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From one end of its product line to the other, Kia has several entertainment systems to offer. Each offers upgraded features and extra functions over the next size down, and depending on the vehicle and the trim you buy, you can get a very different experience. more Basic Radio At the low end of Kia's compact car line, you can get a basic radio that picks up AM and FM stations and accepts CDs with regular audio or MP3 files. This radio also picks up satellite transmissions, and when you buy a new model, you get a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Radio. 4.3 and 5-Inch Touch Screen This upgrade changes the interface and gives you a simple touch screen that lets you switch stations, pick tracks, and change your presets without taking up a lot of room with buttons and dials. It also gives you access to a rearview camera and a basic version of UVO eServices, Kia's special operating system. On some models, the screen is 4.3 inches along the diagonal, but on others it goes up to a round 5 inches. eServices can interact with your Apple or Android phone directly when you download Kia's free app, and with it you can do things like find your car in a big parking lot, put your vehicle through a self-inspection and contact your favorite car shop for a service visit, and call 911 if the air bags deploy. 7-Inch Touch Screen Mid-level Kia models come with 7-inch screens for their infotainment systems, and the larger screen comes with an improved version of UVO that makes good use of the extra space. On new Kia vehicles, the current version of UVO also comes with full compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can connect your smartphone to your Kia and use more apps through your vehicle than you could without these apps. 8-Inch Touch Screen This is the biggest infotainment display Kia has to offer, and it only comes on top-level trims and the most expensive models. Along with the features mentioned above, 8-inch screens also come with a navigation system you can set using voice commands. So long as you have a subscription to SiriusXM Traffic, this navigation system can also keep track of traffic jams and offer alternate routes that will get you there faster. These screens often come with premium Harman Kardon sound systems that add extra speakers to create a surround-sound experience, with the size of these systems varying based on vehicle. Depending on your price range, Kia offers entertainment systems that start with an inexpensive radio with MP3 and satellite radio compatibility and end with an eight-inch touch screen that's almost as big as the average tablet and comes packed with UVO eServices, smartphone apps and compatibility, voice commands, a navigation system, and even a set of premium speakers that can really change your listening experience. While you shouldn't decide on your car just for the entertainment system, it's definitely an important factor. This photo, “ DSC02902,” by pirhan used under CC BY-SA 2.0. “ DSC02902” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

If you decide to get a set of winter tires so you can get better traction on ice and snow, you don't have to get a set of summer tires to go with it. After all, almost every vehicle out there comes with all-season tires as standard equipment, and even if they aren't good enough for winter they can still work fine in the summer. So here's the question: what makes summer tires different, and what makes them better for summer driving than all-season tires? more The Purpose of Treads You can drive on perfectly flat, bald tires. In fact, under some conditions they offer better traction than tires with treads. That's because smooth tires put more rubber on the road than tires with grooves and lines cut into them, and that extra rubber means extra grip. However, there's a reason tire treads exist, and it's because of rain and snow. When the pavement is wet or there's a puddle in the road, your tires will hit the water before they hit the pavement. If you're going at around 35 mph, you may start to hydroplane, which means your tires will treat the water like a surface and start to slip. Treads channel the water away from your tires so they can reach the pavement and avoid the danger of hydroplaning. Summer Treads All-season tires need to keep winter and the snow and slush that comes with it in mind. Their treads aren't as thick or as deep as winter tires, but they do have some. Summer tires have treads too, but they aren't as deep as those of all-season tires. This means they have better grip in dry conditions but worse grip when it's snowy. However, that's not all that's different about summer tires. Summer Tires for Summer Performance Not only are summer tire treads smaller, they also use special tread patterns to improve traction. The tires also use a different kind of rubber that's a little more sticky to give them better traction but tends to wear down faster. Since summer tires don't worry about snow or ice, their tread patterns are