Understeering and Oversteering Problems Increase Risks

When a vehicle develops an understeering or oversteering problem, the process of reaching a certain point on a road is tougher. Both of these steering problems can be managed. However, the best way to stay safe is by letting a mechanic service your automobile shortly after it begins to understeer or oversteer.

There are two places where a vehicle can drift when it develops steering problems around a curve. If a system understeers before entering a curve, a vehicle won't clear the turn effectively unless the steering wheel is rotated multiple times.  

Read More
Categories:

Get Your Vehicle into Back-to-School Shape

School is starting soon. It's time to get your vehicle ready, whether you are hauling the kids to school or have a teen with a new driver's license. Here are some things you should put on your back-to-school list.

Is the vehicle up to date with maintenance? You need to have the oil changed and tires rotated according to the manufacturer's recommendations. You should also check fluid levels, windshield wiper wear, and tire pressure and tread. Change or fill as needed. Have you been postponing a repair? Get it done before the bell rings on the first…

Read More
Categories:

The Importance of Proper Tire Pressure

If you want to get the most out of your car tires, you should maintain the proper tire pressure. Your tires lose a little bit of pressure every day, especially in extreme climates, so you should check them at a minimum of once per month.

You should keep a tire pressure gauge in your car at all times. When you pull up to a gas station, you can check the tire pressure while your gas is pumping. If they are low, the station should have a place where you can fill your tires with air.  

Read More
Categories:

What's the Best First Car for Your Teen?

Teens can sometimes have unrealistic expectations for a first car. While it isn't necessarily flashy or exciting, an excellent first car for new drivers would be an SUV or even a pickup truck. Solidly built, dependable and with plenty of safety features, a larger vehicle has all of the things teens need when they first start driving.

Look for a vehicle that includes safety features like electronic stability control, which can assist an inexperienced driver to maintain control of their vehicle when turning sharply or on a slippery surface.  

Read More
Categories:

Tips on Refinancing vs. Trading in Your Car

When you have difficulty paying off a car loan, it could be that you are in over your head and need to lower your interest rate immediately. There are several options to lower these payments. The best option for most car buyers is a trade-in. When you trade in your vehicle, you are asking that the dealer purchase the car from you and place your equity in another car. This works out to lower your payments if you trade in for a car that has a lower price tag, such as a different make and model or a used vehicle…

Read More
Categories:

Make Washing Your Car a Priority

You might think that washing your car isn’t worth the time or money. At KIA Downtown Los Angeles, we’re here to tell you otherwise. When you wash your car on a regular basis, it can offer you a number of benefits.

Clean cars can actually save you money on gas. Experts have proven that fuel efficiency is improved when cars are cleaner. Essentially, dirt can cause drag, requiring you to burn more fuel. When you take your car through a car wash, it can help you with your miles per gallon. 

Read More
Categories:

Spring is Here: Time to Get the Car Ready

Car maintenance is important after a cold winter spent driving on chemically treated roads. Look in your owner's manual to see what maintenance is scheduled, and work with a mechanic to see if your vehicle needs any further work. You will want to have all of your fluid levels checked, as well as the belts, engine and air conditioning.

Take the time to remove any trash in your car, and give the interior a good cleaning. Remove winter items that can be stored in the house, and vacuum the floors and upholstery. Wipe down every surface, paying special attention…

Read More
Categories:

Tips for Buying a Used Car That Will Make the Process Simpler

Have you been shopping around for a new vehicle lately but can't find what you're looking for? Stop down to Kia of Downtown Los Angeles to take a look at our used inventory of vehicles. Don't be discouraged by a vehicle being previously owned. These vehicles still have a lot of life left in them. Here are some tips for buying used:

  • Always check out the vehicle history report for a vehicle that you're strongly considering. You'll find out the accident history report, mileage readings, previous ownership, etc. 
Read More
Categories:

Useful Tips on Applying Touch-Up Paint

Our associates at Kia of Downtown Los Angeles strive to keep our consumers informed about ways they can keep their vehicles in good condition. It is common for scratches to occur on the exterior of a vehicle, so it can be helpful if you are prepared to use touch-up paint properly.

Check the severity of the scratch. If you notice that is is accompanied with a dent, then it may need to be repaired by a professional. You can choose a touch-up color that matches your vehicle by finding out its color code.  

Read More
Categories:

Consider a Dash Cam for Your Vehicle

A fun reason to have a dash cam in your car is to keep track of all of the road trips that you take. You can then post those videos to websites to show other people how to navigate along roads to reach the same destinations.

One of the benefits of a dash cam is that it can capture still images along with a video. This means that you can have pictures to look back on specific things on the road that you might have missed while traveling. It also allows you to show other people a few details of…

Read More
Categories: