Blog

We’re back with another Community Calendar of events for Lake County!  We’ve gathered up the best classes, workshops, conventions, and more all in one place.  Scroll our picks to find some great activities to enjoy with family and friends this month!  Usher in Spring with some outdoor fun, try your hand at some painting, impress your friends with a wealth of knowledge at trivia night, and all sorts of other exciting things to do. more Fun Things to Do and Date Night Ideas in Lake County for April 2024 On Wednesday April 3rd, head over to North Shore Distillery for a paint and sip evening.  Enjoy a finely crafted cocktail and a creative session for “Midnight Moonlight Paint Nite”! Lean into the Spring Cleaning spirit with “Destress and Declutter: 7 Ways to Simplify Your Life” tomorrow, Wednesday April 3rd, hosted by the Lake Forest Public Library from 7PM to 8PM! From April 5th through April 7th, peruse more than 250 vendors and artisans at the Festival of Arts and Crafts at the Lake County Fair Grounds & Events Center in Grayslake. Everything from soap to candles to jewelry to handbags and more. Get into the Earth Month vibes with internationally renowned artist and the UN Youth Climate Ambassador, AY Young for a wonderful event filled with live music, educational entertainment, community centered mindset, and more as James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts hosts “AY Young: Battery Tour” starting at 7PM. First Fridays are in Full Swing over at MainStreet Libertyville on April 5th! Enjoy an afternoon and evening of special local discounts, live music and entertainment, refreshments, dinner and drink specials, and maybe even a wine tasting or two. It’s Kids Night Out on Friday April 5th at the Mundelein Park & Recreation District. Kids Aged 7-12 can enjoy three fun-filled hours of games, getting crafty, and lots of movement and play from 6PM to 9PM On April 6th, the Spring Fest Expo is coming to town thanks to the Lake Villa Lindenhurst Round Lake Area Chamber of Commerce! Head over to the Lakes Community High School from 10AM to 4PM to shop lots of local vendors and goodies. Plus, it's all for a good cause as the LLR Chamber will be presenting 5 special scholarships to high school seniors! Love is in the air on April 7th at the Windy City Wedding Show at the Hyatt Regency Deerfield in Deerfield from 11AM to 3PM. Check out the latest in wedding fashion and bridal gowns at the 50 minute designer fashion show, enjoy booths from more than 50 wedding professionals, and plan the wedding of our dreams! Enjoy some tunes and a brew at Beer Bazaar for Vinyl Sunday on April 7th. Guests who bring a vinyl record with them receive $1 off of any sized draft pour as a bonus! Join the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff libraries as they present a wonderful event and talk with Author Christie Tate at the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff on April 12th and a Memoir Writing Workshop with Christie Tate the following day April 13th. Try your hand at something creative with the Sheep Painting Workshop paint night at Reclaimed Artisans on April 13th! The Grayslake Antique And Flea Market is back at the Lake County Fairgrounds from April 13th and 14th! Beer Bazaar is hosting a Tuesday Trivia special night for Harry Potter Fans starting at 6:30 - it’s free to play and there’s plenty of prizes to win on April 16th! Flex your host and hostess skills at The Board Room in Libertyville on April 15th and 16th fo the Charcuterie Class at The Board Room! You’ll learn how to arrange a board with meats, cheese, fruits and veggies, crackers, and sweets to share with your guests. Drinks available for purchase. Starts at 7PM. The Village of Round Lake Public Works are hosting a special Earth Day event on April 20th from 9AM to 12PM. Join together with your community to enjoy fun Earth Day activities, a Touch a Truck event, crafting, giveaways and prizes, and face painting! Kiddos and parents will have a blast at the Playdate with Nature Earth Week event at the Greenbelt Cultural Center on April 25th! Enjoy some outdoor activities and unstructured play with plenty of opportunities for educational learning and exploration from 4PM to 5PM.  Attendees will build mini habitats for toy animals with natural materials, paint with mud, and connect with other kids. Got an event you think our readers will enjoy? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you and add your event to an upcoming Calendar for May and June in Lake County, IL area.

April is National Car Care Month! We’ll be helping our readers learn more about proper car maintenance through a series of helpful tips, tricks, and tasks shared on our social media accounts and blogs.  You’ll learn all sorts of valuable advice to keep your car in tip top shape for years to come, so be sure you’re following us so you don’t miss a single tidbit of knowledge! Our first Car Care Tip for the month will be focusing on your vehicle’s windshield. Here are a few easy and effective tips to protect your windshield and keep it in good condition. more Never leave chips or cracks unrepaired. While smaller chips, stars, and dings may not seem like a big concern, they can very quickly spiral into a larger and more dangerous issue. If the glass is not repaired or replaced soon, the small damage can quickly grow to a large spiderwebbed split which may cause obstacles to the driver’s vision and lead to accidents. Additionally, these small stars or chips may spread quickly in hotter or cold temperatures, or may even shatter if you’re driving over difficult terrain or rough roadways and hit a bump or pothole. If you spot any stars or small chips, don’t delay! Call your roadside assistance or vehicle insurance company to see if these repairs or replacements are covered; some companies offer free or subsidized replacements on specific plans. Alternatively, you can call your local mechanic or service center to ask about glass repair or replacement services. Ensuring you have clear and efficient visibility on the road during inclement weather is paramount to safety!  Replace your windshield wipers regularly with quality blades if you notice any streaking or smears. If you’re not sure what type of wipers you need, you can check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for guidelines on length and size.  We highly recommend purchasing the best quality you can afford, as they’ll last much longer than lower tiered options. Some windshield wipers also come pre-treated with hydrophobic coatings to provide better visibility over time. Be sure to top off your wiper fluid regularly, and use good quality cleaning products. You’ll want to select something that is seasonally appropriate, as some cleaners will freeze or be efficient at lower temperatures. Likewise, applying a hydrophobic coating such as Rain-X or similar will protect your glass from bugs, mud, rain, and ice more effectively than using just plain wiper fluid alone. When applying a cleaning solution to your windshield, less is more to avoid streaks and smudges that may obscure or blur your vision to the road.  If your windows have been tinted or have any sort of after-market glare reduction film applied, you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper maintenance and cleaning inside and out before applying other products. Be mindful of where you park!  It’s advisable to park in a cool area, away from direct sunlight, but make sure to avoid areas that are directly under trees where birds or other animals may leave droppings on the glass.  Choosing a parking space with a bit of shade from buildings or utilizing a parking deck would be a wonderful option!

Readers, hang on to your seat and fasten your seatbelts, because Kia is speeding into the future with the incredible All-New 2025 Kia K4!  This all-new, next-generation compact sedan is ready to break boundaries and push the limits by setting new standards for design, technology, comfort, and roominess like you’ve never seen before. more On March 24th, Kia unveiled the astonishing new 2025 K4 compact four-door sedan at the 2024 New York International Auto Show. The K4 is a powerhouse entry to the market, and Kia’s fourth-generation compact sedan. And although it’s only just been revealed, it’s already turning heads and setting the bar high!  The K4 offers Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), unmatched refinement and style,class-leading rear head room and leg room, as well as impressive technology features. “The all-new K4 advances Kia’s commitment to deliver sporty sedans with advanced technology and elevated performance,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “Succeeding in the compact segment means overdelivering on the features that customers want, and the K4 is designed to exceed expectations.” The K4 is elevating expectations in both connectivity technology and superior style in its market segment for four-door sedans.  The K4 comes standard equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, has available multi segment display cockpit with a combined nearly 30 inches of digital instrumentation enabling camera-feed visibility of your surroundings.  The K4 Premium offers available amenities such as the Digital Key 2.0 with Ultra Wideband, Harman Kardon premium Audio, heated and ventilated front seats, and a wide sunroof. Feeling excited? Well, there’s even more good news! The K4 is expected to hit the US market in the second half of 2024, and it’ll be offered in five trim levels to suit your lifestyle and aesthetics: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo. Learn more about the stunning and comfortable interior, incredibly high-tech amenities, and what makes this the ultimate must-have new sedan coming to the market: K4 Exterior Design: Bold Proportions Stretched to all four corners with bold styling proportions, aligned with the tenets of Kia’s “Opposites United” design direction, the K4 makes a powerful, dynamic statement. “By juxtaposing the K4’s fastback roofline and wide stance, we split the difference visually between the compact and midsize segments,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America. “The creative tension that the Opposites United design language stresses allowed us to improvise on the traditional three-box form factor.” With an overall length of 185.4 inches and width of 72.8 inches, the K4 is the widest and has the largest footprint in the compact segment. Rear passengers will enjoy the ride with a class leading 38 inches of leg room3 and class leading head room at 37.3 inches3. Standard, vertically oriented LED headlights and taillights take inspiration from the flagship EV9 and create pronounced edges through the lighting signature in the front and rear. Hidden rear door handles in the C-pillar emphasize the K4’s fastback proportions and draw attention to its swept-back daylight opening. A versatile, conventional trunk affords 14.