The perfect summer road trip requires more than just junk in the trunk.

If you’re getting ready to roll into your first summer road trip, the only thing on your mind is all the fun ahead of you.  Swimsuit, sunblock, and phone charger packed?  Check.  Sunglasses?  Yep.  What about the inflatable beach ball you forgot last year?  Done.  You even remembered extra towels–you’re good!   You understand how important it is to plan ahead.

But what’s rattling around behind you is just as important, maybe even more so.   We’re sure you’ve heard the common phrase, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.”  It applies to packing for your summer road trip too!  Tackle any problem that might pop up while you’re on the road by making sure you’ve got these essential items stowed in your trunk:

Tire-Changing Equipment (sounds obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many people forget)!

Jumper Cables

Road Atlas (Because phones die and there’s not service everywhere.  Yes, we’re serious).

Gas cans (Fill ‘em up before you hit the road)

First Aid Kit

Camera (It’s a good idea to keep a cheap disposable in your trunk at all times, not just for capturing memories, but to use for documentation in case of a car accident).

If you’re more of a SOUL sister than a minivan mama, read this...

If you’re a “cool mom” that’s also budget-conscious, you probably have a hard time finding the right vehicle to suit all your needs.  You’ll need plenty of cargo space to haul road trip luggage and sports equipment, but you don’t want a double-wide wagon.  You refuse to pay the price that comes along with a gas-guzzling SUV, but you want your style to stay current.  And, to complicate it even further?  You aren’t rocking the minivan look– but you won’t compromise when it comes to safety.  Times are tough!

Luckily, the 2014 Kia Soul eats tough times for breakfast.  And it knows the importance of eating a well-balanced breakfast every day.  That’s why it’s the perfect blend of style, safety, and sass to fit right in with your busy–and cool– life.  Come see us to take one for a spin today!

Designed to Fit You - Kia Optima

The Kia Optima is optimized for the road and designed to fit you. Why shouldn’t a midsize sedan thrill? With a fusion of bold style, grin-inducing performance, and advanced technology, the Optima truly challenges midsize sedan conventions.

Here’s how to stop an accident before you even get in the car

-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.

Want to know how NOT to get pulled over? Here are the secrets.

1. Have situational awareness.  If traffic begins to slow, don't take it as your cue to weave in and out of lanes like a speed demon.  Chances are, there's a good reason it's coming to a halt.

2. Big Brother is everywhere, and he's waiting for you to slip up.  When you hit the road, do so with the knowledge that you are being watched.  From speed traps to red light cameras to that police car parked at the bottom of the hill, all eyes are on you.  Drive accordingly.

3. Leave the glitz and glamor to the movie stars.  Try not to call any extra attention to yourself.  A bright red Ferrari with a vanity plate and a bunch of bumper stickers is far more likely to get caught speeding than the understated beige minivan next to it.  

 

 

 

IF YOU DO GET PULLED OVER...

The best chance you have at not getting a ticket is to be polite.  Getting pulled over is a stressful event, but it's important not to panic.  As soon as panic sets in, people incriminate themselves inadvertently by volunteering information or becoming argumentative. Remember: police officers mean it when they tell you anything you say can and will be used against you in court!

Don't try to pretend you aren't guilty of at least one of these! (Especially #5!)

Nobody's perfect, right?  We all make mistakes, but sometimes those little imperfections can become downright embarrassing!  Here's a list of uh-ohs that have probably happened to all of us at some point.

#1. Leaving your turn signal on. We're talkin' miles after you've made that turn.

#2. Cutting someone off in traffic by accident.  No matter how apologetic your courtesy wave, it will not help you here.

#3. Not realizing the light has turned green!  Don't worry, though. The collective roar of cursing drivers and screaming car horns should rouse you from that daydream pretty quickly.

#4. Messing up while parallel parking.  Repeatedly.  You swear, you do it perfectly every time when there's nobody else in the car!

#5. Getting caught singing, dancing, digging for gold... Avoid the shame and keep these, er, personal habits at home.




How many of these cringe-worthy driving faux pas are YOU guilty of?  Join the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook pages!

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