Tag Archives: transportation

Lifestyle

The New Kia Soul: 5 Reasons Why Drivers Are Madly in Love

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Countless drivers today are checking out the Kia Soul. They know this manufacturer has an excellent reputation for reliability and value and want to see for themselves why so many drivers are buying these cars. The 2024 Kia Soul continues with this tradition. The following are five reasons drivers are madly in love with this car.

Ample Room

When a person hears the word subcompact, they may think of a small vehicle, one with limited room. Don’t let this designation fool you. The 2024 Kia Soul has over 62 cubic feet of space in the cargo area. The 60/40 split-folding seats ensure you can carry items large and small with ease. In addition, this vehicle carries five people easily, thanks to the 100 cubic feet of passenger space. However, ample room in the cabin is only one great thing about this year’s model, which is why you may want to start looking into kia finance specials.

You won’t mind sitting in the front seats for hours, as they have been designed with comfort in mind. While the rear seatback isn’t adjustable, most people find they aren’t bothered by it. This may be due to the ample headroom and legroom for both the driver and passengers. Four adults can take a ride in the car without feeling cramped, even if they are going long distances. They’ll enjoy the tall and narrow windows, as they can see the world around them. You won’t mind taking these long trips either, as you can adjust the seat and the steering wheel to fit your size.

Other features make for an enjoyable ride. These features include ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control. You also have the option of upgrading to heated adjustable seats, if that is something you would enjoy.

Performance

While the ride may be comfortable, you need power to move the car. The Soul takes you around town with ease. One drawback is the car doesn’t accelerate rapidly, thanks to the 2.0-liter engine. Nevertheless, the steering feels natural when you are moving from center, and the cornering abilities are great. The transmission is an automatic CVT, but you won’t be able to tell this, as it feels as if you are driving a traditional automatic.

However, the brake pedal can be touchy, particularly at low speeds. You may find it takes time to adjust to this. The Soul will brake quickly in an emergency, which is the important thing. All-wheel drive is not an option offered at this time.

A Stylish Ride

One reason many drivers take a second look at the Soul is this vehicle offers unique styling. It brings together what people love about an SUV and a conventional hatchback. Kia isn’t resting on its laurels either. Every year, the engineers try to find ways to improve on this car. In 2024, drivers can invest in a Kia Soul EX Designer package, which comes with features such as special interior options and 18-inch wheels.

For those who want a sporty look for their vehicle, the GT-Line is perfect. This trim level comes with 18-inch Sport alloy wheels, two-tone paint, and a steering wheel that is Sport-designed. However, if you prefer another trim level, you can still find a ride you love. All come with interior decorative features, such as a steering wheel encased in leather, a power sunroof, or privacy glass in the rear.

Technology

While the Kia Soul may come with a lower price tag than some of its competitors, the technology found in this car is sure to impress. Most models come with a 10.2-inch integrated touchscreen that takes up a large portion of the dashboard. The vehicle comes with in-dash navigation, the ability to subscribe to SiriusXM radio, and more.

Many people don’t expect to climb into a Kia Soul and find a Harman Kardon stereo, but that is exactly what they will see. It offers outstanding bass response and great sound quality regardless of what type of music you prefer. Every vehicle comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and you can opt for wireless charging along with charging ports.

The technology extends beyond the stereo system. You benefit from driver assist systems that don’t put out false alarms. Industry experts love the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, so be sure to check those out when taking this car for a test drive. Ask about additional features such as Remote and Push-Button Start as well as the Smart Key option. Other features to ask about include forward collision warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and automatic emergency braking.

Protection

Kia stands behind its products, as the warranty shows. You get bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles. The powertrain warranty extends for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and your car also comes with free roadside assistance for five years or 60,000 miles. When you buy this car, you know you won’t be facing high repair bills in the coming weeks, months, or even years. The manufacturer will handle repairs for those things that go beyond normal wear and tear.

JD Power ratings consistently remain above 80. The biggest complaint of customers is the dealership experience. They rank this experience in the low 70s regularly. This rating looks at factors such as customer service, work quality, and dealership facilities. For this reason, choose your dealer carefully to ensure a great experience all around.

According to CarEdge, you will spend approximately $6,896 on repairs and maintenance if you keep this vehicle for ten years. The site goes on to say the odds of needing a major repair, one that costs $500 or more, is slightly over 21 percent during the first ten years of car ownership. The risk of a major repair increases with each year you own the car. Factor this into the car buying process, and you will see the Kia Soul is an excellent deal, particularly in the first ten years you own it.

