Fighting Fanconi Anemia alongside Kidz1stFund!

All football season long we are raising awareness, and money for Kidz1stFund!


"Jimbo and Candi Fisher have worked closely with several children's charities in the past, but when they were told that their son Ethan had a rare blood disease called Fanconi anemia, their lives immediately changed. They wanted to know everything they could about the disease, but soon found that there wasn't much information available. That's when they knew they had to do something that would not only help their son, but also help the many others affected by Fanconi anemia." (Kidz1stFund)


Kidz1stFund was created to raise awareness and funds in support of research to fight Fanconi anemia, a rare but serious blood disease that affects thousands of children each year. New treatments are being developed, and breakthroughs are on the horizon, but defeating this illness will require the help of generous souls from every walk of life.


Want to know how you can help?


At each Friday Night Block Party, and outside of Doak S. Campbell Stadium for home football games, we will be there collecting donations that go straight to Kidz1stFund! Each donation that we receive we match!


Another way you can help is by joining the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry!


"Virtually every person with FA will require a bone marrow transplant, but sadly some may not find a suitable donor. To remedy this unfortunate situation, join the National Marrow Donor Registry to determine if you are a match for any of the thousands of people whose lives depend on a bone marrow transplant. Visit Be The Match at www.marrow.org to find out how you can help." (Kidz1stFund)

Join us in the fight against Fanconi Anemia and say "I FIGHT FANCONI!"

Cram the Van!

School is just around the corner! This month we are teaming up with The Early Coalition of the Big Bend Region  for Cram the Van! We are asking everyone to stop by and donate school supplies, and children's books! Five items will earn you a $25 dollar off your next service.

 

The Early Learning Coalition is responsible for the administration of School Readiness, and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs. The ELC serves Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla county. "The Board and staff have strived to provide a holistic service delivery system that is responsive to needs of families and communities while maintaining effective and efficient business practices supporting the following primary goals: Children are ready for success when they enter school; and Families have access to the quality child care services and assistance they need." (The Early Coalition of the Big Bend Region)

 

 Join us in helping the ELC make sure every child has the necessary tools, and supplies to prepare them for success in school!

Back to School Tips

Summer has flown by, and the school year is sneaking up on all of us. Don't be caught off guard on the first day of school, instead, ensure that both you and your children will be prepared for the start of another hectic year by following these simple tips.

School year schedule

Summer nights are for staying up till midnight and waking up at lunch, but the summer has come to an end and the school bell will soon be ringing at 7:30 sharp! So instead of giving your children a rude awakening on August 19th, ease them gradually back into a school year routine. During the last two weeks of summer, re-introduce a school year bedtime. Begin waking late sleepers earlier and earlier, closer to the hour they'll need to rise when school begins.

Create calendar central

The school year has it's own way of drowning you in activities before you know what's happening. School functions. Scout meetings. Ballet lessons. Nothing calms the chaos like Calendar Central: a centralized site for all family calendars and schedules. Color code everyone's activities and don't forget to keep track! Post the calender in a place where everyone will see it (on the fridge, near the phone, etc.) When your hair stylist calls to schedule an appointment or Susie's mom wants to arrange a play date, you'll know at a glance whether you're free that day.

Plan before you shop

August is the second-biggest sales month for clothing retailers. Back to school clothing sales begin as early as July! Don't wait till the week before school to do your shopping or you may find yourself fighting another mom for the last pencil pouch. An informed shopper is a savvy shopper, so prepare before you shop. Take an afternoon and assess each child's clothing and school supply needs so you don't get caught buying unnecessary items.

Also, remember, Florida's tax free weekend is August 2nd-4th!

Gather your papers

School entry may require documentation from immunization records to report cards from the previous school year. Athletes need proof of medical examination. A little preparation can prevent frantic last-minute searches for a birth certificate or registration confirmation.

Call your child's school or check the school district Web site beforehand to find out what paperwork will be required--then find it! You won't be sorry come registration day..

Make a practice run

How will children get to school? The first day of school is no time to find out it takes twice as long as you thought to walk to the nearest bus stop! Before school begins, make a practice run to get children to the school on time (and don't forget to account for early morning traffic)! If they're walking to a bus stop, help them learn the route and note the needed time. Also post your children's bus schedule on your bulletin board or refrigerator to prevent the chaos of a missed bus. 