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Like other GT-Line models in the Kia lineup, exterior design flourishes distinguish the K4 GT-Line. Unique front and rear fasciae with gloss black accents, a satin chrome beltline, 18-inch alloy wheels, and gloss black mirror caps, window trim, and side sill. Small cube LED projection headlights, LED fog lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels add to the exterior of the K4 GT-Line Turbo. K4 Interior Design and Technology: Seamless Connectivity The interior of the K4 raises the level of discourse for the entire class. The centerpiece of the wide, expansive cockpit is the standard, integrated digital instrumentation: a first for the compact sedan segment and a design element in its own right. The ultramodern Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system with OTA capability, which first debuted in the flagship EV9, projects across a combined nearly 30 inches of a digital display command center9. ccNC processes faster and in higher fidelity, with frequently used Quick Controls available with a swipe on the screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay10 and Android Auto11 come standard on all K4 models. Available Digital Key 2.0 with Ultra Wideband allows customers to use their compatible Apple and Samsung smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys to lock, unlock and drive. Furthermore, these keys can be shared with friends and family over text messages on compatible devices. Available Digital Features and Services12 can unlock the ability to remotely update the K4 over the air through the Kia Connect Store accessed via the Kia Access app or through the Kia Owner Portal. Kia Connect’s available voice assistant offers an easy way to access various vehicle functions. Say, "Hey Kia" to gain voice-control access to functions such as climate control and audio. Kia is working to enhance the Kia Assistant’s functionality with the power of generative AI to be able to provide information on many topics, such as stocks, sports scores, owner’s manual content, local points of interest and much more. The Kia Assistant is designed to listen for follow-up questions and to interact with the driver in a more conversational way. The airy K4 interior is available in either Medium Gray (LX/LXS/EX) or Slate Green (EX), and the GT-Line models add Onyx and Off-White. Heated front seats are standard on K4 GT-Line and above, and ventilated seats as well as driver’s seat memory function are optional. A three-spoke steering wheel is unique to K4 GT-Line models. K4 Powertrain and Engineering: Strong Choices When it goes on sale in the United States, the front-wheel-drive K4 will offer two powertrain choices. The standard 2.0-liter engine produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque and is matched with an intelligently variable transmission (IVT). An optional 1.6-liter, turbocharged engine sends 190 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and sport pedals complete the sportier package. The K4 GT-Line Turbo delivers power smoothly at low speeds, responds quickly, and provides an engaging driving experience. Exclusive to the K4 GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo models is a multi-link rear suspension that adds lateral stiffness and compliance, for a sportier driving experience. Attention was paid to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) through the use of an available acoustic windshield, and acoustic tires on K4 models with 18-inch wheels. K4: Segment-Above ADAS The K4 refines and expands the standard and available ADAS, as part of Kia’s overall commitment to providing confidence behind the wheel.13 In addition, the K4 adds standard rear side airbags for a total of eight.14 The K4 offers the latest Kia ADAS suite, including standard Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)15, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)16, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC w/ S&G)17. Central to the available driver assistance technology on the K4 is Forward Collision Avoidance 1.5 (FCA-1.5)18, which is designed to help detect and prevent collisions from occurring in certain circumstances, and detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in front of the vehicle while driving (FCA-CPC), as well as oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection (FCA-JT). Haptic steering wheel warnings add tactile alerts for the driver. Optional on K4 GT-Line Turbo models, Forward Collision Avoidance 2 (FCA-2) adds functionality and is engineered to detect crossing vehicles while crossing through an intersection (FCA-JC.  FCA-2 is also designed to help provide a degree of braking and/or steering input to help prevent certain collisions or lessen the effects if the system detects oncoming vehicles while passing other vehicles (FCA-LO); vehicles in front of the car while changing lanes (FCA-LS); K4’s Evasive Steering Assist9 can help mitigate collisions with  obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles detected ahead and will warn the driver in certain circumstances, and if there is space to avoid the collision in the lane, it can assist the driver’s steering. FCA is designed to, in certain instances, help prevent a collision with a direct oncoming vehicle through auditory and visual warnings, as well as by applying the brakes (FCA-DO). Available Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA-2) is a driver convenience system that can help maintain a predetermined distance from the vehicle detected in front, keep the vehicle within detected lane markers on certain highways.19 In addition to standard Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), GT-Line is available with Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA-BCA) and Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)20 which are designed to help display and detect vehicles approaching from behind and in the adjacent lanes, in a variety of circumstances, the system may apply braking to help avoid a potential collision. The optional Surround-View Monitor (SVM)21 is designed to provide a 360-degree view in reversing and parking scenarios, using cameras around the K4. Available Parking Distance Warning is designed to add 360-degree capability to forward, side, and reverse parking maneuvers (PDW-F/S/R). K4 Availability The K4 is slated to arrive in the U.S. in the second half of 2024 and is backed by Kia America’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty22. Pricing, specific timing for U.S. market availability, trim details, and EPA-rated fuel economy for the K4 are subject to future announcements. Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. * The Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. * The Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Here's the Hot Points to Remember about the K4! A new name for an all-new next-generation compact sedan set to upend the segment with new standards for design, technology and roominess Elevating interior roominess for the compact sedan segment: Class leading rear leg room and head room within the Compact Sedan segment. Delivering innovative technology to the compact sedan segment: All-new 2025 K4 introduces segment-above, available multi-segment cockpit display with a combined nearly 30-inches of digital instrumentation, 11 standard ADAS features, advanced connectivity and OTA capabilities, available ultrawideband Digital Key 2.0 Feature-rich interior with attainable, premium comfort: Targeted class-leading cabin quietness with available acoustic windshield, premium Harman Kardon audio, heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s memory Next-level driving convenience: Available with up to 29 ADAS features, including: Blind-Spot View Monitor, 360° Surround View Monitor, and segment-exclusive emergency evasive steering assist Two strong powertrain choices: Standard 147-hp, 2.0-liter and optional turbocharged 190-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines deliver robust performance Bold proportions and segment-above form factor: Tension of “Opposites United” design language manifests unexpected fastback styling cues Coming soon: Expected to arrive at U.S. retailers in the second half of 2024 1 Advanced driver assistance systems are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution. 2 Based on review of publicly available information found on Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) websites as of March 8, 2024 3 Apple® and Apple CarPlay® are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple CarPlay® runs on your smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates will apply. 4 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play store and an Android compatible smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android, Android Auto, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC or its affiliates. 5 Comprised of a 12.3” instrument display, 5” climate display, and 12.3” touchscreen infotainment display. Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation. 6 Kia Digital Key requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. Normal cellular service rates may apply when using a smart device. 7 Harman Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. 8 Use extreme caution when using the seat warmers to avoid burns. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more safety information. 9 Comprised of a 12.3” instrument display, 5” climate display, and 12.3” touchscreen infotainment display. 10 CarPlay runs on smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates apply. Apple and CarPlay are trademarks of Apple.com. 11 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play store and an Android compatible smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android, Android Auto, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC or its affiliates. 12 Digital Features and Services may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply. 13 Advanced driver assistance systems are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution. 14 For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt. Please refer to the Owner’s Manual for additional important safety information regarding airbags, including additional cautions and warnings. 15 Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may only function under certain conditions. Always drive safely and use caution. 16 When engaged, Lane Keeping Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution. 17 When engaged, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go is not a substitute for safe driving and cruise-control procedures. This is not an auto-pilot feature. Always drive safely and use caution. The Smart Cruise Control system may not detect every object in front of the vehicle. 18 When engaged, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution. 19 When engaged, Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle, and only function on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution. 20 When engaged, Blind-Spot View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution. 21 Surround View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect or display all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution. 22 Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.

Kia collects prestigious 2024 World Car of the Year and 2024 World Electric Vehicle titles EV9 earns Kia its fourth and fifth wins at the World Car Awards since 2020 The 2024 EV9 delivers modern refinement and all-electric capability more 2024 sure is turning out to be a real banner year for Kia, and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it all!  Here at Classic Kia, we’re so excited to announce that the 2024 Kia EV9 has received a remarkable double win at the prestigious 2024 World Car Awards!  The big news was revealed during a live announcement at the World Car Awards Ceremony at the New York Auto Show 2024!  The EV9 took home the impressive titles for both World Car of the Year as well as World Electric Vehicle. The World Car Awards are selected by a jury of 100 distinguished automotive journalists from a diverse group of 29 countries.  The Kia EV9 was recognized for its innovative designs, spacious even-seat interior and competitive price point. The EV9 is the first Kia to feature fourth-generation battery technology for improved performance, a feature based on the E-GMP platform. The World Car Awards were established in 2003, and have become a globally renowned name for setting the standards for automotive excellence and leadership, and celebrating remarkable achievements within this rapidly evolving automotive industry.  Prior to the 2024 event, Kia had already snagged three impressive wins with the World Car Awards - the Telluride was awarded World Car of the Year, the Soul EV was the World Urban Car in 2020, and the Kia EV6 GT which was the World Performance Car of the Year in 2023. “We are hugely honored that the 2024 EV9 has been named the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. This triumph is a testament to our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design excellence. The Kia EV9’s continued success will drive us to keep delivering exceptional vehicles that redefine the driving experience for customers around the world,” Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia said. Since its introduction,Kia’s first dedicated three-row EV USV, the EV9, has been amassing an impressive amount of accolades this year in addition to the 2 World Car Award wins.  It has previously collected the win for “Family Cars” at the Golden Steering Wheel Awards, a win for the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, as well as “Best Premium SUV” at the 2023 Newsweek Autos Awards. “EV9 is a clear representation of Kia’s vision, and further evidence of our dedication to quality. This award cements Kia’s standing as the frontrunner in sustainable mobility solutions that go beyond conventional automobiles. We share this honor with our global teams who contributed their utmost efforts to drive EV9’s success,” said Seungkyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America.

