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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!

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.

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!

The dawn of 2024 is upon us, a time to make life-altering resolutions and then immediately break them. But here’s a new thought for the new year: what if 2024 is the year you stick to your resolutions? The thing about New Year’s resolutions is that there’s no need for them to be major life upgrades (though they certainly can be). If you commit yourself to losing weight and succeed, more power to you! But holding yourself to a handful of small changes can wind up making a large impact. For every car owner, there’s plenty of small adjustments that can be made when it comes to your driving habits, how you care for your car, and more. Here are five resolutions to consider in 2024: Don’t Ignore the Service Light The service light coming on in your car is inherently alarming, but obviously there’s a spectrum of issues it could be indicating, some far more serious than others. And it’s perfectly normal for people to ignore the problem until it becomes something more tangible. But in 2024, try to address small problems before they snowball into large, costly ones. Maintain regular service appointments with our experts here at Savage Kia, and when your service light flashes, take it to the garage as soon as you can. Ultimately, your checking account will thank you. Clean Your Car Regularly Keeping your car cosmetically healthy is clearly a bit less important than monitoring what’s happening under the hood – but that doesn’t mean it’s unimportant. The interior of your car, especially, can wind up accumulating dirt and debris quickly, to the point where you wonder how you let it get to that condition. When you suddenly need to give a passenger a ride, you could find yourself in an embarrassing situation. You should wash your car about every two weeks to keep the body clean. Every two months or so, consider running it through a more thorough wash or wax.  And every time you get it washed, vacuum the inside to keep it consistently clean. Put Your Phone Down More and more of today's vehicles are embracing the fact that our phones have become an integral part of daily lives. Thanks to the rise of interconnected apps and infotainment screens, interacting with certain facets of your phone while driving is becoming safer and more seamless. That said, if the only way to check your phone is still to pull it out of your pocket while you’re on the road... stop doing that in 2024. Pull over to the side of the road if you have to text, but otherwise remember it’s okay not to look at a screen for a half-hour. Cell phone usage still contributes to 1.6 million crashes each year, and one out of four accidents is caused by texting and driving. Even if double-tasking on the road hasn’t been an issue for you before, focus your attention on your windshield and don’t needlessly endanger lives. Remember, all it takes is one incident to dramatically alter your life. Know Your Lane If you’re driving on the highway, you're in the fast lane and someone is behind you, find a safe opportunity to change lanes and let them pass you. There’s always that one puzzling driver going 55 miles per hour in the left lane; you don’t want to be that driver. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t refuse to move your cart if you were blocking someone at the grocery store. In 2024, let’s all resolve to become more responsible drivers by expressing common courtesy and sticking to our lanes. Consider Making the EV Switch this Year This one constitutes more of a major life change, but if you have the resources, 2024 is the year to give serious thought to making the change to hybrid or electric. The impact it has on lowering carbon emissions is substantial, and we’re going to need every advantage we can get to combat climate change in the years ahead. It helps that more and more dealerships are buying into the EV experience. Here at Savage Kia, you can currently check out the forthcoming Kia EV9. And charging stations are starting to pop up everywhere. Here are some just a few nearby charging stations in the Reading area: ChargePoint Charging Station on 815 Lancaster Ave., Reading, PA 19607 ChargePoint Charging Station on 1015 Lancaster Ave., Reading, PA 19607 ChargePoint Charging Station on 210 George St., Reading, PA 19607 Volta Charging Station in the Shillington Shopping Center, Reading, PA 19607 Destination Charging Center on 701 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 Cruise Into the New Year No one is perfect when it comes to making and keeping resolutions, but with some effort, we can all change our habits. Hopefully, you take these suggestions to heart, because they’re truly important to creating a safer, more orderly world. But even if you’re only able to implement one or two of these resolutions into your driving routine, you’re exhibiting a real and meaningful desire to change. What never changes is the quality of vehicles you’ll find here at Savage Kia. One more resolution: schedule a test drive today and explore what we we can do to change your life for the better.