Improve the daily routine

The school year will have your head spinning before you know it, so don't be caught off guard! Sports practice, music lessons, youth group, doctors appointments, and other various commitments may leave you spending less time in your house than you thought. Get organized and don't get left behind in the school year shuffle!

Cut time in the kitchen: create a menu plan and never again wonder "What's for dinner?"
Streamline dinner preparations. Try a session of freezer cooking to stock the freezer with prepared entrees for stress-free dinner on sports night.
Conquer the paper pile-up. Set up a basic home filing system to track school paperwork, volunteer activities and household planning

Summer Storms and Staying Safe

The rain doesn't ever seem to go away during the summer and although it's usually only a light drizzle, big summer storms can cause floods, damage, power outages, and more. You can't avoid the rain, but you can take the necessary precautions to make sure you and your family stay safe! Don't let the storms ruin your summer.

Hazards present during and after a summer storm:

• Lightning associated with thunderstorms generates a variety of fire hazards. The power of lightning's electrical charge and intense heat can electrocute on contact, splitting trees and causing fires.
• Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged so never swim during a storm, and use all household appliances with caution. 
• Appliances that have been exposed to water can short and become a fire hazard.
• Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
• Be aware of and avoid downed utility lines. Report downed or damaged power lines to the utility company or emergency services.
• Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.
• Before storms hit, unplug electrical appliances such as TVs, VCRs, microwave ovens, stereos and computers. Disconnect cables to your TV antenna, satellite dish or cable service. 
• If anyone in your household suffers an electric shock, call 911 or your local emergency medical service immediately. Even minor shocks can cause life-threatening conditions hours later, so it is important to seek medical attention. 
• If someone in your home depends on life-support equipment, move the individual to a safe facility to avoid the risk of an extended power outage. You also should have a back-up plan, such as a portable oxygen supply. Health care equipment suppliers can suggest preparations for such emergencies. 
• During the storm, stay away from windows, where flying debris can cause injury. Do not use the phone or run water during lightning storms. Do not stand in water. 
• Always use a flashlight - not a candle - for emergency lighting.

If a power outage is likely to last longer than a few hours, then those customers affected by the outage should follow these additional tips:

• Turn off your range, toaster oven, iron or other item that could cause a fire if you aren't home when the power comes back on. 
• Turn off your air conditioner and water heater to prevent system overloads when power is restored. These two appliances are big users of electricity, especially after they have been off for a while. Turn them on about 30 minutes after power has been restored.

Driving in the rain:

• Slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
• Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
• Maintain proper following distance.
• Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.
• Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. 
• Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake lights in front of you.
• Avoid using your brakes; if possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.
• Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. 
• Avoid off-road driving: it's hard to judge the actual depth of puddles and you can easily become stuck, even in an SUV.
• Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. At night rainy roads become especially treacherous. In rainy conditions pedestrians, livestock, and wildlife are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid.
• Never drive through moving water if you can't see the ground through it; your car could be swept off the road.
• When driving through a puddle of uncertain depth, go slow. If it's deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around and find another route. Deep water can cause serious damage to a modern car's electrical system.
• If possible, stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms. Large flashes of lightning can temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the accompanying high winds and heavy rain can create deadly driving conditions.

Fun things to do during a storm:

•  Learn to crochet or knit or cross-stitch.
• Paint something.
• Draw something.
•  Sculpt something.
•  Build a model ship, airplane, or rocket.
• Create and organize new photo albums.
• Create a scrapbook.
•  Hang some photographs on your walls.
• Take up sewing or craft a new sewing project.
•  Find some old white clothes and give them a tie-dye face lift.
• Write a song.
• Play an instrument
• Begin writing a novel
• Play a board game
• Read a book or magazine
• Put together a jigsaw puzzle
•  Play cards
• Do a crossword puzzle
• Play 20 Questions
• Play I Spy

The Pyramid Mission

Pyramids Mission
We exist to meet the needs of people
who are developmentally disabled.
We care about the people we serve, our employees, and each other.
We provide uncompromised service.
We believe in what we do.
We make a difference.

Pyramid is an organization located in Tallahassee that is dedicated to enriching the lives of those with severe disabilities. They use art to build excitement and meaning into their disabled student's lives. According to the International Art Therapy Organization, “art therapy encourages self-expression, self-discovery and emotional growth.”  That is exactly what Pyramid is doing; their program fosters an opportunity for students to feel a part of the Tallahassee community.

