The EV9 Won the 2024 World Car Awards, Twice
Last week in New York City, the World Car Awards ceremony took place at the New York Auto Show. The Kia EV9 entered the event as an award hopeful, and it emerged from it with a rare dual victory.
The EV9 took home a pair of prestigious titles: World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. It marked the EV9’s fourth and fifth wins at the World Car Awards since 2020. While the EV9 is a no-brainer for EV awards – considering it’s quickly become the gold standard for all-electric capability – the World Car of the Year award is a testament to how well-rounded the EV9 truly is.
And the Award Goes To…
The World Car Awards were established two decades ago, in 2003. They are globally recognized as a premier standard for automotive excellence and leadership within a constantly transforming industry. When a car takes home an award, it’s not due to a small sample size of voters; over 100 distinguished automotive journalists representing 29 countries comprise the event’s jury. This year, the world was united in its love for the Kia EV9.
The EV9’s dual victory is a rarity; think the Best International Feature Film also taking home Best Picture at the Academy Awards. (Fun movie trivia: only 2020’s Parasite has done this.) However, it’s hardly the only award that Kia’s all-electric SUV has walked away with in recent months. In addition to the pair of World Car Awards trophies, the EV9 claimed multiple wins at the Golden Steering Wheel Awards and the Newsweek Autos Awards.
A Refined Electric Experience
What differentiates the 2024 EV9 from past models to propel it to such a commanding victory? For starters, it marks Kia’s first dedicated three-row SUV, yet still retains superior power and performance specs. The EV9’s resume includes 379 hp, 516 lb.-ft. of torque, and a towing capacity of over 5,000 lbs.
Exceptionally accessible, the EV9 comfortably eschews all concerns pertaining to modern electric vehicles. Its innovative charging system allows for ultra-fast, 350kW DC fast charging, capable of elevating your charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes. The EV9 is compatible with a charging network that includes over 41,000 charging stations across the country. With an EPA-estimated range of over 300 miles, your chances of running out of charge on the road are slimmer than ever before.
Comfort to Spare
As if that wasn’t enough, the EV9 offers a level of luxury unparalleled in rival all-electric SUVs. Occupants of the first two rows enjoy heated lounge seats that offer power leg rests and power extendable footrests. Third row passengers have access to USB-C charging ports and an abundance of shoulder and hip room. Overall, the EV9 stands apart from the competition when it comes to legroom and cargo space.
Meanwhile, the EV9’s Digital Cockpit features over two feet of combined digital instrumentation. Its infotainment system performs automatic vehicle software updates, keeping you up-to-date on the latest tech. The EV9’s long list of driver-friendly features includes:
- Surround View Monitoring
- Full Display Mirror
- Head-Up Display
- Remote Smart Parking Assist 2
Go Electric Today
If you’ve been looking for the opportunity to switch to electric, look no further than the EV9. It’s the rare SUV where the powertrain almost becomes an afterthought, because the total experience is so complete.
Here at Savage Kia, we’re your home for the latest in electric and hybrid vehicles. In addition to the EV9, you can check out the dynamic, all-electric Kia EV6 crossover. Or explore the versatility of hybrid power with the Kia Sorento Hybrid. Schedule your test drive today and discover why the EV9’s various awards aren’t feathers in Kia’s cap, but the start of an exciting new chapter.
Here at Savage Kia, we’re starting to feel the madness burn. Last night was Selection Sunday, meaning that 68 men’s and women’s teams from the world of college basketball officially punched their ticket into this season’s big tournament.
So while we have hoops on the mind, we thought we’d take this Monday to flash back to one of the more impressive feats in the history of slam dunking a basketball: former Los Angeles Clippers star and athletic demon dunking over a full-size Kia.
Setting the Stage
The year was 2011. Blake Griffin was in the midst of his rookie season for the Clippers. Until a series of injuries throughout his career limited his athleticism (he went through a two year period from 2019-2021 where he didn’t dunk once), he was primarily known for one thing: dunking basketballs very hard. Thus, he was a no-brainer for 2011’s dunk contest, which also happened to be in L.A.
But no one knew if this violent style of dunking would translate to dunking… while jumping over a car. Doubts were assuaged when teammate Baron Davis – poking out of the Kia’s sunroof in the bit’s funniest visual gag– connected with Griffin on a perfect lob pass, which Griffin emphatically threw down over the hood of a 2011 Kia Optima.
