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Before the winter weather arrives, we’ve got a checklist of items that will keep you safe on the road during inclement weather and icy conditions.  If you need support or to schedule a maintenance appointment, feel free to call our service center and we’ll help you get your car winter ready! more And be sure to check out our service specials for new deals and offers each month. Our trusted technicians are happy to help you with your winter weather prep, oil changes, maintenance, and other tasks. What to Check On Your Vehicle Before Winter Weather Hits Check your front and rear brakes, emergency brake, and brake light system. During icy, snowy, slippery conditions, knowing you have a working set of brakes and rotors can be the difference between a safe stop and serious accident and injury.  It is important to make sure that your braking system and brake light are in perfect working order before you’re faced with a split second decision to swerve, stop short, or avoid dangerous snowbanks or black ice.  If you hear any sort of scraping, whining, or squealing when you brake, bring your car in for a service call straight away. Make sure your car is thoroughly cleaned both inside and out. Winter weather means a lot of muck, grime, and gunk on the roads, so it’s best to start the season with a clean slate.  Be sure to thoroughly vacuum and detail the inside of your car, and treat any leather surfaces with a moisturizing protective spray or polish.   Give your car a good hand washing as well, and apply a nice coat of finishing wax before protecting it with a fabric car cover. Install new, fresh wiper blades and protect your windshield wipers from damage. Leave the windshield wipers in a raised position to prevent freezing to your windshield. Do not use your wiper blades to remove caked-on snow or stuck on ice!  Use your snowbrush and ice scraper for the job to ensure your blades remain efficient and sturdy for driving in bad weather.  Now is a great time to top-off your windshield wiper fluid with a seasonal formula, as well as giving the windshield its last treatment for the year with a hydrophobic coating. Ensure the defrosters, heater, and blower are working properly before it’s a vital requirement. It’s important to check the defroster and heat blower functionality, as these two elements must be functioning properly to ensure wiper efficiency and clear visibility.  When cars are iced or frosty, gradually warming the window to loosen the ice before scraping can save you from windshield damage and scratches. Additionally, it can save you time by melting the frost and ice as well as bringing your car to a comfortable temperature for driving. Check your car battery for proper charge and optimal conditioning. Colder months mean we’re more apt to leave our car running to “warm it up” so we don’t face a frosty morning commute, but this also means a higher potential for draining the battery through accidental means.  Cold weather can put additional stress on your battery, and can cause it to lose around 20-30% of its charge when the weather hits 32 degrees. (If you’re storing your vehicle, remove your car’s battery and store it away.  Connect the battery to a “trickle charger” or “battery tender” to keep the battery at peak performance but prevent overcharging.  You can also keep it in a warm room of your house to prevent a stored battery from freezing and being damaged.) Prep your garage for cold weather months and protect your vehicle from unannounced guests taking residence. Rodents and other critters love to hibernate and cozy up in cold weather, and your car is the perfect safe environment!  Go around and block up any holes in the garage where small animals may enter.  Make a point as well to clear out the trash from the side pockets and floors regularly, and be sure to check for food especially to avoid attracting critters seeking food and shelter. Change to winter or all-season tires, and monitor your tire pressure religiously as the temperature drops lower. Proper tire tread depths and optimal inflation levels can be the difference between life and death or catastrophic accident if needing to stop in black ice or inclement conditions.   In addition, keeping a tire-pressure gauge on hand for monitoring your wheels is a great idea.  Check with our service technicians or your local trusted mechanic if you need help finding winter tires or all-season tires as appropriate. Now is also a great time to have a tire rotation and wheel alignment to ensure accuracy. Update your emergency kit to include a container of de-icer, small shovel, a “go-bag” of warm clothing and blankets, and a bag or lidded bucket of salt and/or kitty litter. In the event you’re iced in or perhaps spinning your wheels in slush or snow, a small portable shovel and a bit of salt can go a long way!   Keeping a small lightweight shovel can also speed up your snow removal when you’re leaving work after it’s been snowing in the lot all day!  Adding a small can of de-icer to your work bag or purse in the event your locks, hatchback, trunk, or doors are frozen shut! Always keep your fuel tank at least half-full during the winter months especially. In the event of an emergency in frigid temps, or in cases where help may take awhile to arrive, a half or full tank of gas can keep you warm. Inclement weather can lead to an increase in traffic delays as well as accidents, so it’s best to be adequately fueled in case of emergency so you can stay warm until help arrives, or while waiting in traffic without getting stranded.  (Likewise, if you’re storing your vehicle for the season be sure to top up all fluids and ensure that your car has adequate antifreeze. If you’re storing for 3+ months, add a bit of fuel stabilizer to the tank.  Ensure that the tank is nearly full, and then add the fuel stabilizer before storing, and take it out for a drive first to ensure that all fluids and the fuel stabilizer are cycled through the car’s system.) Give the headlights and tail lights a thorough inspection, and replace broken bulbs or service any damaged connections. It’s imperative during winter weather that you maintain excellent visibility for optimal safety!  There is nothing more frightening than encountering a white-out storm or horizontal icy rains and not being able to see more than 2 feet ahead of you. Upgrading dimmer or older bulbs to LEDs with bright, clear headlights will make a significant difference in visibility over increased distance.

