Plan Ahead When Traveling With Your Pet | Keffer Kia

ASPCA offers tips and tricks for your pet's Safety

For some pet parents, a trip’s no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.
Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off-especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

• Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.

• Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.

• Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle-even if it is a long drive.

• Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

• What in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

• Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.

• Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.

• Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.

• When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.

• If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

Resource: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/10_tips_for_safe_car_travel_with_your_pet

Kia Created Cars for Adventure | Keffer Kia

Travel Tips & Tricks for Your Next Road Trip

Kia is no stranger to exciting road trips. Today, we are putting together a list of tips for a great road trip for our fans. If you are planning a road trip in the near future or if you’ve always wanted to go on a road trip but were unsure where to begin, here are some tips to help you get started.

Think about whether you want to travel alone or with others

If you plan to travel alone, prepare a set of CD’s or a playlist to keep yourself entertained. Even better, you can prepare some playlists with certain themes.

The company of a friend can be delightful, but just make sure you remember a couple of things. You and your travel companion will be captive for long periods of time. Before you make a commitment, consider how well you get along. Also, it may be a good idea to divide the work between you and your travel mates. Who will be navigating, who’s planning meals, and who’s driving when?

If you are planning to travel with kids, be sure to check out your car seats. Car seats can occasionally loosen or even become unsecured since you last buckled it in. And you’re going to need to pack some snacks, drinks, garbage bags, baby wipes, paper towels and other necessities for kids.

Pack lightly, but smartly

You’re going to want a car charger for your phone so that you always have access to GPS and an easy way to look up hotspots wherever you are. Don’t get over reliant on GPS though; you never know about reception so it’s a good idea to have an old-fashioned paper map on standby. An emergency repair kit is also a good idea. You should have some reflectors or flares, jumper cables, and a tire iron in case of an emergency. A set of spare car keys will keep you from locking yourself out, which is sure to put a damper on the trip. For the extra cautious, it might be a good idea to bring a gallon of water and a gallon of fuel. Still, when you’re packing all your stuff, be mindful of how much you are loading down your car. The heavier your car, the more you’re going to have to gas up.

Set a budget for your trip 

Although road trips may seem like a cheaper alternative to pricey plane tickets, you may end up spending more than you expected if you don’t set a budget ahead of time. The price of fuel will be proportional to how far you plan to travel. Plan in advance for parking and remember that it’s not always free. Rest stops can quickly become pricey if you don’t plan ahead for meals. Packing some sandwiches can really save you in the long run.

Save gas by utilizing these gas saving tips

Driving habits such as abruptly accelerating and braking is never good for fuel efficiency. Slow and steady is the best policy. Make sure your GPS is up to date with the most recent version. Old versions may drive you in circles, which is just a waste of gas and time. You can also use gas-saving apps on your smartphones. 

Check out more tips on staying fuel-efficient from our: 5 green driving tips: staying fuel-efficient

Get your car checked out before any long trips

Last but not least, your beloved car must be in its best condition before going on a special road trip. It’s recommended that you get your car checked two weeks in advance of your trip just in case there are some parts that need to be replaced. Here is a quick list of the most essential parts that should be in tip-top condition. Hoses and belts are crucial for your engine to perform properly. Your tires should be inspected for any damage or bulges. Under-inflated tires are not only extremely dangerous but they can also affect your fuel economy. Last, there are the brakes, lights, wipers, wiper fluid, battery, and air conditioning. Checking these are a must for any long voyage.

So pack these tips away, and if you and your car are ready…it’s time to get on the road! 

This Striking Kia Forte EX Sedan Gets Extra Tuning Love From the Owner | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

For the lasts in our series of interviews with Kia owners, we head to West Orange, NJ to chat with Chris Quiros, a full-time student at Rutgers.

When Chris isn’t hitting the books, he loves to play sports and find time to tinker with his Kia Forte.

This is the first car that he has ever owned, and he has been a happy Kia customer since 2011.

What he particularly enjoys about the ownership experience is how deeply it has pulled him into the car world.

He immediately fell in love with the unique design of the Forte, and how there were few other cars like it in his area.

It also helps that the Forte seems to be a vehicle that seems more the willing to be modified, which is a hobby Chris has grabbed with both hands.

