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Today is April 1st, canonically accepted as April Fool’s Day, but thanks to organizations like Greenpeace who are committed to sustainability, environmentally conscious living, and reducing our carbon footprint as a society, it’s now known as Fossil Fool’s day! Efforts are being made around the world to transform the automotive industry into something more sustainable and energy efficient.  Companies are pledging to reach carbon neutrality, commit to natural and sustainable production methods, and reach new heights in clean energy technologies.  At Classic, we’re proud to be a part of brands that are striving to create a greener world and protecting the planet for future generations.  Let’s take a look at how our manufacturers are moving forward with these efforts! more Fast Facts About Fossil Fuels Consumption and Clean Energy Options Fossil fuels are a finite resource and not a renewable energy Nearly 80% of energy in the US comes from coal, natural gas, and oil. 63% of electricity in the US comes from fossil fuel burning (2019) The US has the 2nd highest economic cost of Fossil fuel air pollution, for an average toll of $600 billion annually. During April 2020, daily global fossil CO2 emissions dropped by 17% in comparison to statistics from 2019 due to Covid-19 related lockdowns and isolation. When fossil fuels are burned they release CO2 greenhouse gasses, which trap heat in our atmosphere; as a result the average global temperature has increased by 1 degree celsius. Natural gas is generally cleaner than coal or oil, but still accounts for 1/5th of the world’s total carbon emissions. Solar energy is nearly 200 years old, and in the 1950s NASA was the first organization to adopt solar technology use! Iceland is at the forefront of clean, renewable energy with near 100% of the country’s energy produced from renewable resources such as geothermal and hydro energy Hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy across the world. Kia Kia is committed to reducing carbon emissions from the manufacturing process. The Slovakia plant is using 100% of the renewable energy produced by hydroelectric power, Kia’s plant in India has introduced a zero wastewater discharge system in 2020, and the entirety of their wastewater is recycled at their plant without discharging it!  Overseas, Kia has plans to swap their reliance on fossil fuels to renewable energy resources by 2030; they’ll aim to reach that in Korean plants by 2040. Kia has received the Leadership A rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project, an international non-profit organization which aims to help companies and cities disclose their environmental impact. Since 2015, Kia has also been making strides to implement eco-friendly construction and manufacturing processes. They’ve created a reverse osmosis painting process, improved handling of hazardous chemicals, and reduced dependency on toxic substances during manufacturing.  Additionally, the company has reduced its reliance on and waste of steel sheets, paint and paint thinners, and plastics; overall this has resulted in 13.6% reduction in raw material consumption as of 2020, nearly doubling the results of the previous year’s efforts. They’ve also achieved a 95% rate of recycling main raw materials!

Remember when you were a kid stuck in the backseat on a long car trip? You whiled away the hours with car games, toys, and of course crayons!  Today is National Crayon Day, and we’re sharing some fun facts about these beloved art supplies, as well as some great travel friendly coloring kits and other fun things. more Did you know… The first sets of crayons were made using a combination of charcoal mixed with oil; the pigmented colors we know and love today were added later on. Alice Binney created the name “Crayola” using the French word for chalk, “craie”, and the word “ola” for oleaginous because the original crayons were created from petroleum based paraffin waxes. Binney and Smith, the folks behind Crayola, used to create pigments for red barn paint as well as a carbon black pigment that was used to create black dye for rubber tires. A single crayon mold at crayola can create 1,200 crayons a time, which weigh about 40 pounds! The inside of a locked vehicle can reach upwards of 180F degrees, so be sure to bring your crayons inside with you after coloring in the car. Crayons melt between 120F and 147F While vehicle manufacturers are working towards environmentally friendly alternatives to fuel, Crayola was already at the forefront of the movement!  In 1903, they used water power to manufacture crayons; in 2010 they installed asolar farm with 30,000 panels; by 2020, all crayons manufactured by the company were and continue to be made with renewable energy. Thanks to injection molding, Binney & Smith/Crayola is able to make anywhere from 2.4 million toa whopping 6.4 million crayons per day! Keep the Kiddos (and Kids at Heart) Busy on Road Trips and Rest Stops with These Fun Ideas Alberto Lot’s “Crayon Racing: Over 100 Tracks for High-Speed Coloring” is an incredibly fun coloring book with interactive games, mazes, and more for hours of entertainment on the go! Got a lot of “leftolas” (that’s what Crayola calls the nubbins leftover from full sized crayons) after your road trip travels? Turn them into something new, fun, and quirky by melting them down into homemade race car crayons!  All you’ll need is a silicone candy mold in the shape of cars and trucks, and a hefty pile of “leftolas.” Fill the cavities in the silicone mold with peeled crayon nibs and pieces and melt them with this recipe from Craftulate. You can create rainbow crayons, monochromatic ones, or solid colors. The possibilities are endless fun! Looking for a handy dandy coloring kit that fits in backseat pockets and backpacks for easy travel? We love this affordable car themed coloring kit for just $8 sold on Amazon. Before you head out on your next big road trip, check out this cool gallery of 100% free Printable Cool Car Coloring Pages from iHeartCrafty Things! You’ll find all sorts of fun cars and transportation themed pages to print for hours of on-the-go fun.

