5 Auto Tips That Will Make You Feel Like MacGyver

November 10, 2023 · 4 min read

Car ownership is a thrill, but like anything worthwhile in life, it comes with a huge amount of responsibility. Issues can pile up if gone unchecked, making constant maintenance a must. And while you should of course make regular appointments with our service department at Savage Kia, the health and lifespan of your vehicle can be extended further if you routinely handle small tasks on your own.

Thankfully, there are several thrifty ways to support your car from the comfort of your own home. Not only won’t you break the bank – everything you need can most likely be found in your kitchen and bathroom closets. Like television’s MacGyver, who was always able to use household items to invent ways out of jams, you'll soon feel like the savviest DIY mechanic out there.

The Best Way to De-Ice Your Windshield in the Morning? Vinegar.

Anyone who’s spent time in the Reading area knows how tedious starting your commute can be in the frosty early hours of an autumn morning. When you're greeted by an especially thick layer of frost or ice on your windshield, the defrosting process can be glacial, leaving you out in the cold and potentially throwing off your schedule.

You’d think pouring hot water on your windshield would provide a swift solution, but doing so harms your windshield’s health in the long run. Instead, try using a mixture of one cup lukewarm water and one cup white vinegar. The white vinegar cuts through dirt, oil, and other gunk, eliminating windshield haze. Be sure to clean both the exterior and inside of the windshield, ensuring maximum visibility for your day's travels.

Toothpaste is an Effective Headlight Cleaner

It makes sense the more you think about it! After all, you (hopefully) brush every day, and the enamel of your teeth is never in jeopardy of being scratched or chipped. When your headlights get overly dirty or foggy, toothpaste is abrasive enough to clean them without risk of damage. Depending on how bad the condition of your headlights is, a stronger option may be needed – but before you shell out for a processed chemical, try scrubbing it down with toothpaste, making sure to gently rinse it down with water and a rag afterwards. (Baking soda, a similarly abrasive material, could also do the job if you don’t have toothpaste handy. But, uh, you should probably have toothpaste handy).

Use Nail Polish to Prevent Cracks from Spreading

Vinegar, toothpaste, and nail polish? Mr. MacGyver would be proud indeed.

When your windshield takes any sort of minimal impact, the surface damage may not be alarming... at first. It's disconcerting when your new Kia Sorento takes a hit from a rock on the highway, but if it leaves only a minor blemish, crisis has surely been avoided, right? Unfortunately, minor chips and nicks can schism into long cracks that spread across the surface of your windshield, leading to costly repair.

Before those cracks can spread, simply apply nail polish to the dinged area. Nail polish acts as an adhesive that should keep the cracks contained – and if you’re able to find the right color, it can do so without causing any cosmetic change. (For this reason, nail polish also functions as a great scratch remover when your paint gets scraped. Just make sure to clean the area before applying.)

Use a Plunger to Remove Dents

Just like with tiny cracks and scratches, there’s no reason to book it to your local garage the moment minor dents materialize on your car. In fact, most small dents can be eliminated with less hassle than tending to a clogged toilet. Simply stick a plunger on the dented area, pull back, and watch as the plunger’s suction pulls the dented part of the panel back in place. Even Mario would be impressed.

If you require further instructions, see this video, where these guys appear delightfully surprised by the outcome.

Dust the Interior with Coffee Filters

The lint-free material of coffee filters is ideal for wiping down your dashboard, infotainment console, and other areas of your car’s interior. The filters are inexpensive and are generally sold in bulk amounts, allowing you to be as thorough as possible. Lint, crumbs, and other materials gradually build up in your car’s interior; keeping a pack of coffee filters handy in your glove compartment can help combat this - regardless of whether or not you prefer a cup of joe to kick off your mornings.

Mission Accomplished

There you have it: five easy, inexpensive ways to keep your car happy and healthy. If you’re short on any of the materials listed, consider a trip to Reading’s Fairgrounds Farmers Market, an ideal destination during the holiday season.

