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A clean car is a happy car. There is more truth to that then you might realize. Here at Classic Kia, your Kia dealership near Kenosha, WI, we want you to know that keeping your car clean should be part of your regular maintenance routine. Letting it go too long without a wash can cause problems down the line. Cleaning your car is not just a reactive measure to make it look nice when it's dirty. Particulates in the air or rain or snow can have a damaging effect on your car's exterior over time. Prolonged exposure can lead to rust and erosion. A great jumping off point for keeping your car clean would be to wash it every other week. However, exactly how often you should wash it comes down to a couple key factors. Location - If you live near an ocean there is going to be more salt in the environment. Because salt is particularly harmful, you should probably wash your car weekly. Parking Space - If your car spends a majority of its downtime in a garage it is less likely to come into contact with harmful substances and therefore can go longer without a wash. Your primary concern is mitigating your cars exposure to damaging substances. Some of them are more obvious than others, which is why regular washes are a good idea, even if your car doesn't look dirty. If you decide to wash it yourself, be sure to use a soap dedicated to car washing. Other soaps can do more harm than good. Also, try to keep up with twice yearly wax coats to add even more protection to your car. When you buy a great car like the 2018 Kia Soul from us here at Classic Kia, we want it to have the longevity you expect. Proper maintenance is the way to make that happen and regular car washes is part of that process.

As your Waukegan Kia auto dealers, Classic Kia takes pride in bringing you vehicles with cutting-edge technology. That is why we'd like to let you know about the new tech features to look out for in 2018. Remote Start Apps The advancement and proliferation of onboard computers in cars have allowed for much better integration with smartphones. Cars can be unlocked, lights activated, the engine itself can now be turned on all from an app on your phone. You could say goodbye to clunky keychains, and never have to worry about locking your keys in your car again. Self-Driving Assisted parking and autonomous emergency braking have largely become industry standards. It has all been leading towards self-driving technology that is closer to becoming a commercial reality than ever before. Imagine being able to eat breakfast or review the days work while you safely move through traffic. You may not have to imagine it for much longer. Steering Collision Avoidance A further sign that self-driving cars are closer than you may think is the addition of steering collision avoidance. This system takes forward collision warnings and even autonomous emergency braking to another level. The vehicle will react and move on its own to circumvent a possible accident. Wireless Charging When you consider how much mileage we get out of our phones these days, keeping them charged becomes extremely important. While most vehicles have outlets you can plug a charger into, some vehicles are skipping the middle man and providing platforms that will charge your phone wirelessly. It may not be as dramatic as a car driving on its own, but it sure is handy. Take a look at the 2018 Kia Sportage here at Classic Kia. We'd be happy to inform you of all the tech features currently available and waiting just over the horizon.

With a new year comes a new round of vehicles from Classic Kia in Waukegan, IL. The best place to get a look at what Kia cars will be rolling out in 2018 is at an auto show. more The Detroit Auto Show is currently in full swing. There, you can get your first look at the 2019 Kia Forte. The 2019 Kia Forte has been redesigned from the 2018 Kia Forte model to give it a bold yet sleek new look. To go with its upgraded appearance, the 2019 Kia Forte features an eight-inch color touchscreen compatible with both Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™. Under the hood, the 2019 Kia Forte possesses the new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) designed to increase fuel economy and provide for a better all-around ride. It works together with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. If a crossover SUV is more your speed, then keep an eye on the Chicago Auto Show coming in February. The 2019 Kia Sorento is set to be featured there. This seven-passenger SUV has been redesigned inside and out. Between its five trims (L, LX, EX, SX, and SXL), the 2019 Kia Sorento has something available for everyone. The 2019 Kia Sorento has two engines to choose from, a 2.4-Liter four-cylinder and a 3.3-liter V6. It boasts the latest available safety features, from a rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot detection to a forward collision system and autonomous emergency braking. Reading about these great vehicles is one thing, but experiencing them for yourself is really your best bet. Here at Classic Kia, we can't wait to bring you these and all the other cars that we will be making available in the coming year. Feel free to have a look at our expansive current inventory as well. We look forward to hearing from you.

