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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 Carry Coins Carrying coins seem outdated, but they are useful when encountering one of those classic coin-operated parking meters.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.

There are many things to like about the 2021 Kia Sportage. You can find an excellent exterior design, as well as a well-built, comfortable interior, with exhilarating amenities. Here are 7 of its exciting features that we can’t wait for you to explore! 1. Solid Engine A naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque come standard with the Sportage LX, EX, and S trims. An automatic six-speed transmission delivers that power to the wheels in all trims. The SX Turbo trim boasts a turbocharged 240-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is standard, but an all-wheel-drive option is available for the SX trim. more 2. Superior Performance This Sportage is a quiet, comfortable, and maneuverable commuter. It delivers a great driving and handling experience with responsive steering, a suspension that is excellent through corners, and a transmission that stays out of the way. To handle different terrains better, a trio of drive-modes are available: Sport, Eco, and Normal. All modes can be activated with the push of a button. 3. Stylish Interior The interior styling is functional and straightforward, with a well-executed cabin that’s filled with a pleasing mix of quality materials. The seating position is upright for an exceptional view of the road while the center stark tilts slightly to provide a sense of ergonomic care to the driver. The SX Turbo trim comes with leather-trimmed seats and heated front seats. 4. Comfortable Passenger Space The 2021 Kia Sportage seats up to five people in two rows. Both rows are spacious enough for adult passengers and offer comfortable and supportive seats. The EX and SX Turbo have 10-way power-adjustable seats with two-way lumbar support, while the LX and S models come with a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat. Without the sunroof, there are 39.3-inches of headroom in the front and 39.1-inches in the rear. The legroom is 41.5-inches in the front and 38.2-inches at the back. 5. Adequate Cargo Space The new Sportage offers 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. For additional room, its 60/40 split-folding rear seats fold down to create an impressive 60.1 cubic feet. It also provides a dual-height cargo floor whose raised position allows for a flat surface when the back seats fold down. 6. Top-Notch Infotainment An 8-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver makes it easy to use the UVO infotainment system. The screen has crisp graphics and offers quick response rates. Most functions have physical controls that are easy to use. The system also features Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Optional features include: Voice recognition Satellite radio An eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system Wireless device charging Dual-zone automatic climate control 7. Driver Assistance This Sportage is one of the safest vehicles in its category. Standard features include lane keep assist and forward collision warning. Blind-spot assistance and rear cross-traffic alert are optional. Want More Information About the 2021 Kia Sportage? Thanks to its reliability and features, the 2021 Sportage ranks among the top in the compact SUV class. Are you eager to get more details about features and specs of the 2021 Kia Sportage? Visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills and ask us about test driving this vehicle.