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Classic Cares about our customers, and we’re here to help!  We’ve asked our body shop technicians to share some valuable advice and information on what to do if you’re involved in a collision.  We hope that this will help our customers feel safer and more confident in the event of an auto accident.  And remember, we’re always just a phone call away and here to help!  Check out our handy tips, and feel free to print it out and keep it in with your car’s paperwork in case of emergency. more What to if you’re involved in a collision: If you are involved in a collision, stop your car at or near the collision scene. If you can, move your car off the road so you do not block traffic. Protect yourself and others from oncoming traffic. Failure to stop at the scene of a collision in which you are involved can result in your arrest warrant. You could be convicted of hit and run. Exchange information with other drivers involved in the accident as soon as possible. Get information:  names, telephone number, drivers license and insurance information. from the other driver(s) involved in the collision. If you hit an unattended vehicle, you must make a reasonable effort to find the owner of the vehicle or property damaged in the collision. If you cannot locate anyone, leave a note with your name and contact information that can be found easily at the scene of the collision. You must also report the collision to the police. If you are at fault: Call your insurance company and start the claims process. They will walk you through every step. They should have a 1-800 # on the back of your insurance card or on their web site so you can start your claim no matter the time of day ( 24R) line. If you are not at fault: You will still need to inform your insurance company that someone else hit you as a precaution. However, you will also need to call the at fault party's insurance company and start a claim with them, and y ou will need their policy # (This is known as being the claimant.) Note: Make sure to get a claim number and have the name of your insurance number handy! Some insurance companies will write their own estimate, some will ask you to send photos in to them or use an app. If you are unsure how to use the app or send the proper photos in Contact the shop of your choosing and ask for help. ( I'd love to help) From there you can then decide on a repair facility. Note: You have the right to choose your own body shop. The insurance company probably will recommend a shop, but it is YOUR decision.  It is illegal for an insurance company to force, require or pressure you into using a particular shop. Call the shop of your choice, schedule a time and date to have the repairs estimated. Make sure to provide a claim number and insurance company. Our shop will get the estimate done, and will begin repairs upon approval from the insurance company. You don’t have to worry at all, our shop will order parts if needed and schedule anything else needed for repairs. Any questions, call Classic body shop! Classic Body Shop Kia

When Kenosha, WI drivers take advantage of our month-long Black Friday Kia car deals, the last thing they want is for their beautiful new car to get scratched or banged up. All the same, life happens. When it does, our dealers at Classic Kia can help to get your vehicle looking its best again. more Depending on where a scratch is located it can be merely a cosmetic issue, or something more serious. Paint scratches are relatively harmless, aside from being difficult to look at. If the scratch is extremely shallow, you may not even need to worry about it. Clear coat scratches only minimally affect the paint (if at all) and can likely be wiped away with little effort. If the paint is scratched, however, you’ll need to bring your vehicle to our Kia service center, where our service professionals can find your matching paint color in our Kia parts department to touch up any of the areas that need attention. When the scratch goes deeper than the paint, things become a bit trickier. In this instance, something will need to be used to recreate a level plane so that the touch-up paint won’t just look like a painted scratch. While scratches are bad, cracks are worse. Paint scratches are not necessarily an immediate issue, whereas windshield cracks are. When you drive with a cracked windshield, not only does it hinder your view, the weakened structure is far more prone to damage. If the crack is small, we can fill it in for you. If it gets bigger, we will have to replace the whole windshield. Acting at the first sign of trouble is your best course of action when it comes to your windshield. Safety is the top concern, but feeling confident about your car matters as well. At Classic Kia we seek to make sure you have both.

