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We love to keep our customers happy, and that means arming you with all the knowledge you’ll need when it comes to buying and maintaining your new or preowned vehicle.  Our Automotive Terminology posts are here to keep you informed so you can stay in the loop of industry terms and vocabulary. Whether your car is coming in for routine maintenance, a minor or major repair, or you’re just looking for more insight, we’re here to give you some guidance.  Today we’re covering some of the key factors with the standard Antilock Braking System, a safety feature in modern vehicles. more What is the ABS or Antilock braking system?  ABS is a  computer-controlled system that prevents brakes from locking up and tires from skidding during hard braking. The ABS uses electronic sensors and high-pressure pumps to measure your car’s speed and the force with which you apply the brakes.   If you stop suddenly on a slick roadway or surface, the ABS improves traction by preventing wheels from locking up and prevents skidding.  The sensors detect when your wheels are skidding, and the system is enabled with an ability to calculate and pump the brakes faster than the human driver. Sometimes you’ll feel a slight shudder or pulse during sudden stops or in wet and slippery conditions, this is the ABS system doing its job!  Just keep your foot on the brake until your vehicle comes to a stop. If the movement feels uncomfortable, bring your car in for a service check immediately.  You should never dilly-dally on repairs to your brakes, because braking safely is a matter of life and death situations. What do you do if your ABS light turns on? If your ABS light is on there may be a few different things happening.  If the light is briefly flickering on at startup, you don’t need to be alarmed as that’s normal.  But if it remains on it could be: -Malfunctioning ABS Computer Module - Damaged ABS Sensors - Faulty Wheel Bearings - Low Car Battery Or it could be related to several other electrical problems and brake system issues. Although it is still safe to drive with the ABS light on, there’s an increased risk of not being able to stop in time without this assistive device.  If your car also experiences a Brake Service Light as well as the ABS light, you should not drive your vehicle as it will be unsafe if needed to stop short. Your best option is to call one of our experienced service technicians and speak with them about your next step and scheduling an appointment. They’ll help guide you through the process and get you back on the road safely in no time!  We’re here to help keep you safe and happy.

At Classic Kia, we’re extremely excited to share that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized eight Kia vehicles for inclusion on its 2022 Top Safety Picks lists.  That’s right, the Kia Telluride, Sorento, Seltos, Carnival, Sportage, and the Soul have all received 2022 Top Safety Pick awards, and the Kia K5 and Stinger both qualified as their Top Safety Pick+ winners. more All of the 2022 TSP winners received a rating of “good” in the following crash tests: driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and hand restraint tests.  They also received “Advanced” or “Superior” ratings when it comes to vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-passenger front crash prevention evaluations.  In addition, they each included at least one headline option with a “good” or “acceptable” rating for the TSP list; cars on the TSP+ list must have “good” or “acceptable” headlights as standard equipment. When equipped with the optional front crash prevention and specialized headlights, the Telluride, Sorrento, Carnival (after 3/21), Sportage, Seltos, and Soul  each earned a TSP award. That makes Kia tied for the second most combined TSP and TSP+ vehicles in the industry during 2022. Amazing! We are so pleased to be a part of the Kia family, and to be able to offer our customers top-tier service and value in each of our Kia models.  When you shop with us at Classic Kia, you can count on us to have award-winning vehicles with top notch safety features and state-of-the-art technology packages.  Keep your family and friends safe on the road with a car from Classic Kia, no matter where life takes you!