Today is National World Records Day and we’re excited to share with you some of the most incredible world records involving all things automotive. From fastest car to longest jump and more, we’ve got plenty of fascinating historic moments to peruse.  Some records might be possible to break if you worked hard, but others require an immense amount of driving experience, finesse with your vehicle, and then some. There are some very skilled and creative people on this list, check it out! more Largest Loop-de-Loop in a Car This record was first set in 2015 and then broken again in 2019, both by the impressive British Stunt Driver, Terry Grant, during the Riyadh Season Festival in Saudi Arabia.  The drive required a 360-degree loop of 19.08 meters in diameter on round one, followed four years later by the same loop at 19.49 meters. Tightest Parallel Parking One of the most difficult things for new drivers to pass on their driver’s test is parallel parking. Sounds like stunt driver Alastair Moffatt could teach most of us a thing or two, though, as he broke not one but two records for parallel parking! His first record park was fitting his car into a space just 8.6cm longer than his car; he then broke his own record in 2015 by shimmying in a Fiat 500C into a space just 7.5cm longer than the car! Most Countries Visited By Car Fellow roadtrippers, the time has come to set your personal best bar even higher!  German driver Gunther Holtorf spent 26 years between 1988 and 2014 all around the world for a grand total of 180 countries visited!  Following in his footsteps is the impressive record of most countries visited in one continuous car journey which is a whopping 111 countries, set by both Jim Rogers and Paige Parker from the US. World’s Longest Car Michael Dezer of Dezerland Action Park in Orlando broke world records with an impressive 100+ foot 26-wheel long limousine, constructed from parts restored from the original record breaking vehicle. This unique vehicle has been dubbed “The American Dream”; it features a swimming pool with diving board, a helipad, putting green, and can accommodate 75 passengers, as well as being driveable from both ends of the vehicle. The current record was won in 2022, breaking the original 1986 record by an extremely small margin. Most Stickers On a Car We’ve all seen at least a wild car or two during our travels that appear to be covered fender to fender in stickers. But we can surely bet that no matter how many they have, they haven’t bested the record set by a group in Lithuania! With an impressive 14,637 different stickers and just under 24 hours time, six students worked together to cover a Nissan X-trail entirely with stickers and broke the world record. Their work was then proudly on display at a local shopping mall block. Winner of the World’s Longest Custom Banana Car You can count that sentence among things we’d never thought we’d say in our lives!  What began as a custom car project in 2009 eventually blossomed into a record breaking four-wheel drive road-worthy banana.  Creator Steve Braithwait started constructing his Big Banana Car based on a 1993 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck, and he worked tirelessly to construct the banana for 2 years utilizing chicken wife and polyurethane sculpting foam. The finished banana car broke records in 2011 for longest (and only!) four-wheel drive banana car. Learn more about world records featuring cars with this cool video from CarWow on Youtube.

In the spirit of the season of giving, and the fact that it’s National Philanthropy Day, we’re going to take a moment to share some great ways you can give back right in your own backyard. You don’t have to sign up for huge events, participate in large fundraiser shindigs, or even head overseas to make a difference. By doing small acts of kindness and caring in your own community, you’re helping neighbors, friends, and families as well as local businesses make a big impact. more Showing empathy and kindness through philanthropy helps improve the community’s overall wellbeing, beautifies your neighborhoods, and creates an incredible tapestry of human friendship and connection where everyone can thrive and flourish! While the most obvious and upfront version of philanthropy is financial support and monetary donations, there are so many other great ways to help. Check it out on today’s blog and learn more! Great Ways to Demonstrate Philanthropy Right Here at Home Build an empathetic community by sharing a moment with a “stranger” through a little dose of kindness. This can look like helping someone load groceries into their car, paying for someone’s meal behind you at the drive through, paying in advance for the coffee of the person in line after you, leave an extra large tip at the next restaurant or bar you visit, call the local utility company or medical facility and pay off someone’s bill at random. Reach out to a local nonprofit and ask what they need. Most local not-for-profit and nonprofit organizations will have a reserve bank of volunteers they reach out to when needed. This might include stuffing envelopes for capital campaign donations, distributing flyers for special events, helping set up for receptions and Make a donation to a local food bank or host a food drive in your neighborhood. Encourage your friends, neighbors and loved ones to donate non-perishables to your efforts or add to your donation bin. Remember to include shelf-stable specialty goods like allergen friendly ingredients, gluten free food, and even seasonings!  Organize a drop spot at your business or your school or office, and then bring the collective donations to a larger facility. You can also host your own pick-up event for those who need it, or leave a shelf outside your business for those who require it to take what they need. Create a Little Free Pantry for your home or local park. Stock the free pantry with shelf stable goods, toiletries, hygiene products, and refill it often.  This small act of community giving provides easy access to healthy foods and necessities without having to fill out lengthy applications for funding, stand in long lines, or other prohibitive measures.  It can also be helpful to stock these pantries with pet-friendly items, too. Volunteer your time and energy at local spaces. Donating your time  within your local community soup kitchen and/or shelter can do a world of good. Volunteer your cooking prowess at your local soup kitchen to help shop, prepare, organize, and serve meals to those who need it most.  Call your local senior center or nursing home and ask if they need volunteer visitors for game nights, bingo events, musical performances, etc.  Lend your skills on contracting, carpentry or woodworking skills to building community housing for nonprofit housing organizations. Stay educated on the local level and vote to lend your support in local, state, and federal elections. Exercising your right to vote is a vital part of the process to improve local legislature to ensure public assistance programming, special grants, and local non-profits receive essential funding. Electing  lawmakers and legislature which support community-based care programs, free and low-cost school lunches, public housing, and affordable medical/psychiatric care programs makes a big difference. Hand out winter-weather survival packages with necessities and personal care items in your local city or town. Create bags with shelf-stable allergen-friendly foods, personal items and toiletries, etc.  and hand them around to folks who need it. Likewise, you can drop them off at the local domestic shelter or homeless shelter or you can give them out to people in need as you meet them.  During cold weather months, give out hats, mittens, scarves, thermal underwear, and thick socks to the packages. Consider also adding gift cards to local food stores or ride share services to help the folks sustain their safety and access resources. Include local area non-profits as part of your inheritance in your will. If there is a particular cause that really aligns with your goals and values, in many cases it is possible to leave a legacy gift by listing the organization as beneficiary.  You’ll need the charity’s full legal name and tax ID Number and have an attorney draft up the gift amount.  This legacy gift can also be left in your memoriam or honor of your family.  You can designate the funds for a specific cause within the organization such as a “capital campaign” “children’s group project” “arts school classes” etc.  It’s possible to leave cash, real estate, personal property, and even stocks as part of this legacy gifting. Join a local creator, musician, or other group’s Patreon subscribers. Enrolling as part of someone’s Patreon account can provide lasting and ongoing support for independent creators and artists. By becoming a patron of this person, you are allowing them to continue to support their creative endeavors, lifelong project goals, special releases, limited runs of artwork or music, and more. It allows the person a guaranteed source of income to pursue their business goals and dreams. Some tiers may offer gifts or rewards, but you can also back the projects at a no-reward level or amount of your choosing above their ascribed tiers. It’s a great way to support local artists and ensure a thriving community of vibrant creative people and beautify the areas! What are some things that you and your family do to give back to your communities and help fight hunger and homelessness, and provide stability to those in need?  Feel free to contribute to the conversation by pitching in your own community-centric, neighborly suggestions in the comments on our social media.