Classic Kia in Waukegan, IL knows how important passing the emissions test is to drivers. Not only does it affect the environment, but your registration as well. That is why your Kia dealer near Kenosha, WI wants to offer a few suggestions on how to maximize your chances of passing the test and saving yourself a lot of grief. more Check Engine Light If your check engine light is on, it’s best not to even bother going in for the test. Something as simple as a loose or cracked gas cap can set off the check engine light. The light alerts you to a problem, but it is less forthcoming about where the problem is or how severe. That is why, if you want to get the light to go out, you should bring your vehicle to us here in our Kia service center so that we can run a full diagnostic on it and address any problems we find. While the light may go out on its own, the issue it was indicating may subsist and still cause your vehicle to fail the test. Catalytic Converter As intimidating as that alliteration might be, and as important as the job it performs definitely is, the catalytic converter is one of the easiest problems to solve. A catalytic converter converts the harmful emissions your car produces so they don’t get out into the environment. The most common problem of the catalytic converter is when oil and gas residue build up and impede its work. However, all you have to do to get rid of that residue is hit relatively high speeds on the highway. The additional heat from the additional energy expenditure will burn away the residue. Try to make a habit of it as you get close to your test day. Classic Kia is here if you need any more help with the emissions test or any other automotive issue!

The importance of brake safety can never be understated. Here at Classic Kia, your Kia dealer serving the Kenosha, WI area, we know that every time you get behind the wheel, you need your brakes to work properly. Regular maintenance is the only way to make that happen. more The basics of the braking system rely upon the friction between your brake pads and brake discs. Where there is friction, there is going to be wear and tear. Certain factors can cause that wear and tear to intensify, such as misaligned components or dramatic quality disparities. Brakes are not parts you want to skimp on. Worn brake pads or discs are not problems that will go away if you ignore them. In fact, deterioration accelerates the worse they get. Brake pads tend to wear out more quickly and thus need to be replaced more often. While brake pads can be replaced without replacing the disc, when replacing discs, both the disc and the pads should be changed out. Furthermore, after your brake pads and discs have been replaced, it is important to allow a period for them to align properly. This involves a bit softer braking than you might be accustomed to until both parts are perfectly synced. There will be plenty of signs that your brakes need work. For example, if you hear a sound when you use your brakes, you should have them looked at. Abnormal vibration is another clear sign. If you do notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to bring your 2017 Kia Forte into the Kia service center here at Classic Kia in Waukegan, IL. Staying on top of brake safety is vital to safe driving. If you think there’s an issue with your brakes, even if you haven’t noticed any of the symptoms listed here, please have them checked out immediately. Better safe than sorry.

It's about that time, summer is almost here. Have you started getting yourself ready? Have you gotten your car ready? Spring is the perfect time to shake off the winter and go in for some regular maintenance for your vehicle. It's tempting to wait for a problem before getting your car serviced, but that's a headache you may not need to give yourself. There are a few aspects in particular that need regular attention. Allow us here at Classic Kia in Waukegan, IL, to inform you about them. more Oil Change Until some kind of super oil formula is created, if you drive your vehicle regularly, it will eventually get dirty and need to be replaced. It can happen faster than you'd think, which is why the recommended time-frame is about 3 months or 3000 miles. Dirty engine oil can damage the engine, as well as have a negative effect on fuel economy. Keeping your oil clean consistently, on the other hand, can extend your car's longevity. Air Filter Similarly, a dirty air filter can have adverse effects on engine performance as well. The air filter keeps the engine clean of dirt and grime, while still letting air in. When the dirt builds up it begins to block the air flow that the engine needs. This can lead to misfires, decreased fuel economy and soot and backfires from the exhaust. If you smell gasoline when you start your car, it's a sign that your air filter may need to be replaced. These are the major diagnostic checks, but when you come into our Classic Kia Service Center our highly trained technicians will also check your wipers and tires among other things. Should we come across anything that needs to be repaired or replaced, the durable parts from our Kia parts department will help us get your vehicle back into the condition you need it to be in. Even if you don't notice anything wrong with your car, regular maintenance can help that stay the case.

