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When winter weather arrives in Albany, families start planning road trips filled with holiday lights, ski weekends, and visits to relatives across Upstate New York. Between navigating slick roads, packing gifts and luggage, and keeping the kids entertained for hours, Kia offers a lineup of family-focused vehicles built for comfort, safety, and confidence in cold conditions. At Destination Kia in Albany, NY, we’ve rounded up five Kia models that make every snowy trip smoother, from all-wheel drive capability to heated features that make frosty mornings easier. 1. Kia Telluride: Luxury Meets Capability in the Snow The 2025 Kia Telluride remains a family favorite for its blend of spacious design and rugged winter performance. With available all-wheel drive, Snow Mode, and 8 inches of ground clearance, the Telluride handles icy roads and slushy highways with ease. Inside, three rows of plush seating and available heated and ventilated seats keep everyone cozy from Albany to Lake George. Parents love the Quiet Mode and Passenger Talk intercom, which make communication easier on long drives. Plus, with advanced safety tech like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Highway Driving Assist, the Telluride brings confidence to every snowy adventure. 2. Kia Sorento: Flexible Space for Every Holiday Mission Need an SUV that fits the family, the gifts, and the skis? The Kia Sorento delivers versatility and confidence in equal measure. With available Dynamax All-Wheel Drive and multiple drive modes including Snow Mode, it’s designed for unpredictable winter roads around the Capital Region. The Sorento’s three-row configuration offers up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for packing luggage or holiday decor. Inside, tri-zone climate control, USB ports in every row, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen keep passengers warm, charged, and entertained through even the longest drives up I-87. 3. Kia Sportage: Compact SUV, Big Winter Personality For families who prefer a more compact ride without sacrificing performance, the brand new Kia Sportage is a standout. Its available all-wheel drive system adapts in real time to snow, sleet, and icy conditions, ideal for commutes between Albany, Troy, and Saratoga Springs. Available heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and Smart Power Tailgate make cold mornings far more bearable. Meanwhile, features like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Remote Start with Climate Control provide peace of mind and convenience before you even leave the driveway. 4. Kia Seltos: Style and Stability for Smaller Families If your holiday plans involve weaving through snowy downtown Albany streets or quick getaways to the Adirondacks, a standout example of one of Kia’s AWD vehicles, the 2025 Seltos offers the right balance of agility and confidence. Equipped with available AWD with Lock Mode, the Seltos enhances traction when you hit icy patches or unplowed driveways. Inside, the Seltos offers surprising space for its size, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can stream playlists or directions hands-free. With excellent visibility and easy maneuverability, it’s a perfect match for smaller families or couples looking for efficiency and safety this winter. 5. Kia Carnival: Road Trip-Ready Comfort for Every Passenger The Kia Carnival MPV redefines the family minivan experience with SUV-inspired design and high-tech comfort. During long drives to see relatives or ski trips to Vermont, passengers can stretch out with best-in-class cargo space and rear-seat entertainment options. Available heated and ventilated seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Driver and Passenger Talk features make the Carnival a top pick for families prioritizing comfort and connection. Add Smart Cruise Control and Lane Following Assist, and you’ve got one of the safest, most relaxing rides for winter travel in the Northeast. Why Albany Families Choose Destination Kia At Destination Kia in Albany, we understand what winter driving really looks like: sleet, ice, and plenty of road salt. That’s why our expert team helps families find the right Kia model with the features and drivetrain options to match their lifestyle. Whether you’re upgrading your vehicle before the holidays or prepping for a snow-heavy season, we’ll help you choose confidently.Explore our new Kia inventory, or schedule a test drive today at 760 Central Ave, Albany, NY to experience how Kia keeps families safe, comfortable, and ready for every winter road ahead.