especially good at dealing with rain. Summer tires really shine when you push your vehicle to its limits. Going at normal speeds and slowing down for curves is easy enough for all-season tires to handle, but summer tires help keep you stable at high speeds and grip the road even on sharp, high-speed corners. High speeds also heat up the surface of your tire, making it even more sticky and improving its grip by that much more. So to sum everything up, there's one simple question you need to ask yourself to find out whether you need summer tires or whether all-season tires will work out fine: how far do you push your vehicle in the summer? If you tend to go fast and you enjoy exploring the winding country roads in your area, then summer tires can help keep you safe. But if you don't demand a strong performance from your vehicle, all-season tires should do fine. This photo, “ Tread carefully !” by Craig Sunter used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. “ Tread carefully !” is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

The biggest threat to drivers is not obstacles on the road or other drivers, it is distractions. Every driver gets distracted at some point and it is usually by something in the car. Driving takes focus, especially in hazardous conditions. Car manufacturers are introducing new systems to help drivers eliminate distractions and respond to problems faster. However, it is up to each individual driver to avoid their distractions. Failure to do so could result in accidents. That's why, as a driver, it is your responsibility to minimize the distractions in your car. If you are worried about getting distracted while driving, here's how drivers can reduce distractions. more Limit Extra Device Use Cell phones and other devices can be a major distraction for drivers. The easiest way to ensure that they are not a distraction is to make sure that they are not accessible while driving. Put your other devices in places where you cannot reach them easily. This way, your natural instinct will be to focus on driving rather than messing with these devices. Most vehicles now have systems that connect to your phone wirelessly and have controls on the steering wheel. Use the controls that the car has to control your devices when you need to. They make it easier to access your devices without being a major distraction. Rest When You Need To Another major distraction for drivers is being tired to the point where it is difficult to focus. Cars have a naturally calming effect on people. The motion as well as the white noise generated by driving over roads can lull you into a very relaxed mindset. However, being exhausted has the same effect. The two combined make it extremely difficult to drive safely since your sense, reaction times, and mental alertness are all reduced. If you are exhausted and find yourself losing your focus, get off of the road immediately. Losing your focus means that you are not able to react to changing situations, which can be very dangerous. Pull over and rest until you get your focus back before you continue driving. Provide Non-Distracting Activities for Passengers Passengers create distractions that reduce your ability to focus. Make sure that children and other distracting passengers have something to do that will keep them from being distracting while you drive. Some cars come with DVD players, but you can get a portable one for relatively cheap. Passengers can also read a book or play quiet car games to keep themselves occupied. Just make sure that you establish and enforce rules so that they let you stay focused on the road. Driving can be fun and is a necessary part of life in most cases. However, it is important to think ahead and prevent distractions wherever possible. You should do everything that you possibly can to ensure that your next drive will be safe. Also, look into getting a new car with driver assist technologies that can help you avoid distractions while you are on the road. This photo, “ Drive,” by Timo Newton-Syms used under CC BY-SA 2.0. “ Drive” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Although many owners don't realize it, the timing belt is one of a Kia's most important parts. Without the timing belt, your engine's cylinders won't be able to intake or exhaust properly, causing big problems for your car's performance and possibly lead to expensive repairs. Like many parts of your engine,  a timing belt can experience many problems. When you understand common timing belt problems, you'll be more aware of the issues that mean your car needs to be checked out by an expert Kia technician. more Excessive Tooth Wear Yes, your timing belt has teeth. These are what allow this all-important piece to rotate the camshafts and crankshafts so that your car's engine runs properly. Without teeth, the timing belt wouldn't be able to turn. One of the most common timing belt problems is premature wear on the teeth. Generally, this is caused when a belt has been installed at the wrong tension or the pulleys are worn. To correct tooth