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Fill the windshiend water liquid on a car.

Classic Kia’s Guide to Important Vehicle Fluids

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with information about the auto industry? Here at Classic Kia, our staff is here to help cut through the noise. When you feel confused about the best new Kia cars on the market or whether to buy or lease, our highly trained representatives can help you out. One of the most overlooked areas of vehicle upkeep is vehicle fluids. Most drivers tend to know that they should regularly change oil, but did you know that there are other potentially more important vehicle fluids to pay attention to? more Radiator Fluid or Coolan t: This fluid is commonly referred to as coolant and is a mixture of water and antifreeze. Typically, this mix is 50/50 which prevents your vehicle from overheating while also lubricating your engine parts. If this mixture is not equal or there isn’t enough coolant, your vehicle could be at risk for major damage. Power Steering Fluid: As the name suggests, this fluid enables you to control and steer your vehicle appropriately. That makes this fluid immensely important, if there isn’t enough of this fluid you may be unable to control your vehicle’s tires which could lead to some major accidents. Brake Fluid: This fluid is also pretty easy to understand, as it’s the fluid that allows you to brake when necessary. If this isn’t properly maintained, you won’t be able to stop quickly and accurately when you need to. This information can seem overwhelming, but the staff here at Classic Kia can help you make sense of it. Stop by our Kia service center in Waukegan, IL, to schedule your vehicle maintenance. Visit us here at Classic Kia today to ask more questions in person!

Driving in rain

Car Buying 101: Debunking Common Car Buying Myths

Here at Classic Kia in Waukegan, IL, our job is to know everything and anything about buying and selling new Kia cars. As your premiere Illinois Kia dealer, we have a team of highly trained representatives that are experts in their field. That means that the staff at Classic Kia can help make car buying easier for you! One of the ways that we can help potential buyers is to share our insider information about the auto industry. Specifically, Classic Kia can help separate myth from fact when it comes to car buying. more Many buyers are plagued by common car buying myths and tend to make some mistakes along the way. With help from Classic Kia, you can avoid these pitfalls to get the best deal on the Kia car of your dreams! First, many people think that they can get a better deal when they visit the dealership right before closing time. Essentially, this myth stems from the belief that dealers will be looking to go home as soon as possible and try to close the deal quickly. However, that is completely false at Classic Kia. At Classic Kia our dealers are committed to helping provide excellent customer service. That means that representatives from our sales and finance departments will work closely with you to get the best deal possible, regardless of how close to closing time it is. Another common myth is to buy a car on a rainy day. This myth is almost exactly the same as the aforementioned one and is just as false as the belief that visiting a dealership later in the day means you’ll get a better deal. Visit your Illinois Kia dealer to learn the truth behind many more car buying myths. Stop by Classic Kia today to learn more about new Kia cars for sale and allow us to debunk more myths!

2018 Sportage

A Closer Look: SUVs vs. Crossovers

Classic Kia is your premiere Kia dealership serving the area of Gurnee, IL, and that means we are committed to providing expert customer service to our clientele. In order to do so, our representatives are highly-trained with knowledge of the auto industry. In fact, they are prepared to answer any and all questions you may have about new Kia cars for sale. Whether you have questions about fuel economy, oil changes, or the difference between SUVs and crossovers, the folks here at Classic Kia are prepared to help you out! more The Difference: SUVs and Crossovers It’s not uncommon for the terms “SUV” and “crossover” to be used synonymously. That’s because, in some ways, the two are describing similar things. Oftentimes, both terms are referring to a four-door AWD vehicle that sits a bit higher than a sedan. However, that’s not always the case. Technically, there is one major difference between an SUV and a Crossover: the design. A crossover utilizes a “unibody design” where the body and frame are constructed as one single piece. In contrast, an SUV’s body and frame are built separately from one another and then joined together towards the end of the manufacturing process. This affects the vehicles in a few ways, primarily in regards to their handling. An SUV resembles the handling of a truck or off-roading vehicle, while a crossover will tend to handle more sedan-like. Buying an SUV or Crossover at Classic Kia Now that you too can spot the difference between an SUV and a crossover, it’s time for you to test drive some of our favorite models. Talk to a representative at our Waukegan, IL, Kia dealership to schedule a test drive of the 2019 Kia Sorento or the 2019 Kia Sportage. Visit Classic Kia today to find the Kia SUV or crossover of your dreams!

