Love letter to that certain special Kia

To my Kia,

 This Valentine’s Day, I want you to know how much I appreciate you.

You let me be myself without passing judgments

You never leave me in the dark about things.

 

You help me see things from a new perspective.

 

You’re there for me during stressful times.

 

 

…And help me protect what’s really important.

 

I can’t wait to see where this relationship goes.

Love,

Me

Now what? 5 things to do right after a fender-bender

Nobody ever wants or expects them, but car accidents happen every day.  If you suddenly find yourself involved in a fender-bender, the stress of the situation can jumble your thoughts, making you more likely to forget some important steps.  Here are a few things to keep in mind right after a car accident.

 

-Make sure everyone is okay before you exchange contact and insurance information with the other motorist involved.

 

-Report the incident to your insurance company, even if you are at fault.

 

-Take pictures.  Not only will this proof help when sorting things out withan insurance company, but it could serve as useful if there happens to be a dispute about the situation.  Taking notes is a good idea, too.

 

-Be careful who you talk to.  If you are contacted by the other motorist’s insurance company, it is best to direct them to your insurance company instead of speaking for yourself.  Sensitive situations like car accidents are best left to professionals!

 

-If there is a dispute with your insurance company, get an attorney.

Don't become a statistic. Here are three easy ways to avoid distractions behind the wheel.

REALITY CHECK: 

You are 23 times more likely to be in a car accident if you are driving distracted.

 

Consider what you're really putting at risk when your eyes leave the road.

-Put the cell phone down. 

Turn it off if the sound of a text alert or call will tempt you to check it.  This seems like an obvious one, but according to the Official US Government Website for Distracted Driving, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving at ANY given daylight moment in America.

-Don’t eat or drink while driving.   

It’s tempting to swing by a drive-thru and hop back on the road to make good time on your trip.  But think about the risks involved--fiddling with wrappers, finding condiment packages, and dealing with the mess made are all distractions that take your eyes off the road.  Think about whether shaving that extra hour off your trip is worth cutting your life or the lives of others short.

-Clean up & fuel up.

Make sure your windshield is clean, oil changed, and vehicle generally maintained BEFORE you start your travels!  Seeing your check engine light switch on or struggling with low visibility due to windshield grime is an avoidable distraction--so avoid it.  Visit us online to schedule an appointment today to make sure everything is running tip-top.

Don't get down if you already broke your New Year's resolution. Start over with these!

Don't worry... your secret is safe with us!  But even for a highly skilled procrastinator like you, it's not too late to tackle 2014 with some positive goals.  Commit yourself to keeping at least three of these resolutions with your car for 2014.  You won't regret it-- not to mention the fact that you'll have a safer and happier year! 

IN 2014, I PROMISE TO...

-Make sure the gas cap is secure and tight. A loose gas cap can trigger the “Check Engine” or “service Engine Soon” light.
-Get regular oil changes.  It sounds simple because it is!  Plus, it's the best way to ensure the longevity of the engine.
-Keep the interior of my car clean.  It’s as simple as remembering to pick up after yourself.  Cleaning up a year’s worth of mess out of your car is a daunting task—make it a daily thing.  If you take out of the car what you brought in that day, it’s easy to maintain!
-Ensure my tires are properly inflated. When maintained on a regular basis, properly inflated tires improve gas mileage by more than 3 percent. 
-Test my battery every autumn. If your car’s battery is three years old or more, consider replacing it.  The chance of failure increases the longer you go without replacing it.
-Replace my windshield wipers every 6 months or 6,000 miles. 
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles, the brakes, spark plugs, and coolant will be check to ensure they are operating properly.


Which of these resolutions will you keep with your car?  Be sure to weigh in on our Twitter page and tell why you chose what you did.

How long have you been putting off that car wash? Here’s how to make slacking look good.

If “Wash Me” is a phrase you find frequently scribbled across your Kia, maybe it’s time to change a few things.  Wait, before you put it off until next week-- hear us out!  Taking these small steps every now and then will get everyone off your back.

-Keep a trash bag in your car.  Don’t get us wrong, the garbage collection growing in your back seat is impressive…keeping all of it in a bag just works better if you have passengers.

-Knock your feet together before getting in.  If you’re tidy and you know it, stomp your feet! It’ll eliminate loose dirt and gravel before it even starts.

-Don’t allow eating or smoking in your car.  Leftover wrappers add unnecessary mess—not to mention the lingering smell, so squash the problem before it starts.  Keep in mind that it’s important to lead by example on this one!

Remember that you can schedule your next service appointment with us online!

Get into the spirit of giving... and get back!

It's that time of year again!   As in previous years, we are participating in the Toys for Tots drive to benefit the children of Hickory.  But this time around, you GET something for GIVING something!

Stop into our dealership (or any Paramount Hickory location) now through December 20th with a new, unwrapped toy to donate!  This year, when you help out the cause, we'll show our appreciation and knock 5% off ANY servicing need!

Now more than ever, the spirit of giving really does pay back.  Bring in your donations today!

Be sure to visit us online for all your automotive needs.

Daylight Savings Time is just about over! What should YOU be expecting out on the road?

 

It's that time of year again!  Daylight Savings Time will be over on November 3^rd—but it means more than just an extra hour of sleep on Sunday.   The imminent chill of winter also means a change in our daily routines.

 

After we "fall back" one hour, many of us will be spending a good portion of our daily commute in poor lighting.  Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, the darkness that settles in the winter air can be dangerous if you're not prepared.   Keep these things in mind the next time you're out and about! 

 

-Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid using your cell phone. While you’re zeroed in on the latest Instagram post, someone could be approaching you from behind.

-Avoid areas known to be dangerous. Whether you’re a lifer or a new resident, it’s important to memorize which areas of town have bad raps. Steer clear of the rough spots especially at night and when you’re alone.

-Be proactive about reaching your destination! Get directions before you leave your house so you don’t have to bother with the distraction of shuffling papers while you’re en route.

-If you get that creepy feeling that you're being followed, head towards a well-lit public place immediately. Muggers are less likely to attack when in highly-populated places because they are more likely to be identified.

Keeping these things in mind will not only make for a less stressful stroll through the city, it'll ensure you arrive at your destination safely.  Speaking of safe travels, have our techs take a look at your Kia  to make sure it's in perfect condition before hitting the road!