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Should You Drive On Empty? | Albany, NY

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

September is here, and do you know what that means?! It’s tailgating season!! Now we all know the tailgate essentials– portable grill, fold-out chairs, assorted BBQ meats, and coolers filled with your beverage of choice! But, if you really want to be the hottest spot on the block, here are some fun trinkets from Destination Kia that will help you take your game day celebration to the next level! Take a look at our list below and, if you need a bigger ride to fit the whole team, upgrade into a brand-new Kia SUV! You can check out our available inventory online today! Destination Kia’s Tailgating Tips: Team Specific Paper Plates & Napkins: Team spirit means going the extra mile, so a cheap and easy way to show yours is with these pieces! Cornhole Bean Bag Toss: Get that competitive edge up by playing some games of your own! Plus it’s a great way to pass the time! Especially if you’re the sort to come extra early so you can get a good tailgating spot! Tailgating Canopy: You can get a stand alone tent or they even have canopies that attach directly to the rear hatch of your ride so that you and your possy can share some shade! Face Paint: A fun and easy way to get your team pumped up for the game! And you’ll have so much more fun taking photos and making memories! Chalk Markers: You can easily decorate your ride with these impermanent markers! They come off with water and soap and can spread game day cheer to any one that passes by!

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Destination Kia’s List Of Road Trip Essentials! | 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

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Oh No! Your Car’s Battery Is Dead, Here’s What To Know! | Albany, NY

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.