Why Should You Get Car Battery Service?
Whether you are preparing for a road trip with the family or just need to make it through your daily commute, few things feel more depleting than a car that won’t start. Aside from regular maintenance, there are several ways you can stay informed on how your battery is holding up.
Let’s explore what your battery does and how you can tell if it’s dying.
Why Car Battery Service Matters
What Is a Car Battery?
When you put the key in the ignition and start up your vehicle, the battery is what gets everything moving. If you have a dead or dying battery, this process won’t go smoothly if it happens at all. Batteries are designed to last around 6 years, but it’s always smart to keep an eye out.
What Affects the Battery?
When the car is active, many of the other components take over, but when the vehicle is off, anything that is running is being powered by the battery. If you leave interior lights or headlights on, they will drain the battery. Leaving electronics plugged into your charger can also draw on your battery.
In extreme cold, your battery’s solution may not transfer power as effectively. Using a battery heater can help get the solution moving as it should. On the other hand, extreme heat can evaporate the solution. A temporary solution is adding deionized or demineralized water, but you’ll need to bring it in for service soon.
Is It My Battery?
There are plenty of warning signs for when your battery is struggling or dead. Your dashboard may display an alert, which means you should bring it in to get looked at immediately. If your vehicle is slow cranking or cranking laboriously without turning on, your battery likely needs to be replaced.
If your vehicle starts inconsistently, there may be a problem with your battery. Whether a component is loose or it is low on power, take it to a battery expert. You may even notice a rotten egg smell. This is a symptom of water evaporation within the battery.
Get Batter Service at Union County Kia
Our service center specializes in Kia service in Monroe, NC, so you can trust your car, SUV, or truck is in good hands. If you’re looking for a great deal, check out our Kia service coupons.
Step into the driver’s seat of the 2019 Kia Sedona. This minivan offers responsive handling, smooth, quiet performance, and a host of thoughtful amenities for you and your family. Read on to learn more.
Lead the Way With the 2019 Kia Sedona
Spacious Storage
The 2019 Kia Sedona is available in four models: the L, LX, EX, and SX. Each is packed with features to help make your road trips more comfortable and easier to navigate.
Inside, Slide-N-Stow® seating lets you configure the storage space to accommodate your skis, luggage, camping equipment, and other gear. If you opt for the 8-person model, the second-row center section is removable. Thanks to tri-zone automatic climate control and generous legroom, everyone can ride in comfort.
Outside, available power-sliding anti-pinch doors with obstacle detection help make getting in and out a breeze, even for smaller children. The available Smart Power Liftgate™ lets you open up the back hands-free using your Smart Key. With a 276-horsepower 3.3L Lambda-II V6 engine and 3,500 lb. towing capacity when properly equipped, taking everything you need on vacation is that much easier in the Sedona.
Gadgets Aplenty
While you and your crew are cruising down the road, features like Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ connectivity let you enjoy hands-free calls, texts and playlist management. You can access Siri and Google Maps™ using your voice as you embark into unfamiliar territory.
For enhanced control, check out the models with UVO eServices, which offer a host of helpful features. Turn-by-turn navigation with custom points of interest helps you reach destinations. Diagnostics monitoring lets you know when the vehicle is due for service. Remote monitoring with Curfew Limit Alert and Geofence Alert let you set custom boundaries for young drivers using your mobile device.
Safety Smarts
With the 2019 Kia Sedona, safety is at the forefront of the overall design. This minivan is packed with driver assistance and convenience safety features so you can drive confidently. The following are just a few:
- Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go
- Surround View Monitor
- Blind Spot Collision Warning
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assistant
- Electronic Stability Control
- Hill Start Assist Control
- Traction Control System
Find the 2019 Kia Sedona in Monroe, NC
Contact our dealership in Monroe, North Carolina, to schedule a test drive of one of our 2019 Kia Sedona vehicles for sale. The knowledgeable team at Union County Kia can answer any questions you may have about this model and others we offer.
3 Winter Driving Tips For Drivers in Monroe, NC
Whether you drive a front-wheel drive sedan, an SUV with all-wheel drive, or a 4-wheel drive pickup truck, knowing how to handle the winter weather while on the road is important. Apply these three winter driving tips for the season ahead.
Winter Driving Tips to Keep in Mind
Keep your distance
When the weather hinders your visibility and makes the roads slick, it’s crucial to give yourself extra travel time. This extra time will allow you to drive more slowly while maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead of you.
By adding distance to that car, you’ll provide yourself with a greater margin of safety to slow down, stop your vehicle, or move your car to one side or the other if you start to skid. When the roads are covered with black ice, snow, or slush, your vehicle’s stopping power can be decreased. That will require a greater distance to slow your car, truck, or SUV.
