Kia is rolling out the second generation of its UVO infotainment system before we could really get to know the original, but UVO2 is packing all the advanced telematics and connectivity features of its competitors – or at least it will when it ships later this year.

We had a chance to sample the lower-spec version of UVO2 in an Optima Hybrid, and overall, it’s an improvement over its predecessor both in terms of polish and features.

Included in UVO2 is automatic crash notification, road-side assistance, service reminders and tracking, along with geo-fencing, speed warnings and a curfew setting that lets you know when the kiddies stray too far, go too fast or stay out late.

Along with the normal raft of music and navigation features, there’s a companion iPhone app that keeps track of maintenance and notifications. It also includes a vehicle finder that automatically logs the vehicle’s last location and lets you find it using a nifty augmented reality feature. Get more details in the press blast and hands-on video after the jump.

Call the Public Works Department for a free Snow Removal brochure: 303-413-7162.

Use Caution When Driving

To make this a safer winter for you and your family:

• Give snow plows and spreader trucks plenty of room to operate.
• When driving, allow for more stopping distance between cars. It takes 3-12 times more distance to stop on icy or snowy roads. Avoid making last-minute decisions.
• Shovel your sidewalks within 24 hours after it stops snowing.
• Teach your children to be extra careful around traffic.

Snow plows are wider than one traffic lane

• You can avoid getting squeezed on the road (and avoid limited visibility caused by flying snow and ice) by NOT passing snow plows.

Spreader trucks have spinners which distribute traction materials across two lanes of traffic.

• Stay at least three to four car lengths behind spreader trucks to avoid windshield damage.

Spreader trucks weigh up to 54,000 pounds when loaded. Because the trucks are heavy, they drive slowly.

• When you are behind a spreader truck, allow for adequate stopping distance. Try to stay three to four car lengths behind spreader trucks.

Using alternative transportation during snow storms reduces the number of vehicles on the roadways and gives snow plows and spreader trucks more room to operate.

• You will also save wear and tear on your car, avoid the stress of driving, and probably enjoy the winter scenery much more!

  http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177&Itemid=1703

  www.gopeakkia.com

The 2012 Kia Forte sees minor trim but otherwise no major changes. This compact car consists of 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, and 4-door hatchback body styles. All come in EX and sporty SX trim levels; the sedan is available in base LX form. Two 4-cylinder engines are offered. LX and EX have a 156-horsepower 2.0-liter unit. SX versions have a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter engine. All are available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. An optional “Fuel Economy Package” for EX sedans includes the 6-speed automatic and other body and powertrain tweaks designed to improve fuel economy. Safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. A wireless cell-phone link, auxiliary audio input, and USB port are standard on all models. Power windows and locks, a tilt and telescopic steering column, and remote entry are standard on the EX and SX. A sunroof, keyless access/engine start, automatic climate control, and a navigation system with rearview camera are optional on the EX and SX. Leather upholstery with heated front seats is optional on the SX.
Peak Kia Littleton / Denver

For most drivers, a new car is their second biggest financial investment after a house, and they need it to run reliably for many years. The cooling system is one of the most important, yet often neglected regular maintenance items in any vehicle.

“Coolant (also known as antifreeze) prevents engine freeze-up in winter, reduces engine temperature in the summer, and protects the cooling system from rust and corrosion year round,” according to the AAA website.

Gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines can produce up to 15,000 explosions per minute with flame temperatures topping 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling system has to efficiently remove that heat energy to prevent damage to cylinder heads, blocks, pistons and gaskets. The engineers that create these engines carefully design the coolant flow passages to ensure that temperatures stay even at all times with no hot or cold spots.

Whether you experience brutal cold, blistering heat or both, coolant has to flow through those passages without freezing or boiling to work properly. Specially formulated antifreeze – typically based on a blend of ethylene or propylene glycol and water – can function over a temperature range of −34°F to +265°F. Other additives in the coolant help to inhibit corrosion of metal parts and lubricate the water pump.

