FAQ
“An electric car can be charged at home or at any public charging stations, and the time it takes to charge depends on the battery and charging point.”
Introduction to Charging Electric Cars
Charging an electric car can be done at home or at any public charging stations. Fully charging a car can be done in just 30 minutes, or it may take as long as half a day. How big your battery is, or how fast your charging point is may change the time required.
Factors that affect charging speed
There are 5 main factors that affect electric vehicle charging speed:
1. Battery Size: Bigger battery capacity will take longer to charge.
2. Battery Status (empty vs. full): Charging from empty will (obviously) take longer than charging from half-full.
3. Maximum charging rate of vehicle: Charging speed is limited by the vehicle’s maximum charging rate, so you won’t charge any faster even on a charging point with a higher charging rate.
4. Maximum charging rate of chargepoint: Charging speed is also limited by the maximum charging rate of your chargepoint. Charging at a charging point with a charging rate lower than that of your vehicle is not recommended.
5. Weather: It tends to take longer to charge at a lower temperature, particularly when using a rapid charger. Also, your car is less efficient at a lower temperature; so you cannot add much to the travel distance per time charging.
“Also known as four-wheel drive, 4WD is a system distributing power equally to all four wheels, and is most appropriate for off-road conditions.”
Introduction to Four-wheel drive (4WD)
Often referred to as 4WD, four-by-four, 4x4, or all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive distributes power to all four wheels such that every wheel spins at the same constant rate. The system is most popularly adopted in vehicles designed and built for handling off-road conditions.
Strength 4WD
- Superior traction and control in off-road conditions
- Can be switched off for fuel efficiency increase
- Higher vehicle clearance
- Established, sturdy technology
4WD Modes
4WD distributes power to all four wheels, but they will not necessarily be powered at the same time. Different 4WD systems include:
1) Full-time 4WD (or permanent 4WD): Power is constantly provided to all four wheels, usually with a power shift between the front and rear axles whenever necessary. Under Full-time 4WD, drivers can enjoy maximum traction regardless of driving conditions (dry or slippery). Additional action is not required for its activation.
2) Part-time 4WD: With part-time 4WD, drivers have to shift between the selectable 2WD and 4WD provided by the vehicle, usually with a lever or a switch - and part-time 4WD allows a driver to do this while driving. The lock between front and rear allow drivers better traction on slippery surfaces. While it is the best option for nearly all off-road conditions, driving with part-time 4WD on dry and/or smooth roads is not recommended.
3) Automatic 4WD: While the default is 2WD (front or rear), a full-time system will judge when 4WD or AWD is needed and automatically direct power to all four wheels - varying the distribution between the front and rear axles if needed. A slipping wheel is the most common activator of the shift, but a more sophisticated system will make the shift ahead of that slip.
“Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride have all received global recognition for their design, quality, and safety.”
About Kia SUVs
Each Kia SUV has a distinct personality. Steadily loved and recognized Kia SUVs include the Sportage and Sorento. Latest SUV from Kia, the Telluride is also recognized for its performance and design. The 2019 Sorento was ranked among the IIHS Top Safety Picks. The Sportage was also among the safest models picked by IIHS for the 2018 model year. What’s more, the 2020 Telluride swept the No.1 position across three awards.
Choosing the right SUV
Choosing the right SUV for you, your family, and your lifestyle can be challenging. In order to narrow down options, ask yourself some key questions like:
- What is my budget?
- How many seats do I need?
- How much storage room do I need?
- How crucial is fuel efficiency?
- Will I be off-roading anytime soon?
Iconic Kia SUVs
Kia Sportage
The Sportage has an outstanding track record, having won all three globally notable design awards such as the Good Design Award and iF Design Award in 2016. With more than 5.5 million cars sold worldwide, it was also one of the Top Safety Picks by IIHs and received a 5-star safety rating from the 2019 U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was ranked #1 in Compact SUV segment by J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) and Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The Sportage was also selected as the 2017 Ideal Vehicle Award (IVA) Winner by AutoPacific. It is a highly versatile SUV with well-formed interior, smart features, and a smooth drive.
Kia Sorento
Given a 5-star safety rating from the 2019 U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Sorento was awarded Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), the highest safety rating by Insurance Institute for Highway (IIHS) in 2019. In 2018, it was chosen as the midsize SUV segment winner by J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study, and in 2016, it was awarded ‘Most Loved Vehicle’ in the highly-competitive midsize CUV segment by Strategic Vision. Having received international recognition for its presentation and performance, the Sorento comes with a formidable infotainment system and excellent riding comfort at a reasonable price. It is a strong driver of the Kia RV sales, with more than 5,000 cars sold monthly and total sales of 3.28 million cars sold worldwide.
Kia Telluride
The Telluride swept first place at numerous awards. In 2019, it was selected as the SUV category winner at the foremost Texas Off-road Invitational held by the Texas Motor Press Association, beating nearly a dozen SUVs in the category. In the same year, the Telluride had been chosen as the “mid- and the full-size CUV” category winner by Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) at its 25th annual Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year event, also known as “Mudfest. The Telluride also clinched the No.1 position in the Texas Auto Roundup, blowing people away with its off-road competence and a polished driving experience that beat many of the long-standing models.
*Models launched may differ across markets
“How you clean it will depend on the type of stain. The faster, the better, so always keep a container of wipes in the car to clean it up before it sets in.”
Importance of Clean Car Seats
Clean car seats have just as much value as a well-maintained car exterior, especially for your health and peace of mind. You can always opt for a professional cleaner, but DIY is all pretty simple thanks to techniques and cleaning products suitable for various upholsteries.
Cleaning Tactics by Stain
To avoid ruining your upholstery, don’t forget to test any stain remover first on a discreet spot before applying them onto your car seats.
Persistent stains on leather
1. Precondition the leather with a leather conditioner.
2. Apply leather stain remover and rub into the stain.
3. Give it about 30 seconds then clean off the stain remover.
Ink stains
1. Dilute some hairspray or rubbing alcohol with water.
2. Spray the solution on the stain.
3. Dab gently with a moist, clean cloth to avoid smearing the ink further on the upholstery.
Greasy and oily stains
(i.e. lipstick, food grease)
1. Get some paint thinner and a cotton cloth.
2. Dilute paint thinner with water on a ratio of 1:1.
3. Wet cotton cloth with the solution and knead it into the stain.
4. Powder the stain with salt or cornmeal and let it rest overnight.
5. Vacuum it up.
Coffee stains
1. Dilute the coffee spot with cold water and dab with a paper towel.
2. Apply some glass cleaner and give it 5 minutes.
3. To remove the stain further, dab repeatedly with a paper towel.
4. If the stain remains, scrub the area with dishwashing liquid and cleanse with warm water.
5. Dab the area again with paper towel and dry using a hair dryer.
* Make sure you hold the hair dryer far enough from the spot to avoid scorching the upholstery!
Vomit stains
1. Wipe up any remaining vomit and blot the stain with cold water to dilute.
2. Wash the stain with warm water and mild soap mixture.
3. Dab the area with a cloth dipped in carbonated water to neutralize the stain.
4. A combination of baking soda and water also works - it will further help getting the smell off.
Blood stains
1. Blot the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water.
* Avoid hot water or soap!
2. Repeat until the stain disappears.
“SUV is an acronym for Sports Utility Vehicle. It’s like a station wagon but with a tougher look and a design for off-road driving.”
About SUV, MPV, and CUV
SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle, a car similar to a minivan or a station wagon, but with a much tougher look and a design suited for off-road driving.
SUV is often categorized under RV(Recreational Vehicle), but it is sometimes used in exchange.
The Sorento and Sportage are iconic SUV from Kia, along with the rising mini SUV, Stonic.
MPV stands for Multi-Purpose Vehicle, often called a minivan. An MPV is characterized by spacious cabin and ample occupancy. MPV is also considered as a category under RV; and the Carnival/Sedona is the most representative MPV from Kia.
CUV, also known as Crossover Utility Vehicles, is a combination of a family-sized saloon and a purebred SUV. In essence, this combines all the advantages of a sedan, minivan, and an SUV.
It has become a latest trend within the market.
Models like Stonic, and Soul are the most popular CUV from Kia.
“Vacuum, destink, wipe, brush and polish. Be sure to use the right solutions for the right parts of the car and do it regularly for maximum effect.”
