The 3 Best Kia Models for All Families
Parents often have a different set of needs and wants when it comes to buying a new family car. The performance might not be as important as fuel economy, and luxury features often aren’t nearly as high on the priority list as those that add convenience and comfort. There are a number of Kia vehicles that have everything you’ve been looking for in a new car.
Kia Optima
The Optima is a great choice for smaller families since it has plenty of safety features along with extras that make it feel more impressive than other sedans. It also earned the Best Buy Award from kbb.com, and the 2016 model is the fourth generation of the family car. It gets great fuel economy with an EPA estimate of up to 39 mpg on the highway. There are three engine options available beneath the hood of the Optima. Standard safety features include seven airbags, including one at the driver’s knee, hill start assist, and a backup camera. Optional extras are available, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, forward collision alert, and a 360-degree surround view camera.
4 Can’t Miss Attractions in Columbia, SC
Located where the Saluda and Broad Rivers converge to form the Congaree River, Columbia is the capital and largest city in South Carolina. Columbia is a modest sized city, but with its long history and riverfront geography, there is no shortage of interesting activities to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to check out these four must-see Columbia attractions.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Pay a visit to this remarkable facility and you’ll quickly realize why it’s a two-time recipient of the Governor’s Cup for South Carolina’s Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction. Featuring over 2,000 animals and 4,200 native and exotic plant species on a 170-acre site, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is sure to keep visitors enthralled for hours. Don’t miss the award-winning Birdhouse at Riverbanks exhibit, which features three varieties of penguins among several other exotic bird species.
Admission to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is affordable at $13.95 for adults and $11.50 for children ages 2-12. Discounts are available for military members and senior citizens, and children under two get in free.
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Take in some scenery and history with a visit to the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. This park is the original site of Columbia’s waterworks and the home of the first-ever electrically operated textile mill. Visitors can stroll along over two miles of scenic riverfront trail while learning about the history of the Columbia Canal, first built in 1824 with the labor of indentured Irish servants. Today, a memorial in the park recognizes the Irish workers who built the canal.
The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park are located just outside of Columbia’s downtown business district, providing a convenient escape from the bustle of downtown. The park is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and admission is free.
Nickelodeon Theatre
Film buffs won’t want to miss a chance to visit Columbia’s Nickelodeon Theater. Founded in 1979, this nonprofit theater hosts independent films, curated series, and one-off screenings, and is the home of the Indie Grits Film Festival, an annual showcase of area DIY films. Screening attendees can engage in discussions with experts and community members before or after many screenings. The Nickelodeon is also home to the Helen Hill Media Education Center, which offers filmmaking workshops and educational opportunities for adults and children alike.
Ticket prices for the Nick vary, but most screenings are $10. If you’re a Columbia local, consider becoming a member of the Nickelodeon Theater to enjoy exclusive benefits like free tickets, discounted special screenings, and free popcorn.
Congaree National Park
When you need an escape to nature, look no further than Congaree National Park. Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, this national park is home of the largest expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Visitors to the park can camp, fish, canoe, and kayak, or simply hike and take in the scenery of this unique floodplain forest.
Admission to Congaree National Park is free, and the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Whether you’re interested in nature, history, wildlife, or the arts, Columbia has something for you.
How to Clean Your Kia Like a Pro
Whether you know it or not, the cleanliness of your Kia is a reflection of you as a person, even if you aren’t exactly the tidiest of people. However, you don’t have to let the interior and exterior of your car go by the wayside. Instead, you can follow a few easy steps to keep your Kia immaculate. Once you begin to use these tips, you’ll never have to worry about having a messy vehicle again. Here’s how to do it.
Stay Organized
If you consistently have clutter or trash in your Kia, you probably have a problem with organization. To counteract this disorganization, take strides to follow a regimented plan. Start by setting a specific place for everything in your car. Once each item in your car has a proper location, it’s easier to keep things orderly. In addition, use a small waste basket to collect trash, or make a concerted effort to take all the trash out of your Kia every time you exit the vehicle.
6 Tips For Driving in Heavy Rain
Driving in heavy rain calls for extra caution on the road. While it’s always best practice to stay home during bad weather when possible, sometimes you have no choice but to get behind the wheel. For those times, follow these six tips for driving in heavy rain.
