Hello, fall! Do you feel that cool crisp air in the breeze? That means fall is in fall swing and believe it or not, the winter months will be here before you know it. That means right now is the time to get your Kia in shape for whatever is coming our way this winter. Where to start? When to start? How to start? Don’t stress, we’ve got all you need to know in this week’s blog! We suggest starting with some fall cleaning. We’re sure your ride is in need of some TLC after traveling all summer long. So get ready to roll up your sleeves, because we’re cleaning this week! Don’t have time? Need help with repairs or maintenance? No problem, our team of certified professionals is here to help you! Just head over to our site to schedule your service appointment, and get your Kia in tip-top shape for fall today!

Car Battery: 

• Pop open your hood and brush away the dust. Fall is a great time to inspect your car battery to ensure there are no issues down the road when the colder weather creeps in! 
• Make sure your engine cables and terminals are in good shape and retighten if necessary for good contact. 
• Make sure there’s no corrosion or dirt build-up. If this is the case, this would be a good time to disconnect and clean them up.
• If your vehicle is newer and you have a maintenance-free battery with no removable caps, there’s not much for you to do besides peeking around the remainder of your hood to ensure there are no leaks, breaks, or issues.

Headlights: 

• Many new vehicles have LED headlights that you can’t just pop out and clean, so you might need scheduled maintenance with our team if this is your situation. 
• If you still have non-LED lighting, it’s important to clean/replace your headlights to avoid haziness. 
• Clouded headlights can be a safety hazard, compromising night vision, and reducing the effectiveness of your headlights. This is especially dangerous in winter, where conditions are less than favorable and the darkness is more consistent.
• You can purchase a headlight cleaning kit, or use household items such as a toothbrush, baking soda, and the owner’s manual approved products. 

Tires:

• Tire maintenance is always a must, not just during the winter months. However, your tires play a crucial role in your vehicle’s winter performance. 
• The first thing you should do is to check your tire tread. When your tread is 2/32″ your tires are considered bald and you will need to replace your tires immediately. If your tire tread is above this you’re okay, but should consider replacing soon if it’s closer to balding. 
• Most vehicles are purchased with all-season tires, which provide good performance all year round. However, if you live in a very snowy area, we highly suggest purchasing snow tires. 
• Once your tires are on and in good condition, we suggest scrubbing away any dirt, grime, or buildup. 

Wash & Wax: 

• Chances are your vehicle needs good washing after all your summer travel. Between dirt, dead bugs, and even beach sand, your exterior probably isn’t shining like it used to.
• Give your vehicle a good cleaning, this means the top, sides, underneath, and even the tires. 
• Once you’ve washed your car, it’s a good idea to wax your vehicle’s exterior. Getting a car wax is a great way to keep your car’s finish looking new. 
• Waxing can be tricky, so be sure to check your owner’s manual for safe products from your vehicle or leave it to the pros in our service department!

Wipers: 

• Windshield wipers maintenance is regularly overlooked. However, your wipers are extremely important for your vision behind the wheel…especially in the fall and winter months. 
• Leaves will be falling very soon, and rain is no stranger to the fall months. This means you’ll need strong wipers to clear the leaves and rain off your windshield. 
• Right after the leaves comes the snow, and anyone who has driven in a snowstorm knows how important your winters are. 
•  If your wipers are leaving streaks of water on your windshield, it’s time to replace or clean them.
• Although drivers rarely change them, wipers break down pretty quickly. In fact, they should be changed every 6-12 months.

Interior:

• It’s time to say goodbye to the trash that’s taken up a vacancy in your car! After traveling all summer long, it’s only normal your interior needs a little pick me up. 
• We suggest grabbing a garbage bag, your vacuum cleaner, and some multi-surface cleaner. 
• First started by taking everything out, and we mean everything! 
• Then, vacuum away crumbs, dust, and whatever else is in there. Don’t forget to clean off whatever item you’ll be putting back in your vehicle. 
• Then it’s time to dust, spray down your dash, console, gear shift, radio system, and of course windows! 
• Finally, put whatever you’re keeping back inside your cabin in a neat and orderly way, and toss whatever is remaining!

Click Here To Schedule Your Fall Service: https://www.destinationkia.com/schedule-service.html

Tags: Kia Dealer
Posted in Maintenance | Comments Off on Click In For Your Fall Cleaning Tips | Albany, NY

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Fall is the perfect time to say hello to a new vehicle, with the winter months ahead, you want to be sure that your vehicle can get you and your passengers from point A to point B without any issue. Peace of mind is important, but your comfort and convenience are too and that’s why we have an impressive lineup of new and used Kia vehicles that have features and functions you are looking for. But before you say yes to a brand new Kia from Destination Kia, there is an important thing you must do, and that’s a test drive!