Today’s blog is dedicated to spending some time in the Great Outdoors! Whether your nature enthusiast tendencies lean towards hiking, mountain biking, nature photography, kayaking, or even hunting, we’ve got some great places for you to check out. more Don’t let the chilly temps get you down, there’s still so much to do and enjoy in the local, county, state, and even national parks nearby.  Let’s explore together in today's post for National Get Outdoors Week. Check Out These Hunting Spots in Illinois First, we’re going to share some selected spots for hunting throughout the state of Illinois. Remember, you do need a valid state hunting license, local and federal stamps and permits for particular game, and to abide by signage in each area .Be sure to check-in with local park rangers to double check restrictions and off-limits areas at each region. Let’s check out the Shawnee National Forest. From early fall through late winter, certain public lands in Illinois are open for animal population control by permit, and your choice of firearms or archery will vary by date. For those seeking out whitetail deer and turkey, you’ll find a plethora in Shawnee Forest, along with squirrels, doves, and various waterfowl. The best areas include Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, Pennant Bar Openlands, Whoopie Cat Lake, Bald Knob Wilderness, Panther Den Wilderness and more. Next on our list is the Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. This spot is home to numerous deer, turkey, small game like rabbit and pheasant. This area contains bottomland hardwoods, upland fields, and plenty of waterfront areas. Be mindful of posted prohibited game such as specific waterfowl and limitations on age/type of deer available. Chain O’ Lakes State Park offers a variety of game options seasonally, including deer and turkey, squirrels and rabbits, pheasant, partridge, quail, rabbit, and more. This area also allows permitted falconers to do trained raptor-based hunting, which is a unique option.  Fishing is also extremely popular as well. Horseshoe Lake and the nearby Chouteau Island and Bohm Woods Nature Preserve areas offer limited hunting for waterfowl and dove. Enjoy a Trek To Reunite with Mother Nature The leaves may have fallen and gone, and the landscape may appear barren, but there’s still so much to appreciate about late November and early December before the major snowfalls begin. Your usual overlooks and vista points will offer an unparalleled view of even more mountains and cities than ever before thanks to the lack of leaves obstructing the landscape. So take a chance and explore these great parks and waterfalls in the less popular season for a new perspective on your favorite places. Iron Oaks Forest Preserve in Olympia is a fantastic family-friendly destination full of nature adventures, educational opportunities, and recreational activities.  The forest preserve has everything from climbing walls to create climbing challenges to a high ropes course and so much more.  In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross country skiing or snowshoeing excursions on the nature trails. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve has 11 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulties that also allow horseback riding, cycling, and even cross-country skiers weather permitting. This preserve offers savannas, oak and maple woodlands, prairies, and of course the beautiful Rocky Glen Waterfall. Busey Woods Gateway Trail offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of town but without the long trip.  Nestled in the center of the Champaign-Urbana area, this beautiful area offers  plenty of paths and trails!  You can even partake in geocaching, some immersive nature and wildlife appreciation, and lots of information boards along the way to learn about plants and animals. White Pines Forest State Park covers 385 acres of parklands and is the perfect place for an outdoor getaway.  You’ll enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, nature photography, bird watching, archery, cross country skiing, hunting, and much more.

No matter what you celebrate, it’s always good fun and cheer to share gift exchanges with your friends, family, and loved ones, and of course, there’s the annual company party with coworkers.  If you’re looking for a little guidance to get the perfect gift this holiday season, we’ve got you covered with some great gifts for car enthusiasts and serious gearheads. more If you’re looking for something for your fellow gearheads or to gift to your car enthusiast family member, these items will be a surefire hit!  We’ve scouted out some different pricepoint options for each item, too, so we can help you find something to suit every holiday gifting budget. First on our list is this Tekton ½” Drive Micrometer Torque Wrench with a convenient carrying case which is about $50. And this Amazon Basics ¼” Drive Click Torque Wrench which is slightly more budget friendly.  Both of these torque wrenches are a must-have, and will be one of the most used tools in your garage. The Diehard 73-Piece Roadside Emergency Tool Kit with Portable Tote is the perfect gift for an amateur mechanic as well as the seasoned road-tripper. This will help get you out of a pickle in a pinch, with easy-access basic tools to fix most minor to intermediate automotive problems on the road, and get you started in your home garage explorations Next on our list we’ll be sharing some tire jacks for different budgets and garage set-ups!  First up is this 2 Ton Compact Trolley Jack from Pittsburgh Automotive as our most budget friendly option with easy carry-handle and caster wheels for ease of transport. If you’re looking for something easily portable and perfect for everyday travel the Car Jack Kit from Gurduenon features a 2 Ton Scissor Jack, a ratchet and lug wrench, gloves, tire gauge, and handy storage bag to stow away in your trunk. The Daytona 3 ton Low-Profile Professional Floor Jack with Rapid Pump is the perfect choice if your vehicle has been lowered or has low-clearance.  It’s great for show cars! As you drive back and forth to your holiday get-togethers, it’s important to remember that traffic will be high and accidents generally increase, and it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re safe and secure. So with that in mind, we’re sharing some great options for various price points in the Dash Cam sector, starting with this affordable option from I sEasy available at Walmart!  This option has a front and rear camera and a 2” screen that records in 1080P and includes an infrared night vision and 24hr recording. One price point higher is t he K600 4K Dash Cam with front and rear cameras and a slightly larger screen with 2160P quality and Night Vision and wide angle camera mode. Offers built-in 5G wifi with app access. The Pruveeo 360 degree 4 channel dash cam offers front, rear, inside, left, and right recording with Night Vision for additional coverage and security. The Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam comes with built-in Alexa with voice activation, 1440P recording, is bluetooth and wi-fi enabled, is enabled with an emergency SOS that contacts local emergency services in case of an accident, and more. It’s the priciest option in the group, but certainly well worth it for the feature rich experience.