wear, your Kia technician can reinstall the belt at the right tension level or can replace worn any pulleys. Listen for a Noisy Belt As with most parts of your engine, the timing belt should run quietly without you noticing it. However, if you notice a noisy timing belt, it can signal a serious issue that calls for help from an expert technician. Noisy timing belts can have several causes, including low or high tension, a misaligned belt, or damage to your vehicle's pulley flanges. Cracking Belt A timing belt should be one solid piece. Otherwise, it wouldn't be able to function properly. Unfortunately, there are certain issues that can lower the integrity of a timing belt and cause cracking. If your car's timing belt cracks too extensively, it can lead to problems throughout the engine. When a Kia technician inspects a timing belt, he or she will check for issues such as improper temperature or a worn-out back idler. To correct the issue, your technician will either install a new back idler or fix whatever issue is causing the incorrect temperatures. Tearing Tearing is one of the most serious problems your timing belt can experience. This is also known as tension failure. If tension failure occurs on the road, it can lead to a very damaging situation very easily. After failure has occurred, a technician will need to completely replace the timing belt and then identify the cause of the failure to prevent it from happening again. Too much tension at installation, crimped belts, and a missing cover can all cause tension failure. Crimped belts are usually caused by not following proper handling instructions for your specific vehicle. If an outside object has infiltrated your drive, this can also lead to tension failure. It's important to address common timing belt problems as soon as they occur so that you can prevent excessive wear and tear on your vehicle's engine. This will ensure that your car will give you worry-free travel for thousands of miles into the future. This photo, “ Timing belt,” by Windell Oskay used under CC BY 2.0. “ Timing belt” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Kia vehicles are reliable and fun to drive, which is why the brand is gaining popularity in the U.S. To make the driving experience even better, drivers can customize their vehicles with Kia accessories. Here are six of the most useful ones. more Cargo Liners, Nets, and Trays A cargo liner is a simple way to protect the cargo area's carpet from dirt and stains. This is perfect if you tend to pack your Kia with gardening supplies, sports equipment, or other messy items. The waterproof cargo tray — which is custom fit to your vehicle — offers protection from heavy spills and wet items. Is the back always packed with groceries and stuff for the kids? The cargo net helps to keep everything secure. Touch-Up Paint Pen When you finish shopping and return to your vehicle in the parking lot, you don't want to find scratch marks on the doors. Unfortunately, these things happen. That's why the Kia touch-up paint pens are so helpful. Each dual-tipped pen has clear coating and a paint color that matches your vehicle perfectly, making it easy to cover scratches and keep your vehicle looking new. All-Weather Floor Mats If you live in a region that gets snowy or rainy periods, you'll want the Kia all-weather mats to protect the carpet from salt stains and water stains. These waterproof mats have deep grooves that trap water, road salt, dirt, and sand. Most importantly, they prevent water from seeping through the floor and damaging the undercarriage. This investment will help prolong the life of your vehicle. Spare Tire Hardware Kit Many drivers keep a spare tire in the vehicle, which is great. But do you also carry the tools you need? If not, the Spare Tire Hardware Kit is a good investment. It has everything you need to change a damaged tire, so there's no need for you to raid your household toolbox. If you're lucky, you'll never need to use it, but having it on hand will give you peace of mind. UV Sunshade Drivers who park outside often will benefit from using the Kia UV Sunshade. Excess sun exposure eventually fades your vehicle's upholstery, lowering its resale value as well as its coolness factor. To prevent this, cover the windshield with the sunshade while you're at work or at home. It will also help to keep the inside of your vehicle cool. Roof Rack Cross Bars and Attachments Whether you have a spacious Kia crossover vehicle or a sweet little sedan, you can bring what you need wherever you go. All you need is the basic roof rack cross bars, and it becomes easy to attach items to your vehicle. There are specific roof attachments that allow you to roof-mount your kayak, ski or snowboard, or mountain bike. The roof cargo basket attachment makes it easier to pack extra luggage for those longer trips. Students can also use it to transport items from home to campus. Kia makes award-winning vehicles that drivers love. Make the most of your Kia and try personalizing it with one of these useful accessories.