Thanksgiving is only a couple of days around the corner – a day to express gratitude, indulge in that third helping of corn casserole, and most importantly, decide on what conversation topics you want to bring to the dinner table. Based on the makeup of your family, this could be a trickier proposition than you might think. Here at Savage Kia, we can’t confirm nor deny whether the effects of tryptophan are in fact overblown. But we can help you entertain your family with five little-known facts about Kia, the former bicycle shop that has evolved into one of the largest, most acclaimed auto manufacturers in the world. The Name Game Kia’s name stems from a pair of Sino-Korean characters that translate to “arise” and “Asia.” Thus, Kia itself roughly translates to “Rising from Asia.” Kia has indeed risen from humble origins, as they currently stand as the second largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea, trailing only their parent company Hyundai. In 2019, Kia's sales figures topped 2.8 million vehicles. It’s not often that three simple letters are able to get an entire point across, but Kia is the proud exception that's able to convey inherent automotive quality in just two syllables. Started on Two Wheels Founded on June 9,1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry, Kia started out as manufacturers of steel tubing and bicycle parts. The company’s first breakthrough, in 1951, was the Samchuly – Korea's first domestic bicycle. In the following year, Kyungsung Precision Industry became Kia Industries. Soon after, they shifted their attention towards manufacturing vehicles. They produced motorcycles under a Honda license in 1957, and then trucks under a Mazda license in 1962. Kia's first fully-integrated vehicle assembly plant, the Sohari Plant, opened its doors in 1973. Military Truck Manufacturing During the early 1980s, Kia started producing military equipment due to a military coup in the South Korean government, which forced many manufacturers to shift their focus towards military production. As a result, Kia temporarily halted making consumer vehicles and focused on creating military trucks. While Kia eventually returned to manufacturing consumer automobiles, their military commitments have continued in one form or another. Even today, they still supply trucks to the South Korean military. Explosive Debut for the New Logo When Kia announced its new logo in 2021, it was meant as a companion to its rhythmic new slogan “movement that inspires.” Although the logo was met with a smattering of criticism (it’s not “KN,” no matter how many times your eyes try to tell you otherwise), the intricate ceremony Kia held to unveil it overflowed with confidence. In conjunction with the announcement, Kia celebrated with a unique fireworks show that displayed the new Kia logo in the sky. Debate about the logo may continue - at least as it eases into adolescence and familiarity - but you can’t deny that Kia kicked off the new era with a bang. In fact, Kia set a new Guinness World Record during the unveiling for “most unmanned aerial vehicles launching fireworks simultaneously.” The Pope is Down with Kia The Vatican may be in the midst of making the switch to electric, but if the Pope had his way, Kia would probably be his permanent ride of choice. Pope Francis has been known to frequently travel in a Popemobile-outfitted Kia Soul. Contrary to popular belief, the Popemobile is not a single, fixed vehicle; rather, it changes manufacturers and models throughout the year. But in the Kia Soul, the Pope may have discovered his preference. Be a Part of Kia’s Future While Kia’s past is brimming with interesting factoids, its future is constantly in the midst of being written. With Kia's recent focus on sustainability, hybrids, and EV’s, electric seems to be the path forward for the enterprising company. But regardless of which direction the company chooses to travel, there’s a place for you in Kia’s future. At Savage Kia, we’ve got everything you need to drive into the new year in style. Whether you’re looking to buy new or pre-owned, or are in need of new tires or an oil change, Reading's premier Kia dealership is here to keep you in the driver's seat of your own destiny.

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.