Many people don’t realize how important a test drive really is. We all love test driving vehicles, it’s a new vehicle, it’s fun, it still has that new car smell, but what many of us know is your test drive is more about your opportunity to try EVERYTHING out, not play with the new functions that your old vehicle didn’t have. So, what should you be looking for? Great question! Below you find our guide to test driving. We know your next vehicle purchase is a big investment and we want to help prevent the stress of choosing the wrong vehicle. So take a peek below and be sure to browse our inventory to find the perfect new Kia for you! Once you find it, schedule a test drive and start your next adventure with us!

Before You Go To The Dealership: 

• Do your research. Find a handful of vehicles that you are interested in, match your budget, and meet your criteria
• Remember to bring in your driver’s license and proof of insurance so that you don’t need to come back another day 
• Research financing options or get pre-approved using our easy to use the online application 

How To Test Drive A Car: 

• The test drive starts before you take the car out on the road, keep an eye out for dents, cracks, rust, nicks, cracks, etc. especially when test driving a used vehicle 
• Check the tires for remaining tread and signs of uneven wear  (checking for poor alignment) 
• Tryout the turning signals and brake lights 

Once You Start The Car: 

• Don’t hit the gas just yet! Idle for a minute or two to listen to the engine. Be sure to listen for troubling noises like rattling, clicking, whining 
• Turn the radio on and play around with the volume, buttons, and don’t be afraid to as for assistance with setup. Or have them walk through all the functions with you. 
• Check other features like the heat and A/C
• Keep an eye on the dashboard to ensure all the gauges are working properly as the car warms up
• Also, pay attention to your comfort. Are the seats comfortable for long drives? Do you like the material?

Once You Hit The Gas: 

• Pay attention to how the vehicle drives in stop and go traffic
• Be sure to ask about the MPG and other driving features 
• Don’t be afraid to handle rough roads to see how the vehicle handles
• Ask to hit the highway to see if the vehicle slows and speeds up smoothly 
• Listen carefully when you’re driving on the highway. Hear any squeaks, whines, or rattles behind the sound of the engine?
• If possible, drive up and down a hill to verify that the car upshifts and downshifts appropriately

Schedule A Test Drive Here: https://www.destinationkia.com/testdrive.aspx

Tags: Albany, Dealership, Destination Kia, information, New Vehicle, Test Drive
Posted in Information | Comments Off on What To Test In Your Test Drive | Albany, NY

Buckle up for your next adventure behind the wheel of a new Kia from Destination Kia! This month, you can score UNBEATABLE SAVINGS on a new Kia when you take advantage of our brand new September specials! Whether you’re looking for a Kia sedan, hatchback, or SUV, we have amazing offers for you to take advantage of this month! So what are you waiting for? Give your summer getaways the upgrade you’ve been looking for! Take advantage of our new specials now, and slip behind the wheel of a new Kia for less! Simply claim your offer, schedule a test drive, and head into Destination Kia this month!

September Specials 

2021 Kia Forte LXS Automatic 

• Lease for only $268/mo for 36 months*

2021 Kia Niro LXS 

• Lease for only $338/mo for 36 months*

2022 Kia Sportage LX AWD

• Lease for only $348/mo for 36 months*

2022 Kia K5 LXS

• Lease for only $348/mo for 36 months*

*All Specials Expire 9/30/2021. See Our Specials Page For Information.

Snag Your Kia Savings >> https://www.destinationkia.com/newspecials.html

Tags: Albany NY, Destination Kia, Kia, Kia Leasing, Kia Savings, Specials
Posted in Specials | Comments Off on Fall In Love With New Kia Savings This September | Albany, NY

Buckle up for brand new savings now available at Destination Kia! After a long summer of travel this summer, it is important to get your Kia back into tip-top shape for the fall/winter seasons. Not to mention that fall is full of adventures here in the Capital District. From apple picking to hiking for fall foliage views and so much more, you’ll need your Kia to be in shape for your fall getaways – that’s where our team steps in. Whether you’re in need of routine maintenance or a more serious repair, our team is here to help make it happen! The best part? We have brand new service specials to help make it more affordable for you! So take a peek at our new offers below and claim your special today!