Family car

Best Choices for Back to School Rides

Even though the weather is still hot, here at your home for new and pre-owned Kia cars, we’re starting to get into fall mode – or more specifically, back-to-school mode! If you or your kids aren’t back in classes already, it’s right around the corner. And a return to school means a return to carpools and after-school commitments, or a return to long drives to college and trips around campus. Whatever back-to-school means to you, we’ve got the cars to make this school year a little bit easier. more For parents who may be dealing with everything from car seats to sports equipment to groceries, it’s hard to go wrong with an SUV this back-to-school season. The newest version of the popular Kia Sorento is out now, and it has space for a car full of kids and the versatility to fit a car full of cargo as well. Or if you have a smaller family, you might go for the more compact 2018 Kia Niro, whose safety accolades we discussed last week. For drivers who are students themselves, there are a few ways to go. The ultra-cool 2018 Kia Soul is a practical choice for moving in and out of dorm rooms. For those who are regularly driving long distances to get to and from school, the small and efficient 2018 Kia Forte not only offers great mileage on those road trips, but also innovative technology to keep you safe and entertained while you drive. That’s just the start of what we have to offer at Classic Kia for whatever your back-to-school needs are. Visit today to test drive a new Kia Soul or a 2018 Kia Sorento. Waukegan, IL drivers can start the school year off right with a new or pre-owned Kia car!

18 niro

Stay Safe in a 2018 Kia Niro

When the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announces a model is a Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), there’s a lot that goes into that designation. TSP+ is the highest safety rating IIHS awards, and in order to earn it, a vehicle must earn the best rating – “good” – in six separate crash tests, as well as one of the top two ratings in a seventh crash test and front crash prevention. And on top of all that, it must also get the highest rating for headlight testing. In other words, when IIHS designates a model a TSP+, drivers know to take the rating seriously. That’s why here at your Kia dealership serving Kenosha, WI, we were thrilled to hear that the 2018 Kia Niro has been awarded the coveted Top Safety Pick Plus designation. more The 2018 Kia Niro is a popular hybrid model, and not surprisingly, boasts some impressive and innovative safety technology. The available Forward Collision Warning System helps drivers avoid potential crash situations, helped by the Autonomous Emergency Braking System. It can also be equipped with high-intensity discharge headlights, which helped the model earn its TSP+ designation. Kia Motors vice president for product planning, Orth Hedrick, explained that “the Niro is one of our most popular models,” and added that the TSP+ designation “provides yet another reason why it should be the top choice for anyone shopping for a small hybrid SUV.” If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s versatile, efficient, and above all, safe, we’ve got what you need here at Classic Kia, along with a wide selection of other models for every driver and family. Visit today to find the award-winning Kia Niro, or find another new or pre-owned Kia car. Kenosha, WI drivers can find the right safe and fun car for their family here at our Waukegan, IL Kia dealership.

Vector car brakes with service sign. Car service.

Brake Maintenance for the Summer

Here at your home for new and pre-owned Kia cars, we know that summer is a time for fun and adventure. But we also know that a broken down car on a road trip or vacation can ruin the fun really fast. That’s why we want to talk about one of the most important parts of keeping your car in good working order – brake maintenance. A little bit of care can go a long way when it comes to brakes, and our Kia service center can help. more Brake problems often have early warning signs that you can watch out for before things start to get really bad. The biggest sign that your brakes need attention is a squealing sound, which will turn into a grinding sound if you don’t take care of it. Squealing means your brake pads are worn down or glazed, and likely need to be replaced. Another indicator of trouble is a pulsating brake pedal, which is caused by regular wear and tear and heat. A pulsing brake pedal usually means the brake rotor is worn out and needs service quickly. You should also pay attention to signs of problems like a clicking noise, brakes grabbing or pulling to one side, and a lot of drag while you accelerate. In many cases when it comes to brakes, taking care of problems early can prevent the need for more expensive repairs – and keep you from needing to deal with a serious problem during summer adventures! Keeping an eye and ear out for warning signs is important, but the best way to ensure your brakes are in good condition is regular check-ups. Our expert service technicians can help you take care of your brakes year-round, whether you’re driving a brand new Kia Soul or a used Kia Optima. Waukegan, IL area drivers can visit Classic Kia today to make sure their brakes are ready for summer fun!