For Waukegan drivers who experience single digit temperatures during the winter, their vehicle’s oil and filter take on an even greater importance than they might think. Oil that’s too thin will not provide sufficient protection to your engine. At Classic Kia, we want you to be knowledgeable about your car’s maintenance in order to keep it running for longer.  Here is everything you need to know about cold weather and your car’s oil. Why is an Oil Change Important? Engine oil lubricates your engine and protects it from corrosion, rust, and debris that can accumulate. It also drastically decreases the heat generated by the moving components by forming a protective coating over the moving metal parts, which decreases the coefficient of friction. Additionally, your vehicle’s oil contains critical additives that work as detergents to clean the engine by keeping the dirt and debris from settling into the moving parts. Proper Lubrication Many experts recommend switching over to thinner oil if you live in temperatures that drop below freezing. This is because the cold months can make your oil thicker, not allowing it to properly lubricate the engine and all components properly. Remember the Oil Filter It is also critical to change your oil and air filters. These filters keep minute debris out between oil changes and will keep your engine cleaner for a longer period of time. If you need to schedule an oil and filter change before the temperatures hit, contact the Classic Kia car service and parts department by calling 844-921-2839 today. Or, you can stop by our dealership conveniently located at 425 North Green Bay Road.

Winter is fast approaching and many Waukegan drivers are wondering if they should invest in winter or all season tires. To understand what tires you will need for your Kia vehicle, you must first understand the difference between winter and all season tires. Every person’s needs are different depending on driving habits and road conditions. Classic Kia is here to break down the difference. And of course, if you have any further questions, our qualified Kia service and parts department will be happy to answer them. Winter Tires When it comes to slippery winter weather conditions, having the right type of tires really matters. There are specific features that make winter tires unique, including the tread depth and pattern, biting edges, and tread rubber. The tread rubber of winter tires are designed to remain flexible, enabling them to grip the road better. The tread depth and pattern are deeper than regular tires, which reduces snow buildup. Winter tires also have a higher number of biting edges that provides better traction on the road. All Season Tires Your Kia car may already be outfitted with all season tires when it leaves the factory. These types of tires are engineered to perform great in all weather conditions, and to carry you seamlessly from winter through summer. However, in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or ice, all season tires are not the ideal. They are much better for drivers who live in moderate climates and do not experience extreme snow and ice during the winter. Classic Kia can outfit your car with either of these tire options and will address any concerns you may have. Stop by our Illinois dealership today!

One of the most important, and most overlooked, car maintenance tips for ensuring your engine stays in good shape is getting your oil changed. Typically, you can get away with changing your oil every 4,000 to 6,000 miles on new Kia models, and you can even go with the extended-range oils for 10,000 miles. However, just in case, it’s good to always stick to a schedule and watch for symptoms that your oil needs changing. Here are three signs Waukegan drivers should watch out for from Classic Kia. The Oil Appears to be Gritty and Black This is one sign you need to train your eye to see. The original hue of your oil is honey brown, and that will swiftly darken after a couple of weeks of use. Once you notice particles mixed in with black oil, it’s time for a tune-up. Loud Engines Unless you drive a sports car, your engine should rumble at a pretty predictable sound level. Without the proper oil lubrication, the guts of your engine will start to grind and rub against each other, creating some pretty unpleasant noises from under the hood. That’s when it’s time to call Classic Kia’s service station at 844-921-2839. Your Check Engine Light Won’t Turn Off Many new Kia cars have their own oil gauge. It’s the light that looks like a little genie lamp. If this is on for a long period of time, it’s a pretty significant indicator that you need to get your oil changed. Classic Kia is always glad to lend a helping hand. Come in today to get the oil change and tune-up your Kia needs to stay safe and sound on the road!