Thrifty automotive consumers know that buying a pre-owned vehicle can save you big bucks, and who doesn’t love to save money? We respect it!  We commend you for your fiscally and environmentally responsible choice, but we also know that it might not come with all the custom bells and whistles you were looking for.  Since you didn’t get to pick your add-ons and options, we thought we’d bring you a list of budget friendly options to upgrade your car’s tech into 2022! From voice activated infotainment systems to signal boosters for smartphones, we’ve got you covered.  All of these items are under $500 and easily upgrade your car’s tech specs in minutes. more The BlueDriver Scan Tool This is an excellent tool for slightly older model vehicles which may not have the most detailed alert data for your car’s vital systems.  Keep connected to your smartphone for monitoring on and off the road, and catch your car’s minor problems before they become big ones.  It’s great for travelers who may need a repair during their journey, and it will give you the confidence to stop at any mechanic for a service call. Portable Philips HEPA Compact Purifier This wonderful device is budget friendly and helps recycle and clean the air inside your vehicle.  Great for driving the kids around to and from activities and school, because it will clear the air of kid-germs with it’s HESA/HEPA technology.  Great for preventing spread of germs for rideshare passengers as well. ACECAR Heads Up Display Device Keep your eyes front and center on the road and stay focused. All the important information will be projected safely on the windshield for a heads-up view of your vital statistics like speed and RPMS. The Garmin Dashcam 66W With an Extra Wide view and automatic incident detection, your car has never been safer! Affordably priced and exquisitely crafted for high-tech, ultra-safe security, the Garmin Dashcam will help you in the event of an emergency, theft, break-ins, or hit-and-runs among other things.  Dashcams are really an essential part of a new driver’s safety kit in 2022. Alexa Enabled ANKER Roav Viva Phone Mount Turn your car’s lighter port into an Alexa enabled voice-activated charger and bluetooth assistant!  It’s great for modernizing older vehicles or adding some tech pizzazz to a car with a only the budget options package. Available for $50 at B&H. WeBoost Vehicle Cell Phone Signal Booster This is an item available for personal vehicles or RVs, and it can extend your cell phone’s reach and signal while driving in difficult areas.  This can be a big boon for those relying on a GPS or Maps App for arriving safely at their destination.  It is one of the more pricey options on our list, but well worth the investment for anyone who does heavy road travel cross-country or long distance.  Great for camping and travel bloggers.

When you’re always on the go, it’s vital to have things that are easy and convenient!  You want to be able to grab your gadgets in a jiffy, and pop them up in a heartbeat.  Thanks to our handy gizmo guide on today’s blog, you’ll never have to worry about missing a minute of fun.  Each of these items is easy to stow and take with you and also open and use.  They’re also incredibly useful and perfect enough for everyday use and perfect for keeping in your emergency car kit.  We’re all about easy, convenient, and portable items for today’s blog, and many of these can stay in your vehicle all year long so you're ready for any adventure life throws your way! more C-gear’s sandfree beach mat means trips to the shore and other sandy locations are going to be less of a hassle.  Forget the mess of grit, grime, and sand as a souvenir, and only bring back what you buy at the boardwalks or gift shop!  Great as well for picnics and sporting events. Priced under $75. ​​ We love the Nevlers inflatable lounger! If you're a minimalist who opted for a smaller car with less storage space, you’ll be very excited with the Nevler’s inflatable bed.  Inflates to hold up to 300lbs so you can sleep on the beach or at the campsite, but rolls up into a small carry bag for easy storage. Snag a two pack for under $50! The LESES Portable picnic table is convenient and useful. At an affordable price and with virtually no footprint space in your storage, this is a no brainer for those who love road tripping.  Whether you’re having a picnic lunch at a rest stop, beach days, camping weekends, or even tailgating, this is a great choice for travel gear. Under $50 on Amazon. The Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is leakproof and convenient. Comes in a variety of colors and patterns to choose from.  It’s a traveler’s dream because of its clever portability.  Stay hydrated and travel light with this item. Under $35 on amazon! The 4Monster Camping towels are an essential travel item. Whether you’re popping them into your luggage for your beach vacation, or keeping them in the car for emergencies, they’re indispensable.  With their own carry case for convenience and portability, we think you’ll love these in any size or color.  Mix and match to create a flexible set for use anywhere, and never stress about being without a washer dryer - they can be air dried in a short time! Ranges from $10-$25 on Amazon. Aaliff’s Standard Compressed Towel Tablets are a lifesaver for long trips. We’ve all had to do an emergency pitstop for a bathroom break, and been “up the creek without a paddle” so to speak.  And that’s why keeping a bag of these compact tissue tablets is going to change your life.  Travel without the fear of being left in a messy situation. You’ll have access to the toiletries you need for under $20! You can keep these Portawipes compressed Toilet Paper Coins in your car or bag on the go. Just like the towel tablets above, these can be opened to a convenient and luxurious wipe that you can use anywhere. Check it out in a 500 bulk pack for $40! The goTenna Mesh keychain helps you stay connected. Even if you’re entering a low or no cellular service zone, this keychain device is portable and convenient.  You’ll have the option to share location info with a range of up to 4 miles; it pairs with smartphones via Bluetooth-LE.  It also allows 1 on 1 texting and roup chats from connected devices. $200 via the goTenna site!