Amusingly, despite the spectacle of the moment – the Kia being brought onto the court, a full choir along for the ride – there’s so little buildup to Griffin’s actual dunk that the broadcast almost missed the attempt. (He’d soon learn there’s nothing wrong with some occasional showmanship.) But the moment is preserved through replays, parodies, and of course the reaction of Spike Lee and all else assembled.
Do We Know Where That Kia Optima Is Today?
We actually do! Thanks to an investigative report from The Ringer in 2021, commemorating its tenth anniversary, they discovered that Oklahoma resident Michael Longa purchased the car in 2015.
Griffin’s signature still emblazons the steering wheel, and Longa drives it every day. As of 2021, the car had accrued 89,000 miles. Though Longa claimed the Kia could fetch a high value – seeing as how it’s the one that Blake Griffin dunked over – but he’s content if he never learns the true price.
Put Yourself in a Kia Today
Of course, today, the Optima lives on under the K5 moniker (its original South Korean name). And it’s exciting times at Kia, as they’re set to reveal the new K4 later this week at the New York International Auto Show. As for Kia’s relationship with the NBA, things have only gotten stronger with the Orlando Magic changing the name of their arena to the Kia Center late last year.
You can find the K5 on our lot here at Savage Kia, along with hundreds of new and certified pre-owned vehicles. With Kia, you’ll find reliable, high-performance vehicles – regardless of whether a famous athlete has dunked over them.
Five Engine Sounds You Shouldn’t Be Ignoring
While there are some notable exceptions – Optimus Prime and KITT come to mind – our automobiles do not communicate in English. However, that doesn’t negate the fact that your car does have a way of speaking to you. It just may not be a sound you want to hear.
The difference between the normal sounds your car produces and more alarming noises can be subtle, yet it’s imperative you don’t ignore anything. You wouldn’t disregard a fellow human’s plea for help; your car is doing the same thing, striving to make you realize what’s wrong with it and the measures you can take to help.
At Savage Kia, we’re always vigilant for unusual engine noises. Here’s an overview of different noises your vehicle might make – and significantly, what these noises might imply.
Squealing / Chirping
High-frequency squeaks are more than just a continuous irritation for the driver – they often signal a slack or worn belt. If you detect the squeaking or screeching starts from your engine, it might be your serpentine belt, which powers your alternator, power steering pump, and water pump. If you believe this is the case, request a service appointment immediately, as an impaired belt can result in overheating, loss of power steering – and a substantial repair invoice.
However, before doing so, ensure that the squeaking isn’t originating from your brakes. Manufacturers deliberately incorporate a small piece of metal in your brake pads, generating a loud squawk to notify you that your brake pads are wearing thin. Monitoring your brakes pads’ condition is vital, but brake pad replacement is much more commonplace (and less pricey) than replacing your serpentine belt.
Knocking / Tapping / Pinging
It’s not someone trapped in your hood (hopefully). A dull thumping or ticking sound from the engine could signify an issue with the engine bearings. These bearings sustain the engine’s rotating parts – and they’re not shy about warning you when they’re waning.
Alternatively, it could be an issue tied to poor fuel quality or aged spark plugs – both can cause further harm or engine failure. To prevent this, get in touch with our Service Department promptly at the first hint of these assertive noises.
Rattling / Clanking
If you hear something rumbling in your engine, it’s one of the most directly alarming car noises. It’s a warning that something – possibly vital for your safety – is disconnected or misplaced. If you’ve looked under your bonnet and are unsure about what could be amiss, let a professional inspect it.
A soft rattling or deep rumble could be a more urgent warning, as it usually indicates a deteriorating catalytic converter. Unfortunately, the only solution in this situation is to entirely swap out the converter. Abide by a regular maintenance schedule, and hopefully, you won’t reach this point.
Whoosing / Hissing
Usually, these sounds are consequences of a leak in the exhaust system. If disregarded, this leak can diminish both engine performance and fuel economy. This leak could originate in a number of places: holes in the muffler, catalytic converter, or exhaust manifold are all potential leakage points. Thankfully, our Parts Center has everything you need to reinstate balance to your vehicle and have it running smoothly once again.
A prolonged hissing could also be due to coolant leakage or the vehicle’s cooling system overheating. If you suspect your car is overheating, pull over and find a spot to park immediately – for both your personal safety and the well-being of your engine.
