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Red traffic light in a busy city center

Intersection crashes are among the most dangerous traffic incidents, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. To raise awareness and encourage safe driving, National Stop on Red Week is observed every year during the first week of August. This initiative serves as a vital reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic signals and underscores the devastating consequences of running red lights.

The History and Importance of Stop on Red Week

Established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) in 1995, National Stop on Red Week was created to educate the public about the severity of traffic collisions and the critical role traffic signals play in preventing accidents. The first stop sign appeared in Detroit in 1915, and by the late 1920s, the red background and octagon shape were standardized to reduce confusion and ensure clear communication to drivers.

The statistics are striking: in 2016, 808 people were killed, and 137,000 were injured due to red-light running. Between 2008 and 2021, an estimated 11,296 lives were lost in crashes related to running red lights. These figures highlight the urgent need for initiatives like Stop on Red Week to remind drivers of their duty to obey traffic signals.

Why Stop on Red Week is Crucial

Traffic signals are essential control mechanisms that keep intersections safe. Stop on Red Week focuses on the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of following traffic signals to prevent accidents and save lives. Disregarding red lights and stop signs can lead to catastrophic collisions, underscoring the need for controlled speed and direction at intersections to ensure road safety. While most drivers understand basic traffic laws, their significance can sometimes be overlooked, making Stop on Red Week a crucial opportunity to reinforce why these rules are vital and their life-saving impact.

Advanced Car Safety Features

Modern technology has introduced a variety of advanced safety features designed to prevent accidents, especially at intersections. Here are some of the most effective features related to automatic emergency braking:

  • Blind Spot Detection: Alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, helping prevent side-impact collisions.
  • Forward Collision Warning: Monitors the road ahead and warns drivers of potential collisions, providing time to react.
  • Brake Assist: Enhances braking power during emergency stops, reducing stopping distances.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, now a standard feature in many new vehicles.
  • Lane Keeping Assist: Helps drivers stay in their lane by providing corrective steering when needed.

These features work together to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents caused by human error.

Be Safe This August with New Safety Features

National Stop on Red Week is a critical campaign that highlights the importance of obeying traffic signals and the dangers of reckless driving. This week-long initiative aims to reduce intersection-related accidents and save lives by promoting safe driving habits, increasing public awareness, and encouraging the use of advanced vehicle safety features.

At Casa Kia, we are proud to offer Kia cars equipped with some of the best safety features on the market. Regardless of the type of vehicle you currently own or are considering, our cars come with Forward Collision Warning and Highway Driving Assist optional in most new models. Trade in your outdated car today and upgrade to enhance your safety on the road this Stop on Red Week!

A blue EV9 GT driving through a wooded road

While some argue that the demand for electric cars has decreased, Kia is defying expectations by setting new records for EV sales both in the United States and globally, achieving its second-best first-half sales ever. Tesla no longer monopolizes the EV market, especially with US sanctions impacting Chinese electric vehicles. Kia’s prospects in the electric vehicle sector appear promising.

Kia’s US Electric Vehicle Market Triumph

Kia has made EVs affordable for the average American consumer, beating out Tesla who reigned supreme for a long time. The EV3 is expected to launch at a base of $30,000. Not only is this price competitive with some of the electric vehicles currently on the market, but also against many combustion engine vehicles currently on the road.

With the removal of Chinese competition due to US sanctions, Kia is primed to dominate the American EV field. In just the first half of 2024, Kia America records historic sales. With 5,000 all-electric vehicles sold for the third consecutive month and 29,392 EVs in the year’s first half, the company’s electric line has grown by 112%.

Kia’s Electrified Vehicle Highlights

Which vehicles can Kia attribute to its success? The Kia Carnival has made the biggest impression, with an 18% increase in sales and the Kia Sportage is right behind at 11%. Kia also has several upcoming vehicles that have fans excited. While not confirmed, the recently announced  2025 Kia Seltos could have an electrified option due to Kia’s commitment to sell 1.6 million EVs by 2030 and to introduce 15 new electric models.

Additionally, the much-expected Kia EV3 had over 10,000 reservations in the first 23 days since orders opened. With its 347 estimated miles, the EV3 will be one of the electric vehicles with the longest electrical range currently offered in the US market. The $35,000 expected price point will also make this EV affordable to the public, solidifying Kia’s hold on the market.

Go Electric Today with Kia’s All-Electric Fleet

While there’s much to look forward to, Kia has several great electric options. The 2024 Kia EV6 has an EPA-estimated 310-mile range of all-electric driving. If an SUV is more your style, the 2024 Kia EV9 may have a higher price tag, but it has a comparable amount of range with many features perfect for those who crave adventure, including a 5,000 lb. towing capacity.