There's nothing like a new year to bring about the desire for a new car. At Classic Kia serving Kenosha, WI, we understand the complexity of the car-buying process. We also know that there is a lot of incorrect information out there. That is why we want to apprise you of a few common car buying myths that should be avoided. more Rainy Day/Closing Time Myth The idea is that people are less likely to go car shopping on a rainy day. Because there are fewer people on the lot, dealers will feel a greater sense of urgency to make a deal on that 2018 Kia Sportage or Kia Optima that you like. Likewise, if you turn up right before closing time, the dealers will be more inclined to give you a better deal because they are ready to go home. Both of these ideas attempt to play on the psychology of the salesperson, and both make inaccurate assumptions. Firstly, the ubiquity of the rainy day myth actually leads to MORE people coming on rainy days. Second, the dedicated customer service professionals here at Classic Kia will diligently work to make sure we get you the best deal no matter what time you come in. Take It or Leave It Myth There is an idea that you should come in so sure of the amount that you want to pay that you have a prewritten check for that amount, and we at your Kia dealership can take it or leave it. There are several problems here, not the least of which being accounting for taxes and fees. Instead, try our Classic Kia website. You can get an actual quote and begin the negotiation process for a specific car before you even step foot on the lot.

As your Gurnee, IL Kia auto dealers, we here at Classic Kia want our customers to know about all the tools at your disposal when it comes to buying your next car. That is why we think it’s important that you know the merits of both buying new and used. more The very phrase “new car” often elicits a Pavlovian response. New cars all seem to have that same oddly pleasant and instantly recognizable smell. That’s not to mention the cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art safety features. Simply put, it isn’t difficult to see the advantages of buying a new Kia car. As nice as feelings and smells are, however, the financial relief of buying a used car is undeniable. A used car will nearly always be less expensive than a new one, so much so, that you could get a used car with more features for less than a new one. The savings extend to your insurance rates as well. This shouldn’t suggest that there aren’t also practical applications to buying a new car. You don’t have to worry about the history of a new car because it doesn’t have one. While a used car does have a history, that history is part of why it costs less. The depreciation that a used car has experienced works to your benefit. The opposite is true of a new car. Car models are redesigned periodically. This can lead to a design or feature being changed or phased out. Buying only new cars limits your choice to only a specific year’s worth of models. Buying one of our pre-owned Kia cars removes that limitation entirely. At Classic Kia, the quality and value of our vehicles shine through whether it’s a new or used Kia car. Be sure to stop in and experience all we have to offer for yourself!

It’s impossible to know what life will throw your way. That’s what makes it so important to be as prepared as possible in case things go south. At Classic Kia, your Waukegan, IL Kia dealership, there are a few items we suggest you keep in your vehicle that will come in handy in case of an emergency. more Cellphone/Cellphone Charger It may seem obvious, and most people probably take their phones with them everywhere, but the ability to immediately communicate is perhaps the most important tool you could have. Moreover, you don’t know how long you might be waiting, so having a charger to keep that line of communication charged wouldn’t hurt either. First Aid Kit Being able to treat minor injuries while you wait for more substantial help can end up being extremely important. A first aid kit doesn’t have to be anything overly complicated and could really consist of things as simple as pain reliever, bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and medical tape. If anyone in your family has medication they need to take and may not be able to get to, keeping some of it stocked in the car can be a good idea too. Jumper Cables As the weather gets colder, batteries tend to have more trouble holding a charge. While a quick jump is an easy fix, it is difficult to perform without jumper cables. If you want to take it a step further, there are units that allow you to jump your car yourself. These are just a few of the items you should keep in your 2018 Kia Sorento or Kia Forte. At Classic Kia, your safety and convenience are our top priorities. If you ever have any questions, feel free to pay us a visit.

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!