After more than 2 years of pandemic chaos, many of us are champing at the bit to take to the skies and touch down on new ground, or to drive the roads less traveled. Spring break is just around the corner, so why not take advantage of the upcoming free time and create a  plan for your first vacation of 2022!  We’re here to help you get ready by recommending lots of great reading material. more Why not spend some of your time off learning, exploring, and expanding your mind by getting lost in a good book?  You can enjoy all of the titles on our list while visiting anywhere in the world thanks to digital copies.  Load them onto your tablet, phone, or queue them up on your vehicle’s infotainment center.  There’s no wrong way to read a book! Whether you’re going out into the world and exploring places by planes, trains, or automobiles, or if you’re enjoying the quiet solitude of a “Staycation” at home, these books are sure to delight readers of all kinds.  Transport yourself to a new place and time with one of the books on our list!  We’ve got Fantasy, Fiction, and History books by Black Authors which highlight Black History, Black Culture, and Black narratives.  They’re all available in EBook and/or Audiobooks, which makes them great options for on the go entertainment without weighing down your luggage! “Behind the Mountains” by Edwidge Danticat is a coming-of-age themed novel about a young woman who leaves the island life of Haiti behind, and moves to the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life in Brooklyn, New York.  It’s relevant and timely for today’s world, and features beautiful descriptions of Haiti that will transport you to another place. “The Star Side of Bird Hill” by Naomi Jackson is another story exploring the strong ties of immigrant families to the rich, beautiful culture and communities of their island heritage.  It’s a complicated and emotionally engrossing tale of love, loss, community connection, and family. “Ghana Must Go” by Taiye Selasi is another beautiful novel about finding home and a family wherever you are, and making your way in the world on your own.  After the death of their father, the Sai siblings must come together to navigate family tension, the transformative power of loss, reclaiming your identity, and the importance of where we all come from. “Traveling While Black” by Mia Bay is a fascinating look into the history and modern dilemma of travel, public transportation, when it comes to segregation and racism.  It provides the reader with an accessible yet scholarly look into social justice and racial equality issues of the modern world. “Driving While Black” by W.W. Norton explores similar themes to the aforementioned title, this too is an extensive and complex dive into the history of African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights. “”Hola Morocha! A Black Woman’s Adventures in Buenos Aires: Culture Shock” by Jennifer Poe is a short, but energetic travel memoir about self-empowerment and independence.  It chronicles her solo travel as a black American woman, while also exploring the culture and history of the Black Community in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “ Kinky Gazpacho” by Lori Tharps is a travel memoir about navigating her West African heritage with the reality of being a Black Woman in Spain.  It delves into personal experiences and self-reflections on racial perspectives, explores passion in all its incarnations, and tackles loneliness and independence and love. “ The Marvelous Equations of the Dread: A Novel in Bass Riddim” by Marcia Douglas is a one-of-a-kind reading experience!  This novel-length poem is part musical and part mythical narrative.  It centers around the spirit of Bob Marley being reincarnated as a homeless man living in Kingston, Jamaica.  The audiobook provides additional authenticity and atmosphere with a Patois accented reading. “ Queen of the Conquered” by Kacen Callender is an adult fantasy novel that will inspire your childlike wonder and sense of adventure.  It deftly handles its heavy content by combining elements of magic, mystery, and fantasy blended with the realism of island history and culture.

The winter up North here in Illinois and Wisconsin can certainly be brutally cold and snowy!  For those of us who enjoy the brisk, blustery wintry weather and outdoor activities it can be blissful and exhilarating. However, for the person who prefers something more low key, it can cause a bit of cabin fever.  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to the folks who want to get out of the house, stay out of the weather, but still find some fun and excitement!  We’re rounding up some great ideas and options for indoor destinations and non-winter sport indoor/outdoor activities in the Greater Chicago area.  Let’s get out there and add a little color to our lives and paint the town red! more Be sure to check local guidelines for COVID19 restrictions such as vaccination cards and mask mandates.  We also encourage our readers to abide by all establishment’s individual guidelines for masking and social distancing for your safety and that of others. Family Friendly Activities We’ve scoured the internet and pulled from local suggestions for some of the best Chicago area destinations that are great for families.  Whether you’re going on a family outing or you’re taking the kids on a playdate, there’s lots of fun in store at these destinations.  From indoor playgrounds to museums to zoos, you’ll have plenty of entertainment for all age groups. Fit City Kids Exploritorium ClimbZone Chicago Lincoln Park Conservatory The Escape Game Chicago iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Lincoln Park Sod Room Indoor Playground Chicago LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago Present Place Chicago Indoor Playground Shedd Aquarium at Museum Campus Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier Amusement Center Chicago Purple Monkey Playroom Amusement Center Altitude Trampoline Park in Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Chicago Fox in a Box Escape Room Chicago Bronzeville Children’s Museum Indigo and Violet Art Studio Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice Kidcreate Studio Lakeview Chicago Wonder Works Children’s Museum Family Friendly Eateries After a fun-filled day of exploring the city and running around in museums or playgrounds, you’re going to be faced with plenty of hungry bellies!  Beat the hangry tantrums by planning ahead and reserving a table for your brood at one of these family friendly restaurants. We’ve done our best to pick kid friendly favourites, but also give you choices with a great atmosphere and lots of options for teens and adults, too. R.J. Grunts BIG & little’s Restaurant Crosby’s Kitchen SafeHouse Chicago Little Goat Diner JoJo’s Shake Bar Eleven City Diner Summer House Santa Monica Eggy’s Diner Lou Mitchell’s Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe Happy Camper Pizzeria Pinstripes Restaurant Funkenhausen Harvey’s Family Restaurant Big Kids Sandwiches Sunshine Restaurant Inc Friends Night Out and Date Night Ideas for Adults in Chicago You’ve had your fun with the kids and some serious quality time as a family, but now it’s time for you to kick back, let loose, and relax for a night on the town!  Get a little grownup time at these fun destinations that are perfect for couples, groups of friends, or even a nice night out alone.  You’ll find plenty of active choices such as skydiving and axe throwing, to walking tours and tours of brewpubs.  We’ve got a little bit of everything and a whole lot of creativity in our suggested destinations! WhirlyBall Chicago Bad Axe Throwing iFly Indoor Skydiving Broadway Playhouse Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago Chicago Magic Lounge City Winery Chicago Thomas McCormick Gallery Hofheimer Gallery WNDR Museum Gallery 400 FLXST Contemporary Kavi Gupta Gallery The Logan Theatre David Theater Chicago The Brew & View Nightingale Cinema The New 400 Theater Studio Movie Grill Ignite Gaming Chicago Redline VR Chicago FTW Chicago Play and Spin Museica’s Sip & Paint Deja Hue Art Wet Paint Chicago Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours Restaurants & Bars for a Great Night Out On the Town Who says adults can’t enjoy theme restaurants?!  We’ve gathered our picks for bars and restaurants with playful themes, interactive experiences, breweries, and farm-to-table options.  You’ll find no shortage of enjoyment and unforgettable experiences shared over cocktails and award winning plates of food.  We know you’ll have a blast! Replay Lincoln Park Elf’d Up Grill The Little Mermaid Cocktail Experience Chicago Map Room Bar Three Dots and a Dash Weegee’s Lounge Brando’s Speakeasy Janitor's Closet Neon Wilderness SafeHouse Chicago The Violet Hour Cocktail Bar Bunny Slope The Drifter Moneygun Range New American Blue Door Farm Stand Lula Cafe Table, Donkey and Stick Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago Goose Island Brewhouse

It’s National Love Your Pet Day!  It’s no secret we love our little creature companions be they furred, finned, feathered, or whatever, they’re all so special to us.  Over the last few years with pandemic related challenges, we’ve fallen in love with them more than ever.  Our trusty critter counterparts have given us so much companionship and unconditional love, and now it’s our turn to give back.  Check out today’s post for a super fun celebration of our non-human buddies! more Looking for Love: Great Local Animal Rescues to Find Your New BFF We understand that some folks choose to buy their sweet companions from breeders or championship bloodlines, and we get it!  But if you’re looking for a ride-or-die, for a tried-and-true blue best pal, you’ll never find a friend so kind with boundless love than animals rescued from a shelter or the street.  