kia from Destination Kia, there is an important thing you must do, and that’s a test drive! Many people don’t realize how important a test drive really is. We all love test driving vehicles, it’s a new vehicle, it’s fun, it still has that new car smell, but what many of us know is your test drive is more about your opportunity to try EVERYTHING out, not play with the new functions that your old vehicle didn’t have. So, what should you be looking for? Great question! Below you find our guide to test driving. We know your next vehicle purchase is a big investment and we want to help prevent the stress of choosing the wrong vehicle. So take a peek below and be sure to browse our inventory to find the perfect new Kia for you! Once you find it, schedule a test drive and start your next adventure with us! Before You Go To The Dealership: Do your research. Find a handful of vehicles that you are interested in, match your budget, and meet your criteria Remember to bring in your driver’s license and proof of insurance so that you don’t need to come back another day Research financing options or get pre-approved using our easy to use the online application How To Test Drive A Car: The test drive starts before you take the car out on the road, keep an eye out for dents, cracks, rust, nicks, cracks, etc. especially when test driving a used vehicle Check the tires for remaining tread and signs of uneven wear  (checking for poor alignment) Tryout the turning signals and brake lights Once You Start The Car: Don’t hit the gas just yet! Idle for a minute or two to listen to the engine. Be sure to listen for troubling noises like rattling, clicking, whining Turn the radio on and play around with the volume, buttons, and don’t be afraid to as for assistance with setup. Or have them walk through all the functions with you. Check other features like the heat and A/C Keep an eye on the dashboard to ensure all the gauges are working properly as the car warms up Also, pay attention to your comfort. Are the seats comfortable for long drives? Do you like the material? Once You Hit The Gas: Pay attention to how the vehicle drives in stop and go traffic Be sure to ask about the MPG and other driving features Don’t be afraid to handle rough roads to see how the vehicle handles Ask to hit the highway to see if the vehicle slows and speeds up smoothly Listen carefully when you’re driving on the highway. Hear any squeaks, whines, or rattles behind the sound of the engine? If possible, drive up and down a hill to verify that the car upshifts and downshifts appropriately Schedule A Test Drive Here: https://www.destinationkia.com/testdrive.aspx

Summer is almost gone and the change of seasons is upon us! That means it’s important to stop in to see our team for a little fall service completed before summer is gone for good. Below is a list of four services to have completed this August or early September! When you’re done with our list, be sure to schedule your service appointment online today and let our team assist you with all of your vehicle needs! Car Battery With the changes of seasons coming quickly, it’s a great time to stop in to see our team for diagnostic testing to ensure that your battery is healthy and ready to take on the winter temperatures. Plus, ask to have your cables and terminals checked for corrosion and properly tightened. Winter is known for killing batteries, stop in, and let’s have your battery properly maintenanced before the change of seasons! Headlights As our cars age, our headlights tend to become cloudy or even hazy, especially on vehicles that are continuously parked outside in the elements. While the days get shorter, we will be using our headlights much more these days which means it’s very important to ensure that your headlights are the brightest they could be. Whether it’s headlight conditioning, replacement of the bulbs, or replacing your headlights altogether, our team can assist you with all of your needs. Tires Responsible driving all starts at the tires. Monthly tread inspections can help you stay on top of when it’s time to replace your tires. If you have noticed that your tires are less than ⅛-inch of tread, then it’s time to upgrade. While all-season tires might be a cheaper option upfront, choosing a set for both summer and winter, offers a more well-rounded performance. Stop in to see our team and let us help you choose the right tires for your vehicle! Wipers Did you know that it’s a great option to replace your wipers every six months? Typically, your wipers should be replaced twice a year to ensure top performance. Before the fall season, it’s a great option to upgrade those wipers and choose a pair that are specifically designed for winter weather as we are quickly heading that way. Also, if you’re looking to extend the lifespan of your wipers, we encourage you to clean them with a paper towel and glass cleaner each time you stop to get gas. Schedule Service Here! >> https://www.destinationkia.com/schedule-service.html

In the search for your dream Kia? Look no further than Destination Kia! We have a huge selection of new and used Kia vehicles right here in Albany, NY! And if you’re in the market for a new Kia, you’ve come to the right place, because this week’s blog is dedicated to telling you all about our brand new June specials! So go ahead, give your summer drive the upgrade you were looking for, and stop into Destination Kia this month to slip into a new Kia for less! Just browse our new offers below and schedule your test drive today! We can’t wait to see you! June Specials 2022 Kia Sportage LX Lease for only $288/ month* $0 Due at signing 2021 Kia Forte LXS Automatic Lease for only $248/ month* $0 Due at signing 2021 Kia Soul LX AT Lease for only $258/ month* $0 Due at signing 2021 Kia Niro LX Lease for only $268/ month* $0 Due at signing *Offers expire 6/30/2021. See dealer for full details. Shop For Your New Kia Here!

