Blog

It’s National Odometer Day! How much do you know about this vital piece of tech in your vehicle? Check out today’s blog to learn about your odometer and special mileage-based tune-ups and service appointments you should be making for your vehicle. more What is an Odometer? How does it measure mileage? Odometers generally count wheel rotations, and use a formula calculating the number of rotations multiplied by the tire’s circumference.  This is part of the reason why it’s very important to maintain your tire treads, as underinflated or very worn tires can affect an odometer’s mileage tracking process. Likewise, if your vehicle is equipped with after-market and non-standard tires or wheels, the odometer reading may not be as accurate. As a result of these shifting variables and modified possibilities, odometer readings can be off by several percent. The formula by which odometer readings are calculated for a motor vehicle: (Actual Distance Traveled) = (Final Odometer Reading - Initial Odometer Reading) multiplied by (actual tire diameter) divided by (Standard tire diameter) Routine Maintenance checks are generally done at a “30-60-90” mileage marker, meaning every thirty thousand miles or so you should schedule a tune-up and maintenance appointment with your trusted mechanic or service provider.  This ensures that your vehicle will run properly, and avoids costly repairs as some parts may wear out earlier than anticipated depending on your driving style/habits.  An average tune-up often ranges from $200-$800, but this may be more depending on the age of your vehicle, driving habits, and type of vehicle.  You can find estimated annual costs of operations and mileage maintenance estimate calculators online to help you budget wisely and be prepared for regular intervals of tune-ups and repairs/replacements. Mileage Based Repairs, Tune-Ups and Maintenance Below are some helpful timeline estimations for service on your vehicle Every 3,000-6,000 miles you should receive an oil change. (Check your vehicle’s manufacturer guide for specific mileage requirements and type of oil - synthetic or regular. Older models may need closer to the 3k mark) If you’re purchasing or leasing a brand new vehicle, you’ll generally want to schedule a maintenance appointment at the 10,000 mile mark.  This initial service will often include tire rotation, air filter, oil change and parts. Older non-electronic ignition systems vehicles should be serviced either 10,000-12,000 miles or annually (whichever comes first!) and those with newer fuel injection systems and electronic ignitions can go 25,000+ between major tune-ups; check with your trusted mechanic or service department for guidelines, and consult your vehicle manufacturer handbook. At 10,000 miles you should have your tires rotated and vehicle aligned. At 30,000 miles you should have a full tune-up service including coolant, power steering, hoses and belts checked/replaced, and an engine checkup. At 50,000 miles you may need to service the following: Shocks and struts (suspension system), replace brake pads, new fuel filter, exhaust system inspection, automatic transmission tune-up and service. 50,000-70,000 miles you’ll need to inspect all of the belts, valves, and hoses, and you’ll want to install new tires if you haven’t already. (Always replace your tires at least 2 at a time) Around 60,000-70,000 miles you’ll need to have your fuel pump and water pump examined for cracks, wear, and tear and especially so if you notice any buzzing noises or your vehicle seems to stall frequently. Car Batteries last roughly about 80,000 miles, so if you notice you need to frequently jump your car, there’s a lot of erosion or leaking fluids, then you’ll want to have that swapped out ASAP before your car breaks down. Your spark plugs should be replaced between 80,000-100,000 miles. 90,000 miles is time to have another full tune-up and once over of your vehicle At 100,000 miles, you’ll need to have a bumper-to-bumper inspection of your vehicle including engine, transmission, water pump, timing belt, etc. You’ll need to switch to high-mileage coolants and spark plugs, too. At 125,000 miles, the O2 sensors will need to be replaced, the AC/Heating will need service, and you’ll need to replace: coolant, fuel filter, brake fluid, shocks and struts, and get an alignment. For high mileage vehicles 180,000-250,000 miles, you’ll want to check the axles, drive shafts, airflow sensor, belts and timing chain, power steering, chassis, fuel injectors, etc. It will need a thorough inspection from bumper to bumper and may require more frequent service maintenance for a smooth ride.