US News and World Reports places the 2024 Kia Soul at the top of the subcompact SUV category. While this vehicle isn’t perfect, it has a lot to recommend it. If you are in the market for a new SUV, this is one you want to check out.

Life, Lifestyle, Tips

How to Improve Your Flight or Fight Response When Driving

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driving, teens, road safety, fight or flight, accidents

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The chances are pretty high that you’re more than familiar with the Fight or Flight response; your adrenaline starts pumping, your pupils dilate, you think fast, you even become more agile, and for some, that’s when the anger hits. It’s not just when we see something scary that could endanger us; this actually happens far more than you might even expect. If you’re dealing with this, it can be hard to enjoy your driving experience. 

Yes, driving can sometimes trigger our body’s innate fight or flight response, especially in challenging or unexpected situations (and yes, driving is loaded with them). While this response is a natural mechanism designed to keep us safe, it can lead to anxiety and stress on the road. if you’re planning to book drive test, then you especially need to make sure that you get this under control. You need to think clearly, think smart, and be safe if this hits. 

It takes time to develop this, too. So, with that said, here are some effective strategies to help you improve your fight or flight response when driving, promoting a more relaxed and confident experience behind the wheel.

Start Off By Practicing Controlled Breathing Techniques

Chances are so high you’ve heard of breathing exercises so many times for relaxation. The advice gets old, but you need to keep in mind that this actually works! Yep, you read that right; it really does work! Controlled breathing is a powerful tool to calm the nervous system. When you feel stress mounting while driving, take deep breaths in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. Focus on your breath, allowing it to slow down, which can signal to your body that there is no imminent threat.

You Need to Plan and Prepare

One thing you have to keep in mind is that preparation is key to managing the fight or flight response. It’s really going to help out if you’re able to just plan your routes in advance, check weather and traffic conditions, and ensure your vehicle is in good working order. So, with that said, being well-prepared can reduce the uncertainty that often triggers stress on the road.

Understand It Happens Less Over Time

Alright, so when you first start driving, all of those little things could scare you to the point where you might need a break. Close call to having an accident? Yeah, something like that could truly cause the flight or fight response to come out. But over time, these things might happen more, and if they do, you can usually expect to become less scared. It’s entirely natural.

Limit Distractions Wherever You Can

Something else you’re really going to want to think about would be to minimize distractions that are within your control. But what exactly does this mean? Well, these can be things such as adjusting in-car settings before driving and silencing your phone. What exactly does this have to do with the flight or fight response, though? Well, a focused and uncluttered environment can help you better manage unexpected situations without overwhelming your fight-or-flight response.

Tips

Not Sure Which Truck Repair Shop to Choose? Check These 5 Things

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When you need to get your truck repaired it is essential that you choose a repair shop that is competent, cost-effective, and reliable.

One of the most important considerations is to fit good quality truck parts that will help keep you on the road and last for as long as possible.

If you search for international truck parts near me you will be able to see what is available. In the meantime, here is a look at how to pick the right repair shop when your truck needs fixing or servicing.

Do they have the skills and the experience?

One of the most crucial aspects that you need to check when choosing a repair shop is you need to know whether you are entrusting your truck to someone who has the right skills and experience to do a good job.

An experienced truck technician will be able to quickly and accurately diagnose problems. This should ensure that you get the job done quickly, and cost-effectively.

Check they have the knowledge and skills to work on your truck.

Are they using the best quality parts and equipment?

As already highlighted, it pays to fit the best quality parts you can find for your truck. Trusted brands usually perform and last. That is what you want for your truck.

In addition, you should confirm that they have the best quality tools and equipment to fit your parts to a high standard.

Is your chosen truck repair shop able to offer a comprehensive range of services?

It is much more convenient and cost-effective to be able to rely on a truck shop that offers all the services you need. Whether you need a repair to your truck, or it needs servicing, it helps to have a truck repairer that can offer everything you need as a one-stop solution.

Can they offer a quick turnaround and good availability?

When your truck requires an urgent repair or routine maintenance you want to get the work done as quickly as possible. Every day your truck is off the road, you are not earning. That’s why you want a repair shop that can respond quickly and deliver a quick turnaround too.

Do they charge a fair rate?

If you find a truck repair shop that ticks all the boxes you might find you have to pay a little more compared to rival providers.

It can be tempting to go for the repair shop that offers the lowest price. However, the risk is that the repair shop might not have the required expertise, or they could be using inferior parts to keep the cost low.

A good repair shop will be transparent about its costs and justify the prices as a reflection of its ability and the quality parts it intends to use.

Your truck is vital to your ability to earn a living. Ask all of these relevant questions and you have a better chance of finding a truck repair shop you can rely on.