The Importance of Detailing Car Interior
Most drivers remember to keep the exterior of the car clean, but detailing the interior is often overlooked. Professional detailing can cost a lot, but doing it yourself can save you money; and it is pretty easy. In addition, keeping your car interior (and exterior) clean will not only prevent things from breaking down but also extend its value at resale.
1. Carpet and Floor Mat
Carpets and floor mats tend to be the filthiest; so it is probably the best place to start your interior cleaning. Of course, it might be best to save the carpets to last if your seats and dash are particularly dirty because cleaning them will make a mess on your carpets. Don’t forget to remove all kinds of debris that has accumulated on the floor, and adjust seats to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Carpet
✔ Vacuum the carpet thoroughly, using different nozzle attachments to clean seams and gaps around the seats.
✔ Steam clean with a carpet cleaning foam product of your choice.
✔ Don’t get the carpet too wet as moisture can lead to mold and mildew. If it does get too wet, blot it dry with a clean, absorptive towel.
✔ Use specialized or extremely strong products for stubborn stains.
✔ Use commonly known methods for unconventional debris like chewing gum
- rub it with an ice cube for several minutes until the gum hardens, then carefully pull it off the carpet.
Floor Mat
✔ Take the floor mats out of the car and shake off all the dirt, especially anything stuck in deep dents.
✔ Vacuum grooves with a bare hose nozzle until they are dirt-free and spray a powerful jet of water to wash any remaining dirt out. Don’t forget to air-dry completely.
✔ Should you choose to wash your floor mats with a detergent, be to rinse them off completely to avoid slimy and dangerous floor mats.
2. Seats
How you clean the seats will depend on the upholstery - whether it’s leather, vinyl, or cloth. Before you begin using any cleaning product, vacuum your seats completely to get as much of the dirt off as possible.
Leather
✔ Spray/apply leather-cleaning product with a towel.
✔ Wipe the seats dry with a microfiber cloth.
✔ After letting the leather dry completely, apply leather conditioner.
Vinyl
✔ Most of the products you have should work with vinyl - but double check the label just to make sure it is compatible with vinyl.
✔ Spray cleaning product onto the seat and wipe dry with a cloth.
Cloth
✔ Use specialized stain removers for stubborn stains.
✔ Try a household odor eliminator spray to leave your car smelling fresh
✔ Avoid getting the seats too wet - as fabric that soaks up excessive moisture is likely to not dry completely, causing it to smell moldy.
✔ To err on the side of caution, scatter some baking soda and leave it to rest for several hours - and then vacuum it up for a clean, refreshing smell.
3. Front Panel
While this part of the car makes up a large part of our visual field, it is the most difficult to clean - given all the little parts, knobs, switches, and vents, but it will be much easier with the right tools.
Dashboard
✔ Vacuum thoroughly before applying any cleaning product. Try to reach the furthest corners of the dashboard.
✔ Opt for an interior dressing to keep the dashboard material from fading or cracking due to sunlight exposure.
Console
✔ Cover the tip of a flat-head screwdriver with a cloth and use it to clean the crevices and grooves on your console. The thinner the cloth, the more effective it will be. Alternatively you can wrap a cotton swab around a plastic knife.
Air Vent
✔ While air vent grills are not the most difficult to clean, it is definitely one of the most tedious. Use a soft, long bristle brush to first wipe off as much dust as possible. Then use some strong jets of air from compressed air can for the last finish.
4. Door Panel
In most cars, door panels consist of materials that match with other parts of the interior. Use that as a primary guide for the selection of cleaning products on the door panels.
Don’t overlook the cup holders and open compartments on the door panels as this could be one of the dirtiest areas in your car. Remove any objects that can be picked up by hand, then vacuum thoroughly before applying any chemical for cleaning.
5. Odor
Lasting odors can be extremely hard to remove. Before you go out and buy something, take a close look to see if you missed the source of that odor.
For a smoker or a regular traveler with pets, keeping your car smelling fresh can be a tougher task. Hang a car deodorizer on your rear view mirror, or hide an old plastic storage container of charcoal under your car seat, with a little vent cut out on its lid. This is a great trick for removing nasty smells.
