LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Car manufacturer Kia is helping drivers in Louisville whose cars are vulnerable to break-ins popularized by a social media trend. 

Kia will be at the Oxmoor Center in Louisville from April 26 to April 28 to provide drivers with free vehicle software upgrades and install anti-theft features. 

Cars will also have a window decal installed to discourage criminals. 

“So we’ve set this up. All you have to do is bring your Kia in, run the VIN number, and they’ll pull it here into the tent. The process takes about 35 to 45 minutes or about the same time as an oil change,” said James Bell, head of communications for Kia America.

Bell says Louisville was one city in particular that’s been heavily affected by Kia thefts.

Last October, Louisville filed a lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai following a spike in car thefts. A news release from the Metro Louisville found a significant rise in thefts of those two car manufacturers in 2023, compared to 2022. 

Bell adds since last February, the company has provided software updates to 1.1 million vehicles. 

One driver Spectrum News 1 talked to was Amber Clemons, who stopped by on her lunch break to have her Kia Soul updated. 

She says since buying her car two years ago, she’s been worried about break-ins, and uses a steering wheel lock to deter criminals. 

“I think it’s nice and that people don’t have to worry as much as about where they park their cars and, you know, and stressing about it, they come out the store or they leave their house in their car’s going to be gone,” Clemons said. 

The Oxmoor Center is at 7900 Shelbyville Road in Louisville. 

Kia will provide free software upgrades all weekend long. Their tent is set up in a parking lot near Top Golf.

On Saturday, the hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Sunday, they will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you cannot make it out, Bell says to contact your local Kia dealer, which can also perform this update free at any time.