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Video guide to defogging your Kia vehicle We all know the struggle of vehicle windows fogging up when the inside temperature of the vehicle does not match the outside temperature. It is not only frustrating to have your vision obscured by a white film but dangerous since the glare on the fog or the thickness of the fog can prevent a driver from seeing through their vehicle’s windshield. Thankfully, your Kia vehicle can help you deal with unruly fog. Watch the video guide of how to use the auto defogger in your Kia vehicle to learn how. more Click here to schedule a test drive Kia Auto Defogging System (ADS) video by Kia Features and Functions Videos Click here to schedule maintenance

Driving Range in a Kia Vehicle with Low Fuel Warning Are you interested in discovering how far you can drive your Kia vehicle while the Low Fuel Warning Light is on? If so, then you have come to the right place! Our staff here at Concord Kia is very knowledgeable on the warning lights inside Kia vehicles and can help you to discover just how far you can travel after the Low Fuel Warning Light turns on. We recommend that you stop to fill your tank as soon as the light shows up, but we also know that the nearest gas station may be a little further away. Now, let’s find out just how far you can travel in your Kia vehicle with the Low Fuel Warning Light on together! more Low Fuel Indicator Warning Light in a Kia Vehicle In order to understand how far you can drive with the Low Fuel Warning Light on, you should first understand how your Kia vehicle knows the fuel level is low. The fuel tank inside your Kia vehicle features a small ball-like sensor that floats in the gasoline in your tank. As the gasoline is used up by your vehicle, the level decreases along with the sensor. At a certain point, the gasoline level will drop low enough that the ball with touch the bottom of the tank and no longer float. This will then activate the Low Fuel Warning Light. Low Fuel Driving Range in a Kia Vehicle To discover just how far your Kia vehicle can travel when the Low Fuel Warning Light is active, we will need to do a little simple math. It is estimated that when the ball sensor reaches the bottom of the fuel tank, there are about 1.5 gallons of gasoline left in the tank. To discover how far you can travel you will need to multiply the 1.5 gallons by your Kia vehicle’s EPA estimated average fuel economy. For example, the 2019 Kia Stinger features an average fuel economy of 26 mpg. When we multiply this by 1.5, we discover that the 2019 Kia Stinger can travel about 39 miles after the Low Fuel Warning Light comes on. As a general rule, most Kia vehicles should be able to travel at least 20-30 miles after the Low Fuel Warning Light comes on. More: What Do Your Kia Vehicle’s Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?

The most important part of any vehicle is its safety. Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, you should make sure the vehicle you’re in is as safe as possible. Driving is inherently dangerous, but modern technologies have made it safer than ever before. Automotive safety features can be active or passive. These features are vital to providing a safe ride, but how do they differ? Keep reading to learn more. more You might also be interested in: Conventional oil vs. synthetic oil What is an active safety feature? Safety inclusions that are designed to prevent collisions and accidents altogether are considered to be active. Kia active safety features include blind spot monitoring, automatic braking, lane-keep assist, electronic stability control, and any other warning systems. When combined with attentive driving, these features help to avoid accidents and keep everyone in and out of your Kia safe. You might also like: New features on the 2019 Kia Optima What is a passive safety feature? While active features are put in place to stop accidents from happening, they aren’t ever going to be 100 percent effective. In the event that a collision does happen, passive safety features are intended to limit the damage. Sometimes, car accidents are just unavoidable. When that’s the case, you want to know that your car has the right technology to keep you as safe as possible. Passive Kia safety features include advanced airbags, front and rear crumple zones, and seatbelt pretensioners. In the worst-case scenario of your Kia being involved in an accident, these features will be there to provide protection to you and your family. Come down to Concord Kia to learn more about safety features and what comes available on our newest models. We hope to see you soon! Contact us

