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We know you’re probably getting ready to hit the open road this April and May, but before you head out, we want to share with you some helpful road trip tips. We know road bumps are bound to happen but we’re here to help you prepare so you can hopefully avoid those. Take some time to check out those tips and details below, and when you’re ready to service your vehicle, please schedule your appointment online today or be sure to give our team a call to get on the schedule for a convenient time that fits your schedule perfectly! We look forward to working with you and your Kia - see you soon! Clean your ride before & during the trip From top to bottom, give your vehicle a little TLC cleaning. Give it a wash, vacuum, and be sure to throw out any unnecessary items, wrappers, receipts, etc. You’ll regret not cleaning out your vehicle before hitting the road, trust us. Check in on your vehicle Before leaving for your trip, we encourage you to have our service team look over your vehicle to ensure things are in proper working order. From your fluid levels, brakes, tires, and anything else that can cause an issue, it’s important to make sure you’re ready to handle any situation. Have a backup plan It’s always important when road tripping to have a backup plan, whether it’s additional options to stop and grab gas, to stay or eat, or additional routes to take, it’s important to be able to change your plans on-the-fly if issues arise along the way. Preload entertainment options While the radio is a great entertainment option, crossing state lines and towns might cause issues with select stations. We encourage you to preload music, podcast, and additional entertainment options that might keep you engaged during the drive. We also recommend bringing a phone charger to keep your phone charged at all times. Join a roadside assist service While we hope you won’t be needing this, having roadside assistance is a great way to stay safe if things go south during your trip. Having access to these services will save you a lot of trouble and we recommend it greatly! Schedule Your Service Before Hitting The Road!

It’s the season of road trips and we would be lying if we didn’t mention that we are thinking about how to save on fuel this spring season. This week we have put together a list of 10 ways for you to be alert and ensure that you’re saving on fuel. We encourage you to check out those helpful tips below and be sure to stop in to see our team to have your vehicle serviced before hitting the road. Or if you’re ready to upgrade to a brand new Kia, we’re here to assist you with that! Just browse our online inventory, schedule an appointment, and stop by to allow us to help you find your dream, Kia! We hope to see you soon! 10 Fuel Saving Tips Keep your tires properly inflated at correct PSI levels Replace spark plugs early to save on fuel Replace/ check your air and cabin filters each time you get an oil change Always ensure that your vehicle is properly aligned Avoid hard acceleration in stop-and-go situations Keep your speed close to 55 MPH on highways to maximize efficiency Keep an eye on warning lights on your dashboard and assess properly Check for brake drag which can reduce your mileage Replace a failing thermostat Replace oxygen sensors before they go bad & cost you in fuel Upgrade & Steer Clear Of The Pump!

Can you believe spring is quickly approaching?! Days are longer, temperatures are on the rise and it’s time to explore! But first, we have a few springtime tips to ensure that your vehicle is prepped and ready for all that is to come this spring and summer season. Get those details below and schedule your service appointment online today! We look forward to working with you and your Kia this season! Wash Your Ride As temperatures are warming up, it’s important to visit the car wash and treat your vehicle to a little TLC. Make sure to wash the undercarriage of your vehicle to get rid of any winter buildup and debris. It’s also a great idea to have the interior of your vehicle detailed to ensure a fresh, clean start to spring. Check Your Battery Wintertime is known for making batteries weak and it’s important to have your battery tested to ensure its health. Also, if your battery is older than four years old, it’s a good rule of thumb to invest in a new one. Fill Up The Fluids During the winter, your vehicle’s fluids tend to drain easily and quickly. And with spring around the corner, you should be stopping in to have your fluids topped off and be sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid too. Inspect & Align Your Tires Winter driving can be brutal on your tires and it’s important to ensure that there are no leaks, bulges, and lack of tread on your tires. Stop in and allow our team to inspect your tires, fill up to proper PSI levels, rotate and align them. Get Under The Hood While we’re at it, pop open the hood (when cold) and give everything underneath a good look over. Inspect hoses, belts, caps, air filters, and make sure they are not cracked or damaged. If they are, be sure to schedule an appointment and have them replaced as soon as possible. Also, make sure your air filters are replaced so your air conditioning is ready when warm weather is officially here. Schedule Your Service Today!