“Car trim refers to a particular version of a model with a particular set of configuration, and is usually designated with a specific moniker.”
About Car Trim
Although “trim” can literally refer to your car’s trim, a trim level (also commonly referred to as a trim package) is a version of a particular model with a particular configuration. The different trim levels offer varieties to the exterior and interior elements of a particular model, in addition to performance options, technologies, and even safety options. While many manufacturers today offer customers a wide array of trims, some models are still offered in a single configuration. Knowing how to differentiate trim levels will help you make a better choice.
Car Trim Naming
The idea of naming vehicle options using designated letters first became popular in the early 1980s. Base, mid-, and high-end are the most commonly used trim levels, but some manufacturers opt to use specific letter combinations as a moniker to differentiate between trim levels. These designations are often found on the car’s aft, usually near the model name.
Manufacturers have their own set of letters for different trims, and the naming may differ across different markets even if under the same brand - but here are some of the most commonly used monikers:
● CE: Classic/Custom edition
● D/DL/DX: Deluxe
● EX/X: Extra
● GL: Grade level
● GLE: Grade Level Extra
● GT: Grand Touring
● LE/LX: Luxury
● LTD: Limited
● S: Sport/Special/Standard
● SE: Sport edition/Special edition/Special equipment
● SL: Standard level
● T: Touring edition
“Electric cars are definitely more eco-friendly than a typical car running on gasoline or diesel - with zero emissions of gases damaging to the environment and your health.”
Advantages of Electric Cars in a Nutshell
While electric cars do have their downsides, they are definitely more eco-friendly than a typical car running on either gasoline or diesel. Numerous research have also shown that electric cars are more efficient, and so they produce less harmful emissions, even when you consider the emissions created by the electric plants that generate the electricity.
From a personal finance perspective, driving an electric car will help you save more on fuel costs.
From a broader perspective, however, electric cars will not only help in achieving national goals for cutting down on greenhouse emissions, but it will also improve air quality for everyone.
Advantage #1. Near-zero Contributions to Overall Pollution
An electric car has zero greenhouse emissions because it relies on a battery to power its motor and does not burn any fuel internally. It also requires less of the more harmful, contaminating liquids like engine oil and coolant fluids.
Advantage #2. Greener Battery
You need to change batteries in both typical and an electric car in due course - but discarding the battery of an electric car is less polluting than that of a typical car. Also, you will be charging your electric car battery on the electrical grid of your region - which means that if the grid is clean, your car will essentially be running on clean energy.
Advantage #3. More Efficient
Numerous research have shown that electric cars are more efficient and thus are more eco-friendly. Even if you were to charge an electric car using electricity generated from fossil fuels, the fuel efficiency of an electric car is 4% higher than that of a gasoline car. By 2020, an electric car will be able to drive an equal distance to a gasoline car while consuming just two-thirds of the energy.
Kia EV Unveiled and Recognized
KIA EV Unveiled: Imagine by KIA
Kia world premiere of ‘Imagine by KIA’, the next-generation crossover EV concept, took place at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show held at Palexpo, Geneva. ‘Imagine by KIA’ suggests new possibilities of the future EV models and does not stop at a massive on-boarding of cutting-edge technology but goes beyond to realize a human-centric design that can satisfy drivers’ emotional needs.
Kia EV Recognized: Niro EV
Popular Mechanics magazine dubbed Kia Niro EV the “Car of the Year”, scoring it high on appeal despite it being an electric car. Niro EV was highly recognized for being well-designed, stylish, practical, and high-performing, whether on a long trip or for day-to-day driving.
“You either get a jump-start from someone else’s car and drive or idle for at least 20 minutes to charge up the battery or use a battery charger.”
How to jump-start your car
- To jump-start your car, you will need two things: jumper cables and a car whose battery is not dead.
- Find someone with a car whose battery is not dead. Ask if they have jumper cables. If they don’t, find someone with jumper cables.
- Park a functional car with the booster battery next to the car with the dead battery, making sure that the two vehicles are NOT in contact.
- Ensure the booster battery is 12-volt and has its negative terminal grounded.
- Turn off all unnecessary electrical loads.
- Open the engine hood and remove the service cover on the front passenger seat side in the engine compartment.