If you've ever climbed into the car of a pet owner and noticed an unpleasant odor or messy interior, you may be looking for ways to prevent that from happening in your own car. You don't have to stop transporting your furry friends; just follow a few easy tips to help keep your car clean. more Cover Your Seats Both dogs and cats have sharp nails that can easily scratch leather or put a hole in your vehicle's cloth upholstery. You can protect the seats with covers, available in a variety of colors, designs, and materials. There are several styles available, like a sheet option or a padded version that makes the seats more comfortable. Invest in Heavy-Duty Floor Mats One of the problems that pet owners often face within their vehicles is odors that sink into the upholstery. If your pup gets carsick and vomits on the floor or struggles to control his or her bladder on long trips, you'll be glad that you have heavy-duty rubber mats protecting the upholstery. It's hard to totally remove strong odors from carpeting, so keep the mats firmly in place whenever your pets are in the car. Eliminate Odors Animals tend to give off odors, so even a short ride with Fido can lead to a stinky car. Spritz a fabric refresher on the upholstery, then take another whiff. If it still smells like a wet dog, try sprinkling some baking soda on the carpet and allow it to sit for about 24 hours. Finish the cleaning process by vacuuming up the baking soda. You also may want to use an air freshener in your car to keep the air smelling sweet. Get Rid of Hair If your pet feels stressed during car rides, he or she might shed more than usual. Keep a lint roller handy so you can quickly clean off any fur left on the seats. A seat cover will keep the hair from sticking to your seats, but if you'd rather leave them uncovered, you can also apply a treatment of Scotchgard or another fabric coating. If bits of fur get trapped in the fibers of your carpet, use a fine-grain pumice stone to work them free. Clean the Windows When your dog gets excited on a car ride, he probably puts his paws up to get a better view and sticks his cold, wet nose against the window. This often results in mud streaks on the interior along with nose prints on the windows, so clean it up with products like Windex wipes and Armor All car interior cleaner. You may also want to keep a handheld vacuum in the car to immediately clean up any dirt or mud that's tracked in on your dog's paws. Your car doesn't have to smell like a litter box or wet, stinky dog, even if you transport your pets on a regular basis. Routinely cleaning your car's interior will help prevent odors and keep it looking nice. Image by PublicDomainPictures, used under CCO 1.0

If you find yourself yelling at other drivers or going out of your way to inhibit another car when you're behind the wheel, now is the time to work on aggressive driving that can lead to road rage. You might not realize that your behaviors classify as road rage, but these actions can lead to serious consequences. more Understanding Road Rage The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) defines road rage as "a criminal act of violence," and most drivers don't go that far. Still, aggressive driving is much more common and has become a serious problem. When you slam on your brakes to teach a tailgater a lesson, make an obscene hand gesture at another driver, or engage in any way with others on the road, you are showcasing aggressive driving, which is a stepping-stone to road rage. It's best to catch these behaviors early so they don't lead to a more serious situation. Road rage is a serious problem that shouldn't be ignored.  A number of accidents each year occur as a result of aggressive driving, and 37 percent of road rage cases involve a firearm. Get Out of the Way Instead of trying to inhibit someone else on the road by slowing down, just get out of the way. Chances are good that you're driving ahead of an aggressive driver, so it's best to move out of his or her way and allow the driver to continue. Leave it up to law enforcement professionals to enforce the laws. If you need to pull over to the side of the road, look for a spot where it's safe to do so. But in most cases, just changing lanes will be enough to get away from an aggressive driver. Avoid Engaging Some drivers like to shoot dirty looks or hand gestures at others who they feel have personally wronged them. This can ignite anger in those other drivers, leading to dangerous situations. If you make eye contact with someone on the road, this person then might try to run you off the road or goad you into pulling over for a violent altercation. While this might seem extreme, we are seeing more and more stories in the news about drivers who are injured or killed by others due to road rage. Use Methods to Calm Down If you feel your blood pressure rising as the result of another driver's actions, use some of these methods to calm yourself down. Try slowly counting to 10, turning on soothing music, and taking some deep breaths. You might also think about the other driver as a human being instead of just a cause of annoyance. Maybe the person is having a bad day, or perhaps the driver genuinely didn't mean to cut you off or take your spot. We've all made mistakes in driving, so remember that you've been guilty too at some point. When you avoid engaging with other drivers and remain calm behind the wheel, you can protect yourself and others when you're out on the road. This photo, " road_rage_road_rage_angry_motorist_gesturing_at_other_motorists_E00592,” by John Greenfield used under CC BY 2.o. " road_rage_road_rage_angry_motorist_gesturing_at_other_motorists_E00592 " is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