Over time, coolant degrades due to the limited lifespan of the corrosion inhibitors and exposure to all that heat. Without the corrosion inhibitors, scale builds up and restricts flow in the cooling passages, heater core and radiator tubes. When this happens, leaks can develop, temperatures can climb and internal engine components, including the head gasket, can be damaged, leading to very expensive repairs.

A failed head gasket can easily cost thousands of dollars, and potentially much more while periodic cooling system flushes are cheap by comparison. The traditional glycol-based coolants used in many cars and trucks should be replaced according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, often about every two years or 30,000 miles. These coolants are easily identified by the fluorescent green or blue dye that is added to make it easier to identify leaks and spills. Many modern vehicles use newer, long life coolants that are designed to last five years or 150,000 miles. These coolants are usually orange or red, and should never be mixed with green coolants. Although the coolant itself lasts longer, these systems should still be checked and maintained regularly, according to the schedule in your owner’s manual.

The first step of cooling system maintenance is a pressure check. In order to raise the boiling point of the coolant above 250°F, all modern vehicles use pressurized systems. With the engine off and cold, a test device can pressurize the cooling system to check for leaks. The pressure ratings vary for different vehicles, but if the pressure holds steady at the recommended level, the system should be free of leaks. The pressure cap itself should also be tested to ensure that it holds and releases at the rated pressure. If it releases at too low a pressure, the coolant can boil while excessive pressure can cause hoses or gaskets to burst. Your dealer’s service department has the tools and the expertise to complete these tests quickly and accurately.

The rubber hoses that transfer coolant between the engine, radiator and heater core should also be inspected for cracks or bulges. The belt that drives the water pump and in some cases the fan should also be checked for cracks or stretching. Problematic hoses or belts should be replaced immediately. The front side of the radiator should also be carefully cleaned to remove the dead bugs and other road dirt that inevitably build up during driving. A thermostat in the system controls the flow of coolant between the engine and radiator and should be checked and replaced if it doesn’t open at the correct temperature.

The freezing and boiling points of the coolant can also be checked by testing the specific gravity. Using a special tool, coolant can be drawn out of the engine and tested. If the freezing point is too high, the coolant should be replaced. 

The coolant is drained using a plug on the radiator, although some vehicles also have a secondary drain on the engine block as well. Drained coolant should always be properly disposed of and never dumped in a sewer or waterway. The sweet smelling glycol is attractive to many animals, but it is toxic. After draining, the system should be thoroughly flushed with water until it runs clear and free of the color of the coolant. The flushing should be done in the reverse of the usual flow direction to help to loosen and remove any scale or other contaminants that have built up. 

After closing up all the drains, the system should be refilled with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. With the radiator pressure cap still off, the engine should be run with the fresh coolant for about 10 to 15 minutes to bleed any air out of the system. Air in the cooling passages will limit the pressure, which will lower the boiling point and potentially cause damaging hotspots in the engine. During this bleed procedure, the interior heating system should also be turned on high to ensure that air is forced out. Once it has been bled, the system should be topped off with coolant mixture, typically through the reserve tank, and the pressure cap should be reinstalled.

Besides having the specific tools, experience and knowledge necessary to maintain your vehicle properly, our dealership’s service department will collect used coolant and send it to a recycling facility for reprocessing. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, service and parts personnel at our dealership can answer your questions and help you get the job done right.

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00AM to 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM to 4:00PM
Closed Sunday

Call Us: (888) 416-8585

Peak Kia Littleton / Denver

“Debuting as a sketch during the start of the new year, the up-and-coming Kia Motors exhibited a greater sense of style for their value-leading Rio. Considered a convenient vehicle package for fuel-efficient travel, the 2012 Kia Rio adds additional technology to further maximize each gallon of gasoline. The 2012 Rio will be the first North American B-segment vehicle to feature Idle Stop and Go technology configured to place the engine on a stand-by mode automatically when the vehicle is not in motion. The 2012 Kia Rio’s completely revised 1.6 liter inline-four powerplant (producing 138 horsepower) adds gasoline direct injection. Despite higher horsepower, improved engine technology and 6-speed manual or automatic transmission choices allows the 2012 model year Kia Rio to travel an estimated 35 miles per gallon average (about 3-4 miles per gallon further than the 2011 car).