Not ready to commit yet? The 2024 Sorento Hybrid offers double the range with the combined power of electric and gas that’s perfect for any driver.

Casa Kia is ready to help you break into the electric revolution! Visit our dealership today to test drive one of our many new EV and Hybrid vehicles, to service your current car, or to trade in your current vehicle for something electric and efficient! Our team is eager to help you find the electrified car that’s right for you!  

kia EV3 electric vehicle base in light green

In the realm of electric vehicles, Kia has been making waves, and their latest innovation, the high-speed charging Kia EV3, continues this trend.

External Specifications of the EV3

Positioned neatly between a subcompact and compact SUV, the Kia EV3 embodies the essence of a crossover, boasting a plethora of features within its compact frame. This front-wheel-drive SUV accommodates five passengers across four doors, propelled by a 201 hp motor and an 81.4 kWh fast-charging battery, delivering an impressive estimated range of 300 all-electric miles. With a swift acceleration capability of 0-62 mph in approximately 8 seconds, this vehicle promises both power and agility on the road. Notably, the EV3 introduces Kia’s pioneering iPedal 3.0 technology, allowing drivers to customize the regenerative braking aggressiveness for seamless one-pedal driving experiences.

Sustainably Stylish Interior

A boxy exterior can only mean one thing: plenty of space inside. The Kia EV3’s cabin allows you the freedom to spread out despite the raised floor height. On the dash, a 30-inch driver information cluster and infotainment screen show you everything from climate and volume controls to speed and mileage, all powered by the same ccNC operating system and an AI voice assistant. The vehicle will also have electric capabilities outside of driving like powering small appliances – which will be useful on adventures.

The EV3 also takes eco-friendliness and sustainability to the next level through a sugar-cane-based dashboard, recycled polyester (polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the carpet and headliners, and exterior panels made from recycled Kia parts!

How to Get the New Kia EV3

Unfortunately, there’s a bit of waiting to be done before one of the most unique small EV SUVs hits the US market. The EV3 will first be introduced in Korea in July of 2024 but will have sales expanded into the North American and European markets later. It’s estimated that we will see EV3s hit the market in early 2026, though orders are anticipated to be available sooner. At an estimated base price point of $35,000, it’s no surprise that the EV3 is highly anticipated.

Year after year, Kia continues to knock it out of the park in the EV market. While everyone waits patiently for the EV3, start your electric journey by joining the Kia EV family at Casa Kia. We have a variety of new and pre-owned Kia Electric Vehicles to fit your needs before you add the EV3 to your fleet. Visit us today for service, specials, test drives, financing, and more!

The summer’s blistering heat is nearly upon us, as we prepare for temperatures in El Paso to hit their yearly pinnacle. June is actually our region’s hottest month, with an average temperature of a scorching 96 degrees. As such, it’s time to make the necessary preparations to ensure your vehicle can beat the heat.

Witnessing your engine overheat can be quite unnerving, with the potential consequences equally distressing. Severe damage could be inflicted on your car by an overheated engine. Or it can suddenly leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere amidst triple-digit temperatures. Today, let Casa Kia guide you through the tell-tale signs of overheating and the measures you should follow if your engine does overheat.

Identify the Warning Signals

Your engine usually communicates the need for maintenance by making atypical noises, or through dashboard icons. In a similar fashion, it attempts to gain your attention when it starts to overheat. Four signs that your engine is on the brink of overheating include:

  1. Steam resembling smoke seeping out from under the hood.
  2. An unusually sweet smell emanating from the engine.
  3. The engine temperature gauge needle moving rapidly towards the red.
  4. The “Check Engine” light or a similar indicator flashing.

Steps to Follow if Your Engine Overheats

1. Deactivate the Air Conditioner and Ramp Up the Heat

Though it sounds extremely contradictory, turning off the AC and cranking the heat is the first thing you should do once you suspect your engine is overheating. Turning off the air conditioner eases the pressure on the engine, while augmenting the heat in the cabin diverts heat away from the engine.

2. Keep Calm, Locate a Safe Spot to Pull Over, & Shut Off the Engine

During such an unsettling situation, the most crucial thing to remember is to remain calm. Your brand-new Kia Carnival MPV is not about to imminently explode; succumbing to panic increases your chances of making a mistake, which could lead to irrevocable damage. Simply continue driving at a reduced speed until you locate a safe spot to pull over. Once parked, switch off the engine and check the temperature gauge, which should begin returning to normal as the engine cools down.