Summer is nearly here and we know you’ve been itching to hit the road for some fun in the summer. Well, good news - the time is finally here! However, before you hit the road it might be the perfect time to stop into Destination Kia to upgrade to a new Kia today! We have a HUGE selection of new models for you to shop and our team is here to help make sure you find the perfect Kia for the right price! But that’s not all Destination Kia offers - we aim to provide all of our guests with a simple, stress-free experience. That’s why this week’s blog is dedicated to sharing some helpful tips with you. What are these tips about? Great question! Well, below you can find 5 things everyone should know before test driving a new vehicle! Take a peek to find out what you need to know and what you need to bring to have a stress-free experience! Bring proof of insurance and your license: This might seem obvious but you generally need proof of license and insurance before you’re allowed to take the vehicle out on the road. Making sure you have this information makes the process run smoother. Don’t be afraid to ask the dealer for their documentation of ownership and the vehicle papers. Ask for the records: If you’re considering a used vehicle, it’s important to know everything about the vehicle’s past life. That includes things as small as maintenance reports to bigger things like accident reports, and everything in between. The more you know, the less you’ll be surprised if something isn’t working properly. Do your research: You might love the way a vehicle looks, but you could hate it the second you get inside and see what it offers. To save yourself a trip, do some research about the vehicle, its trim levels, features that it offers, etc. Then when you’re test driving the vehicle you can test these features out, ask about them, or even notice if they aren’t working properly. Test Everything: Regardless if you buy used or new, there is always a possibility of features not working properly. A test drive is not just about driving the vehicle is about learning the features, deciding if it’s comfortable, making sure everything is working. Assure yourself that the vehicle is worth the investment. If you find issues, be sure to point them out and even ask about a price reduction. Test drive multiple vehicles: It’s not a bad idea to test drive more than one vehicle, it is a way for you to compare similar vehicles and see what other vehicles offer that yours might not. It also allows you to have options if your dream ride wasn’t what you expected. Find A New Kia Here!

It’s allergy season, and if you haven’t been sneezing up a storm, consider yourself lucky! But did you know that your vehicle can be adding to irritated allergies? We sure didn’t until we looked into it and this week we are bringing you an easy guide on how to allergy-proof your vehicle so you don’t have to worry about allergies when you take your first road trip this season! And when you’re ready, we encourage you to schedule your service appointment to get your vehicle prepped and ready for the upcoming summer season that’s quickly approaching! Change Out Air Filters Air filters are sometimes the most forgotten thing in a vehicle. While air filters are the barrier between you and the pollen inside your cabin, it is crucial to swap out your air filters at the start of each season for plenty of reasons. We recommend changing at the beginning of the spring season and checking back again towards the end to ensure smart, clean breathing when you’re inside your vehicle. Clean Those Carpets Your vehicle’s carpeting is known to be a home for allergens, dirt, dust, and all things nasty. The first way to allergy-proof your ride is to make sure your carpeting (and seating) is clean and dry. If you want to go the extra step, invest in all-season floor mats to make this process easier or to keep allergens from building up in your vehicle’s carpeting. Keep Your Windows Closed Pollen season is here and that means you’ll be sneezing in no time! Let’s cut back on those sneeze attacks by keeping our windows closed tight when pollen is at its peak. We also recommend using only the recirculating cycle if or when you need to use your air conditioner in order to avoid pollen from entering your vehicle's cabin. Avoid Irritants Many drivers think cleaning their vehicle with strong fragrance products or adding a new air freshener to their vehicle will make all those bad smells go away. And in some cases, they will. But those fragrances can add irritation and could make those allergies worse. So, avoid all that and choose something that will not irritate your nasal membranes. Schedule Your Service Today!