And as always, we’re here at Savage Kia to help keep your road ahead smooth. When your maintenance job becomes too large to handle on your own, schedule a service appointment with Pennsylvania’s premier Kia dealership.

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Feb 05, 2025 in Savage KIA Listicles

Immediate Action Required: What to Do After a Recall

Staying safe on the road is a top priority, but what actions should you take if your car is recalled? Every recall demands attention! Be ready with our simple, step-by-step guide. What Is a Recall? When there’s a recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines if a vehicle does not meet motor vehicle safety standards. Manufacturers are then required to file a report including details of the vehicle, the number of vehicles affected, equipment affected, a description of the defect, what led up to the decision to recall, an explanation, and a recall schedule. Registered owners must receive a recall notification from manufacturers by first-class mail within 60 days of the recall instructing owners on how to get the issue fixed, the time frame of the fix, and how long the repair should take. Checking for Recalls Made Easy One of the most efficient ways to check for recalls is by using your vehicle’s license plate on the NHTSA website. Though manufacturers are required to notify owners within 60 days, physical mail isn’t always reliable. If you’ve heard about a potential recall or have concerns regarding your car's make and model, searching with your car’s license plate or VIN on the NHTSA site is the simplest way to get accurate and timely information. What To Do When Your Car Is Recalled? Once you find out if the recall applies to your vehicle or parts, there are three options: repair, replace, or refund. By law, the manufacturer must choose one of the three options to correct the issue. If the manufacturer has chosen repair, your vehicle or part must be repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to the vehicle owner. Replacement means that if the problem can’t be fixed, the manufacturer must provide you with another similar or identical model. A refund option involves the manufacturer refunding the purchase price of your vehicle, minus depreciation. These options also apply to accessories such as car seats. Your recall letter or warning should notify you if your car is too dangerous to drive. Regardless, the recall issue should be resolved immediately by taking your vehicle to a local authorized dealership matching the make of your car. Remember, the bigger the recall, the longer the waitlist for an appointment. How to Book a Recall Repair Appointment at Savage Kia Recalls must be done at dealerships for recording purposes, quality monitoring, and making recalled parts available to manufacturers for inspection. While the NHTSA gives manufacturers a grace period for repairs to be made available after a recall, you should contact your local dealership to book an appointment as early as possible to beat the crowds. Establishing a friendly relationship with your local registered dealership can pay off during a difficult recall period! Has your vehicle been recalled? Call Savage Kia immediately to book your recall repair appointment and ensure your vehicle functions to its intended safety guidelines and performs its best. Our team is happy to help, from minor service to full recall assistance!

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Aug 30, 2024 in Savage KIA Listicles

