Blog

A vehicle's air conditioning system tends to get attention only when it stops working. That's understandable—until a Texas summer reminds you just how important cold air can be. For drivers throughout Dickinson, TX, staying current with Kia A/C service isn't simply about comfort. It's about protecting a system that works hard nearly every day of the year. If your vents aren't blowing as cold as they used to, or your cabin takes longer to cool down, now is the time to have it checked before a minor concern becomes a costly repair. more Your Kia's Air Conditioning System Works Harder Than You Think Modern Kia vehicles rely on a network of components working together to keep cabin temperatures comfortable. The compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant, hoses, and sensors all play important roles. When one component begins to struggle, the entire system can suffer. Low refrigerant levels, worn seals, or a failing compressor can reduce cooling performance and place additional strain on other parts of the system. That's why many drivers schedule Kia A/C service in Dickinson, TX before peak summer temperatures arrive. Addressing small issues early often helps prevent larger repairs later. Warning Signs Your Kia May Need A/C Repair Air conditioning systems rarely fail without warning. In many cases, there are signs that service is needed. Warm air coming through the vents is one of the most obvious indicators. Weak airflow, unusual noises when the system is running, or musty odors inside the cabin can also point to developing problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, scheduling Kia service in Dickinson can help identify the source before it worsens. What Happens During a Kia A/C Inspection? Professional A/C service involves much more than adding refrigerant. During a comprehensive inspection, technicians evaluate refrigerant levels, inspect for leaks, examine the compressor and drive components, test system pressures, and assess overall cooling performance. The cabin air filter may also be inspected, since restricted airflow can affect system efficiency and interior comfort. At Gay Family Kia, factory-trained technicians use equipment designed to diagnose Kia climate-control systems accurately, helping ensure repairs are completed correctly the first time. Better Cabin Comfort Starts With Preventive Maintenance Routine A/C maintenance can help improve cooling performance, reduce strain on system components, and support cleaner cabin air. In a Gulf Coast climate like Dickinson, where air conditioners often run for much of the year, preventive care becomes even more valuable. Many drivers visiting our Kia service center in Dickinson, TX combine A/C inspections with routine maintenance appointments, making it easy to stay ahead of potential issues. Schedule Kia A/C Service at Gay Family Kia If your Kia isn't cooling the way it should, the service team at Gay Family Kia is ready to help. Drivers throughout Dickinson, League City, Texas City, and the surrounding area can count on our Kia service department for professional diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs. Schedule your Kia A/C service in Dickinson today and stay comfortable wherever the road takes you.

Staying on top of routine maintenance is one of the best things you can do for your vehicle, and oil changes are at the top of that list. If you drive a 2026 Kia Sportage, a 2025 Kia K5, or the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride, keeping up with oil change services in Dickinson, TX helps protect your engine and extend the life of your car. It's easy to push an oil change to the back burner when life gets busy. But skipping this simple service can lead to bigger and far more expensive problems down the road. Here's what you need to know about why regular oil changes are important and what to expect when you bring your Kia in for service. more How Often Should You Schedule an Oil Change for Your Kia? The right oil change interval depends on your specific Kia model and the type of oil it uses. Many newer Kia vehicles use synthetic oil, which typically allows for longer intervals between changes compared to conventional oil. Your owner's manual is always your best resource for the exact recommendation for your vehicle. As a rule, most Kia models with synthetic oil can go longer between oil changes than older vehicles with conventional oil. However, if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, extreme heat, or dusty conditions all common in the Gulf Coast region, you may need to service your vehicle a little more often. When in doubt, a certified service advisor can review your vehicle's service history and help you determine the best schedule for your driving habits. Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil: Which Does Your Kia Need? Most newer Kia vehicles are designed to run on full synthetic motor oil, which offers superior protection and performance compared to conventional options. Synthetic oil is engineered to handle higher temperatures, resist breakdown longer, and provide better protection during cold starts. For performance-oriented models like the Kia EV6's hybrid counterparts or turbocharged engines found in the Sportage and Sorento, synthetic oil is especially important. Your service advisor will always use the correct oil type and viscosity specified for your exact model, so you never have to guess. What to Expect During a Professional Oil Change Service A professional oil change service at a certified Kia dealership is quick, thorough, and includes more than just swapping out the oil. Here's what typically happens during a routine visit. First, a technician drains the old oil and replaces the oil filter. Fresh oil is then added to the correct level using the grade specified for your vehicle. Many service visits also include a multi-point inspection, where technicians check fluid levels, tire pressure, and other key components to make sure everything looks good. The entire process is usually completed in under an hour, making it easy to fit into your schedule without disrupting your day. Signs Your Kia Might Be Due for an Oil Change Your Kia may give you a few hints that it's time for fresh oil. The most obvious is the oil change reminder light on your dashboard, which is triggered based on your driving conditions and mileage. Don't ignore this warning, it's there for a reason. Other signs include engine noise that sounds louder or rougher than usual, dark or gritty oil on the dipstick, or a burning smell coming from the engine area. If you notice any of these, it's a good idea to schedule an oil change as soon as possible. Catching these warning signs early helps prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. Stay Ahead with Oil Change Services in Dickinson, TX Routine oil change services are one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your Kia performing at its best for years to come. From protecting your engine to improving overall reliability, this simple maintenance step makes a real difference.  Drivers throughout Dickinson, TX can count on the certified Kia service professionals at Gay Family Kia to get the job done right, every time. Don't wait until a small issue becomes a big problem schedule your next oil change today and keep your Kia running the way it was designed to.

You're going to need a new car battery at some point during your car's lifespan if you plan on owning your car for more than a couple of years. Your Kia dealer will usually let you know when it's time to replace the battery during your routine maintenance, but there are signs you need to look out for, too, that will let you know your battery is on its last legs. more How frequently you need to replace the battery in your car varies a lot. It can vary on depending on the type of battery used in your specific Kia model, and it can also vary depending on your driving habits. However, most car batteries across all models need to be replaced every four to five years. Your battery gets less effective with age, and it can also end up getting damaged, too. Getting regular maintenance is the surest way to stay on top of your battery's health. Signs It's Time to Visit the Kia Dealer for a Battery Replacement You Can't Start the Car If you can't start the car, then the battery is often to blame. However, one of the components that works with the battery could also be faulty. If you visit the dealer, then you'll be able to find out which component is having trouble, and if it's your battery, then the dealer will replace it. Your Battery Is Swollen Your battery should always have smooth sides and be rectangular. It should never swell up or have lumps and bumps in its casing. A misshapen battery is a battery that needs replacing ASAP. Your Connectors Are Corroded Even if your battery isn't misshapen, you might notice an ashy substance on the metal parts of it. This is a sign that these components are starting to corrode. The metal part of your battery corroding lets you know that it's time to get that battery replaced. Your Battery Is Leaking If there's a foul smell under your hood, then it could be caused by your battery leaking gas. The smell is usually comparable to rotten eggs. If you catch a whiff of that, then you know it's time to visit the dealer. Your Car Is Having Electrical Issues Your battery makes sure all the electrical components in your vehicle, such as the radio, headlights, and dashboard lights, work properly. If the battery-powered functions of your vehicle start to slow down, or if the headlights get dim or start flickering, then it might be time for a new battery. Stop by Gay Family Kia any time you need your battery replaced. We'll also do routine maintenance for you to make sure all the components that work alongside your battery are in the best condition possible.

