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Ho, Ho, Ho! It’s time for some helpful advice this week. We know how important keeping your vehicle in good health is and we hope you do too. But if not, no worries! We know there might be a few other things on your mind especially at this time of the year. This week we are sharing our 12 car care tips of Christmas that you should most definitely know about. So, take a look and if your vehicle is in desperate need of a little service TLC this December, stop in to see us or schedule your service appointment today! 12 Car Care Tips of Christmas! Inspect your vehicle on a daily basis. A simple analysis of your vehicle can help you prevent major breakdowns or other potential hazards. Learn the difference of warning lights and what they mean. Check tire tread and depth, rotate when the time is right. This will make driving in the winter weather safer and give you better gas mileage. Keep track of ALL fluid levels and make sure they’re properly filled. Got filters? Replace them. No one likes a dirty filter! Give detailing a try but ALWAYS use superior supplies. Better supplies = better results. Check on your battery. Check connections, terminals, and show them some TLC by cleaning them when corrosion is present. Replace your windshield wipers. Your vision while driving isn’t something to play with; spend the money on good wipers. Stick to the octane rating recommended by your car manufacturer. Proper octane rating = better gas mileage. Replace the spark plugs. If your vehicle has a difficult time starting, especially in chilly temperatures, try replacing spark plugs. Get an alignment! Trust us, it’s worth the money to have your vehicle aligned and driving straight. CLEAN YOUR BABY! A clean car is a happy car, and that turns into a happy drive! Schedule Service And Get Back On The Road!

The holiday season is here - like right here, right now. And we know that your holiday shopping is probably starting right about now and we want to help make your holiday shopping a little easier than past years. How so? Well, whether you or your significant other or even a child is in need of a new vehicle this holiday season, we want to take a minute this week to tell you why a new 2019 Kia Sportage is a perfect choice this holiday season! Let’s not waste any more time and get into the details! The new Sportage is designed to offer the utmost comfort on each and every journey you plan to take. With you at the center of its’ universe, the Sportage features an angled console, displays, and buttons all ergonomically optimized to give you the perfect driver-oriented design. Plus, with premium craftsmanship, every detail in the new Sportage has been meticulously designed. Tech-inspired to create the most connected of drives. The Sportage features state-of-the-art technology to give you confidence whether you’re behind the wheel or you’re the one gifting the vehicle. Connect your smartphone via Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™ and enjoy seamless connectivity wherever you go. Plus, with the available Harman/Kardon® Surround sound technology - your cabin will turn into a front row seat of your favorite concert. We know that there’s a chance the new Sportage might be a gift to a loved one and we know you don’t want to gift just any vehicle. You want to give a safe, reliable one and that’s why a new 2019 Kia Sportage is the smartest choice you could make. With both passive and active safety features, the Sportage will protect and prepare on any road you will travel. Want to know more? See more? Stop in to see us today for a test drive and let our team help you choose the perfect gift to yourself or that special someone! Don’t forget to check out our specials to see how you can find the perfect gift while saving big! Pick Up Your Kia Sportage Today!

Are you ready to get behind the wheel of a vehicle that has not only style but value? Sure you are, that’s why you choose to drive Kia vehicles. This week we want to talk about the brand new 2019 Kia Forte and boy, oh boy, are we excited for this little slice of power. You’ve seen the Forte on the road but what you didn’t know is just how impressive this sedan is and this week, we are going to share some key features with you. So, sit back, buckle up, and hold on because this blog is about to hit 0-60 in 0 seconds. The new 2019 Kia Forte comes equipped with an impressive amount of standard features. From things like Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist to the 8.0” Rear-View Monitor with Dynamic Parking Guidance to the Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ features - the Forte is safe and connected. But that isn’t all. The Forte is smart with its’ fuel. With the available Forte FE IVT, you’ll have an EPA-estimate 35 combined MPGs, which means you can go farther without the hassle. The new Forte also sports an impressively sleek design. Heavily inspired by the award-winning Kia Stinger, the Forte features contouring lines and a sporty front fascia to give it a poetry in motion type of look. Even the interior is sleek and designed with you in mind. Intuitive details put all your most wanted features right where you want them while keeping a minimalist approach. Still want more? Your Forte is your new comfort zone. With available features like the heated/ ventilated front seats, SOFINO Leatherette seating, and Harmon Kardon® premium audio - the Forte has kicked it up a notch and will turn every drive into a comfortable front-row concert. Plus, with UVO eServices, split-folding seating arrangements, and an increased cabin size, you won’t have to compromise in your new Forte. What are you waiting for? It’s time to drive you new Forte home today. Stop in to see us for a test drive and let’s get you a new set of keys! You Get A Forte, Everyone Gets A Forte!