If you’re a car owner, there are plenty of things that you should keep on top of to ensure that your vehicle runs efficiently and safely for longer. But did you also know that quite a few car maintenance “facts” are actually false? Here are three car maintenance myths debunked by the automotive experts at Classic Kia. Myth #1: You Should Change Your Engine Oil Every 3,000 Miles It’s important to have the proper amount of clean oil in your engine to keep it lubricated and running correctly. But while many mechanics recommend that you should get your oil changed every 3,000 miles, it doesn’t have to be changed nearly as often. Under normal driving conditions, many vehicles can go up to 7,500 miles between oil changes. However, if you are due for a tune-up, bring your car to Classic Kia’s on-site Kia service center. Myth #2: Your AC Could be Harming Your Fuel Economy False. Many folks are under the impression that running their vehicle’s air conditioning uses up more fuel than simply rolling down the windows. This is hardly the case. In recent studies and tests, results have found just a slight decrease in fuel economy and almost no difference if you’re driving with your windows open. So on those hot summer days, don’t feel guilty about blasting your AC. Myth #3: Let Your Car Warm Up Before Driving in Cold Weather Busted! This outdated advice can actually harm your car, especially during the crisp winter days. The best way to warm up your vehicle is to simply start driving it. Additionally, the sooner your engine gets warm, the sooner it’s able to deliver the best performance possible. Despite these myths, it’s important to keep abreast of your vehicle’s maintenance. Give Classic Kia a call today at 844-921-2839 to schedule your service appointment today!

Illinois winters can be brutal. Not only for you, but for your car. Cold temperatures can make it more difficult for your engine to work properly and snow, ice, and sleet can wreak havoc on your tires. Now that it’s fall, Classic Kia wants you to get your vehicle ready for the winter. Here is everything you need to know about your Kia vehicle and the cold days ahead. Consider Snow Tires If you have a long commute to work or are planning to visit friends and family this holiday season, the road ahead may not be a smooth one. Consider upgrading to snow tires to improve your grip on snowy highways and icy back roads. While a Kia car is more than capable of handling any type of weather thrown its way, help your car out a little with all-weather tires and treads. Ensure Your Four Wheel Drive System is Working Properly One of the biggest selling points of SUVs and crossovers is their powerful four wheel drive system, which greatly improves traction in slippery conditions. While most people don’t utilize their 4WD in the summer, it is necessary for cold and icy weather conditions. Make an appointment at our Kia service center to guarantee your four wheel drive is working properly. Check Your Battery Your battery will give you little notice before it dies, and they love to expire at the worst possible time.  Extremely cold temperatures can reduce your car’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If your battery is over three years old, have it tested now at Classic Kia’s certified service center. You want to guarantee your battery is winter-ready. To ensure that your 2016 Kia Soul is ready for wintery roads, follow the aforementioned advice. Classic Kia can give you the scoop about how to get your car ready for winter and everything you need to know about how to ensure that it’s safe.

September doesn’t just mean crisp temperatures and back to school. It’s also prime-time season for tailgating at your favorite football team’s home game. At Classic Kia of Waukegan, IL, we are sport fans just like you. In order to have the best tailgating experience, you need to stock up on some essentials. Here are some must-have tailgating necessities to make your car the most enjoyable ride at the game! Get Ready for the Road Unless you’re lucky enough to live in the hometown of your favorite sports team, you may be driving for a bit. The best tailgating car is also the safest one. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine.  Be sure to check your oil levels before you hit the road. Thankfully, our Kia service department makes it easy and offers a plethora of services, including oil changes, tire rotations or changes, and more. Looking Sharp To ensure your car is shining like a star, give it a quick wash before you head out to the game. The Right Gear A tailgate party is nothing without creature comforts. Be sure to stash away mobile folding chairs, a cooler full of your favorite sodas or juices, plenty of snacks and your home team’s jersey. Bonus points if you bring along a couple of exciting games, such as horseshoes or corn hole to keep everyone entertained. Football season is here and that means there is a lot of fun to be had. Get your car rock star ready in order to be the center of attention at any tailgating event. Be sure it is also ready to go with premium oil changes and other services from Classic Kia. Call us today to make an appointment!