Transmission Grinding
Constant grinding noises often originate from transmission issues and are most discernible when shifting or modifying gears. (Automatic transmissions create jerking and shaking rather than a grinding sound.) Watch for other signals of a failing transmission, like leaking fluid, a burnt smell, or a power deficit. Consult with a knowledgeable or certified professional soon to avoid hefty transmission repair expenses.
Bask in the Silence
The most soothing noise your vehicle can generate is no noise at all. A quiet engine is a sound engine, and at Savage Kia, we’re more than willing to give your vehicle the silent treatment. Trust in our team of experienced technicians for tire replacements, oil changes, and any other required service.
When abnormal sounds persist, it may be time to consider a new vehicle. Bring your old car to Savage Kia and exchange it for a new or certified used Kia. From the subcompact Kia Rio to the enchantingly demure Sorento Hybrid, our vehicles purr like kittens and drive like clouds.
When you picture the perfect family vehicle, what are some things that come to mind? Spaciousness, no doubt, as any family-friendly SUV needs ample room for inevitable backseat shenanigans. An array of high-tech features and other amenities is probably high on the list. And of course, no family car is worth investing in unless it comes with top safety marks.
The 2024 Kia Telluride checks off all those boxes and then some. So, it should come as no surprise that it’s been named the Best Family Car of 2024 by Cars.com.
Here at Savage Kia, we’re proud to be Reading’s home for these trailblazing SUVs, available in a variety of trims and ready to be driven off our lot. Read on for more info about the new Telluride: the premium SUV with mainstream appeal.
All In the Family
The Telluride, a midsize crossover SUV with three-row seating, debuted in 2019. It’s the largest vehicle Kia has ever produced in the United States. The Telluride’s name derives from an old gold mining town in Colorado, evoking the SUV’s adventurous spirit. But whether you take the Telluride off-road or exclusively use it for soccer practice, the Telluride was designed with families in mind.
“The Kia Telluride is an ideal family vehicle with a focus on value,” said Jenni Newman, editor-in-chief at Cars.com. “Its three rows, spaciousness and safety features provide families with an excellent option to hit the road in – and it’s easily our Best Family Car of 2024.”
In addition to the Telluride’s win, the Kia Seltos was named a finalist for Cars.com’s Best Car of 2024 title, and the Sorento was nominated for Best SUV of 2024.
A New Way to Ride in 2024
It should have been impossible for the 2024 Telluride to top the 2023 model’s extensive redesign. Yet the latest Telluride comes with a series of enhancements that helped elevate the reliable midsize SUV into an award winner.
Upgraded styling gives the Telluride a look that’s both fresh and rugged. Amber daylight running lights are included for the first time. Its returning, naturally aspirated V-6 engine ensures a smooth ride for the whole family, and it’s now capable of handling up to 5,500 pounds of towing.
A sense of luxury defines the refined three-row cabin, capable of seating seven or eight passengers. You’ll find an abundance of storage capacity throughout the interior, in addition to the SUV’s many features. A 12.3-inch touchscreen offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, and onboard Wi-Fi. A 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system and wireless smartphone charging are also included.
Safety First
All the aesthetic upgrades in the world wouldn’t make a difference if the Telluride wasn’t also a leader in safety. The 2024 Kia Telluride comes standard with Kia’s DriveWise driving and parking assistance technologies, including:
- Highway Driving Assist 2
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (with Stop & Go)
- Auto Emergency Braking Technology (with Junction Crossing Detection)
- Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse
(Tellu)Ride Off in One Today
There’s never been a better time to put yourself behind the wheel of a Kia. With the Telluride making a leap, the Seltos and Sorento collecting accolades, and the EV9 redefining all-electric capabilities, the future has never been brighter for Kia. You can become part of that future today by scheduling your test drive at Savage Kia.
It’s been said that driving a Kia is like driving a cloud. That cloud now seats your entire family – and the sky is the limit.
Let’s be real for a moment: the last time a dealer recommended a tire rotation, did you think you were being hustled? That’s understandable! The majority of dealerships and manufacturers do a poor job of explaining what tire rotation and balancing involves, leaving drivers to suspect it’s just another addition to your bill.
In reality, rotating and balancing your tires regularly is the most surefire way to increase your tires’ lifespan. Courtesy of the engineering experts here at Savage Kia, here’s why you should make tire rotations a regular part of your maintenance routine.
