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2012 Kia Soul Named A “Top Tailgating Car For 2012” By Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com

With football season about ready to kickoff, the 2012 Kia Soul has added another accolade to its already crowded collection by being named to the "10 Best Tailgating Cars of 2012" list by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, a leading provider of new and used car information. Lauded for its cargo room, storage zones and top-of-the-line audio system, the Soul is an ideal vehicle for shuttling friends, family and food to the stadium and back. Kia's popular urban passenger vehicle has been on quite a run while football teams toiled through training camp, being named a segment winner in the recent J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) and nabbing the top spot on KBB.com's "10 Best Back-to-School Cars in 2012" list.

"Being named to the 'Top Tailgating Cars' list by KBB.com speaks to the Soul's functionality and versatility and its eye-catching styling, and flashing speaker lights help tailgate organizers and their guests make an impression in stadium parking lots for a wide-variety of social activities," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America. "With its roomy interior, large cargo space, exceptional sound system and IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' status, Soul drivers can feel safe and secure on their way to and from the game this season."

Editors from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com evaluate nearly all new vehicles on the road each year, and they selected the 10 offerings they felt best met the needs and wants of tailgaters to create this year's list of the Best Tailgating Cars.

"Hamsters. Dancing Hamsters. The advertising message couldn't be clearer: the Kia Soul is here to rock the party," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "With 19 cubic feet of cargo room and an optional 350-watt Infinity audio system featuring speaker surrounds that flash in sync with the music, we think the Soul is one of the 10 Best Tailgating Cars available this year."

Source: Kia Media

Monday Maintenance Tip: Checking Your Spark Plugs

What is this?

Spark plugs are little devices inside the cylinder that take in high voltage electricity at one end and create a spark at the other end. There, the spark ignites the gas and air mixture, and the resulting combustion is what ultimately powers the car. This service involves removing the old spark plugs and replacing them with new ones.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

Yes.

Why do I have to do this?

At the sparking end of the spark plug is a built-in gap between two or more little pieces of metal, called electrodes. When the plug fires, one or more sparks jump that gap and a tiny bit of the metal is burned off. This happens hundreds of times every minute. Over time, the gap between the metal tips gets too big.

Also, your spark plugs can get fouled, but that would indicate that you have a problem.

What happens if I don't do this?

Your engine will start to misfire and run poorly, performance will suffer, efficiency will decrease and emissions will dramatically increase. Your car may also be difficult to star

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

We recommend removing the old spark plugs and reinstalling new ones at least every 30,000 miles.

Many manufacturers have long-life, 60,000- or 90,000-mile spark plugs. If you don't remove these spark plugs until they're due to be changed, you might find it extremely difficult or even impossible to remove them when the time comes. You'll also want to examine the plugs if your car is running poorly. A blackened plug, for example, can tell you that the engine is running too rich.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Vans Warped Tour 2012: Battle of the Bands Kia Car Wash

Valley Hi Kia's "Car Tip of the Week"

Hey Fans, we hope everyone is having a phenomenal Wednesday! To make it even better here’s your “Car Tip of the Week”!

Squeezing into the lane next to you during heavy traffic to save some time actually won't help much. Although it may SEEM as though the other cars are speeding by, it’s something of an optical illusion. Facing forward allows you to see cars passing you more easily than you notice the cars that you are passing. In the end you don’t save much time by switching lanes and you put yourself at risk of becoming a part of the 10% of all crashes that are caused by changing lanes.

2012 Kia Soul + Michelle Wie

Monday Maintenance Tip: Changing Your Oil

What is this?

An oil and filter change involves draining out the old motor oil and replacing it with fresh, new motor oil. The oil filter also gets replaced at the same time.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

In general, yes. Changing your vehicle's oil is one of the most important things you can do to avoid bringing large bags of money to your mechanic later on.

However, there's a lot of controversy about exactly when engine oil gets old and how often it should be replaced with new oil. Because there are many factors at work -- how you drive, the condition and age of the engine, the external environment you drive in, and stop-and-go versus highway driving -- it's an inexact science. Owner's manual recommendations for oil and filter changes vary from 3,000 to 10,000 miles.

We recommend that you change your oil and filter every 5,000 miles. That's our best estimate. It may be too soon for many people and too late for a few, but for the vast majority, 5,000-mile oil changes will help your engine last to a ripe, old age.

You may want to consider changing your oil more frequently if:

• You drive like a knucklehead: jackrabbit starts, heavy acceleration or high-speed driving
• You live where the climate is extremely hot or cold
• You often drive on dirt roads
• Your engine is old and burns oil
• You frequently carry heavy loads (several mothers-in-law or other cargo)

Why do I have to do this?