We know a lot of young drivers are heading out for Spring Break soon, and Summer Vacation is just around the corner from that!  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to helpful tips for new and recently licensed drivers.  We want to see you hit the road to adventure and make the most of life, but for you to do so as safely as possible!  Check out these hints, tips, and advice from seasoned drivers to keep you and your car in tip-top shape no matter what life throws at you, and where the road takes you. more Already have your first car and itching to get out in the world for a road trip? Check out these helpful tips for driving in Spring Breaks and Summer Vacations. Plan your itinerary ahead of time. Be sure to include a list of rest stops, gas stations, and eateries at different points along your route.  Being spontaneous is still possible, but having a general idea of where you’re going, how far each stop off is, and what you’d like to do can save plenty of time, money, and gas! And it’s always good to let someone know where you’re going, so be sure to give a copy of your road trip itinerary to your family and friends so they can stay in touch and know where you are in case of any emergencies.  This will also help you budget better to know how much you’ll need for fuel, accommodations, etc! In warmer weather, especially the summer, the hottest part of hte day is between 10AM and 5PM, traveling before and after those hours can make for a cooler, more comfortable ride (especially in older vehicles whose AC may be a little less reliable). Drive the speed limit and obey posted traffic signs to avoid costly tickets and points on your license. During periods like Spring Break and Summer; there is an increased number of drivers on roadways as well as patrol officers doling out tickets. Adhering to posted signage will save you a lot of grief, and keep more money in your pocket for activities and adventures! Check your car’s fluid levels and top them off before you hit the road. Make sure that your gas tank is always full before you head off to your next destination, and never let it get below ¼ tank on long journeys.  Your engine oil should be changed every 3 months. And you’ll want to make sure that your coolant is topped off so your car doesn’t overheat. Keep calm, cool, and collected if you hit traffic or delays. Increased travel rates means increased traffic. If you find yourself stuck in a jam, be patient and do your best to avoid road rage. It’s never worth getting into a tiff with another driver, and it’s better to be patient so everyone arrives safely. Allow extra time on your journey for road congestion, and check live maps like Waze or GoogleMaps for constant traffic updates. Get plenty of rest before you head out on the road. Exhausted drivers can make costly mistakes and even end up in serious or fatal collissions. If you find yourself getting tired while driving, be sure to pull over and put your hazards on and rest.  Even better, switch off with other passengers in your car, splitting the journey between you so that everyone gets to recharge and resume driving after feeling rested.

