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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!

Source: @Nick.Singleton10/Instagram Savage Auto Group has announced that it will be sponsoring Penn State star running back and Reading native, Nick Singleton. Singleton, who attended nearby Governor Mifflin High School, is one of the nation’s top college football players and a future NFL star. Savage Auto Group will be working with Nick throughout his time at Penn State and during his journey to the NFL. This sponsorship is made possible thanks to recent changes to NCAA player name, image and likeness (NIL) rules. With these changes, businesses and communities throughout the United States are now able to provide invaluable support for their local athletes in chasing their dreams. For up-and-coming athletes like Nick Singleton, the support of local businesses and the community is crucial to ensuring success. That is why Savage Auto Group is proud to sponsor Nick and wishes him all the best on his road to the NFL.

Believe it or not, the colors that you see on cars today are the result of a long and complicated history. In the early days of the automobile, there were only a handful of colors to choose from. But as technology progressed and society evolved, so too did the palette of available car colors. Today, there are literally thousands of colors to choose from. Here's a brief history of how we got from there to here. The first cars were available in black, white, and gray. Black was by far the most popular color because it didn't show dirt and it was easy to keep clean. White was popular among rich people who wanted to show off their status. Gray was considered to be neither here nor there; it wasn't flashy like white and it wasn't as practical as black. By the 1920s, cars were available in a wide range of colors, including green, blue, brown, and even red. But black continued to be the most popular color among car buyers. In fact, nearly 60% of all cars sold in the 1920s were black. During the Great Depression, car sales plummeted and manufacturers began offering cars in a wider range of colors in an effort to boost sales. The most popular colors during this period were bright and cheerful shades like yellow and orange. By the time the 1930s rolled around, metallic paint was all the rage. If you wanted to show that you were wealthy and could afford the latest trends, you'd slap some metallic paint on your car. It was a status symbol. But it wasn't just the rich who could get their hands on metallic paint. Companies soon began to realize that they could use aluminum flakes to produce the paint, which made it much more affordable. So even people who weren't wealthy could have a car that shimmered and shone in the sun.. After World War II, car companies began offering more subdued colors like tan and beige. These colors were seen as more sophisticated and reflected the increased affluence of America's middle class. By the 1950s, pastel colors like pink and mint green had become extremely popular among female car buyers. In the 1960s, bright colors made a comeback as young people embraced psychedelic culture. This trend continued into the 1970s with the rise of disco culture. Common car colors during this period included gold, silver, and purple. Today, there are literally thousands of car paint colors to choose from. You can find cars in every color under the sun, from traditional shades like black and white to more daring hues like candy apple red and neon green. And thanks to modern paint technologies, you can even get your car custom-painted to match your favorite sports team or alma mater's colors. No matter what your taste may be, there's sure to be a car paint color that's just right for you. From the earliest days of the automobile up until today, car paint colors have come a long way. What started out as a limited palette has now exploded into a veritable rainbow of hues. So whether you're looking for something traditional or something that will make your car really stand out from the crowd, there's sure to be a color that's just right for you. Thanks for reading!

IRVINE, CA, September 26, 2022 – The 2023 Sportage and Sportage Hybrid have been awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) award. The designation applies to the Sportage and Sportage Hybrid when equipped with LED projector headlights, and also makes the Sportage the ninth Kia vehicle to earn either a 2022 TSP or TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) award. "Kia’s longest running nameplate continues to evolve into something greater with each generation, with the fifth generation delivering more of everything – especially safety – for today’s savvy, adventurous, and eco-conscious compact SUV buyers,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “These latest TSP designations are proof positive of that.” For 2023, the Sportage is underpinned by Kia’s all-new third generation N3 platform and delivers a wealth of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Cyclist detection capability, Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). The Kia Telluride, Sorento, Seltos, Carnival built after March 2021 (with specific headlights), Sportage, Sportage Hybrid and Soul (with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights) also received TSP awards for 2022 earlier this year, while the Kia K5 and Stinger sedans qualified as TSP+ winners. To receive a TSP rating, a vehicle must earn “Good” ratings in six crashworthiness tests – driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraint tests – as well as an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention evaluations.  In addition, the vehicle must have at least one available headlight system that earns a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating. Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.* For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. * The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer Information posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

Flat Tires are Deflating Stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire, you open your trunk and begin to look for the spare but wait a minute...it’s not there! Unfortunately, this is a common reality in the 2020s for all new vehicles as many new vehicles don’t come with a spare tire in the trunk anymore. You may be remembering times of the past in which a vehicle had a spare tire mounted in the trunk or underneath the vehicle and a small little jack to go with it. However those days — just like a vehicle’s spare tire — are gone. Nowadays modern vehicles tend to come with no spare and just a small can of flat tire repair gel. While it gets the job done, this isn’t the most desirable way to handle an unexpected flat tire. Nobody wants to spend time on the side of the road,  at the mercy of the elements, all because of a flat tire. That’s why you need to carry a spare tire in your vehicle. Carrying a spare tire in your vehicle not only allows you to get back on the road quicker, but it provides peace of mind. There are a few different types of spare tires available on the market to suit every need, here’s a list of available types of spare tires. Full-Size Spare Sharing the same dimensions as the vehicle’s standard tire, a full-size spare is one of the most effective options for a spare tire there is. Unlike a temporary spare or “doughnut”, a full-size spare allows you to travel at regular speeds as if you never had a flat in the first place. Minimal downtime is one of the biggest upsides to a full-size spare, making it a great option for those who make a living on the road. Although the full-size spare offers plenty of benefits, there are some downsides as well. A full-size spare is heavy, which means it takes up more space — and consumes more fuel. This shouldn’t stop you from considering a full-size spare, but it should be something you take into consideration. If a full-size spare tire is the right option for you, call our parts professionals at Savage KIA today to order your full-size spare. Temporary Full-Size Spare While a true full-size spare is the most effective option, the drawback of it taking up so much space in the vehicle is something to consider. With that being said, if you don’t have the space for a full-size spare, a temporary full-size spare is a great alternative. A temporary full-size spare tire is just like your regular, full-size tire, but with smaller tread depth and less weight. This design saves space while remaining an effective spare tire option. A temporary full-size spare will allow you to safely drive to Savage KIA Service Center so you can get a new tire mounted and balanced on the car. A temporary full-size spare is a great option for those that carry a lot of cargo, or even those driving compact cars which don’t have a lot of room for a full-size spare. Compact Temporary Spare A compact temporary spare may not be the most effective option in terms of being able to drive on it for miles or at regular speeds. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely ineffective or useless. With a compact temporary spare, you can travel a short distance at lower speeds in order to reach safety. The compact temporary spare is a bit smaller and narrower than a full-size spare but it’s still just as useful when you have an unexpected flat tire. These compact temporary spares or “doughnuts” tend to be the traditional spare tire most think of when they think of flat tire repair. If you want a spare that will function long enough to help you arrive at Savage KIA Service Center for a repair — opt for the compact temporary spare. Folding Temporary Spare: A folding temporary spare is a small spare tire, similar to the “doughnut” spare but it is even more compact. It can be deflated and folded for easy storage, making it a great option for those with limited cargo space. These spares do require inflation before usage, which is an important thing to keep in mind when selecting the right spare tire to keep on hand. While you may not be able to travel at regular speeds with this tire, you will be able to safely arrive at Savage KIA Service Center. Run-Flat Tires The most cutting-edge technology when it comes to spare tires is the Run-Flat spare tire. Run-Flat tires allow you to keep driving at regular speeds for up to 50 miles from the initial puncture. This incredible technology allows a driver to safely and effectively drive in almost any type of condition to reach their mechanic’s shop in the event of an unexpected flat tire. Run-Flats are one of the most expensive spare tire options, but also one of the most effective outside of carrying a full-size spare. Loving the sound of a Run-Flat tire? Then come on down to Savage KIA and have one of our parts professionals place your order today. Here at Savage KIA, we don’t just offer the best prices on our cars, we offer it on our parts as well. Let’s Get Rolling While flat tires are almost always unexpected and incredibly inconvenient, they are an inevitable part of owning a vehicle. Making sure you select the right kind of spare tire that fits all of your needs is a great way to help minimize the interference of an unexpected flat tire. Utilizing a spare tire properly can save you time, money and aggravation, that’s why it’s important to have one handy. The function of most spare tires is to help you get off the road and arrive safely at a service center like the one here at Savage KIA. Whether you want a set of Run-Flat tires or a temporary spare, the parts professionals here at Savage KIA can help. We offer the best selection of tires, spares and even Run-Flats — all at the best prices in Reading. Don’t end up stranded waiting for a tow truck to arrive, equip your vehicle with a spare tire from Savage KIA today.