Oil undergoes thermal breakdown due to high operating temperature. When this occurs, the oil becomes less effective as a lubricant. And without a good lubricant (read: expensive), parts of the engine rub together and wear each other out.

Oil also contains additives that have the ability to neutralize acids. Over time, these additives get used up and stop being effective.

Finally, oil can absorb water, dust and combustion byproducts and also hold them in suspension. Eventually, the oil gets saturated with this stuff and can't absorb any more. Then that stuff remains in the engine and can cause corrosion.

What happens if I don't do this?

Your engine won't last as long as it could. Oil serves many crucial functions, and clean oil performs those functions better than dirty oil. Oil is relatively cheap, and changing your oil every 5,000 miles is a very cheap insurance policy against major repairs down the road.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

Yes, you need to check the oil level every few hundred miles. With your car parked on a level surface, remove the oil dipstick, clean it on your brother's best shirt and then reinsert it. Remove it again, and check the oil level.

Ideally, it should be right at the full mark. If it's at or below the add mark, that means you're a quart low and should add a quart of oil to the crankcase. If it's in between the two marks, you can add part of a quart to bring it up to the full mark (the distance between add and full represents a quart, so use that to estimate how much of a quart you need). Be aware, however, that since oil flows slowly when it is cool, the dipstick may not immediately reflect any oil you just added. So estimate the amount of oil you need based on your first dipstick reading, and then check it again later that day or the next day to be sure you're near the full mark.

A word of caution: Be careful not to overfill your car's crankcase with oil. If you put in too much oil, the engine's crankshaft can actually come in contact with the oil. And because the crankshaft is turning at several thousand revolutions per minute, it can quickly whip your oil into a froth -- like the steamed milk that sits on the top of a cappuccino. Why is that bad? Well, the oil pump can't pump froth very well, and as a result, it can't get oil to the parts of the engine that need lubrication. The result ... a hefty boat payment to your mechanic.

If you are low on oil, you can add any grade of engine motor oil you like -- though we advise you to use the grade of oil recommended in your owner's manual.

Courtesy: Cartalk.com

How To Build A Concept Car - The Downshift Episode 3

Take it easy on National Relaxation Day with Valley Hi Kia

Today is National Relaxation Day so clear your schedule and put away those to-do lists because it's time for a break! While you're at it, take a break from the "usual" hassles of car shopping and come to Valley Hi Kia where you'll always receive quality customer service from a dealer you can trust.

To start shopping just click here

Monday Maintenance Tip: Checking Your Transmission Fluid

What is this?

Transmission fluid is a slippery liquid that acts as a lubricant for all of the moving parts inside your transmission. In an automatic transmission, this fluid also serves as a coolant and a viscous fluid that transmits power from the engine to the transmission.

A variety of fluids are used for different transmissions. Automatic transmissions use something called — shockingly — automatic transmission fluid. Manual transmissions use a variety of oils: regular motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil or even automatic transmission fluid in some cases. Your owner's manual will tell you what your transmission calls for.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

Yes, definitely, regardless of whether you have a manual or an automatic transmission.

Manual: Most manufacturers recommend that manual transmission fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Under heavy-duty use, some manufacturers suggest changing transmission fluid every 15,000 miles.

Automatic: Service intervals for an automatic transmission vary from every 30,000 miles ... to never. The typical service interval is 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Changing it more often does no harm.

Why do I have to do this?

Manual: In a manual transmission, the problem is not so much the fluid degradation, but rather fluid contamination. This contamination occurs over time as the synchronizers, bearings and gears in the transmission wear out. The resulting metal particles then float around in the lubricant. And we all know that oil with microscopic particles of metal in it does not lubricate as well as clean oil. So if these contaminants are not drained out, they will shorten the life of your transmission.

Automatic: Because more heat is generated in an automatic transmission, automatic transmission fluid actually degrades and breaks down with use.

In addition, like in a manual transmission, automatic transmission fluid will also become contaminated with worn bits of the transmission. If these contaminants are not drained out, they will shorten the life of your transmission.

What happens if I don't do this?

If you don't change the transmission fluid on schedule, you'll be lubricating your transmission with metal shavings and other contaminants. This will shorten the transmission's life. The result could be a hefty boat payment to your mechanic. In other words, changing your transmission fluid at the correct interval is a good investment.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

Yes. It's important to regularly check the transmission fluid level between service intervals. Letting your car run low on transmission fluid can cause the transmission to shift improperly — or not at all. It also can harm the internal parts of your transmission, which will not be properly lubricated. Unfortunately, you may not hear any noises or have other clues that your transmission is low on fluid, until it's too late. So it's important to get it checked.