The  activities in the art program range depending on the students ability and preference. The program offers a variety of involvement from painting to the performing arts. Pyramids' musical group The Pyramid Players perform in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The beautiful artwork created by the students can be seen across the state of Florida and even across state lines.  One is able to purchase paintings, jewelry, and pottery on their website: http://www.pyramidinc.org/gallery.htm. At Kia Autosport we have more than five beautiful paintings displayed in our office and waiting room.

Beyond the arts program Pyramid provides therapeutic repositioning, physical/nutritional and behavioral assistance, peer counseling, sensory integration, social and life-management skills training and a variety of educational classes designed to increase their independence.

Pyramid supplies an abundance of programs to improve the lives of severely disabled community members. Pyramid in a non-profit and has been supported by Medicaid before but it’s not always enough. A primary source of their support is through fundraising, partnerships with the university, and private businesses. Cue Kia Autosport and the Tallahassee community.

Together we can support a group that supports our community.

Throughout the month of March we will donate $50 for every car sold and we will be collecting donations at the dealership. As well March 30^th we will have a Pyramid Party with the students. It will be an eye opening- and awe inspiring experience that we invite you to join. 

“Pyramid’s programs are shaped by an innate belief in the abilities of the people we serve, by a commitment to individualized curricula and a holistic view of our students’ lives.”

Christmas at KIA Autosport

Ways to get involved with KIA Autosport this Christmas-

 

Holiday Sharing Tree:

There is nothing like waking up on Christmas morning with a warm blanket protecting you from the cold, the aroma of fresh coffee filling the air, and the soft echo of Christmas music playing in the living room. The anticipation has built so much that hours of sleep were lost wondering what Santa could have brought you this morning. Then finally, you run into the living room to experience the utmost joy of seeing a present underneath the Christmas tree with your name on it.  

The Holiday Giving Tree insures that everyone is able to experience the happiness that comes with opening a present on Christmas. The Holiday Sharing Tree is a program that collects donations/gifts for individuals and families with limited financial resources, developmental and physical disabilities, the elderly, and other disadvantaged persons. The Holiday Sharing Tree was created so that no one was present-less on Christmas; with so many people in need the program thrives on donations from the community. That is why we are a proud sponsor of the Holiday Sharing Tree!

 If you would like to participate, you can come into KIA Autosport and pick up a donation card. On the card will be a couple gift ideas that their parent has suggested or the individual has asked for. The card is simply a suggestion, you are more than welcome to donate whatever gift you would like as long as it is new. Presents are suggested to be approximately a $25 value but a donation of any size is gratefully accepted!  Gifts should then be unwrapped and brought back to the Holiday Sharing Tree to be displayed and eventually collected. Donations will then be distributed to the family so the individual has a present to open on Christmas morning!

Santa Day:

December the 8^th, we will be hosting a Santa Clause day! There will be FREE food, prizes, radio stations and of course SANTA CLAUSE! Everyone is welcome, even the dog, the more the merrier! We will be collecting donations for the Salvation Army throughout the day. As well we will still be handing out cards for the Holiday Sharing Tree and collecting donations towards that as well. It will be a great day to spread holiday cheer within the community, give back, and get a picture with Santa!

Salvation Army:  

We will be ringing the bell every Friday at the Tennessee St Walmart! We would love any donations are Kia family and friends would like to give! As well we will be collecting canned goods at the dealership.

 

Halloween Happiness

Here at KIA Autosport we really get into the holidays! Halloween is one of the most vivacious times of the year. Last week we ordered all our costumes themed as Wizard of Oz and this week we are getting into even more spooky fun with decorations around the office and a chili cook off!

Between costumes, decorations, and great food it is hard to say what the best part of Halloween is but one of the most fun things you can do is pumpkin carving. Pumpkin carving is a tradition that families and friends can pass along to do together.   It is easy to recall memories of going to the pumpkin patch with the family in search of the perfect pumpkin.  It seemed like the utter most important thing in the world that the pumpkin was the best of the best.  The search would consist of looking for the pumpkin with the most luscious color and perfectly plump shape. Once the perfect pumpkin was selected, one would instantly start dreaming and scheming of what was about to be carved into it. The carving process truly brings the families together so the KIA family wants to help your family make the best pumpkins at home as possible and here is how you do it!

Cutting the Pumpkin Top

If you want a unique way to seat yourself apart try cutting a star or a funky shape instead of the usual square.  

