Service runs Monday through Wednesday at 58 centers nationwide

Checks cover tires, oil leaks, brakes and lighting

Electric vehicles to receive high-voltage battery inspection

Oil and washer fluid top-ups included

A mechanic at a KGM service center inspects a vehicle ahead of long-distance Chuseok travel. KGM will run a special vehicle inspection service at 58 centers nationwide from Monday through Wednesday. [KGM]
A mechanic at a KGM service center inspects a vehicle ahead of long-distance Chuseok travel. KGM will run a special vehicle inspection service at 58 centers nationwide from Monday through Wednesday. [KGM]

KG Mobility will offer free vehicle inspections at service centers across the country for customers preparing for long-distance Chuseok travel, covering everything from tire pressure and brake condition to high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles.

The automaker, known by its brand name KGM, announced Friday that it will run a special Chuseok vehicle inspection service at 58 service centers nationwide from Monday through Wednesday. The program includes its large regional service centers in Gunpo and Daejeon and covers all KGM models except large commercial vehicles. Operating hours on Wednesday may vary by location.

Inspection items focus on components directly relevant to long-distance driving. Technicians will check tire pressure, engine compartment oil leaks, brake pads and linings, headlights and other lighting systems.

Electric vehicle owners will receive additional checks beyond the standard inspection, including the high-voltage battery and heater cabin coolant.

The service also covers consumable parts. Technicians will assess replacement intervals for engine oil, brake fluid and antifreeze, and will top up any necessary oils and washer fluid for vehicles that receive the inspection.

Extended driving during holidays such as Chuseok can bring out problems in vehicles that otherwise show no issues, particularly in tires, brakes and cooling systems. KGM recommends checking tire pressure and tread wear before departure and inspecting the underside of the engine compartment for any signs of oil leakage.

KGM also operates a round-the-clock emergency roadside assistance team throughout the holiday period to respond to breakdowns or accidents. Customers who encounter problems can be directed to the nearest repair facility for the necessary service.

Beyond its regular summer and winter inspection programs, KGM has run separate inspection initiatives targeting flood-damaged vehicles and electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, KGM has been accelerating its push into overseas markets. This month, the company agreed to supply 20 units of its Musso EV electric pickup truck to Paraguay through a South Korean government Official Development Assistance project. The vehicles are expected to serve as pilot units for passenger and cargo transport in the country.

Domestic sales, however, slowed. KGM's global sales in August came to 6,860 units, down 22.6 percent from a year earlier, with domestic sales falling 43.3 percent to 2,300 units. The company plans to strengthen its response to the home market while expanding overseas knockdown assembly operations.


kwater@heraldcorp.com