Be gentle on the pedals
Maintaining a gentle touch on the gas and brake pedals will go a long way toward enhancing your safety during winter driving. If you notice the brake lights of the car ahead of you illuminate, it can be safer to just come off the accelerator and let your vehicle slow down naturally. Slamming on the brake pedal can have adverse reactions, like causing your brakes to lock up.
When the traffic light turns green, you can gently apply pressure to the gas pedal, so your tires will grip the road and move you forward safely. If you were to press the pedal down like in dry conditions, the tires may spin in the snow and slush, and cause you to slide.
Be at the ready
Driving is an active and engaged activity, and that is never more present than when the road conditions are less than ideal. By being proactive instead of reactive behind the wheel, you’ll be ready when someone pulls out in front of you or a car suddenly slows down.
Sitting up straight and in a ready position with your hands at the recommended places on the steering wheel help you stay attentive to the changing traffic patterns and precipitation.
Prep Your Car For Winter Driving in Monroe, NC
If your vehicle needs an oil change, tire rotation, or a battery check-up, contact us at Union County Kia in Monroe, North Carolina, to schedule a service appointment with our trained technicians.
All-New 2019 Kia Forte Sedan Model Overview
You’re looking for a fresh driving experience that makes you fall in love with the road again. That’s why it’s a good thing that the 2019 Kia Forte is waiting in the wings. From a fuel-efficient transmission and responsive engine to the smart safety features, the Forte is ready to break the rules for what a sedan is supposed to be.
Keep reading to discover more about the new 2019 Kia Forte vehicles for sale.
Say Hello to the Redesigned 2019 Kia Forte
Precise Performance
You’ll love the nimble handling and seamless acceleration of the 2019 Kia Forte. This compact sedan is built with a 2.0L DOHC 16-valve I-4 Atkinson Cycle engine with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) and Multi Point Injection (MPI). Both combine to provide nearly instantaneous acceleration. An available Forte Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) allows smooth gear changes and delivers an estimated 35 mpg in combined fuel economy.
As you take curves and turns, the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) offers the handling and lateral responsiveness you crave. The reworked suspension and throttle boost your control.
Innovative Interior
Inside the Forte, you’ll enjoy cozy seating regardless of the weather. Heated and ventilated front seats, which offer three levels of heat to suit your needs, are available. The available SOFINO Leatherette surfaces lend a plush feel and sophisticated appearance. Play your favorite tunes through the available 8-speaker, 320W Harman/Kardon® Premium Audio system that features an integrated subwoofer and Clari-Fi™ Music Restoration technology.
You can even connect your compatible smartphone to the Forte’s 8” color touch-screen using standard Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™. These systems let you enjoy your favorite apps, listen to playlists, and receive directions on the Forte’s display.
Available UVO eServices are like a personal assistant — only better. This innovative system can keep track of your Forte’s parking spot, driving habits, and scheduled maintenance.
Smart Safety
The Forte is designed with an array of safety and driver-assistance features to help you and your passengers remain safe on the road. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) come standard to offer an extra set of eyes on the road.
The available driver-assistance features for the Kia Forte include:
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
- Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Parking Distance Warning-Reverse (PDW-R)
Explore the 2019 Kia Forte in Monroe, NC
Ready to see what the all-new 2019 Kia Forte can do on the open road? Contact our dealership to schedule a test drive.
The fall months bring stunning beauty with the changing leaves, but migrating animals, daylight saving time, and wet weather can bring its own challenges to your driving. By taking a few preventative measures, you can protect yourself and prepare your vehicle for the colder weather.
Seasonal Car Maintenance Tips for Fall and Winter
Illuminate Your Drive
With a simple walk around the exterior of your vehicle, you can inspect the headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and flashers to ensure each one is working properly. If you notice any are out, replace the bulbs. Maintaining proper illumination of the road ahead of you and keeping the rear of your vehicle visible to cars behind you is important when visibility is poor.
See Clearly
Replacing torn or cracked wiper blades for new ones is a simple way to ensure your windshield remains clear during rainstorms or when it snows. At the same time, swap out your windshield washer fluid for a winter-grade solution. This kind is specially formulated to not freeze in cold temperatures when it comes in contact with your windshield.
Penny Lane
Insert a penny into the tread of your tires with Abraham Lincoln’s head pointed toward the tire. If you see all of Honest Abe’s head, the tread is worn down to an unsafe level and won’t provide the stopping power or traction you need. Time to replace that tire.
Also, monitor your tires for low air pressure and add more when necessary. When your tires are inflated to the vehicle’s specifications, it will help prevent premature wear.
Inspect the Battery
When the temperature drops and you’re out running errands with the kids, the last thing you need is a battery that won’t start. By inspecting your battery for corrosion, checking and cleaning the terminals, and inspecting the cables for cracks or breaks, you’ll be able to see issues that can be fixed right away. Also, if you are noticing your vehicle takes longer than usual to turn over in cold weather, it could be time for a replacement.