2018-kia-soul-crossover-white

2018 Kia Soul Honored for Cool Factor

Every year, Kelley Blue Book takes on the challenge of figuring out what’s cool. How do they do this? They start by focusing on something simple – deciding which cars are fun! Whether it’s the drive experience or the ownership experience, every car that KBB.com honors for its cool factor is fun. But KBB.com editors also want to make sure cool is accessible to a wide range of drivers, so their list of 10 Coolest Cars are all available for under $20,000. Here at your Waukegan, IL Kia dealership, we know we have some cool cars on our lot – and we’re excited that KBB.com agrees! more This year marks the seventh consecutive year that the beloved Kia Soul has made it onto the 10 Coolest Cars list. It’s no surprise for a car with such a unique look and feel to stand out as cool, and the KBB.com editors agree. The 2018 Kia Soul was praised for its “unmistakable styling” and “youthful demeanor” by Kelley Blue Book Executive Editor Michael Harley. He particularly commended the “long list of standard features” and “practical utility,” while also noting the “excitement factor” of the wide variety of color options. Add in the versatility of the unique hatchback, and it’s clear why drivers find the 2018 Kia Soul a fun, cool car to own. Cool factor certainly isn’t the only reason to choose a car, but it definitely helps. And when that cool factor comes in a reliable, versatile, and affordable model, what’s not to love? Find out what makes a cool car when you visit to test drive a new Kia Soul. Kenosha, WI and other Waukegan area drivers can have one of the coolest cars in the country according to KBB.com with a visit to Classic Kia.

Driving Down the Road

Take a Mini Road Trip in Your Kia Car

Summer is a great time for road trips. You can drive with the windows or top down, the days are long, and there are festivals, camping grounds, and fun galore. But we know that not everyone has the time to spend days on the road. Work, family, and real life interfere. But luckily for our local drivers, we’re in a great place to enjoy some shorter road trips, and we’ve got a few suggestions for easy getaways that you can get to with just a couple hours in your new or pre-owned car. more From Waukegan, the options are nearly endless. For drivers who really want to focus on the destination rather than the travel, you can enjoy the fun and excitement of either Chicago or Milwaukee just a hop skip and a jump away. Whether you want to take in a baseball game at Wrigley Field or visit one of the amazing festivals in downtown Milwaukee, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the cities. If you’re more interested in natural beauties than man-made ones, Starved Rock State Park is only a couple of hours away. You can hike the gorges, see stunning waterfalls, and decide between setting up camp or staying comfortably at the lodge. For those who want something in between the big city and the great outdoors, Galena is the perfect compromise. Pairing gorgeous scenery with a quaint downtown, Galena has a little something for everyone and is just a three-hour drive from Waukegan. Whatever your destination, the key to a great road trip is a great ride, and here at Classic Kia, we can help you with that too. Whether your car just needs a tune-up at our service center before you hit the road or you’re ready to invest in a new Kia Soul, Waukegan, IL drivers can take the first step to a great summer road trip at our dealership.

18 stinger GT

Find One of the Best Interiors on the 2018 Kia Stinger GT

The 2018 Kia Stinger GT is known for seamlessly blending the practicality of a sedan with the fun and excitement of a sports car. Here at your Kia dealership serving Kenosha, WI, we know that the 2018 Kia Stinger GT is a perfect choice for drivers who want to enjoy outstanding performance without sacrificing the ability to take the family for a drive or use a practical car for their daily commute. And there’s another reason for drivers to love the 2018 Kia Stinger GT: its award-winning interior. more Wards Auto recently named this sporty Kia model to their 10 Best Interiors list, singling it out as one of the best interiors on the market – and it’s easy to see why. On the practical side of things, the 2018 Kia Stinger GT has comfortable seating for five and as much as 40.9 cubic feet of cargo space. This means it’s easy to load up the family and your luggage for a road trip, or stop for a grocery run on your way home from the carpool. But Kia Stinger owners also want some excitement, and the car’s interior brings the look and feel of a sports car as well. Features like paddle shifters, trim-appointed leather seats, and an impressive audio system make the model feel upscale and really allow drivers to feel they are in a high-performance vehicle. Wards Auto Senior Editor Christie Schweinsberg said the model “took its spot on our list with no debate,” and she complimented the “both elegant and athletic” interior. The 2018 Kia Stinger GT isn’t the first Kia model to make the Wards 10 Best Interiors list, and it’s easy to see why it was singled out this year. No matter if you’re looking for a new Kia Sorento or pre-owned Kia Optima, you’re sure to find something special here. And for drivers who want to blend practical with exciting, there’s the award-winning 2018 Kia Stinger GT right here waiting for you.