Coming soon to Savage KIA, the 2023 KIA Telluride picks up where the award-winning 2022 Telluride left off, boasting incredible value at an unbeatable price. The updated Telluride will feature expanded driver assistance features, upgraded tech and new design elements along with all of the features that earned Telluride U.S. News “Best Cars for Families” award. While the 2023 Telluride hasn’t begun production yet, you can still place a preorder for yours today. If you want to get your hands on the new 2023 Telluride, Savage KIA is here to help. At Savage KIA, we have the best prices and the largest selection of new, used and certified pre-owned KIAs in all of Berks — including the 2023 Telluride. Stop by our Reading location to place a preorder for your 2023 Telluride today! More Features Than Ever Before Revealed at this year's New York Auto Show, the 2023 Telluride is an award-winning, three-row, eight-passenger SUV with rugged capabilities and a refined look. In only its third year of production, the Telluride is a fan favorite, earning a variety of honors including the IIHS Top Safety Pick and Edmunds Top Rated® award. While the 2022 Telluride came packed full of incredible technology and features, the 2023 model will boast more features and technology than ever before. The 2023 Telluride will see an expanded suite of driver assistance features that will work to reduce accidents and distracted driver scenarios. In addition to these life-saving features, the Telluride will also include a variety of convenience technology, such as a new 12.3-inch panoramic display with navigation, a digital key and even a WiFi Hotspot. As always, the Telluride will feature class-leading space for both driver and passengers, with three rows of seating for up to eight occupants. If that isn’t enough space, the Telluride will be able to be equipped with a tow package so you can haul your gear without sacrificing cabin space. Reserve Yours Today! Now that you have the inside scoop on the 2023 KIA Telluride, are you ready to get your hands on one? If so, then you’ll want to come on down to Savage KIA located in Reading to place your preorder today. Placing a preorder with us means you’ll get a 2023 Telluride in the exact configuration and color you want, without the hassle of waiting for allocation. Don’t wait to preorder your 2023 Telluride, visit us at 2725 Centre Avenue to place your 2023 KIA Telluride preorder today!

Earlier this week, KIA revealed it’s plans for the 2023 Forte, which will be arriving on the lot here at Savage KIA shortly. The Forte recently underwent what KIA calls a “significant product enhancement” just last year, in which the compact sedan saw major improvements to its interior and exterior. While the 2023 Forte is a new car, it won’t be a far departure from the recently redesigned 2022 model year, which included expanded Advanced Driver Assistance Systems features, a new 10.25-inch widescreen navigation display and new exterior design elements. The 2023 model year Forte is estimated to get around 41 MPG on the highway and will still be available in four trim levels — LX (replaced FE), LXS, GT-Line and GT. If you’re interested in the new 2023 KIA Forte, Savage KIA is the dealership for you. Here you will find Berks County’s largest selection of new, used and certified pre-owned KIAs — including the new 2023 Forte and the electrifying EV6. At Savage KIA, we won’t just sell you a car, we’ll put you behind the wheel of your dream ride! For more information on the 2023 KIA Forte, check out this article from KIA Media.