Service Savings: 

• Full Synthetic Oil & Filter Change – $69.95* + Tax 

• Battery & Charging System Test – Only $19.95* 

• 27-Point Inspection – FREE* 

• Destination Collision Center – $100 OFF* Your Deductible 

• 4-Wheel Alignment – $99.95* 

• Complimentary Car Wash* 

• Special Military Discount – 10% OFF* Any Service 

*All offers expire 9/30/2021. See specials page for full details. 

Snag Those Savings Here! >> https://www.destinationkia.com/service-parts-specials.html 

Tags: Destination Kia, service, Service Center, Specials
Posted in Service Specials | Comments Off on New Month = New Kia Service Specials! | Albany, NY

If you’re like us, you’re gearing up for another season change here in Albany! And this week we want to put your vehicle cleaning list to the top of your list to ensure a smooth transition into the new season! Below is a list of helpful ways to ensure your vehicle is getting what it needs so check it out and clean up your ride this September. Or if you’re ready to ditch your old ride completely and start fresh, come see our team this month and let us help you find a brand new Kia that fits your needs and budget. We hope to see you soon! 

Undercarriage Cleaning

• Many car owners always keep the visible parts of their vehicle clean and sparkly. But what about the undercarriage of your vehicle? While your vehicle’s undercarriage is always just inches off the ground, it’s important to clean up and get rid of any road-borne impurities that come in contact with your undercarriage. Especially with slush and road salt quickly approaching in the upcoming winter months. It’s important to clean it well, clean it often.

Exterior Protection

• This is a little easier but still a task that takes a bit of elbow grease to complete and complete right. Impurities that lie hidden in moisture can lead to slowly eating away at your paint job, no matter how good it is. It’s important to ensure your car is waxed periodically and put that protective barrier between your paint and the elements! 

Interior cleaning

• Everything you tread on outside of your vehicle always makes its way inside your car at one point or another. While it may be difficult to get out of the vacuum and get into all the nooks and crannies, it’s extremely important to do so. Apart from the feeling that comes from being in a clean interior, you don’t want to find yourself with upholstery damage because you neglected to clean your ride. Get out that vacuum and make it sparkle. And a pro tip, add a new air freshener to freshen up the interior smell of your vehicle!

Shop Destination Kia Today! >> https://www.destinationkia.com/searchnew.aspx

Tags: Fall Tips
Posted in Life Hack | Comments Off on Gear Up For Fall With These Cleaning Tips! | Albany, NY

Summer is almost gone and the change of seasons is upon us! That means it’s important to stop in to see our team for a little fall service completed before summer is gone for good. Below is a list of four services to have completed this August or early September! When you’re done with our list, be sure to schedule your service appointment online today and let our team assist you with all of your vehicle needs! 

Car Battery 

• With the changes of seasons coming quickly, it’s a great time to stop in to see our team for diagnostic testing to ensure that your battery is healthy and ready to take on the winter temperatures. Plus, ask to have your cables and terminals checked for corrosion and properly tightened. Winter is known for killing batteries, stop in, and let’s have your battery properly maintenanced before the change of seasons! 

Headlights 

• As our cars age, our headlights tend to become cloudy or even hazy, especially on vehicles that are continuously parked outside in the elements. While the days get shorter, we will be using our headlights much more these days which means it’s very important to ensure that your headlights are the brightest they could be. Whether it’s headlight conditioning, replacement of the bulbs, or replacing your headlights altogether, our team can assist you with all of your needs. 

Tires 

• Responsible driving all starts at the tires. Monthly tread inspections can help you stay on top of when it’s time to replace your tires. If you have noticed that your tires are less than ⅛-inch of tread, then it’s time to upgrade. While all-season tires might be a cheaper option upfront, choosing a set for both summer and winter, offers a more well-rounded performance. Stop in to see our team and let us help you choose the right tires for your vehicle! 

Wipers 

• Did you know that it’s a great option to replace your wipers every six months? Typically, your wipers should be replaced twice a year to ensure top performance. Before the fall season, it’s a great option to upgrade those wipers and choose a pair that are specifically designed for winter weather as we are quickly heading that way. Also, if you’re looking to extend the lifespan of your wipers, we encourage you to clean them with a paper towel and glass cleaner each time you stop to get gas. 