Fall is here and that means a lot of things are changing like the pressure in your tires. Proper tire maintenance is important for many reasons but the number one reason is to keep you safe on the road. Tire maintenance is usually forgotten about but you should be checking your tire’s pressure frequently and more often when temperatures begin to drop. This week we are going in-depth with why you should check, when to check, and how. Let’s get started! Why is it important: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that under-inflated tires have a higher risk of damage and failure on the roadway. Not only will they wear out at a faster pace, but faster deterioration can increase the chances of tire blowouts, collisions, and reduced control. Gas mileage will also decrease by .2% for every one PSI (pound per square inch) that your tire pressure drops below the recommended level. You could even save up to 3% in gas mileage by keeping your tires properly inflated, depending on your driving habits and vehicle, of course. When to check: Even a set of brand new tires can lose air, factors that affect tire pressure include: Extreme temperatures; hot and cold. Driving long distances. Towing or carrying added weight inside your vehicle. Many tire and vehicle manufacturers recommend checking your tire’s pressure at least once a month, as daily use can cause your tires to lose multiple pounds of pressure. Whether the temperatures are increasing or decreasing, it’s important to check because tires react quickly to temperature changes and can lose pressure without you notice it happening. In addition, leaky valve systems, low leaking punctures, and other hidden damage can decrease air pressure yet another reason to check your tires. How to check: Checking your tire’s air pressure is easy, whether you choose to do it at home or at the gas station, it should only take a few minutes. Always check when your tires are cold or before you head out for a day full of driving; this will give you the most accurate reading. If you don’t own a tire pressure gauge, buy one. And, a good one at that. Here’s how to check your tire’s pressure: Remove the end caps on your tires’ air valves Place the tire pressure gauge into the valve stem and press down to get a reading Check the reading and compare to the recommended PSI for your vehicle and tires. If the reading is above the recommended PSI, press on the valve to let some air out. If the PSI reading is below, fill your tire with air until you reach the correct level. Get New Tires From Destination Kia!

Is October the month that you will be needing to renew your Driver’s License? If so, don’t freak out just yet. We want to help make things a little easier on you. This week, we have your guide to renewing your license whether it is in-person, online or by mail. Check it out below and stop by your local DMV to renew before time is up! Once you’re done, stop in to see us and let’s take a test drive in what could be your brand new Kia! You must renew your license before it expires or you could face fines. You can renew up to 1 year prior to expiration and 2 years after (there are no exceptions). Once your license is renewed, your expiration date will be extended for 8 years. You do not need to have an Enhanced or REAL ID. However, if you have a standard license, you will not be allowed to board a domestic flight beginning in October 2020 (unless you have a passport). We encourage you to obtain an Enhanced License to make traveling a little easier. To Renew Online: Visit the DMV’s website and follow directions. To Renew by Mail: Complete the renewal notice that was mailed to you and return it with the following items: A completed Vision Test Report or get texted by an approved vision registry provider. A check or money order payable to ‘Commissioner of Motor Vehicles’ If you did not receive a renewal notice, visit the website and fill out a new form. Your new license will be mailed to you in about 10 business days. If it has been more than 2 weeks, reach out to your local DMV. For additional questions, information, and fees - visit the DMV website or give them a call. Be Wise And Drive A New Kia!

One of the best options you can have as a vehicle owner is trading in your old ride towards a stylish, new one. While many choose to keep their old ride for various reasons, we think it is a great option for those who are looking for a lower payment or just strictly looking to get rid of their old vehicle. This week, we are taking an in-depth look at what you should know when you decide it is time to trade in your ride for something new, like a new Kia Sorento or Sportage. Follow along and let us know if you have any questions or stop in for a test drive! Fix Up Your Ride If your current vehicle has any cosmetic damage, its value can be lowered greatly. By spending a little time fixing any minor bumps or dings your vehicle may have can set you up for a successful trade in process. Also, don’t be afraid to spend the money on a more luxurious car wash or give your vehicle’s interior a little TLC. Know The Value Doing some research and knowing your vehicle’s value will save you time and a headache when you stop in to see us to discuss details regarding a trade. There are various tools that can help you determine what your trade is worth. Print out a copy and bring it with you to the dealership. Remember, the trade value is always at the discretion of the dealer and value may vary depending on service and vehicle history. Shop Our Monthly Offers Often times, customers forget about our monthly offers. Not only will this get you behind the wheel of the vehicle you may have been looking for, but it serves as a double whammy way to save money! You’ll be able to score on the monthly savings AND get the trade value for your vehicle which means more money in your wallet when you drive home! Have Records Handy In some situations, your service records or any repairs that have been done will want to be seen by the dealer. When stopping in to see us, bring in these records to show that you’ve taken care of your vehicle and any damage has been properly fixed by trained professionals. Take Care Of Your Ride Servicing your vehicle monthly and showing it a little TLC on a regular basis can help increase the lifespan as well as the overall health of your vehicle. So, what does this mean for you? Well, if you keep your vehicle in healthy condition it will drive up your trade value which will make you happier in the end! Drive Off In A New Kia Today!