What Exactly Is Tire Rotation?
Tire rotation is actually quite a simple process. It involves moving your tires from one area of your car to another. Typical tire rotation follows the same pattern: with front-wheel-drive cars, front tires typically get shifted straight back, while the rear tires are moved to opposite sides on the front. The opposite applies for rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, in which the rear tires are moved straight forward, while the front wheels are moved to opposite sides of the rear.
You don’t need to rotate your tires excessively – the recommended interval is 5,000 to 8,000 miles – but requesting a tire rotation whenever you get an oil change (or at least every other time) is a safe habit to get into. If you notice a decrease in tire pressure or abnormal vibrations when steering, these could be signals that your tires are ready to relocate.
Okay, I Know What Tire Rotation Is. But Why Is It Important?
So just why is it so important for your vehicle to play musical tires like this? Tire rotation prevents uneven tire wear caused by the front of your car being heavier than the rear. By balancing the tread on your tires, you can enjoy a smoother ride without any vibrations. Additionally, this provides better traction on slippery or narrow roads, improving your overall safety while driving.
On the other hand, an uneven tread on your tires can lead to faster wear and deflation, which in turn reduces fuel efficiency. That’s why tire rotation is vital not only for preserving the health of your tires, but also for the well-being of your engine. If the air pressure in your tires remains low, it may be time to time to explore the Kia Tire Source for a replacement set.
So Then… What’s Tire Balancing?
When balancing, mechanics use a machine to confirm that the weight of the tire and wheel are balanced. If they’re unequal, small lead weights are attached to the rim of the wheel until an equilibrium is attained.
Keeping your tires balanced goes hand in hand with regular rotations, as both procedures adhere to the same suggested timelines. If you choose to rotate and balance your tires during each oil change, many garages will provide them as a complimentary service.
Find Your Perfect Balance Today
Schedule your service appointment with Savage Kia today, and drive off out lot with your tires right where they should be. From the Sportage to the Sorento Hybrid, we’ve got all the newest Kia models, ensuring that 2024 is the year you find the perfect balance to support your automotive lifestyle.
The Kia Niro is the Best of Both Worlds
It’s easy to look at hybrid cars and see an identity crisis; when gas and electric offer such divergent experiences, what do you make of a vehicle that audaciously offers both? But that’s exactly why the future rests in hybrids like the Kia Niro.
For many manufacturers, hybridization involves some compromise between gas and electricity. With the Niro, however, Kia delivers the best of both worlds. Take its plug-in model, which lets you go all-electric for short commutes, while still retaining traditional fuel techniques for longer trips. Altogether, the Niro is affordable, perfect for the whole family, and an ideal jumping-on point for anyone interested in EVs.
Niro To Our Hearts
Kia first introduced the Niro’s hybrid version back in 2016. Unlike traditional hybrids, the first generation Niro utilized a dual-clutch transmission. Following this, a plug-in variant made its debut towards the end of 2017 and was then introduced to the United States in early 2018. Later the same year, Kia unveiled the all-electric version of the Niro, completing a triumvirate of electric options.
Now in its second generation, the Niro has evolved into a complete EV in every sense. Its all-electric model boasts an impressive EPA-estimated range of 285 miles. Its styling has undergone bold and futuristic redesign, and the already-roomy cabin has become even more spacious without sacrificing storage space. If you’ve been contemplating the switch to electric but have had concerns regarding range and family-based practicality, the Niro is your answer.
What ultimately sets the Niro apart is its versatility and accessibility. All three variants are tailor-made to support different automotive lifestyles, and all three are kept free of fuss and gimmicks. With the Niro, you get an extremely satisfying, straightforward vehicle that’s as electric-focused as you’d like it to be.
Charged Up Today, Ready for Tomorrow
There’s never been a better time to join the EV movement, thanks in part to the ever-expanding selection of charging stations in the Reading area. Nearby public charging stations include:
- 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
If that’s not enough, the Niro includes a satellite navigation system that, when you direct it to a charging point, preps the battery for a more efficient charge.
Drive Off in an EV Today
With over 70 new electric vehicles expected to debut over the next two or three years, EVs are clearly here to stay. Here at Savage Kia, we strive to bring you the latest in EVs and hybrids, from the Sorento hybrid to the award-winning, all-electric Kia EV9.