Chris has received a lot of attention thanks to his choice of ride. He is constantly being asked what type of car it is, with many surprised that such a cool looking vehicle is a Kia.

His favorite story, though, is evading a ticker after being pulled over. The trooper got into a conversation about the card and the modifications that Chris had made, and was so impressed that he allowed Chris to go without getting that ticket.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all for Chris is that he has actually become so deeply passionate about modding the car.

He loved the car just the way it was, but soon found himself making little changes here and there to personalize it a little more.

He has tinkered with the wheels, spoiler, and color to begin with. If you want to know what else he has done, take some time to read the full interview.

Kia Forte Specs

• Engine: 2.0L Theta II
• Color: Snow White Pearl
• Trim: EX
• Model Year: 2012
• Tire Size: 225/45/17
• Average MPG: 26mpg
• Miles driven so far: 53000 miles

   

Kia Owner Interview

1. Share your thoughts on your Kia car ownership experience!

I’ve enjoyed owning a Kia. It was a great experience and it really got me deeply into the car world

. It’s a very unique car that I don’t think i would’ve have done all this to if it was a Civic or any other typical car I see in the streets. I barely see any Fortes on the street which is why I did a lot for this unique and amazing car.

2. What do other people say about your car?

I’ve gotten so many compliments from people. Many had no clue what it was and after telling them, they were very surprised.

Especially when being pulled over by a trooper. He was surprised and speechless after I told him what car this was. He didn’t believe me, which also led me to evading a ticket haha.

3. How long have you owned your ride?

I’ve owned my Forte since about August of 2011 – little over 3 years now.

4. Honestly, what was your intention when you bought your Kia?

My honest intention when i bought this was really in no way of changing it the way I did. I thought I’d be driving it like any other car.

No mods or appearance changes but something about this car after owning it, made me do the things i did to it.

   

5. What do you like the most about your ride?

The thing i like most about my ride is it’s beautiful look, form and style the car was made. It really helped when changing the appearance of it especially the wheels, the color, spoiler, etc.

6. What is it that makes your ride look unique?

I think the color theme, the wheels, and the headlights are what make this car really unique and stand out.

7. What accessories have you installed so far / do you have any future plans?

The things I’ve done so far are OBX headers, Short Ram Intake, Custom made headlights, LED tail lights, XXR 527 Chromium Black Wheels, Window Tints, CF vinyl Hood and Roof, new horns, conversion of the koup bumper onto the sedan, kenwood aftermarket radio, lightweight pulley, footwell lights, Viper full security and alarm, lowered on ARK springs, and magna-flow cat-back exhaust.

My future plan is to purchase a turbo kit for her in the next few years.

Thanks for participating in the Kia owners interview! Enjoy your Kia ride!

- See more at: http://www.kia-world.net/forte-ex-sedan-tuning/#sthash.gbfzrRO0.dpuf

Next Generation Kia Sorento Teased

By Keffer Kia |

Kia Teases Third Generation Sorento W/ Video

Just recently the 2015 Kia Sorento has been introduced, is available with a starting MSRP of $24,300 and is capable of an estimated fuel economy of 19 city/ 27 highway mpg. This current generation of Sorento have rounded off, smoothed out, more subtle curves. Its chrome accents, grille, headlights, and other exterior details that give it the athletic facial structure with a twinge of luxury.

Looking ahead into the future, we have discovered that it’s official, Kia teases the third generation of Sorento with a video, to give a sneak peak of what they have planned. Kia isn’t saying or showing off much yet, but they have released this digital image of what we may expect the next Sorento to look like. Hard to tell, but by the looks of things, the next-generation Sorento won’t quite be so mellow in design, but instead will be showing off some new curves.

As shadowy as the image may be, so not to give too much away, you might have noticed that the windows look narrower which is in account of the lower roofline and higher beltline design. The Sorento’s face will now be showing off its “tiger-nose grille” to better suit its newly rounded off shoulders and overall most muscular build compared to previous models.

Be sure to check out the video below and see how Kia created this teaser design of the third generation Sorento. It gives more clues to the body stylings we can expect to see in the near future. In fact, Kia plans to fully unveil the next-generation Sorento at the end of this month.

Until we learn more about the third generation Sorento, we invite you explore the current models we have available here at Keffer Kia. The Sorento is Kia’s best-selling SUV, and we invite you to test drive this smooth and refined ride.