Are you and your family movie-buffs? Perhaps you spend many hours on the couch, a big bowl of popcorn, and a great movie on the screen! If that describes your family, you’ve come to the right place this week! We are bringing you some of our favorite car movies and we hope that you’ll give them a try if you haven’t already seen them! So, sit back, put your feet up, and let me, the movie magic guru, take it away! Up first, is the wildly popular movie Cars. Released in 2006, this is one of my favorite movies even as an adult. Why? Well, not only are the personalities of each car great, the story is truly inspirational and will teach kids how to work together. And, who knows but that teamwork can lead to everlasting friendship! Of course, Cars 2 is at the top of my list as well. This one was released in 2011 and furthers the adventures of Lightning McQueen and Mater which will surely give you and the family some giggles. Turbo - a movie about a snail who’s biggest dream is to become the world’s greatest racer. Now, we know that a snail is NOT a car but this movie teaches kids to shoot for the stars, dream big, and don’t ever let anyone tell you no. This movie is one of my favorites because this underdog shows what he is made of and won’t let limitations hold him back. A personal favorite, Herbie: Fully Loaded will leave you on the edge of your seat. This is one is a great choice for girls who have big dreams. As the main character, Maggie Peyton wants to become a NASCAR driver, a few obstacles get in the way. She is paired with a spunky, full of life car named Herbie and the rest is history. What’s your favorite car movie for movie night? Let us know on our Facebook or let us know what you think about some of our favorites! Movie Night In A New Kia?

Hey Kia lovers! I have some exciting news, the 2019 Kia Sorento is HERE at Destination Kia! We know living in Upstate New York can be a little bit of a drag if you are driving a vehicle that can’t keep up with these ever-changing road conditions. You need something a little more capable, with sleek styling, and enough room for the family or doggos or DIY project tools. However you choose to use the space, the 2019 Kia Sorento will prove to be a great choice for your lifestyle! So, why choose a 2019 Kia Sorento? Well, I will tell you why. The Sorento will welcome you with a multitude of impressive features. From safety innovations to advanced technology that will keep you connected, the Sorento truly has it all. With the Standard 3 row, 7 passenger seating, there will be room for all your friends, gear, and pooch. Plus, with available wireless charging, you’ll never struggle with those wires again. And like we mentioned, the conditions in Upstate New York are ever-changing and you need a vehicle that can do the same. Inside a 2019 Kia Sorento, you will have the option to equip your vehicle with the available fully-active Dynamax™ All-Wheel-Drive system. And if you’re looking for more, the Sorento can tow up to 5,000lbs when properly equipped. Safety should be your number one priority when it comes to buying a new vehicle. Kia puts in a lot of long hours crafting active and passive safety systems to protect you and your passengers from whatever you may encounter. While its reinforced body is made of 53% advanced high-strength steel, you’ll be protected by the advanced airbag system and plenty of advanced features that will keep you alert when you’re on the road. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg! The 2019 Kia Sorento offers so much more than what you’ll see on the outside. Stop in to see us at Destination Kia today for a test drive and let us walk you through how amazing this SUV truly is! Get Your 2019 Sorento Here!