You know what they say about April…. Plenty of showers. And wet weather can lead to dangerous situations behind the wheel. We are bringing you a list of tips to ensure that you have a successful driving season when the rain starts to fall! Check out those tips below and be sure to stop in to see our team for a service appointment to make sure your Kia is prepped and ready to tackle this spring! We look forward to working with you and hope to see you soon! Wait Until The Weather Clears If you don’t feel comfortable behind the wheel during rain showers, postpone your travels and wait until the weather clears before heading out. There is no reason to put yourself in dangerous situations if not necessary. Double Check Your Vehicle It’s important to check your vehicle’s health year-round, but when it comes to April showers, we want to be looking for specific things. For example, we need to check our head and tail lights, windshield wipers, and our tires to ensure they’re not balding. Bald tires can reduce traction on wet roadways. Slow It Down As you should always adhere to the posted speed limit, when the roadway is wet, this is crucial. We encourage you to drive considerably slower since wet roads are dangerous and your vehicle reacts slower when it rains. Maintain A Safe Distance Between Cars As we said above, your vehicle reacts slower when it rains so it’s important to give yourself a little extra space between vehicles. You should leave several car lengths between you and the vehicle you are following. Avoid Standing Water Driving your vehicle through standstill water can cause hydroplaning and other dangerous situations for your vehicle. If you approach a puddle, wait for other vehicles to pass and avoid the area by changing lanes or steering around. Schedule Your Service Appointment Today!

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get those air filters in check before you head out for a springtime road trip. And this week we are giving you a deep dive on your filters, why it’s important to change them, the benefits, and much more! So follow along below and let’s get your vehicle in to see our team and swap those old filters out for some fresh new ones! The Purpose of Filters The answer is pretty easy, your vehicle air filter keeps debris, dirt, leaves, and other particles out of your engine so that it can operate at peak efficiency. Filters are often composed of pleated paper or cardboard material and are either rectangular or cylinder in shape. Neglecting to change your air filters can lead to: Decreased engine power Poor acceleration Poor engine health Higher RPMs leading to more wear on your engine The Benefits of Changing Filters It’s been known that when you change your air filter, your fuel mileage can increase upwards to 14% for more modern cars. Changing your filters can prolong the life of your vehicle since these trapped dirt, debris, and other particles can lead to costly repairs on your engine. Keep a close eye on your filters and consider changing them every time you have an oil change. How To Know When To Change Filters should be changed around every 15,000 to 60,000 miles depending on the make of your vehicle. If you find yourself traveling dusty or dirty roads more often, your filters will likely need to be replaced more often. Keep an eye on these tops signs to ensure when to swap: Your vehicle is having issues with acceleration Your RPMs are higher than normal A visual inspection of your filter shows it to be dirty Schedule Your Service Today!

Spring is coming and upgrading into a brand new Kia might be on your list of things to do. Luckily for you, we have five tips to help make your next car buying experience an easy and fun one. Check out those tips below, browse our online inventory and hurry on in to see our team this season to upgrade into a brand new Kia that fits your budget and lifestyle. We hope to see you soon at Destination Kia! Get Pre-Approved: getting a pre-approved auto loan before stopping in to see our team will speed up the buying process and keep you from waiting long periods of time while we’re dealing with the bank. Also, we recommend getting pre-approved before even starting your vehicle search, so you will have a better idea of your budget and what types of models you can afford. Know The Value of Your Trade: planning to trade in your old vehicle? Do a little research before stopping in. Not only is this beneficial for you, knowing your vehicle’s trade value can help you negotiate the deal and in some situations, can get you a lower payment. There are many tools available to you to use for research and find your vehicle’s trade value. A trade appraisal will also work as a starting point when it comes time to discuss your trade. Personal Identification: the paperwork process can be a pain in the butt and we recommend bringing in the right items on the first purchase visit in order to ensure a quick, pain-free process. Be sure to bring in your driver’s license, proof of insurance, current registration, and the title to your trade (if you are trading in a vehicle.) These are all necessary in order to get you out the door with your new car and if you end up forgetting any, the process can be held up. Review Your Dea l: before you sign on the dotted line, you need to know what you are paying for, how much, and for how long. If you are going to be shelling out cash, you should know exactly what you are paying for. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before signing on the line and if you don’t understand something - it is your salesman's job to explain all of those nitty-gritty details. Don’t be afraid to ask! Take a Test Drive: we sure hope no one would ever purchase a vehicle without taking a test drive but if that’s the case, let us recommend taking one! A test drive is the most important thing to do before buying. This is a big investment and if you are not 100 percent happy, it’ll be a waste of time and money on your end! Even if you have to test drive the vehicle a few times and ask a million questions, it is better that you get everything you want than just agreeing to something you think you will like. Find Your Dream Kia Here!