It’s National Cleaning Week!  We’ve gone over plenty of ways to clean and organize your garage, and prep your work area for projects, but what about focusing on that car you worked so hard on?  Keeping your ride pristine, crisp, and looking fresh as the day you got it is the name of the game, today!  We’re going to share some reasons why detailing and cleaning your car regularly is important when it comes to vehicle maintenance.  And we’re going to help you out even further with some top tier recommendations for products to get the job done right and looking professional. more What is automotive detailing and why should you do it regularly? Detailing is an intense cleaning process that thoroughly cleans the interior and exterior of the vehicle, and light restoration and maintenance that restore your vehicle looking almost new!  Detailers hide minor scratches and imperfections through the process of polishing, waxing and sealing.  Some detailers do put your vehicle through an automatic car wash first to get the initial grime off, but the rest of the process is done up, close, and personal by hand using special cloths.  The detailing is more costly than your average car wash, but these professional cleaners use highly specialized chemicals and sometimes even light cosmetic paint restorations and high-tech protective coating. The best time to do a full detail on your car is during Summer and Fall, but Winter and Spring detailing is important if oyu live in an area with lots of winter weather, salt/gravel, and ice.  Detailing will help prevent those things from building up on your vehicle and causing rust or other damage. As for the additional benefits of detailing, those include: Detailers can preserve the vehicle’s paint and correct minor paint imperfections. Protect your upholstery with deep cleaning, stain prevention and removal, and odor elmination. The interior will be fully vacuumed, washed, steamed, deodorized. Detailing not only extends the life of your car, but it will preserve the value by keeping it pristine through not just the cleaning but detailed inspections and cleanings of the engine. Reduces the spread of germs and allergens through regular maintenance and deep cleaning. Only 2 to 3 deep cleanings are required on average per year, making it an easy maintenance step and budget friendly. Should you DIY your Detailing or Hire the Pros? Let’s check it out! We’ve gathered some videos from YouTubers who have the knowledge and experience to help you wade through the dozens of lists, sites, and advice online.  Thanks to their insight, you’ll be able to decide if this is a task left best to the pros, or something you’d like to learn more about as an automotive enthusiast. The Crew at Donut Media have kindly put together an energetic and entertaining comparison of the pros and cons to self detailing versus hiring a professional.  We love the way they split the car down the middle for a literal side-by-side comparison! The pros at AMMO NYC are giving us the ins and outs on disinfecting your vehicle through a detailing process to protect from viruses and germs like Covid-19 and others, as well as sharing a full detail of a vehicle in real-time with a newbie detailer!  Check out the videos here: ​​ YouTuber ChrisFix is helping us learn how to detail and super clean the interior of a car from carpents to dash to trunk to headliner.  He’s even got some suggestions for DIY materials, tools, and cleansers to get the job done right! Detailing your car on a budget until you can save up for the “real deal” detailer? We understand!  Not everyone has the chunk of change to drop, but needs their car cleaned with a wallet-friendly option.  Detailing Beyond Limits on YouTube is sharing their tips for detailing supplies under $150!  Yes, you heard that right. Check it out. Want to learn how to properly wash your car like a pro at home? We’ve got you covered with this in-depth tutorial from Pan the Organizer.  This step-by-step guide will make sure you don’t miss an inch, and the entire vehicle will sparkle from trunk to hood and then some. ​​

Today is National Puppy Day, and arguably the most adorable day of the year!  Today we’re going to share some fun facts about why puppies can help improve your mental health, as well as local a.ea shelters who need our help and support to save dogs and puppies in our community. more Did you know… Research shows that simply looking at pictures of puppies can improve your mental health, and increase your focus! Dogs can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, decrease loneliness, and improve your overall health by encouraging you to incorporate more movement and exercise into your daily routine! The average dog has the intellectual capacity and intelligence of a 2-year-old to 2-and-a-half year old human! A normal litter of puppies can range from 1 to 12 puppies depending on the size and breed of the dog, but an average of 5-6 puppies per litter is the average across all breeds. Dogs can sometimes have up to three litters a year, which