Here’s some great places to start looking for your new best friend! Waukegan Police Animal Control in Waukegan Our House of Hope Rescue in Libertyville Fat Cat Rescue in Waukegan Strawberry Fields Animal Rescue Illinois Wagging Hearts in Gainesville Kay’s Animal Shelter in Arlington Heights Animal House Shelter in Huntley Anderson Humane-North Aurora Adoption Center in North Aurora Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Deerfield Save-A-Pet in Grayslake PAWS Humane Society in Rockford Helping Paws Animal Shelter in Woodstock Heartland Animal Shelter in Wheeling Will County Humane Society in Shorewood Anderson Humane in South Elgin Tails Humane Society in DeKalb Community Care Animal Rescue Effort in Skokie Citizens Animal Rescue and Adoption in Tilton Wright-Way Rescue in Morton Grove Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue in Plainfield Fur Keeps Animal Rescue in Barrington Starfish Animal Rescue in Batavia Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary Inc in Rockford Young At Heart Senior Pet Adoptions in Woodstock Safe Harbor Humane Society in Kenosha WI Kindred Kitties in Kenosha WI Furever Friends Sanctuary in Kenosha WI Society of St Francis Inc in Kenosha, WI Tiny Paws Small Dog Rescue Inc in Kenosha, WI Who doesn’t love getting pampered with a little extra TLC! Well, did you know that our little four-legged, fine feathered, and even finned buddies feel just the same?  Show your pals a little extra treat, a new bed or hidey-hole, or even a day out at the spa.  We’ve got a list of places to spoil your pets: Alfredo Dog Grooming in Waukegan is where you go for a personal touch. Shear Paradise Pet Salon & Spa has been in pet beauty for over a dozen years. Grand Grooming in Gurnee is top rated as one of the best groomers in town. Liberty Dog Spa is a top tier pet groomer in Libertyville with years of experience. All Tails Pet Grooming & Boutique in Zion has been operating for over 10 years. Paw Chi Spa is the perfect mobile spa choice for pet parents with a busy schedule. Calling All Paws Mobile Pet Grooming is a convenient mobile grooming service for all. Posh Paws of Lake Bluff is a professional and trustworthy groomer for more than just dogs and cats. Bark N Call Pet Shop & Grooming has a reputation for friendly professional grooming. Peace, Paws, & Harmony in Lindenhurst grooms instills your pet with a sense of calm and patience during their spa day. 5 Star Doggie Bags: Cooking Special Meals for Your Pets At Home! Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats from Damn Delicious Homemade Dog Treat Recipe from The Cookie Rookie Three-Ingredient Salmon Cat Treats from The Cookie Rookie Canine Journal’s Homemade Vet Approved Dog Food Recipes Delicious Bearded Dragon Homemade Food Recipes Homemade Bunny Rabbit Treats by Sandi Homemade Cat Food Recipes via Hepper

Chocolate and Mint are a match made in heaven.  They’re as refreshing as a leisurely Sunday Drive on a crisp cool morning with the windows open!  That luxuriously rich and smooth chocolate with cool, crisp mint is a heavenly treat!  It’s the perfect mid-Winter flavor dessert palette, with flavor profiles teetering on the edge of seasonal holidays and emerging spring greenery.  Today, on National Chocolate Mint Day, we’re sharing some of our favourite places to grab this rich, chocolatey dessert combo in the Greater Chicago Area! more From Gelato to Milkshakes to Cupcakes and Cookies, you’ll find the best places to snag this iconic sweet treat right in our own backyards.  If you’re the DIY kind of soul, we’re also including some of our favourite chocolate mint inspired recipes at the end of this post.  They’re perfect for bringing to family gatherings, office parties, or dropping off a plate at your friendly neighbourhood car dealership (Hint hint? Just kidding, unless you want to!) Got a favourite recipe of your own?  Drop it in the comments and we may feature it in an upcoming post. Best Places for Chocolate Mint Treats in the Greater Chicago Area Insomnia Cookies in Lincoln Park Chicago Ghiardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop in Streeterville Chicago Annete’s Homemade Italian Ice in North Side Chicago Margie’s Candies in Logan Square Chicago Windy City Sweets in Lake View East Chicago Scoops Ice Cream in Bridgeport Chicago The Sweet Oasis in Norridge Shirl’s Drive-In Waukegan La Michoacana Premium in Waukegan Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store in Gurnee Mr Kite’s Chocolate Shop in Chicago Snow Dragon Shavery in Navy Pier Chicago L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates in North Bridge Chicago Fannie May Chocolate Shop in Chicago Wicked & Sweet in Chicago Chocolate Uzma Shop in Chicago The Coffee & Tea Exchange Coffee Shop in Chicago Sandy’s Popper in Kenosha, WI Scoops Ice Cream & Candy in Kenosha, WI Divino Gelato Cafe in Racine, WI Paparazzi Ice Cream Shop in Racine, WI Our Fave Mint-Chocolate Recipes Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Homemade Thin Mint Cookies Goodie Godmother’s Creamy Mint Oreo Milkshakes Lo’s Kitchen’s Mint Oreo Milkshake Sally’s Baking Addiction Chocolate Mint Brownies Averie Cooks’ Andes Mint Brownies Big Bolder Baking’s Real Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato Numi Tea’s Mint Chocolate Latte Contest Winning Recipe Life Made Sweeter’s Peppermint Mocha Latte