3. Formulate Your Route to the Garage

This scenario underscores the importance of charging your phone ahead of embarking on any journey. You’ll need to call a friend or a service to get your vehicle to a garage – ideally to our comprehensive Service Center, if you’re still in the El Paso area. Contact your chosen roadside assistance provider and arrange your vehicle to be towed, if necessary. If your engine has calmed enough and you believe you can make it to the closest mechanic unassisted, cautiously start the engine and proceed to drive. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If it begins climbing again, pull over and let the system cool down again.

Treat Your Engine to the Care of Casa Kia

Although you are now equipped with the essential information to manage these unpredictable scenarios, the mystery persists as to what triggered the overheating. Numerous reasons could have led your vehicle to overheat; a leak in the coolant system, a faulty water pump, or a low engine oil level could all be probable suspects.

To ensure your engine’s health moving forward, schedule your service appointment at Casa Kia. From ordering hard-to-find Kia parts to routine oil changes, our service professionals will tend to any need your vehicle has. It may be about to get sweltering outside; ensure that your Kia keeps its cool all summer long when you take it to Casa Kia.

May has arrived, meaning tassels are waiting to be turned and caps are about to get tossed. Whether your loved one is completing high school or college, graduation is a time for emotional farewells and invigorating new chapters alike. But to get to where they want to be next, the graduate in your life needs a dependable vehicle. 

If you’re looking to gift your graduate with a new car or SUV, there are several important factors to consider, including: fuel economy, storage space, technology features, and – most importantly – safety. Whether they’re leaving for college or setting off for post-graduate adventures, you’ll want to do everything in your power to prepare them for what lies ahead. 

Fortunately, we have suggestions. These two Kelly Blue Book-approved Kias will provide you with the peace of mind you need right now – without breaking the bank. You’ll find them in stock at Casa Kia: your headquarters for new graduates. 

The 2024 Kia Seltos 

Whether your graduate recently received their degree from UTEP or it preparing for their first taste of campus life, the 2024 Kia Seltos will keep you connected. Bluetooth with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all supported. It’s also surprisingly spacious for a subcompact SUV, with class-leading cargo space and a large second row that will surely endear your graduate to classmates who need a lift. 

Safety is undoubtedly is your primary concern, and the Seltos is the answer to your prayers. An IIHS Top Safety Pick, every version of the 2024 Kia Seltos offers a full suite of ultramodern safety features, including: 

  • Forward collision warning with emergency braking 
  • Driver attention warning 
  • Lane-departure warning 
  • Lane keeping assist 
  • Lane centering 
  • High-beam assist 
  • Blind-spot monitoring & rear cross-traffic alert (available with S Grade) 

The 2024 Kia Soul 

Always a solid choice for the budget-conscious shopper, the 2024 Kia Soul is a boxier, more affordable alternative to the Seltos. Despite its compact, toaster-conjuring design, the Soul provides an abundance of interior space. It even has a slight edge on the Seltos when it comes to fuel economy, delivering up to 31 miles per gallon in combined driving (35 on the highway).

Connectivity features are the same as the Seltos, minus Bluetooth voice recognition. Its list of safety features is extremely comprehensive despite its lower price tag, and includes forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. By adding the LX Technology Package, you also gain access to lane-departure warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, automatic high beams, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance (all standard with the S Grade). 

Send Them Off in Style 

Change your tassels. Frame your diploma. Get that terrible Vitamin C song out of your system. Then, begin your post-graduate car buying experience at Casa Kia. 

If you’re looking for a new or pre-owned Kia for your graduate, you’ve come to the right place. We won’t let them drive off in any vehicle unless it exceeds your safety standards. Sleep easier knowing your son or daughter is driving a tried-and-true vehicle by visiting El Paso’s number one dealership for safety and security, Casa Kia.

April is National Car Care Month, and we know what you’re probably thinking: why? It can be easy to forget, but outside of the El Paso area, most of the country has to trudge through long, cumbersome winters. Thus, April has become the designated time to recoup after the winter, handling any maintenance issues that may have gone ignored and making sure your vehicle is set for the rainy season ahead.

Although we don’t have to deal with as many elemental nuisances as car owners in the north and northeast, the stormy summer months are still right around the corner. That makes April the ideal month to inspect each component of your car, ensuring it’s in top shape for the year ahead. For your convenience, Casa Kia has prepared a list of maintenance tips you should adhere to as April winds to a close. 

1. Check and/or Replace Your Tires 

Our tires thankfully don’t get affected by winter weather, where each 10-degree drop can cause their air pressure to lose a full PSI. Nevertheless, checking the state of your tires is an appropriate way to kick off National Car Care Month. You should get your tires aligned at least once a year – which the trained technicians at our Service Center can handle for you.  Check your air pressure to make sure your tires are at their optimal PSI, as indicated by the sticker inside your driver’s door. Lastly, check the wear on your treads; if they’re showing significant wear or damage, we’ll help you find a perfect set of new tires for your vehicle. 

