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Botanical gardens are incredible places to visit!  Not only are they absolutely beautiful to look at and relaxing to walk through, but they’re a wonderful place for science!  The botanical gardens document local and exotic flora for the purpose of scientific research, education, and conservation. Did you also know that spending time within nature has the potential to improve your health, lower blood pressure, improve your mood, and a whole lot more?  Between the open spaces, gorgeous greenery, delicate blossoms, and special events like art and music, there’s so many opportunities to find joy, relaxation, and stress relief. more Put a little Spring in your step today, because we’ve got a great list of amazing destinations to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine over spring break.  Today’s post is all about gorgeous botanical gardens in the area. Botanical Gardens and Arboretums to Visit Over Spring Break Olbrich Botanical Garden in Madison WI Chicago Botanic Garden in Chicago IL Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum Frame Park Floral Gardens in Waukesha Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau WI Green Bay Botanical Garden in Greenbay WI Morton Arboretum in Lisle IL Garfield Park Conservatory Lurie Garden in Chicago Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanical Gardens The Magic Hedge Wilder Park Conservatory in Elmhurst Prospect Gardens Park Anderson Japanese Gardens NIcholas Conservatory and Gardens Sunken Garden in Aurora Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Center in springfield Schaub Floral Display Center in Decatur Brooks Farms in Fairmount Herrin Park District in Herrin The Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville Luthy Botanical Gardens in Peoria Nygren Wetland Preserve in Rockton Mandala Gardens in Marion How to Prepare For Your Day Trip to the Botanical Gardens You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so we highly recommend that you wear your most comfortable and supportive footwear, dress in layers such as tees/tanks under a hoodie or windbreaker/jacket.  Make sure you’re also wearing a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses since a lot of the area will be open without treecover, and likely very sunny. And make sure to bring a backpack, bag, or tote with the following: Water and Electrolyte Beverages Energizing and Protein packed snacks Sunscreen and bug spray Cash for donations, souvenirs, access to special exhibits Portable battery chargers for your phone and camera Small plastic bags to collect your trash and throw it away easily Optional - A plant and flower identification guide and/or bird identification guide Optional - A field notebook or small sketchbook with pens and travel art supplies

From March to early April, Chicago area fishermen have gathered on the shores of Lake Michigan for a time honored tradition started in the 1930s: smelt fishing!  Unlike the typical fishing techniques spent floating on a pond sipping drinks leisurely under the shining sun, smelt fishing takes place in the still of the night, most commonly from 7PM to 1AM.  This nocturnal pastime has delighted Chicago residents for decades; one of the telltale signs of smelt fishing season are the sights of lanterns along the lakefront all the way from the North side to the South Side. more Smelt fishing requires very little by way of complicated supplies, most frequently relying on nets instead of the usual fishing rod methods.  You’ll need a 15-25 foot wide seine net, some waders, head lamp, 5 gallon buckets, and waterproof gloves.  Easy peasy! Just like tailgating at sports events, smelt fishing has its own cheerful celebratory tradition of grilling a good meal, roasting snacks over the fire, enjoying drinks with family and friends, and sharing a moment together.  Over the years the smelt population has declined, but many still uphold this time-honored tradition for Chicagoans. Recipes for Smelt Fried Smelt with Garlic Swiss Chard Norwegian Pan-Fried Smelt Pan Fried Smelt Recipe Fried Smelt Fried Smelts No matter whether you’re into the smelt fishing tradition, ice fishing, or sport fishing, there’s plenty of options for the outdoorsy soul to enjoy.  If you’re angling for a good fishing spot this year, we’d love to help you with some suggestions!  Pack your car up with your favourite tailgate snacks and fishing gear, and let’s hit the road in your new car from Classic Auto Group! Best Spots for Fishing in Northern Illinois On the shores of Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park Auburn Fishing Area in Chicago Calumet Fishing Area in Chicago Canal Origins Fishing Area in Chicago Canalport Riverwalk Fishing Area in Chicago Daley Fishing Area in Chicago Douglass Fishing Area in Chicago Garfield Fishing Area in Chicago Heidecke Lake in Morris Braidwood Lake in Will County Rend Lake in Benton area Pierce Lake in Rock Cut State Park Lake Shelbyville near Shelbyville & Allenville Devils Kitchen near Marion Looking for some great gear for your car to make the fishing season more enjoyable?  