The 2024 Carnival MPV is a carryover model with minor packaging changes. The Carnival competes in the Midsize MPV segment, but its combination of SUV styling, exceptional passenger and cargo volume, and practical convenience features also make it uniquely positioned to compete against three-row SUV crossover models. more Last month, sales of the Carnival were up 81 percent over the previous March record, contributing to the brand’s eighth consecutive month of record-breaking sales. The 2023 Carnival was also one of nine Kia models included in the 2023 Car and Driver Editors’ Choice Awards list, representing the publication’s annual standard of automotive excellence. 2024 Carnival The Carnival continues to offer best-in-class cargo space 1, along with class-leading 290 horsepower 2 with 262 lb.-ft. of torque and 3,500-lb. towing 3 capacity. Standard hands-free power sliding doors and available hands-free power tailgate with auto closing, one-button all-door open/close functionality, and modular second- and third-row seat flexibility, including second-row center multi-function free mode seats, lend to the overall convenience of the Carnival. 2024 Carnival For the 2024 model year, the All-Auto Up/Down & Safety Power Windows were removed from the EX trim, but remain standard for the SX and SX Prestige. The Carnival EX Power Tailgate Delete Package (8-Passenger) is no longer available. Pricing 4 – MSRP (excludes $1,365 destination): LX $33,200 LX Seat Package $35,200 EX $38,700 SX $41,900 SX Prestige $46,300 Engine: 3.5L V6 GDI Lambda III Engine: 290 horsepower/262 lb.-ft. of torque and 3,500 lb. towing capacity Fuel Economy 5 – EPA-est. MPG: City: 19 Highway: 26 Combined: 22 Highlighted Kia Drive Wise Advanced Driver Assistance Features 6: Parking Distance Warning – Reverse Std: All trims Parking Collision Avoidance – Reverse Std: SX & SX Prestige Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Std: All trims Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist Std: All trims Driver Attention Warning 7 Std: All trims Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Following Assist Std: All trims Safe Exit Assist 8 Std: All trims Forward Collision Avoidance Assist: Std: X & LX Seat Package – Car/Pedestrian Detection / EX, SX & SX Prestige – Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection Lane Following Assist: Std: All trims Highway Driving Assist 9 Std: EX, SX & SX Prestige Dimensions: Overall Length: 203 in. Overall Width: 89.2 in. Overall Height: 69.9 in. (with roof rails 10) Wheelbase: 121.7 in. ABOUT KIA AMERICA: Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

71% of Kia’s total sales for April were for the brand’s award-winning utility vehicles! The Kia Carnival, Kia Sportage, and Kia Telluride vehicles have each set an all-time high record for sales in April! Off to a smashing start to the new year with its best first quarter sales performance in company history, Kia America’s sales and market share growth has continued an upward trend! more April saw the brand’s 9th consecutive year-over-year monthly sales increase of 15.5% over the same period last year; 68,205 units were sold!  Electrified vehicle offerings were up 74% over the same period last year, and an impressive 22% over the previous March 2023 monthly sales record.  Additionally, the Kia Carnival MPV had record breaking sales, topping its April 2021 record numbers by 52%!  The Sportage and Telluride also saw an increase in popularity with 18% and 4%, respectively, over the same month’s records in April of last year. “Trust in the Kia brand in the US market continues to grow as a direct result of our concerted effort to provide customers with compelling design, reliable products, superior quality and best-ever residual values,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “Kia’s sales momentum will continue as our best-in-class lineup of SUV and electrified models attract and meet the needs of today’s buyers.” Other wonderful updates from Kia America: The 2024 Kia EV9 SUV, an all-new, all-electric vehicle, made its North American debut at the 2023 New York International Auto Show!  It’s the first 3-row EV SUV from the brand, and the EV9 is its flagship launch of the global Plan S strategy The 5th Generation redesigned 2023 Kia Sportage was in the top picks for Autotrader’s Best New Cars of 2023 The Stinger Tribute Limited Edition, now with distinct upgrades and options/features, has been making waves in the automotive enthusiast circuit.  Only 440 units are available in the US, and just 1,000 worldwide, making this a noteworthy close to the vehicle’s 6-year production run! Kia’s “Accelerate the Good” Dealership Match Program raised an incredible $3.779 million for non-profits nationwide, which was distributed to selected charities across the United States; charities included childhood cancer programs, ending childhood hunger initiatives, unhoused youth support and shelter, community disaster relief, and military family support.

