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At Barnes Crossing Kia, we want to keep drivers safe and secure in any vehicle they may choose. Most importantly, we cherish the safety of children. The following will provide valuable information on the proper installation of a car seat.

Installing the Seat

First and foremost, read all instructions that are included with your car seat. You’ll no doubt be instructed that the back seat is the safest location for a child. Late model vehicles are often designed with anchors specifically for car seats. In older vehicles the seat belts are used to secure the seat. 

Although a steering wheel is connected to the wheels underneath a vehicle, it doesn't always provide precise control. There are two issues that can impact timing whenever you spin your steering wheel. Understeering delays your timing, and oversteering dramatically increases it.

During a cornering situation, a vehicle has to drift on an angle while staying on the road. Timing matters during this process as a slight error could propel a vehicle off a highway. Understeering can cause this by keeping the tires on a vehicle straight for a while after a driver spins the steering wheel.  

Heading back to school often means a lot more driving. Before the school bell rings this year, get your vehicles into shape. Here's a few tips on getting your car ready for school.

Deal with basic maintenance issues. This includes changing the oil, rotating tires, checking fluid levels, replacing worn wiper blades, and checking tire tread. These tasks will keep the car in decent running condition. Next, handle any known problems. Don't ignore that warning light on the dash any longer. There's something wrong somewhere. Have a mechanic run a diagnostic to find out the problem. 

If you're dealing with pet fur all over your vehicle's seats, you're in luck. Our team here at Barnes Crossing Kia understands how difficult it can be to get rid of pet hair once and for all. We want you to be an informed owner who's ready for anything. Here are some useful tips that can help you out on your next detailing project.

All pet lovers should have a rubber-bristled brush on hand. Rubber brushes and vacuum attachments take advantage of static electricity to lift hair fiber off your upholstery. Just glide the brush over…

It's crucial for your car's long term health to flush the radiator according to manufacturer's recommendations listed in your owner's manual. Our customers often wonder why. Here's a brief explanation.

Your car's radiator holds coolant that circulates its core through a set of tubes. The tubes transfer heat to cooler fins that remain in constant contact with flowing air. The fins then dissipate the heat. A water pump drives the coolant from your radiator to and through your engine via special radiator hoses that keep heat moving out and cool moving in.  

The best way to keep your vehicle in good condition is to have it serviced regularly. While you may be diligent about having your vehicle's oil changed and tires balanced, there are other components that need to be replaced over time, such as the timing belt. A timing belt is what keeps your vehicle's camshaft and crankshaft operating properly.

When you don't have your timing belt replaced, it can lead to several problems. A worn timing belt can suddenly snap, which will cause extensive damage to the engine.  

With the nice weather fast approaching, it's time to pay some attention to your vehicle. After a winter spent on treated roads, your car can become covered with road salt and dirt. When you bring your car for a tune up, the tires, belts and fluids will all be checked.

Pay attention to both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. You'll want to remove any items you don't need, like a shovel and road salt. Carefully wash the inside and outside thoroughly to remove any traces of dirt and debris.  

We all know that summer driving can be hard on a vehicle, and it can also really affect your fuel economy. Every one of our team members at Barnes Crossing Kia want you to be as informed as possible regarding summer driving. Here are some fuel economy tips for driving in extreme temperatures.

Make sure the vehicle is in good condition. You might choose to go for a more fuel-efficient vehicle or drive as conservatively as possible. How can you accomplish this? Do not let the vehicle idle for longer than 30 seconds; it will warm up faster when it…

The Apple CarPlay in-vehicle technology is making it easier to enjoy entertainment behind the wheel. At Barnes Crossing Kia, we’ll show you the exciting advancements that you can look forward to in various vehicles. It may be just what you have been looking for to handle your commute.

You can listen to so much more than the radio when you connect your iPhone with Apple CarPlay. For example, you can stream music, the news, or even play an audiobook. So many apps from your phone can connect, offering you more entertainment options.  

If you have been involved in an accident, there are some very specific steps that you should take. These steps don't have anything to do with who was at fault for the accident. This is to be determined later. Once the accident has taken place, you should:

• Check to see if everyone in the involved accident is ok. If an ambulance is needed, call for assistance immediately. It's important to recognize that you might be injured and not be aware because of the adrenaline from the accident.