Stop in at Savage Kia today and explore which EV option may be right for you. With our versatile selection of new and pre-owned cars, you’re sure to drive away in the ride that best suits you and your family.
Kia’s New Partnership with the NBA is Pure Magic
The Amway Center, Orlando’s premier downtown entertainment arena – and home of the National Basketball Association’s Orlando Magic – is going by a new name starting today. This morning, on December 20th, the team officially announced the Amway Center is henceforth to be called the Kia Center.
The Kia Center is a fairly new arena, having opened in October 2010. It will be the first time in the Magic’s history that the complex goes by anything other than Amway; their original home venue, the Amway Arena, was built in 1989, and Amway retained naming rights when the team announced the new arena in 2009. Today, for the first time in 34 years, that changes.
In addition to the Magic, the Kia Center will host games for the Orlando Predators, a National Arena League team, and the Orlando Solar Bears of the mid-level professional ice hockey league the ECHL. The arena also hosts various concerts throughout the year, with past performers ranging from Paul McCartney to Dua Lipa.
But the Orlando Magic, one of the rising teams in the NBA, is the jewel in the crown here for Kia. Read on to learn a bit more about the Magic’s history and why the turnaround they’re currently experiencing might not be an illusion.
Magical History Tour
The Magic began their life as an expansion team back in 1989. They’d proceed to make two NBA Finals appearances (winning neither) behind the play of two dominant franchise centers: Shaquille O’Neal in 1995 and Dwight Howard in 2009. Coincidentally, both big men would later be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
After trading Howard in 2012, the franchise searched for a new direction to no avail. Though they made back-to-back playoff appearances in 2019 and 2020, they were quickly dispatched in the first round both times. You could even argue that the franchise’s highlight during this decade was the dunk contest performance put on by star Aaron Gordon in 2016 (which Gordon still wound up losing, to the Bulls’ Zach LaVine).
After bottoming out in the 2020-’21 season with a record of 21-51, the Magic were compensated with the fifth pick in the NBA draft, which they used to select Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs. The following year, after a 22-60 campaign, they were awarded the draft’s top pick and walked away with Duke star Paulo Banchero.
The State of the Magic
It’s a good time to get into business with the Orlando Magic, one of the NBA’s most exciting young franchises. After undergoing a rebuild that began in earnest in 2020, Orlando’s ascent has begun. Nearly a third of the way through the NBA’s regular season, the team sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 16-9 – comfortably ahead of even the most optimistic projections.
Along with Banchero and Suggs, the Magic’s young core is comprised of forward Franz Wagner (the eighth pick in 2021) and sixth man guard Cole Anthony (pick 15 in 2020). Banchero and Wagner are both averaging 20 points per game, while Suggs is enjoying the best shooting season of his young career. Thrillingly, all four players are 23 years of age or younger.
But the difference with this year’s Magic squad might be depth. In addition to their Core Four, Orlando also has Franz’s older brother Mo Wagner coming off their bench, alongside proven veterans such as Gary Harris and Jonathan Isaac. (Though he’s currently injured, the Magic have also taken on a reclamation project in former number one draft pick Markelle Fultz, which has started to pay some dividends.)
Orlando is still looking up at Boston, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia in the East standings – three teams with championship aspirations and tons of playoff experience between them. In comparison, this Magic team is inexperienced, unproven… and maybe just hungry enough where that won’t make a difference.
Time will tell whether the Magic are a year ahead of schedule or ready to compete with the big boys immediately. But for the first time in over a decade, projecting the Magic’s future requires no sleight of hand – making this the perfect time for Kia to get in on the ride.
Make Your Next Vehicle a Slam Dunk
Every trip to Savage Kia is a no-doubt swish thanks to our comprehensive, constantly updated inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles. Get in today to check out thrilling sports cars like the 2023 Stinger and dependable SUVs such as the forthcoming 2024 Telluride.
The Orlando Magic may be a few years away from true championship contention, but after four straight first-round exits dating back to 2011, the crystal ball is starting to shine brightly on their future. Meanwhile, you’ll leave Savage Kia feeling like an immediate champion – and your future is whatever you choose to make it.
New Year’s Resolutions for Car Owners to Consider
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.
5 Kia Facts You May Not Be Aware Of
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.
5 Auto Tips That Will Make You Feel Like MacGyver
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.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
Categories
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.