KIRO NEWSRADIO

Another Kia software upgrade is happening in Bellevue

May 17, 2024, 11:44 AM | Updated: Oct 10, 2024, 12:50 pm

Back in March, Hyundai hosted a free software upgrade for car owners at four locations throughout Western Washington.

More here: Hyundai owners were able to get free anti-theft software updates

According to the website hyundaiantitheft.com, these clinics throughout the state were “intended to complement Hyundai’s nationwide network of dealerships and drive further installations of Hyundai’s free anti-theft software upgrade for customers who continue to be affected by the thefts.”

And now, Kia is offering the same type of event.

Bellevue Police Department spokesperson Drew Anderson said Kia car owners can scan the QR code below to find out if their car qualifies for the free anti-theft upgrade.

Anderson shared that over 200 cars have been stolen in Bellevue so far this year and 58 of them were either a Kia or Hyundai.

The upgrade event is going to be in Factoria Mall, at 4025 Factoria Square Mall Southeast in Bellevue. The event will be on Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and at the same time on Saturday. On Sunday it will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Anderson said there is also a similar event happening at the Tacoma Mall.

Car owners who don’t drive a Kia but want to protect their property can get a free steering wheel lock on Saturday at the Factoria Police Substation between noon and 4 p.m.

“Last month, we gave away 300 locks to folks. And in total, we have given over 1,000 locks to motorists and Kia and Hyundai owners,” Anderson said.

Nearby: Bellevue PD is teaching women to fight back with self-defense

He called it a successful program because wheel locks prevent a majority of thefts due to the length of time it takes to remove the steering wheel lock when it’s installed properly.

Anderson also said if you show up on Saturday remember, “One lock per person. So that is that is our rule. They are free, though. So one lock per person per vehicle.”

However, if your household has three cars, for example, you need to drive all three cars to get a free steering wheel lock for each car.

This will be the last lock giveaway until further notice.

Editors’ note: This story originally was published on Wednesday, May 15. It has been updated and republished since then.

You can read more of Micki Gamez’s stories here. Follow Micki on X, formerly known as Twitter, or email her here.

KIRO Newsradio

mail-in voting...

Manda Factor

‘He’s absolutely spot on’: Former Republican AG backs Nick Brown’s fight to preserve mail-in voting

McKenna said the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to allow Trump's executive order restricting mail-in voting to move forward could create chaos ahead of the November midterm elections.

3 hours ago

dolly parton death tribute...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘A force of nature’: Jake and Spike pay tribute to Dolly Parton

Jake and Spike honor Dolly Parton's impact on music and culture following her death, reflecting on her remarkable life and achievements.

21 hours ago

mail-in voting...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘Chaos and confusion is the goal’: Gee says Trump’s mail-in voting push is designed to undermine trust in elections

The U.S. Supreme Court lifted one of two injunctions blocking President Donald Trump's executive order restricting mail-in voting Monday.

23 hours ago

seattle burger dick's...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘You don’t have to be the best’: Gee defends Dick’s Drive-In in Seattle’s greatest burger debate

Explore the debate on Dick's Drive-In's ranking among other Seattle burger joints, and why the city classic remains a fan favorite.

1 day ago

...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘Seattle is a destination’: Gee celebrates city’s record 3.7M downtown visitors in July

July marked a record for Seattle with 3.7 million downtown visitors, showcasing a strong tourism recovery.

1 day ago

beavers maple valley...

John Curley Show

As beaver dams turn Maple Valley land into a swamp, Curley explains why beavers do what they do

With beavers causing havoc, KIRO Host John Curley asked traffic reporter Nate Connors, "Why do beavers build dams?"

1 day ago

Another Kia software upgrade is happening in Bellevue