As summer approaches full swing, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. The heat from the sun coupled with the greenhouse effect which occurs in your vehicle can cause all kinds of havoc. There are, however, measures you can take to prevent harm to your car. Here’s a quick guide to keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape all summer long.
Make Sure Your Vehicle is Summer Ready
It doesn’t need to be stated that temperatures your car reaches in the summer are far higher than those achieved in the winter. While this applies to the cabin, it also needs to be considered for the components under the hood. Take steps to make sure your car is mechanically sound before summer’s heat arrives.
Give a quick, but thorough inspection to belts and hoses, paying extra attention to hoses which transport flammable liquid such as gasoline or oil. While you’re under the hood look for any debris that may have gotten trapped in the engine compartment. Do this seasonally to help keep your car in great working order.
Planning an event can be one of the most stressful things you experience in life. There are tight deadlines to plan around from multiple vendors, down payments, and it all needs to be arranged so that you are able to secure a venue for a certain date. Then, those other vendors need to be available as well. This first thing you’ll need to do is select a venue for your next event. The venue is the center of the arrangement, and this guide to the best venues in Pittsburg will help your next event go off without a hitch.
The August Wilson Center
If you’re hosting a large event or get together, the August Wilson Center is hard to beat. From an architectural standpoint, the venue cannot be topped. It features multiple event areas as well as a grand meeting hall with a capacity of 472. The smaller rooms are more customizable.
If you plan on booking the venue, plan on submitting applications at least 45 days in advance. This is the venue’s stated minimum, but the earlier the better. If you have a nonprofit organization, you will be able to access steep discounts in the booking rates, which is an added bonus for those who meet the parameters. Read the rest of this entry »
Exciting Features of the 2020 Kia Sportage
The 2020 Kia Sportage is back and better than ever. It is full of amazing features, inside and out, that the whole family will love. Here are just a few of those features you should know about.
Unforgettable Entrance
The exterior design of the 2020 Kia Sportage offers a fantastic view from every angle. The chrome window surround and a rear spoiler create a sleek look to enhance the modern design. It also features adjustable power mirrors with optional heat and power-adjustable fold-in feature with LED turn signals. The optional smart power liftgate with programmable customization and panoramic sunroof make this a convenient choice in a bold design.
The front-end of your vehicle endures a great deal of abuse when traveling down roadways. Regardless of how carefully you drive, kicked-up pebbles, flying bugs, and road debris create a real risk of damaging your vehicle’s hood and grill. Learn what a car bra is and if it is something you should be using on your car or truck below.
What is a Car Bra?
Also referred to as a bonnet, car bras are removable covers used to protect the hood and grille of your vehicle. They are made from a material that will not damage or scratch your vehicle’s paint job while blocking dings that occasionally happen from small debris along roads as well as bothersome bug splatters. Since car bras are removable, they do not interfere with washing the car or gaining access to the engine if needed.
5 Innovative Features of the Kia Soul 2020
The 2020 Kia Soul is packed full of new and fun features that drivers are going to love. Whether you want a vehicle for yourself or for a new teen driver, the additions that Kia implemented into the Soul are sure to impress. Check out these five innovative features of the Kia Soul 2020.
Entertainment System
The new and improved entertainment system contained in the compact 2020 Kia Soul is what music lover’s dreams are made of. The 7-inch touchscreen display allows you to change music with the quick stroke of a finger. The integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows you to stay connected easily. The six-speaker audio system will make your favorite songs sound wonderful, regardless of the volume you prefer. Bluetooth wireless technology keeps you connected to friends and family with the simple click of a button.
Tips For Getting Your Vehicle Winter Ready

October is Car Care Month, and that means it’s time to think about getting your vehicle ready for the Winter months. You know the struggles – avoiding black ice, clearing the snow off your vehicle, and waiting for your vehicle to warm up. Follow these maintenance tips so you have one less thing to worry about when driving on those snow-covered roads.
Check/Change your wipers
Most wiper blades are only good for six months to a year, so if your windshield is getting streaky when it rains, now is the time to replace them. There are already plenty of risks during the winter months, and adding reduced visibility will only make it worse. While you’re checking the wear of your current wipers, it’s a good idea to top off your wiper fluid to keep your windshield clear of salt and precipitation.
Check your battery
During the cold weather, your battery slows down, causing your engine to require more current from your battery to the starter. To avoid battery related car troubles this winter, check your battery terminals and wires for rust, cracks, and proper connections and have your battery tested to make sure it’s properly charged and has enough power to handle the winter.
Tire Pressure
The cold weather can cause your tires to drop in pressure about 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit that the temperature drops. When your tires have low air, it can affect the way our vehicle handles, increases the chances of a blown tire and decrease your fuel efficiency. So make sure they’re properly inflated! You can check what the proper PSI for your vehicle’s tires by looking at the sticker on the inside of the driver door.
Tire tread & type
Winter roads can be tricky between the snow, ice, and cold weather. This means that not only are your tires taking a beating, but they’re also playing an extra important role in keeping you safe. Tire tread is what allows you to grip and not slide. Not only do you want to check the tread depth, but you also want to consider the type of tire you are using. Consider snow tires for passenger vehicles or all-terrain tires for trucks during winter.
Have an emergency kit in your car
Dealing with a flat tire, fender bender, or your car breaking down is stressful enough without adding the cold weather to the mix. Keep these items in your car to make these situations less stressful in case they do occur: jumper cables, water, warm blanket, first-aid kit, jack & tire iron, road flares or reflective triangle, flashlight, extra food, and some kitty litter or sand for traction in case you get stuck somewhere.
Wintertime can be a beautiful and magical time of the year. Freshly fallen snow, warm nights by the fire, building a snowman, hot cocoa, and the holidays all make it a time to look forward to! Keeping up on the maintenance of your vehicle and preparing for the season ahead will ensure that you focus on those wonderful things without having unnecessary vehicle stresses. Stop into your local Jim Shorkey Dealership to schedule a time for those checkups!


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.