2018 Kia Sportage

Celebrate the America’s Best Value Summer Event

While it’s been a long spring, it’s finally starting to feel like summer is here! Whether you’re preparing for Memorial Day cookouts or looking forward to weekends at the beach, it seems like everyone is getting into that summer spirit. In fact, each expert Kia dealer here at Classic Kia is getting into the spirit as well with our America’s Best Value Summer Event. We want to help make your summer the best it can possibly be, and that starts with offering you fantastic deals on the cars that can make that happen. more For drivers who are always looking for what’s new and exciting, we have some incredible Kia lease specials that will let you enjoy a new car for a few years – until the next best thing comes along. For only $169 a month you can be making your daily commute in a comfortable, compact 2018 Kia Forte. Or if you have road trips with the kids planned, $269 a month gives you a chance to make them more pleasant and entertaining in a 2018 Kia Sorento LX. But what about drivers who are looking to purchase? Our America’s Best Value Summer Event has something for you as well! We’re offering up to $4,000 in customer cash for purchases, and as much as 120% of the Kelley Blue Book value for your trade in. Even better, you can get that new car for 0% APR for up to 75 months! Buying or leasing, we’ve got savings you’ll want to take advantage of. Take advantage of the long weekend over Memorial Day, or just stop by before the end of the month and take a test drive in a 2018 Kia Optima or a 2018 Kia Sportage. Kenosha, WI and Waukegan, IL drivers, hurry in to take advantage of the America’s Best Value Summer Event at Classic Kia!

2018 Sportage

We Have the Best Large Car for Families

As any parent knows, traveling with kids can be a hassle. But a great car can make the experience more pleasant, and we’re thrilled to say that we have the Best Large Car for Families right here at your Waukegan, IL Kia dealership. U.S. News & World Report recently released their rankings of cars across a variety of categories, and the 2018 Kia Cadenza came out on top of the Large Car for Families segment. While the competition was stiff, it’s no surprise that the Kia Cadenza topped the category – for the second year in a row!hich more U.S. News & World Report evaluated 126 cars for their annual ranking, awarding points in a number of areas and using the composite scores to select the best in each category. The judges praised everything from the space in the 2018 Kia Cadenza to the high tech available features like a hands-free trunk and surround view camera. As managing editor Jamie Page Deaton said, “Plenty of large cars can handle family duty, but none do it as well as the Kia Cadenza.” We agree! When local drivers come for a test drive of the family-friendly model, they’ll find a spacious, practical vehicle that still boasts the kind of luxurious touches we associate with premium cars. Best of all, the 2018 Kia Cadenza is as great for parents as it is for the kids, with driver assist features like Advanced Smart Cruise Control and a powerful engine that makes it fun to drive. We know you want the best for your family, and according to U.S. News & World Report, you can find it right here at your home for new and pre-owned Kia cars. Drivers who want the Best Large Car for Families on the market just need to visit Classic Kia. Our friendly staff will have you heading home with the family in a 2018 Kia Cadenza before you know it.

car insurance in Waukegan, IL

Tips to Save Money on Car Insurance

In our last blog post, we explained what car insurance is and what its purpose is. We also mentioned that every state except New Hampshire requires motorists to carry automobile insurance. Since the vast majority of drivers in the nation are legally required to have car insurance, we thought it would be a good idea to share some tips about how you can save money on the coverage you need. Whether you drive a 2016 Kia Soul, a new Kia Soul or another vehicle altogether, it’s likely you can save money by bundling your current insurance policies with one insurer. Many insurance companies offer discounts on car insurance if you have more than one policy with the same carrier. If your homeowners policy is with one company and your car insurance is with another, consider moving one of your policies so that both of them are with the same carrier. You can often lower your auto insurance premium by raising your deductible. Your deductible is the amount of money you’ll pay out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in. As a general rule, your premium will be lower the higher your deductible is. You should only consider raising your deductible if you can afford to pay more out of pocket comfortably. While you may already know that your credit score will influence your ability to qualify for financing when you apply for a loan or lease at our Waukegan, IL Kia dealership, you may be surprised to learn that your credit score also influences your car insurance premium. Research shows that people with poor credit are more likely to file insurance claims. For this reason, people with poor credit typically pay more for auto insurance. To keep your car insurance premium as low as possible, maintain a good credit score. For more tips to save on car insurance, contact Classic Kia now.

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