Ride sharing apps have revolutionized the way the transportation sector operates. That is why our team at Doug Smith Kia located right here in American Fork are excited to provide a few recommendations for types of cars for Uber or Lyft drivers.

One of the first things to consider when purchasing a car for a ride share role is the fuel efficiency. Because there will be some down time when you are driving around without any passengers...
 

 

Having your vehicle stolen can make you feel extremely violated and vulnerable. Fortunately, there are a number of common sense steps that you can take to protect your vehicle from this type of crime.

First and foremost, it is imperative to always lock your vehicle, even when you are driving. Never leave your running vehicle unattended, even if for a short moment. Professional thieves are lightning quick and your vehicle can go missing 

 

At Doug Smith Kia, we have seen a number of people experience breakdowns. If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road in the winter months, there are several items to have inside of a winter survival kit. This can help you get your car back on the road or help you with comfort until the tow truck arrives.

First, be sure that you have enough to keep you warm, especially if your car isn’t running. This includes hats and gloves as well as blankets or mylar sleeping bags. Depending on how much snow is out there…

At Doug Smith Kia in American Fork, we make it a point to keep our consumers informed about how to keep their vehicles in optimal condition. There are many components that make your car run at its best, which include a timing belt.

A timing belt causes the camshaft and crankshaft to rotate in sync so that each cylinder fires at the same time. It also controls the action of the pistons and valves within the engine. When the timing belt is off, the engine will perform erratically.

Typically, a timing belt is covered, which can make it difficult to…

Even if you are the owner of a new car, you'll likely need the services of a qualified mechanic sooner or later. When searching for the right mechanic to service your vehicle and keep it in optimal condition, we at Doug Smith Kia would like to offer just a few suggestions for locating a mechanic who is experienced, honest and most of all, reliable.

Like you would do in hiring any service person, do your homework. Get quotes from several mechanics and look online for comparable quotes for the type of work you need done. Ask your network of…

A car's alternator charges the battery and powers the electrical system. Many people mistakenly believe that the battery is responsible for giving juice to the electrics but that is the alternator's role. The battery helps the car start by transferring electricity to the starter motor. Because it powers the electrical system in your car, the alternator is an important component you want to ensure is in good condition.

Alternators usually need changed every seven years or 100,000-250,000 miles, so you don't have to worry about this replacement often. 

If you want to know when it is time to get your tires replaced, pay close attention to these four warning signs.

1. Pay very close attention to the tire warning light on the dash of your vehicle. Something is wrong with the tires and needs to be looked at closely by a mechanic.
2. If you notice cracked tires, this could be a defective tire about to fail or a tire that has been wearing incorrectly. Either way, this issue needs to be addressed quickly.
3. When the tire experiences wear on one side, it means something is off with the alignment…

It is a tough process to figure out what kind of vehicle you want to invest in for your family. After you have made your decision and drove off of our Doug Smith Kia lot you will need to decide what type of car seat is going to be the safest option for your child. Let's take a look at some of your options:

If you have a newborn or an infant then you will want to invest in an infant carrier. This installable base comes with a separate carrier that can be removed and re-attached as need be…

When you decide to purchase a new or used car, it's a good idea to know the financing process. And we're here to help!

First, you should know that the financing will be determined by your credit score. Are you aware of your score? A low score will mean a higher annual percentage rate (APR) and that's going to affect your monthly payment, as well as the cost of your loan. Many times, a larger down payment is used to offset any negatives, which also builds equity in the car. However, the down payment is determined by…

We at Doug Smith Kia love helping people get their vehicles ready for fall and the back-to-school rush. Your vehicle is a very important part of staying on schedule and organized for those hectic school day events. Safety and being prepared will help you feel secure in having reliable transportation.

When getting your car, SUV, or truck ready for back-to-school driving, prepare a list of maintenance to-dos! Your list should include fluids topped off, checking or changing your oil, and looking at your manual to see if you are following the recommended maintenance schedule.