On Sunday, May 1st 2023, Classic Kia hosted a wonderful "Show Off Cars & Coffee" event at our dealership in Waukegan, Illinois. Attendees were welcome to bring any kind of car their heart desired, and show it off at our event! From street rods to muscle cars to classics and rat rods, the vehicles in attendance really ran the whole spectrum of automotive enthusiasts. more We are so excited to report that this was our biggest turnout to the event yet! Local gearheads and automotive enthusiasts turned out in droves to make this our largest and most popular event yet. We are stunned at the levels of excitement and had a blast networking, making new friends, and snacking on coffee and donuts as we strolled the lineup. If you've got more pictures from the event, we'd love to hear about it and see them! Leave them in the comments or send them to us via our social media (FB and IG), and feel free to let us know if we can repost them to our page. We'd love to see the photos and selfies you've taken with the amazing vehicles on display.

There’s never a bad time to do some Spring Cleaning!  And that’s especially true if we’re talking about our vehicles, of course.  We spend a lot of time on the go to and from work, school, activities, clubs, classes, and all sorts of other adventures. In fact, AAA says that American drivers spend about 17,600 minutes on average behind the wheel of a car. That’s a long time to be in there without cleaning, and even more frightening to learn more than 30% of drivers rarely clean their car. Did you know that there are about 700 different strains of bacteria living in your vehicle?  Yikes! It’s a good thing Classic is here to help with our handy guide to DIY hacks for a cleaner, tidier vehicle! more A can of compressed air is your new best friend! This trusty and affordable tool will help you blast the dust and dirt from small crevices and hard to reach places such as your air vents. A small crafters sponge brush can remove grime and grit from hard-to-clean areas. Found in the budget bins of dollar stores and craft stores, this budget friendly tool just needs a quick dip in your cleaner of choice, and then give it a swipe in hard-to-clean areas like the inside of your vents or cup holders.  Alternatively, you can use a small cotton ball on a stick or a cotton swab. A firm toothbrush does the heavy lifting to remove sticky substances and grime off of textured surfaces.  Grab an old toothbrush or a no-name brand and go to town on those nooks and crannies and textured surfaces, lifting up the layers of crud out of every divet and bump in no time flat. Head to your kitchen for this next surprisingly affordable tool: cooking spray oil! That’s right, this common household ingredient can help you easily lift away bug splatter and dead insects from your car’s paint with no damage.  Just spray, wait a few seconds, and then gently wipe with a microfiber cloth and those bug corpses will be no more. Create a DIY air freshener for a fraction of the cost of name brand options with laundry supplies and a mason jar. Got some scent beads in your laundry room? They make a great budget friendly air freshener in under 5 minutes. Poke small holes in the lid of a mason jar or recycled glass jar lid, or alternatively cut a piece of screen or mesh and take the outer ring of a canning jar lid to make a grate top.  Shake some of the scent beads/balls (about ¼ cup should do), then affix your hole-poked liid, or lay your mesh over the jar opening and twist the outer ring on. This will allow airflow and scent to permeate the car with a fresh scent for weeks. Get rid of pet hair in a pinch with this easy household tool hack! Grab a spray bottle with water and a small shower squeegee for this one. Spritz your seats and floor mats where the pet hair is gently with the water (don’t soak it, a light mist will do), and run the rubber edged squeegee along the upholstery.  The pet hair will come up quickly and easily and you can throw it away or vacuum it up! Oil stains got you down? We understand, but don’t despair!  Cat lovers rejoice because you have this handy tool in your arsenal already. Completely cover the oil with kitty litter, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes for small oil spills, or overnight if it’s a large one.  Sweep up the kitty litter after the allotted time, and then scrub the area with a bristle brush dipped in laundry detergent or dish detergent (Dawn works fabulously here!) What common household items or products have you used for a DIY cleaning hack? Let us know in the comments!

Today is Cinco De Mayo, but aside from promotional events and bottomless margarita specials, how much do you know about the origins of this day in Mexican history?  Today, we wanted to take a moment to share a little bit about the origins of this commemorative holiday, and then of course, a list of local restaurants where you can grab a delicious Mexican dinner with friends and family!  (And of course after reading this blog you can impress them with your knowledge of history and culture while you chow down!) It’s a great day to support your local Mexican and Mexican-American owned local businesses. more Sharing the real, authentic story behind the holiday is a great way to change stereotypes and educate others about the powerful origins of this day in Mexican heritage and history!  So make sure if you’re partaking in the festivities locally, that you remember its importance and talk about it with others.  Supporting Mexican Arts and Mexican Museums is another great way to celebrate!  Embracing the culture, history, and traditions of Mexican artisans through special gallery shows and arts and history museums is an incredible way to connect and honor the culture.  And, of course, exploring the incredibly vast and flavorful authentic meals and recipes from Mexico’s many different regional cuisines.  Whether you’re stopping by a local restaurant or cooking a meal at home for you and your family and friends, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the heritage! Looking for dishes that originated in Puebla specifically? Check out this great list from Isabella’s blog “Let’s Travel to Mexico”! What is Cinco De Mayo? In America it’s become synonymous with unlimited tacos and bottomless margs, but it actually holds significant historic relevance to the country of Mexico.  Contrary to popular belief, its association with a feast of Mexican and Tex Mex foods is a popularly increasing celebratory trend of recent years.   Many people presume that Cinco De Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, but it actually has other origins. Cinco de Mayo, is actually the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a celebration observed in Mexico and parts of the US. The Mexican Army’s achieved victory over the French Empire on May 5th 1862, thanks to General Ignacio Zaragoza, and overtook the French Forces of Napoleon III.  The French later returned with reinforcements, but ultimately were defeated by the Mexican Army who took full control back of the city later in April 1867.  The battle remains a significant day in Mexican history, symbolizing Mexico’s determination to take back their home, and their fortitude in the face of foreign occupation and aggressors.  In Mexico, it’s not really a “holiday” except for the region of Puebla, where it of course is very significant. Mother and daughter talking while preparing food at kitchen counter at home Check out this video from Street Vlogs and take a drive through Puebla from Angelopolis through to the Historic City  Center in gorgeous 4K video! Vlogger Geraldine Glam on YouTube is sharing 20 things to do in Puebla 2023! (En Español) Learn more about the food and history of Puebla Mexico from Tourist to Local on Youtube! Anthony Bourdain A Cooks Tour “Puebla Where the Good Cooks are From” is a nostalgic episode from Season 1 of the late chef’s show celebrating the incredible cuisine, culture, and history of Puebla Mexico! What’s it like driving the Pan American Highway through Mexico? Check out this incredible vlog from Toyota World Runners on YouTube as the document their road trip journey. Daniel Suarez is the first Mexican NASCAR driver, and here’s a little spotlight video from I Am Athlete on YouTube! Great Mexican and TexMex Eateries in the Lake County Illinois and Greater Chicago Area: Toluca’s Restaurant in Waukegan Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant in Waukegan Antojitos Guerrero in Waukegan El FAmous Burrito in Waukegan Taqueria El Charro in Waukegan La Canoa in Waukegan Taqueria Guerrero in Waukegan Golosinas El Encanto in Waukegan El Caporal in Waukegan Tacos El Norte in Waukegan Comales de Waukegan in Waukegan Sazon Cocina Mexicana in Waukegan Three Amigos in Lake Villa Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant in Libertyville Authentico Mexican Restaurant & Bar in Lake Forest Jalisco Restaurant in Gurnee Momcorn in Gurnee Sofia’s Mexican Restaurant in Island Lake Casa Bonita MExican Restaurant and Tequila Bar Mexican Grill Los Magueyes in Fox Lake

May the 4th be with you all!  Today is Star Wars day, and we’re really excitecd about it!  Today’s blog is all about cool and interesting vehicles from the Star Wars Universe.  If you’ve got a favorite vehicle or ship that we’ve left off our list, let us know in the comments below.  We love to see everyone’s personal faves. more And when you’re done reading, head over to the Waukegan Public Library at 5PM for “The Library Awakens, a Star Wars Celebration”! The AT-ST The AT-ST is a scout battle vehicle which first made an appearance in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. It’s birdlike appearance helps it walk through areas other vehicles cannot, and it’s quite agile despite its awkward appearance.  It can rotate its head to fire multiple rounds at enemies, and can run fast into battle or slowly creep to survey the area. Jabba the Hutt’s Sailing Barge This nefarious cruise ship belongs to none other than the malevolent space slug known as Jabba the Hutt.  