Let us help you stress less with these recommendations for ways to store and transport your fishing equipment. Fishing Gear Storage for Your Car The River Quiver Fly Rod Roof Rack comes in several sizes and colors for your fishing needs priced between $480 and $840. The Thule Rodvault Fly Fishing Rod Carrier can help you carry your gear with a 2-rod or 4-rod option; up to $649 for the largest option. The YAKIMA ReelDeal Rooftop Fishing Rod Moun t can hold up to 8 fully-rigged rods on your roof rack, leaving the interior free to pack up your favourite snacks and camping gear, and all of your best pals, too! The Brocraft Aluminum Clamp Rod Holder holds up to 4 rods and reels and can be placed vertically or horizontally for more space as needed. The Hosmide Car Fly Fishing Rod Holder is perfect for keeping your rods and reels inside your vehicle and it’s certainly budget friendly!  Holds up to 5 and is adjustable from 38 inches to 52 inches depending on your need.  Great for those using SUVs, Vans, and Station Wagon model vehicles. The LL Bean Truck Seat Fishing Organizer is the perfect option for storing all your rods, reels, fly and tackle accessories with convenient pockets and zipper pouches so everything is easy to reach and find in seconds. YakGear’s Angler Crate Kit is perfect to store your essentials without too big of a footprint in your cargo space.  It’s compact 13”x13” inch design and convenient accessory pouch are perfect for squeezing into small spaces next to gear bags and more. The YETI Side Mounted Fishing Tackle Unit is perfect for boating, beach days, camping, and more.  It’s perfectly designed to mount to the side of your YETI cooler, and it’s fully portable!

Welcome to our Local Community Calendar of Events for March 2022.  We’ve rounded up our picks for family friendly e events and workshops both in person and online.  Most of these serve the Lake County area residents, and others provide a fun filled day out on the town under the lights of the big city.  If you have any local events that you think our readers would enjoy, feel free to let us know in the comments of our social media! more March 6th at the Highland Park Public Library, enjoy a Grab and Go Craft available for pickup all day long. You can stop by the youth services desk to pick up an arts and crafts project to make together as a family. Monday March 7th at the Deerfield Public Library, parents of very small children can participate in the Baby Book Bunch event, helping parents find age appropriate books and activities to do together. On March 9th from 7:30AM to 9AM you can enjoy speaker Eric Rinehart at Bonnie Brook for Wake Up Waukegan! Wednesday March 9th is the Kids’ Art Cart event from 5PM to 6PM, where the Fox Lake District Library is hosting a fun evening of creativity and crafting for families. On Thursday March 10th at the Deerfield Public Library in Deerfield, from 10AM to 10:30AM enjoy a Virtual “Movin’ and Groovin’ Storytime” with your family and children. On March 11th from 10AM to 1PM, log online and participate in the Waukegan Veterans Job Fair from 10AM to 1PM! On March 11th, parents with children aged 4 through 7 will want to register their kiddos for The Leaping Leprechauns event,  a magical evening of fun at the Grayslake Park District from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. Kids are encouraged to dress in green and gold, and enjoy some pizza, craft making, and a hunt for leprechaun gold.  There’s lots more fun activities for all to enjoy! On March 11th from 4 PM to 5PM at the Lake Forest Library Pokemon Party, come out and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pokemon with a movie, music, games, and more.  You can even come dressed as your favourite pokemon or pokemon trainer if you’d like! On March 12th at Time Out Market Chicago, kids can enjoy a character storytime from 11AM to 12PM with Princess Belle and the Amazing Spiderman! Kids are welcome to dress in costume and take a picture with their favourite character On March 12th, get ready for a family fun afternoon in Chicago at Family Day from 12PM to 2PM at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago! Fun workshops and performances for the whole family to enjoy all day designed and led by local Chicago area creatives. March 19th at the St Patrick’s Family Barn Dance from 6PM to 8PM at the Village Hall Barn, families with kids ages 3 through 12 can enjoy a fun night out with a family member!  They will have a blast dancing the night away with games, songs, dancing, and of course plenty of snacks.  Children are encouraged to wear their sunday best formal attire, and advance registration is required. March 27th is Family Day at the Midwest Coast Brewing Company in Chicago from 10:30 AM to 11:30AM! Kids and families will have a blast with dancing, music, and magic tricks abound.  Tickets are priced per family and free on-street parking is available.  Recommended ages for the Mary Macaroni Magic Show are 0-7 years old. On March 30th from 1:30 to 3:30, take your kids out for a really sweet activity!  Join the crew at The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville during spring break so your kids can get creative in the kitchen with a Kids Cookie Decorating class!