2. Check Your Brakes 

You should check your tires so you can get where you want to be. Conversely, inspect your brakes to prevent winding up where you don’t want to be. If you hear any squealing, squeaking, or other irregular noises emanating from your brakes, it’s time to schedule your service immediately. Squealing brakes are most likely a sign that your brake pads are thinning. Your brakes’ rotors, linings, and drums should all be thoroughly inspected. An ideal time to do this is during every oil change. Speaking of… 

3. Get Your Oil Changed 

It used to be that every 3,000 miles was the standard checkpoint to change your oil. Thanks to modern lubricants, that number has shifted to intervals of 5,000-7,500 miles. (That number can climb significantly higher if your car’s engine requires full-synthetic oil.) Although it’s convenient to have to change our oil less frequently, it also makes us more susceptible to forgetting about it altogether. To ensure it doesn’t slip your mind, make April your regular time of year for a standard oil change. 

4. Refill All Other Fluids 

Your car is thirsty by nature, and it takes more than motor oil to quench it. Check your brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid, refilling them to their recommended levels. As the heat intensifies this summer and storms develop, these various fluids will be instrumental to both your car’s health and your personal safety. 

5. Clean Your Car 

It’s spring-cleaning season – an exercise that shouldn’t be limited to your home. Give your car a thorough wash to relieve it from all this dry air. If you take it to one of our local car washes – such as El Paso’s Splash N’ Dash – be sure to take advantage of any available vacuums, cleaning out all the dirt and debris that might have accumulated over the past few months. 

Take Care of Your Spring Maintenance at Casa Kia

If this spring checklist seems daunting, don’t fear; you don’t have to tackle everything yourself. At Casa Kia, our expert service technicians are here to handle all your spring maintenance needs. From tire rotations to parts replacement, we’ll handle all the maintenance your vehicle requires in one convenient stop. Celebrate National Car Care Month the right way by taking your vehicle to Casa Kia: El Paso’s number one Kia dealership.

Last week, the World Car Awards ceremony took place at the New York Auto Show. The Kia EV9 entered the event as an awards-season darling, and it emerged victorious – not once, but twice.

The EV9 took home a pair of prestigious titles: World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. Reasserting Kia’s consistent dominance at the World Car Awards, the awards marked the company’s fourth and fifth wins at the event since 2020. While the EV9 was practically a shoe-in to claim the EV-centric honors – considering it’s quickly become the gold standard for all-electric capability – the win for World Car of the Year is a testament to how well-rounded the full EV9 experience is.

And the Award Goes To…

The World Car Awards were established in 2003. Over the ensuing decades, they’ve become globally recognized as a premier standard for automotive excellence and leadership within a constantly transforming industry. And it’s not a small sample size of voters determining the winners; the jury is made up of over 100 distinguished automotive journalists, representing 29 countries. This year, auto enthusiasts around the world expressed mutual adoration for the Kia EV9.

The EV9’s dual victory is a rarity; think the Best International Feature Film also taking home Best Picture at the Academy Awards. (Fun movie trivia: 2020’s Parasite was the first and only film to accomplish this.) But they’re hardly the only global awards that Kia’s all-electric SUV has taken home in recent months; the EV9 also claimed the title of Best Family Vehicle at the Golden Steering Wheel Awards in Berlin, and it racked up another pair of wins at the 2023 Newsweek Autos Awards.

Redefining the Electric Experience

What differentiates the 2024 EV9 from past Kia EVs to propel it to such heights? For starters, it marks Kia’s first dedicated three-row SUV, yet still retains superior power and performance specs. The EV9’s resume includes 379 hp, 516 lb.-ft. of torque, and a towing capacity of over 5,000 lbs. When you need to haul cargo up Route 10 towards Las Cruces, this unassuming electric SUV will get the job done as effectively as any heavy-duty pickup.

With exceptional range and ever-expanding charging options, the EV9 confidently dismisses modern EV concerns. Its innovative charging system allows for ultra-fast, 350kW DC fast charging, capable of raising your charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes. EV9 drivers also have access to a charging network that includes over 41,000 charging stations across the country. And with an EPA-estimated range of over 300 miles, your chances of hitting 0% mid-trip are slimmer than ever before.