At Destination Kia, we’re not just here to get you into a great car — we’re here to keep you confidently on the road for the long haul. That’s why we love telling our Albany neighbors about one of our biggest flexes: Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. Yes, you read that right. Ten years. One hundred thousand miles. More coverage. Less stress. So whether you're heading out for weekend hikes in the Catskills or battling through I-90 traffic on the daily, your Kia is covered where it counts. So, What Exactly Does This Legendary Warranty Cover? Glad you asked. The Powertrain Limited Warranty applies to the original owner of any new Kia (and even Certified Pre-Owned models!) and covers essential drivetrain components — we’re talking the engine, transmission, and all the moving bits that keep your car doing what it does best. But that’s not all. Kia doesn’t stop at the powertrain: 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty 5-year/100,000-mile Anti-Perforation Warranty (a fancy way of saying rust doesn't stand a chance) 5-year/60,000-mile Roadside Assistance (locked out? flat tire? no worries.) Trip Interruption Policy for when your adventure gets... interrupted 10-year/100,000-mile EV System & Battery Coverage for our electric Kia fans How Does Kia Stack Up Against the Competition? Short answer? Kia wins. While other big-name brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan top out at 5 years / 60,000 miles, Kia goes the distance — literally. You don’t need to read the fine print to see that Kia offers America’s best automotive warranty. But go ahead. We won’t stop you. Warranty Confidence That Lasts as Long as Your Kia Does Let’s face it — buying a car is a big commitment. But with Kia’s industry-leading warranty, you’re not just getting a vehicle; you’re getting a long-term partner. That extra peace of mind means fewer unexpected repair costs, stronger resale value, and a lot more confidence every time you turn the key (or push the button). Whether you're buying your first Kia or trading up to something new, that 10-year/100,000-mile promise follows you mile after mile, year after year — no gimmicks, just real protection. Your Warranty HQ: Destination Kia in Albany, NY When you shop at Destination Kia (760 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206), you're not just choosing a stylish, reliable vehicle — you're getting decade-long confidence baked right in. We’re proud to back Kia’s commitment to quality, value, and peace of mind. Whether you’re shopping new, or Certified Pre-Owned, your next vehicle is protected from bumper to bumper and beyond. You can even buy online. So go ahead — start planning your next road trip. Or better yet, come test drive the Kia that’ll take you there. We’ve got you covered.

June is almost here and that means you’re getting ready to hit the road to your favorite summer destinations. We know that road trips sometimes mean that you run into drivers with poor manners on the road. And in turn, that means that you have a little road rage. No worries - we all do it. But this week we are giving you the tips to keep calm and be successful behind the wheel. So, take a look and start using these tips in your everyday drive. If you’re ready to upgrade your ride to a new Kia, come see your favorite team right here at Destination Kia and let’s get you behind the wheel! We hope to see you soon! Recognize your rising anger The most noticeable sign of road rage is often a physical gesture that emerges after an act has taken place. This is often your tone of voice, language, gestures, or muscle tension. By recognizing your rising anger before it worsens, will prevent you from becoming more aggressive and retaliating. Take time to calm down If you feel yourself feeling angry or thinking about retaliating, pull over and take some time to calm down. Pull onto the shoulder, when it is safe to do so, and recollect your thoughts. Even take a few deep breaths before returning to the road to ensure that your head is clear and you’re ready to hit the road once more. Drive defensively If you come across an aggravated or aggressive driver, it’s best to let that person pass and be on their way away from you. Be sure to keep your distance and be alert of any sudden changes that may occur in front of you so you can react accordingly. Don’t take your eyes off the road, tailgate or block traffic. Resist retaliation If someone is driving slow or cuts you off, you may want to honk your horn, scream, or use profane gestures. Not only will this not help you but it will aggravate the other driver and can lead to potentially dangerous situations. Avoid these gestures, honking, flashing your high beams, and be sure to stay calm to get to your destination on time and safely!

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Spring has finally sprung! That means more people will be out and about enjoying the beautiful weather! So, you’ve got to be more aware of all the other vehicles on the road! Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and as a driver, it's crucial to be aware of their presence and communicate with them effectively to prevent accidents. Here are some ways to do that: Look twice: When changing lanes or turning, always look twice to make sure there are no motorcyclists in your blind spots. Signal your intentions: Use your turn signals to indicate your intentions, and make sure to do it in advance so that motorcyclists have enough time to react. Be mindful of road conditions: Motorcycles are more sensitive to road conditions such as potholes, gravel, or wet pavement, so be mindful of these conditions and adjust your driving accordingly. Give motorcyclists room: Motorcycles need room to maneuver, so give them plenty of space when passing, changing lanes, or turning. Avoid distractions: Distracted driving is dangerous for all road users, including motorcyclists. Avoid texting, eating, or anything else that takes your attention away from the road.

The snow is falling and it’s time for a refresher course on some winter driving safety tips for when you head out for the holiday season! Especially if your plans find you traveling on the highway! With everyone out and about to visit family for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and many other holidays there is a higher likelihood of traffic, agitated driving, and accidents! So buckle up, take a look at those tips below, and be sure to stay safe out there this winter! Destination Kia’s Winter Driving Tips: 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.