When it is time for you to get into a new ride there are a few choices to make. What model, color, and trim - can be a little overwhelming. And just when you thought you were done deciding, you have one choice left to make. To buy or to lease your next vehicle. And, we know this can be a hard choice but we’ve dedicated our blog this week to making the choice a little easier for you! Read below and when you’re done, head into our showroom to pick out your new Kia! Why you’ll want to Lease: Lower monthly payments: leasing a new vehicle will get you into that new ride while not having to pay an arm and a leg for a monthly payment. You may even be able to upgrade to a higher trim level or add on a few advanced options while staying within your budget. Little down payment: when it comes to leasing a new vehicle, there may be a required small down payment or none at all depending on the deal you’ve agreed upon. If you have a trade-in, this could be your down payment and will keep you from shelling out cash from your pocket. Latest models/ technology: one of the benefits of leasing a vehicle is being able to drive the latest models with upgraded technology features. In today’s industry, cars are always evolving and coming out with better and more efficient features, who wouldn’t love to get their hands on those? If you are someone who loves have the latest and greatest - leasing is probably for you. Selling your trade-in: when you lease, you won’t have to worry about selling your vehicle. Drop your vehicle at the dealership and be on your way. It is that easy so, drop your old one off and pick up your new one in an easy breezy process. Why you’ll want to buy: Monthly payments are no-more: once you successfully pay off your vehicle, you no longer have a monthly payment. You’ll only have to worry about paying for fuel, car services, and insurance. If you are the kind of driver who likes to own a vehicle until the wheels fall off - buying is probably the better option for you. No mileage restrictions: when you choose to buy, you are free to drive here, there, everywhere without anyone holding mileage restrictions over your head. If you tend to drive more than the average person or live somewhere where you do a lot of driving, buying your next vehicle is probably the smarter choice! Customize your vehicle: if you are the kind of driver that likes to customize your ride from top to bottom, buying is most definitely the better choice. You have the ability to add whatever you like without having to pay any customization or excess wear fees. Credit is in good standing: when buying your vehicle your credit doesn’t need to be in outstanding condition. Many people might have this problem and feel like they are trapped. Explore all your options and see where your interest rates may fall before deciding what choice is for you. Each option has its positives and we’re here to work with you through the choices to ensure you get everything you want and need in a new vehicle. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore your options before deciding for sure! Buy Or Lease A New Kia With Us!

July 4th is almost here, and if you live anywhere near me you’ve probably heard fireworks going off since the 1st. We’re just so dang patriotic! And, well, we enjoy a good explosion every now and again. If you’re the type of person who loves fireworks (who doesn’t, honestly) then there are a ton of opportunities to witness these marvels of ancient innovation (the earliest documentation of fireworks was in 9th century China!) in the Capital Region this July. Check them out below! First of all, we have the ever-popular fireworks show on the Empire State Plaza on July 4th. It’s been sponsored by Price Chopper since 1976 and every year they’ve outdone themselves! Protip: arrive early, because there are a TON of people, and bring a lawn chair or blanket. Don’t forget earplugs for the kids, because the pyrotechnics echo off of the Plaza buildings and get very loud. Admission is free! The event is from 3pm-10pm. If you’re a baseball fan, the ValleyCats are playing the Vermont Lake Monsters at the Joe at 6:30pm on the 4th. Not only will this be a great game of baseball, but the ValleyCats are known for their amazing postgame fireworks shows and their Independence Day show is the crème de la crème. Protip: come hungry and enjoy those ballpark franks! Do you live in the Clifton Park area? You’ve got a great fireworks show of your own at the Clifton Common starting at 12pm on the 4th! A parade is the first order of the day, and the Common will host rides, games, food, and various vendors, and musical guests will be the soundtrack to your Independence Day fun. This is the largest locally-sponsored fireworks display in the Capital Region! Protip: slather on the sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes or sandals! Are you a history buff? Then you should head down to Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site and enjoy historic games, music, and fun colonial activities to celebrate our country’s independence. Oh, and there’ll be free Stewart’s ice cream. You can beat the heat and take a tour of the mansion and see the room where Alexander Hamilton was married (did you know that President Millard Fillmore was married in the same room?) as well as other rooms that show what life was like for our founding fathers. Protip: bring the kids and a sense of fun, and then hit the Plaza fireworks show after spending the day at Schuyler Mansion! These are some of the best events our region has to offer - enjoy them this holiday and have a fantastic Independence Day! Visit Destination Kia On The 5th!