Start 2022 the right way at the local Kia dealer near you in Dickinson. At Gay Family Kia, our First Big Sales Event of 2022 is going on now! We invite our shoppers to discover the new Kia that is just right for your transportation needs. Whether you’re in the market for a sedan or SUV, our team is committed to helping our League City, Houston, and the Woodlands customers choose the new Kia that is right for you. Learn more about the new Kia specials going on this January. Reserve your new Kia and get up to an additional $500 off! New 2022 Kia Forte FE – $19,585 or 1.9% for 60 months New 2022 Kia Soul LX – $19,750 or 0.9% for 60 months Are you ready to test drive your favorite new Kia car or SUV at Gay Family Kia? Contact the team at the local Kia dealer near you by giving us a call at (832) 210-3122. Come by and visit us at 3001 Gulf Fwy, Dickinson, TX 77539. Our Pearland, Pasadena, and Friendswood shoppers are invited to apply for financing or value your trade in from the comfort of your home. Customers are also invited to shop our new Kia inventory online and take advantage of our First Big Sales Event! DISCLAIMERS: Stock# 820950, MSRP $20,500, Customer Cash $750, Final Price $19,750 Plus Tt&L.  0.9% For 60 Months With Approved Credit Through Kia Motors Finance.  $17.06 Per $1000 Financed.  Offer Expires 01/31/2022. Stock# 447167, MSRP $20,085, Dealer Discount $100, Final Price $19,985 Plus Tt&L.  1.9% For 60 Months With Approved Credit Through Kia Motors Finance.  $17.50 Per $1000 Financed.  Offer Expires 01/31/2022. Order a new KIA or reserve one that is currently in-transit and get a $500 dealer discount at time of delivery. In stock units excluded. Also excludes Telluride. Offer expires 1/31/2022.

Fall has arrived and now is a great time to get your car, truck, or SUV ready to take on all of your upcoming holiday travel plans. At Gay Family Kia, our service technicians are ready to assist our Dickinson, Texas customers in maintaining your vehicle’s tire health and determining when it’s time for new tires. more Our professional service staff is proud to serve the transportation needs of our Houston, League City, and Sugar Land neighbors. Our team wants to help our customers check out the condition of your tires for yourself. Learn about some of the most common tire service needs and how the team at your local service center can help. Visual Evaluation for Tire Damage Begin checking your tires by looking for obvious signs of punctures or objects that have compromised your tires’ ability to hold air. Additionally, you’ll want to look for any indication that your tire wall is beginning to bulge. If you notice any of these issues during your inspection, your tires may need to be  repaired or even replaced. Inspect Your Tires’ Tread The tread of your tires can tell you a lot about the health of your tires. The first thing you’ll want to check is the depth of your tire tread as this is what allows your vehicle to handle well and grip the road in inclement weather. Many tires are designed with a tread wear indicator to help drivers quickly determine if your tread depth is at an appropriate level. If the tread of your tire is even with the rubber wear indicator, it is time to have your tires replaced. If your tires don’t have a tread depth indicator, another efficient way to check your tread wear is with a penny test. Locate a penny and turn it so that the head is facing you Place the penny headfirst in the groove between the tire treads If the head of the penny is partially obscured by the tread, your tires still have an acceptable amount of tread. If you’re able to see the entire head of the penny, your tread depth is too low and you’ll want to replace your tires soon. After verifying that your tread depth is still in good shape, you’ll also want to look at the tread wear patterns on your tires. If you notice areas where the tread does not appear to be wearing evenly, you may have an issue with your tire alignment. Ensuring your wheels are well-aligned is vital to extending the life of your tires. Check Your Tire Pressure As the weather cools, changes in temperature can result in a loss of tire pressure for your car, truck, or SUV. Have you noticed your tire pressure light illuminated on your dashboard or that one of your tires appears lower than your other tires? Checking your tire pressure at regular intervals and adding air as needed can help your tires wear more evenly and ensure better performance for your vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual or tire sidewall to locate your manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. Are you ready to have your tires professionally evaluated at the tire center near you in Dickinson, Texas? The service department at Gay Family Kia is here for you at 3001 Gulf Fwy, Dickinson, TX 77539. You can also schedule your next service appointment when you give our professional service technicians a call at (832) 210-3122. If our Pearland, Woodlands, Friendswood, and Pasadena neighbors are in need of a tire alignment or new tires for your car, truck, or SUV, your local Kia dealer is here for your service needs. Don’t forget to ask about our service coupons.