Driving is an exciting milestone in life, but it can also be intimidating, especially for new drivers. Navigating the roads as a beginner involves a lot of responsibility, but with proper guidance, it can be a lot easier and more secure. In this blog, we will focus on five tips that can help new drivers stay safe and confident on the road. Tip 1: Master the Basics Before hitting the road, it is essential to understand the fundamental rules of driving. Start by reviewing your state's driver's manual or take an approved driver's education course. This will help you learn the rules of the road and gain a better understanding of road signs, speed limits, and traffic laws. Knowing the basics ensures that you can navigate the roads with confidence and safety. To further master the basics and gain a strong foundation in driving, it is important to practice frequently in various conditions. Make sure to drive in different weather conditions, such as rain or snow, and during different times of day. Additionally, practice on roads with varying speed limits and traffic levels. This will help you become comfortable behind the wheel and stay safe on the road. Tip 2: Keep Your Car Maintained Regular car maintenance is crucial for a vehicle's safe operation. Keeping up with oil changes, brakes, and tire rotations are necessary for ensuring that the car is in proper working order. Having a reliable vehicle also means reducing the chance of costly and dangerous breakdowns. Having a reliable car is also essential for avoiding any unwanted incidents on the road. Be sure to check your fluids (oil, coolant, brake, and transmission) regularly and top them off if needed. Make sure to have your brakes inspected occasionally, as well as inspect the car's tires for proper inflation levels and tread wear. Tip 3: Avoid Distractions Distractions while driving are dangerous, irresponsible, and can lead to accidents. Keep your phone on silent and out of reach while driving. If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe spot to take the call or reply to a text message. Additionally, avoid eating, smoking, grooming, or engaging in other distracting activities while behind the wheel. In order to reduce distractions while driving, it is important to minimize the number of passengers in the car. Having fewer passengers in the vehicle reduces the chances of conversations or other interactions that could take your focus away from driving. Additionally, avoid programming GPS devices or changing radio stations while driving, as these activities require visual and mental attention. Tip 4: Don't Tailgate Maintaining a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front is crucial for a driver's safety. The recommended following distance is three to four seconds between cars. This ample time will allow you to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front makes any sudden stops or turns. Tailgating can be dangerous and should always be avoided. Not only can it lead to rear-end collisions, but it can also cause road rage from the driver in front. Additionally, tailgating restricts vision and forces drivers to make quick decisions in order to avoid a collision. Tip 5: Obey All Traffic Rules Driving safely and responsibly involves obeying all traffic rules and laws, including stop signs, traffic signals, and posted speed limits. Remember, breaking the rules puts not only your safety but also the safety of other road users at risk. When driving, always be aware of the speed limit and the posted signs to ensure that you stay within the laws. Following the speed limit helps prevent speeding tickets and keeps you from putting yourself and other drivers at risk. Additionally, be mindful of intersections and obey any traffic signals, such as stop lights or yield signs. These traffic signals are there to keep you and other drivers safe on the road. Get Out and Drive — Safely! In conclusion, as a new driver, it is crucial to remain vigilant, patient, and adhere to basic traffic rules. Regular maintenance of your car, avoiding distractions, and maintaining a safe following distance are all essential practices to help ensure safe driving. Remember to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, always wear your seatbelt, and enjoy the ride. Following these five tips will make you a more confident and responsible driver.