We’ll take any available chance to hit the road and explore any of our country’s 50 unique states! Today, we’re celebrating Louisiana Day with a fun guide of interesting and must-see destinations around the state.  You’ll find kitschy roadside stops, haunted houses, historic museums, and plenty of photo-worthy stops on our guide. Just say “good bayou” to boring vacations and hello to excitement and unforgettable memories. more Memorable and Exciting Places to Visit in Louisiana The Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum is a fascinating locally run attraction commemorating the couple’s very dramatic end on their final ambush.  The owner of this facility is the son of one of the officers that responded to the scene at the time. The result is an eclectic mix of memorabilia including firearms, the original car windshield, replicas of their tombstones, and items from Bonnie and Clyde’s personal wardrobe. Every spring there’s even a special event called “Bonnie and Clyde Day” which includes speakers and special displays. There’s no charge to visit the museum, making it a perfect add-on to any trip for something offbeat and unusual. It’s a small stop off but jampacked with Great Depression era information and a specialty look at these romanticized historic icons. The Abita Mystery House is a true roadside gem and one-of-a-kind experience. This is a truly offbeat art installation and collection of oddities and creative sculptures made of found objects and vintage collectibles. Visitors all have trouble adequately describing the full experience, and encourage other travelers to stop in and see for themselves just how unusual and kitschy it is! Many of the displays are interactive, making it a prime spot for children who adore hands-on experiences.  You can even purchase some unique gifts and memorabilia in the shop at the end. If you get the chance to speak with the owner/artist, too, we’d recommend it for a more enhanced experience. It’s described as an abstract, surrealist, nostalgic venue. Stop in for yourself and see what you think and let us know your thoughts! The Kentwood Historical Museum and Cultural Arts Center offers two unique buildings: one dedicated to WWII history, featuring photographs and artifacts brought back by local soldiers in the war; the second dedicated to the life and career of the iconic pop star, Britney Spears, whose hometown is Kentwood. The Britney Spears exhibit is the facility’s most popular, and chronicles her rise to pop stardom, featuring artifacts and costumes from tours, photographs from her life, awards and displays, and a replica of the stage created during her Dream Within a Dream tour! The Museum of Death New Orleans is located in the French Quarter, and has fully leaned into its macabre fascination with this natural human process. While the exhibits are labeled as all ages, some sensitive visitors may find some displays a little too graphic or upsetting, so use caution if visiting with younger children; although if you do faint from shock, you’ll apparently be awarded an “i passed out at the museum of death…and lived to talk about it.” commemorative shirt!  The strange museum features items such as a body back collection, letters and pictures sent in from serial killers, death themed oddities, shrunken heads, skeletons and taxidermy, embalming and autopsy video displays, and other morbid ephemera.  It’s not for the faint of heart, but certainly a very memorable experience! Music Box Village features unusual architecture and a fantastical collection of hands–on displays encouraging an exploration of music and song.  The grounds were curated and designed by a creative collective of more than 80 artists and designers, each offering unique sculptures, interactive music houses, and whimsical experimental artworks. This avant garde venue also hosts a series of public art workshops, movement and music classes, and focused panels on creative topics. You can also enjoy local food from the NOLA area, and specialty drinks at the full on site bar!  The rotating cast of artists-in-residence means the grounds are always growing, evolving, and updating. Make sure to check the calendar and event listings to catch something unique on your visit! Jungle Gardens on Avery Island features 170 acres of curated tropical gardens and botanical installations, and a stunning rookery/bird colony where thousands of birds migrate and shelter each year. This beautiful haven on Avery Island is also home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, making it an incredible place to visit for nature lovers. You can spot black bears, wildcats, coyotes, armadillos, otters, and more in and around the island area.  For a reasonable price of $50, photographers can wander the grounds year round and snap incredible nature backdrops in their family photos!  You can opt into the TravelStorys app and take yourself on a self-guided tour with an enhanced experience. Other fantastic areas of note include: The USS Kidd Veterans Museum featuring a Fletcher-class Destroyer from WWII era. Gardens of the American Rose Society f eaturing 118-acres of stunning curated roses. Global Wildlife Center is the largest wildlife center of its kind, and offers a fun safari tour! Musical Legends Park features life-sized statues of famous music artists from NOLA. Atchafalaya Basin is the largest swamp in the entire country and offers numerous tours. Chauvin Sculpture Garden has more than 100 statues by mysterious artist Kenny Hill. Tabasco Factory Museum Tour and Restaurant on Avery Island. Bayou Suvage National WIldlife Refuge covers 24,000 acres and is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the US. National Hansen’s Disease Museum chronicling the history of a quarantine hospital for leprosy patients and cemetery. Bayou St. John Confederate Submarine at the Louisiana State Museum exhibit.