The 2020 Kia Sportage is available at Gay Family Kia in Dickinson, Texas! The 2020 Kia Sportage comes with an updated exterior, safety and driver-assistance technology, and a 2.4 Liter Inline with 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic transmission. With a vehicle that can get up to 30 MPG, enjoy the efficiency with comfort features such as a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a 60/40 rear folding seat. The available UVO link will give you the power to access remote climate control, remote door lock/unlock, find my car, and more through the Kia Access App. Safety Features in the 2020 Kia Sportage The 2020 Kia Sportage will also come equipped with Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning to help keep you and your passengers safe. Come Test Drive the 2020 Kia Sportage! The new 2020 Kia Sportage comes with everything you need for comfort and efficiency on the road. Call Gay Family Kia today at (832) 769-4379 for any questions about this great vehicle, or stop by and visit us in person at 3001 Gulf Freeway, Dickinson, TX, 77539. You can even start your search for your 2020 Kia Sportage by searching our new inventory before you come in. Who’s ready for a test drive? We are happy to serve the Dickinson, Santa Fe, and League City customers in Texas! DISCLAIMERS: Kia started a program to restate the fuel economy ratings for some of our vehicles. The vehicles affected include: 2011-2012 model year Optima Hybrids, 2012-2013 model year Rios, Souls and Sportages, and certain 2012-2013 model year Sorentos equipped with GDI engines. If a vehicle you own is included, we invite you to visit the site to learn how Kia is addressing this issue—which includes compensating current and former owners for fuel costs associated with MPG rating adjustments. Kia Motors has also announced that it has entered into a preliminary settlement agreement with attorneys representing owners of affected vehicles. The site also provides information about that preliminary settlement.

Buying a fuel-efficient electronic vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) is more important than ever before for two reasons. First, it helps you save money at the gas pump, and second, these vehicles also help preserve the Earth for future generations. Kia offers an entire lineup of hybrid and electric vehicles to choose from. Here's a look at three of them. Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid The popular Kia Optima is now available as either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. For the 2018 model year, it features a six-speed automatic transmission as part of its updated powertrain. A 2-liter gas direct-injected engine pairs with an electric engine to produce 192 horsepower and an impressive 271 pound-feet of torque. Optima's Plug-In uses the same 2.0-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission as its hybrid brother but puts out 202 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque. In addition to the engine and transmission, both hybrid models use an active air flap system to make the car more efficient and cut down on wind and air noise at the same time. Plus, the vehicle's lithium-ion battery uses slowing down and braking as a way to recharge itself using kinetic energy. more Soul EV The 2018 Soul is a fun vehicle in Kia's lineup that's also available as an electric vehicle. Charging is the main concern with any electric vehicle, but Kia makes doing so at home, the office, or at rapidly expanding public charge stations easy, thanks to its standard DC fast-charging option. Soul EV has a 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger and an ultra-dense battery that gives you more room in the cabin and increased driving range. The Soul EV has a 30-kilowatt-hour battery under the floor to give you more miles between charges — up to 111 miles. The Soul is equipped with a 360-volt permanent magnet AC synchronous electric engine that puts out a maximum 109 horsepower and an instant 210 pound-feet of torque. Niro Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Nothing says crossover like Niro, and Kia offers it in both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid version, too. The 2018 Niro PHEV features a 1.56-kilowatt energy-dense battery paired with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and full parallel hybrid system that produce a combined 104 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque — and it goes fully electric with just the push of a button. In electric mode, it offers a range of 0 to 26 miles. After the electricity depletes, it switches over to hybrid mode to allow for further driving between charges. And when Niro PHEV does need charging, Kia has it set to charge at either 120 volts (level one) or 240 volts (level two) — the latter being the same as a household appliance and making it easier to charge at home with a regular outlet. The 2018 Niro Hybrid is equipped with the same engine and electric motor as the PHEV but creates a combined 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. And Niro sets itself apart in the hybrid class even further by using a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) instead of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) like others do, allowing Niro to shift gears more smoothly and quickly, which makes for a fun drive. Kia makes it easy to save at the pump and help the planet with its range of hybrid vehicles. Get in on the revolution and discover which one best suits your style. Visit Gay Family Kia to see our inventory and schedule a test drive. Image via Flickr by mariordo59

