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Toyota Exhibit Will Offer Electrified Vehicles Ride & Drive Course and Interactive Sports Festival Area CHICAGO (Feb. 2, 2023) – Toyota intends to make a “grand” entrance, of sorts, at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. On Feb. 8, the automaker will unveil the all-new Grand Highlander, a three-row vehicle that bolsters Toyota’s award-winning SUV lineup and paves the way for the ultimate road tripper. more The Highlander nameplate, which was first introduced in 2001, ushered in a new chapter in SUV evolution that soon became the foundation of an entire segment. Four generations later and with more than 20 years of sales success, Toyota will do it again with the sophisticated and spacious Grand Highlander. Equipped for family adventures, the Grand Highlander will be the perfect addition to the lineup. Besides Grand Highlander, Toyota will feature 44 vehicles in its expansive exhibit at McCormick Place. The show cars range from production vehicles to NASCAR properties to SEMA specialty products, such as the recently revealed Trailhunter Concept Vehicle. A trio of all-new, production vehicles – 2023 Prius, 2023 GR Corolla and 2023 Crown – are sure to attract a lot of attention in the Windy City. The 2023 Prius is the most fuel-efficient Prius ever, with a manufacturer-estimated 57 combined MPG, featuring a fresh new sporty exterior design and fifth gen hybrid powertrain with up to 196 horsepower. The Prius has been updated with new tech offerings for enhanced connectivity and the latest Toyota Safety Sense system. Twenty-two years after its launch, this legacy nameplate progresses forward and highlights Toyota’s diverse approach to carbon neutrality. The first-ever 2023 GR Corolla is the newest member of TOYOTA’S GAZOO Racing sports car family. Rooted in rally, the GR Corolla was developed under the scrutiny of master driver Akio Toyoda and inspired by Toyota’s sports car lineage. The GR Corolla is powered by the lightweight, compact-yet-powerful G16E-GTS turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that pumps out an impressive 300 horsepower, and comes in three grades: Core, Circuit Edition, and the limited, track-focused, MORIZO Edition. Engineered to stand out, the 2023 Toyota Crown breaks the traditional sedan mold and gives drivers a car that excites the senses. Available in three grades: XLE, Limited and Platinum, Toyota Crown offers a choice of two different hybrid powertrains and standard all-wheel drive. The HYBRID MAX powertrain, exclusive to the Platinum grade, is Toyota’s all-new performance hybrid that puts out 340 net horsepower and is paired with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and a direct shift 6-speed automatic transmission. The XLE and Limited grades come equipped with THS IV, a highly efficient hybrid system that can achieve a manufacturer-estimated 38 MPG. Crown’s “lift-up” design features large wheels for striking style and easy ingress and egress, and an associated ride height gives drivers great road visibility. Its flowing silhouette and sculpted body lines create a fresh look that’s entirely unique for its class. Within Toyota’s display, the automaker will also host a fully interactive Toyota Sports Festival during the auto show, with versatile events and combine-style activities for participants to show off their skills. The Toyota Sports Festival concept was born from Toyota’s mission to create meaningful experiences that energize consumers in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, elevate Paralympians and support athletes at every level. With a variety of Olympic and Paralympic offerings, this booth activation will feature a sport court for wheelchair basketball, a skate park for skateboarding, a 40-yard dash area and photos opportunities around USA Swimming and USA Speedskating. Also, adjacent to Toyota’s exhibit, the automaker has created “An Electrified Drive For All Seasons” ride and drive course. This four-seasons-themed demonstration area will provide passenger-only access to Toyota’s hybridized vehicles, including Prius, RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia and Tundra. The Chicago Auto Show will take place at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive. For more information about the show, visit https://www.chicagoautoshow.com. RELATED MEDIA RELATED IMAGES About Toyota Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2022 U.S. sales were electrified. To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

We've shared lots of tips and tricks for keeping your car in tip-top shape during winter. We've shared plenty of inspiration for road trip winter vacations. And today we're sharing helpful tips and tricks for new drivers to get to their vacation destinations safely in their pristine automobiles! Check out today's post to learn more winter weather driving safety tips for new drivers! more Here’s some helpful winter tips to help out younger drivers in the snow, ice, and other inclement weather from your friends here at Classic Auto Group If at all possible, stay home and avoid driving in inclement weather such as snow, sleet, ice or similar.  If it’s unavoidable and you must travel, do not drive distracted! That means keeping your eyes on the road, no texting, no phone calls, and keep music quiet so you can focus solely on the road ahead and getting to your destination safely. Practice driving in inclement weather in an empty lot with a more experienced driver.  