Slow Down
Wet roads mean longer stopping distances and increased risk of accidents. Ensure that you stay in control of your vehicle and have plenty of time to react to sudden traffic changes by reducing your speed in heavy rain. Remember that the posted speed limit is an upper limit based on ideal driving conditions, and you’ll typically need to drive slower than the speed limit in inclement weather.
Known as “The Garden City,” Orangeburg, South Carolina, offers an unexpected amount of culture despite its small size, thanks to its two local universities. Whether you live in Orangeburg or you’re just visiting from nearby Columbia or Charleston, be sure to check out these unique local activities that are sure to please the whole family.
Travel Back in Time at Raylrode Daze Festivul
Each September, drive about 20 minutes south of Orangeburg to Branchville, South Carolina, home of the annual Raylrode Daze Festivul. Now in its 48th year, this festival celebrates Branchville’s railroad junction, which is the oldest railroad junction in the world. The festival offers activities ranging from a cornhole tournament to a gunfight performance hosted by the Branch Junction Gunfighters. Children will enjoy the carnival rides, parade, and arts and crafts activities.
The 2016 Raylrode Daze Festivul runs from September 18th through 25th.
How to Keep Your Car Safe in Summer
As summer hits, it is important to keep an eye on your vehicle. Unfortunately, even though summer is great for many people, it’s a tough time for your car. There are hazards you should watch out for. Make sure your car is protected this summer by safeguarding against hot weather, extra driving, and more.
Protect the Interior
When the sun is beating down on your parked vehicle, the car is susceptible to interior damage. Not only does it get extremely hot inside a parked car in the summer, the heat and light work together to fade your upholstery. Dashboards and steering wheels also fade over time because of the extra sunlight. There are steps you can take to ensure you keep the inside of your car looking great.
First, use a windshield sunshade. Shades are easy to find at dealerships, auto parts stores, and even department stores. They usually fold, making them easy to store in the car. When using a sunshade, you’re cutting down on the sun’s rays and reducing the heat buildup in the car.
Wipe your car down with commercial products that help protect against damage from the sun. You can find these at many of the same places you’ll find sunshades. When using sun protection products, you are giving the car’s surfaces an extra layer of protection.
How to Connect an iPhone 6 to a Kia Optima
When you get a new Kia Optima, one of the most important features you should take advantage of is the Bluetooth pairing. Using Bluetooth allows you to make and receive calls hands-free, which is a much safer option than using your handset. It’s quick and easy to pair your iPhone 6 with your Kia Optima.
Pairing Your Phone
When you’re getting ready to pair your phone to your car, make sure your phone is charged and turned on. You must also be connected to your service provider. Your car must also be running or have the ignition in the ACC position. Keep the car in Park while pairing your device. Since any prompts come through the car’s sound system, it is also a good idea to have the radio volume turned up. Read the rest of this entry »
4 Surprising Items You Can’t Leave in Hot Cars
You know your car gets hot in the summer, and you know that there are several things— kids and pets, for example — you simply shouldn’t leave in a hot car. However, you may not know there are many other things you shouldn’t leave in your car as the temperature rises. Check out some of the most surprising items you should take with you when you leave the car.
Medication
If you’re like many Americans, you probably have a stash of medications in your vehicle. From prescription meds to over-the-counter items such as Tylenol, many people try to keep medication on hand as often as possible. The problem is that the molecular structure of medications changes when you leave it in extremely hot temperatures. If you leave your medication in the car during the summer, it may become less effective or even lose all potency. In some cases, the heat can change the medication to such a degree that it affects you in strange ways.
4 Great Road Trips in South Carolina
Whether you live in South Carolina or you’re just here for a visit, make sure you take some time to explore the state. South Carolina offers numerous remarkable road trip options. No matter your interests, you’re sure to find a trip that suits your needs. From outdoor adventures to amazing shopping, these are some of the best road trips in South Carolina.
Top 4 Kia Models for College Students
When you’re in college, you want a vehicle that’s a step or two above what you drove in high school. Young adults have specific preferences when it comes to safety, technology, appearance, and entertainment. Car manufacturers looking to earn the loyalty of college students must offer affordable options and features this consumer segment wants. Kia is no exception. Here are the top four models from this brand that appeal to young adults.