When you are going out for a day on the town or just on your regular commute to work, remember to take care of your car in the desert heat. By following some of the tips below you can possibly save some money on new paint jobs, and save yourself from the blazing Texas sun. more Exterior There are ways to take care of the exterior of your car in the hammering sunlight. The easiest way to keep your car's paint looking as new as possible is to simply keep it clean. By washing your car and removing the dirt and dust, you will let the protective top coat of the paint do its job and block out UV rays from the sun. Another way to reduce damage caused by the sun's UV rays is to wax your car regularly. If you apply high-quality waxes, your car will have a thicker protective coat against the elements. Interior One of the simplest ways to keep your car's interior from fading due to direct sunlight is to buy a sun shade. Sun shades will block sunlight from coming in through the windshield and will protect the front interior of your car. If you tint the rest of the car windows you will be able to block out the sun all the way throughout the car. By shielding your car from UV rays you will save the car's interior from fading, and from excessive heat causing the dash and other plastics to crack. Temporary Fixes If you are looking for a way to get out of the Texas sun and don't have a sun shade or tinted windows, you can always look for a parking spot in the shade. You should crack your windows as well to help release some of the hot air in your vehicle. The excessive heat that builds up in your car with the windows up can actually cause your touchscreen to malfunction, and other electrical devices to stop working. It can also cause the plastic areas to sag if they stay exposed for extended periods of time. Long-Term Parking When you park your car for an extended amount of time, whether it's for weeks or months, you will need to pay extra attention that your vehicle has what it needs to go undamaged. To best protect against the heat, investing in a car cover would be the most practical choice. This way the car's paint won't fade while you're gone. These tips can save money for you in the long run, and provide comfort by lessening the heat levels in your car. By shielding your car from harmful UV rays you will extend the life of your car's paint job. The interior will also be protected from the excess heat, which will help prevent damage to the dashboard and electronics in the car. Just because you live in the desert doesn't mean your vehicle's paint and interior should look like they belong in a Mad Max film. This photo, " Morris Minor 1000,” by Patrick Cain used under CC BY 2.o. " Morris Minor 1000 " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Choosing car insurance is a very important decision to make for your vehicle and your family. Not only do you need insurance for legal reasons, it can cover all of your expenses if you happen to get involved in an accident so that you won't have to pay anything out-of-pocket. By asking the right questions and finding out the basic fundamentals, you will be able to make a sound decision for all of your insurance needs. more Reputation Before getting too far into your search for the right car insurance company, you should look into each provider's reputation. Every insurance provider offers their own types of insurance at their own rates. While checking on a provider's reputation, you should always check to make sure that the companies you are looking into are legitimate companies and not scammers. If you get into an accident you will want to make sure that your company is legitimate, and will be there when you need them. You can start finding out more about the provider by looking through your state's website for insurance providers. The easiest way to see how people feel about each provider is to check with the Better Business Bureau. Type of Coverage When you are looking for car insurance you should check to see which type of insurance you are going to need. The three different types of coverage to consider are liability, collision, and comprehensive. Each of these types have their own benefits and prices. Each insurance company offers different plans, but not all of them offer each type of insurance. Liability insurance will give you the cheapest coverage, but it will only cover damages done by the party at fault. Collision insurance costs more and offers coverage for repairs needed after an