Let them guide you around the snowy or messy parking lot and give you pointers on how to handle bad weather situations. It can help you feel more confident on the road in a real-world situation to practice at slower speeds under supervision of a seasoned driver. Remember to check your tire air pressure regularly.  Cold weather causes the PSI to drop, and excessive heat can cause the tire pressure to increase.  For every 10 degrees drop in temperature, you should make sure to double check your PSI as you may need to inflate them more regularly in chilly weather. Leave extra distance between you and other vehicles on the road. Inclement weather means decreased stopping distance time and decreased visibility.  Giving drivers around you a little extra room means less chance of an accident and better safety! If you start to drift on ice or skid out, steer into the skid in the direction your back wheels are moving to avoid fishtailing.  For example if the back of the car starts to slide to the left, steer to the left and it will help realign the vehicle and avoid spinning. If you’re driving in messy weather, do not accelerate to try and avoid any incoming accidents or situations.  Accelerating will increase your risk by reducing your ability to stop quickly. It’s better to drive slowly, cautiously, and maintain your cool.  Two or more fast moving objects colliding, or a fast moving vehicle hitting an inanimate object are going to cause even more injury or worse. Remain calm, keep your vehicle slow and steady. Always make sure your phone and wireless devices are fully charged before you head out into bad weather driving, and be sure to have your emergency kit restocked with warm, dry clothing, towels, blankets, and other supplies in case you end up stranded. Consider a membership to roadside assistance in case you are involved in an accident, break down, or are unable to get your car out of ice or snow. Roadside assistance can dispatch trained professionals to assist you with a tow or to pull you out of snow and ice quickly, efficiently, and safely.

It’s Black History Month all month long in February, and we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the wonderful things going on nearby in celebration and commemoration. Today’s blog is highlighting some of the fantastic activities, exhibits, and live events in the Greater Chicago Area for Black History Month. more Now through February 26th in Goodman’s Albert Theatre, come see the original play written by Lydia R. Diamond and directed by Ron OJ Parson called “Toni Stone.” This play honors the true story of the first woman to play professional baseball, and how as a Black woman she smashed racism and sexism and historic records. The Waukegan Public Library is celebrating Black History Month all February long with virtual storytimes on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and they have a wonderful suggested reading list to continue the celebration at home! The College of Lake County is hosting a month long Black History Month Celebration with events such as art exhibits, lectures, film screenings, and so much more! The Haines House in Waukegan is hosting the “African American Past Pop-Up Exhibit” from now through February 28th with free admission. All year long, the Black Ensemble Theater is hosting a wonderfully diverse calendar of programming in live music, theatre, and family programming. Chicago Black Restaurant week is running from February 12th through the 26th, and you can come out and support Black Owned Businesses! On February 15th, head over to the Belvidere Recreation Center in Waukegan to enjoy a wonderful evening of creativity at the Black History Month Banner Craft event! The DuSable History Museum is hosting an ongoing Virtual Reality Exhibit called “The March”, commemorating the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. The American Writers Museum has both a virtual and in-person component to their “Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice” exhibit, examining racial justice and the work of Black American writers from Civil War era through the Civil Rights Movement. The Museum of Science + Industry in Chicago is running the “Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition now through April 23rd, highlighting paintings, drawings, fine art, ceramics, mixed media work, photography and more from African American artists from age 14 through 17 along with adults! The South Side Jazz Coalition presents “A Jazzy Celebration of Black History Month” with the SSJC All Stars on Tuesday February 14th at the Compassion Baptist Church in Chicago. Chicago’s Navy Pier is hosting the Black Makers Market every Saturday and Sunday all month long in February to celebrate Black artists and makers from in and around Chicago. Come and shop local artisan goods and hand crafted art and other fun goodies from 12PM to 6PM each weekend. The Harold Washington Cultural Center is hosting “Feeling Good: A M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tribute to Nina Simone” on February 26th at 4PM. The Wakanda Music Festival and Electro Afro Stage are hosting Afrofuturism Stage: Chicago on February 26th through 2AM on February 27th.