EV9 “ADVNTR” CONCEPT EV SUV – the most adventurous EV SUV offering rugged capability and maximum lifestyle flexibility PV5 “WKNDR” CONCEPT EV VAN 1 – the coolest and most capable EV designed to complement the bold side of life IRVINE, Calif., November 5, 2024 – Kia America unveiled two all-new customized concept vehicles on the opening day of the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. Imagined by designers from Kia Design Center America (KDCA), the concepts bring to life an easy to imagine future where vehicles will provide the ultimate in capability, adaptability, utility and organization and all with an eye on sustainability. more EV9 ADVNTR CONCEPT EV SUV & PV5 WKNDR CONCEPT EV VAN Known as a showcase for concept vehicles from mild to extreme, SEMA features manufacturers of automotive accessories designed to enhance the performance, styling, comfort, convenience and safety of current and future cars, trucks and SUVs. From the latest accessories, exciting concept vehicles and one-of-a-kind models, to special editions featuring advanced safety and technology, SEMA is the trade show for automotive enthusiasts who know, love and understand vehicles inside and out. For the 2024 SEMA Show, the design team at Kia Design Center America (KDCA), based in Irvine, CA, developed two custom concept lifestyle vehicles that intrinsically blend form and function into machines designed for responsible engagement with nature: EV9 ADVNTR CONCEPT EV SUV – this truly unique all-electric 3-row SUV is designed to take life well beyond the beaten path.  And conquer it. Built for serious fun, this 2025 EV9 EV SUV has been refined into the most adventurous SUV Kia has ever imagined. With custom front and rear facias for a unique and rugged look – and a reinforced rocker panels for increased capability and character – the EV9 ADVNTR EV SUV also features a 3” lift compared to the standard EV9 and a rugged tire and wheel combination to maximize the vehicle’s off-road capability. A custom roof rack can handle everything from standard luggage containers to bespoke roof-mounted tents that transform the EV9 ADVNTR into a machine perfect for getaways in the great outdoors. Rough and ready, the EV9 ADVNTR EV SUV is Kia’s latest expression of a lifestyle utility vehicle ready for tomorrow’s adventures. PV5 WKNDR CONCEPT EV VAN PV5 WKNDR CONCEPT EV VAN – is based on Kia’s recently debuted line of EV PBVs, or Purpose Beyond Vehicles, designed for small business and delivery functionality. It is a highly capable van allowing expression of your lifestyle wherever it may take you. Lifted and equipped with off road tires, it is an ideal escape pod for extended weekends in nature. The PV5 WKNDR EV VAN features a highly flexible and adaptable modular interior that can be easily and efficiently customized to maximize space and function – akin to a Swiss Army Knife on wheels. The van’s “Gear Head” feature is the first-of-its-kind storage solution that provides an off-board, sheltered storage space for gear when the vehicle is stationary, allowing for maximum utilization of interior space while still offering easy access to gear outside. The PV5 WKNDR EV VAN’s “Gear Head” can also be transformed into a mobile pantry for cooking afficionados that want to “Cook with a View”. Truly self-sufficient, the PV5 WKNDR EV VAN features solar panels and unique hydro turbine wheels that can recharge the batteries for many uses.  As an example, Kia installed an onboard compressor to handle needs for inflation, from adjusting tire pressure when out on the trail to inflating space efficient mattresses when setting up camp for the night. In addition to the custom EV9 ADVNTR EV SUV and PV5 WKNDR EV VAN, Kia collected an assortment of active lifestyle products for display and integration into the concept of “Beyond Organization” designed to support an organized and efficient lifestyle. This concept allows provides a “plug and play” solution for managing gear and improving campground set up times significantly as organizing gear before and after a trip is a common pain point that Kia wants to address – and in turn – give time for enjoyment back to their customers. Kia also developed one-of-a-kind versions of three of the brand’s most popular SUV models based on figures found in Greek mythology to present a creative and unique blend of accessories from Kia and select partners, including: Sportage | THETIS Goddess of Water – Developed in conjunction with Rhino Rack, this custom Sportage model is designed to go well beyond the pavement. Featuring a custom wrap depicting white water rapids secured by XPEL Paint Protection Film, rose gold trim, and custom Fifteen52 wheels wrapped with Open Country Toyo Tires, the THETIS Sportage is the clear vehicle of choice for river adventures.  Rhino Rack’s Kayak mount & attachments are in place to securely carry toys to the water’s edge. The THETIS Sportage will be displayed at the Rhino Rack Booth. Telluride | ZEUS God of The Sky & Thunder – In conjunction with Xpel, this custom Telluride model features wrapped images of mountain ranges, Fifteen52 wheels mounted with Open Country Toyo Tires and an iKamper to accommodate “human recharging” for the next adventure. The ZEUS Telluride was built for courage to cross the toughest terrain with an Eibach lift kit to conquer even the most daring of outdoor excursions. Inside the rear cargo area is a smart organized MOD Storage System from Yakima to keep gear arranged. Since ZEUS is the God of Thunder, the vehicle wouldn’t be complete without thunderous exhaust from an installed BORLA exhaust system. The ZEUS Telluride will be displayed at a SEMA featured vehicle location outside of the West Hall near the SEMA Overland Expo. Sorento | GAIA Goddess of Earth – With a neutral color scheme, gold tone trim and blacked out off-road Fifteen52 wheels wrapped with Open Country Toyo Tires, the GAIA Sorento model is designed to blend into nature along off-road trails. And once the destination has been reached, a Yakima awning provides shade from the sun to allow for glare free viewing of favorite content on the outdoor projector screen and a Kicker outdoor soundbar. GAIA Sorento is also equipped with Baja Design lightbars and perimeter lights to keep the campground safely illuminated once the sun goes down. The GAIA Sorento will be on display in the XPEL booth at SEMA. “Kia’s rugged and capable utility vehicles have long been known for being versatile, adaptable and comfortable to suit the needs of a wide range of consumers. We wanted to ‘level up’ the functionality and capability by developing these concepts that take those legendary attributes to the next level,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “Our vehicles already help people live their active and adventurous lifestyles and it was fun to see just how far we could go with these latest concepts. The SEMA Show acts as a blank canvas for creativity and offers a glimpse into what Kia’s automotive future may hold.” PV5 WKNDR CONCEPT EV VAN Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert * Certain EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 1 EV9 “ADVNTR” CONCEPT EV SUV and PV5 “WKNDR” CONCEPT EV VAN are concept/display vehicles only. Each is specially modified. Vehicles not for sale.