As drivers, we all have our beliefs and habits on the road that we take for granted. Many of these come from the driving lessons we learned from parents, friends, or driving school instructors. However, not all of these beliefs are necessarily true, or the best practice on the road. In this blog, we will debunk five of the most common driving myths in America and provide you with the facts. By the end of this post, we hope you will have a better understanding of safe driving practices and improve your overall driving experience. Myth #1: It's safer to drive with your hands at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. Many of us learned the traditional way of holding the steering wheel at 10 and 2 o'clock. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends holding the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock for better control, especially in case of sudden turns or steering movements. The 9 and 3 o'clock positions allow for a better grip of the wheel, making it easier to turn it in any direction if necessary. Additionally, this position provides the driver with increased space between their arms and chest in case of an accident, which can help reduce serious injuries. Myth #2: It's safer to drive slower than the speed limit. While it's important to obey speed limits, driving too slowly can also be dangerous. It can lead to impatient drivers behind you, causing them to make reckless maneuvers and potentially cause accidents. In some cases, driving too slowly can be a violation of the law, so make sure to maintain a speed that is reasonable and safe. Myth #3: Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive makes you invincible on the road. While 4WD or AWD can provide better traction in certain driving conditions (such as on snow or ice), it can also provide a false sense of security to the driver. It does not make you invincible on the road and does not improve braking or steering ability. Always drive according to the road conditions and adjust your speed when necessary. Myth #4: Red cars are more likely to get pulled over by police. This is one of the most widespread urban legends in the driving community, but there is no evidence to back it up. The color of your car does not impact your chances of getting pulled over. Police officers look for safety violations, such as speeding, running red lights, or failing to use turn signals, regardless of the color of your car. Myth #5: Using your phone with your hands-free device is safe while driving. While using a hands-free device to make calls or send texts is legal in many states, it is not always safe. Even if your hands are on the wheel, your attention is still divided between driving and the conversation. Research shows that any form of phone use while driving can be distracting and increase the risk of accidents. Whenever possible, avoid using your phone while driving or pull over to a safe place if you need to make a call. Driving Debunked Driving myths can create confusion and impact safe driving habits. By debunking these five common driving myths, we hope to help drivers understand the importance of adopting safe driving practices, following traffic laws, and staying focused while on the road. Remember to always drive defensively, be aware of your surroundings, and be mindful of potential hazards. Safe driving is everyone's responsibility.

With spring right around the corner now is the best time to start prepping your car for warmer weather. Whether you’re washing off a winter worth of salt and dirt or you’re finally bringing the summer car out of your garage, some spring cleaning is a great way to increase the life of your vehicle. If you’re a DIY’er looking to get their ride ready for spring, this is one list of tips and tricks you won’t want to miss. Wash it Down Spring is the perfect time to give your car the much-needed love it deserves. To start, grab some soap, water and a lint-free chamois cloth. Once you have your supplies, start scrubbing away any winter grime, dust or debris. Don't forget to get into all of those nooks, crannies and hard-to-reach areas. Now that you're done with the soap and water stage, give the car a quick once-over before wiping it down with your chamois cloth. Using a lint-free chamois cloth instead of air drying helps avoid any unwanted water spots on your vehicle. If you don't have much time or are looking for an easier method, an automatic car wash is a good option to consider. With just a few minutes of your time an automatic car wash will have your car ready for Spring in no time. Check Your Tires As spring approaches, it's time to start checking the air pressure and tread depth of your tires. Having tires with solid tread depth and the proper air pressure not only keeps you safe, but it also ensures peak performance and fuel economy. Tire air pressure can drop with temperature changes or from sitting for a long time. So, the first step is to ensure those air levels are set to your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. You typically can find this information on the inside of your driver’s side door jam. Next, you’ll want to check your tread depth. While there are a few methods of checking this at home, we always recommend having one of our certified technicians do this for you. This ensures that the tread depth reading is accurate so don’t have to buy tires before they’re ready to be replaced. Inspect the Battery Spring is an important time to inspect the battery of your car to ensure it is fully operational. A battery that has sat for a long time or been exposed to cold weather for long periods of time may not be as strong as it once was. That’s why we recommend testing your battery or having it tested as you begin to prepare your vehicle for spring. It's also wise to have a technician check your alternator and charging system annually. This will ensure that your battery is being properly charged which maximizes its lifespan. If your charging system or alternator aren’t functioning properly, it’s better to find that out ahead of time before you end up stranded. Making sure your battery is ready for spring will go a long way in helping you stay safe and worry-free on the roads this season. You can have your alternator, battery and charging system checked by one of our certified technicians here at Savage KIA. All you have to do is schedule an appointment online or call us today! Change the Oil One of the oldest pieces of car maintenance advice to ever exist, changing your oil is essential no matter what season it is. However, after a long winter or a prolonged period of garage storage, it is even more important to check and/or change the oil in your vehicle. This can help catch issues such as degraded oil or finding metal shavings in the oil pan. If you don’t have the time or space to check your oil, don’t worry, our service center is full of certified technicians who can help. At Savage KIA, we can check and replace your oil and filter, as well as perform a variety of other maintenance and repair services. All you have to do is call for an appointment or schedule your service online today! Protect Your Paint Preparing your car for the spring season is an important part of vehicle maintenance, and paint protection should be a top priority. Investing in paint protection film or a ceramic coating can help protect against scratches, dirt and other things that can cause paint damage over time. Paint protection film acts as a physical barrier to any debris coming in contact with your paint, while ceramic coatings act as an extra layer on top of your paint that wears better against damage. Both are excellent options for protecting your car's paint from the elements and road debris. Are You Ready for Spring? With the days getting longer and temperatures increasing, it's time to put winter in the rearview mirror and prepare for spring. Make sure your car is ready for sunny drives and weekend trips by following our five favorite tips for prepping your vehicle for spring. And remember, if you don't have time to do this yourself, we have a team of professionals waiting to help you. Schedule your appointment online or simply stop by our location in Reading today!