*Accessibility of your battery depends on the make and model of your car. Some may even be in the boot or under the seats. - Remove the fuse box cover. Open the positive terminal cap inside the engine room fuse box and the negative terminal cap close to the vehicle body.
- Connect one end of a jumper cable (red, positive clamp) to the positive end of the discharged battery.
- Connect the other end (red, positive clamp) to the positive end of the booster battery.
- Connect one end of the other jumper cable (black, negative clamp) to the negative end of the booster battery, then the other end (partnering black, negative clamp) to a solid, stationary, metallic point away from the battery.
- Start the engine on the functional car to begin charging the dead car battery through the jumper cables, and let it do so for a few seconds.
- Once the dead car comes alive, disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order (first the black, negative clamps followed by the red, positive clamps) while making sure that the clamps do not touch each other.
- Go on a quick drive or let it idle for at least 20 minutes to build up the charge.
How to charge batteries in general
Follow the basic instructions below to charge your battery:
- Ensure the battery charger is off.
- Connect positive and negative cables on the charger to the respective ends on the battery.
- Keeping the charger at its slowest charge rate, turn it on and set the timer. Depending on the battery voltage and its cold cranking amps (CCA), it should take about 6-12 hours to fully charge.
- Once done, turn off the battery charger main switch.
- Disconnect the negative first then the positive clamps from the respective battery terminals.
“Electrical devices or lights left running, a defective charging system or alternator, and extreme weather are some common reasons but maybe it’s just time to get a new battery.”
Reasons for a car battery to drain
There could be more than one reason for a car battery to drain. The most common problems however are:
Parasitic Drain - If the electrical devices in your car or the lights on your car are left running even when your ignition is off, they will suck the juice out of your battery slowly but dramatically. This is often eerily described as parasitic drain.
Defective charging system - A car battery drains quickly if something called the alternator on your charging system fails to push out enough voltage, ideally between 13.5 - 14.5 volts. In this case, the battery will continue to drain even while the car is running.
Defective alternator diodes - Alternatively, the alternator could have defective diodes which would drain the life out of your battery.
Extreme weather - If it’s too hot (above 100 degrees celsius) or too cold (below 10 degrees Fahrenheit) your car battery could be damaged. Leaving your car in either condition for a long time would cause sulfate to accumulate, leading to a shorter battery lifespan.
Old battery - The average lifespan of a car battery is about 4-5 years, so it may be that your car battery is too old to hold a full charge.
Signs of a dying car battery
If your vehicle has a battery marked with LOWER and UPPER on its side, you can check the electrolyte level, which should ideally between the LOWER and UPPER mark. Other most common signs of a dying car battery include:
Before Startup
The gauges and lights don’t turn on when you turn the key for ignition
Jumping your battery every 3-5 days or even more frequently
Battery death within 15-30 minutes of idling with the engine off while other accessories are running
During Startup
Three or more turns for ignition
Dimming lights and/or accessories prior to startup
Greater difficulty in startup after idling for long hours, especially in the cold
During Driving
Slightly rough stops for traffic
Intermittent shutdowns of the radio and/or other accessories
Dimming lights and/or accessories when the accelerator is pressed
“Car batteries can last for three to five years, depending on environmental factors like climate conditions and driving habits.”
Average lifespans of a car battery
As it is with every device that needs charging, your car batteries will decrease in efficiency with every charge. With proper care, car batteries can last for more than five years! However, if you use your car daily under average conditions, it would be good to replace it after three years. Beyond this point, most car batteries won’t be as reliable and could lead to a number of safety issues.
The average lifespan of a car battery can be affected by:
1) Climate conditions
Super-hot or cold temperatures will harm your battery. Living in extreme temperatures will mean you might have to replace your batteries more often than advised.
2) Driving habits
Repeated short drives for daily commutes, for instance, could shorten your battery’s lifespan because there won’t be much time for full recharges between drives. On the other hand, letting your car idle in the garage or a parking lot for too long could also drain your batteries.