If you have spent any time around an auto parts store, you have likely seen conventional and synthetic motor oil. What’s the difference? Is one better than the other? A big part of being a car owner is maintenance. And one of the main ways to do that is by getting your oil changed regularly. Your mechanic might recommend synthetic oil, so let’s discuss what makes these oil types different. more You might also be interested in: How often should my Kia have a tire rotation? Is synthetic oil better than conventional oil? The only real advantage of using conventional motor oil is that it is almost always less expensive. Other than that, synthetic oil is better in just about every way. For starters, synthetic oil keeps your engine cleaner. Conventional oil is much more prone to form engine sludge, which subsequently can hurt your engine’s efficiency and eventually it can kill your engine. Synthetic oil is partly man-made. It might be counterintuitive to think something less natural is better for your engine, but in this case, it’s true. Synthetic oil is refined and distilled. This also means that it flows better in the cold and can withstand the heat more. We told you, in almost every way, synthetic oil is better. We strongly recommend anyone with more than 100,000 miles on their vehicle to use synthetic, high mileage oil. You might also like: How to improve your fuel economy Get your oil changed at Concord Kia Come talk to our service technicians to learn more about what oil is right for your Kia. Regardless of the oil you use, you’re going to need to have it changed sooner or later. Let us help with that! Schedule your next oil change appointment with us and we will deliver with honest work and get you back on the roads in no time! Schedule an appointment online

The ability to rent a car is a great convenience. If you’re going on vacation, having an easy way to get around is pretty important. Sure, you could call a cab or an Uber, but wouldn’t it be easier if you just had a temporary vehicle of your own? Enter the rental car business. While renting a car is a great option, it can be expensive if you don’t know a few tricks. Check out some helpful tips below. more You might also be interested in: Odd driving laws in California 3 ways you can save money when renting a car Avoid renting at the airport When your plane lands, it can be very tempting to go right to the Hertz desk at the airport and get a car to take to your hotel. This added convenience is used to justify higher rates. Airport-based rental agencies often charge up to 20 or 30 percent more for the same services. If you can find your way to a different dealer away from the airport, you will save yourself some cash. View our inventory Search for discounts A quick Google search will give you access to dozens of rental car coupons. You’re bound to find some that apply to you, but even if you don’t, you can ask the rental car agent about what discounts they may be offering. Salespeople love to hand out discount offers because they know that they might entice you to return for future business. Go for simple vehicles If you’re only going to keep your rental car for a week or two, why waste money on something fancy? It’s okay to treat yourself once in a while, but if you’re looking to save money, it’s wise to go with an economical vehicle. Get something that is good on gas, compact, and doesn’t necessarily have all of the glitz and glamour that other options have. Contact us

The winter months can be harsh for everyone, even for those in Northern California. Even if your hometown doesn’t get pummeled with winter weather, you may go on a road trip to see family where the snow has hit a little harder. In any event, check out our tips for what to pack in your vehicle in case of emergency in the wintertime. more You might also be interested in: How to improve your fuel economy Things to keep in your car during the winter When the temperatures dip, you want to make sure you’re prepared for anything. If your car were to break down on a desolate road in the middle of the night with sub-freezing temperatures, you’re going to want to have supplies. Sound dramatic? Good, it is. Blankets and warmth In the dire situation of being stranded for an extended period of time, you will want to keep warm. Always keep a few spare blankets in your trunk. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep and hand and foot warmers packed too as they provide instant heat. Schedule a service appointment so you don’t break down Sustenance Basic nonperishables like canned soup, crackers, and granola bars should also be packed up in your trunk. Keep bottled water around too. In the worst-case scenario, you can at least ensure that you and your family have the nutrients to get by. Emergency supplies Essential emergency supplies include a first aid kit, radio, jumper cables, extra batteries, and a phone charger are also things you should keep in your car at all times. These items can find help and end your bad situation sooner than expected. These are pretty intuitive tips, but they are hugely important. Stay safe out on the roads! Contact us

One should always be prepared for the worst. Even though the nightmare scenario of being stranded is not very likely, if it does happen and you aren’t prepared for it, it can be a life-threatening situation. If you do get stranded and you have the right supplies, you can make the best out of a bad situation. Check out what you should pack in an emergency roadside kit below. more You might also like: How to improve your fuel economy What should I pack in my car in case of emergency? Blankets and extra clothing Getting stranded in your car overnight can be a chilly experience no matter where you are, especially in the winter months. If you have to wait for help to arrive, you’re going to want to keep warm. Throw some old sweaters and blankets in your trunk and you will be happy you have them. Also read: California’s distracted driving laws First-aid supplies Being prepared means having items that will benefit you in any situation. Even if you don’t get stranded, accidents can happen, and you will want bandages and gauze to clean up and maintain the mess. A simple first-aid kit with adhesive bandages, rubbing alcohol, medical tape, and other rudimentary medical supplies should be in your vehicle at all times. Sustenance Keep bottled water, granola bars, and other non-perishables packed somewhere in your trunk or hatchback. If you were to get stranded for an extended amount of time away from civilization, you would eventually need to eat and drink. This is a highly unlikely scenario, but it’s better to be safe than starving. Other important items to think about keeping in your car include road flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a simple toolkit. Stay safe out on the roads! Contact us