What’s happening, Waukegan?  We’ve got the scoop!  Today, we’re sharing our latest and greatest community calendar, jampacked full of fun activities to do with your families!  Got an event you think our readers will enjoy? Let us know in the comments! more Now through February 28th at the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire, stop by the library at any time to visit The Tiny Art Show and check out the gorgeous pocket sized miniature art pieces! Tuesday, February 7th at 10AM at the Heller Nature Center in Highland Park, head over to walk the trails and build a Gruffalo to keep your mouse trail guide safe!  Admission is low cost and all ages are welcomed! Thursday, February 9th at the Lake Forest Library, bring your little ones aged 3 to 6 for a Drop-In Musical storytime event. Kids will have a chance to sing, dance, move, and play along with listening to a themed story reading. On Saturday, February 11th in Great Lakes, head over to the National Museum of the American Sailor for a special afternoon of history with Theodore Roosevelt himself! On Saturday, February 11th starting at 6PM, bring a pal or a date and enjoy the Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Vernon Hills! On February 11th, Saturday from 3PM to 4PM at the Gorton Center in Lake Forest, come wearing your finest fashion and sip some tea with your best gal for a Mother Daughter Valentine Tea event! Saturday, February 11th i s Bowling Day in the USA at Bertrand’s Lanes in Waukegan from 12PM to 4PM and it’s a perfect day out with the family! You’ll enjoy an hour of bowling for all players under 15 with shoe rentals included.  Family members who join in on the fun receive 50% off for an hour each as well.  There will also be other exciting games, activities, and other fun stuff! Sunday, February 12th from 1PM to 2:30PM at 240 Commerce Drive in Grayslake is Family Nerf Tag! Wear some comfy clothing and bring your friends and family for a fun day out, all equipment provided. On February 22nd at the Vernon Area Public Library, Kids in Kindergarten through 2nd grade can come out to enjoy an afternoon of fun and play at the Lego Robotics workshop from 4:30 to 5:30. On February 24th, get to know your fellow professionals and have some professional coaching to grow your business! The Fourth Friday Networking with a Twist Event takes place from 1:30 to 2:45PM at the Residence Inn by Marriott On Monday February 27th from 10AM to 10:30, come on down to the Highland Park Library for a read along story time with singing, playing, and socializing for preschoolers aged 3 to 5 and one caregiver..

Today we’re back with another travel blog, sharing some great places to get away from it all this winter.  Here are four great places to explore just a short drive away, along with some suggestions for excursions and plenty of family friendly fun! more Mt. Morris, Illinois Check out from the rush of modern society, and get back to basics with a cozy stay at the White Pines Lodge. These gorgeous, rustic log cabins may date back to the Depression Era, but they’re filled to the brim with modern amenities and cozy fireplaces.  Cuddle up with a good book, cozy blanket and a hot beverage, and just nestle in for a few hours.  When you find yourself experiencing a bit of cabin fever, you can step into the great outdoors for some snowshoeing or cross-country skiing!  And of course, there’s always a show or performance happening at the White Pines Dinner Theatre for a memorable, romantic evening.  Want to explore the local area? Why not enjoy the retro fun of the Rink at Pine Creek  or bowling at the 12-lane New Town & Country Lanes facility or the Funway indoor-outdoor family center! There’s also plenty of cozy eateries downtown serving up lots of comfort food and family favorites. Oregon, Illinois Winter is the perfect time to head out to Oregon and explore family friendly fun at White Pines Ranch! The ranch is open to guests year round, but Winter is a very special season to visit.  With 200 acres of wooded areas, pastures, and riding tales, it’s like something out of a Hallmark special during the winter season.  Enjoy a snowy romp through the trails on horseback, plenty of downhill sledding, wilderness survival classes, winter hikes, and so much more!  When things get a little too chilly, you’ll be able to head inside for bingo, country line-dancing, wintry crafting sessions, sing-a-longs, and much more.  There’s also plenty of coffee and hot chocolate all day near the roaring fire.  Your family won’t soon forget this wonderful place! Bloomington, Indiana This beautiful college town is hip, happening, hustling, and bustling even in colder months.  You can tour the grounds of the Indiana University, stopping to take some scenic photos of the historic buildings, walking across campus, and even catch a sports game if you’re into that sort of thing.  The downtown area is picturesque and full of wonderful little local shops and quaint little stores, and plenty of eateries to choose from.  If you’re outdoorsy you may wish to bike or walk the “B-Line Trail” or enjoy as scenic visit to check out the frozen surface of Lake Monroe or appreciate the flora and fauna of Griffy Lake Nature PReserve.  For those with kids there’s the charming WonderLab Museum, Eskenazi Museum, The Frank Southern Ice Arena, LaserLite Tag, and the Urban Air Adventure Park. Indianapolis, Indiana Winter in Indianapolis is full of surprises!  If you’re looking for something truly spectacular and memorable, we recommend checking out Veal’s Ice Tree. This yearly tradition has been hosted by the Veal Family since 1961, when Mabel and Vierl Veal came up with the idea to create an ice sculpture that evolved over the entire winter season. So long as the weather provides freezing or below-freezing temperatures, the Veal family and friends carry on this tradition, creating a man-made ice sculpture of truly spectacular proportions. The sculpture is truly one-of-a-kind and ever changing throughout the winter season, and full of gorgeous colors and hues!  You may also enjoy a memorable trip over to W olf Park, a 70-acre habitat for wolves, foxes, bison and other wildlife, located just outside of West Lafayette. If you're looking for indoor fun, we recommend perusing the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, the Eiteljorg Museum, The Children's Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum!