Warning signs that it is time for a replacement
Driving on a weak battery could increase your chances of getting stuck in the middle of nowhere - so make sure to look out for these warning signs:
Lagging engine start
A persistent ‘check engine’ alert
Battery cases that are out of shape
Battery fluid leakage
Kia cars are basically equipped with maintenance-free type batteries. If your Kia is equipped with a battery marked with a lower and upper mark on the side, you can check the electrolyte level - which should ideally be between the lower and upper marks. If the electrolyte level is low, you need to add distilled (demineralized) water. During refills, make sure you don’t splash the battery and/or other components near it. Also do not overfill as this can lead to corrosion on other parts. Make sure to tighten the cell caps once you are done with refill.
At any point, we would always recommend that you contact an authorized Kia dealer.
“Positive first, then negative. When disconnecting the cables from the old battery, disconnect the negative first, then the positive. Connect the new battery in the reverse order, positive then negative.”
When you are replacing your car battery, It isn’t always easy to remember the order in which to disconnect and reconnect the terminals. Nevertheless, it is important to connect them in the right order.
Removing the old battery
When removing the old battery, remember to first disconnect the cables from the negative terminal, which is usually black and has a minus (-) sign then disconnect the cables from the positive terminal, which is usually red and has a plus (+) sign. Take caution at all times to never touch a metal object to both terminals of the battery at once.
After disconnecting the terminals, unhatch the clamps securing the battery in place and slowly lift it out of the battery tray.
Installing the new battery
Before placing the new battery in position, ensure that both terminals and the cables are rust-free. If they are rusty, you can clean them with water, baking soda, and a wire brush.
Next, lower the battery onto the battery tray with the terminals in the right position, and clamp it into place. Now connect the new battery in the reverse order, connecting the positive terminal first then the negative. Make sure that the battery is secured in place!
“You’ve got to first pair the device with your Kia by adding it to its list of Bluetooth devices. Then simply activate Bluetooth connect to the device of your choice.”
Pairing devices with your Kia
For Bluetooth connections, you’ve got to first pair device with your Kia by adding it to the system’s list of Bluetooth devices. You can register up to five devices. Here’s how.
1) From the control panel, press the [PHONE] button, then select Phone settings > Add new device. Alternatively, you can also press the Call/Answer button on your steering wheel.
2) Activate Bluetooth on the device you want to connect. Search for your vehicle’s system and then select it.
3) Enter or confirm the password to complete connection.
* If the passkey input pop-up appears on your device, enter the password ‘0000’ which should also appear on your system screen.
* If a 6-digit password appears on your device, make sure it is the same as the password on your system screen and confirm connection from the device.
Bluetooth is supposedly cross-compatible, but there are cases when compatibility could be a problem. For instance, devices using ‘Bluetooth Smart’ can only be paired with ‘Bluetooth Smart’-compatible devices.
Connecting a paired device
It’s easy to connect a paired device to your Kia - but you can connect with just one device at a time.
1) From the control panel, press the [PHONE] button, then select Phone settings > Paired devices. If there is no connected device, you can also press the Call/Answer button on the steering wheel for a quick start.
2) Turn the [TUNE] knob to select the device of your choice, then press the knob to connect.
*If another device is already connected, disconnect first by clicking on the connected device.
“A combination of physical factors, climate conditions, and driving habits really makes a difference, but it is recommended you replace your tires after driving 10,000-50,000 km.”
The lifespan of a tire
The lifespan of a tire really depends on a combination of variables, but it is recommended that you replace your tires after driving about 10,000 - 50,000 kilometres.
Some of the factors that can shorten the lifespan of your tire are:
Physical factors
1) Age
2) Neglected wear and tear
Road & climate conditions
1) Bumpy roads
2) Curbs and obstacles
3) Excessive rain, snow and ice
4) Exposure to strong sunlight and ozone
Driving habits
1) High speed
2) Abrupt starts and brakes
3) Heavy load
4) Long-distance driving
Improper usage
1) Neglected air pressure
2) Setting and rotation
3) Wrong combination of tire types
4) Incompatible wheel and rim sizes
5) Reusing a flat tire
Making your tires last longer
It is recommended that you inspect your tires at least once a month, or before a long road trip.
- Check the air pressure
- Check for tread wear with:
1) Tread depth gauge
2) Tread wear indicator
If the tire is worn evenly, a tread wear indicator will appear as a solid band across the tread. Replace the tire when you first witness this as it means there is less than 1.6mm of tread left on the tire. Do not wait for the band to appear across the entire tread before replacing the tire.