Destination Kia wants to help you get your Kia in shape for the fall months ahead. I know, I know, you don’t want to talk about the fact that summer is coming to an end sooner than later. However, it’s important to get your vehicles into tip-top shape after a long summer of travel, which is why you should schedule a service appointment with the pros here at Destination Kia now! Just head over to our site to schedule your service appointment! But while you’re here, be sure to take a peek below and check out some helpful tips on how you can drive safer in the case of a heavy rainstorm. With fall right around the corner, heavy rain isn’t unheard of. So read more below and schedule your appointment today! Driving in heavy rain: Turn your headlights on – the Highway Code says you must use them when visibility is seriously reduced Use fog lights if you like, but switch them off when visibility improves. Leave twice as much space between you and the car in front – it takes longer to stop in the wet. If your steering feels light due to hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. If you break down don't prop the bonnet open while you wait. Rain-soaked electrics can make it harder to start the engine. Driving during floods and standing water Try to avoid standing water if you can. Don't drive into flood water that’s moving or more than 4 inches deep. Let approaching cars pass first if you are unsure of the depth Drive slowly and steadily so you don’t make a bow wave. Test your brakes as soon as you can afterward. Water can have a damaging effect on brakes, make sure they are working properly before you continue to drive Fast-moving water is very powerful: if strong enough your car could be swept away. Find an alternate route if the water is moving too fast to pass-through Watch out for: Look out for slip and trip hazards like curbs under the water. Manhole covers can get lifted and moved. Water levels can change quickly Find Your Dream Kia Here! >> https://www.destinationkia.com/searchnew.aspx

We’ve told you again and again. Kia vehicles are some of the best on the road when it comes to safety. And this week we have proof to back that up! Not only are Kia vehicles jam-packed with a variety of standard advanced safety innovations but your Kia vehicle can offer you additional add on safety innovations to help ensure a safer, more confident drive. This week we want to talk about how Kia has more vehicles with Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ ratings than any other brand on the road! Now that’s something to celebrate! And that means you’ll want to put your trust in Kia to keep your family safe. Five Kia models have received Top Safety Pick and seven models have received Top Safety Pick+. How did Kia get here? Well, once the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2020 Kia Telluride the 2019 Top Safety Pick rating, with specific headlights, Kia achieved this new distinction. In fact, the 2020 Telluride received “Good” ratings in each IIHS crashworthiness test and an “Acceptable” rating for headlights. Orth Hedrick, Executive Director, Car Planning & Technology of Kia Motors America said, “We constantly strive to build the best quality and safest vehicles possible and being the automaker with the most TSP and TSP+ ratings is ultimately gratifying.” In order to qualify for a Top Safety Pick, vehicles must earn good ratings in a variety of tests including driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint, as well as acceptable or good ratings when it comes to passenger-side small overlap front testing. Vehicles must also earn an advanced or superior rating when testing for front crash prevention in addition to an acceptable or good rating for headlights. In order to qualify for a Top Safety Pick+, vehicles are required to earn good ratings in both driver- and passenger-side small overlap front, in addition to moderate front, side, roof strength, and head restraint testing. The TSP+ requires vehicles to earn an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and a good rating for headlights. Ratings are strictly dependent upon specific “built after” date for each model IIHS tests. “We are extremely proud of this significant achievement,” said Hedrick. Choose Your Kia Right Here!

Driving in the spring can be a dangerous venture, especially when it’s really rainy and the roads get slick. Sure, we’ve all been through winter driving before, but there’s nothing quite like those spring rains making everything more slippery and dangerous! When the rain is coming down, those few minutes right at the beginning of the storm are the most dangerous and pose the most risk of hydroplaning. Learn how to avoid hydroplaning and what to do if you find yourself losing traction. First of all, don’t panic! When you panic, you’re a lot more likely to slam on either the brakes or the gas, and neither will help you. Hydroplaning is when your front tires lose traction, and while braking slows down your front tires it locks the rear tires and causes you to spin out. Because hydroplaning can make your vehicle spin a little anyway, accelerating when you’re losing traction makes you lose control of the direction your vehicle is going to go in. If you find this happening, look for an open spot in front of you on the road and try to gently steer your vehicle in that direction. Just like when you’re sliding on ice, don’t oversteer! Guide your vehicle in the direction you want to go without putting your foot on either the brake or the gas. Avoiding hydroplaning is easy. Don’t use your cruise control in a rainstorm, because the water on the road and the loss of traction can trick your vehicle into thinking it needs to supply more power to the wheels. This means your vehicle will try to accelerate suddenly and, well, that’s a recipe for trouble. Some preventive measures you can take to avoid hydroplaning are to make sure that your tires are in good shape and have plenty of tread. Do the penny test to make sure your tires are in great shape - the deeper your tread, the more traction you’ll have in the rain. You should also go slower than you normally would - about 1/3 of your normal speed is about right. Take care and good luck. Even though it’s technically only water falling out of the sky, rain is still dangerous in its own way! Need Service? Get It For Less!