In keeping with Kia’s bang for the buck reputation, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel as well as a full array of safety equipment including four-wheel disc brakes and six airbags are standard for every 2012 Kia Rio model. For the top-tiered 2012 Rio SX model at $17,500 MSRP, a rich set of standard features includes 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, power-folding outer mirrors and Kia’s UVO in-vehicle infotainment system.”

~ automoblog.net

Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings friends and family together to share a good meal, conversation and laughter. But Thanksgiving also comes with several health hazards, including an increased chance of fires, food poisoning and choking. Take a few minutes to review these Thanksgiving Day safety tips, and enjoy the holiday without worry.

1.                            Fire

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that, on Thanksgiving Day, more than 4,000 fires occur. The average number of cooking fires doubles on the holiday. In addition to installing a fire detector in the kitchen, there are several easy ways to avoid fires:

Don’t leave the kitchen while frying and grilling. Use a timer and do kitchen checks when simmering, baking, broiling and roasting. If deep frying a turkey, keep the fryer outside, away from walls, fences and other structures. Also, keep the fryer away from moisture to avoid burns from steam and spattering oil.

Keep pot holders and food wrappers 3 feet away from the stove or other hot surfaces. Kids should stay 3 feet away too. Make sure the handles of pots and pans are facing inward. Avoid loose clothes, especially those with long sleeves, while cooking. And make sure all candles and smoking materials are put out after the guests leave.

2.                         Turkey

Eating undercooked turkey is another Thanksgiving health problem. If a turkey is thawed at a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, salmonella or other bacteria that cause food poisoning can grow.

Safely cooking a turkey starts with correct defrosting. There are three methods for safe defrosting. The turkey can be thawed in the refrigerator—one day for every 5 lbs. of the bird. The turkey can be submerged in water if it is in leak-proof packaging—30 minutes for every pound. The water should be changed every half hour. It’s also safe to defrost a turkey in a microwave. Remove any packaging and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

With all three methods it’s important to cook the turkey immediately after thawing. Don’t slow cook or partially cook the turkey, and check the temperature with a meat thermometer to determine if it’s done. Even if the turkey came with a pop-up thermometer, it’s necessary to check the innermost part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast. The turkey needs to be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (and the stuffing, too).

Let the turkey rest before carving. This gives the juices time to set.

3.                          Choking

The most common cause of choking is talking while eating. If a person is unable to cough, breathe or speak, the first thing to do is call 911. Next, the Red Cross recommends a technique called FIVE-and-FIVE for choking victims.

The first step is giving the choking victim five sharp blows on the back, using the heel of the hand. If the obstruction is not dislodged by this move, the next step is to give the victim five quick, upward abdominal thrusts.

Some people run from the table when they start choking. It’s important to stay with other people so they can give assistance. If the victim is alone, he can give himself the five abdominal thrusts using his hand or by pressing his abdomen firmly against the back of a chair.

4.                          Leftovers

Eating Thanksgiving leftovers that have been improperly stored can also lead to food poisoning. Leftovers need to be put away within two hours after serving the food. (This includes pumpkin pie.) They go in the refrigerator if they are going to be eaten within three days otherwise they go in the freezer. Food should be stored in shallow containers. Meat should be removed from the bone before being put away.

Reheated leftovers should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Gravy should be brought to a vigorous boil.

5.                          Pets

Thanksgiving brings health hazards to dogs and other pets as well as humans. Don’t give turkey bones to pets.Turkeybones and other bird bones are hollow, which makes them likely to splinter. This can cause tears in an animal’s esophagus, stomach or intestines.

Fatty holiday foods, like turkey skin and gravy, can contribute to pancreatitis. More pets are brought to vets for pancreatitis after their owners have had a party or holiday dinner.