Today is National Stress Awareness Day, and nothing could be more fitting as we close out this tenuous election year season.  Today, we’re sharing some tips and tricks that can help you remain calm while driving, reduce your stress during your commute, and assist you in increased focus while on the road.  Alleviate your travel stress with these pointers, and they may just reduce your stress elsewhere in your life, too. Make more time for calm and mindful activity in your life, and you might also see improvement in your physical health as well. more No matter where you’re heading off to, try to allow yourself an extra 15 to 30 minutes of driving time to allow for delays, traffic, and a little unwinding time after arrival. Allowing a buffer zone for delays has been said to significantly reduce stress and affords drivers more patience to obey traffic laws and speed limits. Instead of panicking about tardiness, it allows us plenty of time to account for unexpected delays such as traffic, accidents, or other roadway hazards.  Additionally, should you encounter a delay, you’ll have plenty of time ahead of the game to alert your coworkers or anyone who is expecting you about the delays, so they can make alternative arrangements for your absence. Give yourself a break from the daily commute by opting for public transportation, carpooling, and rideshares to alleviate pressures from constant traffic exposure. Utilizing mass public transit options can provide us a little relief from having to be focused on the commute, and allow us more personal time to read, explore hobbies, chat with friends, etc. Taking public transport also can provide a sense of community and satisfy our brain’s inherent desire to be around other people, and to experience novel environments.  It may also reduce spending on fuel and car repairs over time. Take the scenic route when possible! Driving on the same roadways and highways through busy urban areas can become monotonous and stressful.  Give your brain and body a rest and take the route with less tolls, less highway congestion, and opt for some backroads instead such as roadways which lead you through wooded or natural reserve areas.  Take in the scenery around you as you drive, and roll down your windows for some fresh air! Create a routine of mindful breathing, meditation practices like yoga or mantra recitation, peaceful walks in nature, or other methods of calming measures to reduce overall stress loads on and off the roadways. Building a repertoire of deep breathing and calming techniques can come in handy when you encounter frustrating drivers on the road!   Focus on taking slow, calm, and controlled breaths by inhaling slowly through your nose, then exhaling slowly through your mouth. You can always pull over and focus on some music and continue your breathing if necessary until calm and close your eyes to tune out the environment.vehicles to have a break from constant hustle-and-bustle, allowing you more disposable income for other activities. Try not to drive on an empty stomach, and make sure to eat something with adequate protein and hydrate before you hit the road. Many people have increased frustration and decreased patience when hunger sets in, and a hangry driver isn’t going to make a friendly driver!  You can increase your patience and calm, as well as be more focused and intentional about your driving after you’ve eaten well.  If you know you’re short on time in the mornings or between activities, it can be helpful to keep a stash of shelf-stable snacks and beverages in your vehicle for easy access. Do your best to keep to posted traffic speeds and reduce “lead footed” driving habits. When driving above the posted speed limit, it can increase frustration when driving behind someone who is perceived to be “a slowpoke”, causing undue stress for everyone involved.  Road rage isn’t good for anyone! Keeping to posted traffic speeds and obeying road signs can reduce our tension, increase our focus on the changing traffic patterns, and allows plenty of time to stop short to prevent accidents. Keep your eyes on the road and off of your electronics for more mindful driving habits. Distracted driving can cause significant accidents and increase stress due to lack of focus. In fact, statistically speaking, watching videos on your infotainment center, participating in video chats or even texting whilst driving can significantly increase accident risk, even more than drunk driving. Reduce unnecessary stress and anxiety about collisions by keeping your eyes on the road and off of our phones, devices, and infotainment screens.

The only thing we can think of that’s more American than Baseball and voting on Election Day is American Football!  The NFL really has become such an indelible part of our social culture that it’s synonymous with the fall season and Thanksgiving holidays. There’s truly nothing like sitting down for a good, hearty meal with your loved ones, and then napping it off on the couch later while watching the Big Game. Today, we’re celebrating American Football Day with some super fun Chicago and Wisconsin themed car gear that you can snag to show your loyalty to local teams.  With the approaching holidays and everyone gearing up for family bonding time over sports, we thought it would be a great day to share some fun NFL themed gear so you can drive to your dinners in style and team-spirit!  (Plus, these items would also make the perfect gift for that gearhead in your life who has just about everything they could want for their personal garage, so they can add a little more personal touch to their ride.) more Check it out on today’s blog, and tell us who you’re rooting for this football season in the comments! Head into tailgate season with these fun Chicago Bears themed items! Insulate your hands from that cold lake-effect wind with this Chicago Bears Logo Steering Wheel cover. Don’t leave Fido behind this Thanksgiving!  Protect your car and take your furry friends along for the festivities with this Chicago Bears themed Pet Hammock Car Seat Protector. Add a little pizazz and team spirit to your front and rear plates with this Chicago Bears Chrome Color License Plate Frame! You don’t have to sacrifice style and personality on your pickup trucks and SUVs. You can have it all with this Chicago Bears Metal Tow Hitch cover! Keep your car’s interior protected from harmful UV rays with this Chicago Bears branded Windshield Sun Shade! Add a little subtle hint of where your loyalties lie during football season with this Fanmats Chicago Bears Windshield Decal! We love these Chicago Bears themed flags that clip into your truck or SUV’s hood as an alternative to the window-clip flags. Let everyone know you’re screaming Go Pack Go as you drive by with these Greenbay themed car gear items! Bringing your pets with you for holiday visits or the kids’ sports games? Protect your car and take your furry friends along for the festivities with this Greenbay Team themed Pet Hammock Car Seat Protector. Keep your keys handy and never lose your work badge again with the Greenbay Packers themed Lanyard set Protect your vehicle’s interior from all your off-road messes and flag football game mud with these NFL Rally Seat Covers in the Greenbay Packers Pattern! We absolutely love these car coasters shaped like a wheel of cheese emblazoned with “Cheesehead” so you can show your GB Pride even in the smallest of details. Who doesn’t love a quirky car decoration, like this J ordan Love windshield wiper sticker, guaranteed to bring a smile to whomever is following behind you on a grey, rainy day. This textured Packers Football Grip Steering Wheel Cover is a comfort grip steering wheel cover with an embroidered team logo and faux football textured accents.