There’s a gene that all of us have that tells our brains that danger is fun and that we love to live on the edge. Even if it’s not as prevalent in your specific circumstances, I am sure that you’ve lived on the edge before! A great example of that danger-seeking instinct is when you don’t get gas often enough and then you end up driving your vehicle with the gas gauge pointing to “E.” Yeah, that’s dangerous. If you were thinking earlier that you weren’t a thrill seeker, well, you probably are. Why? There are a few reasons it’s never a good idea to drive with the gauge on empty. The first is that it can totally burn out your fuel pump. The gas from your tank acts as a coolant for your fuel pump, so when there’s no gas all your pump has to use is air. This creates a lot of heat and burns out your fuel pump much faster than if you gave it enough gas to use. Your gas gauge isn’t even fully accurate, to begin with. If you are familiar with the episode of Seinfeld where Kramer test drives a car with the gauge pointing to “E,” then you know that this could mean anything from 50 miles to .5 miles of gas left. A good practice is to never let your tank get below a quarter full. Finally, a fact of life is that sediment collects at the bottom of every gas tank in the world over time, including yours. When your gas level goes down, the more likely it is that the sediment at the bottom of your tank will go through your fuel system. So, when you drive on empty, you’re stirring up that sediment and then sending that disgusting gas through your engine, which strains your fuel injectors and fuel lines and can make a total flush of your fuel system necessary. The thing I want to leave you with today is a healthy fear of running on empty, and the understanding that you should never let your tank go below a quarter full. Capisci? Worry Less With Fuel Efficiency

Have you ever smelt something and it took you back to a very specific memory or person? Like the smell of a specific perfume reminds you of your grandmother, or perhaps the smell of chlorine smells like a summer spent at camp? Good news, you’re not going crazy! There have been a number of studies done on a person’s sense of smell and how it connects to your memory. It’s real. Some students even use smell to help them remember more information for classes by wearing a certain cologne or perfume, or even chapstick when they study and then wearing that smell during the test to help boost their memory. So why does this matter to you? How is this relevant? Well, there are a few smells related to your vehicle that you should really be aware of that would even be beneficial to associate with certain vehicular problems to keep yourself safe. So if you smell the following things, it would be best to pull over and get out of your vehicle and have it checked by our extremely knowledgeable techs at Destination Kia. Syrupy sweet smell: The most likely cause of that sickly sweet smell is a coolant leak. The smell is usually followed pretty quickly by a lot of smoke coming out of the hood of your vehicle and your engine overheating. Should your engine start to smoke while you are driving, pull over immediately and get a safe distance away from your vehicle and call for your vehicle to be towed as it will not be safe for you to drive it. Rotten eggs or a sulfur smell: This smell usually means that there is an issue with your catalytic converter, also known as your “cat”. This gas is toxic and is 100% not safe for you to breath. You will likely need to get your cat replaced, which can be pretty expensive. The good news is that in most newer car that replacement is usually covered under warranty so you can contact us at Destination Kia to check. Hot oil: As the smell would suggest you’ve likely got an oil leak. More specifically, oil is probably leaking onto your hot exhaust manifold, which collects the exhaust gases from multiple cylinders into one pipe. This could be because of a leaking crankshaft or a leaky valve cover. Either way, this is something you will want to get checked out! Burning carpet: This smell is relatively normal if you just came down a long hill, but if this smell occurs under normal driving circumstances then you may have a dragging brake(your brake isn’t completely disengaging when you let off the brake) or an is an issue with the brake pad. This smell could also happen if you left your emergency brake (handbrake) and can cause damage to your brakes, so checking your E-brake before you start driving is important. If you notice the burning carpet smell, stop by Destination Kia and we’ll check out your brakes and replace the brake pads if need be. Burnt rubber: If you notice this smell first check under your hood and make sure all hoses and belts are tight and not resting on the hot engine. If there are, that’s a cheap and relatively easy fix. If it’s not, this smell could also indicate that a belt is loose or is about to break. If this is the case you should get it replaced as soon as you can. Remember, if you find that your vehicle smells like any of these things, you can stop by Destination Kia and we will be happy to check out your vehicle out. It’s better to be safe than sorry and we just want you and your family to enjoy your vehicle safely! Our Service Team NOSE Best. Stop By Today!