Jabba and his ilk use this barge, also known as Khetanna, to transport prisoners to their death at the Sarlaac Pit, a giant carnivorous sand worm on Tatooine.  This roving palace sails across the sands of the desert planet with ease, but it’s also ready to fight a battle with enemies at a moments notice since it’s equipped with plenty of weapons and spots for bounty hunters to fight fellow pirates and other intruders. The Jawa Sandcrawler These mobile roving fortresses are equipped with treads capable of navigating gravel, rock, and sand.  They’re used by the Jawas on both Tatooine and Arvala-7 as their home and mobile workshop.  These vehicles also have a magnetic suction device for pulling both scraps and droids into the ship’s interior to harvest for scrapping. It has plenty of cargo room as well as bunks for its inhabitants when they’re not in the workshops and scrap-processing facilities.  Each sandcrawler can fit a whole Jawa Clan, anywhere from 30 to 60 Jawas.  They’re originally manufactured by the Corellia Mining Corporation. Gungan Battle Wagon These wagons are piloted by a Falumpaset and used by the Gungans to defend their territory and their planet from nefarious outside forces.  It uses large wheels to minimize any jostling of the rider and contents, and is used to carry supplies or energy ball ammunition to combat troops.  The Falumpset is used due to its long legs which make it perfect for covering lots of ground on the grasslands in great long strides.  The Grand Gungan Army is known for applying its hybrid of technology and traditional weapons.  They focus on defense rather than offense, but are a formidable force in battle. Mon Calamari Star Cruiser The Mon Calamari people were an asset to the Rebel Alliance.  Determined to restore freedom to the galaxy, these peace-seeking people had an immense amount of fire power at the ready.  The cruiser was just one of several in a fleet of powerful ships designed to take down the Imperial Starfleet.  They were equipped with turbolasers, ion cannons, tractor beam projections, and had a formidable shield generator.  They were 1200m in length, making them a sincere force to be reckoned with. X34 Landspeeder The infamous mode of transport for a teenaged Skywalker on the planet of Tatooine.  This unassuming vehicle was 3.4m in length and capable of floating 1m above the sandy terrain.  Thanks to the harsh terrain and environment of Tatooine, maintaining these vehicles required a lot of frequent tune-ups and tinkering.  It has a trio of air-cooled thrust turbines, which are coupled with the repulsorlift engine, allowing it to float above the ground for speedy travel. Naboo Flash Speeder This sleek, stunning specimen in airspeed transport was employed by the Royal Guards of Naboo.  Originally designed for patrol use due to their speed and agility, they also doubled as combat vehicles in a pinch.  They're equipped with a turret-mount blaster cannon on the rear spoiler, and twin repulsorlift engines.  They were used to liberate the capital of Theed on Naboo from the Trade Federation, and used by bounty hunters during the Clone Wars. What are some of your favourite additions to the ever expanding vehicles of the Star Wars Universe? Let us know in the comments! Check out this video of a cool car built and designed by Bryan Benedict and Billy Hammon as seen on Jay Leno’s Garage! Did you know that NASCAR has also celebrated Star Wars in the ultimate pop-culture merger? Check out this cool video from The Iceberg on YouTube to learn more!

Nowadays, comics and cartoon imagery have become such a wonderful part of our daily lives, from newspaper pages to social media memes to print comics and digital subscription books.  They’ve even become ubiquitous parts of pop culture thanks to big screen adaptations from publishing houses like Marvel and DC.  What was once an obscure hobby reserved for “nerds'' and collectors is now extremely popular all across the globe!  In fact, there’s plenty of arguments in the positive on why we should be further encouraging young readers to explore comics and graphic novels. more Comics are for everyone: The Wonderful Benefits of Reading Graphic Novels and Comic Books! Graphic Novels/Comics are often quite helpful for children with learning difficulties and disabilities; short sentence structure, easy-to-read sentences, and interpreting illustrations with the accompanying visual and text cues help them derive context from the words on the page. Children with sensory processing disorders are able to learn how to identify and describe emotions through imagery which allow them to better process gestures, facial expressions, visual cues, and imagining themselves performing those actions.  This helps not just their reading comprehension, but their ability to understand social dynamic and interpersonal communication. Structured visual cues and exaggerated body language/facial expressions helps younger readers understand and interpret stories and become a better reader. Comics allow readers to be more immersed in the storytelling and emotional experience, by providing additional emphasis on satire, symbolism, humor, and more in ways that text alone is unable to provide. Children may learn many more complex vocabulary words from comic books, as comics have on average more rare words per thousand than adult books; giving a child who needs more advanced reading level some graphic novels and comic books will challenge them much more than books for older readers/adults. Younger readers may be more inclined to explore