Although the weather is still a little chillier in most places than any of us would like, it’s officially Spring!  Have you scheduled your seasonal car care maintenance appointment yet? Our service center would love to see you and go over your vehicle to ensure it’s in tip-top shape.  Here are some things to consider checking regularly each Spring Season. more Detail your vehicle’s interior and give it a thorough spring cleaning. We’ve already covered the importance of regular car washing in the spring to clean away road salt and grime, but the interior fabrics need a little TLC as well!  We recommend bringing your vehicle to a professional detailer 3 to 4 times a year, but you can also go the DIY route. Make sure you get a good shampoo and vacuum on all of your car’s fabric.  If your car has a leather or leather-blend interior, it’s important to condition the fabric so it doesn’t crack or peel during hot weather months.  If you have a fabric interior, applying a little baking soda to your vehicle’s carpets or upholstery after shampooing can help add freshness and absorb odors left behind.  A good enzymatic based fabric refresher with a light fragrance is another great way to keep it fresh between cleanings. When cleaning the exterior, use the “two bucket method” - one bucket for rinsing off the grime and grit, and a second bucket of soapy clean water. Check and Test your A/C. Don’t wait until the sweltering heat is already in full-force before you test your Air Conditioner.  Make sure the fans and cooling unit are working properly before the summer gets here, and get it tuned-up and repaired if not.  Check for any strange odors or sour smells and alert your mechanic if you smell any so they can check it out. Swap in a new cabin air filter for the Spring Season. Vacuum your vehicle thoroughly or send in for a detail, and follow it up with replacing the cabin air filter each spring can help reduce mold, pollen, and other irritants to provide additional relief! Check your vehicle’s oil and bring it in for an oil change. Changing the oil with each season change can extend your car’s life significantly, by thousands of miles even!  It’s especially the case if your vehicle’s engine is older. Regularly swapping in new clean oil, even if you’re below the recommended mileage checkpoint, can help lubricate the gears and mechanisms in the vehicle and keep it running smoother for longer.  Your trusted mechanic will also make sure the gaskets, oil pan, and other related parts are in working order and replace them as needed. Check your vehicle’s belts and hoses. Pop open the hood and take a look inside and ensure that all of the belts, hoses, and connections are in tip-top shape. Cold and freezing temperatures can cause the rubber and plastics to crack or split, thus weakening their ability to move properly.  Save yourself a lot of money and aggravation by ensuring all belts and hoses are replaced before they cause your vehicle to stall or your engine seizes. Consider applying or renewing an anti-rust treatment to your vehicle’s undercarriage, and giving it a good once over. Check underneath your vehicle each season to ensure that nothing appears damaged by the weather changes; some metal parts may rust or have buildup from salt, and rubber or plastic parts may shrink/expand and crack due to weather changes. The best time to apply an anti-rust/anti-corrosion treatment on your car is in the Autumn, but the second best time is the Spring! Make sure your brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid levels are topped off. Your mechanic will help you top off these fluids and let you know if they need to be flushed and replaced, and will swap to seasonally appropriate coolant as needed.  You should be bringing your vehicle in for a fluids check with each seasonal weather change to ensure your vehicle is well-maintained. Check those tires and get a professional wheel alignment and rotation. Be sure that your tires have been inspected for cracks, tears, leaks, worn treads, and proper inflation; replace any tires that show severe damage, fraying or signs of extreme wear and have leaks patched by a professional.  Refer to your vehicle manufacturer’s manual for proper inflation rate, as well as the listing on the physical tire itself to ensure they're at the right pressure.  Rotating your tires and having an alignment will prevent uneven wear and prolong the life of your tires.

It’s National Cleaning Week, and we couldn’t think of a better time of year for that than the beginning days of Spring!  We’re shaking out the dust bunnies and clearing out the clutter from our hibernation in our homes, garages, and yes, of course even our cars.  Today’s blog is all about sharing some seriously smart cleaning tips and hacks!  Our smart car cleaning tricks will keep those dollars in your wallet so you can put more gas in your tank and add more miles to your travel logs.  Get ready for road trip season with these professional level clean results on a pauper’s shoestring budget. more Clothing lint rollers can help pick up grit and pet hair from upholstery in seconds. Those dollar store lint rollers will save you time and money between detailing. Use it the same way you would on your clothing, and for the nooks and crannies just give it a few press-and-taps to remove things from the seams. Condition your vehicle’s leather using olive oil and a microfiber cloth. Of course, it’s nice to use the high-end vehicle conditioners when you have the budget, but if you’re looking to protect and condition for $5 or less, this will do the trick!  Add a small amount of olive oil to your microfiber cloth, and gently rub in soft circles to apply the oil into the leather. Protect your cup holders from sticky mess and melted drinks with cupcake liners. Your local grocery store or dollar store probably sells multipacks of these convenient cupcake and muffin tin liners for a low price!  