Change the Oil
Taking your vehicle in for an oil change will ensure it has clean, fresh oil for the harsh winter months. The technician will also be able to give your old oil a look and a feel to see if your engine is experiencing any damage that needs to be looked at.
Visit the Union County Kia Service Center
With these tips, you can easily get your car ready for driving in the cooler months of the year.
Schedule Kia service to prepare your vehicle for fall and winter, or contact us if you have any questions.
How to Decide Between Buying and Leasing a Car
Every car shopper has asked themselves this question at one point or another: Should I buy a car or lease it? The good news is there’s no right or wrong answer. The decision depends entirely on your situation. Read on for more leasing vs. buy analysis.
Should You Loan or Lease?
Benefits of Buying
Buying is an excellent option if you want to own the vehicle at the end of your loan. Studies have shown that most U.S. car owners keep their vehicles for a little over 79 months (around 6.5 years). If you buy, you’ll have a financial asset at the end of your term. You can continue to drive your car for years, trade it in toward the purchase of another vehicle, or sell to a third party.
One of the trade-offs of buying a vehicle is the overall cost. Typically, you’ll need a down payment to start with, and monthly payments could be higher over the years. There’s also a good chance that you’ll be responsible for covering the basic maintenance and repair costs from day one.
Once your loan is finished, you’ll be able to use the extra money for household expenses or stash it away to cover maintenance and repairs in the future.
Benefits of Leasing
When you agree to lease a car, you’ll be responsible for lower monthly payments, repairs, and basic maintenance costs for the life of your lease. If you’re a person who enjoys driving a new car every 2-3 years, a lease is a great option. At Union County Kia, we offer three lease end options that make it easy to get into another brand-new vehicle or to own the one you’ve been leasing.
Leases do have mileage and customization restrictions — two things that a car loan agreement does not have. So, if you drive a lot for work or you love to take road trips, a lease might not be the best option.
Explore Your Leasing and Loan Options in Monroe, NC
At Union County Kia, we understand that everyone has different needs and lifestyles. Visit our finance department today to explore your leasing and buying options. Check out our payment calculator to see the monthly difference between buying and leasing.
Driving With Your Pet: 4 Tips for the Car Ride
Whether you bring your dog to the park to play ball or across North Carolina to visit family, you want your pet to travel safely and comfortably inside your car. Follow these tips for driving with your best friend in the backseat.
How to Drive With a Pet in the Car
Ensure Safe Travels
No matter how long or short the drive, you need to make sure your pet will be safe. Let smaller pets travel in a well-ventilated crate that is properly secured to a seat or on the floor of the cabin. It can be dangerous and distracting for animals to wander loose around the vehicle.
For larger animals, fold the back seats down or get rid of clutter to free up available space for your pet to comfortably lie down.
It’s also important that you don’t let your pet hang their head out the window. If you do, you run the risk of your pet jumping out and getting injured. If you stop along the journey, never leave your pet unattended in the parked car, especially in extreme temperatures.
Pack Essentials
Just as you would pack your travel necessities, it’s important to pack everything your pet could need for a car ride. Store a backpack with treats, food, and water along with any toys to keep them occupied during longer journeys. Make sure you pack a sturdy leash and collar for your pet, so they are safe when getting out of the car. And don’t forget the waste bags in case your pet has to go to the bathroom.
Prepare Your Pet
If your pet has never been in the car or on a long car ride before, you can prepare them prior to the journey by getting them used to shorter trips. Visit the local park or ride around the neighborhood to see how your pet adjusts to being in the car. When you’re ready to depart, make sure your pet has gone to the bathroom, and don’t feed them in case the ride upsets their stomach.
Plan for Emergencies
Whether you’re traveling near or far, it’s always a good idea to keep a first aid kit for your pet in the car that includes tweezers, gauze, sterilizing agents, and a towel. If you’re planning a longer trip, research the veterinary hospitals along your route in case of an emergency.
Find Your Pet-Friendly Car in Monroe, NC
Take your pet for an adventure in a new or pre-owned vehicle from Union County Kia, your Kia dealership in Monroe, NC. Visit our showroom on W Highway 74 or contact us to learn more.
The 2019 Kia Soul was designed for an exciting driving experience, offering unique features inside and out. With room for family and friends to come along for the adventure, everyone can discover what the new Kia Soul is all about.
2019 Kia Soul: Engineered to Excite the Senses
Energetic Performance
The Soul delivers quick maneuverability to anyone who gets behind the wheel. It’s all about smooth handling, quick shifting, and sporty performance.
For extra oomph, there’s the Soul! (Exclaim) trim. This upgraded model comes with a turbocharged powertrain: a 1.6L DOHC engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that puts out 201 horsepower for those who want it.