new avenues in life and devise more creative ways of communicating, thus opening them up to new skills and gaining “superpowers” of their own by exploring the visual arts, reading and even STEM activities. It’s a great way for newcomers to any language to get a better understanding and grasp of a second language thanks to the sentence structure and visual dynamics. They’re a great travel-friendly option in reading materials thanks to many issues being pocket sized like mangas, luggage friendly such as individual graphic novels, or even digital subscriptions on your e-readers, phones, and tablets. It’s no wonder, then, that Free Comic Book day has grown into something very popular and well-loved by the general pubic. New to Free Comic Book Day? Allow us to explain! Free Comic Book day is an annual event meant to encourage new readers of comics and graphic novels, as well as helping local small comic shop businesses keep the lights on.  Thanks to its popularity, what once originated as a North American only event, the Free Comic Book Day movement has expanded to a global audience! Folks can use a helpful webform their postal code or address to find a US or Canadian based shop, or click the link to find global resources. Free Comic Book Day is almost here, and we’ve compiled a great list of local area comic shops in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin for you to visit and get your super special collectible issues and freebies! Most of the promotional issues for freebies, discounted items, and special edition comics will be available in print form only, requiring you to visit a local shop to pick up the physical copy.  Copies of free or promotional books will be in limited supply with high demand, so please be patient and kind to local shop owners.  It’s customary to have folks waiting in line for hours prior to opening, so quantities may already be limited beginning fairly early in the day.  Some shops also limit how many freebies a person may get, so you’ll have to select and prioritize your favorites! Let’s check out the local hot spots for comics and cool comics related events happening in the area over the next few months. Jay’s Comics in Grayslake Dreamland Comics in Libertyville Comic Buying Center in Libertyville New Guy in Comics and Collectibles in Winthrop Harbor North Shore Comics in Northbrook Galaxy of Books in Winthrop Harbor Modern Age Comics Inc in Algonquin and Crystal Lake Beyond Tomorrow Comics in Palatine Aw Yeah Comics in Skokie Atlas Comics in Chicago Graham Crackers Comics Loop in Chicago 2nd & Charles in Gurnee Inner Child Comics in Kenosha, WI Comic Alley in Lake Geneva, WI Legendary Comics and Records in Racine, WI Lost World of Wonders in Milwaukee, WI Collector’s Edge Comics South & Collector’s Edge Comics North in Milwaukee, WI Collectors Asylum in Lannon, WI Classic Comics and Collectibles in Glendale, WI Kowabunga Comics in Oconomowoc, W I

The first day of May always has us thinking about beautiful blossoms, fabulous florals, and whimsical wildflowers!  For today’s blog, we’re sharing our picks for fun flower themed car accessories, as well as a list of great local florists so you can purchase your Mother’s Day Bouquets, arrangements for your special day, or just simply to bring home a bit of sunshine in the form of fresh cut flowers.  Check it out! more Great Local Florists Near Waukegan Pope’s Florist & Gifts in Waukegan Flowers For You in Waukegan Larsen Florists & Greenhouses in Waukegan Mundo Infantil Floreria & Dulceria in Waukegan Joseph’s Florist in Libertyville Petal Peddlers in Libertyville Lewis Florist in Grayslake Buss Flower Shop in Libertyville Polly’s Petals Inc in Lake Bluff Twigs in Lake Bluff Flowerama in Mundelein Floral Car Gear for Blooms All Year Round Browse our picks for trendy spring decor to add a little color & personality to your vehicle. Get comfy, cozy, and cute with these trendy and soft fashionable daisy headrest and neck pillows as well as seat belt protectors! Sold from CuteCar Accessories on Etsy. Add a touch of color and a bit of retro chic style with these handmade flower crocheted steering wheel covers and seat belt covers, available from YDM on Amazon. The 90s are back!  Add some fun vintage vibes to your car with these embroidered pastel flowers and channel your inner 90s child. Available on Amazon. Keep your cupholders clean and clear of mess with these resin handmade car coasters with real dried florals and beautiful gold accents. Available on Etsy from BloomingBowtiqueShop. Available in multiple blossom styles and colorways, and your choice of colorful flower pot options, these pocket sized plants are great for your car and you won’t ever have to worry about them wilting! Available from Walbest Store on Amazon. We love these stylish Daisy and music note floor mats that are made to order! Available from GearCarCover.com For those on the road and always go-go-going, we love this portable floral trash can that pops up and attaches to the back of your seat. Available from Natural Life. This bright botanical inspired license plate frame is sure to bring a smile to your face! Available from Natural Life. Store your tissues or maps in this floral fabric visor holder, handmade lovingly and available via HappySew97 on Etsy Add a touch of class to your car with these faux embroidered spring boho seat covers sold by HopewellDesignStudio on Etsy. This delicate wildflower decal adds a touch of springtime sunshine to your ride. Available in BrickroomDesigns shop on Etsy.

