Key Takeaways:

1. Leasing lets you drive the latest models for less money upfront than if you were to finance the vehicle.
2. When financing a car, you take out a loan to pay for the vehicle.
3. If you like to keep your leased car, you have the option to buy it at the end of the lease.
4. Both options are practical & doable if you make the payments on time.

If you plan to trade in your old car for a shiny new Kia, you’re making a great decision, and Kia has a great selection of vehicles to choose from. Since cars are getting expensive, deciding how to pay for them wisely is critical.

Both options have advantages and disadvantages; how do you know which is right for you? 

Leasing can be suitable if you want lower monthly payments and don’t mind giving up the vehicle ownership at the end of the lease term. However, you must be careful of mileage limits and wear-and-tear fees.

Financing can be a good option if you want to own the car outright and don’t mind higher monthly payments. However, you must be prepared for a larger down payment and higher interest rates.

Ultimately, your best option will depend on your specific needs and financial situation.

Read this blog post by Auffenberg Kia of Cape Girardeau to learn more about leasing vs. financing and find out which option is best for acquiring your dream Kia.

Car Financing: What You Need to Know

This is the most common method of car ownership. Financing a car involves taking a loan from a lender to pay for the vehicle. You’ll make monthly payments until the loan is paid, at which point the vehicle will be yours.

The primary benefit of financing an automobile is that you’ll eventually own it. Once the loan is paid off, you won’t have any more monthly payments to make (unless you choose to refinance the loan). And if you decide to sell the car, you’ll keep all the sales profits.

Reasons for Financing a Car!

You Can Build Equity:

One of the primary benefits of financing your vehicle is that you build equity in it. Equity is the portion of the car’s value that you own.

You May Get a Lower Interest Rate:

If you’ve good credit, you may be able to get a lower interest rate when you finance a car. A lower interest rate implies you’ll pay less in interest over the life of the loan, which can save you money.

You May Qualify for Incentives:

When you finance a car, you may qualify for certain incentives that are unavailable if you lease. For example, many automakers offer financing deals with low-interest rates or cash-back offers. These deals can save you money and make financing a more attractive option.

You Have More Vehicle Options:

You have more vehicle options when you finance a car than when you lease. This is because you can buy any car you want, regardless of whether it’s offered for lease.

You Can Sell the Car When the Loan is Paid Off:

When you finance a car, you own it. So, when you’re done with the automobile, you can sell it and get some of your money back. If you lease a car, you’ll have to turn it in at the end of the lease and will not be able to sell it.

Car Leasing: What You Need to Know

Leasing is like renting a car for a set period, typically two to four years. Like with financing, you’ll make monthly payments on the car, but with a lease, you’re only paying for the portion of the automobile’s value you use during your lease term.

Giving you an example may help clarify this concept.

Let’s say you want to lease a car valued at $20,000 and lease it for three years. This entails that you would only be paying for the portion of the car’s value that you used during those three years. So, if the car depreciates by $5,000 for those three years, you would only be paying for $15,000 worth of the car.

Reasons for Choosing this Option!

You Can Get a Brand-New Car Every Few Years

When you lease a car, you’re only paying for the portion of the car’s value that you use during the lease term. Once your lease is up, you may turn in the car and get a new one. This is perfect for people who like to have the latest car every few years.

You Don’t Have to Stress About Repairs or Maintenance

You’re only responsible for routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations when you lease a car. If anything significant goes wrong with your car, it’s covered by the warranty. This can save you a lot of money in repairs over the life of the lease.

You Can Get into A Nicer Ride Than You Could Afford to Buy

Leasing a car allows you to get into a nicer car than you could otherwise afford. This is because you’re only paying for the portion of the car’s value that you use during the lease. You’re not responsible for the car’s entire value like you would be if you bought it.

You Can Avoid a Down Payment

You generally don’t have to make a down payment when you lease a car. This can be helpful if you don’t have a lot of cash on hand.