February is here and our adrenaline is pumping and our hearts are racing with excitement, because the Chicago Auto Show is just around the corner!  From February 11th through the 20th, you can stop by McCormick Place Convention Center to experience the best, brightest, and most spectacular new advancements in the automotive industry!  We cannot wait to see all the exciting new technologies, concept cars, and incredible vehicles. more (Image from Chicago Auto Show Site) The Chicago Auto Show first opened its doors in 1901, and has grown to become the largest automotive show in North America.  This year, the event is celebrating its 115th year, wow!  You’ll find everything from domestic and import designs to daily drivers to sports cars to experimental and concept cars and more!  You’ll have a chance to get an up-close look at antique and collector vehicles, special events and panels with guests, shop for automotive accessories, view the unique exhibits, take a peek at project cars, and so much more fun in store. More than 1,000 vehicles will be on hand for your enjoyment from 19 manufacturers! Check out these fun recap videos of all the fun attendees had last year at the 2022 Auto Show: See what’s in store for this year’s event with these sneak peeks: What You Need to Know Before You Go: This year’s event runs February 11th through February 19th from 10AM to 10PM, and on February 20th from 10AM to 8PM. We recommend you purchase your tickets in advance, but tickets will be available at the door.  Tickets for the auto show are available online for $10-$15 (priced by age) and children under 3 are free with accompanying paid adult admission.  Group and school discounts are available! For your safety, please be aware that all bags are subject to search by security, and attendees will be selected at random. Scooter and Wheelchair daily rentals are available through Scootaround for your mobility and accessibility needs.  Other mobility devices are allowed, but may be checked by event management or security personnel. And check back here for updates on food and beverage vendors to plan your day. Looking for a specific scheduled event or test drive? We’ve got you covered. Check here for the official event schedule! Where to Stay: The Marriott Marquis Chicago and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place are the official hotel partners for the Chicago Auto Show. Additional hotels include: Chicago South Loop Hotel Congress Plaza Hotel Best Western Grant Park Hotel Le Meridien Essex Chicago The Buckingham Hotel The Jaslin Hotel Villa Dubois Guest House McCormick Place Guest House The Blackstone, Autograph Collection Where to Eat Nearby: The Fine Print Restaurant Third Star Sixes & Eights Savor Chicago Connie’s Pizza Il Culaccino Woven + Bound Restaurant Piezano’s Pizza & Pasta VU Rooftop Bar Chicago Oyster House Mustard Seed Kitchen Apolonia What we’re excited about seeing from Toyota this year: We can’t wait to see the debuts of the 2023 bZ4X, the 2023 Corolla, 2023 Crown, 2023 Prius, and 2023 Sequoia. We are also very proud to announce that Toyota is the sponsor of this year’s Miles Per Hour Run!