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching, and if you're still looking for the perfect date idea, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for something traditional or something a little more unique, we've compiled a list of five great ideas to make your Valentine's Day extra special. So check out our list and get planning! Love is in the Air — literally! Valentine's Day is all about doing something romantic and a romantic hike with a picnic lunch at the top is the perfect way to make it special. It’s the perfect non-traditional date idea that won’t break the bank, and you still get to show your partner how much they mean to you! A romantic hike gives you time to admire nature, check out scenic views, and have real conversations over a romantic picnic lunch. A romantic hike can give your Valentine's Day a unique twist that will be remembered for years to come! Paint. Sip. Love. Looking to spice up your romantic Valentine's Day? A trendy watercolor paint and sip class might be the perfect choice. Paint your own masterpiece while sipping on some wine - it's the perfect balance of relaxation and entertainment. No experience is necessary! Let your creativity flow, open a bottle of wine, and make great memories with your beloved this Valentine's Day. Bring the Restaurant Home If you're looking to make this Valentine's Day extra special, why not fancy it up with a home-cooked dinner? Instead of splurging on an expensive dinner out, you and your significant other can whip up something fancy together at home. Try cooking a new recipe, or look to recreate one of your favorite dishes - with your own cozy twist. Not only is this intimate way to celebrate more affordable and memorable, but it can also provide a great opportunity for meaningful conversation by the dinner table. So what better way to show how much you care than cooking dinner together from the comfort and privacy of your own home? Looking for Love Valentine's Day is the perfect time to plan a fun, non-traditional date night, so why not surprise your significant other with a fun and off-beat love-themed scavenger hunt? Whether you set it up around town or in your own backyard, you can personalize the items on your scavenger hunt list to make it as unique as your relationship. Plus, when the two of you complete all of the tasks, you'll get to end the evening with a fun reward! Planning a love-themed scavenger hunt for Valentine's Day is sure to create some fun memories for both of you this year for sure. The Love Above Looking for a magical experience to share with your special someone this Valentine's Day? Why not take them out stargazing! Watching shooting stars together is a romantic journey that creates memories to last a lifetime. Stargazing is time-old practice of appreciating nature, and the night sky can be an escape from the hustle of everyday life. Set up blankets in your own backyard or find a local park nearby – the adventure of uncovering constellations and shooting stars will be worth it. Date Night Awaits If you and your partner are looking for a fun and unique way to spend Valentine's Day this year, look no further! These five date ideas are sure to please. From stargazing to cooking dinner together, you'll create lasting memories with the one you love. So get planning - your perfect Valentine's Day awaits!