Hello, Kia customers, Miss Manners here. Yes, it is me - I am writing guest blogs for car dealerships now. I wanted to address this post to every person who has had a negative experience in a parking lot. “But Miss Manners,” you may ask, “how do parking lots have anything to do with manners?” Good question! Manners are important everywhere you go, whether it’s the soup aisle of the grocery store, your mother-in-law’s home, or the parking lot. Did you know that parking lots are one of the places where manners seem to disappear entirely? (Yes, I made up this fact for emphasis, but it’s very believable.) This week, I will be discussing some important rules of parking lot etiquette - and I expect that everyone will immediately begin to follow these rules upon reading this blog. You may not believe it now, but it is a real, true fact that if people behave themselves in the parking lot, the place will feel a lot friendlier. Read on. Make sure your car is pulled into the space far enough, but not too far. If you have a normal-size car, pull your vehicle all the way into the space so the rear of your car is in line with other cars. This makes it easier for other drivers to see past your car when they are backing out of adjacent spaces, and also gives the widest possible driving lane between rows. Pulling in properly is particularly helpful when shoppers pushing loaded carts are sharing the driving lane with moving vehicles. If you drive a super small vehicle, park so that the back end of your car is in line with the cars beside you. This lets drivers know that the space is occupied and does not give a false impression that the parking spot is vacant. Never force your car into a space that’s too small. Standard parking spaces are generally 9 feet wide while compact car spaces are only 7 feet wide and shorter. Obviously, a large SUV or pickup will not fit easily in a compact car space. Quite simply put, they are not supposed to fit. Watch for pedestrian crosswalks in parking lots. Crosswalks are common near the main entrances and exits of most large garages and lots. Created for the safety of pedestrians coming from and returning to their cars, they are usually marked with diagonal white or yellow stripes and often marked with a pedestrian crossing or stop sign.  As much as you are in a hurry to find a spot, slow down. Watch for pedestrians and obey all signs in the parking lot. Park straight in a parking space. In a parking lot or garage where cars are parked in slots, leave room on each side so you can open your doors without hitting the cars beside you. Park in the middle of a marked parking space. Overhanging the stripes will crowd the driver who parks next to you will inevitably lead to door dings in the paint. Don’t straddle a line and take up two spaces in a parking lot or garage. Some people with new cars or those who don’t want to risk having their car’s sides banged by adjacent car doors will park in the middle of two spaces. This is not only rude; it also makes it impossible for others to park at all.  Crowded garages and lots need every space. Take your turn when waiting for a parking place. In a crowded parking garage or lot, when you see someone pulling out of a space, get as close as you can and turn on your turn signal to let other drivers know you have “dibs” on the space.  If another car is close to the space and has its turn signal on already, you lose! The other car gets the space. If you and another driver both think you found the space first, be generous and let it go. A parking space is not worth a fight.  Another spot will be vacant soon. Make your intentions clear when walking in a parking lot. If you’re walking back to your car and you sense a car crawling down the aisle behind you, don’t presume they’re sightseeing. They want your parking space! Finally, don’t expect miracles. Even if you are already driving this way, or decide to adopt these courteous practices, don’t expect others to do the same. Be careful of letting your expectations for others’ behavior contribute to your own potential parking lot rage. Take a few deep breaths, and take your time. Save Money On A New Kia

Have you ever stopped at the gas station, filled up the tank, and then squeezed that pump just a little bit more after it automatically shuts off so that you get a nice round dollar amount? It’s okay if you have, because I totally do that too. Pretty much every time I get gas. However, I want to tell you that it’s actually a very bad idea to do this! I know, I didn’t think that it was actually bad either but, well. Now I know. Check out the reasons why you shouldn’t top off your gas tank - I didn’t know these and now I feel like I am saving my car every time I manfully refrain from squeezing that pump. First of all, when you top off your gas tank, what you’re doing is literally adding more gas than can actually fit in the tank to begin with. That’s why the pump handle releases - because the sensor in the pump can tell when the tank is totally full, and so when you keep squeezing… well. You can figure it out. That excess gas doesn’t magically fit into the tank, though. If the tank is too full then the gas can go into your vehicle’s evaporative emissions system - specifically the carbon filter, which is designed only to hold fuel vapors, not actual fuel. The gas can then spill on the ground or cause issues with engine operation - the result of which is poor fuel economy, poor emissions, and decreased engine performance overall. The next thing is that you’re just wasting money. A lot of pumps can sense when there’s too much gas in the tank already (as I mentioned above) and after that point is reached, it’ll start sending gas back into the station’s tank if you keep trying to add more to your own tank. So the dollars and cents will continue to rise but you’re getting none of the gas that you’re paying for. Waste! Of! Money! Save your hard-earned cash and don’t waste it on topping off or engine repairs due to topping off. Let’s break the top-off habit together and revel in our newfound wealth! It might not be much, but it’s better than having nothing, right? Stop At The Pump Less!