For most people, buying and selling cars is not a part of their daily or even weekly routine!  As a result, the process for figuring out exactly what you need and want can be a little overwhelming. We get it!  And we are here to help alleviate some of the stress with our Classic Auto Group Decoder.  That’s right, we’re shining a spotlight on some key terminology and phrasing most commonly used in the industry so that our customers can feel equipped with confidence.  By using our handy-dandy guide to automotive terminology, you’ll be able to “talk shop” like the best in the business.  So keep reading on to learn more about key phrases and vocabulary of the industry before you embark on your car buying journey. more Today we’re going to cover some key points on the topic of financing and leasing a vehicle.    We hope that these pointers will help you feel more confident in understanding “the fine print” of your leasing and financing agreements.  You’ll be able to drive off the lot and on your way home in your new or leased vehicle with a sense of security that you’ve done all your research thoroughly! How To Prepare For Leasing a Vehicle Do your research. Make a list of your must-haves when it comes to your Daily Driver Vehicle.  Know what style of vehicle you’re looking for (Sedan, SUV, Truck, etc.)  Look at the different price points for the vehicle that best fits your lifestyle and needs, and explore the options available to you in a reasonable range. Thoroughly research the pros and cons of each feature, option, and design.  Take some test drives of each type to see what feels most comfortable for you. Set a budget. Be sure to calculate your personal budget expenses to calculate the costs of leasing, insuring, and operating your intended vehicle.  There may be specific fees and costs associated with the leasing agreement at the time of signing.  In addition, you’ll need items such as comprehensive coverage, gap insurance, or wear-and-tear coverage.  Be sure to budget these into your monthly cost estimates! Learn car leasing terminology. Make sure you read today’s handy guide of vocabulary words thoroughly so you can more easily understand the terms of your leasing agreement and payment plans.  Figure out if you have a “Closed-End Lease” or an “Open-End Lease,” and be sure to read all of the fine print before signing. Explore your options for returning the car or keeping it at the end of your lease. Many lessees prefer to trade-in their lease for a newer model, but others prefer to extend the lease term or even purchase the car outright.  Two to three months before your lease ends, you’ll want to explore your options and see what best fits your budget and lifestyle.  If you’re returning your vehicle or extending the lease, you may be subject to inspection for your vehicle’s condition as per terms and conditions of your lease. Key Terms to Know When Shopping for Leased Vehicles Acquisition fee Also known as a "bank fee," an "administrative fee" or an "assignment fee." For a vehicle lease, a fee charged by the leasing company at the inception of the lease that is intended to cover a variety of administrative costs, such as obtaining a credit report, verifying insurance coverage, checking the accuracy and completeness of the lease documentation, and entering the lease into its data and accounting systems. APR Annual Percentage Rate. The cost of credit (i.e., the interest rate) expressed as a yearly rate. Cap reduction Capital reduction. In a vehicle lease, any trade-in amount, cash down payment or rebate amount that reduces the cost of the vehicle being leased (its "capitalized cost"). Drive-off fees Also referred to as "Total Due at Signing." The total cost that must be paid by the lessee at the inception of a vehicle lease, which typically includes the first months lease payment, any security deposit required by the leasing company, any acquisition fee charged by the leasing company, any documentation fees charged by the dealer, and various state registration fees. Incentive Any kind of financial assistance from a vehicle manufacturer that, by reducing either the net price or the cost of financing/leasing, motivates customers to buy/lease a new vehicle. The most common incentives are customer cash rebates, low-interest financing and leases that are subsidized by the manufacturer. Mileage allowance In a vehicle lease, the number of miles the lessee is permitted to drive over the term of the lease without incurring an excess mileage penalty. Money factor Also referred to as a "lease factor" or "lease fee." An auto leasing industry term for expressing the interest rate used to calculate the monthly lease payment, and equal to the leases APR divided by 2,400. (For example, an APR of 7.2% equals a money factor of 0.0033.) Payoff amount Also called the "buyout amount." The amount that, at any specified time during the term of a vehicle lease or loan, is required to be paid in order to discharge the remaining obligation. Purchase option The right given to a vehicle lessee to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease term for an amount equal to the vehicles residual value. Residual value A vehicle leasing companys assumption of what a vehicle will be worth at the end of the lease, which is a factor used to determine the monthly lease payment. (The higher the residual value, the lower the monthly payment.) If you have any questions about leasing and financing a vehicle, we’re here to help you.  Just give us a call and we’ll get you out on the road in the car of your dreams in no time flat!