If there's a problem developing under the hood of your Kia, you're likely to hear an unusual noise. Visit your dealer the minute you hear this strange noise, and you may be able to avoid expensive repair costs. Here are a few noises you shouldn't ignore on your Kia if you want to keep your vehicle running well. Rattling in Your Wheel Not every noise you hear with a Kia will be a major issue, but they all deserve your attention. If you're out for a drive and hear something rattling in your wheels, you need to schedule a service appointment as soon as you can. Generally, this noise means that your lug nuts have not been tightened properly, which means your hubcap is at risk of falling off your vehicle. Your Kia maintenance tech should be able to secure your lug nuts and hubcap so that you and other drivers will be safe. more Squealing From Your Brakes One of the most concerning sounds you may hear coming from your Kia is a squealing noise when applying your brakes. If you hear squealing while braking, it usually means that your brake pads are almost completely worn out. To fix this issue, you should visit your Kia dealer's service department to have new pads installed. Hearing a grinding noise while braking is even more serious. A grinding noise means that your pads are so worn that the metal parts in your braking system are coming in contact with each other, which can cause major and expensive damage. Ticking From Your Engine Many of the sounds that you'll hear while driving your Kia will come from your vehicle's engine. While some of these noises are normal, others mean that you need service to keep your vehicle running. For example, if your engine is making a ticking noise, there are several things that may be happening. Most likely, your engine oil is too low, so adding more oil should fix the problem. If replenishing your engine oil doesn't stop the ticking noise, you need to have your engine inspected because one of your engine parts, such as the fuel injector, may be wearing out. Whining During Acceleration If you hear a whining noise while accelerating your Kia, but the noise isn't present when your vehicle is idle, you need service right away. Hearing a whining noise while driving your car can mean an engine part is on the brink of failure, and you may be facing a breakdown in the very near future. This noise can mean that your power steering fluid is running out or that your water pump is malfunctioning. A whining noise can also indicate a major problem, such as a bent piston. If you hear any of these noises while you're driving your Kia vehicle, you should schedule a service appointment with your Kia dealer as soon as possible. Your dealership's service team will be able to diagnose the problem and effectively complete repairs. Sources: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0876/3374/products/DESDEMONA_-_BLACK_2_1800x1800.jpg?v=1566491184 https://blog.carvana.com/2017/10/the-dangers-of-driving-with-a-low-oil-level/

Kia has a steady lineup of fuel-efficient models for 2018. All are equally equipped to handle the demands of the road while getting you to and from your destination without a hitch.  So if you're on the hunt for reliable performance, here are five Kias that set the standard for fuel efficiency. Niro The 2018 Kia Niro kicks things off with a total driving range of 583 miles. Additionally, its base FE trim gets the best estimate out of the group: 52 mpg city and 49 mpg highway. The secret? A hybrid-tuned, lightweight 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, permanent-magnet electric motor, and dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission. You also get regenerative braking, which helps recharge the Niro's 1.56-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery using restored kinetic energy. This results in better fuel efficiency for a longer drive. more Niro Plug-In Hybrid The Niro Plug-In Hybrid has the same engine, transmission, and motor as its counterpart, but its battery output increases to 8.9 kWh. It's available in the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, and all are capable of reaching an all-electric range of 26 miles, a gas-only range of 46 mpg combined, and an MPGe range of 105. Overall, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid reaches a total driving range of 560 miles. You can use a 120-volt (Level 1) power port for overnight charging or a 240-volt (Level 2) port for a full charge in less than three hours. Best of all, Kia's handy UVO eco feature lets you remotely set a charging schedule, check your plug-in hybrid's charging status, and locate nearby charging stations straight from your smartphone. Optima Hybrid Running with a 2.0-liter 16-valve GDI engine and full parallel hybrid system is the 2018 Optima Hybrid. This vehicle packs an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission, an interior permanent-magnet motor, and a 1.76-kWh lithium polymer battery. Both the Premium and EX trims get up to 39 mpg city and 46 mpg highway. What's more, it gets a total driving range of 668 