accident, no matter who was at fault. If you decide to go with comprehensive insurance, then you will have coverage for everything from vandalism to theft, and usually from uninsured drivers. Quotes Once you lock in exactly what you need out of your policy and find a few providers you're interested in, the next step is to check quotes from each of them. After you find out the quotes you can compare which ones will suit your needs. Generally, you can receive quotes over the phone, online, or by visiting their offices and finding out in person. Most of these providers offer bundles, and if you are searching for any other types of insurance at the same time you might get a better deal. Choosing an insurance provider can involve an overwhelming amount of information. While you are searching for the right insurance provider just remember to take it step by step. The more time you spend searching out much information about different providers, the more information you will have to make the best decision possible. Keep in mind that most companies offer rate discounts that increase the longer you're with them, so try to choose the right one for you and stick with it. This photo, " Car Insurance,” by Pictures of Money used under CC BY 2.o. " Car Insurance " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

The 2017 Kia Sorento will be the first model to include Apple's all new CarPlay technology already built into the vehicle design. The car will also support navigation units that will support CarPlay's new technology. This will be the safest way to connect your iOS phone to a vehicle and will give you several features using voice command, so looking at your phone while driving will no longer be necessary. Ease of use, convenience, and enhanced safety are only a few easy steps away. more What Is Apple CarPlay? Apple CarPlay is a unique way for iOS users to connect their phone to the car, and will provide access to the important information that your phone holds. The 2017 Sorento will be the first Kia to have integrated CarPlay technology. This will allow you to send and receive messages, use navigation, access music playlists, answer and make calls, and use Siri, all on the in-car display and accessible with voice commands. The new technology will be very useful, but one of the key questions will be how to connect your phone. As frustrating as it is to connect devices sometimes, the steps below will show you exactly what you will need to do to connect your iOS to this new system. Requirements To connect to CarPlay you will need to have an iPhone 5 or newer with at least iOS 7.1 installed. You will need to make sure that Siri is on, which you can find through the settings menu, general settings, then you can turn on Siri from this screen. If this is already done you will have everything you need to connect your phone. Setup Plug the phone into the USB port provided for CarPlay. The car will have a USB port with either a smartphone or the CarPlay icon on it. Start the car and leave the car running throughout the process. Open Siri and ask Siri to "Connect to CarPlay." You can either access Siri by holding the home button of your iPhone, or by pressing and holding the Voice Command button on your steering wheel of your 2017 Sorento. Siri should then start the process and integrate information from your smartphone to the car. That's it! You're done! Still Not Working? With Siri still on, restart your car and the iPhone. Connect to another USB port and use a different cable if either or both are available. Make sure that you have the latest software version of iOS on your iPhone. Check for firmware updates on your stereo, and check the user manual for your car. These are the most efficient ways to connect your iPhone to the 2017 Kia Sorento's integrated version of Apple's CarPlay. Using this new technology will ensure that you can drive safely and still receive all your emails, texts, and calls without having to look at your phone. Enjoy making new playlists and even having Siri create some new ones for you while you drive, all via voice command. This photo, " Apple CarPlay,” by smoothgroover22 used under CC BY-SA 2.o. " Apple CarPlay " is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

You should always have some essentials in your Kia in case of an emergency. The right supplies can also make a road trip or just getting where you need to go a lot easier. Keep these things in your car for safety and convenience. more 1. Tire Supplies A spare tire comes with most cars, but you also need a tire iron, a lug wrench, and a tire jack to change a tire yourself. Use WD-40 to loosen bolts and work gloves to keep your hands clean. If the damage is minor, you can use tire sealant as a temporary fix until you get to an auto shop. In case you get a flat tire at night, you should also keep a flashlight with extra batteries or a small lantern in your car. Kia vehicles have had TPMS or tire pressure monitoring systems since 2006. Sensors in the wheels monitor tire pressure and a warning light on the dashboard comes on when the pressure is low in any of the tires. To find out which of your tires needs air, buy an inexpensive tire pressure gauge. After you find the low tire, go to a gas station and add more air. Use your gauge to let you know when to stop. 2. Jumper or Booster Cables If you forget to turn an interior light off, you leave your headlights on, or you don't shut a door all the way, you could end up stranded with a dead battery. With jumper cables, someone else can start your car for you and you can help others in the same situation. If you don't want to wait for a good Samaritan, you can carry an emergency battery booster. 