Today we’re celebrating Black Excellence in the professional automotive racing circuit.  From the past to the present, these drivers are paving the way for future generations of drivers.  We’re pleased to highlight the men and women who have worked hard and proven themselves to be incredible drivers and stars of the industry. more Bubba Wallace William Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr is a 28 year old professional stock car driver who made his Cup Series Debut in 2017.  He is the first full-time racer fo color in the NASCAR Cup Series since the early 1970s.  In 2021, he became the second Black Driver to win the NASCAR Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway. (Image from Forbes.) Rajo Jack American racecar driver Dewey Gatson also known as Jack DeSoto and Rajo Jack was one of the first African American race car drivers in America.  He was inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in 2003, commemorating his notable wins in 1920s racing history. ( Image from Pamplin Media Group.) Cheryl Linn Glass Cheryl Linn Glass was the first ever African American woman professional race-car driver in the US!  She became a professional driver at age 18, and continued her storied career through 1991.  When she wasn’t racing, Glass also ran a successful fashion business, “Cheryl Glass Designs” where she designed bridal and evening gowns for special occasions.  In addition, she also ran a full catering and event planning service and co-founded the Minority Engineering Retention Program at University of Washington. (Image credit The Seattle Times) Wendell Scott Wendell Oliver Scott was one of the earliest African American drivers in NASCAR racing, and the first African-American to win a race in the NASCAR Cup Series in 1964 (and the only one until Bubba Wallace’s recent win.)  He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1999 and in 2015 he became the first African American driver to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. (Image via BBC.) Jesse Iwuji Jesse Ekene Iwuji is a full-time NASCAR stock car racing driver.  He is the first active duty officer in the US Navy Reserves to compete in NASCAR.  He is partnering with Emmitt Smith of NFL fame for an Xfinity Series Racing team in 2022. (Image from VFW.) Elias Bowie Elias Abraham Bowie Jr was the first Black person to start in a race in the top level series of NASCAR at the Grand National Race in July of 1955.  It was his first and only NASCAR Cup appearance, during which he placed 28th of 34 cars on a 1-mile dirt track in San Mateo. (Image from African American Racers Association) Randy Bethea In 1973, Randy Bethea knocked driver Darrell Waltrip out of pole position at the Nashville Fairgrounds.  In 1975, he was the fourth African-American driver to start a race for NASCAR.  He also qualified 39th out of 40 in the World 600, and he finished 33rd. He raced two seasons in 1991’s NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Touring Series. (Image from Timesnews.net) Tia Norfleet Shauntia Latrice “Tia” Norfleet is the daughter of NASCAR driver Bobby Norfleet, and the first and only African American Woman driver to hold a NASCAR license.  In addition, she is the first Black Woman to be licensed by the Automobile Racing Club of America.  She made her debut in August of 2012 at the Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia. (image from thesource.com) More notable names in racing history: Willy T. Ribbs the first African American driver to qualify for the Indy 500. Bill Lester, the first African American to race in NASCAR’S Busch Series. Lewis Hamilton, seven time world champion F1 race driver for Mercedes. Antron Brown, first Black American Champion in drag racing. Morty Buckles, the first driver for NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity class.

It’s February; love is in the air, and those happy, positive vibes are everywhere.  We love living and working in Waukegan.  We love selling and driving cars.  And we certainly love all of our loyal customers!  In honor of these big feelings, we’re sharing the love with some great suggestions for DIY Valentine crafts.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re a child or a teen or an adult, we know you’ll have a blast making these items to share with all the folks you care about. more So, folks, start your engines and let’s get creative!  Here’s our picks for fabulous Valentine Crafts that everyone will love (especially your friendly neighbourhood car dealership employees!) Creative and Crafty Valentines for Car Lovers of All Ages Get creative with the Paper Plate Love Bug Car Craft and make some construction and tissue paper  valentine’s with your Pre-K and Kindergarten kiddos. If you’re in a hurry, try these Matchbox Car Printable Valentine’s with four options. These DIY Race Car Valentines are a simple, sweet option and all you need are some tiny toy cars you buy in bulk at the dollar store or on amazon! We simply love the open-ended creativity of these beautiful Process Art Valentines: Painting with Cars for Toddlers. Grandparents and relatives will love getting one of these Footprint Race Car Valentine for Little Ones. Here’s another great set of pr intable Car Valentines to Color and Inscribe! Create a papercutting and sticker filled collage with the Heart Car Valentine's Craft for Kids. We love these cheerful Wheely Good Friend Valentines printables! Your kiddos friends and classmates will really adore these Race Car Valentine’s! Support an independent artist and get valentines in a flash with these d ownload and Print Race Car Valentines via Etsy. You can’t beat convenience when it comes to last minute options like these Instant Download Car Theme Printable Valentine Cards! Your fellow caregivers and parents will appreciate it if you forgo the candy laden valentine and swap it for these DIY Hot Wheels Non-Candy Valentines for Kids And if the adults or teens want to get in the mix, try this list of 55 More Valentine’s Gifts for the DIYer! Or you can just keep it plain and simple by coloring or painting these Love and Valentine Themed Best Coloring Pages for Kids, too!