miles. This is thanks to a lightweight battery with better power and energy performance, a regenerative braking system, and an aerodynamic-tuned active air flap system, all designed to push fuel efficiency to new heights. Optima Plug-In Hybrid The Optima Plug-In Hybrid has almost everything its counterpart carries. A 9.8-kWh lithium polymer battery makes a difference, though, and gives this model EPA estimates to rival the Niro Plug-In Hybrid. Its only trim, the EX, gets an all-electric range of 29 miles, a gas-only range of 40 mpg combined, and an MPGe of 103, as well as a total driving range of 610 miles. Soul EV The fifth entry on this list is the fuel-efficient Soul EV. It runs solely on electricity and is powered using an onboard 6.6-kW charger or a CHAdeMO-type DC Fast Charge port. The latter gets you a 90-percent charge in just under 50 minutes! The Soul EV is powered by a permanent-magnet electric motor and 30-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Together these components allow the Soul's EV and EV+ trims to reach a combined MPGe of 108 and a total driving range of 111 miles. If you're searching for a fuel efficient ride, the 2018 Kia lineup has plenty in store for you. Which model will you choose? Image via Flickr by JayUny, used under CC BY-SA 2.0

After years of vehicle use and increased mileage, it's not unusual to notice signs of wear and tear. One of these could be loud rattling or squeaking noises coming from your vehicle's cabin, especially when you pass a bump or drive over uneven ground. However, you shouldn't have to tolerate them forever. Here are four ways you can fix or dampen interior rattling. Visit Our Service Center more Find the Source of the Noise First, you need to know where the noise is coming from. You'll want to carefully inspect the door panels, kick panels, footwell, and the trunk. If you own a truck or SUV, search the tailgate area for any strange sounds. You might find that the problem lies with loose screws or clips, and all they need is a bit of tightening or replacing. However, the sound could be coming from a spare tire mount or a loose toolbox in the trunk, so probe around until you pinpoint the source of the rattling. Replace Missing Components If you notice any missing screws or damaged fasteners, you'll want to replace them with new ones. Likewise, check the console doors and glove compartment panels for any absent rubber bumpers. We know tailgate rattling can be loud and    frustrating every time you hit a bump in the road, but you can help cut the sound with rubber stops. Simply replace your worn ones with a new pair to keep the latch secure. Remove the Interior Panels Removing interior panels around the door, dashboard, or other areas of your vehicle isn't the easiest of tasks. It requires patience and due focus, though it's necessary if you think the sounds are coming from behind the panels where metal and plastic components meet. In this case, you'll have to take out any screws, clips, or fasteners securing the panels using special tools and then wedge the panel out. If you're working on door panels, remember to replace the paper or plastic liner. Otherwise, this could lead to water and air leaks. Add Soundproofing Insulation After you've taken out the panels, it's time to add the sound-deadening material. There are various types of insulation you can use for this task, including dense foam rubber padding, foam weatherstrip tape, or self-adhesive felt tape, that you can fit in between seams. If you can't find the exact source of the problem, it's not a bad idea to insulate more than one area. The more soundproofing insulation you add to the cabin, the quieter it will be. This doesn't just minimize rattling, though. If the noises are coming from the kick panels where your audio system speaker resides, adding insulation to these areas will reduce vibration and give you better sound quality. If you're tired of hearing annoying squeaks and rattles in your cabin when you go for a drive, maybe it's high time for a bit of preventive maintenance. Follow this guide to help eliminate pesky noises and get back to enjoying those quiet rides you've been longing for. This photo, " 2012 Kia Rio5” by theKCB used under CC BY 2.o. "2012 Kia Rio5" is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

If you hit a parked vehicle in the street or parking lot, don't panic — it happens more often than you think. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly six percent of all motor vehicle collisions involve parked cars. In order to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, follow these steps after the accident. more Remain at the Scene of the Accident Once you realized you've hit a vehicle, stay calm. Instincts may tell you to flee, especially if it looks like no one was around to see what happened. Never leave the scene of an accident. There are much greater legal consequences for hit-and-runs than for at-fault accidents where you follow the correct protocol. Also, many businesses and parking lots have hidden cameras that could detect your license plate and vehicle information, making it easy to track you down later. If you do decide to flee the scene, and later end up getting caught, you will likely end up paying much more out-of-pocket than you would have for any ticket or minor increase in auto insurance. Hit-and-runs