The new year is all about new possibilities and beginnings, and we have that right here waiting for you at Destination Kia this January! We want you to kick off 2021 behind the wheel of a brand new Kia at the best price around. Whether you’re looking for a new sedan or SUV, we have the perfect model for you. And of course, keep your wallet closed with $0 due at signing on select models! Check out those details below and when you’re ready, hurry on in to see our team or contact us today if you have any questions. We look forward to assisting you in your vehicle search! 2020 Kia Niro EV EX All Electric Lease for only $298/ month* $0 Due at signing 2021 Kia Forte LXS Automatic Lease for only $238/ month* $0 Due at signing 2020 Kia Rio LX Buy for only $14,998* 2021 Kia Sportage LX Buy for only $21,900* 0% APR for 75 months* Lease for only $288/ month* *Offers expire 1/31/2021. See dealer for full details. Find Your New Kia Here!

Merry Christmas! Can you believe that we are officially only a few days away from the holiday season being over?! It’s hard to believe especially as this has been quite an interesting year. We want to help you get the most out of your holiday season and help keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe while celebrating this holiday. Check out those tips below and consider celebrating virtually or with the people you live with. It might be the safest choice this winter. And of course, if you’re ready to upgrade into a brand new Kia, we encourage you to hurry on by this holiday season, and let’s get you behind the wheel! Attending a Winter Holiday Celebration Have conversations with the host ahead of time to understand expectations for celebrating together. Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, utensils, and condiment packets. Wear a mask indoors and outdoors. Avoid shouting or singing. Stay home if you are sick or have been near someone who thinks they may have or have been exposed to COVID-19. It’s okay if you decide to stay home and remain apart from others. Do what’s best for you. Hosting a Winter Holiday Celebration Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together. Limit the number of guests. Have a small, outdoor celebration with family and friends who live in your community, weather-permitting. Have extra unused masks available for your guests and encourage everyone to wear them inside and outside. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use. If celebrating indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible. You can use a window fan in one of the open windows to blow air out of the window. This will pull fresh air in through the other open windows. Have a separate space for guests to wash their hands or provide hand sanitizer. Keep background music volume low so guests don’t need to shout. Cancel your gathering if you or someone who lives with you is sick or has been near someone who thinks they have or has COVID-19. It’s okay if you decide to postpone or cancel your gathering. Do what’s best for you. Food and Beverages at Celebrations Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils. Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen. Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils. Use a touchless garbage can, if available. Consider Other Winter Holiday Activities Host a virtual celebration with friends and family Gather virtually for a gift exchange or activity Throw a virtual dance party Enjoy the winter weather Browse Our New Inventory Here!

It’s the season of snow and icy conditions, especially right here in Upstate New York. This week we are bringing you some helpful tips to ensure that you’re keeping your vehicle clean and healthy all winter long. Check out those tips and tricks below and put them to good use this holiday season. And if you’re ready to upgrade into a brand new Kia, hurry in to see our team to upgrade your vehicle this season. Contact our team today for more details! Swap out regular tires for winter tires. Snow or not, when temperatures fall below 45 degrees, winter tires are recommended. They're made to give you better traction while turning or stopping on cold pavement. Check your tire pressure weekly. Driving on underinflated tires can cause them to wear down prematurely and lose traction on icy or slippery surfaces. Your tires lose a pound of pressure with every 10-degree drop in temperature. Always keep your fuel tank half full. During winter weather, it's important to keep at least half a tank of fuel in the vehicle in the event of an emergency or if you get stuck in the snow and wait for assistance. Pack an emergency to-go kit. We encourage you to keep an extra coat, blanket, boots, gloves, and a hat inside your vehicle when the temperatures drop. We also recommend keeping a flashlight, first aid kit, and emergency contact information or AAA handy. Protect your windshield wipers. If you park outdoors, leave the wipers in the raised position to prevent them from freezing to the windshield. Never use your wiper blades to remove ice, snow, or frost from the windshield; use an ice scraper instead. Stay Safe In A New Kia!