1.       Make a circle of dots with a marker on the top of your pumpkin.

2.       From there just start cutting your star points from your imagination.  (This should NEVER be done by anyone less than 15 without adult supervision!!)

3.       Make deep incisions so that you cut through the entire pumpkin top. The top should pop off easily after doing this.

Scooping Out the “Guts” of the Pumpkin

Lay down A LOT of newspaper before you start the scooping and cutting. It will be messy, VERY MESSY.

1.       Take a METAL spoon that won’t bend and start working on the walls of the pumpkin.

2.       Use an amble amount of pressure so that all of the insides are fully scraped out and there are no strings or chunks still in there.

3.       Most importantly make sure the bottom is fully carved and that you leave a nice flat surface for a candle to be able to sit on.

4.       IF you like pumpkin seeds put them into a bowl to clean later. If not, just put them onto the newspaper you laid out and simply wrap them up and remove that layer of paper for an easy clean up!

Drawing on the Design

This is done best with a water-based marker. This way if you don’t cut exactly on the line you can easily wipe off the marks from your pumpkin.

1.       Draw the cut-out so that the holes are large enough to provide proper ventilation for the candle.

2.       Keep in mind that though intricate designs are very cool they aren’t always the easiest to cut out!

3.       HAVE FUN! Draw whatever design that comes to mind and make sure it is something you love!

Carving Out Your Pumpkin

Don’t take it too seriously! It may not come out perfectly but if you had fun doing it then it really is the best of the best!

1.       Start cutting the middle facial features first and slowly move out ward.

2.       If you make a mistake you can reattach the piece by using parts of toothpicks!

3.       When you’re done place a candle in it and enjoy your beautiful creation!

 

When going through the process make sure to embrace the mess and have fun with the kinks! Pumpkin carving is about bring together and enjoying good company!

The Best Game Day Decorations

How to Decorate your Tailgating Vehicle

Football season is happening and that means tailgating is too! There are 5 major components to having a great tailgate: food, drinks, music, games and TEAM SPIRIT.  Unfortunately not everyone remembers that decorating your ride with team spirit is essential to having the best tailgate on the block. We want everyone to have a great game day, and be prepared to decorate their vehicle!  

10 Tips on Decorating your Car for a Tailgate

1.       Make sure that your vehicle is squeaky clean! That means take the time to get a car wash before the game. Don’t forget about the inside of the car too! You don’t want your tailgate to be spoiled by the smell of hot garbage in your car.

2.       Tailgating lots are packed with hundreds of cars so you need to be able to stand out.  How do you do that? Buy a personalized flag with your teams’ colors!  With a unique flag soaring high in the sky your friends and family will find you quickly and easily.

3.       Car decals go a long way! Place decals on your car so everyone knows exactly who you are rooting for.  Magnetic decals are perfect if you only want them on for tailgates.

4.       Go big or go home!  Vanity license plates can show you are truly a dedicated fan. Pair it with a license plate frame and you are going to be showing true team spirit!

5.       Get a little artistic with window pants!  Use your team colors to write your favorite game day sayings on the side of your car.  (Window pants are sold at most kid craft stores so they should be easy to find on short notice!)

6.       If your vehicle has a grill in the front, attach streamers and blooms to add a little extra flair and style.  If you do not have a grill, don’t worry!  You can tie the balloons to the handles of your car and look just as festive.

7.       Don’t be afraid to make signs! Signs hanging on the outside of your car can show your personal style and preferences. Write the number of your favorite player and everyone will know who you are supporting.

8.       Does your team have a theme song? If you can get a recording of the marching band, you are set! Play the song once an hour to get your friends riled up and ready to cheer during the game.

9.       To make your car look even better decorate your tailgating spot with team spirit too.  Coordinate your tailgating chairs and games with the decorations on your car!

10.   The number one tailgating decoration tip is to make your friends JEALOUS! You want to decorate your car with enthusiasm and style. If you love the way it looks chances are they will too. Keep in mind that making your ride look great, will make you look great!

Tips:

1.       Have a designated driver! If you are going through this much trouble you want to make sure that your car stays safe and that you do too!

2.       Remove all excessive decorations from the car BEFORE you start driving away from the tailgate. Balloons on the grill and driving are not a safe combination.

3.       Wash your car later that day. Though most window pants are safe for your car you don’t want to risk hurting the paint job.