Of course, we focus most of our attention and content to automotive related things, but we’re a company with multi-faceted staff who have lots of hobbies and interests outside of cars!  Today, we’re taking a little detour from our usual content to explore some of those interests, and flexing our culinary muscles. We’re sharing some festive food ideas you can take on the road to family dinners that are ready in a flash and easy to make-and-take, as well as some serious head-turner main dishes!  Give a little creative spin on the traditional holiday classics and dishes we all know and love with these fresh new twists. more Swap Out Your Sides for These Unique Options! Switch up your potato game from traditional mashed potatoes with a swap for potato Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms, this ultimate blend of velvety and crunchy with the Mashed Potato Casserole, the alternative Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash, the deliciously crispy Perfectly Roasted Potatoes, or the head-turning crisp tender Hasselback Potatoes. Say goodbye to grandma’s jelly cranberries because we’re shaking things up with exciting options like Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread, or this no-cook food processor friendly Cranberry Relish, or the nuanced flavors in this Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce with Chile and Ponzu for a spicy little flair, the kid-friendly Cranberry Fluff, and the delicious appetizer friendly Pomegranate Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta! Bid adieu to the boring mushy veggies and take a bite out of these delectable veggie options instead. We are absolutely loving this Roasted Winter Squash with Vanilla Butter, this absolutely gorgeously colored Root Veggie Tian, punch up your salad game with this Creamy Kale Salad with Chickpeas and Shallot option, this crisp and fresh yet festive Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, and an absolutely irresistible Fresh Green Bean Casserole option. Check Out These Crazy-good Carbs You’ll Be Craving for Days Say goodbye to dull, spongey, flavorless mac and cheese because we’re speeding on in to Flavortown with these incredible savory seasonal upgrades like Pumpkin and Cider Mac and Cheese, the combo of another classic side with your mac for Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese, the stunning Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash halves, and the sweet and creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, or skip the mac entirely and opt for this festive Pumpkin Cheese Ball dip! Skip the boring bread basket and jump start your taste buds with  these biscuits and quick-breads instead!  We’re all about these tender, flaky Gluten-Free Biscuits made in a flash, these simply sinful Southern Butter Rolls, comforting Sweet Potato Biscuits with Honey Butter, warmly spiced Ginger Buttermilk Biscuits or Maple Cinnamon Biscuits, these berry studded Cranberry-Orange Crescent Rolls, a sweet take on traditional cornbread with this Pan de Elote, and this buttery cake-like Apple Cinnamon Bread. Forget About Dry, Boring Birds and Get Ready for Mouthwatering Main Meals We’re tossing those old-fashioned dried out, dull turkeys and kicking things up a notch with these gourmet brines, rubs, gravies and more to help you craft the most succulent turkey and chicken roasts you’ve ever tasted! We’re absolutely sure you can’t go wrong with this Turkey Roulade with Parmesan and Walnuts, the toasted and richly flavored Sesame-Ginger Spatchcocked Turkey, this apple-infused bird featuring Cider-Glazed Turkey and velvety Lager Gravy, a truly stunning Smoked Turkey with Spicy BBQ Rub, kid-friendly and the kid-at-heart options like Stuffing-Fried Turkey Tenderloins, caramelized and herbaceous Roast Chicken with Maple  Butter and Rosemary, this citrus-infused Orange Herb Roasted Chicken with pan jus, and this absolutely gorgeous Roasted Chicken with Honey-Thyme Stone Fruits. Let us know some of your favorite seasonal recipes for the holidays, and we may just feature them in an upcoming post!