is why it is recommended to spay and neuter your pets early to decrease the population in shelters. Nearly 25% of dogs in animal rescues and shelters are actually pure bred dogs! That’s 1 in 4 purebreeds on average in shelters across the United States according to the HSUS. There are an average of about 4 million shelter pets adopted each year according to the ASPCA. Adopting an animal means saving more than just one life! Sure, your new buddy gets a fabulous and safe new home, but you’re also clearing the shelter space for another animal in need to be rescued in their stead and find their forever home next! Looking to adopt a dog in Lake County and nearby areas? We can help! Here’s a great list to start you off on your search for your new best friend, and of course feel free to list your suggestions in a comment as well! Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Riverwoods Save-A-Pet Inc in Grayslake Animal Education & Rescue in Chicago Metropolitan Area Paws and Affect Animal Rescue in Lakemoor Kamins Farm in Grayslake Our House of Hope in Libertyville K9s4U Dog Rescue (Kenosha county and surrounding) Wagging Hearts in Hainesville Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus Heartland Animal Shelter in Wheeling Kay’s Animal Shelter in Arlington Heights Barb’s Precious Rescue & Adoption Center in Palatine

Did you know that it’s National Agriculture Week? Agriculture is the world’s largest industry, employing more than one billion people, and creating more than $1 trillion in food every year.  Did you know that 50% of our planet’s habitable land areas are devoted to pastureland and crops?  Agriculture is also a leading producer of pollution through pesticide, fertilizer, and other chemicals.  Massive, large scale farming has caused a significant impact on our environment.  As a result, we need to be more concerned with sustainability than ever before, and support critical restoration and preservation of habitats, clean and protect global watersheds, and improve overall soil health and quality.  Without sustainable agricultural practices, our planet would lose a significant source of food, shelter, and natural resources that support our wildlife and humanity! more There are “4Rs of Sustainable Farming: Right source, right rate, right time, and right place.” By ensuring that we are mindful of what crops we plant, taking advantage of local climate and nutrients, and choosing to plant cover crops instead of leaving open fields of soil, we can help improve economic and environmental impacts!  Sustainable agriculture is a series of practicies to reduce environmental impact and improve soil health, water quality, and create both resilient and profitable models of agriculture.  Things such as crop rotation, crop diversity, reducing or eliminating tillage to reduce erosion, planting cover crops during off-season, and managing our farms as ecosystems in and of themselves will vastly improve our planet’s overall health.  The Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Partnership is making great strides in supporting healthy soil, clean water, and diverse and resilient farm communities! We’re so proud to live in the state of Illinois, where nearly 75% of the land here is devoted to Agriculture!  Sustainable agriculture is important to all of us here in Illinois, and we’re a state that is committed to improving economic, social, and natural resource sustainability across all areas. Thanks to our fertile soil, farmers here in Illinois can grow everything from oats to sorghum to fruits and geggies and even specialty crops like mushrooms!  It’s also a very big industry for employment, with nearly 1 million people employed in the food and fiber industries, We’re also leading the nation in production of soybeans, corn, and swine.  We’re also the top producer in food manufacturing, with $180 billion dollars of sales in processed foods!  Illinois is a vital part of the food production industry here in the United States, with more than 72,000 farms across our state covering 27 million acres. Farms of all sizes contribute to the local economy here, and by creating sustainable systems we ensure a strong financial future for generations to come! It’s not just our farmers of crops and livestock that drive the global effort for sustainability, though. Did you know that the automotive industry is also taking measures to reduce their carbon footprint and improve sustainability on a global scale?  Automakers are working collectively to minimize production waste and reduce environmental impact of the production and manufacturing process.  Decreasing the dependency on things such as fossil fuels, depending on green energy from wind and solar for manufacturing, and developing more fuel efficient hybrids and electric vehicles will all make a big difference towards environmental conseravtion and green sustainable living. At Classic Auto Group we are proud to support not just our local farmers and sustainable agriculture, but also our auto manufacturers efforts to join the cause!