We’re taking a deep dive into automotive history to learn more about the pioneers and creative minds that have advanced the automotive industry over the years.  We’re highlighting all sorts of ingenious inventions that began as just a spark, but grew into something so bold and bright we still employ them today! more Without the help of folks who dare to dream, we may never have had the cool cars and transportation methods we rely on every single day.  You never know how the world will receive your ideas, and you might just make a bigger impact than you’d ever imagined! May this post inspire you all to get out there and seize the day, and be brave enough to pursue your dreams.  Check out our post on amazing Black Inventors and Engineers in the automotive industry and get inspired today. C.R. Patterson Charles Richard Paterson began his life born into slavery, but eventually made his way to Ohio where he trained as a blacksmith.  In 1872, he partnered with J.P. Lowe, creating a carriage building business.  In the early 1900s, Patterson became the sole owner of the business, C.R. Patterson and Sons; it was in business from 1915 through 1939.  Patterson’s work force consisted of 50 integrated employees, and they manufactured 28 different model options; most notably they produced the Patterson-Greenfield Automobile.  This was the first African American founded car company! Garrett Augustus Morgan Morgan began his entrepreneurial start at only 14 years old, when he left home to find work as a handyman and sewing machine repairman. Wow!  By 1907, he’d gained enough experience to open his own repair shop, and became one of the country’s leading inventors.  His successes allowed him to purchase a car, which was nearly unheard of in those days.  While out and about on his daily commutes, Morgan observed that manually operated traffic lights were inefficient.  Since the current traffic lights gave no indication they were switching from “stop” to “go,” Morgan invented a warning light (modern day “yellow, slow down!”)  He patented his design -- a T-shaped metal pole with three lighted settings. Eventually he sold the rights to General Electric to the tune of $40,000! Richard B Spikes In 1913, he created the directional signal on vehicles, being first employed by Pierce Arrow, but soon following suit as standard for all cars and trucks.  In 1932, he patented an updated and much improved gear shift transmission, and was awarded an astronomical amount upwards of $100,000 (unheard of in those days!)  The modern automatic transmission we use today is modeled on his original design!  In addition, he also created the automatic brake safety system, in case the normal means of stopping a car should fail.  Many modern-day buses employ his tech as their failsafe stopping mechanism.  Head over up to Buffalo for a visit to the Pierce-Arrow msueum to learn even more! Wendell Scott Wendell Scott first found his love for cars by working alongside his father as an auto mechanic.  Upon returning home from serving in WWII, he opened his own mechanic shop.  At the time the NASCAR circuit was still segregated, Scott raced in the Dixie Circuit in the meanwhile; after some convincing, he managed to secure a NASCAR steward’s approval for a license, and he became the first African American NASCAR licensee.  Scott went on to win the Jacksonville 200, and became the first African American driver to win a Nascar race!  He went on to compete in 495 Grand National races, and was inducted to the NASCAR Hall of fame in 2015 in honour of his groundbreaking accomplishments. Want to learn even more? Here’s more facts and a few names you may not have heard yet! Here’s a fantastic list of 14 Black Inventors you may be unfamiliar with as well! In addition, we’d like to take a moment to remind you that while focal months are wonderful and important, we can all do our part to create equity and equality by supporting one another all year round.  Here are some great ways we can all support Black Creators, Black Businesses, and fellow folks in our community all year round: Support Black-Owned Businesses and Organizations in your local area with regular patronage. Donate to Black Non-Profits and Community relief efforts such as food pantries, local area shelters, health and wellness programs, or Mutual Aid/Crowdfunding efforts. Support arts funding and programming in Black Communities and Schools, and especially those that foster youth involvement and interest. Order takeout from Black-Owned restaurants during the pandemic and ongoing Promote racial equity in the workplace and advocate for inclusion and diversity Support legislation that promotes equity as well as equality, especially when it comes to those who are disabled, disadvantaged, or in less affluent neighborhoods Read and watch diverse media that features Black Authors, Creators, Directors, Writers, and Actors Happy Black History Month!