According to a report from NBC, roughly 60% of motorists don’t know how and have never changed a flat tire. Changing a flat tire and putting on the spare is an essential skill especially as summer approaches. After all, this is the season of tire blowouts. Don’t worry if you never had to change a flat tire; we will outline all the essential steps right here.

First, pull over in a safe area and place triangle reflectors about 200 feet in both directions of the vehicle. Your car should also have the following in the trunk: a jack, lug wrench, and a spare tire. Be sure you know where these items are located.

The first step is to remove the hubcap. Use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts. If the bolts won’t budge, place both feet on the wrench. Your whole bodyweight is enough to loosen even the most stubborn bolts.

Next, position the jack near the bottom car frame close to the flat tire. Turn the hand crank until the jack raises the flat tire. Pull out the tire; if it won’t budge, usually due to corrosion, then lower the car and drive a few feet back and forth. This should loosen the tire.

Finally, put on the spare and apply the steps in reverse. Lower the jack and place the lug nuts back on. Your car is now good to go for commute to an auto service station.

Keep in mind that a spare tire is only intended for temporary use. After changing a flat tire, drive to Sansone Kia. See our Kia parts center near Woodbridge, NJ for OEM tires for all Kia models, including the 2019 Kia Niro and others.

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What are your plans this Memorial Day? For most folks, it means staying at home and firing up the outdoor grill. For others, it may mean a day trip with the family to a local park or other attraction. Here’s an interesting thought: how about visiting Sansone Kia?

At this time of year, we have various Kia specials near Edison, NJ for both purchases and leases. This includes offers on select models like the 2019 Kia Forte and others.

We also suggest servicemembers stop by and take advantage of our Sansone Military Assistance Program. Aside from exclusive discounts, the program also provides employment opportunities for veterans in the auto industry. Members also benefit from a 10% discount on all OEM parts replacement at our dealership.

The Sansone Military Assistance Program is in effect year-round, but we feel now is the perfect time to highlight it with Memorial Day around the corner. This is our way of giving back to those who serve. It does not even come close to paying back the men and women who protect our nation and its freedoms, but it’s a small token of our appreciation.

As a final fun food for thought, did you know that Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day? The idea was construed in 1868 to commemorate fallen soldiers in the Civil War. During the first few Memorial Days, volunteers would lay flowers in military cemeteries. After World War I, though, it evolved to honor fallen soldiers in all wars.

If you’re embarking on a family trip this Memorial Day, make Sansone Kia one of your pit stops. Many visitors find talking to a dealer enlightening and helps immensely with their buying decisions and the financing aspects.

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Summer is here; what is there to do for the fun-under-the-sun months? Many families embark on a summer road trip across state lines, while others soak up all that New Jersey has to offer, especially since there are so many destinations nearby.

1. Bayshore Heritage

All summer road trips require at least one stop to the beach. New Jersey’s Bayshore Heritage has beautiful scenery of the state’s shoreline. This scenic byway stretches 122 miles. Along the way, feel free to make pitstops at local attractions like the Bayshore Center or Cape May Lighthouse.

2. Millstone Valley

For history buffs, consider a stop to Millstone Valley, a historical site that was a major focal point during the American Revolution. George Washington and his men camped at this spot during the war. The location includes the Delaware and Raritan Canal system that is ideal for hiking, kayaking, and bird watching.

3. Pine Barrens

For nature lovers, make a stop at the heavily forested Pine Barrens. The area is noted for its population of orchids and pitch pines, and it is also famous for the Legendary Jersey Devil, a local supernatural cryptid rumored to haunt the forest.

Go to the official New Jersey website for a lengthier list of travel destinations.

Before any road trip, be sure to bring your car to Sansone Kia for a pre-trip inspection. Our Kia service center near Union, NJ will perform a thorough checkup to ensure your vehicle is ready to travel long distances under high temperatures. You are also welcome to browse our inventory of Kia models such as the 2019 Kia Rio if you’re in the market for a new vehicle! Contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer.

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A vehicle is usually the biggest investment next to a house. Since you’ll be forking over more than a pretty penny, you’ll want to budget wisely and make sure you don’t end up paying more than your budget allots. Here are some tips for smart budgeting and ensuring your next car purchase doesn’t put you in financial purgatory.