You Have the Option to Buy the Car at The End of The Lease

If you decide that you love the car you’re leasing; you have the option to buy it at the end of the lease. This is called a purchase option. Remember that you may have to pay a fee to exercise this option.

Also Read: Financing a New Car in Cape Girardeau

Looking For a Ride in Tamms, IL? We Can Help!

Auffenberg Kia of Cape Girardeau offers our customers a wide range of car finance options in Tamms, IL. We understand that not everyone is looking to purchase a vehicle outright. That’s why we offer financing opportunities on all of our pre-owned vehicles. Schedule a test drive with us today!

Key Takeaways:

• Coolant and antifreeze keep the engine running at a consistent temperature by absorbing heat.
• Antifreeze, if used more than required, can damage an engine. It is important to use a corrosion-resistant coolant to protect your engine from rust and other damage.
• Different colors of engine coolant indicate the different chemical compositions of the fluid.
• Most engines require a 50:50 mix of antifreeze and water to run properly.

Kia engines use various cooling fluids, each with its specific function. Antifreeze and coolant are the most common radiator fluids that help keep the engine’s temperature stable.

The terms “antifreeze” and “engine coolant” are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. Antifreeze is a chemical additive that lowers the freezing point of water. On the other hand, engine coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze.

In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the difference between antifreeze and engine coolant and how Kia cars use each one.

The Difference Between Antifreeze and Engine Coolant

While antifreeze and coolant are used to cool the engine, they work differently. Antifreeze is a glycol-based fluid that circulates through the radiator to keep the engine from overheating. On the other hand, engine coolant is a water-based fluid that circulates through the engine itself to absorb heat.

While both fluids are essential for cooling the engine, they serve different purposes and should be used in the correct ratios. It’s crucial to use the right fluid for each system to prevent damage to the engine.

Does the Color Matter?

Different colors of engine coolant indicate the different chemical compositions of the fluid. It doesn’t matter what color antifreeze you use if it is the right type for your car. The wrong kind of coolant can result in corrosion and scale build-up, damaging the engine.

Do not mix different types of coolant, as this can decrease the performance of the corrosion inhibitor. If you need to top off your coolant, make sure to use the same type that is already in the system.

How Are Kia Coolants Different?

Kia coolants have been tested to ensure compatibility with all the materials used in your engine. They are based on propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. This helps to reduce the risk of corrosion and doesn’t have the sweet smell that attracts animals, so it’s less likely to be ingested by pets or wildlife.

You should use only Kia-branded coolant in Kia vehicles. This is because Kia’s coolant has been designed specifically for Kia engines and contains a corrosion inhibitor that helps protect the engine.

However, if you cannot find a Kia-branded coolant, you can use another type of ethylene glycol-based coolant as long as it meets ASTM D3306 and D4985 standards and is compatible with Kia’s cooling system.

Antifreeze & Coolant: Which One Should I Use?

Antifreeze is a glycol-based fluid that prevents the engine from overheating by circulating through the radiator. It is important to use antifreeze to keep the engine from freezing in cold weather and boiling over in hot weather.

Engine coolant is a water-based fluid that circulates through the engine itself to absorb heat. It is important to use engine coolant to keep the engine from overheating.

The answer to this question depends on the climate you live in. If you live in a cold climate, it is important to use antifreeze to keep the engine from freezing. If you live in a hot climate, it is important to use engine coolant to keep the engine from boiling.

How Often Should I Check the Level of Coolant in My Car?

You should check the level of coolant/antifreeze in your engine regularly to ensure it is at the correct level. The frequency with which you should check the fluid depends on the fluid type and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most coolants will need to be changed every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

What Are the Signs That I Need to Change My Coolant/Antifreeze?

These signs indicate that your radiator is failing, and it is time to change your coolant/antifreeze:

• The coolant/antifreeze is dirty or rusty
• The coolant/antifreeze level is low
• The engine is overheating

Consult a professional mechanic if you’re unsure whether to change your coolant/antifreeze.

