Monday Maintenance Tip: Checking Your Drive Belts

What is this?

This is the inspection or replacement of the belt(s) in your engine compartment.

Every car has a water pump, a power-steering pump and various accessories — all of which are powered by rubber drive belts. On older cars, each of these components is driven by its own belt. On most modern cars, all of these components are driven by one belt, called a serpentine belt.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

Definitely.

Why do I have to do this?

Belts in your car don't last forever. They wear out from use and eventually crack and decay from ozone that's in the air.

What happens if I don't do this?

If your car has individual belts and one of them breaks, then you'll lose the function of whatever part that belt was powering, such as the alternator, power-steering pump or water pump. If the serpentine belt breaks, all of these parts will stop functioning. Engine damage may result from overheating.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

Between service intervals, inspect your car's belts for cracks. If you hear a screeching noise coming from under the hood — especially when you start your car on a cold morning or when making a sharp turn — you might have a loose belt.

Car Talk Tip: If you're changing a serpentine belt, draw yourself a diagram of where the belt runs so you'll know exactly how to install the new one.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Official: Kia K9 Flagship Sedan Named "Quoris" for Global Markets

Kia
Kia has just announced the new K9 flagship sedan will go on sale in select countries later this year, but it won't be known as the K9 once it leaves Korea's shores. The rear-drive luxury car has been renamed the Quoris for global markets.

Kia says the Quoris name is derived from the English words "core" and "quality." The K9 officially launched in Korea a few months ago, looking much larger and more upscale than any Kia we've seen here before. Falling in length between the Hyundai Genesis sedan and the Equus, the rear-drive sedan wears Kia's signature tiger nose and headlights accented with LED lights. The Quoris' profile is decorated with side vents, while its rear looks similar to that of the BMW 7 Series.

Under the hood, it packs a 286-hp Lambda V-6, though another 329-hp 3.8-liter V-6 is expected to launch later on. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the Kia Quoris is based on the Genesis sedan, it's about as luxurious as the Equus, with features including a an advanced blind spot monitoring system, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control that can come to a complete stop, and a premium rear-seat package with heated and ventilated seats and a reclining backrest.

Though the luxury sedan was recently spotted on American soil, Kia still isn't saying anything about whether it will offer the Quoris in the States.

 

**  Courtesy of Motortrend Magazine (Online)

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid

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Some automakers—notably Toyota and Honda—leaped upon the hybrid-powertrain bandwagon early. Others joined the gasoline/electric group later, but several continued to hold back, searching for other ways to boost gas mileage. Among the reluctant entrants was Kia, which finally launched its first hybrid model in 2011, echoing the introduction of a gasoline/electric Sonata sedan from its South Korean corporate parent, Hyundai. Like its corporate cousin, the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid sedan brings an appealing level of fuel-efficiency.

Up to 40 MPG on the Highway

Kia claimed "class-leading" fuel efficiency for the Optima Hybrid when it appeared as a 2011 model: up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 35 mpg in city driving. Two configurations are available: the base model, and a more costly version fitted with a Premium and Technology Package. The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid has added an HE Radio and power-folding mirrors to its available Hybrid Premium and Technology Package.

An air-cooled 270-volt lithium-polymer battery pack, developed in partnership with LG Chem, works with an electric motor. Compared to the older nickel metal hydride batteries, Kia's Li-PB battery is said to be 20-30 percent lighter, occupies 40 percent less volume, and is 10 percent more efficient. According to Kia, it also holds a charge 25 percent longer than many competitors' batteries, and is warranted for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles.

Hybrid Power and Performance

Developing 166 horsepower, Kia's 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine is connected via a wet clutch to the electric motor, which yields 40 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque in full-electric mode. Rather than using a continuously variable transmission (CVT), as in most hybrids, Kia's gasoline/electric system is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Because it's a full parallel hybrid system, the Kia Optima Hybrid can be driven in full-electric mode at up to 62 mph, for a relatively short period. When the car comes to a halt and the electric load is slow, the engine shuts off completely, restarting again as the driver touches the accelerator pedal. Or if it's starting off from a stop in electric-only mode, the gas engine restarts later. A Virtual Engine Sound System plays a prerecorded engine sound during electric-only operation at up to 12 mph, to help notify pedestrians (including the blind) that the car is approaching.

Couple-Like Styling

Claiming a "coupe-like profile," the 2012 Optima Hybrid sedan sits 5 millimeters (0.2 inch) lower than regular Optimas—a difference that isn't likely to be noticed. Distinctive Optima Hybrid features include a chrome version of the customary grille, lightweight 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglamps, heated outside mirrors, and LED taillamps. Unique headlights help to channel air, while smooth underfloor panels aim to improve airflow.

Front/rear lower bumpers and side sills were inspired by the sporty SX trim level. An active air flap system in the grille automatically opens and closes based on speed, engine temperature and airflow, to help reduce drag. At 0.26, the car's drag coefficient is 10 percent "slippier" than non-hybrid Optimas. Models equipped with the Premium Technology Package get 17-inch wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, power-folding mirrors, and high-intensity-discharge headlights.

Interior and Safety Features

Inside, the instrument panel is said to be "contoured toward the driver." Standard Kia Optima Hybrid features, comparable to the LX trim level, include an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, pushbutton start, a "Supervisor" instrument cluster with LCD display for hybrid information, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Fixed rear seats include a ski pass-through.