We recommend the 15% strategy proposed by Edmunds. This means your monthly payment should not exceed 15% of your monthly earnings. If you’re leasing, it shouldn’t be more than 10%. Keep in mind these percentages do not factor in other car-related expenses, such as insurance and fuel. These will consume about another 7% of your monthly income. That means a total of 22%, or a little more than a fifth, of your total take-home pay. This leaves enough buffer to pay off other monthly bills without having to nickel and dime yourself.

We also suggest a maximum loan term of no more than 48 months. In addition, the down payment should ideally be at least 20% of the total car price after all cost factors are accounted for. None of these rules are ironclad, but they provide a good starting point if budgeting is a major concern, which we know it is for most people. If you have a stable job and have no trouble making payments on time, sticking to these figures should ensure you make your car payments with minimal problems.

To help with your Kia financing near Staten Island, NY, use our payment calculator to start. To further cut down on costs, please check back often for limited-time offers on models like the 2019 Kia Optima and more. Likewise, you can save even more by trading in a current vehicle.

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Safety is a primary factor for most car buyers when searching for a new vehicle. This is especially so for people who often carpool or travel with kids in tow. In fact, according to a report from Statista, safety is the leading factor, with 64 percent of people saying it was very important to them. Such data is not lost on Kia developers, hence why the automaker has showcased new safety technology in recent years.

So, what makes the Kia brand stand out in terms of innovative safety technology? After all, it’s not like other automakers don’t have their own safety tech. What separates the Kia brand from the competition is its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This includes a host of crash-prevention technology, such as forward collision and lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and advanced smart cruise control.

ADAS is actually an offshoot of a bigger project known as Drive Wise. This is a system comprising of intelligent safety technologies originally introduced in 2016 at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas. Drive Wise incorporates partial autonomous technology, with an aim to transition to full self-driving capabilities by 2030. Currently, some of the safety technologies scheduled for future release under the Drive Wise system include Traffic Jam Assist, Urban Autonomous Driving, and Highway Autonomous Driving. The aim of these implementations is to identify hazards at the earliest possible opportunity.

ADAS is being added to more models and trims. It already comes as standard for the 2019 Kia Sorento, 2019 Kia Stinger, and others. Be also sure to bring your car to our Kia service center near Woodbridge, NJ for maintenance. Keeping your car in good shape is just as essential for road safety.

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Applying for a car loan is not unlike applying for any other loan. The process can be quite complex especially for first-time borrowers. However, this doesn’t mean it has to be overly confusing. We’ll show you the step-by-step process for applying for a car loan.

First, check your credit report. This is crucial because your credit report will determine the loans and rates you’re eligible for. A good credit score helps you secure a low car loan rate. This translates to money saved due to paying lower interest. You can check your credit report for free once a year. Visit Federal Trade Commission to learn how to do so.

The next step is to pick your payment. Use a loan calculator to determine the amount you can realistically pay each month without straining your budget. Most car loans have between three and six-year repayment terms. A longer term means a lower monthly payment but could also entail higher interest.

Step three is to get pre-approved. This basically means getting qualified for the loan. With the pre-approval comes a certain amount of money for you to use towards your vehicle purchase.

The fourth and final step is to choose a vehicle. Most people already have a car in mind, perhaps the 2020 Kia Soul or another model. Whatever your choice, be sure it falls within your pre-approved loan amount unless you’re willing to pay extra out of pocket or trade in an existing vehicle.

Try to complete the above four steps within a two-week window. Too many credit inquiries over a prolonged period can hurt your score.

Have you decided on a car? Come by Sansone Kia to get started. Our Kia financing center near Edison NJ makes applying for a loan easy whether you’re buying or leasing.

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Tax season is just about over, and most people have faithfully completed their tax duties to the IRS. Some folks may get a tax return with a generous check enclosed. With the extra money comes more ways to invest and put the money to good use. Spring is also a good time to purchase a new vehicle. Why not use that tax return money to invest in a new vehicle?

We suggest coming on over to Sansone Kia. We have various limited-time offers for both car purchases and leases. What does our Kia specials near Union, NJ include? Our offers include a number of lease deals, such as the 2019 Kia Sorento at $209 a month for 36 months and the 2019 Kia Forte at $169 a month for 36 months.

We encourage everyone to come by to check out our inventory, which includes the latest 2019 models. For some vehicles, the 2020 model is already out. This includes the 2020 Kia Soul and 2020 Kia Telluride.

In lieu of investing in a new car, you can also invest in your existing Kia automobile. Our dealership also has a number of service specials. Consider using your tax return to upkeep your vehicle and give it a much-needed tune-up or 30k inspection. According to an Autotrader report, 72 percent of car owners perform their own maintenance. This is fine, but some repairs require professional inspection and commercial electronic equipment.