Winter is here and that means it’s time to share some winter driving hacks with you to help you have a successful winter! Check out those five winter hacks for you below and when you’re ready to start fresh in a brand new Kia, browse our brand new inventory, hurry in to see our team, and let us help you get behind the wheel. There’s plenty of great deals waiting for you at Destination Kia - hurry in today! Emergency Kit: It’s always a good idea to be prepared in the event of an emergency, especially in the winter months. We encourage you to keep an extra coat, warm hat, gloves, and extra socks in your vehicle. It’s a good idea to keep a blanket, phone charger, flashlight, bottle of water, and a small non perishable snack. Stop Foggy Windows: Foggy windows are no stranger in the winter season. And they can lead to potentially dangerous situations. Roll down your windows to quickly defog those windows or keep a clean chalkboard eraser in your vehicle to wipe away the fog. Keep Yourself From Getting Stuck: If your vehicle is a little on the lighter side, we encourage you to place a few bags of kitty litter in the back of your vehicle or trunk. This will aid in traction in the rear of your vehicle. And also keep a small shovel in the event you get stuck. Keep The Underside Of Your Vehicle Clean: It’s important to keep your vehicle clean all year long, but it’s especially important to keep the underside of your vehicle clean during the winter. Dirt, salt, and ice can accumulate underneath and cause erosion. Get a car wash on a warmer day and park your vehicle in the garage. Avoid Frozen Wiper Blades: Whether it’s a little snow or ice, no one likes frozen over wiper blades. We recommend leaving your wiper blades propped up when your vehicle is in park or place a pair of socks over the blades to keep them from freezing. Find Your New Kia Right Here This Winter!

Temperatures are heating up here in Albany and the sun is getting warmer by the day. While things are getting warmer, we want to help provide you with a few sun protection tips to help keep you and your family safe this summer! So, check out our sun protection tips and put them to use this summer. And of course, once you’re ready to enjoy your summer in a brand new Kia, contact our team and let us help you upgrade! Let’s get started! Top 10 Tips for Sun Protection: Always use sunscreen, even on cloudy days Apply your sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to going outside Choose a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB radiation Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, every hour if you’re swimming or sweating Be cautious around water and sand, these surfaces can actually increase chances of getting a sunburn due to reflection of sun rays Keep children covered and babies under 6 months completely covered and in shady areas Limit your sun exposure times during 10 AM and 4 PM If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if you’re worried about extreme sunburns Accessorize smartly: sunglasses, hats, etc. Be cautious when it comes to medications and how they could react with the sun (consult your doctor if you are concerned about this) Stay Safe In A New Kia!

The spring season is upon us and that means there’s going to be a shift in outdoor activity. And we want to make sure that you’re practicing safe driving when you’re behind the wheel. So this week we are taking some time to bring you some safe driving tips to keep you, your passengers, and your Kia safe this spring season! Check it out below and if you’re ready to upgrade your vehicle or you need to service your current one, come see our team today! Be on the lookout for potholes We all know what a pothole is, at least I hope we do. Extreme weather takes a toll on our roadways and eventually leads to massive potholes on the road. Hitting one can lead to punctured tires, bent wheels, suspension damage, poor alignment, and exhaust damage. So steer clear from these devils to avoid expensive auto repair. Watch for animals and people on the move Spring is known for warmer weather which means animal activity and pedestrians start to emerge to enjoy the warmer temperatures. It’s important to take things slow, be aware, and mindful that you’re now sharing the road again with others! Pay attention in construction zones Spring is the busiest time when it comes to construction. We encourage you to be attentive, understand and follow signs, make safe lane changes, and of course, slow down when you’re passing through or approaching the zones. Upgrade & Stay Safe In A New Kia!

Road trip season is here! Well, almost. And we want you to slip behind the wheel of a brand new Kia vehicle to help you tackle all of those long road trips in style, comfort, and convenience. But one thing we can’t forget is that driving on empty is bad for your ride. Why? What’s it doing to my vehicle? How long can I go? These are all real questions that you have and don’t worry, we have answers for you! See them all below and stop in to see our team if you’re ready to upgrade your ride! Is it dangerous to drive with the low fuel warning light on? When this light illuminates, you’re starting to run the chance that your vehicle could run out of gas, which is not only a hassle but it puts you into a dangerous situation especially if you’re out on the highway or in remote locations. It’s also dangerous for your vehicle. Running low or completely out of gas can cause damage to your catalytic converter which may need to be repaired or replaced. When you run low on fuel, the contaminants or debris that have sunk to the bottom of your tank are now being sucked into your fuel pump. This can also cause issues that will end up being expensive to repair. How trusty is your distance to empty? Most modern vehicles have a distance to empty gauge but this is a dangerous practice if you try to wait until the very last mile. The distance to empty is simply a mere estimate and not a definitive answer to how many miles you have left. So depending on current driving conditions, the actual mileage could vary. How far can I drive on empty? Depending on your driving habits, current conditions, and your vehicle really results in how far you can drive once your empty fuel light illuminates. You may be surprised how few miles you can travel once your light is on and we recommend reading your owner’s manual for answers. And also, don’t push it. It’s better to fill up the tank when you only have ¼ of a tank left! Upgrade Into A New Kia Today!

