Prep Your Kia For Storm Season and Beyond

Early fall is the perfect time to start preparing your Kia for the rough weather ahead–you’d be surprised at the toll all that summer driving has taken on your components! Now the colder and rainier months are coming, you’re going to be relying on your car a lot more, and you don’t want to be caught out by a burned-out battery or spongy brakes! Here are 6 of Lally Kia’s recommended services to give your Kia a much-needed refresh:

1. Check and Change Your Tires: Your summer adventures have probably worn down your tread and tire pressure. Let our Kia tire experts check your tires for balding, cracks, or bulges to ensure your tires are still safe, and perform any necessary changes, rotations, or balancing. As the weather gets colder, you’ll also want to think about switching your summer tires out for a winter set! Luckily, fall is basically tire rebate season (for more information about tire rebates, visit Kia.ca), so it’s the perfect time for shopping! 
2. Test Your Battery: Batteries don’t hold up well to intense heat like we experience each summer, and the cold isn’t going to treat them any better. Rather than taking a chance on a drained battery, book to have yours tested or replaced for a fresh start this winter.
3. Inspect Your Brakes: You don’t want your brakes to fail on an average day, but you especially don’t want them to let you down once the roads get wet and slippery. Let our Kia-certified technicians give your brakes, brake pads, rotors, and fluid a thorough look to ensure they’re in the best health.
4. Clean Out Your Engine: Who knows how much residue is gumming up your engine and filters after a whole summer on the road? If it’s left unchecked, your engine could overheat or seize on a snowy road in the middle of the holiday rush. Nightmare! Book your Kia in for a full oil and filter change and sidestep any unexpected stops. 
5. Ensure Your Headlights are Bright: Days are about to start getting dark earlier, and with longer nights comes a higher risk of accidents. Make sure you can see clearly with clean, healthy headlights, and telegraph your every move with easily-visible brake lights and turn signals.
6. Don’t Forget Your Wipers and Fluids: Last but definitely not least, you’ll want to check the levels of crucial fluids like your windscreen washer fluids and transmission fluid for your steering. Many accidents can be prevented by good visibility and responsive maneuvers, so don’t underestimate the importance of keeping these topped up!

Stock the Essentials, Whatever the Season

Here’s a little bonus advice: just like preparing your house with flashlights and water in case of a power out, it’s a good idea to stock your Kia with some essentials in case of emergency:

• Flashlight
• Jumper cables
• Phone chargers
• First aid kit 
• Spare tools
• Water
• Blankets

Having these stashed away for when you need them might be a literal lifesaver, especially if you break down and need to wait for roadside assistance.