Here's how you can check your transmission fluid level:

Manual: Checking the transmission fluid in a manual transmission can be difficult. A few thoughtful manufacturers have included a dipstick, but that's the exception rather than the rule. If you own a car with a manual transmission, we suggest that you ask your mechanic to check the fluid level when your car is up on the lift during an oil change. It takes just a minute.

Automatic: If you own a car with an automatic transmission, your car will have a dipstick for this purpose. Be careful not to make the common mistake of confusing the transmission dipstick with the crankcase dipstick.

For most cars, checking the automatic transmission fluid consists of pulling the transmission dipstick out while the engine is warmed up and running and with the transmission in park. We suggest that you check your owner's manual, however, since some manufacturers may have a different procedure.

Of course, always check your fluid level if you notice a leak of any kind.

Car Talk Tip: Unlike engine oil, transmission oil doesn't burn up. So if you're low on transmission fluid, you almost certainly have a leak.

Courtesy: cartalk.com

2012 Kia Smart Move Sales Event Commercial Video Ad

Kia Optima Hybrid, 2012: Mixes racy style with economy, comfort

The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid gas-electric sedan offers a good combination of comfort, practicality, style, performance and high fuel economy.

The mid-size Optima Hybrid is rather large, as are many current mid-size sedans, and its racy-looking body has a roomy interior.

However, the coupe-like styling results in narrow rear door openings. The small rear “lip” spoiler is so nicely integrated into the styling that you have to look twice to notice it. But too bad the gas/electric hybrid system prevents use of dual exhausts with shiny outlet tips—always a nice touch for a racy-looking car.

Although the trunk is generally large, with a wide opening, the hybrid system prevents rear seatbacks from flipping forward to allow more cargo room.

This reasonably priced $25,700 front-drive Optima Hybrid is based on the Hyundai Sonata, but the two cars share no exterior body panels.

The 206-horsepower Optima Hybrid delivers an estimated 35 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on highways. Go easy with the accelerator pedal and the car will accelerate without using gas.

Other Optima models have regular gasoline-only engines. The hybrid system in the Optima Hybrid works fairly seamlessly. It’s hooked to a responsive six-speed automatic transmission with an easily used manual-shift feature.

Performance is strong. Merging into fast freeway traffic and 65-80 mph passing on highways are brisk.

The electric power steering is quick. The ride is supple, and handling is good—although not in the sports-sedan class. The brakes stop the Optima Hybrid quickly and surely, controlled by a pedal with a linear action. 

Standard items include dual-zone automatic temperature control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, cruise control, pushbutton start, adjustable steering wheel with audio controls, keyless entry and power windows, door locks and outside mirrors.

Options include the backup camera, navigation system, panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim, upscale audio system and power folding outside mirrors, along with larger (17-inch vs. 16-inch) tires with alloy wheels.

Also optional are heated and cooled front seats and heated outboard rear seats, heated steering wheel and power front driver and passenger seats.

There are plenty of safety items. They include full-length side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, hill-start assist and traction and electronic stability controls. The large outside mirrors have turn-signal indicators.

Backing up the car is a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, along with a roadside assistance program.

The quiet interior’s backlit gauges can be quickly read even in bright sunlight, easily used controls and plenty of storage areas. Cupholders are conveniently placed up front in the console and found in the large fold-down rear center armrest. All doors have storage pockets and beverage holders.

Several folks said they initially thought my test jet-black Optima Hybrid was a high-class German or Japanese sports sedan. They said it should cost considerably more than it does.

Pros: Sleek. Roomy. Fast. Electric-only operation. High economy. Nice ride. Goode handling. Reasonably priced.

Bottom Line: Sleek styling for a practical, economical, nice-performing sedan.

Courtesy: theweeklydriver.com

Monday Maintenance Tip: Checking Your Coolant

What is it?

Coolant is the fluid that absorbs heat from the engine and then dissipates it through the radiator. It is also dissipated through the heat exchanger in the passenger compartment when you crank your heat in the winter.

Coolant, which is commonly called antifreeze, is a mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water, usually in a 50/50 ratio.

Servicing the coolant involves draining and/or flushing your car's cooling system and then replacing the old coolant with fresh coolant.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

Yes. Draining out the coolant and refilling the system removes dirt and rust particles that can clog up the cooling system and cause problems in winter and summer.

Why do I have to do this?

Because it is operating in a hot, hostile environment, coolant will break down over time. Most importantly, the coolant's rust inhibitors get used up, leaving the small cooling passages in your engine and radiator vulnerable to corrosion. Even with these rust inhibitors, some corrosion will inevitably take place, contaminating the coolant with debris.

What happens if I don't do this?

If the rust inhibitors stop working, the cooling system will rust from the inside out. The biggest source of rust in a car's cooling system is the engine block.

In time, these bits of rust will also clog the tiny passages within the radiator and heater, causing your engine to overheat. When an engine overheats, the result is a bonus yacht payment to your mechanic that someone else should be making.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

Check your coolant level periodically. Your owner's manual will have a recommended interval in which to check the coolant level.

If you check your coolant level when the engine is cold, the coolant should be at or above the "minimum" or "fill" line on the transparent refill container. If you check your coolant level when the engine is hot, the coolant should be at or just below the "max" line.

Disappearance of coolant could be caused by either an external or internal leak, the latter being more expensive. Either one should be addressed quickly, since running low or out of coolant can lead to catastrophic engine failure and many boat payments to your mechanic.

If you live where the temperature dips below freezing, we suggest that you ask your mechanic to check the concentration of the coolant. Coolant that's diluted or weak can freeze when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check your owner's manual to see if your car uses "long-life" coolant. For the first 100,000 miles, it is necessary to check the coolant level simply to be sure you're not leaking or burning coolant.

Car Talk Tip: Antifreeze has a sweet aroma and taste, which pets find particularly appealing. As little as a half teaspoon of the stuff can kill an average-size cat, and eight ounces will do in a 75-pound dog. There's no substance that you can add to antifreeze to make it less appealing to animals, but antifreeze made with propylene glycol instead of the usual ethylene glycol is about a third as toxic. Propylene glycol is sold under the brand names Sierra, Prestone Low Tox and Texaco PG.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Kia Optima SX Verdict

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Not that long ago, Kias were the butt of many jokes. But times have changed, and in just a few years, products from the Korean automaker have gone from afterthoughts to serious contenders on the automotive scene. Nothing hammers that point home more than the Optima SX.

This Kia looks like no other Kia on the road, and people notice. Countless times, folks asked me what kind of car it was, or said, "Is that really a Kia?" When I'd assure them it was, their reactions were always the same: "Really! I thought Kias were cheap little cars." I'd reply, "Well, they kind of were, but not anymore."

With plenty of room and comfort for five passengers, as well as ample trunk space, the Optima is a great choice for a family car. I have a wife and a 2-year-old son, and it's surprising how much stuff we have to take with us every time we hit the road. There are two things we always need while traveling: the stroller and the Pack 'n Play, and these alone use up a bit of trunk space. Add a suitcase for Mom and Dad and one for the kid, and the trunk would be pretty full in most cars. With the Optima, there's still room for toys and other miscellany.

In the cabin, a child's car seat requires a lot of space. The front passenger seat has to be moved up quite far, and that usually cuts into the passenger's legroom. Fitting our Recaro child seat is not an issue in the Optima, even with 6-foot-tall Mom as the front passenger, and the latch points are easily accessible for installing the seat.

The Optima's suspension feel has been an area of controversy. I found it too firm and jarring, especially on SoCal's uneven roads. Many of you commented on previous updates that the suspension was just fine, and I was being overly critical. As I've said, with plenty of power on tap from its turbo engine, the Optima feels great gliding down a smooth road, but the minute the surface gets bad, the car lets you know it. This isn't a sports car, it's a sporty family sedan, so the family shouldn't be punished when the road surface becomes irregular. Motor Trend has constantly knocked Kia for its suspensions, usually for being too soft. This time, the automaker just went too far in the other direction, but Kia is much closer to getting it right.

It used to be you didn't even need to get into a Kia to start checking off the issues. Now you really have to look to find flaws, and even then, they are subjective. I find the seats too firm and flat, but others might think they're just right. Another divisive topic is the Optima's styling, inside and out. I think it looks fantastic.

While I didn't love the Optima's wheels, they did grow on me a little. But I like the new wheels on the refreshed Optima much better. The interior is top-notch in styling, materials, and build quality, reminding me of much higher-end European vehicles.

Being assigned a long-term car means we take it in for service when recommended or needed. The Optima went in three times. Two of the services were under $40, while the major service was less than $200. The total service bill for our Optima SX was $240.43, more than reasonable for more than a year's worth of driving. The only service issue is actually finding a Kia service center, as they are few and far between. The closest one to where I live is at least 15 minutes away with no traffic. It's minor, but a pain nonetheless.

I hope Kia continues to improve its entire line of cars, because some of them sorely need it, but the Optima isn't one of these, and it is currently Kia's top dog. It's a complete package, offering styling, performance, ease of use, and spacious interior with quality materials and build quality.

You can't ask for much more out of a car than what the Kia Optima delivers.

 

**  Courtesy of MotorTrend Magazine (Online)