Navigating through the winter weather can be stressful. But here at Destination Kia, we have you covered! Below you’ll find a list of 10 winter driving tips to help keep you safe when you hit the road this season. And if you’re in need of service or you’re ready to upgrade your ride, we encourage you to hurry on in to see our team this month! It’s no reason we recently received the 2020 DealerRater Consumer Satisfaction Award! So come see why everyone is choosing Destination Kia! Always check the weather before heading out especially for long-distance travels Accelerate and decelerate slowly Increase your following distance to five or six seconds Don’t power up or stop when going up a hill Drive slowly and take your time Be prepared, pack an emergency kit Always keep a half tank of gas in the winter If you can avoid it, don’t bring your vehicle to a stop Never use cruise control when weather conditions are tough If weather conditions seem risky, stay home Upgrade Into A New, Capable Kia Today!

2020 is HERE and we’re ready to start fresh this year and be the best you that you can be! Of course, that starts right here on this week’s blog with a few New Year’s resolutions. Whether you’ve already made this commitment or you were just thinking about it, we’re here to help you pick a few and stick to them! Also, we want to start off by saying your #1 resolution should be upgrading your Kia and driving home a new, capable vehicle to help you cruise through the New Year! And when you’re ready, come see our team today and let us help you sneak behind the wheel! But first, let’s talk about those other resolutions! 10 New Year’s Resolutions: Read more books (one per month) Less screen time on your devices Eat more veggies and fruits Plan a vacation with friends or family Exercise more outdoors Drink more water Volunteer at your favorite shelters, nonprofits, etc. Explore new hobbies and clubs Donate old clothing Start journaling once a week Jump Start 2020 In A New Kia!

The snow is falling and it’s time for a refresher course on some winter driving safety tips when you head out for the holiday season! If your travels find you traveling on the highway, this week’s blog is for you. Check out those tips below and be sure to stay safe out there this winter! Be alert and allow more distance between your vehicle and others. Use your brakes carefully.  Brake early and carefully as it takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions. Don’t use “cruise control” in wintry conditions. Be courteous to other drivers. Keep to the right except to pass, using turn signals to alert other drivers of your intentions. Always buckle your seat belt and require your passengers to do the same. Reduce speeds. Remember that the posted speed limit is for ideal travel conditions. Allow for extra travel time or consider delaying trips if the weather is inclement. Don’t use your hand-held cell phone while driving, as mandated by law. Use your headlights, as required by law. via GIPHY Your New, Safe Kia Waits For You Here!

This week is heating up and it’s a great time because it’s the week of America’s birthday! And while we know you’re going to be hanging out with friends and family, hopefully by the pool, and you’ll be grilling, we want to help bring your party to the next level! So, this week we have your Fourth of July playlist to get the party started! Whether you’re hosting the party or heading there in your Kia - be sure to turn on these tunes, turn ‘em up and get rocking! And don’t forget to come see us this weekend if you’re ready to upgrade your ride and get behind the wheel of a brand new Kia! Woohoo. alright, let’s get this party started! Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus Firework by Kary Perry Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue by Toby Keith America The Beautiful by Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A. by John Mellencamp Stars and Stripes Forever performed by the U.S. Marine Band Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys American Girl by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John Living in America by James Brown American Pie by DonMcLean Independence Day by Martina McBride Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd Celebrate In A New Kia!

The snow has fallen here in Albany, and that means your car has been working overtime to keep up with the conditions and the chilly temperatures. This week, we want to tell you about a few car fluids that you should be checking up on every now and again. If it’s been a while, stop in to see our team and let us take care of them for you! Engine Oil In order to keep the moving parts in your engine lubricated, your vehicle needs oil. Without that oil, you will do some damage to your engine and could be looking at a hefty repair bill or having to replace your engine. You can choose to check the oil yourself or leave it to a professional which we recommend if you’re new under the hood. Radiator Fluid We hope you know that radiator fluid goes in your radiator…. It also keeps your engine from overheating (which is VERY important). If you run low or out, you run the chance of overheating your engine, again leaving you with a hefty bill. We recommend leaving this to the professionals but if you choose to do it yourself, DO NOT open the tank while the engine is running or hot! Power Steering Fluid Much like your vehicle’s engine, your power steering system has to be lubricated at all times and if it doesn’t both your steering and wheel control will be lost. Which is not good. This is one of the easier fluids to fill, so if you’re low, take out your owner’s manual and do it yourself! Brake Fluid Everything is go, go, go… and eventually, we want to stop. And that’s where your brake fluid comes in to play - this fluid is designed to assist with braking, so we’re sure you know why this one is important. Check out your vehicle’s owner manual for directions on adding brake fluid to your vehicle. And make sure you’re taking a look at the color too. If it’s dark - have a mechanic replace ASAP. Schedule Your Service Today!