Updates For 2015 Kia Cadenza

By Keffer Kia |

2015 Cadenza Will Redefine Kia Brand

Aside from the all-new K900 that is soon to be released, the Cadenza is the leading luxury vehicle within Kia’s vehicle lineup, and for 2015, the Cadenza will utterly redefine luxury for Kia sedans. According to a recent press release sent out by Kia media, the company believes that the 2015 Cadenza will redefine Kia brand.

In order to revise and upgrade the Cadenza, Kia needed to find ways to take premium to an even higher level. The three overlying categories that Kia is making certain the Cadenza is fully equipped with, and ahead of the competition on, are luxury, technology and convenience.

The 2015 Cadenza will be offered in two different trim levels, the Premium and the Limited. The Limited trim in particular has been overhauled to include physical body improvements including an all-new grille and gender garnish in addition to interior upgrades.

Flex Steer now comes standard as well as Kia’s 360-degree camera system, Surround View Monitor, that gives an overhead view of the vehicle, new LED lighting and analogue clock design, as well as accenting chrome trim pieces throughout the sedan’s body.

Both trim levels, the Premium and the Limited will gain an eight-way power adjustable passenger seat as well as a 12-way driver’s seat. Drivers who opt for the Technology package (which comes standard on the Limited trim) will receive a slew of advanced safety technology including: Rear Cross Traffic Alert which notifies a driver while in reverse of any passing-by traffic, 19-inch alloy wheels, a “radar-based Advanced Smart Cruise control System, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning system, electronic parking brake, and water-repellent Hydrophobic front side windows for improved visibility during inclement weather.”

This is all the information that Kia has currently released on the 2015 Cadenza, and until more information becomes available we welcome you to explore the abilities of the 2014 model, and encourage you to try it out on a test drive before holding out, and considering the up-coming 2015 Kia Cadenza.

Accessorize Your Soul To Fit Your Lifestyle

Available Kia Soul Accessories

The Kia Soul is all about practicality and individuality, and how do you make an already unique car stand out even more while also making your life easier, you accessorize. Rather than Soul surfin’ the internet for just any items and accessories that are cheaply made or don’t fit, check out the available Kia Soul accessories specifically designed to fit seamlessly to your Soul.

To give you a better idea of the items available for this urban hatchback, we have selected a few of the most popular Soul accessories that consumers have been most satisfied with.

Technology:

Interior lighting- light up the night with vibrant floor lighting to set the driving mood, whether you’re getting amped up for a night on the town or taking a mellow drive back home after a long day.

Remote start-from up to 800-feet away you’ll be able to start your Soul, especially recommended for those in colder climates to prevent sitting there watching your windshield defrost slower than Internet Explorer loads.

Auto-dimming mirror with compass and HomeLink- it’s always helpful to know what direction you’re headed in, especially with a digital compass located in a convenient place. Also, when glancing up into your mirror, you won’t have to worry about squinting to see beyond the bright and piercing glare of reflecting headlights; meanwhile, HomeLink is always there as a backup should a problem ever arise.

Exterior:

Puddle lights- give your Soul that night club look with LED puddle lamps located beneath your vehicle to illuminate the bottom and entrance to your vehicle.

Roof Bike Attachment- save your cabin space for cargo and passengers by safely securing your bike atop the roof of your Soul.

Interior:

Sport pedals- don’t just get the look, but the feel too with the Soul sport pedals. Experience a more interactive drive, and when lifting your foot from pedal to pedal, the rubber pads prevent any slipping while the brushed metal gives it a professional look.

Floor mats, all-weather- never worry about tracking ice, snow, or sand across the carpet of your Soul with custom-fitted rubber floor mats that not only protect but make for quick and easy cleaning.

Six Spring Cleaning Tips for your Car Interior

February 28th, 2012 Posted in Tips & Advice 
By Kia BUZZ Editorial Team

Springtime is here and you know what that means. It’s time to throw out those filthy fast food cups, wipe down that dusty dashboard and let in some fresh air to dispel that smell that’s been bothering you for the last 3 months. Yes, it’s time for some spring cleaning and we want to share six simple tips using common household items to properly clean your car interior without a fuss. Let’s start with the ceiling.

