Driving a car comes with a learning curve. Feeling uncertain at first is natural, but confidence will come with time! Here are a few tips for student drivers from your local Kia dealership in Temple Hills, MD. Take Note of These 6 Smart Tips for New Drivers 1. Practice Without Pressure When you get your license, you now have the freedom to go everywhere. That doesn't mean you should immediately go for a drive on a long road trip or navigate rush hour traffic. Spend time practicing your driving skills on quiet roads before you face high-pressure situations. Even a few weeks of driving on back roads can help improve your reaction time in a busy intersection. more 2. Drive Without Distractions It goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway. Never text and drive. Don't use your phone at all while you're behind the wheel! More experienced drivers may listen to music or make phone calls, but we advise new drivers to gain experience on the road first. 3. Put a "Student Driver" Sticker on Your Car Other drivers can be inconsiderate when you make mistakes or drive more slowly than they'd like. Consider putting a small bumper sticker on the back of your car to let people know that you're new to the road, and they'll usually give you more distance. Don't worry - With the right tools, you can easily take it off later! 4. Stay Within the Speed Limit It's tempting to drive above the speed limit, especially when everyone is doing it. Seriously, though: Don't speed! Speeding increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Not to mention, the punishments for speeding are much worse for new drivers. Keep in mind that speed limit signs are the highest maximum speed for optimal road conditions. If there's rain, ice, or wind, you should slow it down. 5. Be Aware of Other Drivers The key to staying safe on the road is to expect nothing from other drivers. Don't assume that other people will drive properly. Many people speed, tailgate, and merge erratically. While many people do drive safely, be prepared for the people who don't and give other cars plenty of space. 6. Bring a Friend It may feel uncomfortable to drive alone when you've gotten used to having an instructor or parent in the car. Ask a friend to tag along for moral support while you practice! Make sure to bring someone you trust and who will not distract you. Are you a new driver? At your local dealership, you'll find a car that's equipped with smart safety features at unbeatable prices. Contact us at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to begin your search for a vehicle, or stop by and see our inventory!
We all may not want to see that ominous slip of paper tucked under our windshield wipers, especially when we have to pay for a minor violation that could've easily been prevented. Below your Kia dealer offers some helpful tips on avoiding a parking ticket to save you money and frustration. 1. Know the Parking Signs There are lots of parking rules and signs, so make sure you know what all the different signs indicate and check the signs and curb markings before parking your car. If there are a lot of signs close together, all displaying different information, it's best to heed the most restrictive warning. more In some areas, you can only park at certain hours or on specific days, and always ensure you're not parking too close to a fire hydrant, a crosswalk, or blocking an entrance or access for persons with disabilities. 2. Download a Meter App Various parking apps make it easy and hassle-free to keep an eye on your parking meter. Check out ParkMobile, an excellent phone parking solution offered in certain areas in Prince George's County. There is no cost to register, and it's a convenient way to check how much time is left on the meter. You can purchase extra time if you need it without running back to your car. 3. Carry Coins Carrying coins seem outdated, but they are useful when encountering one of those classic coin-operated parking meters. Keep your change, and put the coins in your glove box, where you can quickly grab a few to pay for parking when needed. 4. Display Your Meter Receipt and Check the Time Take your paid parking receipt and put it face-up on your dashboard so everyone can see you've paid for the parking spot. If you don't have a meter app, check the time limit, memorize it, and don't let it run out to avoid a fine. 5. Find Convenient Parking When driving around the city to any destination, finding a parking spot is the last thing you want to worry about. It's always good to know the best places to park your car. Find parking garages or lots around the areas in the city you most frequently visit and learn how much it costs. At least you’ll know your vehicle is safe, and you won't have to stress about parking meters running out. The best way to avoid parking fines is to stick to the rules, know the meaning of the signs and road markings, and pay for parking. If you get a fine, go to the Prince George's County website for all the information on parking violations, payment options, and disputes. We’re Your Trusted Kia Dealer in Maryland! Have more questions about driving tips or are you looking to buy a new car in Maryland? Get in contact with DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today. We are here for you with automotive advice and tips, as your source for new and used cars, and to keep your Kia in tip-top shape.
Defensive driving is a style of driving designed to keep you and your passengers safe by anticipating the actions of other drivers. You can only control your actions when driving, so these skills focus on how to react to others and prevent accidents. As your Kia dealer in Temple Hills, MD, we'd like to share some of these tips with you. Keep a Safe Distance Keeping a distance between you and the vehicle ahead is critical for safe driving, whether it’s driving at night or during the day. This is something that every driver learns when they're studying for their driver's license. If the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes, for example, you need enough time to be able to brake. Generally, a 3-second gap is the minimum safety distance between cars. more To practice this skill, focus on a fixed point ahead of you, then count the time between when the vehicle ahead of you passes the object and when you do. If it's 3 seconds, you're at a safe distance, and if it's less than 3 seconds you should slow down for safety. By keeping a safe minimum distance from other vehicles, you’ll help increase the chance of avoiding an accident. Never Assume As a driver, it's easy to fall into a trap of assuming that other drivers on the road will drive correctly and behave responsibly. Drivers are subject to numerous unrelated influences, any of which can distract them. It is also important to remember that not every driver will hold to the same level of safe driving you're employing. A driver may, for example, use their turning signals to indicate a turn to the right and then turn to the left. Another example is a driver who suddenly cuts across traffic to take a parking space they've just seen. Both of these actions are dangerous, and you wouldn't assume drivers would take them. When you're driving, be very cautious of other drivers' behavior. Be Observant Always scan the road ahead and limit possible distractions for yourself. Be sure to check your side and rearview mirrors frequently for any situation you need to be aware of. If you're focusing on your driving and the other drivers and pedestrians around you, you should be prepared for any driving eventuality. A pedestrian, for example, could step into the street unexpectedly and you need to react to that. It's easy to become distracted, especially if you're driving a route that you're familiar with. This can lead you to become more relaxed and reduce your reaction time. You want to be a safe driver, and it's essential to be aware of everything around you at all times. If you stay focused, you can keep yourself, your passengers, and your car safe and help to prevent accidents. Want a New Kia in Temple Hills, MD for Your Traveling? These are some examples of defensive skills that you can use each time you're behind the wheel. If you'd like to buy a new Kia or quality used car, come to DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills. We have an excellent range of new and used vehicles available for you.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.