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.
When it’s time for a new car or truck, you’ll most likely need to get rid of your old one. There are plenty of ways to say goodbye to your former car, from trading it in to donating it to a worthy cause. Here are four options for getting rid of a car at the end of its usable life.
Sell to a Used Car Dealer
When selling to a used car dealer, you can usually walk out with a check the same day. If you’re in a hurry to sell or don’t have time to go through the process of selling yourself, contacting a used car dealer may be a good option. The trade-off is that you’ll make less from the sale of your car than with other methods.
Trade-in at a Dealership
Often, when a car reaches the end of its usable life, the driver is in the market for a new car at the same time. Almost all dealerships offer a trade-in option. While negotiating the price of a new or new-to-you car, the trade-in value can be figured into the purchasing package.
If you switch cars regularly, this can be a good option. However, if your vehicle is more than 10 years old, it will probably end up being sold at auction. When this happens, you can expect that the value you’ll receive in trade will be fairly low. Trade-in is a highly convenient option since you don’t have to go through the steps of selling the car yourself.
Donate to Charity
A number of nonprofit organizations accept vehicle donations. Once the charity sells the car, you can use part of that value as a charitable contribution. This can save you some money at tax time. The big advantage of donating is that the organization will handle car pick up. Before selecting a charity, make sure they’re registered and tax-exempt. Be prepared for some paperwork and time making sure everything is in order. Sites like Car Donation Wizard can help you navigate vehicle donations, including selecting an appropriate charity.
Sell It Yourself
From a simple “for sale” sign in the window to nationwide sites, there’s an almost infinite number of ways to privately sell your vehicle. When you sell the car yourself, you’re likely to get the most for your vehicle, but you’ll also do the most work.
You’ll want to make sure that the car is clean and that any minor repairs have been completed. After that, you’ll have to list the vehicle. For a simple start, try the classifieds in your local paper and the area craigslist. Finally, and most importantly, be careful with private sales. Always stay on high alert for potential scams.
That old vehicle has treated you well. When it’s time to let it go, you’ll need to make a choice between convenience and getting the best possible value. Choose based on your budget and how much time you have to commit to selling your car.
Image via Flickr by Robert Couse-Baker, used under CC BY 2.0
Knowing how to properly wax and polish your Kia is a good skill to have. It can help extend the life of your paint by ridding it of major wear and sealing your car’s pores from potential dirt and grime buildup. If you want to rejuvenate your Kia’s exterior, here are a few tips to help you get the job done right.
Which Car Wax Is Right for You?
The four main types of wax include:
- Liquid wax
- Paste wax
- Spray wax
- Wipe-on, clear paint sealant
A liquid wax works well with a buffer, while paste wax is best applied by hand. Spray wax is a popular choice if you regularly wash and wax your car, as it doesn’t require much effort or a lengthy application time. A clear paint sealant is easy to work with, too, as you only need to wipe it on and leave it to dry.
How to Wax Your Car
Always give your Kia a nice wash before waxing the exterior. Use a buffer for liquid wax and a pad or sponge for paste wax. For spray wax, apply in small areas and rub the product in using a microfiber towel. Clear paint sealants can be easily wiped on with a towel and are safe to use on different trims.
Make sure your car is completely dry, especially when using a clear sealant, and tucked away in the shade before you apply the solution. This will prevent streaking and leave you with a top coat that’s easier to buff. You can use a poly foam wax applicator to help you get thin, even coats perfect for buffing.
How to Use a Buffer
A buffer attached to a soft foam pad is a helpful tool that’s gentle enough so it won’t damage the paint but firm enough for a thorough finish.
Liquid wax and sealants should be distributed in 3-inch lines around the pad’s edge. Paste wax, on the other hand, should be spread evenly onto the pad using a putty knife. Keep the pad pressed to the paint before turning it on to prevent any splatter. A machine speed of three is best for proper application, and avoid pressing too hard or tipping the machine at an angle while it’s running.
There are two types of buffers available:
- An electric orbital buffer is a popular choice for beginners since it doesn’t require much skill to operate. However, you’ll have to put in more elbow grease to get a deep clean.
- A high-speed angle grinder with buffing wheel cleans better than an electric orbital buffer. It requires less effort but more skill and attention to get the job done right.