In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly instituted the International Day of Forests as a way to honor and raise awareness globally for the importance of all varieties and types of forests.  The forests of our planet help to filter the air and water we breathe, provide vital food, shelter, and resources to both humans and wildlife, and also protect us from UV rays.  Visiting forests has also shown proven benefits to improve your physical and mental health, as well as a sustainable source of energy and resources. The International Day of Forest s is also an opportunity to raise awarenes for the devastating effects of industrial agriculture, logging, and mining efforts, and inform the general public about the importance of restoring forests, protecting the environment, and increasing our conservation efforts. more Today, we’re going to explore a few of the National Forests and Forest Preserves in Wisconsin, Illinois, and nearby states. We encourage you to get involved with conservation efforts, consider a more sustainable lifestyle, and get out there to appreciate nature with your friends and family! Three wonderful forests to check out: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin covers more than 1 million acres of land in northern Wisconsin.  Early logging efforts in the 20th century saw fit to remove the “old growth” forest. In the 1930s, however, many new trees were planted by The Civilian Conservation Corps, resulting in an absolutely lush forest with breathtaking scenery.  This National Forest was originally two separate forests, but are now managed as one property by the USDA Forest Service.  Travelers can enjoy a multitude of activities such as camping (some of which are pet friendly sites), hiking, berry picking (in season), hunting, fishing, cross country skiing, and even snowmobiling.  Nature lovers will rejoice to observe roaming wildlife such as deer, bears, foxes, coyotes, wolves, loons, and songbirds.  If you’re an angler, you’ll be excited to find trout, bass, panfish, and northern pike!  The forest has a number of lakes and streams; Twentymile Creek and the headwaters of the Marengo River also provide clean water flow to Lake Superior! White Pines Forest State Park in Mt Morris IL covers 385 acres of parklands and is the perfect place for an outdoor getaway.  You’ll enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, nature photography, bird watching, archery, cross country skiing, hunting, and much more.  There are more than 100 campsites and picnic areas along Pine Creek, where you’ll be able to observe wildlife, enjoy some fishing, or explore the incredible wildflowers and foliage of the area.  It’s also home to the White Pines Lodge, which has 13 one room cabins, 2 four room cabins, and 1 two room cabin if you prefer less of a “rough-it” approach, and offers a dinner theatre, banquet hall, and delicious dining at the White Pines Lodge Restaurant. Iron Oaks Forest Preserve in Olympia Fields IL is a fantastic family-friendly destination full of nature adventures, educational opportunities, and recreational activities.  The forest preserve has everything from climbing walls to crate climbing challenges to a high ropes course physical challenge and so much more!  In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross country skiing or snowshoeing excursions on the nature trails.  There are numerous nature programs to enjoy that will put you up close and personal with the great outdoors, as well as multiple STEM based Nature Camps for kids!  It’s a wonderful place to connect with our world on a personal level and learn about our environment. Other Nature Preserves and  National Forests in Illinois and Neighboring States: Shawnee National Forest in Herod IL Sand Ridge State Forest in Forest City IL Big River State Forest in Keithsburg, IL Hidden Spring State Forest in Strasburg, IL Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington,IL Hoosier National Forest in Bedford, IN Yellow River State Forest in Harpers Ferrry, IA Stephens State Forest in Chariton, IA White Pines Hollow State Forest in New Vienna, IA Shimek State Forest in Farmington, IA Merrit Forest State Preserve in Colesburg, IA

Spring has arrived! Today is the Spring Equinox, and we’re celebrating by sharing our best service tips for Spring.  Get your car Road Trip Ready so you can enjoy your vacation for Spring Break, and drive with confidence knowing your vehicle is in tip top shape. more Top off your oil and do an oil change. Check-in with your mechanic and service center to see if your vehicle needs a different higher temperature oil for the incoming warmer weather. Replace wiper blades and apply hydrophobic coating to your windshield. April Showers bring May Flowers, but it’s important to have clear visibility as you drive if you’d like to see the sights of springtime blooming around you! Check your battery’s connections. Inspect your battery for signs of corrosion or wear, and do a battery check to see if it needs reconditioning or a replacement due to wear and tear or weather issues. Detail your vehicle’s interior and give your car professional car wash. If your car has a leather or leather-blend interior, it’s important to condition the fabric so it doesn’t crack or peel during hot weather months.  Get into all the nooks and crannies to clear out the grit, grime, and grave that accumulated over winter!  Bringing your car to a professional washing facility will also help remove the accumulated salt and muck from winter weather.  