Place a silicone cupcake liner into the bottom of each of your cup holders, and when they get sticky or dirty you can swap them out and pop them out for clean ones, and put the dirty ones in with the dishes. Easy peasy! It’s also great for easily accessing change for tolls or vending machines or air-pumps in a jiffy. Keep your car fresh and clean the natural way with baking soda and essential oils. Reducing the use of VOCs and other additives in the air can help allergy sufferers greatly during the spring season. Find a small jar that fits inside of your cup holder, and poke a few small holes in the lid; add baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil and mix together. Put the jar in your vehicle and it will absorb odors while releasing a mildly pleasant aroma! Remove rust with a bottle of Coca Cola and a bit of foil! If you’ve got rust spots on your bumper or other metallic accents on the body, consider a bottle of Coke and a piece of foil. Pour the soda on the rust spot, and gently scrub it with some aluminum foil folded over 3 to 4 times into layers.  You’ll notice the rust will begin to flake off!  Once it does, you can switch off to a gentle dish sponge.  When the rust is removed, grab some gentle soap and clean water and rinse off the sticky pop and remaining debris. Use a cereal keeper container as a lidded trash can for travel! Forget about those hanging fabric garbage cans, or putting a bin/box on the floor that rolls around as you drive.  Grab a budget friendly cereal container with a lid at your local dollar store, and line it with a plastic grocery bag. Place it in the backseat of the car and use it to store your trash while you’re on the go.  Makes cleaning easier with nothing sticky left on your floor mats or carpets or tipping over on turns. Remove dead bugs and insect splats with dryer sheets! No need to gather complicated cleansers or soaps to get those stuck-on nasties off your windshield or bumper.  Any brand of dryer sheet will do the trick nicely!  Rinse your car with clean water, then grab the damp dryer sheet and simply wipe them away.  Rinse with water again and you’re good to go! Use a cereal keeper container as a lidded trash can for travel! Forget about those hanging fabric garbage cans, or putting a bin/box on the floor that rolls around as you drive.  Grab a budget friendly cereal container with a lid at your local dollar store, and line it with a plastic grocery bag. Place it in the backseat of the car and use it to store your trash while you’re on the go.  Makes cleaning easier with nothing sticky left on your floor mats or carpets or tipping over on turns.

Today is the International Day of Forests! We’ll be covering some of the beautiful forests of Lake County Illinois as part of our participation. So, hop in your new car from Classic of Waukegan because we’re going on a little adventure to get back in touch with nature! more Why should we care about forest preservation? In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly instituted the International Day of Forests as a way to honor and raise awareness globally for the importance of all varieties and types of forests. The International Day of Forest s is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating effects of industrial agriculture, logging, and mining efforts, and inform the general public about the importance of restoring forests, protecting the environment, and increasing our conservation efforts.  Since agriculture is an important part of our economy here in Illinois, we thought it especially pertinent to share this knowledge with our readers so we can all do our part to protect and replenish our environment. Forests and trees are important to the sustainability of our agricultural practices in Illinois. Our forests are an integral component in pollination, improving water quality, climate regulation, helping soil composition and preventing soil erosion, homes to native birds and other wildlife, contributing to biodiversity and more!  Did you know that forestland only covers about 12% or so of our state, but houses more than 60% of native flora?  Additionally, forests are also a source of timber, which means they’re also a vital part of our state’s financial stability and commerce. As you can see, it’s imperative that we make sure to connect with our environment, support sustainable agricultural and environmental practices, and work towards a greener, cleaner future!  Visiting local forests is a wonderful way to get in touch with nature and reminds us to care better for our planet.  Let’s take a look at some of these incredible places to visit right here in our own backyards! Beautiful Lake County Area Forest Preserves to visit this year: Lake County Forest Preserves manage more than 31,000 acres of natural lands for conservation efforts, recreational purposes, and nature/agricultural education. Here are a few of those areas you can visit that also make great destinations for outdoor picnics and family get togethers: Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway makes its way through 12 different Lake County Forest Preserves. The Independence Grove Forest Preserve is 1,000+ acres of preserve with a 115 acres lake and 7 miles or so of trails. Ryerson Woods covers 552 acres of preserve forest land with just over 6 miles of trailers. Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve offers beautiful access to the Lake Michigan Shoreline through numerous hiking trails that wind from forest to shoreline. Almond Marsh Preserve is over 100 acres of nature preserve residing insider the larger Liberty Prairie Reserve area and is prime time viewing for bird watching. Captain Daniel Wright Woods offers multiple trail options including a short loop trail, and a 3 mile trail, as well as a wheelchair accessible fishing pier with access to the 3-acre pond. Greenbelt Forest Preserve is right in our own backyard, nestled cozily between Waukegan and North Chicago.