How Often Should You Buff or Wax Your Car?
You don’t need to buff your Kia every time you wax, but you should do so at least once a year. If you often park outside where your car is exposed to weather damage, oxidation, tree sap, and bird droppings, consider upping it to two or three times a year. When it comes to waxing, it’s recommended you do so every three months or during seasonal changes.
Knowing how to properly wax your Kia can keep it looking good for years to come!
Image via Flickr by TeddyBuddy44, used under CC BY-SA 2.0
The Dickinson Bayou is located in southeast Texas, halfway between Houston and Galveston. The city of Dickinson sits along the Dickinson Bayou and is regarded for its outdoor activities and events. Here are six ways to have fun on the Dickinson Bayou.
Fishing and Crabbing
Fishing is a popular pastime on the Dickinson Bayou. Largemouth bass, red drum, and black drum are some of the common types of fish found here. Bar ditches, especially where sand has been excavated, are good fishing spots.
Late March through mid-May is prime season for freshwater fish in coastal areas. During a dry summer, the water becomes saltier and you’ll find smaller saltwater fish not typically seen there. Some of these fish include redfish, piggy perch, ladyfish, speckled trout, and croaker.
You can also do some crabbing here too. Crabs are found along the shore, piers, jetties, and docks. Just ensure you know the difference between blue and blue claw crabs, as you can catch as many blue claw crabs as you like, but blue crabs, or stone crabs, have strict catch limits.
Canoeing
Canoeing is another fun activity to enjoy on Dickinson Bayou. From Dickinson Bayou Boat Ramp Pier 2, you can launch kayaks and canoes. There is parking available, but no restrooms on site.
Camping
You can camp along the river in spots like the Bayou Campground. It’s open all year, and you can set up tents and there are pop-ups and pull-thru sites. The campground also offers Wi-Fi access, a store, and laundry facilities. Nearby activities include San Jacinta Battleground, Texas City Dike, and the campground is only six miles from NASA.
Paul Hopkins Park
Spend a day at one of Dickinson’s parks, like Paul Hopkins Park. You’ll find picnic areas and a picnic pavilion that has 10 tables, a playground, multi-purpose trail, pier, and canoe launch. There are restrooms available as well.
If you’re visiting in late November up until Christmas, you’ll want to check out the Dickinson Festival of Lights. This free, walk-through event has been an annual tradition for two decades. Enjoy the beautifully decorated light displays and have your photo taken with Santa. The event gets busy, so there are shuttle buses that get guests to and from Dickinson Plaza Shopping Center.
Dickinson Bayou Ranch
While the majority of the activities here revolve around water, Dickinson Bayou Ranch offers some different fun on the bayou. The ranch hosts numerous seasonal events, and you can take riding lessons and even get your horse trained!
Chaparral Golf Club
If you want to golf along the river, you’ll want to visit Chaparral Golf Club that offers two 9-hole courses that include water in play on five holes. The course is noted for its very narrow fairways, and you’ll start off with the hardest hole, a 375-yard par 4, which is then followed by the longest hole at 520 yards, par 5.
You’ll find other activities available on the bayou too. With the city of Dickinson running along the river, there is no shortage of ways to have fun!
Burglary is one of the most common crimes, and that includes car theft. Cars are increasingly expensive, especially with advanced technology. People often leave valuables in their vehicles which can further entice thieves. Criminals move fast and can be in and out of your vehicle in seconds. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, motor vehicles were stolen at a rate of 236.9 per 100,000 in 2016.
You’ve spent all this money, so how do you protect your investment? By taking these five precautions, you can hopefully reduce the risk of becoming a victim of car thieves.
Park in a Safe Place
Sometimes, where you park makes all the difference. Park as close as possible to home, or near a building that’s occupied. When you’re at a restaurant or bar, try to park where you can see your vehicle from inside. At shopping malls or large parking structures, park under well-lit sections and as close as possible to the building entrance. Thieves tend to go for cars that are off in the distance and parked alone, rather than the ones where people are passing by on a regular basis.
Don’t Leave Valuables Visible
One of the easiest ways to avoid vehicle theft and break-ins is to keep your valuables out of view. By keeping valuables in plain sight, your vehicle is far more attractive to thieves.