Purchasing a fuel-efficient Kia model is the right step towards ensuring you won’t be paying an arm and a leg each time you stop for gas. However, you might be surprised to know some common driving habits are causing you to use more fuel than necessary. We discuss 5 habits that you can adopt that could help contribute in lowering your fuel costs below. more 5 Habits That Contribute to Lower Fuel Costs Keep an Even Speed Maintaining consistent speeds whenever possible will help your car to work less hard and use less fuel. Try using your cruise control when you’re on a long stretch of highway and come to a stop or accelerate using slow even pressure on your pedals rather than quick jarring slams. Avoid Long Idling Unless you live in a state with bitterly cold winter temps, your car doesn’t need to warm up. Even in winter when idling may be necessary, it only needs a minute or two. The more you can avoid idling, the less gas you waste. Turn your car off whenever possible while waiting to leave or waiting for a passenger to run into the store. Maintain Your Tires Keeping your tires properly inflated can contribute to lower fuel costs. When your tires are underinflated, your car needs to work harder to move you forward, which results in more fuel usage. Be careful to only fill your tires to the recommended PSI because too much air in your tires can cause some performance issues and excess wear. Remove Excess Weight A lot of people carry so many items around in their car ‘just in case’. The problem is, when you add up all of these items, it’s a lot of excess weight for your car to carry. To improve your fuel economy, keep only the necessary items like a spare tire and roadside emergency kit. Follow Your Service Schedule Keeping on top of your vehicle’s suggested service schedule can also have a positive effect on fuel usage. Dirty oil, low fluids, and worn parts can all cause your vehicle to not perform at its best which effects all systems including fuel economy. If you are unsure of when your vehicle is due for its next service, check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines or stop by your local Kia service center.

Distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents over the past few years. It's become so much of a problem, lawmakers have been passing legislation to stop drivers from using their smartphone or handheld device while driving. While you know you probably should avoid using these devices while driving, can you actually get a ticket for being seen on your phone in your car in California? Keep reading to find out! more View Our Inventory of New Kia Models Featuring Hands-Free Technology! Is It Illegal To Text and Drive in California? With the passage of Assembly Bill 175, drivers are no longer allowed to use their smartphone for any reason while driving. The law focuses on drivers physically holding their phone to send text messages, search social media, or any other activity that would take the driver's eyes away from the road. If you're driving a car in California and you're holding a smartphone, you're breaking the law. What Happens If I'm Caught Using My Phone While Driving? Drivers caught using a smartphone or device while driving are subject to a fine. The first offense will carry a $20 penalty, while the price of subsequent offenses will jump to $50. Distracted driving, however, is a "zero-point offense" in California. What If I Need My Phone While Driving? While handling or using a phone while driving is no longer allowed in California, you can still access your phone's features. Under the new law, drivers can use their smartphone or electronic device if they utilize their device's "hands-free" functions, and the phone is mounted to the dashboard or windshield. Hands-free functions are usually controlled by voice prompts. Drivers are, however, allowed touch or swipe their smartphone once to activate or deactivate a feature, assuming the phone is safely and properly-mounted. Go Hands-Free With Kia! At Concord Kia of Concord, CA, we have an impressive inventory of Kia models featuring Bluetooth connectivity. Many of Kia's touchscreen infotainment systems are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so you'll have hands-free access to your music, your messages, your maps, and more! Do you still have questions? Stop down to Concord Kia to talk to our knowledgeable team. We’ll help find the Kia with the perfect features for you! Concord Kia is a new and used Kia dealership located a 2199 Meridian Park Boulevard of Concord, CA and all other surrounding cities and areas. For more information about our inventory, please call us at (844) 362-0289 or come see us in person to test drive a model today. Keep checking our blog for more news and information!