Driving an EV on a sunny summer dayPlanning a fun road trip in your EV this summer? Then you’re going to want to read this! As an electric vehicle owner, you’re most likely calculating your battery’s range and planning the trip accordingly, so we put together some tips to help you out. While battery technology in EVs has made substantial progress in recent years, they aren’t without their shortcomings. One of the most glaring weaknesses is the reduced driving range electric vehicle owners experience in extreme temperatures. Although the hot summer weather may work to reduce your battery’s range, we’ve put together a list of tips that can help you get the most out of your battery. Before you head out on your summer journey, give this list of tips for summer EV driving a quick read — it’s sure to help! Driving Range While driving an electric vehicle in the summer, one of the most important things to remember is the difference in driving range. According to AAA, the driving range of an EV battery can be reduced by up to 17% in temperatures above 95º, which is a significant reduction in range. Due to this reduction in range, you should be paying close attention to your EV’s charge level during the summers to avoid any problems. If you’re looking for a way to keep your range where it needs to be during the summer, a good way to do so is to use less air conditioning. Opting to drive with the windows down can reduce the load on your EV’s batteries which will help you get the range you're accustomed to. It may seem crazy to opt out of using A/C in the summer, but when you’re spending less time at the charging station it all begins to make sense. Find Some Shade Keeping the interior of your car is always important in the summers, but when you own an EV its even more important. When you keep your EV cool, the batteries are able to function at peak capacity, providing the best range your car has to offer. However, if you’re parked in the middle of an open field on a sweltering hot day, chances are you’re directly reducing the amount of range your car’s batteries have. This is why we recommend always parking in shaded areas when possible. When you can’t park in a shaded area, the best thing you could do is use a windshield shade to keep the interior of your EV nice and cool. Whichever way you decide to keep your car cool, doing so is the best way to get the full range from your EV battery. Try Not to Fast Charge One of the most convenient ways to charge your electric vehicle is via rapid charging, however, this is also a great way to reduce the lifespan of its batteries. That is why we recommend skipping the fast charging station on hot summer days. While your EV is made and rated to handle fast charging, doing so as your sole means of charging is not the best way to elongate the life of your EV batteries. When you do opt to fast charge, try to do it sparingly, and preferably in a climate-controlled space. If you own a house with a garage, charging your EV in that enclosed space is a great way to get a full charge in a reasonable amount of time. Since your battery won’t have to fight against the elements, charging your battery in a garage or climate-controlled space reduced charging time rapidly. Precondition Your Cabin As we mentioned before, keeping your EV cool is one of the best ways to ensure you get the most range out of its battery. A great way to do it is by preconditioning your interior, which on most EVs is done by remote starting your vehicle. With preconditioning, you can run the air conditioning before you ever set foot in the vehicle, which not only makes it comfortable for you but also increases battery range. Most electric vehicles these days have a preconditioning or remote start feature, which makes life far easier during the summer. If you don’t have a preconditioning or remote start mode on your EV, you may be able to have an aftermarket remote starter installed which can function similarly to a built-in preconditioning mode. Travel Light A piece of advice that can be used year-round, traveling light is a fantastic way to get the most out of your EV battery. The more weight you have in your car, the harder its batteries have to work to get you going — effectively reducing the overall range. If you’re planning to hit the roads for a long trip this summer, make sure you’re traveling light in order to get the most out of your battery’s range. In the event that you can’t travel with minimal gear, we recommend having a pre-planned charging strategy so you’re never stranded. Visit Savage KIA Today Now that you’re an expert on driving an EV during the summer, it's time for you to get out there and enjoy it! If you don’t have an EV to enjoy your summer in, that’s okay! At Savage KIA we have a huge selection of new and used electric vehicles for you to choose from. If you’re not ready to make the jump to an EV, we have plenty of traditional cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from here at Savage KIA. Don’t want to overpay for your next electric vehicle, then you need to visit us at 2725 Centre Avenue today! Whether you’re looking for a great deal or great service, at Savage KIA you’re sure to find it.

