Basic Tire Maintenance for Every Driver

The tires are the only thing between the vehicle and the road. When they are properly inflated and in good condition, the handling, stability and safety of the vehicle will be maximized. Conversely, when the tires are under inflated, worn out or damaged, all of the safety systems on the vehicle cannot overcome the loss of control that comes with a blow-out or hydroplaning situation. Air pressure in a tire is like oil in an engine; when it is low, the resulting internal damage is unseen until it is too late. Tires naturally lose 1-2 psi per month, so ongoing neglect will eventually result in a tire that cannot support the weight of the vehicle and the occupants. When this happens, the resulting blow-out can result in the loss of control and an accident.

It’s also important to rotate the tires on the vehicle every 5-7,000 miles. Today’s front-wheel-drive vehicles cause the steer tires to wear at a much faster rate than the tires on the rear axle. By periodically rotating the front tires to the back and the back tires to the front, motorists can achieve even treadwear on all four tires and increase the mileage and performance. Failing to rotate the tires often results in the front tires wearing out faster while the rear tires develop irregular treadwear patterns that cause vibrations. The same can be said for alignments. When the vehicle is not properly aligned, the tires will wear out faster which leads to increased operating costs.

Finally, drivers should perform a visual inspection of their tires on a regular basis, especially after hitting a pothole, curb or any type of road debris. Bulges, cuts and other visible damage weaken the internal components of the tire, which can lead to a blow-out. Regular visual inspections will often identify any potential problems before they result in an accident. It’s also a good idea to have the tires inspected by a professional before any long road trips to ensure there are no obvious out-of-service conditions that must be addressed.

Kia Soul EV Recognized for Outstanding Value

In the modern age it is very hard to know if the car you’re buying will hold up for many years ahead and prove itself to be worth the money you spent for it. As the life of your car unfolds, many people find themselves wondering if the car’s value was really what the dealer made it out to be. In the case of the 2015 Kia Soul EV, automotive data compilation and analysis firm Vincentric, LLC has done the heavy analysis and named the electric vehicle as the “Best Value in America.”

The Soul EV was recognized for its value as a result of the high value of the vehicle and low cost of ownership, but this award stands for more than just the successes of the Soul EV, as the entire Kia brand thrives on a commitment to delivering outstanding value throughout the entire Kia lineup.

The Kia Soul EV has been one of the most lauded new vehicle entries, an impressive zero-emissions vehicle with iconic design, practical features, and the best range of any vehicle in its class, so taking home an award such as this isn’t entirely without precedent.

If you’d like to learn more about the abundant offerings of the Kia Soul EV or any other new Kia models, come and see us at KIA of Lincoln. Our talented team will elaborate on the many advantages of this incredible vehicle, as well as those of the entire new Kia lineup. Soon, you’ll be test driving the model hat catches your eye and we’ll be helping you easily transition into ownership.