Don’t Leave Your Car Running Unattended
Some people are tempted to leave their car running in the driveway while they dash back inside to grab something. That is a bad idea, as thieves only need a couple of seconds to get away with your vehicle. People who live in cold weather climates may want to de-ice their windows with the car running. Thieves are on the lookout for people who do that and often think nothing of jumping in your car while you’re right there.
Add Theft-Prevention Equipment
Adding a visual deterrent to your lineup of theft-prevention equipment can be beneficial as well. Use alarms that flashlights and sound alarm sirens, and install things like a steering wheel lock, a fuel disabler, and tracking device.
The president of the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) says drivers should use a five-tiered system that can be customized depending on the driver’s location and vehicle type. The five steps are:
- Use good judgment on parking location, locking doors, etc.
- Use an alarm system that has flashing lights and sirens to draw attention.
- Install Anti-theft visual hardware.
- Get immobilizing devices like ignition cutoffs and starter disablers.
- Add electronic tracking devices in case the vehicle is stolen.
Watch Keys with Parking Attendants
While not all attendants are unscrupulous, some are, so it’s important to only leave your ignition key. Don’t leave your other keys, especially your house keys. If the attendant can get in the glove compartment, they could find out where you live and duplicate your ignition key, stealing your vehicle at a later time.
While there is no guarantee your vehicle won’t ever be stolen, taking extra precautions can certainly help reduce the risk.
When you think about dining in Texas, one thing comes to mind: steak. Home of longhorn and cattle drives, cows are an enduring symbol of the Lone Star State. In Dickinson and the surrounding towns, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to steakhouses. From a traditional meal of steak and potatoes to a modern Cajun interpretation, you’ll get your fill of our signature dish. These are five of the best steakhouses around Dickinson that all meat eaters will love.
Logan’s Roadhouse
A traditional “peanut shells on the ground” roadhouse just up the road from Dickinson in League City, Logan’s Roadhouse serves up butcher-selected steaks grilled over an open flame using mesquite wood. Their menu includes all the classic cuts of beef, including bone-in ribeye, New York strip, Porterhouse, and filet mignon. For a decadent addition, order your steak Onion Brewski style, and it will come with garlic butter, Samuel Adams beer-braised onions and crispy fried onions.
Dickinson BarBQue & Steakhouse
The yelp reviews say it all. One reviewer claims it was “by far one of the best steaks I’ve had in the area.” This hole-in-the-wall joint has a menu that caters to all things Texas, from hand-cut ribeye to burgers, to good old fashion Texas Bar “B” Que ribs, pork, and brisket. If you’re not sure what to order, one of the chefs will bring out a sample plate for you to try.
Main St. Bistro
For a Cajun twist on the traditional steak, try Main St. Bistro in League City. A hidden gem with a bistro atmosphere, they serve a variety of dishes, but the steaks stand out. Try the beef & bleu ribeye, a Cajun-spiced blackened steak with bleu cheese crumbles, shallot rings and red wine reduction. TripAdvisor reviews mention exceptional service as another reason to grab dinner at Main St. Bistro.
Craft 96 Draught House & Kitchen
Beer and steak go together like Texas and cowboy boots. At Craft 96 Draught House & Kitchen, you can order their ribeye served with garlic butter and garlic mash and pair it with one of the 60 beers that are always on tap. Start your meal off with one of their soft pretzels. Guess what? That goes great with a beer too.
Saltgrass Steak House
Saltgrass is an upscale traditional steakhouse with a rustic Texas-styled decor in nearby Kemah. At Saltgrass they serve only Certified Angus Beef steaks always topped with fresh garlic butter and seasoned with their Saltgrass-7 Steak Spice. Try their Wagon Boss Center-cut Top Sirloin or 16 oz. Texas T-bone, the cut you picture when thinking about Texas steak. The delicious steaks are made even better by the view over the boardwalk toward Trinity Bay.
When it comes to steak in Texas, you can’t go wrong. Texans pride themselves on having some of the best beef in the country. Around Dickinson, meat eaters are spoiled for choice. Do you go for peanut shells on the floor or a cold craft beer with your steak? Here in Dickinson, the only bad choice is not ordering the steak.