Today’s post is all about that “treat yourself” mindset and living your best life!  We’re highlighting some our best picks for gadgets we’ve found for those adventure seekers living their fullest.  You’ll find everything from luxury glamping equipment to portable power units that can run your whole camper and upscale GPS options for your offroad dreams.  So, if you’re looking for some ideas on how to spend your tax refund this spring, let us make a few suggestions.  With these cool gadgets and gizmos, you’ll be the talk of the town on all the travel blogs.  Check it out! more The Belkin Magnetic Wireless Apple Compatible charger is the lowest priced item on our list, but certainly a must-have for tech savvy travelers. It’s compatible with the newest iPhone models from the 12 onwards, and uses USB-C and works with official MagSafe cases. GentleTent’s inflatable furniture options are perfect for those who love a good campout or RV trip!  Forget about folding chairs and uncomfortable pop-up benches, this is the comfortable yet durable option you want to have.  With options for single seating or multiperson, you’ll find an option to fit any lifestyle. Luno’s Air Mattress is the best in the game when it comes to inflatable mattresses for car camping and van life.  You can find a custom fit air mattress for your exact make and model, as well as other convenient accessories and apparel options.  There’s even a package called the “Ultimate Car Camping Bundle” which includes some of their best selling items!  And very soon they’ll be offering a truck bed air mattress for those who prefer wide open skies above them while they snooze. The Tread Powersport Navigator by Garmin is the ultimate accessory for your off-road adventures.  Gone are the days of shaking your phone in exasperation as the signal drops out again.  Forget about waiting for the infotainment system to load with its 1 bar of service.  With Tread, you’ll have seamless transition from road to rugged terrain along with a group ride option with radio and tracking for up to 20 of your pals.  You can sync the data across several wireless devices, too. It's perfect for traveling off the beaten track, with its weather resistant features and topographic mapping options.for North and Central America as well as US Forest Roads, Motor Vehicle Use Maps, and street makes of North America.  It highlights land boundaries and national parks and much more. YETI’s GoalZero portable power generator is a must-have for those who prefer to live off-grid on their road trips and campsites.  It’s a plug-and-play option with solar powered charging, so you’ll never have to worry about carrying containers of fuel around.  It powers everything from laptops to tablets to gaming devices and phones, as well as featuring wall outlet options for lights and small cooking appliances.  Works in weather conditions as chilly as 32º or as warm as 104º! The Yakima 7G Road Shower is an essential device for all hikers and campers to keep in their vehicle.  It’s made of lightweight but durable aluminimum and its sleek modern design means it’s convenient for traveling and storage.  With the Road Shower you’ll bid farewell to dirty boots, gear, and car mats;  rinse your equipment off before stowing it for the ride home, or wash your boots after hitting the muddy hiking trails.  Or keep it on hand at your next off-grid campout, so you can have a nice warm shower with fresh clean water!  Holds up to 7 Gallons of water which are heated by solar and monitored by an easy-to-read stick-on thermometer.  This pressurized pump and hose with nozzle will make cleanup a breeze anywhere you go!