With your tax return, you may have a little extra money in the bank. One way to use the money wisely is by investing in your existing car or a new one. Be sure to stop by Sansone Kia this April for the latest purchase, lease, and service deals.

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April is National Car Care Month, the perfect time of year to pay special attention to your vehicle due to the changing season and weather. This is also when commuters embark on lengthy road trips, which is all the more reason for diligent car care.

Though you may not have heard of it, National Car Care Month is an actual celebrated event recognized by the Car Care Council. Why is such an event important? According to a 2015 report from the organization, the majority of vehicles inspected at community car care events nationwide failed at least one aspect of the inspection. 23 percent had inadequate engine oil, 19 percent had a badly clogged filter, and 13 percent had badly frayed belts.

So, what can you do to keep your car in tiptop shape throughout spring? For Kia car owners, we recommend our Kia service center near Staten Island, NY. Perform all upkeep in accordance with the vehicle user manual. In between professional auto care, we also recommend doing the following:

• Check all oil, fluids, and filters
• Inspect all belts and hoses for fraying, looseness, and brittleness. Timing and serpentine belts should be replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
• Check the battery to ensure the connection points are corrosion-free
• Check the exhaust system for leaks
• Check the tire pressure at least once a month. Be sure the tire pressure is within five psi of the recommended psi. This is not to be mistaken for the maximum psi.

If your existing vehicle constantly requires repairs, then perhaps it’s time for a replacement. This is an opportunity to stop by Sansone Kia for the latest models like the 2019 Kia Forte and others.

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The midsize sedan segment is more competitive than ever. Where does the 2019 Kia Optima stand in relation to others in its class? Is it just another option in a crowded segment? What does it offer that makes it stand out from the rest?

The 2019 model has a few exterior tweaks. They’re nothing major, but certainly noticeable. The most prominent are redesigned headlights and taillights as well as a more aggressive front bumper. The changes make the 2019 Kia Optima more closely resemble its cousin, the 2019 Kia Stinger.

The 2019 Kia Optima also received positive reviews from car sites like Road Show. One reviewer described the feel behind the wheel as “luxury-inspired.” The reviewer further described the sedan as having low amounts of noise, vibration, and harshness. Other positive notes include a well-designed cabin, which keeps drivers and passengers feeling comfortable even in long commutes.

As far as cargo space goes, the Kia Optima offers 15.9 cubic feet, which is more than some of its fiercest competitors like the Toyota Camry. Even legroom is more than ample. In total, the Optima boasts 104.8 cubic feet of passenger volume.

The sedan also boasts an impressive UVO link infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen. To streamline user experience, this system comes equipped with an assortment of included and available features:

• AM/FM radio
• Bluetooth®
• SiriusXM® satellite radio
• Voice-command navigation

If a sedan is more up your alley, come by Sansone Kia to check out the 2019 Kia Optima. You can also view our latest Kia deals near Woodbridge, NJ for different ways you can save. With the arrival of spring often comes new offers from both the dealership and the manufacturer. We look forward to your visit!

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The 2019 Kia Sorento is now available at Sansone Kia. This new SUV is so multifaceted, that there is still much consumers may not be familiar with regarding everything it has to offer. Perhaps they’re familiar with the vehicle in general, but less so on how the 2019 model compares with previous iterations. Let’s look at some fun facts at a glance.

First, the standard engine is a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. If you want a little more power, you can upgrade to the 3.3-liter V6 engine for 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque.

Second, all trims beyond the base model come with all-wheel drive, utilizing the automaker’s Dynamax Intelligent system. This system evenly and continuously distributes torque between wheel axles to ensure better lateral stability.

Third, for the first time ever, the Kia Sorento also integrates the UVO Intelligence system, which allows drivers to remotely start the car, turn on/off headlights, and lock/unlock doors with a simple smartphone app. The same app also provides a report on the vehicle’s health and notifications on due maintenance. With this nifty app, you will always know when your vehicle is due for a visit to our Kia service center near Edison, NJ.

Finally, numerous safety technologies are included. This includes rear cross traffic alert, forward collision avoidance, and lane keeping assist just to list a few. In addition, there is also an optional liftgate that opens automatically if you keep your keys in your pocket and stand next to the liftgate for three seconds.

Have you made an appointment yet with Sansone Kia? We recommend you stop by to see the 2019 models on inventory.

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