Kick-Off Tailgating Season Right With These Tips From Destination Kia | Albany, NY

Now that June is here and the temperatures are heating up, it’s never been more tempting to hit the road behind the wheel of your Kia. If you’ll be traveling sooner than later it might be a good idea to check out our ultimate list of road trip essentials below. The Destination Kia team wants to make sure you’re as prepared as possible so we’ve compiled all the items you should pack in case an issue arises with your vehicle or you find yourself in need of some helpful accessories. While many of these items could be useful in a pinch there’s no real substitute for routine service. Regular maintenance helps give you the peace of mind you need, knowing your Kia won’t be breaking down anytime soon. So head over to our site and request a service appointment today! Destination Kia’s List Of Road Trip Essentials: Keep your car on the road with these essentials License and registration A copy of your car insurance policy and the relevant contact numbers Your car’s manual A spare tire Roadside Emergency Kit Little road trip accessories that can make a big difference. Paper maps/ map apps (technology doesn’t always work, having a back is always a good plan) Spare  money in case of an emergency A notebook and pen in the case that you need to leave a note or write information down First aid kit Flashlight Bug spray Large water bottles Toilet roll Stay connected & Entertained Phone chargers Killer road trip playlist Don’t forget your camera for memories! Portable WiFi A good book or two Travel games for both the car and when you get to your destination

Have you ever been stranded because your vehicle won’t start? Well, if you haven’t you are one of the lucky ones. But eventually, it might happen to you! And there are some things that you might want to know what caused this, how to avoid it, and what to do in the event that you do find yourself in this situation. Luckily for you, that’s exactly what we are going to discuss. So, grab a seat, buckle up, and let us take you on a ride! Put these helpful tips to good use this upcoming season and come see our team for some service for your vehicle! What Caused My Dead Battery: Leaving headlights, interior lights, flashers or the radio on when your vehicle isn’t running Using the air conditioner or heat when your vehicle isn’t running Low air temperatures, causing your battery to freeze Lack of battery maintenance Not starting your vehicle for long periods of time Failure of voltage regulator within the alternator How To Avoid A Dead Battery: The easiest way to put your mind to ease that you won’t be in this situation is to service your battery regularly to make sure there are no issues. This is exceptionally important when temperatures start to drop drastically or after driving long miles. A technician can test your battery to ensure that it’s still in a good, healthy condition. Be smart with your vehicle. Don’t use certain features like the radio, chargers, or lights for long periods of time without starting your vehicle. This puts a lot of stress on your battery and can end up killing your battery altogether. Avoid extreme temperatures if you can. We encourage you to park your vehicle in your garage (if you have one). This can cut back on exposure to extreme temperatures and won’t be the mortality of your battery. What To Do When Your Battery Dies: Of course, the first answer is to jump-start your vehicle. It’s always a great idea to keep a set of jumper cables inside your vehicle for emergencies whether that is you or another driver. Also, keep in mind that you should never try to jump start a battery if it is cracked or visibly leaking acid. Roadside assistance is a beautiful thing and is almost necessary. If you do find yourself stranded and in need of help, be sure to call roadside assistance for help. This is especially helpful if you are on the highway and can’t flag down another driver. Plus, it’s safer to stay in your vehicle while a trained professional addresses the situation.

Summer is coming to an end. I mean, it’s inevitable but this week we want to assure you that there is still plenty of time to take one last road trip before the sun sets on summer! But before you hit the road there are a few things you might want to pack up as your road trip survival kit! While most of these things are pretty simple and we guarantee that you already have them waiting around at your house. So take a peek at our guide and be sure to get everything in order! Road Trip Survival Kit: A GPS or Smartphone Map App Light, non-messy snacks Small cooler packed with water to keep everyone hydrated. Emergency Kit - Flashlight, batteries, jumper cables, tire inflator, umbrella, AAA roadside emergency contact information. Non-Emergency Kit - trash bags, tissues, cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer, and travel-size toiletries. Portable chargers to keep your devices charged and ready to go An itinerary to keep you on track A playlist of your favorite songs A good book to keep you occupied if you’re a passenger Extra clothing - sneakers, warm sweater, rain jacket. Weather is unpredictable, plan accordingly Alright, so you have your list and now we want to remind you to service your vehicle or upgrade into a new Kia this August before heading out on the road. Why? Well, your vehicle has been through a lot this summer and it’s time to service before heading out for a long trip. Or if you’re better off upgrading altogether - come see our team! Worried about money? No worries - check out our online specials on a variety of new Kia models. We promise there is something for everyone at the right price here at Destination Kia. Just stop on by today!