We’re celebrating the slightly chilly Spring Equinox with some helpful maintenance reminders for all vehicle owners with this handy Checklist of To-Do’s for Spring cleaning! more Check your vehicle’s light bulbs. Cold winter weather can take its toll on your lightbulbs and tail lights.  Do a quick once over on your car, and make sure that all of your car’s headlights and exterior lamps as well as interior lights are working properly at full brightness.  Properly working light bulbs and LEDs can increase your visibility during foggy, hazy weather and rain. Change your cabin filter. Springtime is notoriously bad for allergy sufferers, and the cabin air filter is a great way to clean the air and reduce pollen, mold, and other allergens in your car’s interior.  Consider adding a portable HEPA filter to your vehicle in the back seat or center console/cup holder to aid in filtering out allergens! Stop ignoring your dashboard lights. Bring your car in for a general tune-up and check-up and get a reading on all those blinking lights you keep trying to ignore.  Don’t wait until your car breaks down or strands you on your summer road trip!  Get things taken care of now, so you can enjoy all of your post-lockdown road trips with confidence. Give your car a thorough exterior car wash to remove salt and grime, and be sure to detail your vehicle’s interior. Make sure you have your car professionally cleaned to remove the winter muck and salt residue!  Next, be sure to get a good upholstery shampoo and vacuum on all of your car’s fabric, or bring it in to a local vehicle detailer.  If your car has a leather or leather-blend interior, it’s important to condition the fabric so it doesn’t crack or peel during hot weather months; consider applying a leather conditioner and protector to the surfaces.  Get into all the nooks and crannies to clear out the grit, grime, and gravel! Check your vehicle’s belts and hoses. Cold and freezing temperatures can cause the rubber and plastics to crack or split, thus weakening their ability to move properly.  Save yourself a lot of money and aggravation by ensuring all belts and hoses are replaced before they cause your vehicle to stall or your engine seizes. Pop open the hood and take a look inside and ensure that all of the belts, hoses, and connections are in tip-top shape. If you notice cracks or wear-and-tear, call for a service appointment to have them replaced. Top off your oil and do an oil change. Warm weather means lots of joy rides, so you may need an oil change sooner than you’d expect!  Make sure to book your regular oil change appointment, but also check with your service center to see if your vehicle needs a different higher temperature oil for the incoming warmer weather. Replace wiper blades and apply hydrophobic coating to your windshield. April Showers bring May Flowers, but it’s important to have clear visibility as you drive if you’d like to see the sights of springtime blooming around you! Bring your car in for a general tune-up and check-up. Don’t ignore your dashboard lights. Don’t wait until your car breaks down or strands you on your summer road trip!  Get things taken care of now, so you can enjoy all of your upcoming road trips with confidence. Clean and wash your pet’s seat protectors, crate, and other transport items. Bringing your pets on the road with you is always a fun time, but it’s important to remember they track in a lot of dirt, gravel, grime, and build-up too!  Giving their car seats, seat covers, and other car accessories a thorough vacuuming, washing, and sanitizing can help remove allergens from your vehicle, as well as preparing you for more fun hiking and treks with your pup!

EV9 one of two winners in important “Best Electric 3-row SUV” category EV9’s win marks Kia’s third in last three years You know we’ve been really excited about the EV9 since its reveal. You’ve heard us sing its praises and shout about its incredible safety features and tech specs, but it should come as no surprise to hear we’re certainly not alone in our enthusiasm for the Kia EV9.  PARENTS has recently recognized the Kia EV9 in its “Best Family Cars” (best electric 3-row SUV) awards for 2024! Isn’t that amazing? more The annual awards event includes 22 automotive categories, and covers cars, SUVs and driving systems that embody the ideal combination of safety and functionality for families in each respective category. With more than 140 cars total tested by PARENTS experts, across multiple categories from a field of new model vehicles, the panel of judges evaluated each model on a 10 point scale. These vehicles were evaluated based on: overall safety, including driver assist and safety technology; child passenger car seats including ease of install, space to accommodate seats in rear and third rows and third row access; power and technical specs of each model; the family friendliness of each model’ “wow” factors that will appeal to families; and the price for each model in its category. The 2024 all-electric EV9 recently debuted as Kia’s first three-row EV SUV, with spacious room to seat up to seven passengers, making it ideal for families on the go!  Available features also include a 12-inch full-color head-up display that’s designed to project driving information directly onto the windshield within the driver’s line of vision. Available advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) include advanced adaptive cruise control and rear occupant alert (door logic). “PARENTS Best Family Cars awards exemplify Kia’s position as a brand that meets the needs of their busy family,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “We’re honored to see the EV9 awarded for its technology, capability and comfort for the entire family.” In the spirit of St. Patrick’s day, we’re counting ourselves lucky to be a part of the Kia family here at Classic Kia of Waukegan! We take great pride in representing a brand with such high standards for safety and family-friendly, environmentally responsible vehicles like the EV9. We can’t wait to see what other pots of gold we’ll find at the end of this rainbow in 2024!