We’re very excited that it’s World Wildlife Day!  This year’s theme is all about recovering key local species with the intent of restoring and preserving the local ecosystem.  By raising awareness of the creatures and beings that live right here in our own backyard, we will be able to have a much better life for the future. more Caring for our home and its native species will help us cultivate and preserve the unique aspects of our region, inviting new folks to visit, stay, and play here!  In addition, we’ll be ensuring that animal, insect, and plant life will be thriving and surviving for many years and generations to come.  Let’s take a look at some of the native animals right here in the neighbourhood where Classic Auto Group lives, works, and plays, too! What kind of ecosystems do we have here in the Lake County Area? The southern portion of Lake Michigan has been, home to several types of ecosystem: northern bog and tundra, eastern deciduous woodlands, southern swamps, western prairie!  The wide variety of environments and ecosystems makes the region one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.  It’s very exciting! What is biodiversity? Biodiversity is the variety of life in the world, a particular habitat or ecosystem, and it is essential for all living things.  There are three levels of biodiversity: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity; without a wide variety of plants, microorganisms, and animals, our world and humans would suffer immensely as a whole.  We rely on biodiversity to provide us the air we breathe and the food we eat, so it is important we care for the physical environment to ensure its preservation and survival.  Together we have to work to fight against climate change and preserve life! Let’s take a closer look at some of the beautiful wildlife and creatures that call Lake County home! Highlighting Some of the beautiful Flora and Fauna of Lake County Illinois: 13-Lined Ground Squirrel (image via Squirrel Gazer) Achaearanea Globosa Spider Acorn Weevil American Black Duck American Coot American Pipit Bald Faced Hornet (image from Northcoastjournal.com) American ToadBanded Longhorn Beetle Banded Wooley Bear Beaver Big Brown Bat Black Bullhead Black Swallowtail Calico Crayfish Canvasback Bird Caspian Tern Channel Catfish Chinese Mantis Deer Mouse Eastern Pipistrelle False Darkling Beetles Gizzard Shad Hoary Bat (image from Batcon.org) Indigo Bunting Katydid Long-Tailed Weasel Masked Shrew Northern River Otter Northern Water Snake Peoria Gemmatella (Image from bugguide.net) Racoon Rams Horn Snail Red Fox Ruddy Duck Scissor-tailed Flycatch Short-tailed Shrew Silver-haired Bat Snapping Turtle Tiger Salamander (image from Statesymbolsusa.org) Verbena Moth Violet Dancer Warmouth Fish Yellow-throated Vireo Woodchuck Zebra Spider Check out the full list of Local Lake County creatures and plants right here.

Today is Read Across America day, and we’re really excited.  You can certainly believe us when we say we love reading (we love it almost as much as we love cars, which is a lot!)  Read Across America Day is about dedicating ourselves to promoting literacy, critical thinking, and inspiring a whole new generation of readers and leaders of tomorrow.   Let’s inspire these young minds especially to pursue new adventures and think outside the box!  So make sure you take some time today to read a few pages in your favourite book, send a book to your loved ones, or buy one for a special kiddo in your life. more Not only is it Read Across America Day, but it’s also Women’s HIstory month.  That’s why today we’re sharing our picks for great books about and by notable women.  You’ll find bestsellers and classics along with brand new publications.  All of them are available in ebook form for ease of reading while traveling, and many of them have an audiobook with narration for long trips or commutes. Reading Recommendations How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Plowell A Life at Full Throttle by Janet Guthrie Lone Rider: the First British Woman to Motorcycle Around the World by Elspeth Beard Driven: A Pioneer for Women in Motorsport by Rosemary Smith Faster: How a Jewish Driver, An American Heiress, and a Legendary Car Beat Hitler’s Best by Neal Bascomb The Red Car by Marcy Dermansky How to Overcome Fear of Driving by Joanne Mallon The Woman and the Car by Dorothy Levitt How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems by Tracy Martin Women at the Wheel by Katherine Parkin Lovin’ My Car: Women in the Driver’s Seat by Libby Edelman Where the crawdads sing by Delia Owens The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams I Give My Marriage A Year by Holly Wainwright Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins The Girl in the Lake by India Hill Brown Mestiza Blood by V. Castro The Keeper Guadalupe Garcia McCall Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes A Woman Built by Man Edited by S.H. Cooper and Elle Turpitt Sundial by Catriona Ward The Godmothers by Monica McInerney Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns

Laissez le bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Today is Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” is a holiday of feasting prior to the Lenten Season of Christianity.  It is a joyful, hearty holiday that also dates back to roots in pagan springtime ritual and fertility rites.  It’s celebrated with eating rich foods, fatty sumptuous treats, imbibing in cheerful cocktails and toasts, and of course the classic Mardis Gras parade featuring floats, confetti, and beads!  In short, it’s a really good time for all. more Today we’re celebrating some great cajun restaurants in the area and fun recipes you can make with your family to celebrate.  Check it out on today’s blog! How far is New Orleans Louisiana from Classic Auto Group? It’s at least 5 states and 1,000 miles from here, but you don’t have to drive that far for original cajun flavors!  Let us point you in the direction of classic cajun eateries in the area. Local Restaurants with Cajun Cuisine and Cajun Items Cajun Grill in Gurnee The Boil Cajun Seafood in Chicago Ragin’ Cajun Gumbo in Chicago Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar in Chicago Joker’s Cajun Kitchen in Chicago Spicy Fingers Seafood Kitchen in Chicago Rajun Cajun in Chicago Storyville Chicago The Crab Pad in Chicago Savor 27 Cajun Seafood & Tacos in Chicago The Cajun Connoisseur Food Truck & Catering in Chicago JJ Fish & Chicken in Waukegan Honey Bays BBQ in Waukegan Juan’s Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Waukegan Jerk N’ More in Waukegan Island Del Mar in Waukegan Ostioneria Briza Azul in Waukegan Make Your Own Cajun Feast No Mardi Gras Celebration is complete without a smorgasbord of delectable treats.  We’ve got everything from soup to nuts, or well, gumbo to pralines that is.  Got a fave recipe of your own? Share it with us in a comment! Traditional New Orleans King Cake Vegan Cajun Boil Mardi Gras Pasta Sazerac Cocktail Recipe New Orleans Ramos Gin Fizz Recipe New Orleans Style Beignets Shrimp Etouffe Instant Pot Jambalaya Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya Muffaletta Sandwich Classic Pecan Pralines Authentic New Orleans Gumbo NYT Vegan Gumbo Recipe

Sportage becomes the fourth model produced by Kia Georgia, joining the popular and critically-acclaimed Telluride, Sorento and K5, further expanding plant’s product lineup. more Production began earlier in February for the all-new 2023 Kia Sportage at the company’s very first North American manufacturing facility located in West Point, Georgia!  The Georgia facility produces 340,000 units annually, since its opening in November 2009. On February 1st, Sean Yoon, the president and CEO for Kia North America, was there to give the inaugural reveal of the all-new 2023 Sportage in this monumental advancement for the Georgia facility.  It was then driven off the assembly line by Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp along with Kia Georgia’s VP of Production James Watson.  It was an exciting moment for Kia overall, and truly a sight to see with the 2023’s Sportage in a gorgeous jungle green color and decked out with the fantastic X-Pro Prestige Trim Package. The Sportage is Kia’s longest running model, and has received the most significant updates and improvements of all the company’s designs.  The 2023 edition has received some incredible updates to bring it up to speed with competitors and rise above the pack. The X-Pro Sportage includes 17 inch wheels and all-terrain tires, a heated windshield, LED Fog Lamps, multi-terrain drive modes, and washer nozzles to help keep it clean after an off road adventure!  There are plenty of trim options to help aid its new, sportier and rugged look, too.  Inside, the 2023 Sportage has a full tech packages including a dual-screen dash with 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system as well as a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster.  No matter where you’re going, you’ll be navigating with ease and the utmost clarity!  In keeping with Kia’s high standards, it is also jam packed with high end safety features including forward collision and rear park warnings, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and even a birds-eye-view camera.  