Schedule Service Here! >> https://www.destinationkia.com/schedule-service.html

Tags: Albany NY, Fall Service, Kia Service, Maintenance, service, Service Center
Posted in Information | Comments Off on Fall Service Tips To Help You Get Started! | Albany, NY

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: 

1. A GPS or Smartphone Map App 
2. Light, non-messy snacks 
3. Small cooler packed with water to keep everyone hydrated. 
4. Emergency Kit – Flashlight, batteries, jumper cables, tire inflator, umbrella, AAA roadside emergency contact information. 
5. Non-Emergency Kit – trash bags, tissues, cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer, and travel-size toiletries.
6. Portable chargers to keep your devices charged and ready to go 
7. An itinerary to keep you on track 
8. A playlist of your favorite songs
9. A good book to keep you occupied if you’re a passenger
10. 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 by today!

Tags: Albany NY, Destination Kia, Kia, Life Hack, travel
Posted in Life Hack | Comments Off on Road Trip? Your Survival Kit Is Inside | Albany, NY

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

Tags: Albany NY, Destination Kia, Driving Tips, Rainstorms, Safety
Posted in Safety | Comments Off on Tips For Taking On Heavy Rainstorms In Your Kia | Albany, NY

August is here and summer is in full swing! We know you still have a lot jam-packed into the remaining month of summer and we want to make sure you get there without running into issues down the road! However, can we help you prevent that? Easy, with regular maintenance, our team can check up on your vehicle and get it into tip-top shape for all of your summer travel! The best part? It’s a new month which means we have brand new service offers now available to you! All you have to do is head over to our service offers page to claim yours and schedule your Kia service appointment – it’s that easy! We hope to see you soon!

Service Savings: 

• Full Synthetic Oil & Filter Change – $69.95* + Tax 

• Battery & Charging System Test – Only $19.95* 

• 27-Point Inspection – FREE* 

• Destination Collision Center – $100 OFF* Your Deductible 

• 4-Wheel Alignment – $99.95* 

• Complimentary Car Wash* 

• Special Military Discount – 10% OFF* Any Service 

*All offers expire 8/31/2021. See specials page for full details. 

Snag Those Savings Here! >> https://www.destinationkia.com/service-parts-specials.html 

Tags: Destination Kia, service, Service Center, Service Specials, Specials
Posted in Specials | Comments Off on Shift Into August With New Kia Service Specials! | Albany, NY

Summer is in full swing and if you and your family are planning on hitting the road sooner than later we have a couple of games to keep the ride moving along! If you’re traveling with little ones, the thought of hitting the road might be daunting. Let’s face it, kids get bored easily, and when that happens your trip can go from smooth sailing to rough waters real quick! So whether you’re getting ready to take a trip across the country or just a couple of hours, we have an impressive list of games to keep the good times rolling! 

If you have some spare time before hitting the road, we want to suggest planning out your games so you don’t play them too quickly. The worst is when kids want to play the next game and the next and before you know it you’re out of games to play! To avoid this issue, planning out when to play each game will help ensure your passengers are entertained the whole way! We also suggest bringing along other favorites like movies, books, electronics, etc to be fillers during each game! It might also be a good idea to bring small prizes for the winner of the game to keep your kiddos focused the whole time! 

1. I Spy: This is a car ride classic! It will keep the kids guessing and entertain for a good amount of time, plus it so much for them to feel like they have fooled you so don’t guess correct too quickly! 
2. Road Trip Bingo: This fun game combines bingo with a scavenger hunt. Give each child a flat surface, like a clipboard or a notebook, and have them place it in their lap. each player gets a free printable bingo card and a ziplock bag with 16 pennies. When a player spies an item on his card, he covers the picture with a penny. Just like in regular bingo, the first player to cover all the squares in a straight line, wins.
3. License Plate Game: Make sure everyone has a piece of paper or come prepared and print out maps. Then write down or cross out each state you see, once someone has crossed out all 50 (or whoever has the most) they win! 
4. 20 Questions. This easy-peasy game is great for young kids, thanks to its straightforward rules. Player One thinks of a person, place or thing. Everyone else takes turns asking questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. After each answer, the questioner gets one guess. Play continues until a player guesses correctly.

I’m Going on a Picnic. This alphabet-based memory game is great for kids 5 and up. You don’t need a game board or any materials. The game can be played with as few as two players, but it’s more fun when the whole family joins in. The first player says “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing…” followed by something that begins with A, such as apples. The second player repeats what the first person said, but adds something that begins with B. And so on. If someone forgets an item, she is out. To be fair, feel free to be lenient and give hints to younger players. The last player to be able to recite all the items on the list wins.

Tags: Albany NY, Destination Kia, games, Getaway, Kia, travel
Posted in Travel | Comments Off on Road Trip Games For Your Next Getaway | Albany, NY