We’re kickstarting our holiday gift guides with the Ultimate Gift Guide for Road-Trip Travelers!  On today’s list, you’ll find all the tools, travel gear, and comfort items you can imagine to make lengthy car trips a breeze. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your canine companion in tow, or you’re heading off with your closest friends, you’ll have plenty of gear to keep you safe, hydrated, fed, and well-rested.  Send your loved ones this easy wish-list guide for one-stop shopping and be all set for your bucket list travel destinations when the snow thaws out this spring! more Keep all of your gear safe and secure with these handy-dandy and tough duty straps and ratchet tie-downs. We love these Ratchet straps from Walmart from Keeper brand for under $15 apiece. And these Green QuadWinder Standard duty ratchet tie down straps from SmartStraps, under $25 at Walmart. This heavy-duty set of straps from REI are another wonderful choice under $20, too. Have your smartphone at your fingertips with these convenient dashboard, window, and vent mounts. The ONN Car window or dash phone mount from Walmart offers flexibility in mounting location and 360 degree rotation for easy viewing and access. It’s easy to install and remove, and very budget friendly under $10. The iOttie Easy One-Touch 5 Universal Dash Mount is available at Best Buy f or under $30 and offers wide compatibility with modern smartphone sizes, and has a telescoping arm for easy access and viewing. Rest easy even if there’s no room at the inn!  These convenient camping style blankets, pillows, and bed rolls will keep you comfortable for a little R&R whether you’re spending a night under the stars, or on the side of the road at a rest stop. These compressible pillows from Therm-a-Rest come in three sizes, available at REI and range from $35-$50 apiece depending on size or pattern. They’re easy to stow and go, and pack down to the size of a water bottle for easy packing.  Made of 60% recycled materials, too! The NanoLoft Puffy Travel Blanket available at REI comes in multiple colors and ranges from $85-$95 depending on pattern.  It rolls up and packs down to the size of a large water bottle, making it totally portable and packable even if you’re low on cargo space.  Offers water-resistance for durability and comfort, and is machine washable for convenience. The NEMO Equipment victory blanket is perfect for picnic lunches, resting while hiking, or even at the beach.  Comes in four different sizes and colors ranging in $150-$200. Available via Amazon. Keep your vehicle and your devices charged and ready to go at a moment’s notice, and be ready to repair and recharge!  These portable toolkits, power inverters, and battery chargers will keep you in contact with the outside world even while you’re off-grid. The BESTEK 300W Power inverter offers USB charging and DC to AC power outlets with fast charge capabilities. Ultra light, compact, and portable making it easy to charge your tablets, phones, and GPS devices in a flash. AVailable on Amazon from $30-$50 range. The WEEGO Amp Jump Pack offers 3 different power and size options on Amazon ranging from $80-$175. They’re capable of charging passenger car  batteries as well as ATVs, UTVs, Boats, trucks, and more. Conveniently priced, reasonably sized, and fairly lightweight compared to other models on the market. The Lifeline First Aid AAA 16ft 6G booster cables a re weather resistant, making them an excellent option for the off-road traveler! They come in a convenient carry case and are extra long for getting your vehicle out of a sticky situation when necessary. Available for under $50 at Lowes. The DECKED Tool bag with tool roll will give you everything you need to repair your vehicle on the go.  No need to be carrying multiple tool sets and unnecessary gadgets, this convenient roll-up carry case has every tool required for unexpected repairs and with quality you can trust. Let passersby and local rangers know that you’re in need of help and other drivers know to use caution and slow down. These Emergency LED Road Flare beacons are a safer alternative to the typical flares, and offer a magnetic base and flashing red lights with a 60-hr run time. Available on Amazon under $30.

Although the cooler weather has us wanting to cozy-up at home and get ready for the holidays, there’s nothing that says we can’t get excited about next year’s road trip season!  Plus, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore different cities and states as we visit friends and family for the holidays. So, we thought it would be a great idea to celebrate National Ohio Day with a list of fun things to do all across the state.  From festive holiday venues to nature walks to shopping and historical museums, you’ll find no shortage of fun, entertainment, and educational tourism on today’s blog! more The House from a Christmas Story is located in Cleveland, and allows visitors to travel back in time to the classic holiday film set!  The tour begins in the gift shop, and takes you through the museum, past the Bumpus’ house, and through the iconic family home!  You can even book a stay at the Bumpus House for a little seasonal family fun. Children 5 and under are free, everyone else is $20 per person general admission. West Side Market is located in Cleveland, and is the city’s largest and oldest continuously operating public market. You’ll find a plethora of fresh, locally grown produce, hand-carved meats and butcher shop offerings, local and regional dairy delights, prepared foods, and so much more. It’s open year round with 70+ local vendors to peruse! It’s officially on the NAtional REgister of Historic Places, having opened way back in November of 1912! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame chronicles the history of the Rock and Roll genre, offers a comprehensive music library and archives, features a curated collection of memorabilia and archival instruments, offers live performances, community outreach, and more! Ohio Amish Country is located in Holmes County, and offers numerous artisan markets, small shops, local farms,  and historic downtown areas to shop and tour.  We highly recommend checking out the Warther Museum, Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum, Historic Zoar Village, and Historic Roscoe Village if you’d like to take a step back to yesteryear. Enjoy plenty of shopping and fine handcrafted goods at shops like The Pottery Niche, Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts, Helping HAnds Quilt Shop, and Wendell August Forge. Catch a show or presentation at the Ohio Star Theater, Amish Country Theater, or the Tuscarawas Philharmonic.  You can easily spend a weekend away in the area and still not cover all it has to offer. It’s a perfect family vacation destination. Castle Noel is located in Medina and is America’s Largest Indoor Year-Round Christmas attraction!  It features the world’s largest privately owned collection of Hollywood Christmas Movie props and costumes, curated items from famous holiday window displays, and a fully immersive tour in all things holiday entertainment. It’ll have you in the festive spirit no matter what season you’re in, but makes a particularly exciting visit during the November/December/January holiday season. The Wilds is located in Cumberland, and offers an open air Safari Experience as well as plenty of outdoor adventures. You can camp several ways through a luxury yurt or opt for the “Outpost” destination to rough-it in the great outdoors!  Take a sunset safari tour, exhilarating zipline adventure, dine in the rooftop Terrace Grill restaurant, test your skills with some mountain biking, and more.  Funds from your admission from the zoo’s excursions, camping, dining, and etcetera all help support the Zoo’s conservation efforts and wildlife research. Ash Cave is located inside Hocking Hills State Park in Bloomingville. This enormous natural cavern offers stunning seasonal waterfalls and sandstone cliffs. The cave area is also mostly wheelchair-friendly, offering a great opportunity to travel with family members and friends who require mobility aids. This is one of the largest rock formations in the entirety of Hocking Hills State Park, though the rest of the park is vast and truly worth exploring over the course of a day or two as well!  You’ll have the opportunity to walk right up to the cave walls, traverse accessible boardwalks and walking paths, and take some spectacular nature photos.  It’s well worth it for all ages of travelers to make some magical memories. The American Sign Museum in Cincinnati features nearly 20,000 square feet of museum space dedicated to this classic piece of Americana! It’s a really unique experience. From antique electric signs to hand-painted and gold-leafed neons, and modern signage with plastic and LEDs.  There is also a permanent collection of more than 1,000 sign-related books and research material in the Sign Museum Library (by appointment only, and is free with admission!)