3. Your Owner's Manual The owner's manual should already be in your glove compartment, but replacements are easy to find. It provides detailed information on useful tasks like changing a tire, charging a dead battery, and reading warning lights. It also tells you how often you should have your car serviced. 4. Food and Medical Supplies You could be stuck on the side of the road for several hours while you wait for a tow truck. Keep some water and nonperishable snacks like granola bars in case you or your children get hungry or thirsty, and don't forget toilet paper to clean up after messy kids. You could need it in a roadside bathroom as well. With a basic first aid kit, you can treat yourself after a minor accident and help other people who are injured. You should also keep a few extra doses of any medications you use. It's also a good idea to keep a paper copy of emergency contact numbers. You'll need the phone number of a local towing company and the address of a repair shop if anything goes wrong, and you won't be able to get the information from your cell phone if it goes dead. Don't try to change a tire or make other repairs if you're next to a busy highway. It's best to wait for help, and being ready will make the experience much easier. This photo, " Correct Trunk,” by State Farm used under CC BY 2.o. " Correct Trunk " is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

Road trips are an American tradition. Grab your car, a full tank of gas, and some road snacks, and your whole family is ready for a grand adventure. But the foundation of a great road trip is a reliable car. So before you head out on your next expedition, make sure you tend to these essential car maintenance checks. more Engine Temperature The worst thing that could happen to your car on a road trip is an overheated engine. For a couple weeks before your road trip, check your engine temperature occasionally while driving. Make sure it's in the normal range and hovering right around the middle of your dashboard temperature gauge. If it's creeping up towards the higher end, your radiator may need maintenance. To maintain a healthy radiator, first clean the radiator blades. This makes sure that no dirt or debris is obstructing the ventilation system. If your fan belt looks worn or has a lot of slack, swap it out for a new one. Top off your coolant, too, and it doesn't hurt to keep a spare bottle of coolant in the car for your journey. Tire Pressure Tire pressure is crucial for a safe road trip as a blown tire could result in a wreck. First, check your vehicle owner's manual for the proper tire pressure. You can also find this information on the sticker inside the driver's door. Keep a tire pressure gauge in the glove compartment so you can check your tire pressure in different conditions. You can find tire pressure gauges that are no bigger than a pencil and are easy to store. Check your tires at the coldest part of the day after your car has been still for a few hours, like first thing in the morning. If your tire pressure is too low, add air. Check your tire pressure again at the hottest part of the day and after you've been driving for at least 10 minutes. If your tire pressure is too high, you'll need to release some air. You can get air for your tires at most gas stations, often for free. Headlights When driving on unfamiliar roads, you'll rely heavily on your headlights. Plastic headlight covers become cloudy over time and can reduce the potency of your headlamps. While some headlight covers can be cleaned of dust and debris, others will need to be replaced in order to give you that all-important nighttime sight. Engine Oil If you haven't had your oil changed in a while, it's best to do it right before a road trip. Most cars need an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Before you head out, check your oil level and clarity. When you pop the hood and pull up the dipstick, the oil level should be between those two black dots you see at the tip of the metal. If the oil is low, add the right oil to your reservoir. The oil should look a burnt orange color. If it's dark, you may need to change your oil altogether. You trust your car to get you from one place to another. And you should! While you're out on the open road with your family, you should be worried about enjoying the scenery and the sights, not your car. This photo, " _IMG_4079,” by Owen Iverson used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o. " _IMG_4079 " is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.