When I was little I used to love going for long car rides at night. My mother absolutely loathed having to drive at night, and she had to frequently, but I never understood why. The sky was so beautiful, and the roads were often pretty quiet. It wasn’t until much later in my life that I realized her general disdain for driving in the night had less to do with the night time, and more to do with her vision. I came to the conclusion on my way home from college one weekend that it was really freaking hard to see at night! How could that be! At the time I was barely 20 years old and thought that frankly, my vision was in it’s prime as years of texting, and spending all day behind a computer screen for classes has certainly damaged my sight by now. Even so, with my vision, the picture of health, 20/20 some may even say, that I struggled to see while driving. The simple truth is that when you’re not nocturnal, friend... and it’s night time, it’s hard to see in the dark, even with headlights. So here are some tips to help you survive your next night drive. You’re driving down the road in the dark, minding your business, and suddenly a pair of headlights crashes into your vision and you momentarily go blind. Now what?! Well, a simple trick to avoid this jarring experience is to focus your attention on the outside lines on the road, rather than looking directly into the headlights of oncoming traffic. Didn’t your mother teach you not to look into the sun?? Well, add headlights to that list! Your once crisp headlights are now sporting a mysterious and smokey look. While you’d love to support their latest fashion statement, the foggy lens is making it harder for you to see. Stop by your friends at Destination Kia to have your headlights cleaned or the lights replaced if they are just starting to get dim on you. Those headlights are your last stand against the darkness, and I promise you losing those lights at 65mph on the highway is NOT a fun experience. Finally, keep your eyes out for other little eyes. Glowing eyes perhaps. Where there are eyes, an actual nocturnal creature is very likely to be. If you don’t want to be startled by a deer or perhaps raccoon sprinting with a reckless abandon across the street into the front bumper of your car, watch for eyes. Driving at night doesn’t have to be a nerve wracking experience. With these tips, your journey into darkness can be a pleasant one! Take the necessary steps to ensure that your car is working at its best for night driving by getting your headlights aligned, and bulbs replaced! Stopping by Destination Kia will be the highLIGHT of your night time driving! We’ll Put the Light Back In Your Life

I managed to walk into my coffee table twice, tripped over my cat, AND violently underestimated where the wall was and caught my shoulder while walking around the corner in my hallway. I did this ALL BEFORE 8 AM. I was wearing my glasses and everything, but clearly, I need to get a new prescription. When I got to work, one of my coworkers said that there was a rather large smudge on my glasses. Upon further inspection, I realize the smudge went across both lenses. Once I cleaned off my glasses, I swear it was a whole new world out there, friends. I COULD SEE! ...Well, better. I still need those glasses. Now as I think about my terribly smudged lenses, I started to wonder about my headlights. I’ve noticed lately that they are a bit cloudy, maybe even opaque? I can’t really even remember if my headlights were once brighter or if this is how they have always been so I wondered if I cleaned off my headlights if it would make as much of a difference for my vehicle as cleaning off my glasses did for me. As it turns out cloudy headlights provide significantly less illumination and cause light to scatter rather than being focused on the road, which also creates glare for oncoming drivers. Most modern headlight lenses are made of clear, and nearly unbreakable, polycarbonate plastic or a similar material. The lenses are treated at the factory with a special coating that protects them from the ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight, vehicle exhaust fumes and other environmental contaminants. I’ve seen a number of home remedies to clean off your headlights, but honestly, those will only help for a short while and can even damage your headlights, rather than help them. You can find lens treatments that, when applied regularly, can significantly extend the life of the factory protective coating. You can even find such treatments at Destination Kia! Think of it as sunscreen for your headlights. Auto parts stores sell inexpensive do-it-yourself headlight refinishing kits, just be sure to select one that includes a final protective coating or the lenses will become cloudy again in a matter of months. You can also have headlight restoration done professionally by your friends at Destination Kia! You wouldn’t want to walk around with smudged glasses all day. Even if you think that you can see through them just fine, you can’t see nearly as well as with clean glasses and are more likely to run into things, miss details, or in my case...step on the cat. In the same way, you wouldn’t want to drive around with headlights that are cloudy. Driving in the dark is hard enough, let’s not make it harder. Take care of your headlights and visit us at Destination Kia today. Get Your Headlights Detailed Today