Be careful about leaving chocolate candies out (or kids dropping candy on the floor). Chocolate can cause illness and even death when dogs ingest it. In addition, dogs shouldn’t be fed grapes, raisins, onions, alcohol or anything with caffeine. It’s also important to keep the string used to tie the turkey and other food wrappings out of reach of pets.

Dogs also tend to be excited when there are lots of people in the house. When dogs are excited they often eat too quickly, and this can lead to bloating, a very dangerous condition. Feed your dog before the guests arrive and don’t let them be too active before or after eating.

Peak Kia Littleton / Denver

Six years ago, Kia cars were nondescript tin boxes of no particular consequence in the grand scheme of things, sold on price and certainly not as world-class desirable objects. Today’s Kia range is admired, respected, even envied. Its cars are well-made, good performers, and — above all — good-looking. That quality can essentially be attributed to one man, Peter Schreyer, chief design officer for Kia and our unanimously chosen Man of the Year.

Despite his youthful appearance and vitality, Schreyer, 58, is an industry veteran, having spent more than half his lifetime in automobile design, first with Audi in 1980, then at Volkswagen, and back to Audi as its chief designer from 1994 to 2002, wherein he was instrumental in Audi’s worldwide recognition as a premium design brand. Schreyer was personally acknowledged with the highest design award of the Federal Republic of Germany and an honorary doctorate from the Royal College of Art, where he studied in 1979 and 1980.

Schreyer doesn’t have to claim to be a car guy; he’s the real thing. Impressed in his youth by the Jaguar E-type and the Porsche 911, he owned a Fiat X1/9 at twenty-one, and today he has a supercharged Pininfarina Spider Azzura (Fiat 124) roadster and a V-12-powered E-type coupe. He has a Frankfurt apartment during the week, but he kept the family home near Ingolstadt so his teenage children weren’t uprooted from their schools when he joined Kia in 2006.

“I’ve been to Korea eighty-two times now,” he says, and although he is meant to do the trip once a month, “on average I make about twenty trips a year.” Given that he is responsible for the European studio in Frankfurt, another in Irvine, California, the main studio near Seoul, and a new satellite studio in Shanghai that he hasn’t visited yet, he spends a lot of time in airplanes. He sold his own Cessna a couple years ago, never having time to fly on his own.

As with many multinational studios, the principal language for Kia design is English. Schreyer is “trying to learn Korean, but it is so different from anything else I know” that he doubts he’ll ever master it. “Their minds work differently. I have to keep everyone on the same wavelength, and English works for that.” He says that Kia’s management is demanding, but they want to progress and are really supportive.

When Schreyer arrived at Kia, the Soul was almost finished, and he added only the characteristic grille now common to the line. Subsequent models from his regime have impressed us enough that two of them, the Rio and the Optima, recently competed in the final round of our our All-Stars test. Kia’s first rear-wheel-drive car, the dramatic GT concept presented at Frankfurt, shows there’s more good work to come from Peter Schreyer and his team.”

~automobilemag.com

Audi, Kia Lead Luxury, Non-Luxury Segments with Minimal Depreciation, Low Fuel Costs

Total Cost of Ownership is developed using Kelley Blue Book® Residual Values to calculate depreciation costs.  Depreciation plays the largest role in Total Cost of Ownership, followed by the cost of fuel during the ownership period.  Kelley Blue Book calculates total ownership costs for new vehicles by applying a sophisticated valuation methodology along with critical financial data from third-party providers.  

By reviewing the Total Cost of Ownership for vehicles on their consideration list, consumers can better understand the overall financial implications associated with vehicle ownership through the initial five-year ownership period.  Kelley Blue Book’s Total Cost of Ownership features easy-to-understand charts and graphs on kbb.com to help car shoppers make informed purchase decisions by breaking down the typical ownership costs for a particular vehicle, including depreciation, expected fuel costs, insurance, maintenance and repair costs, state fees and more.  