Since it was first introduced in 1993, the KIA Sportage has provided incredible value while delighting endless amounts of customers. The compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) has come a long way since it was first introduced in the ‘90s, both in terms of quality and technological innovation. Now a few decades into its production, the Sportage is a class leader and is constantly redefining what a crossover SUV can do. For 2023, KIA has decided to continue to push the envelope by introducing a completely redesigned Sportage with a more futuristic look and a modern set of technology. While the list of innovations and features on the 2023 Sportage is long, this short blog will highlight five of our favorite additions. Once you’re finished reading, come on down to Savage KIA to test drive the all-new Sportage before you bring one home. Built for Adventure The all-new Sportage is designed to take you on adventures you can dream of thanks to its increased ground clearance and available all-wheel-drive. Those that opt for AWD on their Sportage will not only enjoy the functionality of it, but they will also enjoy the 8.3 inches of ground clearance that only AWD models get. With this extra ground clearance, you’ll be able to take on any adventure and terrain in your new Sportage with ease. Whether you’re off-roading in the Rocky Mountains or trudging through winter snow, the 2023 Sportage with AWD will get you wherever you need to go. Are you ready for a new adventure? Then come on down to Savage KIA to order your 2023 Sportage today. Assembled by Americans While KIA might be a South Korean auto manufacturer, that doesn’t mean its operations are all based in South Korea. One of the most surprising facts about the 2023 Sportage is that it is proudly assembled in America. That’s right, the wonderful state of Georgia is home to two of KIAs assembly plants, one of which is dedicated to manufacturing electric vehicles. Safety Comes Standard One of the most important and invaluable new features of the 2023 Sportage is its suite of advanced safety technology. KIA has included six amazing driver assistance and safety features designed to make daily driving safer and easier than ever before. While these features are not a replacement for proper driving techniques, they do help to keep you and your family safe each and every time you get behind the wheel. Here is a list of the incredible safety features included on all new 2023 Sportage models: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist-Pedestrian and Cyclist Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist Lane Following Assist Safe Exit Warning Park Distance Warning-Rear No matter which trim level you choose on the all-new Sportage, you will be able to enjoy these six amazing safety features. If you want to keep your family safe on the road, there is no better vehicle to do it in than the 2023 KIA Sportage. Order yours by visiting Savage KIA today! Class-Leading KIA has always been a leader when it comes to vehicle features and the 2023 Sportage is no exception. The all-new Sportage features class-leading second-row legroom, boasting a whopping 41.3-inches of space for your passengers. In addition to this, the Sportage offers best-in-class cargo space with 39.6-cubic feet of space for all of your gear, groceries and furry friends. To make it even better, when you fold the rear seats down, you can nearly double the cargo space in the Sportage. That’s right when folded flat, the cargo space of the Sportage increases to mind-blowing 74.1-cubic feet — a number better than any comparable competition can offer. Whether you’re hauling friends and family or camping gear to the mountains, the 2023 Sportage has all the space you need for any adventure. Come check out the all-new Sportage at Savage KIA located in Reading today! Always Connected In today’s electronic age, staying connected is more important than ever before. That’s why KIA has made both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ a standard feature on all 2023 Sportage models. With Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, you will be able to stay connected to your favorite apps and entertainment with just the press of a button. This incredible feature makes connecting your favorite device a breeze, all you have to do is plug in the supporting cable and you’re done! Once you’re connected, you’ll be able to enjoy many of the same apps and features on your phone right on the main screen in your Sportage. Staying connected has never been easier than it is when you’re behind the wheel of the 2023 KIA Sportage — order yours today! Order Yours Today! Are you loving the way the new 2023 Sportage is sounding? Then you need to visit us at 2725 Centre Avenue to place an order for yours today! At Savage KIA, we carry the best selection of new, used and certified pre-owned KIAs in the Reading area. Whether you have your sights set on the LX or X-Pro — if you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a 2023 Sportage then we’re the KIA Dealer for you. Don’t overpay for your all-new Sportage, get the best deals right here at Savage KIA located in Reading. Come test drive your dream vehicle today!