Which Kia SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?
As gas prices continue to fall and consumers require more versatility, the SUV has become the most popular vehicle across America, causing stiff competition between automakers. That said, Kia has the most diverse array of SUV offerings, giving you the perfect fit for your needs or lifestyle. If you’re looking for a new SUV, here are Kia’s four fantastic options.
Sportage
Combining the nimble handling of a sedan with the flexibility of an SUV, the 2019 Kia Sportage is an excellent choice for singles or burgeoning families. This small SUV offers seating for up to five passengers, while still providing up to 30.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat. Need more space? Fold the rear seats down to unveil a whopping 60.1 cubic feet of room.
Under the hood, the Sportage boasts a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 181 horsepower, 181 pound-feet of torque, and 26 mpg combined. If that doesn’t scratch you where you itch, the SX Turbo trim kicks out 240 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque for a pure driving experience. Choose from front-wheel drive or, if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the all-wheel drive.
As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston is one of the most exciting places in the country, and there’s always something going on. Whether you’re visiting or you’re a resident of H-Town, you can find another side to the city by scheduling a tour with one of the many tour companies. From sightseeing to food, you’ll find your new favorite Houston hot spot along the way.
Hop-On Houston City Tour
If you’ve never had the chance to hop on a double-decker bus, you won’t even need to go to London to do it. Instead, buy a ticket to the Hop-On Houston City Tour. Aboard this two-story bus, you can enjoy all Houston has to offer while riding on the lower level or the open-air top floor of the bus.
Choose from either a 24-hour or 48-hour pass to explore the city with a tour guide who offers historical facts, interesting tidbits, and engrossing stories about landmarks, parks, and buildings. The bus offers six convenient stops throughout the city, allowing you to hop off and hop back on at your own convenience. If you love tours that still allow flexibility and exploring at your own pace, Hop-On Houston City Tour is the perfect fit.
Make the Most of Houston’s Culture at These Museums
While there’s nothing wrong with kicking back and enjoying Netflix on your weekends, getting some culture is always a valuable way to spend your time. By educating yourself about the world around you, you develop tolerance, respect, and appreciation for others around you. Whether you love art, history, science, or something else, Houston has a museum that will help you become a more well-rounded and refined individual.
Museum of Fine Arts
Known officially as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, this art establishment houses one of the largest art collections in the country, totaling 64,000 works across 300,000 square feet in seven separate buildings. The works span back over 6,000 years, with specific emphasis on French Impressionism, Italian Renaissance paintings, photography, and post-World War II paintings and sculptures. Throughout the year, the museum also hosts temporary or traveling exhibits, such as modern art and design, ancient Indian relics, and more.
The museum is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday (free!) from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 12:15 to 7 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults (19-64), $10 for seniors (65+) and military personnel, $7.50 for college students and youth (13-18), and free for children 12 and under.
Make a Statement in The Funky Soul EV
Stylish, provocative, and loaded with features, the 2018 Kia Soul EV is the funkiest electric car to ever grace American roads. If you were a fan of the gasoline-powered version of the Soul, but you’ve made a vow to reduce your carbon footprint, the Soul EV adds a purely electric powertrain that still provides the utility and versatility of the original. For those new to the electric vehicle market, the Soul EV is an awesome choice that makes the ultimate statement.
Funky Styling
Since the Kia Soul debuted in 2009, it’s remained one of the most interesting vehicles on the road thanks primarily to its unconventional style, This unusual design tradition continues with the all-new Soul EV. Its boxy yet sporty design provides a look unlike any other, while 16-inch alloy wheels and fog lights add depth and allure. Both of the Soul EV’s trims also offer privacy glass, power heated side mirrors, and LED lighting to round out the eye-catching exterior of the vehicle.
Gay Family Kia – Top 4 August Events Near Houston
August is an exciting month in Houston. When the kids are out of school and the days are long, you’ll want to get out and experience everything the city has to offer. Whether you’re into theater or playing in the dirt, Houston has an event for you. Here are the top four August events near the city.
Houston Shakespeare Festival
During the last week in July and the first week in August, join the Houston Shakespeare Festival at Miller Outdoor Theater for a night of culture and comedy. On Aug. 1, 3, and 5, sit under the Texas stars and watch one of Shakespeare’s most engrossing comedies. “Twelfth Night” will have you pondering lost love and reminiscing about missed connections. For the more serious side of Shakespeare, attend a performance of “Richard III” on Aug. 2, 4, or 6.
The Houston Shakespeare Festival has been running since 1975 as a unique partnership between the city and the University of Houston. All performances are free and open to the public.
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.
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.