ELC MONTH

Early Learning Coalition Month

The month of July and August is Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Months here at Kia Autosport of Tallahassee! We have a bunch of promotions and events going on throughout the month and are so excited to bring attention to this great organization!
The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region (ELC) is a private not-for-profit organization that provides services to families, children, and child care providers in the seven counties that comprise northern Florida’s Big Bend Region: Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla.

The ELC works collaboratively with families, their children, and local child care providers to help prepare children for success in school and support families' ability to work. Through effective parent education and professional development for child care professionals, the ELC connects the home and school by sharing critical information and resources on child development and how to best support each child's individual growth.

Family support services including tuition assistance programs, child care information services, and community referrals support each families' individual success by connecting them to the information and resources they need. The ELC works with families to connect them to quality child care options and support them in choosing a program that best meets their child's needs.

Services:

• Help families find the quality child care services they need for their child;
• Help families pay for child care for those that qualify;
• Conduct hearing, vision, and development screening to make sure children are developing as they should for their age;
• Help parents learn what they can do to support their child’s growth and development;
• Connect families to additional support services they may need…

The ELC helps “Families get ready for work, and children get ready to learn!”.

Back to School Drive Event

As it draws close to time for kids to go back to school, Kia Auto Sport wants to make sure that our youngest students have all of the ART supplies and materials they need. Did you know that thousands of local children will begin preschool this year? In partnership with the ELC, Kia is helping our local preschools be ready for this year by hosting a Pre-School Supply Drive!

Our preschools need lots of paint, crayons, markers, paper, glue, scissors, and other materials to help our children in their first school experiences! Help us to Cram the Van at Kia and kick of the new school year!

2013 Optima SX Limited

2013 Optima SX Limited

The new 2013 Optima SX Limited has made its way to our dealership, and they sure are gorgeous! The SXL is a fully loaded version of the already luxurious Optima SX. The SXL features stylish embellishments such as LED running lights located on top of its fog lamps, chrome accents on the lower door trims and rear spoiler, and red front brake calipers. The door panels, center console and seats are embellished by Napa leather, and the door trim, shift knob, and steering wheel are adorned by genuine wood trim. The SXL is only offered in three colors; Snow White Pearl, Titanium Silver and Ebony Black.

When viewing the inside of the SXL, you will see that it looks more upscale compared to other Optima models. The cabin provides a welcoming and prestigious feel. The SXL is offered with the standard equipment’s such as the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and heated and cooled front seats. Aside from those, the SX Limited is also equipped with metal pedals, an Infinity audio system with speakers, as well as a navigation system. New to the 2013 is electronic parking brake technology.

The Optima SX Limited has more equipped features than you would find on any other Optima. If the outside and inside of the Limited put you in awe, check out what’s under the hood! The Limited is powered by a 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine sourced from the Kia Optima SX. This engine is capable of producing 274 horses and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission as well as the sport-tuned suspension used on the Limited was also sourced from the SX. Due to this, the Optima's class-leading fuel economy ratings of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway are also present in the SXL.

The KIA Optima SX Limited has become one of the most admired vehicles out there due to its abundance of features and gorgeous look. Come in today, take it for a test drive, and see what all the talk is about!

Remember, we wanna see ya in a KIA!

Dunk Melanie or Your Favorite KIA Employee!

HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY TO DUNK MELANIE LEE IN A DUNK TANK!?

Here at Kia we love to have fun and work hard at the same time! With July 4^th right around the corner we wanted to carry on the fun throughout the week. This Friday KIA AutoSport will be having an employee/customer appreciation day with all proceeds going to the Pyramid Center! We love our Community and love to help out in any way we can, and would love to have community support. From 12-5 you will be able to dunk Melanie Lee or your favorite Kia employee.  Hopefully you have good aim because, I don’t know about you but man would I love to see someone get dunked. We will be cooking up some delicious BBQ with tons of delicious foods and refreshments! The radio Stations will be out here playing music for us and raffling off prizes! Don’t let the fun end on July fourth, come on by and see how well your aim is! Bring your family and friends; this is an event you don’t want to miss out on!

Donations:
$5 dollars= Food + 2 throws
$1 dollar= per throw
$5 dollars= 8 throws
See you Friday!

Changing a Flat Tire

With school letting out for the summer and families taking vacations, we want everyone to have safe travels! Before traveling you should always have your car checked out and tires looked at. Hopefully you don’t experience any troubles while driving, but just in case we want you to be informed on how to change a flat tire as quick and easy as possible.