3) Penny test
✔ Look for wear and tear
Of course, in addition, it is always recommended to visit a tire professional - who would most accurately diagnose if it’s time to say goodbye to your tires.
“Recommended cold tire pressure is in vehicle manual and on tire label. It’s usually 30 psi for small, 36 psi for medium, and 42 psi for large car.”
Recommended tire pressure
Recommended tire pressures vary with the size of the car and its tires. Based on normal tire sizes for each segment, small-sized car are usually 30 psi, medium-sized cars are 36 psi, and large cars are 42 psi.
Keep in mind that warm tires normally exceed recommended cold tire pressures by 4-6 psi.
Tires are considered “cold” when your car has been still for at least three hours or you’ve driven no more than 1.6 km.
The recommended cold tire pressure for your car can be found in the owner’s manual and on the tire label on the driver’s side center pillar.
Checking tire pressure
Tires with too much or too little pressure wear unevenly. Unevenly worn tires can cause poor handling, loss of vehicle control, and sudden tire failures which could potentially lead to accidents, injuries, and even death. So you should check your tires at least once a month. Here’s how:
1) Prepare a good quality gauge to check tire pressure when the tire is cold.
- You cannot tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them.
- Do not rely on the gauge on the air pump
2) Remove the valve cap from the tire valve.
3) Press the tire gauge onto the valve to get a pressure measurement. If the reading matches the recommended pressure, you are done.
4) If the pressure is too low, add air until you reach the recommended pressure.
If the pressure is too high, release air by pushing on the metal stern in the center of the tire valve.
5) Measure the tire pressure again with the tire gauge.
6) Be sure to place the valve caps back on the valves to help prevent leaks and keep out dirt and moisture.
“Remove the bulb cover, disconnect the bulb. Unsnap the retaining wire, remove the bulb. Install the new bulb, snap the retaining wire into place, connect the bulb, reinstall the cover.”
How to change a car light bulb
Changing car light bulbs differ according to the bulb type. Here’s how to change a car light bulb of a normal headlight.
1) Turn off your engine.
2) Open the hood.
3) Remove the headlight bulb cover by turning it counterclockwise.
4) Disconnect the headlight bulb socket-connector.
5) Unsnap the headlight bulb retaining wire by first depressing the end then pushing it upward.
6) Remove the bulb.
7) Install the new bulb and snap the retaining wire into place by aligning the wire with the groove on the bulb.
8) Connect the headlight bulb socket-connector.
9) Reinstall the bulb cover by turning it clockwise.
If the position lamp / daytime running lamp (LED) does not work, you should visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner. These bulbs will require a professional because they cannot be replaced as a single component.
You will need:
- Bulbs
- Screwdriver
- Ratchet
- Safety gloves
- Goggles
“A summer tire boasts superior performance on dry surfaces but its performance is substantially reduced in the snow and ice. ”
About summer tires
- Summer tires boast superior performance on dry surfaces but its performance is substantially reduced in the snow and ice.
- You know you have summer tires if the tires do not have an M+S (mud and snow) tire traction rating on the tire sidewall.
- As the name suggests, summer tires are to be used in the summer; or throughout the year in areas that don’t experience winter.
About all-season tires
- All-season tires, as the name suggests, provide good performance through all seasons, hot and cold.
- You know you have all-season tires if they have ALL SEASON and/or M+S (mud and snow) marked on the tire sidewall.
- While all-season tires can be used on snowy and icy roads, snow tires will have better snow traction; so snow tires are recommended for areas that experience harsh winters.
“Summer tires last for 20,000-40,000 miles depending on driving habits and weather conditions, while all-season tires last for 60,000 miles most of the time.
Lifespans of summer and all-season tires
You know it’s a sign to replace your tires when a tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread - but it is good to take note of the difference in tread life across tire types.
Summer tires boast superior performance on dry surfaces but its performance is substantially reduced in the snow and ice. They usually last for 20,000-40,000 miles, depending on driving habits and weather conditions.
All-season tires, as the name suggests, provide good performance through all seasons, hot and cold. They usually last for about 60,000 miles, but this could be shortened by frequent highway driving.