Today is Independent Bookstore Day!  Founded in 2013, this day was created to help local residents and their communities connect with indie booksellers to foster a wonderful community of readers!  This year is the 10th anniversary of this special holiday, and we're very excited about it!  Indie bookstores are a great way to support small, local business owners as well as getting to know new authors, creators, and fellow bibliophiles.   Each year on Indie Bookstore Day, a series of unique promotional items, new releases, and special events will be held at your local bookstores and many continue the festivities well on into the weekend. more Many indie bookstores don’t just celebrate today, but they also hold year round special events for book releases, writers workshops, poetry and book readings, author signings, special story hours, and so much more fun to be had! Sure, That Big Online Bookseller may have slashed prices, but can they tailor your “to be read” list specifically to your personal tastes and give top notch recommendations no matter what mood you’re in? Nope! That’s a specialty skill that only your local bookseller will have!  Your local indie bookstores are the place to go for curated reading lists, but they do oh so much more. Portrait of female librarian/bookseller of Asian ethnicity, during her workday in the library/book store So what are you waiting for? Stock up on some quality tomes to read on your next road trip or vacation.  Who knows, they may even have the best road trip themed books for your staycations, too!  It never hurts to ask. Great Local area bookstores in Illinois and Wisconsin that are worth the drive and need your support: Sheila Corleone Vanci Book Store in Waukegan IL The Book Bin in Northbrook IL This Old Book in Grayslake IL The Book Stall in Winnetka, IL Lake Forest Bookstore Galaxy of Books in Winthrop Harbor IL The Green Read in Crystal Lake, IL Read Between the Lynes in Woodstock, IL The Book Shop in Batavia IL Town House Books in Charles IL The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn IL Volumes Bookstore in Chicago IL After-Words Bookstore in Chicago IL The Book Cellar in Chicago IL Heirloom Books in Chicago IL Unabridged Bookstore in Chicago IL Blue House Books in Kenosha WI Studio Moonfall Bookstore and Art Studio in Kenosha, WI Reads by the River Books and Gifts in Waterford WI

Comic Book day is just around the corner, but we thought it would be great to get a jump start by celebrating Super Hero Day to get you pumped up and find some exciting comics to look forward to.  Check out our picks for unusually cool vehicles from Superheroes and Comic Books that aren’t the infamous Batmobile!  See how many you know, and make note of your new findings so you can impress your friends later at trivia night. more First up, The Mooncopter from Moon Knight. Thanks to the recent series starring Oscar Isaac, Moon Knight is seeing his day in the era of comic book adaptations on screen.  Moon Knight gets around in his special aircraft, the mooncopter.  It’s first appearance was in “Werewolf By Night #32” released in August of 1975. The mooncopter has some pretty spectacular special features, including silent flight, hovering with no noise, top of the line cannons and rockets, reaching top speeds of 200mph, and it’s even submersible. That’s one impressive vehicle if we ever saw one. Next, we’re taking a look at Catwoman’s super wild Catmobile! Catwoman created her own version of the Batmobile so she could outdo her caped nemesis.  This “Kitty Car” as it was nicknamed, could outrace the Batmobile, was equipped with rocket-jets allowing her to jump short distances, and had a giant cat head in the front. Later on, it was used by her brother as well as a criminal inspired by Catwoman who dubbed himself Cat-Man. Onwards and upwards to the recently resurrected Green Arrow and his vehicles: the Arrowcar and Arrowjet. The arrow shaped vehicle first started off as a car, but transformed into the Arrow Plane and Arrow Orbiter!  The Arrow car is equipped with a special catapult to launch our dear hero into action, as well as being able to fire arrows for backup.  When the vehicle transforms into “The Orbiter” it’s capable of interstellar travel, equipped with laser blasters, and can even generate a wormhole!  Sounds pretty convenient for future traveling, no? Following up our last bizarre concept vehicle is none other than Wonder Woman’s wild Invisible Jet! Created on Paradise Island, originally said to have been transformed from a winged Pegasus by Athena, Diana’s magical and mysterious jet had the power of invisible cloaking abilities, can process her exhaled air into oxygen to extend breathing capabilities for up to 20 minutes, is undetectable by radar and the naked eye, and can shape projectile weapons out of its own material, as well as being able to regenerate!  The concept was later scrapped after just a short run as the writers of her character felt it was a little silly.