Help keep it protected through rainy days by requesting it also get a fresh buff with top quality car wax. Check your vehicle’s belts and hoses. Pop open the hood and take a look inside and ensure that all of the belts, hoses, and connections are in tip-top shape. Cold and freezing temperatures can cause the rubber and plastics to crack or split, thus weakening their ability to move properly.  Save yourself a lot of money and aggravation by ensuring all belts and hoses are replaced before they cause your vehicle to stall or your engine seizes. Check and Test your A/C. Don’t wait until the sweltering heat is already in full-force before you test your Air Conditioner.  Make sure the fans and cooling unit are working properly before the summer gets here, and get it tuned-up and repaired if not! Check those tires. Look for uneven wear, bald spots, and do the “penny test” to evaluate your tire tread depth.  You’ll also want to check the tire pressure, as changes in weather can cause the air to contract and expand which affects your tire air pressure.  Make sure your spare tire or donut are in good condition in case you need to use them in an emergency. Check your vehicle’s light bulbs. Properly working light bulbs and LEDs can increase your visibility during foggy, hazy weather and rain. Replace any interior and exterior lights that are blinking or not working. Change your cabin filter. A fresh, clean cabin air filter is a great way to clean the air and reduce pollen and allergens in your car’s interior. Bring your car in for a general tune-up and check-up. Don’t ignore your dashboard lights. Don’t wait until your car breaks down or strands you on your summer road trip!  Get things taken care of now, so you can enjoy all of your upcoming road trips with confidence. If your engine starts to overheat, turn your AC off and turn on the heat to draw the hot air away from the engine and schedule a maintenance service ASAP.

Here at Classic, nothing means more to us than our community! We love living in Lake County, and exploring all of the incredible places around us, and meeting all the wonderful people in our neighborhood! Getting to know our customers year in and year out has been an absolute pleasure. The only thing we love even more than connecting with our local customers is inspiring the youth! Helping kids and teens to find their passion, answer their burning questions, and inspire them to pursue their dreams is one of the most rewarding things we could do! It’s true that children are our future, and that’s why we believe in nurturing their curiosity, ingenuity, and wild spirits. more Recently, Bill and the service team here at Classic Toyota were able to connect with a group of local high school students through “Heart of the City”. The students were able to get an up-close look at the goings on in our service center, and a behind the scenes look at what it’s like to be a professional mechanic as well as what it takes to run and maintain a dealership.  We were so excited to learn from their program coordinator that one of the students made a big decision in his educational career based on what he learned from this visit! It warms our hearts to know we were able to inspire someone to prepare for their future, and it brings a great big smile to our faces knowing the young folks love cars as much as we do. If you can make just a small difference in this world, there’s nothing better than bringing light to the lives of children and teens. We can’t wait to see what they dream up for their future, and can’t wait to talk shop with them again soon. Thanks for stopping by, Heart of the City! Here are some fun photos commemorating the event and showing our excited group of visitors:

This week is Poison Prevention Week. We’ll be highlighting ways to keep your garage and vehicle organized to eliminate safety hazards due to chemicals, oil, and other fluids.  We’ve got some tips on how to dispose of them safely, how to best clean up those messes, and even how to keep your pets out of harm's way in the garage.  Check it out on today’s blog! more Tips to Keeping Your Garage Safe from Chemicals and Hazardous Wastes Old batteries have a risk of corrosion and leaks, and properly disposing of them at designated waste collection sites can prevent injury and environmental damages.  Bring old or used car batteries to your local recycling center instead of storing them in your garage. Some local auto parts stores may even have a battery drop-off program. When changing your oil, use a drain pan and collection bucket to catch the fluids as they’re released. Bring them to your local designated hazardous waste disposal facility or recycling center immediately.  If you’ve spilled oil in your garage, you can use an oil absorbent mat, a substance like Oil-Dri, or the standby of kitty litter. Pour liquids such as coolant or brake fluid or other contaminated fluids into a bucket or bin of kitty litter. It will absorb the liquid, and make it easier to transport to the waste facility. If you’ve spilled fluids, you can absorb the spill with clay cat litter, play sand, cornmeal, cornstarch, or even baking soda.  