In short, this is the perfect person who wants a practical SUV for a daily driver during the week, but capable of powering through off-road trails on your weekend warrior trips! The Sportage is the 4th vehicle to be manufactured on Kia Georgia’s production line, which includes the award-winning Telluride SUV, Sorento SUV, and the K5 mid-size sedan. ________ “It was an honor to be here today for this milestone achievement by the Kia Georgia team,” said Governor Kemp. “The Sportage is yet another great product built in Georgia, and its launch here in West Point is a proud moment for our state. I congratulate all of the great Kia Georgia team members for their continued commitment to quality and growth, and thank them for bringing more opportunity to the No. 1 state for business.” “The launch of Sportage in Georgia is a further testament to Kia’s longstanding dedication to the U.S. market and the local economy,” said Yoon. “Joining our tremendous fleet of SUVs, the all-new Sportage is poised to take the industry by storm with its cutting-edge design, adventurous capability and desirable in-car technology. Coming off a record-setting sales year in 2021, today’s launch adds further momentum to the Kia brand’s fast start in 2022.” Stuart Countess, president and CEO of Kia Georgia, credited the Kia Georgia team’s long history of success and its reputation for quality as big factors in the ability to add a fourth model. “The Kia Georgia team as a group is second to none and has been producing award-winning vehicles for more than 12 years,” said Countess. “Today’s ceremony is another phenomenal accomplishment by the Kia Georgia team and I hope that each team member will take a lot of pride in being a part of this special day.” _______________ Spec one out for yourself on our site, or ask one of our specialists about all the amazing things the Kia Sportage has to offer!

Today is National Chili day, so we’re sharing some of our favourite picks for items that can take your food on the go! There’s nothing like a richly flavored, tomatoey, spicy, heart bowl of chili on a cold winter’s day.  It’s also an incredibly versatile culinary treat!  You can put it on hot dogs for chili dogs, add it to fries, use it as a base for nachos,  bake it into a cheesy chili casserole, mix it into some mac and cheese.  There’s literally no wrong way to enjoy chili, even if you prefer it in the non-traditional meatless variety.  It’s one of our favourites to serve at race-day and game day tailgate parties, or as an appetizer at workplace potlucks. Deeeelicious! more Check out our picks for great items to take your food on the go, and then stick around til the end for a selection of some of our favourite chili recipes!  You’ll find some smaller portioned options, vegan options, and big-batch recipes perfect for race day or game day tailgates.  We’re kicking it up a notch on today’s blog. The Hot Bento Self Heated Lunch Box is perfect for on the go lunches like chili, soup, or anything else you can think of.  Priced at $100 we know this might not be for every customer, but we think the price tag is worth it since it’s durable and easy to clean and travel with. The Aotto Portable Food Warmer is insulated to keep your prepped meals warm while traveling. It’s also multipurpose for reheating food or prepping raw ingredients to cook on site with a slow-cooker option.  It also comes with a convenient insulated carry case that prevents food smells from permeating everything around you. The T&A Electric Lunch Box fills a void for portable lunch ideas! If you’re a contractor or tradesperson who is always on the go, we know that you might be pretty sick of sandwiches and shelf-stable suggestions for a sack lunch.  That’s why we’re recommending the Electric Lunch Box with 3-in1 features to go in your car or truck. Crock-Pot’s portable heated lunch box container is a great option for single serve portions of your favourite chili!  It’s made of stainless steel, and has two charge cable options for heating in the office or on the go with your car connector.  It’s an awesome option for students, interns, and office workers, but it also makes a great choice for campers and tradesmen on job sites! Now that we’ve given you lots of options for transporting your chili in the car safely, we’ve got to do due diligence and round up some of our picks for great tailgate-friendly and campsite cooking style recipes.  You’ll love our picks for simple, easy comfort foods to get you through the last few chilly weeks of winter! Taste of Home’s Classic Beef Chili for Two Cooking for Two: Crock Pot Chili (Perfect for our on-the-go crock pot above!) One Dish Kitchen’s Single Serve Beef and Veggie Chili Ambitious Kitchen’s Turkey Chili for Two Slowcooker White Chicken Chili Boilermaker Tailgate Chili Epicurious Vegan Chili Easy Instant Pot Vegan Chili

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.