1. Ceiling: If the ceiling of your vehicle is made out of fabric material, wiping it too hard with a wet cloth may cause some fuzz. You want to make sure you use a slightly damp washcloth made out of superfine fibers and you can add a bit of neutral detergent as needed.

2. Dashboard: You can wipe the dashboard down with a washcloth and use a car brush or toothbrush to dust any hard to reach spaces.

3. Handles & Steering Wheel: Many cars have leather handles, so you may be tempted to use household leather care products, but it’s not advised. These can make your steering wheel slippery and hinder you from having a good grip. We recommend keeping a dry cloth in your glove compartment to wipe it down every now and then.

4. Heater: Use a dry cloth and cotton swabs to easily access those narrow vent spaces. It’s good to clean these areas to help prevent any allergies and respiratory ailments caused from too much dust.

If you smell something foul when turning on your heater – It could be fungus or a special surprise from a skunk. Mix some mustard powder in warm water and spray it into your vents. Afterwards, run your heater on the strongest mode for 4-5 minutes. This is a very effective way to eliminate odor.

5. Car Seats: Car seats are often the culprit of unpleasant stenches (Think about all the spills, pets and people that have been in your car). You can certainly use various products to clean your seats, but as the saying goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ so try to wipe down seats often. Leather seats are easier to clean with a damp cloth and a bit of neutral detergent. For fabric seats, spray water mixed with a neutral detergent and wipe down the seats with a damp cloth, followed with a dry cloth. Make sure to keep the windows down to allow the upholstery to dry completely.

6. Car Floor Mats: For rubber, simply spray it down with soapy water and wipe, and for fabrics, you can always use your household vacuum.

Hopefully we’ve shared some tips you can put to good use and make your car squeaky clean and ready for spring.

Be sure to check out our previous post for tips to wash the exterior: ‘How to wash your car properly.’

Roads less traveled: vehicle testing in the Mojave Desert

Roads less traveled: vehicle testing in the Mojave Desert

March 27th, 2014 Posted in Design & Technology,In Other Words

About 100 miles north of Los Angeles, in the Mojave Desert, sit the final testing grounds, where every Kia vehicle must receive the stamp of approval before mass production. At the Hyundai-Kia California Proving Grounds, located in California City, stretching over an area of about 4,300 acres, our next-generation vehicles are tested to their absolute limits, until we’re certain they are suitable for even the most extreme weather conditions. So what does it take to be an approved Kia vehicle?

Prove yourself

Although all vehicles are tested for engine and air conditioning system reliability in specially controlled hot chambers, the vehicles are once again tested at the California Proving Grounds because the Mojave Desert provides the most ideal environment, with temperatures reaching up to 39°C (about 102 °F)

 

We test on multiple types of roads to ensure that we’ve covered almost any type of scenario that our vehicles might face. The extended uphill road was created with an inclination angle between 2 and 12% to test the hill-climbing ability and the Automatic Cruise Control System. On the multi-purpose road, shaped like an open fan, vehicles go through a variety of tests that test for vehicle stability, brake performance and ride and handling.

The endurance test road replicates more than ten different types of road surfaces, making sure that all vehicles have been roughened up enough to take on any type of terrain. This test road is so rigorous that it tests vehicle wear and tear to the equivalent of 60,000 miles (96,000 km) when driven for just 10,000 miles (16,000 km). It makes sense that every single vehicle must survive the endurance test track before it can be mass produced.

 

The handling test road is made up of sharp winding roads, ensuring optimum drivability of vehicles on the mountainous U.S. road system and testing how responsive the handling is on all the vehicles. The straight road is the hottest in all of the Mojave Desert, with a sensory temperature that reaches up to 90 degrees Celsius. In addition to this straight road, we also have a separate extreme condition materials testing facility which exposes both cars and their various components to scorching hot temperatures and blistering sunlight to prove their integrity. Those that fail to pass this test never see the light of day and are sent back for further improvement.

Roaring engines and screeching tires are the norm at our Proving Grounds, and while the testing can’t exactly be kept a secret, we do make an effort to keep things on the down-low in the Mojave—after all, it’s all these tests that determine which vehicles make the final cut.

Every Kia out in the market right now (even yours!) has gone through all of these tests before having the privilege of sitting in your driveway. Now, isn’t that reassuring?