Apply one of these substances over the spill stain immediately, and this will help prevent it from seeping into the concrete or pavement of your garage. Let’s learn how to safely dispose of and recycle Used Oil and Other Fluids from your Vehicle thanks to 1A Auto on YouTube: Keeping Fido and Fluffy Safe from Hazards in the Garage If you’re anything like us, you love having your faithful furry friends by your side in anything you do, but did you know that there are plenty of dangers to be found in your household garage? Things you may not expect can pose hazards to our canine and feline companions, as well as others!  We’re going to help you find ways to keep those little critters out of trouble, identify hazards to put far out of reach, and how to keep them safe if they get into your garage. Never leave your pets unattended in a garage. Garages can become extremely hot or extremely cold quite rapidly.  This can cause temperature related illnesses such as heat stroke or frostbite.  Make sure that if your pet is spending extended periods in a garage, it’s always by your side. Even if you’ve provided heating/cooling and adequate ventilation or water, it is not safe to leave your pets inside. There are numerous chemical liquids with corrosive properties that can cause burns, digestive upsets, or even fatalities if ingested by our pets.  Be sure that antifreeze, gasoline, motor oil, insect sprays, paints, cleaners, herbicides, soil bags, polishing solutions, wiper fluid, and other liquids are stored in their original containers and tightly sealed. Store them up and away from prying paws and nosy sniffers.  Clean up all spills and leaks immediately after they happen.  Keep your pets out of the way if you’re performing fluid changes or top-offs so they do not drink or lick any spills. Keep tools and batteries up and off the floor, and do not allow pets to lick them or chew on them. They’re at risk for serious injury, electrocution, and even death. Utilize airtight and locking storage items.  Place small items into lidded plastic bins that have child-lock features.  All tools and ephemera should be placed into toolkit boxes and locked securely so that your pet cannot get into it, knock it down, or open it to see what “forbidden snacks” are inside. Keep garbage and waste bins secured. Pets love to sniff and explore inside trash cans, garbage bags, recycling bins, etc, so it’s important you keep them stowed safely to reduce risk of suffocation by bags or other serious injury due to ingestion or otherwise. Clean the garage floor thoroughly when you’re working on your projects and regular vehicle maintenance.  Even residual waste from chemicals, solvents, or soaps can pose a threat if licked or ingested or skin contact. Looking for local waste pickup or disposal sites in the Waukegan area? We’ve got you covered with this helpful website. Please note, some facilities or programs may have a requirement for advance registration before you can drop off your chemicals or hazardous waste items.

We know a lot of young drivers are heading out for Spring Break soon, and Summer Vacation is just around the corner from that!  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to helpful tips for new and recently licensed drivers.  We want to see you hit the road to adventure and make the most of life, but for you to do so as safely as possible!  Check out these hints, tips, and advice from seasoned drivers to keep you and your car in tip-top shape no matter what life throws at you, and where the road takes you. more Are there any more helpful suggestions you’d like to see us share for new or young drivers? Let us know in the comments below! Buying your first car so you’re ready for summer? Here are some tips to help you set your budget and prepare financially for the long haul. Determine your budget. Figure out what you can afford from money you’ve saved up, or what you can comfortably finance as recurring expenses and payments. Bear in mind that it costs about $7-$10k on average to maintain your car depending on the vehicle.  That cost should cover regular maintenance/basic repairs, but you will always want to be prepared for emergencies.  If you’re purchasing a used vehicle, we recommend doing a bit of cost analysis for the make/model/year for average repairs and routine mileage maintenance. Get some insurance quotes for the vehicles you’re considering, and do a cost breakdown for different payment plans to figure out which will work best for you and your bank account.  Insurance can cost upwards of $2k or more for new and younger drivers annually. Consider your commute (to and from school or work or activities) and check the fuel economy and mileage rates for the vehicles you’re interested in. Choose the one that is more cost conscious and has better miles per gallon to save on recurring costs. Test drive all of the cars you’re considering purchasing, and bring a trusted, knowledgeable driver with you as a second opinion when inspecting a vehicle’s handling, appearance, and condition.  Make sure you’re comfortable driving the vehicle before you plunk down that change!  If purchasing preowned or used, many sellers will also allow you to take the car to your personal mechanic for a once-over to make sure it’s reliable. Add up the cost of roadside assistance plans as well as roadside emergency kits. It’s better to have coverage in case of emergency and save on costly towing fees or emergency costs. Some vehicles sold through dealerships will have special plans that cover drivers in case of a vehicle collision or breaking down on the road.  Keeping an emergency bag in your car will ensure you’re prepared in a pinch!  Items like jumper cables, flares, tire repair kits can also save you time and money until help arrives.