A World-Class Interior

The Kia EV9 offers an unparalleled level of luxury compared to rival all-electric SUVs. Occupants of the interior’s first two rows enjoy heated lounge seats that offer power leg rests and power extendable footrests. Third row passengers have access to USB-C charging ports and an abundance of shoulder and hip room. Overall, the EV9 stands apart from the competition when it comes to freedom of movement and cargo space.

Meanwhile, the EV9’s Digital Cockpit features over two feet of combined digital instrumentation. Its infotainment system performs automatic vehicle software updates, keeping you up-to-date on the latest tech. The EV9’s long list of driver-friendly features includes:

  • Surround View Monitoring
  • Full Display Mirror
  • Head-Up Display
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist 2

Join the EV Community Today

Casa Kia is El Paso’s home for the latest in electric and hybrid vehicles. In addition to the EV9, you can check out the dynamic, all-electric Kia EV6 crossover. Or, if you’re wading into the electric space for the first time, explore the versatility of hybrid power with the Kia Sorento Hybrid. Whatever your preference, our extensive inventory is overflowing with the latest in new and pre-owned Kia vehicles.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect opportunity to switch to electric, look no further than the EV9. It’s the rare EV where the total package is so complete, the powertrain becomes almost an afterthought. Schedule your test drive at Casa Kia today and discover why the EV9’s dual win at the World Car Awards isn’t just a feather in Kia’s cap – it’s the start of an exciting new chapter.

There are a plethora of components that ensure the smooth and easy function of your vehicle. That said, your transmission deserves a place near the top of the list. At Casa KIA we’re home to a KIA maintenance team that understands the ins and outs of transmissions and why regular upkeep is so important.

Wheels, cooling systems, and drivetrains all pale in comparison to the transmission. Your transmission provides power to your wheels and delivers all of your vehicle’s thrust and momentum. That said, the transmission of a car can be easily overlooked. Unlike motor oil, tires, or coolant, transmission maintenance doesn’t require checkups every few months, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important.

But what is your transmission used for? Well, your transmission is the intricate component responsible for changing gears in your engine and transferring the power provided by your engine to the wheels. Without your transmission, your vehicle wouldn’t function at all, which is why it can be so expensive to repair. That said, you can prolong the life of your transmission through some well-timed regular maintenance.

There are a wide range of different transmission types including CVTs (continuously variable transmissions), manual, and automatic just to name a few. Each come with their unique forms of maintenance, but in most cases, auto experts recommend that you have your transmission, and the lubricant that courses through it, checked every 30,000-50,000 miles. Keeping up with this expert standard can help you avoid serious mechanical issues, and ensure the long-term health of your vehicle.

All that said, you should never take on transmission maintenance alone. When you visit our El Paso, TX KIA dealership our skilled crew of technical professionals will keep every component running at its optimum. From new cars to smart maintenance, we do it all at Casa KIA.

If you take at a glance at any automaker’s showroom you might think that the full-sized SUV is disappearing. That said, KIA makes a point of remaining true to the classics with the new KIA Telluride . Unapologetically large, and all about utility, the team at Casa KIA of El Paso, TX is excited about the newest version of this impressive SUV.

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When you visit Casa KIA you’ll find a wide array of KIA cars with unique drivetrains. Many of our customers from El Paso, TX and beyond have questions about their drivetrain options. Being informed about different drivetrain features is critically important, as your drivetrain choices can define the very nature of your vehicle.

If you’ve ever wondered why one vehicle can take on the rough and tumble terrain of off-roading with simple ease, and while another vehicle may struggle to even cover ground in a little bit of dirt, the answer is the drivetrain. While the drivetrain isn’t the only factor that decides whether a vehicle is ready for some rugged adventuring or not, it can play a massive role in what kind of ground you can cover, and how easily you can cover it.

There are a variety of drivetrain types out there, and they fit into four-different categories all-wheel-drive (AWD), front-wheel-drive (FWD), rear-wheel-drive (RWD), and four-wheel-drive (4WD). As you may already suspect, your drivetrain is the system of components and parts that are responsible for transferring power from the transmission to the wheels, propelling the vehicle forward. The components involved in this networked system include the driveshaft, CV joints, the differentials, the axle-shafts, and the U-joints.

Unfortunately, not all drivetrains are created equal. Front-wheel and rear-wheel drivetrains both only provide power to two wheels. While this isn’t a huge deal for vehicles restricted only to the streets, two-wheel drivetrains will struggle on rough terrain or when road conditions are poor. Alternatively, four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive drivetrains provide power to all four wheels, as a result, you can enjoy superior traction and handling.

No matter what drivetrain your car comes with, our KIA parts team at Casa KIA is here to answer any questions you may have about its capabilities. From car buying to our top-notch customer service, we’ll always take that extra step to ensure you leave our dealership satisfied.