Classic Kia, your Waukegan, IL Kia dealer wants you to get all you can out of this tailgate season. The best way to do so is with the best tools at your disposal. Here are some of the most useful features for your football tailgate. more There isn’t much of a tailgate without the actual tailgate. Relatively easy access to your backseat is a crucial component. However, you’re likely to find that a liftgate not only serves the same purpose (perhaps even better) but also provides built-in shade and precipitation protection. Since all the focus is on what’s going on in the back, it’s very helpful to have seats that can face in that direction. Rear-facing tailgate seats in Kia models keep you involved with what’s going on outside while still allowing you to technically be inside. It’s like sitting on the bumper, only more comfortable. You have a lot of time on your hands before the game starts, you’ll have to bring your own entertainment. Whether that entertainment comes in the form of a TV or a stereo, odds are you’re going to need to plug it into something. If your vehicle comes equipped with a household power outlet, your search will be a short one. Having multiple USB ports in your Kia vehicle will come in handy as well, especially if it’s going to be a long day and you and your friends will need to charge their phones. Never underestimate the uses of rear entertainment systems. If your Kia car has HDMI compatibility, you’ll be watching movies or playing video games out the back of your car in no time. If your car also has Wi-Fi you can even take advantage of streaming services or internet content! Classic Kia is the answer to Kenosha, WI drivers wondering where to find a “ Kia dealership near me.” We have an inventory full of vehicles ready to help you take your tailgate to the next level this football season.

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.

SUVs are currently on the rise in the automotive industry. If you’re ready to see what all the fuss is about and you’re in the Kenosha, WI area, consider stopping by Classic Kia. As your Kia dealer in Waukegan, IL, we’d like to spotlight some of the great SUVs we have for you. more 2018 Kia Niro Sometimes the road can’t get you where you want to go. In times like these, the 2018 Kia Niro is particularly useful. Designed to be compact but still capable, the 2018 Kia Niro handles off-road driving like a pro. It helps that room to bring along things like kayaks, tents, and other camping equipment for when you do find your destination. 2018 Kia Sportage Despite their off-roading roots, setting out into the great unknown is not a prerequisite for owning an SUV. Consider the 2018 Kia Sportage. It offers room and a road presence that some drivers love. In fact, there’s actually something to liking bigger cars. Command position seating has the driver seated higher than they are in normal vehicles, which lends itself to a farther view of the road and the ability to see over obstructions. Ever try to park thinking the upcoming spot is empty only to find a smaller car there when you get closer? It’s a problem you can avoid with a higher view. 2018 Kia Sorento Then again, maybe it’s not just you that you’re worried about. If you have a large family you’ll need all the space you can get. You’ll find it in the 2018 Kia Sorento. It’s not just the room it affords, but the safety it provides as one of the larger passenger vehicles on the road. At Classic Kia, there’s a Kia SUV to fit your needs whether they are full-sized or compact. We look forward to showing you all we have to offer.

Choosing the right transmission for your needs is important. Let the experts here at Classic Kia in Waukegan, IL help you make your choice an informed one. more The choice in transmissions has become much more preference-driven in the last few years, as under-performing types of transmissions have made greater strides. A manual transmission involves the driver shifting gears themselves. While this gives the driver much more control, it is also much more work. Moreover, many people don’t actually know how to do it, and learning stick shift can be a process. In return for your efforts, you'll enjoy excellent performance, fuel-efficiency, and improved off-road ability thanks to what is known as engine braking. Your mechanic will thank you too as manual transmissions are much easier to fix. That thanks will come in the form of a smaller bill. A fully-automatic transmission is far more ubiquitous. Instead of having to shift gears manually, the transmission will do it for you. Until recently, this came at the expense of performance, control, and wasted engine energy. These problems have largely been corrected through more and more advanced technology. Therein lies the rub, however. The more advanced automatic transmissions get, the more complicated they become. The more complicated they become, the harder they are to fix. The harder they are to fix, you guessed it, the more expensive doing so becomes. With the loss of manual shifting comes the loss of engine breaking, making off-road travel a much more daunting prospect. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t have it all though: if you want a blending of the two, the semi-automatic transmission is perfect for you. Keep control of shifting while enjoying a much simpler mechanism, or switch between the two at will with the 2018 Kia Sportage. Come to Classic Kia for versatile Kia cars with the transmission of your choice!