With the popularity of SUVs and crossovers, it’s easy to forget about subcompact vehicles. However, subcompact vehicles have a strong niche in the car market, garnering a decent percentage of car sales. According to Car and Driver, the Kia Rio was Kia’s best-selling car around the world in 2017, and US News ranks it as the number two subcompact vehicle.
The 2018 Kia Rio has been redesigned to keep the vehicle’s popularity up. It is offered in three models — the LX, S, and EX. Here are some of the surprising and exciting features of the 2018 edition.
Engine Performance
The 2018 Kia Rio has a 1.6 L inline-4 engine. The four-cylinders offer 130 horsepower and 119 foot-pounds of torque. It may not sound like much horsepower, but given the size and weight of the Rio, it zips along just fine. This also helps increase fuel efficiency.
The engine is also more silent, and vibration is lower than prior model years. Wind and tire noise are present on the highway but manageable.
The 2018 model comes in a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission, but it’s expected that a majority of purchasers will opt for the automatic transmission.
Updated Interior
The 2018 Rio offers standard upholstery with tricot and woven cloth seats and trim. The trim on the Rio EX is more luxurious, and some reviewers note it feels like it belongs in a more expensive vehicle. The EX also has optional leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The driver’s seat is adjustable and helps add extra room for passengers sitting in the back seats. If you need to transport extra stuff, you’ll like the new wider trunk. The back seats fold down to offer additional storage as well.
Enhanced Technology
The 2017 model had decent technology, and the 2018 Rio has even more features, putting it near the top of the compact class. There is a 7-inch touch-screen display, providing quick access to entertainment, climate control, and navigation.
The new Rio also has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These allow you to connect your phone into the Rio’s main unit where you can sync your phone and bring up your playlist, listen to a podcast, check navigation, and more.
Driving Assistance and Safety Features
One of the most important features is the Rio’s safety upgrades. Advanced safety features in the 2018 model are vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist control. It also offers standard autonomous emergency braking. This helps prevent accidents by automatically applying the brakes when the vehicle senses something in its path at an unsafe speed. Standard anti-lock brakes help with hard stops in emergency situations, even in the rain.
If you’re in the market for a new Kia, consider the 2018 Kia Rio. With gas prices on the rise, the Rio offers some savings with its improved fuel efficiency. With added safety features, the Rio can assuage your fears of sub-compact vehicles. And, with the Rio’s affordable price and advanced technology features, the Rio has a strong appeal.
Hunting is a popular past-time in Dickinson and the surrounding areas. Whether you enjoy collecting trophies, enjoy the meat, or enjoy the sport, hunting offers a fun way to spend your weekend. Learn everything you need to know about Dickinson hunting by checking out the tips below.
What Can You Hunt in Dickinson?
There is a wide array of game that can be hunted in Texas and around the Dickinson area. What you can hunt will depend on the season. The most popular game and hunting seasons of the area are listed below.
Nothing is better for a date night than spending the evening out on the town and enjoying a quiet relaxing dinner at a fine restaurant. If you are looking to spend your next date night at one of the fine-dining restaurants in the Dickinson area, be sure to check out some of the area’s best restaurants listed below.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill
If you are looking for a relaxing, upscale atmosphere as well as a mouthwatering steak or decadent seafood, a stop to Perry’s Steakhouse and Grill will suit your palate. Located on Baybrook Mall Drive, the restaurant is known for its live entertainment, extensive wine list, and unique menu offerings. Some of the must-try options on the menu include the iced seafood tower, bone-in filet mignon, and the pan-seared sea bass.
Kia has become known for creating great vehicles that are safe, family-friendly, and affordable, and the new 2018 Kia Rio is no exception. While affordability is an important factor when choosing your first vehicle, there are many reasons the 2018 Kia Rio is the perfect car for first-time buyers.
A High Level of Safety
Kia prides itself on providing a high level of safety with its vehicles, and safety is often one of the most important factors for choosing a first vehicle, especially for a teenager. The 2018 Kia is equipped with both passive and active safety systems to provide protection from an accident as well as protection during an accident.
To start with, the Rio is designed with a high-strength steel body to reduce the impact the driver feels in a collision. The vehicle is also equipped with an advanced airbag system which includes dual front, side, and side curtain bags.
The Rio has a range of new technologically advanced passive safety features to help prevent an accident while driving. Some of the passive safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and hill start climb assist.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.