Changing a Flat Tire:

·         Find a safe spot to pull over. If you're on the freeway, getting off is the safest bet, even if you have to drive on a blown tire. Otherwise, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible. Don't park in the middle of a curve, where approaching cars can't see you. Also choose a flat spot; jacking up your car on a hill can be a disaster. If you have a manual transmission, leave your car in gear. Be sure to set your parking brake!

·         Turn on your hazard lights. Get the jack, wrench, and spare tire from the trunk of the car and bring them over to the tire that is flat. Use other tools or supplies if needed.

·         Use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts. You may need to remove the hubcap. Don't remove the lug nuts at this point; simply loosen them by turning the wrench to the left (counter-clockwise). If the lug nuts are really tight, try placing the wrench on the nut and standing on the wrench arm to use your full weight on it. You can also try hitting the wrench arm with a rock.

·         Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. Different car models may have different places to put the jack; consult your owner's manual for specific locations. Once the jack is securely in the correct spot, jack up the car until the tire is about six inches off the ground.

·         Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire off the car. Make sure to place the lug nuts in a pile that won't get scattered, and pull the tire straight toward yourself to remove it from the wheel base.

·         Place the spare on the car. Line up the lug nut posts with the holes in the spare, and push the spare all the way onto the wheel base until it can't go any farther.

·         Put on the lug nuts. Don't put them on tightly, just make sure they're on enough for the spare to stay on the car for a moment.

·         Lower the car back to the ground. Use the jack to bring the car back down to ground level. Remove the jack from underneath the car.

·         Make sure the lug nuts are tightened. With the car back on the ground, you can now tighten the lug nuts. Rather than tightening them one by one in order, start with one lug nut, tighten it about 50%, move to the opposite nut (across the circle) and tighten that one about the same amount. Keep tightening opposite lug nuts gradually in turn until each lug nut is as tight as it can be.

·         Put your flat tire and tools back in your trunk. Make sure you don't leave anything on the side of the road.

We want to make sure everyone has a great summer and that their travels are easy and safe! Remember we wanna see ya in a KIA!

http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/changing-tire.php

Taking A Vacation? Driving Long-Distances?

Planning on Taking a Road Trip?

With the summer months headed this way, there is going to be a lot of travelers and people on the roads. We want everyone to be as safe as possible and take caution while driving not only short distances but more importantly on those long drives! Here are 10 helpful tips to take into consideration when preparing for a long drive! We want to make sure our Kia family members, along with everyone else arrive safely to their destinations!

10 Helpful Hints for Long Distance Driving:

·         1- Be sure to check your vehicle before leaving:

o   Maintenance check (tires, brakes, engine, wiper blades, signals, lights, oil, etc.)

·         2- Have an emergency kit available:

o   Emergency kit (Car manual, flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangle (in case you need to pull over), flares, basic tools and a first aid kit.)

·         3- Get a good night rest the night before:

o   Be sure to get a full night sleep, feeling fatigue or drowsy could lead to falling asleep at the wheel.

·         4- All luggage and cargo should be secured:

o   Make sure all luggage is placed and secured tightly, so that it doesn’t move around when having to make a quick stop

·         5- Pack the car with car friendly items:

o   Anything along the lines of blankets, napkins, wet wipes, hands-free cell phone device, trash bags, and medicine.

·         6- Have food available:

o   Take snacks, water, fruit, etc. Be sure not to take anything with too much salt or sugar, it can lead to mood changes or easily make you more tired.

·         7- Be sure to take breaks:

o   Take a break if you feel tired or even just to stretch your legs and walk around to keep circulation flowing. A general rule is to take a break every 2 hours of driving.

·         8- Bring music to listen to:

o   Have your iPod or CD with your favorite music in case the radio stations aren’t playing your favorite kind of music, you need stuff to entertain you!

·         9- Directions/Route

o   Make sure you have a good idea of where you’re headed and the roads you are taking, to avoid getting lost. Give yourself extra time in case you want to stop or visit places along the way. Be sure to check the track and areas you should avoid at certain times.

·         10-Remember to have fun!

o   A road trip should be a fun experience, make it part of the vacation!

Follow these 10 helpful hints, and your next long distance travel should be a successful one! Remember to be safe, keep your eyes on the road, don’t get distracted, and be sure to make it FUN!