count as a major violation, and you'll likely end up paying higher tickets and higher insurance rates than if you would have just reported the accident. Try to Find the Vehicle Owner If the accident takes place in a parking lot, the vehicle owner probably will not take very long to return to their car. Look around and wait a few minutes for the owner to approach the vehicle. If you can't locate them, you can stop anyone who witnessed the accident and ask for their information. Assess the Situation Get out of your car to look at the damage done both to your car and the other one. If you have a smart phone or camera, take pictures of the site of impact on each vehicle. You can use these photos later when auto insurance companies are appraising the damage. Even if the mark on the other car is very small, stay there and take pictures. Even seemingly minor dents and dings can end up costing into the thousands of dollars to repair. Notify Appropriate Parties If the owner is nowhere in sight, find a pen and paper and leave a note in their windshield. The note should only include basic information: your name, address, phone number, and a brief neutral account of what happened. If you have it, also include your insurance company name and policy number. If you were driving someone else's car, leave their contact and insurance information. Try not to explicitly admit fault or sound overly apologetic in your note. Anything you say or write may be used against you as adjusters investigate the claim. You should also contact your insurance company within 24 hours of the incident. If there is damage to your vehicle and you have collision coverage on your policy, you can file a claim to fix your vehicle, and you will only have to pay the deductible out-of-pocket. Your policy can also pay to fix the other person's vehicle through your property damage liability coverage. Getting into any kind of car accident can be stressful. As long as you cover these bases after hitting a parked car, both you and the other driver will be able to move on from the incident and fix any damage as quickly as possible. This photo, “ Car hit by shopping cart 01,” by Alan Sim used under CC BY-SA 2.o. “ Car hit by shopping cart 01” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

No summer is quite complete until you've gone on an exciting road trip. However, before you hit the road with your friends or family, you want to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape, so you won't have to worry about breakdowns. Fortunately, getting your car ready for a summer road trip is much easier than you might believe, especially when you choose the right maintenance tasks. more Here are a few tips for preparing your vehicle for your next summer road trip to ensure your adventure is fun and stress-free. Oil Change Oil changes are one of the most common, important car maintenance tasks. This is especially true when you're preparing for a road trip. If your oil is too dirty, it can cause a great deal of wear and tear on your engine, possibly leading to a lockdown if you neglect to change your oil before subjecting your engine to the added stress of a long road trip. If you've changed your oil recently, then you should at least check your oil levels, adding more engine oil if you find you're getting a little low. Making sure your oil is clean and at the proper level will help you avoid most road-trip breakdowns. Battery There's almost nothing more frustrating than returning from a road trip pit stop only to find your battery has died, which is what makes checking your battery such a crucial part of road trip preparation. First, you need to make sure your battery charging system is working correctly, including checking to see if your battery has a strong charge. Second, you need to examine your terminals to see if they are clean. If not, clean them with baking soda and water. Checking your battery before a road trip will make sure you're never stranded after being unable to start your vehicle. Tires Summer can be a difficult time of the year for your vehicle's tires. During extreme weather seasons, your tires will undergo a great deal of wear, reducing their tread and ability to provide you with the proper level of traction. Before any long road trip, you need to check the tread levels of your tire to make sure they are adequate for your trip. You should also consider having your tires rotated before your trip to make sure they wear evenly. Finally, check your tire pressure and compare the reading to your manufacturer's recommended level. Brake System When you're planning a road trip, you want to make sure you and your passengers will be safe until your journey is complete. It is for this reason you need to be certain that your braking system is in working order. In addition to making sure your brake fluid is at its proper level, you should have a service professional check your braking system. This can include examining the brake pads, rotors, and hoses. Making sure your brakes are working properly will make sure you have a safe, exciting road trip. Schedule these maintenance tasks before your road trip to avoid a vehicle breakdown in the middle of your vacation. This photo, “ Highway,” by Novica Nakov used under CC BY-SA 2.o. “ Highway” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o by Gay Family Kia.