“The average vehicle typically maintains about 30 percent of its original MSRP after five years of ownership, whereas a handful of vehicles maintain more than 45 percent after the same time period,” said Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting for Kelley Blue Book.  ”The new Total Cost of Ownership data on kbb.com is based on Kelley Blue Book Residual Values, which are used by banks and manufacturers nationwide.”

At the brand level, Audi and Lexus currently have the lowest depreciation and best fuel economy among luxury brands, giving them an advantage in low cost of ownership at the luxury level.  In addition, Audi, Lexus and Cadillac all offer models that carry a lower MSRP compared to other luxury brands.  Combined with their entry-level vehicles, these brands stand out among their competitors for having low overall ownership cost.  Audi’s Total Cost of Ownership success is primarily driven by the A3 2.0T and A4 2.0T sedan models.  Both edge out competitors with their minimal depreciation and stellar fuel economy.  

For non-luxury brands, Kia and Hyundai have a number of successful redesigns, greatly improved quality and competitive pricing, which sets them apart from other non-luxury brands in terms of cost of ownership.  Key Kia models contributing to the brand’s low Total Cost of Ownership include the Rio, Optima and Forte.  Additionally, Honda continues to be a reliable choice with strong fuel economy and customer loyalty.  

“Kelley Blue Book’s Total Cost of Ownership gives car shoppers a realistic view of what they will spend during the initial one- to five-year ownership period, allowing them to get the most for their dollar in today’s economy,” said Juan Flores, director of vehicle valuation for Kelley Blue Book.  ”More informative than simply having the purchase price alone, Total Cost of Ownership empowers car shoppers by including all significant costs that are part of the ownership experience.”

Kelley Blue Book’s Total Cost of Ownership launched with the redesigned kbb.com in May 2011 and is available free to consumers at www.kbb.com.  

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), or like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb. 

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry.  Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week.  The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies.  Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, used car values, car reviews, new cars for sale, used cars for sale, and car dealer locations. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.

SOURCE Kelley Blue Book

 
Peak Kia Littleton / Denver

Volunteer work can offer memorable experiences for the whole family.

No matter where you live, you’re likely surrounded by several volunteer opportunities. In almost every city across theUnited States, there are organizations – in every field from environmental to health care to animal rescue – that rely upon the time and energy of others to promote well-being throughout their communities. Kids can especially benefit from volunteering, learning how to use their strengths to help others and make a difference.

Take advantage of websites that can easily connect you with volunteer opportunities in your area. Volunteer.gov, for example, is a database run by the Federal Interagency Team on Volunteerism that lets you search by keyword, state, city or agency. Another useful tool is VolunteerMatch.com where you can also search by location and keyword. The website provides information about getting students, employees and business customers to lend a helping hand.

Many volunteers find that their work is especially meaningful when they team up with an organization or cause close to their heart. Even young kids have specific interests and skills that they can use to help others. If they love animals, check out ASPCA.org, which has lots of information about helping local shelters in your community. Many shelters need volunteers to help walk dogs or participate in fundraising events. Older teens who enjoy working with little ones may find that tutoring is a personally rewarding experience that can also jumpstart a great career in education.

Kelly Palmatier, founder of the international nonprofit organization Compassionate Kids, stresses the importance of working side-by-side with your child. “Children who see their parents volunteering are much more likely to believe in the value of working to help others.” She also notes that volunteering as a family is a bonding experience, and it will let you help your child take on more complicated responsibilities that you can work on together. When choosing the right opportunity, Palmatier recommends taking the following elements into consideration: Location, frequency and duration of the work, staff attitude and your child’s interests. Find more tips at www.compassionatekids.com.

Volunteering helps kids learn responsibility and kindness, and often allows them to explore future career or hobby interests as well. Working side-by-side also instills a sense of teamwork and sets a great example for children of all ages.

Lend a helping hand at a food pantry during school vacation weeks, or spend every other Saturday at your favorite animal shelter; however you choose to take action, it won’t go unappreciated.

Peak Kia Littleton / Denver