As an automotive enthusiast, we’re sure you’ll agree: there’s nothing more satisfying than a well-organized garage!  When all the tools and tidbits you need for your project car are available front and center, right at your fingertips, it makes tune-ups a breeze.  Since today is National Garage Day, we thought it would be fitting to share some great ideas for organizing your gear to make working your garage feel like a dream. On the top of our list for organization are: Cabinets and toolbox carts, pegboard and magnetic tool holders, extension cord storage, and wall or ceiling racks.  We’ve done our due diligence to provide you with various price points to find the best product to fit your finances and needs! more Shelves, Cable/Cord Management, and More We think the Fleximounts Classic 2’x6’ wall shelving system will be a great addition to your garage storage options.  At $150, these powder coated steel shelving pieces will stand the test of time without breaking your bank! Westward offers a great Tool Organizer Panel with magnetic options for holding small tools and specialty small parts!  Each panel is 12”x12”, making it easy for you to customize your space and get as many as you need for your workspace.  You can tile them across the wall vertically or horizontally, or whatever pattern you like!  Made of durable steel and priced at just $46.50. Uline offers a great one-piece steel pegboard that’s fully customizable to whatever tools and materials you need to store. These panels are 48”x24” and at just $58 or buy a 3 pack for a $55/ea bargain deal. The nice thing about this is you will cover a large wall space in one go.  If you prefer to cover an even larger space, you may wish to grab the 96”x48” option for $195. For a cord or cable management option that won’t break the bank, this 13” cord storage reel is under $10 and a great portable holder for cords, hoses, cables and more. Priced under $50 and conveniently designed to keep your cords and cables tangle free, the Cable Wrangler cable management system is a must-have. Toolboxes and Tool Chests Choosing the right toolbox is the first step in getting yourself organized for everything from weekend project car sessions to simple tasks like changing the oil or fixing a flat.  Even if you’ve got a small space, a rolling chest toolbox is going to be the most optimal piece of equipment you’ll purchase for your space.  Measure the dimensions of your garage to make sure the toolbox will fit flush against the wall and clear your ceiling height. The most dependable toolbox designs will be made of metal with locking caster wheels for optimal safety.  Another great option are toolboxes with locking drawers and latches to keep your tools safe and prevent climbing by children, pets, etc.  If you’re short on space, you’ll want one that also offers a workbench space at the top or a fold-out bench to give you some surface area when needed.  Consider also choosing one with coordinating accessories available such as magnetic trays and properly fitting drawer organizers to keep things secure and separate from one another for maximum organization! We’ve selected a few different price range options and styles to get you started on your search.  Once you’ve had a look at what’s out there at different price points, you’ll be able to better choose the right option that best fits your budget. For the budding gearhead or the mobile-mechanic, we love this DieHard Toolbox Roller seat! It’s just $120 and is easy to move around if you’re working in your driveway or carport, or checking out your vehicle before track day. The Seville Classics UltraHD 6-Drawer Rolling Cabinet is just $300 and only ~35” high, perfect for one-car garages and small work areas. We also love the Craftsman 2000 Series Steel Rolling Tool Cabinet at just $450; i t’s great if you’ve got lots of wallspace but not much room for a tall chest of drawers. The Westward Rolling Tool Cabinet is under $600 and is great for small spaces at just ~40” high. If you have less width but more height available in your garage, you’ll love the Husky Standard Duty 16-drawer combination Rolling Tool Chest and Top-Tool Cabinet set for $700! It has 16 drawers and will fit into smaller spaces at just 41in wide compared to the shorter but more horizontal design options. If you’re ready to roll with the big leagues, try this larger set that’s still a fairly budget friendly option on clearance sale at Harbor Freight. The US General Triple-Bank Roller cabinet is a whopping 72” long, with plenty of drawer space for just about anything you can think of, and a convenient workstation on top.  It’s a great deal at just $1300! If you’re already set to go pro, the Husky Professional Duty 20 drawer mobile workbench tool chest is going to be everything you need to start your hobby garage off right.  It’s got a power strip and USB ports built in, plenty of drawers and organizational space, and a gorgeous worktop.  Plus, it comes in several different color options