What’s the Correct Ratio?

If you live in an area with cold winters & hot summers, it’s best to use a 50:50 mix of antifreeze and water in your engine coolant. This will help to prevent the coolant from freezing and causing damage to the engine.

For extreme weather, you can slightly change the ratio of antifreeze as the temperature drops. For harsh winter, you can use 60 – 70 percent antifreeze in water to make the perfect combination of coolant.

Can I Use Water Instead of Coolant?

You can add water to your car coolant, but it’s not advisable to add too much water. Water will evaporate more quickly than the coolant, and it won’t be able to protect the engine from corrosion as effectively.

It’s also worth noting that most modern engines are designed to run on a 50:50 mix of antifreeze and water. So, if you need to top up your coolant, use a 50:50 mixture of antifreeze and water.

Conclusion

You need to mix water and antifreeze to keep your engine running properly. However, remember that most engines require a 50:50 mix of antifreeze and water. Antifreeze, by itself, can damage your engine. So, if you choose to use antifreeze, mix it with water too.

If you’re looking for a reliable service center, Auffenberg Kia of Cape Girardeau, serving Chaffee, MO, is the place to go. We have an extensive inventory of vehicles from some of today’s top automakers, and our expert team can help you find the perfect car for your needs. We offer services to keep your vehicle running like new, including coolant flush service, radiator fluid check, and more. Learn about our dealership and services by contacting us today!

Schedule a service now!

Tires play a critical role in the safety of your vehicle. They must be in good shape to provide traction, handling, and braking on icy or wet roads. They should also be replaced after a certain amount of time has passed.

But how can you tell when your tires need to be replaced and which are best for your KIA?

In this blog post, Auffenberg KIA of Cape Girardeau will discuss when to replace your car tires and how to snag the perfect tires for your KIA!

Should I change my car’s tire after a certain age?

The response to this query is a resounding “maybe”! Tires are made of rubber and other materials that naturally degrade over time.

However, the rate of this degradation will depend on numerous factors, such as:

• The quality of the tires when they were manufactured
• How often are they used
• The conditions in which they are driven (hot, cold, dry, wet, etc.)
• How they are stored

As a result, it is hard to give a definitive answer as to when your car’s tires should be replaced.

However, most experts believe you should, at the very least, get your tires checked annually to look for wear and tear.

Look for the following signs to know when to replace or change your tires:

• Tread depth is below the minimum legal limit
• Tires are cracked, torn, or otherwise damaged
• Tires are balding or have uneven wear
• Tires leak air

Of course, if you have any doubts, it is always best to consult with a professional.

How to find the ideal tires for your KIA?

You may be surprised to learn that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The ideal tires for your KIA will rely on a variety of variables:

The KIA model you have:

Your particular KIA model is one of several available, ranging from cars to SUVs. The kind of tires you’ll require will depend on the make and model of your vehicle. For example, If you own a KIA Rio, you’ll need passenger car tires, whereas if you have a KIA Sorento, you’ll need SUV tires.

Your driving habits:

Are you a cautious driver who obeys the speed limit? Or are you a more aggressive driver who likes to push your KIA to its limits? Your driving habits will impact the kind of tires that work best for you.

The climate where you live and drive:

Are the roads in your area primarily dry? Do they frequently get icy or wet? The weather conditions where you live and drive will help to determine what type of tire is best suited for your vehicle. Tires designed for warm, dry climates may not perform well in cold, wet conditions. Tires designed for snowy or icy weather may not be ideal for use on hot, dry pavement.

Choosing the most appropriate tires can be a bit confusing for some. Auffenberg KIA of Cape Girardeau, serving Scott City, MO, can help with tire selection. We are committed to ensuring you receive tires that meet or exceed the requirements for your car.

We provide a price match guarantee, so our customers can be confident they’re getting the best deal.

Visit our tire store today!