At Doug Smith Kia, people frequently ask us the question, "Is it still okay to change my oil at the 5,000 marks if I don't drive it very often?" The answer is no. You should change your oil based on the specifications provided by the car manufacturer. And every car is different. Like if you drive a diesel, for example, you will need to change your oil every 7,500 miles instead of every 5,000 miles for a gas car. However, all car manufacturers will recommend that you change the oil on your automobile every 3 to…

At Doug Smith Kia, we believe that information is key, and that everyone should know a little bit about their vehicle. It can save time, it can save money, and above all, it can save lives. We think exhaust leaks are one of those serious problems many people aren’t even aware is a common issue.

Let’s look at four main causes/symptoms, and what they mean.

• Small Leaks – As your car gets hot, and cools down, repeatedly, this can weaken your gaskets and seals, allowing things into the fuel, and into the exhaust.
• Vibration – If your exhaust has…

There's a lot of great automotive technology on the market right now. Cars are faster and more efficient than ever before. New streamlined exteriors and LED lights are great, but it's important not to overlook your car's tires. Tires are crucial for your car's performance.

The tires are your only actual points of contact with the road. Debris can collect in the wheel wells and tires, creating possible hazards. Brake dust on your wheels and start to eat away at any coatings on them. They can even cause pitting in the metal.

 

 

Pets are often beloved members of a household, so it makes sense that people would want to travel with them. In fact, some of our customers at Doug Smith Kia shop for vehicles with their pets in mind. We have a few recommendations for making travel safer and easier.

With modern air bags located in the front passenger seat, it's a good idea to keep pets in the back. Just like we keep our children away from the front row, pets should also stay away because of the strength of any potential airbag deployment. Likewise, restraining them with a…

As with various other tasks with the vehicle, there are hazards that come with testing a battery. There are also different tools that you can use for testing the battery. One of the most important tools for battery testing is the voltmeter. There are actually two types of voltmeters. There is the analog voltmeter and the digital voltmeter.

You can also have a professional test your battery. They will let you know what your battery is looking like. However, if you are going to do it by yourself, then you are going to need some goggles and gloves in order…

A test drive is a process that gives a consumer a chance to examine common automotive features on the road. In order to greatly benefit from a test drive session, you'll need to consider a few things before and after you step into a cabin.

Research is very important as it can help you test drive proper automobiles that suit your daily habits. Some cars are ideal for short trips to grocery stores and department stores, and others provide performance perks throughout lengthy trips to surrounding cities and neighborhoods. If you only need a car for errands, test drive…

At one time, vehicles were equipped with AM, AM/FM, cassette, eight-track or DVD players. Today's vehicles additionally offer multimedia entertainment, navigation information and communication with the outside world via the infotainment systems. At Doug Smith Kia, we have all types of vehicles offering the latest technology. Stop in and go for a test drive.

The systems include a visible screen with menus that enable users to navigate to the desired function. Knobs and buttons make the necessary adjustments...

 

Buying a car can be a big deal, and at Doug Smith Kia we want you to be an informed buyer who has all the facts. The decision between buying a new or a used car can be a touch choice. We’re here to provide you with some facts and offer our assistance.

There are many reasons why used cars can be a great buy. They have a price tag much lower than new cars, and you’ll save money on your auto insurance as well. You can also get some competitive interest rates through dealerships. Many used vehicles…

While many drivers and passengers carry smartphones or mobile devices that are equipped with a camera, a dash cam is so much more convenient. The device is easily installed on the dashboard and set to record for varying lengths of time. They are also positioned at the right height to capture roadway activity. There are a number of reasons why vehicle owners might consider having a dash cam.

A dash cam provides useful evidence in the event that a driver becomes a collision victim...

 

Doug Smith Kia wants drivers to be informed about their vehicle's safety features, so we're going to tell you everything you need to know about backup cameras.

When you put your vehicle in reverse, a sensor turns on your backup camera. The rear-mounted backup camera transmits an image to your vehicle's infotainment system allowing you to see what's behind you. Many newer backup cameras display different colored lines on the display screen to help you travel in reverse and park in the tightest of parking spots. Backup cameras can also prevent accidents....