Kia releases teaser images providing first glimpse of the K4 next-generation compact sedan Image alludes to exceptional fusion of advanced technology and alluring aesthetics Kia K4 scheduled for global design reveal, March 21 2024, ahead of world premiere at New York Auto Show, March 27 2024 Big news is on the Horizon for Kia!  New images for the exciting Kia K4 have dropped ahead of its New York International Auto Show premiere. On March 14th, in Seoul, Korea, Kia unveiled a series of tantalizing teaser images of the next-generation compact sedan, the Kia K4.  These exciting images evoke extraordinary fusion of advanced technology with attractive aesthetics seamlessly encapsulated within the K4’s sleek lines and streamlined shape. Kia’s full reveal of the K4 design will premiere on March 21st 2024, followed by the vehicle’s global premier at the New York International Auto Show on March 27th 2024. Everyone is welcome to join the worldwide live broadcast of the global New York Premiere at worldwide.kia.com !  The K4 introduces new standards for design, innovation and driving appeal to the compact sedan sector. Stay tuned for more updates from Kia as we get closer to the event! And trust us, you really do not want to miss out on this momentous occasion. more

Pair of Kia SUVs Excel in Meeting Tougher 2024 IIHS Requirements Telluride secures highest honor from IIHS for second consecutive year, maintaining TSP+ designation earned in 2023 At Classic Kia, we take great pride in being a part of the incredible Kia family, especially with this being such a banner year for the brand. We’re so excited to announce that the 2024 Kia Telluride has received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Pick’s “Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+)” rating. Likewise, the 2024 Kia Sportage earned accolades as the “Top Safety Pick” rating!  IIHS says that the two Kia SUVs were “offering the highest level of protection for both vehicle and occupants and vulnerable road users.”  Incredible! more After fortifying requirements in 2023, IIHS toughened the criteria once again in 2024, aiming to offer better protections for back-seat passengers and improvements to pedestrian crash avoidance systems.  With these new parameters, vehicles must earn a “good” rating under the side protection test, and an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the revised version of pedestrian front crash evaluation; the pedestrian crash evaluation includes test runs in the daytime and at night, making sure that nighttime performance is a must for either award.  In addition, the IIHS revised its moderate front overlap test to include a second dummy behind the driver’s seat and vehicles must earn either an “acceptable” or “good” rating for the TSP+ rating. The original moderate overlap test still requires a “good” rating for the TSP designation. The 2024 Kia Telluride has a stunning sleek and bold appearance on the exterior. Its interior not only offers a spacious three-row cabin which comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers, but is jampacked with available technology options!  The Telluride offers dual 12.3 inch panoramic display screens, Digital Key 2 Touch, and of course the latest and greatest in Kia’s advanced driver assistance systems, including the Highway Driving Assist 2.0 feature. The 2024 Kia Sportage is available in a multitude of trim levels and diverse options, including the X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trim levels, both of which allow drivers to enjoy more off-road features including all-terrain tires. Additionally, the 2024 Sportage is offered as a Sportage HEV and Sportage PHEV model option. When asked about the IIHS initiatives for improving road safety, Steve Center, COO and EVP of Kia America, had this to say: ““We fully support the IIHS’s initiatives to enhance road safety and we are aligned in our commitment to meet the agency’s more rigorous standards.Safety remains one of our top priorities and we’re dedicated to driving continuous advancements in this critical area every day as we proved with 2024 Telluride!”

It’s Super Mario Day, a special occasion every year on March 10th celebrating the iconic Nintendo game character. Today, we’re going to highlight one of our favorites in the franchise, which should come as no surprise is the infamous Mario Kart! The first game, Super Mario Kart, was released in Japan and North America in 1992, with a subsequent release in 1993, and has been winning our hearts over ever since.  We’ve all got our favorite Mario Kart Racer, of course, as we’re sure you do, too, but we bet you didn’t know that it was the first game to feature other playable characters from the Mario franchise besides Luigi and Mario! more Here are some super fun facts about Mario Kart to impress your friends with at game night or on your next road trip! The idea for Mario Kart was inspired by a glitch during development for the Super Mario Brothers game. Project team members noticed an error where the Koopa Troopa shell bounced back and forth across the screen, inspiring the initial concept for a kart racing game! In its initial release, Mario Kart sold more than 8 million copies, but today they’ve outsold that number more than tenfold with over 100 million copies! Your advantages as a player will vary depending on which character you choose, as each of them have their own unique abilities and qualities that impact racing performance and playability! Waluigi made his character debut as Wario’s evil brother in Mario Kart Arcade GP 2. The iconic yellow turtle who counts the track laps with that infamous sign is named Lakitu, but that’s not his only gig! He’s also the owner of all the tracks in the game. That dastardly Blue Shell has more of a purpose than wreaking havoc on your peers (although, we certainly do enjoy that quality about it, too!)  Originally the blue shell was added to prevent gameplay performance issues by game devs who were concerned the game may lag if too many players were next to one another on the track at the same time.  It was intended to spread racers apart, but of course gamers took matters into their own hands, creating the infamous spiny nemesis! Adding up the console and mobile versions of Mario Kart, there are 170 original race track courses through the franchise, more than half of which can be seen in Mario Kart 8 (for a total of 96 tracks in the game!)