Maybe you’ve been to Chicago regularly for work, or perhaps hit the city for a sporting event or parade, but no matter how many times you’ve visited, there’s always something new to discover!  Today we’re highlighting some unique ways to explore the city up close and personal with unique walking tours and other fun activities. more Xperience Days Bike Tours of Chicago offer two different types of tours, day or night, for a 2 ½ to 3 hour cycling tour of the city!  It’s perfect for your high energy travel companions, with a gorgeous outdoor experience of the city on the Linoln Park Tour.  that tour stops by the Chicago LAkefront, Navy Piere, Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach, and the Conservatory. The Night Tour takes you down the Magnificent Mile for gorgeous, sparkling views of the Chicago Skyline, stops at Crown Fountain, and fireworks at Navy Pier!  Even Chicago natives are raving about how fun and interesting these locally guided tours are, so you know they’re great! Bobby's Bike Hike Tours of Chicago have been the USA’s longest running bike tour company, and offer a wide variety of bike and walking tours of the Chicago area.  No matter your age or skill level, there’s a tour for you!  You’ll get a new perspective on the Chicago Metro Area, learn about its history, and have some delicious local Chicago Favourites to eat. Bikes, Bites, and Brews by Bobby’s Bike Hikes offer a cycling tour of Chicago’s best neighborhoods and top eateries! You’ll take in the sights, learn about local history, and chow down on the most delicious grub including pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes, and beer! Bike rental, helmet rental, water bottle, and samples of food are included in the cost. Chicago’s West Side Foodie Bike Tour is a half-day cycling experience through the city exploring Chicago’s architecture while stopping off for some incredible food tastings.  You’ll experience a wide variety of local ethnic foods and drinks, and all tastings and drinks are included in your rental price.  From Polish food to Mexican food to locally crafted chocolate and more, you’ll have a blast! Free Chicago Walking Tours are led by local guides who know the neighborhoods inside and out for free public tours or reasonably priced paid private tours for groups of more than 6 and up to 20!  (Tipping your guide is recommended, especially on the free options.)  This group’s tours are perfect for those who do not want to do endurance training via sightseeing, because they’re just 1 to 3 miles in distance!  It’s the perfect option for those with kids and teens, because it’s just the right amount of time.  It’s a great way to make new friends and socialize with locals and tourists alike.  Click here to learn more about upcoming tours or schedule a private group! Bizarre Bucktown is where it’s at if you’re looking for interesting, quirky, and memorable experiences of Chicago.  It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been to the city, you’ve never seen it like this!  On your 90 minute walk with a small, intimate group of folks, you’ll learn about the history and hauntings of Bucktown and Wicker Park.  Tickets are just $15 per person, but the memories are priceless; click here to book your tour! Chicago Prohibition Tours in Chicago offers both bus guided and walking tours exploring Chicago’s storied history during The Prohibition Era.  You’ll visit many of the area’s historic speakeasies, and become a “scofflaw” as you learn about the history of politics, gangsters, and Prohibition crimes.  You’ll love that it’s coupled with great food and drinks along the way on your 3 hour trek or 2 ½ hour bus tour. Chicago Architectural Center Tours offers a 90-minute walk through tour highlighting the most famous buildings in Chicago, and the history and stories behind their inspiration and design.  This wonderful nonprofit organization aims to inspire new generations of architects and designers. The city also has numerous options for walking, bus, or boat architecture tours if you are further inspired by the CAC’s exhibits and programs Chicago Detours Walking Tours offer a personal and up close look at the different neighbourhoods around Chicago!  You will be invited to learn about the history, food, and culture of the city while connecting with local businesses and enjoying some sightseeing.  You’ll take “the roads less traveled” and explore the city from a local’s perspective, and see the city like never before.