Six airbags are standard, along with electronic stability control. Kia's Premium and Technology Package adds a panoramic sunroof, four-way power front passenger seat, driver's seat memory, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, and a navigation system with backup camera.

Kia Optima Hybrid Driving Impression

Magnificent is the word for operation of Kia's hybrid powertrain system, which stays in EV mode for quite a while as long as you don't push hard on the accelerator pedal. Battery/gasoline transition is barely perceptible—sometimes, not noticeable at all. Excellent sound insulation keeps engine sound well subdued. Occupants get plenty of front-seat space, with a comparatively long driver's seat bottom. Visibility is top-notch.

Smooth and quiet on the highway, the Optima Hybrid has a pleasantly light steering feel—but not excessively so. Thus, you can expect nice control in turns. A superior ride is the rule, too, at least on good roads.

Acceleration is rather enthusiastic from a standstill, but more modest when pushing the pedal at 50 mph or so. Either way, response is quick, with no significant delay for a downshift. In fact, the transmission often feels almost like a CVT in terms of smoothness.

Courtesy: AutoMedia.com

Monday Maintenance Tip: Cleaning Your Air Filter

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What is it?

The air filter stops airborne contaminants from getting sucked into your car's engine. It's a paper filter that stops debris such as dust, leaves and wayward pelicans before they get inside the engine and do damage.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

Yes.

Why do I have to do this?

Because, eventually, your air filter will get plugged up.

What happens if I don't do this?

If your air filter gets too dirty or clogged, your engine won't be able to suck enough air into the combustion chambers. The engine will then run rich (i.e., too much gas and not enough air). When this happens, your car will lose power and run roughly. Your Check Engine light also may come on.

If you really neglect the air filter for a long time, your car may stop running altogether. While permanent damage is unlikely, it is possible. If an air filter were sufficiently dirty and damaged, it could allow harmful, abrasive contaminants into the combustion chamber.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

If you operate your car under severe duty, such as frequent driving on dirt roads or a lot of stop-and-go driving around town, then you should halve the recommended service intervals for the inspection and replacement of the air filter.

Car Talk Tip: Inspecting and replacing your air filter is an easy task. Almost anyone can do it ... with the possible exception of Jerry Springer. By purchasing the filter directly from an auto parts store, you can sometimes save $10 or more, in addition to the labor costs.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Road Test & Review by Drivin' Ivan Katz

Kia
It's got looks, luxury, and lots of economy, the Kia Optima Hybrid. How does it pull it all of successfully? Let's find out.

Most of us were probably brought up to think that looks aren't everything. But to me the Kia Optima is a great looking car and that alone should help to make it a strong seller.

I'm even a fan of my test car's blue grey color and the blacked out grill, but the alloy wheels have a bit too much alloy for my tastes. It looks like they were going for a bit of an Alfa Romeo cum VW GTI cloverleaf shape, but to me in the wheel department, less is more. Still overall it is a clean and luxurious look.

The interior is also clean and luxurious. The all power heated and ventilated seats are a combination of cloth and leather which gives them a distinctive style. The driver also gets lumbar support.

You get a leather wrapped console with two tiered storage, two cupholders, a non CVT standard transmission, dual zone climate control and in my opinion, Kia's excellent infotainment screen which houses controls for the sound system, navigation and information about the hybrid system. UVO is Kia's voice control system which helps you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

There is a menu display on the dash that lets you scroll through two trip distance meters, outside temperature, service information, hybrid energy flow, eco level, eco score, fuel economy and distance to empty. The dash by the way looks really good day or night.

Out back you get two vents, storage, a cup holder and your own heated seats! The large trunk also has a pass through for skis.

Under the hood you will find an eerily quiet 2.4 liter 4 cylinder that produces 166 horsepower and 154 lb. ft. of torque. With the electric engine total horsepower jumps to 206. That will get you from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. That's pretty quick for a hybrid!

The Kia Optima Hybrid starts at $25,700. By the time you add all of the options, you are out the dealer door at $32,500. With so much convenience, luxury, economy and safety, I think its a very fair deal.

Out on the road if I had to sum up the handling of the Optima Hybrid I would call it "un-hybrid like". The engine has a surprising growl when pushed.

There is a bit of hesitation but once the Kia realizes that you want quick acceleration it really gets up and goes. Also the handling is better than I expected. With its standard transmission, other than being very quiet, it doesn't really feel much different from a normal gasoline only sedan.

With the Optima Hybrid it seems that Kia really has thought of everything. There's a panoramic sunroof that lets the sun shine in on both the front and rear passengers. There's even two chargers up front.

I've always made the point that Kia has been very good at taking the best from all of the other car makers and making it there own. Kia was, not too long ago, a basically unknown car company, and now I think they are at the top of the game in terms of price and features. At this point, some of those other car makers might want to take a look back at Kia!

So the Kia Optima Hybrid has looks, luxury and lots of economy so how did they pull it off? Well for starters, they brought in a former Audi executive who has helped in the total design of the Optima.

It's a nice modern shape that holds every modern convenience. Ergonomically, the navigation system, the UVO system, changing channels on the radio, setting your presets, these are all very well executed and engineered.

Of course there's also the fact that not only does the Optima Hybrid get great fuel economy, but it is also quick for a hybrid. All around the Optima Hybrid is definitely a great car. Could it be the optimal hybrid for you? Take it for a test drive and see! I'm Drivin' Ivan Katz.

 

** Courtesy of Examiner (Online)