Tailored Cabin
It’s easy to relax in the 2019 Soul with available heated and ventilated front seats and soft-touch materials across two rows of seating. Up to 5 passengers can climb aboard and be greeted by the comforts of home with USB power outlets for easy smartphone charging and impressive sound quality from the available Harman Kardon® premium sound system. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integrations allow you to make phone calls, send text messages, and more without taking your eyes off of the road ahead.
Feel even more confident behind the wheel when you back up into a tight parking spot or reverse out of your driveway with the standard Rear-Camera Display.
Kia Drive Wise
Equip your new Soul with available Kia Drive Wise driver-assistance technology to feel even more protected as you cruise the open road. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and the Frontal Collision Warning System (FCWS) help to prevent frontal accidents from occuring. The Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) senses when your vehicle begins to drift outside of a lane, while Smart Cruise Control (SCC) helps your vehicle keep a safe distance from the car ahead.
Find the 2019 Kia Soul For Sale in Monroe, NC
If you’re searching for cars for sale in Monroe, North Carolina, stop by Union County Kia to find exactly what you’re looking for — whether it be the unique 2019 Kia Soul or another vehicle from our vast inventory of quality cars. Call ahead to schedule a test drive or learn more about our selection of vehicles.
The 2018 Kia Niro recently received the highest safety rating, Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
When equipped with the available Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), the Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEB), and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, the 2018 Kia Niro earned “Good” ratings in all six IIHS crashworthiness tests, including the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, roof strength, and head restraint tests.
2018 Niro Safety Rating Sets the Bar High for Kia
To qualify for the TSP+ rating, the Niro had to earn “Good” ratings in all six crashworthiness tests, an “Advanced” or “Superior” score for front crash prevention, and a “Good” score in headlight capabilities.
Kia representatives said they were both humbled and motivated by the IIHS award. William Freels, President of Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI), expressed that the TSP+ rating confirms their efforts to design and manufacture vehicles that meet or exceed the industry’s highest safety standards.
The available safety features that helped the 2018 Niro earn the IIHS TSP+ rating are designed to keep families safe during every drive, whether they’re carpooling to soccer practice or traveling across the country. The Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), for example, detects when the vehicle approaches another vehicle or a hazardous object on the route ahead, and helps the driver avoid a potential collision with audible and visual alerts.
Kia has packed the Niro with other available safety systems, including Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Park Assist System (PAS), and more.
Find Your 2018 Kia Niro in Monroe, NC
If you’re searching for new Kia cars for sale in Monroe, NC, look no further than Union County Kia. Check out the new Kia Niro today and take it for a test drive. Contact us or visit our showroom in Monroe for more information about the 2018 Kia Niro.
Meet the 2019 Kia Sorento – Your New Family Vehicle
No matter where you’ve been or where you’re headed, you can load into the 2019 Kia Sorento without a second thought. And you’re not the only one. This 3-row SUV can carry up to six passengers with you.
Keep reading to see why the Sorento is ideal for any active family in Monroe, North Carolina.
Get to Know the 2019 Kia Sorento
Kid-Friendly Design
When you have kids, it’s almost inevitable that crumbs, spills, and dirt will end up inside the family vehicle. That’s why the new Kia Sorento has available YES Essentials® fabric, which resists moisture, odor, stains, and static to keep it looking good as new.
Families will also love the Sorento’s flexible seating and cargo options. When both back rows are down, the Sorento provides up to 73 cu. ft. of cargo space to hold just about anything you might need it to — from sports equipment to lake essentials. And for passengers, the third row comes with its own available air conditioning to make sure everybody feels comfortable.
Perks for Mom and Dad
You’re sure to enjoy the available 14-way power-adjustable front driver’s seat, with a maximum 44.1” of leg room for spacious accommodations. An available wireless charger makes it easy to refuel devices while out and about. Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ allow safe, hands-free calling, texting, and more.
The 2019 Kia Sorento also comes standard with a rearview camera for smooth backing up and a touchscreen display to assist with music selection and navigation. And for all the music lovers in the car, you can opt for the available Harman/Kardon® 10-Speaker Surround Sound Audio System with the Clari-Fi™ External Amplifier and Subwoofer, for clarity that feels like it’s live.
Fun Features for the Adventure Seekers
The new Sorento boasts available Dynamax™ All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) for almost any condition — from sunny North Carolina afternoons to rainstorms, snow, and more. And thanks to an available panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, you can bring a bit of the outside in with every drive.
Get the 2019 Kia Sorento Today in Monroe, NC
Is there an open spot in your driveway that’s just waiting to be filled? Come to Union County Kia. Check out the Sorento’s six trims in our lineup of new Kia cars for sale in Monroe, North Carolina today. Once your family piles in, they’re sure to fall in love.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
Categories
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.