National Preparedness Month 2024: Vehicle Disaster Preparedness Guide

September is National Preparedness Month, promoting emergency readiness. Started by FEMA in 2004, it helps individuals, families, businesses, and communities handle emergencies. With Americans spending about 18 days on the road each year, vehicle preparedness is crucial. Be ready for accidents, breakdowns, and other incidents! Why Vehicle Disaster Preparedness Matters Driving is one of the most dangerous daily activities. Statistics show that road accidents are common, and breakdowns can occur unexpectedly. Being prepared can make a significant difference in how you handle these situations, ensuring safety and peace of mind. Essential Steps to Prepare Your Vehicle for Emergencies Safety involves minimizing risks and avoiding hazardous situations, providing peace of mind by instilling confidence that emergencies can be handled effectively. This approach also enhances efficiency by reducing downtime and enabling a quicker return to the road. 1. Choose a Bag Choose a durable, high-capacity bag to store your emergency supplies. A duffel bag or a specialized bag like the RUSH LBD Lima, with 56L of capacity and shoulder straps, is ideal for this purpose. Keep it in an easily accessible location, like your trunk or behind your rear seats. 2. Pack Tools Equip your vehicle with versatile tools for minor repairs and emergencies: Multitool: Essential for minor fixes; consider one with a glass breaker for emergencies. Seatbelt Cutter: Keep within arm's reach for a quick escape if needed. Recovery Tools: A folding E-Tool or small shovel can help you get unstuck from sand or mud. Illumination: Headlamps and handheld lights for nighttime repairs. Road Flares: Ensure you're visible to other drivers during roadside emergencies. Fire Extinguisher: A Class A, B, and C-rated extinguisher can save lives and property. 3. Don't Forget Supplies Stock your vehicle with essential supplies: Water: For hydration and as a temporary substitute for radiator fluid (research how to do this safely). Gas Can: For emergencies and extending your range; never store a filled can inside your vehicle. Medical Supplies: Basic first aid kit, including bandages, antiseptic, and a tourniquet. 4. Cover and Protection Prepare for the elements and manual tasks: Poncho: Keep dry during roadside repairs. Masks: For unexpected needs. Gloves: Protect your hands during repairs. Warm Clothes: A change of warm clothing can be a lifesaver. Footwear: Keep sturdy, waterproof boots in your vehicle. Join the Community Effort National Preparedness Month is a collaborative effort involving government agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, and communities across the nation. This year's theme, "Start a Conversation," encourages discussing emergency preparedness with family and friends. Set aside time to talk about steps you've taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions and share their own preparedness actions. Protect Yourself on the Road with the Right Car Preparing your vehicle for emergencies is a crucial step in ensuring your safety on the road. Use the tips above to gather supplies and create a properly stocked vehicle disaster kit. For more resources and information on preparing for emergencies, visit Ready.gov. Make sure you're also driving a vehicle that's ready for anything nature can throw at you. With the help of Savage Kia, you can have a new vehicle with enough room for any extensive preparedness kit along with great safety features like lane departure warning to keep you safe on your day-to-day drive. Dump your old deathtrap and choose something that's surefooted and dependable on the road today.

Lively Festival in West Reading, Pennsylvania: bustling streets and a variety of food trucks in USA

May 21, 2024 in Savage KIA Listicles

Must-See Festivals in Reading this June

The kids are home from school and the weather is great, what’s there to do in Reading? Plenty! Summer brings a flurry of festivals, inviting you to venture out, enjoy delicious food, and immerse yourself in new experiences. Liederkranz Wurst Fest Join us in celebrating German culture at Wurst Fest! Indulge in a delectable array of sausages, from traditional bratwurst to exotic varieties, paired perfectly with pretzels, sauerkraut, strudels, and more. Experience the widest selection of bratwursts and German delights on June 8th, 2024, from 5 pm to 10 pm at Reading Liederkranz. Admission is free for members and $10 for non-members. Willkommen alles! Spring Fiesta A free family fiesta featuring some of Berks’ best tacos, Muhlenberg Township welcomes you to Spring Fiesta 2024. Come out to Jim Dietrich Park on Saturday, June 8th between 11 am and 9 pm to enjoy amazing food, ice-cold drinks, vendors, live music, and other entertainment from bull riding to piñatas! Art on the Avenue Celebrating its 30 th year, West Reading’s Art on the Avenue returns on June 15 th to showcase the work of local and regional artists, businesses, vendors, and musicians. Named the biggest event in West Reading, Art on the Avenue offers art of all forms over four blocks of North 6 th Avenue. More than 200 vendors make up this free event to bring back the local community together to celebrate music, art, and food. The event is rain or shine from 11 am to 7 pm. Berks Celtic Festival Brought to you by the Berks Irish American Fraternal Association, the 18 th Annual Berks Celtic Festival promises to bring great music, entertainment, and food. The BCIAFA promotes the Celtic Festival as a fundraiser to acquire their own site – until then, the Berks Celtic Festival takes place at the Reading Liederkranz from 11 am to 9 pm on June 29 th. Early bird tickets are $12 or $15 at the door! Festival Season in Style With so many festivals and events this summer, it’s important to arrive safely and in style! At Savage Kia we have many great Kia models to help you cruise around Reading and Berks County from festival to festival. Our 2024 Kia Sportage has great fuel efficiency and is a Top Safety Pick for a smooth and safe ride wherever you go. Visit or contact us today to see our entire stock of trusted Kias!