Today is National Car Insurance Day!  Last month, our Body Shop wrote a great post on how to select and find the right car insurance and get the best coverage.  So for today’s blog, we’re going to share some extra pointers and reminders to expand on their fantastic advice! more More Things to Consider When Selecting an Insurance Plan and Coverage Check your local and state guidelines for required insurance coverages. Some regions and states may legally require specific coverage levels or policy types for residents, while others may have more flexibility in coverage. Get quotes from several different insurance companies before selecting your policy, and compare the benefits, perks, and financials of each. You may get better rates at one company over another for the same level of coverage! Consider shopping around for a new policy every few years to make sure you’re getting the best rates!  You may find better rates at a different insurance provider due to age, vehicle type, location, or even driving habit history. Make a list of your must-haves and additional coverage options that would benefit your driving style. Those who are on the road more often, or who may have significant travel for work, may benefit from additional perks such as Roadside Assistance or Rental Car Reimbursement plans.  Likewise, deselect these add-on options before starting your policy if they do not fit your lifestyle and driving needs; it will save you lots of money for features you’re not using. Explore your options for discounts by payment plan style and/or driving history. An insurer may offer you the choice of whether you’d prefer to do single pay, quarterly pay, or monthly pay options. Some insurance companies offer discounts for single pay or quarterly installments, or additional savings breaks if you’ve set your premiums up to be paid automatically. If you’ve got renters or homeowners insurance, or other vehicle insurance such as boat or motorcycle, you may inquire of your provider about bundling your premiums. Many companies will offer significant savings when you select multiple policies options through their umbrella of coverage plans. What about types of coverage? Let’s take a look at the different types of coverage insurers offer, and which may be required policies for residents of specific states. Types of Coverage and Policies Liability Coverage - This type of coverage pays for both property damage you cause to someone else’s property, as well as any bodily injury or harm caused to others resulting from the accident. This may include hospital bills, medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage - This coverage protects you from damages due to the other vehicle/driver’s inadequate or lack of coverages. Some drivers operate vehicles without insurance or with less-than-adequate coverage, and this plan will cover many of those gaps. Personal Injury Protection - This type handles your medical/rehabilitation and hospital costs, any work/wage-loss costs, and funeral/burial expenses. This is sometimes referred to as no-fault insurance, as it covers expenses regardless of who is at fault in the accident. Comprehensive and Collision - Comprehensive insurance provides coverage for accidents and events that are outside of your control, including things like weather, theft, or vandalism, etc but it does not cover hitting another vehicle or object, nor wear-and-tear. .  Collision coverage keeps you protected from collisions with another vehicle or object; some drivers choose to opt out of collision if the cost of premiums overshadow the estimated value of their vehicle. (Ex: if your vehicle is used or older and is worth $1500, but your premiums are $1800, you may not wish to carry collision coverage.)  These policies may be required by your lender if you’re leasing a vehicle or your car is on financing plans.

We’re back with more winter car care tips for you! We want our customers to stay safe and sound on the road, and we are happy to help you schedule a routine maintenance appointment for your vehicle. Always remember to fuel up, buckle up, put your wipers on, and lights on in inclement weather! more Keep your eyes peeled for visitors from nature or decaying plant material. Do you regularly park your car under the cover of trees, near some landscaping, or perhaps even in a wooded area?  You’ll want to do a good once-over of your vehicle to check for flora and fauna!  Check the front of your windshield for leaves and plant material to ensure they’re not caking up your windshield wipers or vents.  Look under the hood of your car for animals who may have created a small little burrow or nest in an attempt to take refuge from winter storms.  Have a high concentration of feral cats in the winter, and don’t see them coming out to play in the morning? Take a peek at your engine and surrounding car parts before starting your vehicle, as sometimes kittens can crawl up from underneath to sleep on the warm metal parts after you park. Check underneath your car when it’s parked and survey all of the undercarriage parts. Driving over potholes, ice chunks, or even snow drifts can cause things to shake loose under your vehicle.  Take a quick survey and see if anything has shaken loose, may be touching the pavement, or might be in need of repair.  Also keep an eye out for rust and decaying or cracked pipes since road salt can wreak havoc on some parts. Check your car’s coolant levels and then top off or “flush and fill” as needed. If you are moving to or traveling to an area with very, very cold temperatures make sure your current coolant is rated for those low temps.  If not, have your local mechanic flush it and fill it with the appropriately rated fluid. Check your tire pressure and reinflate them! For every ten degrees the weather drops, you lose one pound of pressure.  Lower tire pressure greatly reduces your ability to come to a complete stop and avoid accidents, and doubly so in winter weather conditions like ice, sleet, slush, and snow.  So get on out there and fill those tires! Clean, buff, and wax your car’s headlights for maximum visibility at night and in inclement weather. Wipe the lights clean and reduce fogging, and then apply a thin layer of automotive wax and protectant to your headlights and tail lights.  This may also reduce your chances of the lights being covered by ice and snow or muck and reducing your visibility.

Winter Car Storage Tips We’ve given plenty of tips and tricks to maintaining your daily driver, but what about your collectibles, antiques, and weekend-only fun cars? If you’re putting those sporty rides into garages until sunnier days arrive, you’ll need to make sure they’re properly prepared for long-term storage.  Today we’ll be sharing our tips and tricks for keeping your collectible vehicles safe and sound. more Make sure your car is thoroughly cleaned both inside and out. You’ll want to vacuum and detail the inside of your car, and treat any leather surfaces with a moisturizing protective spray or polish.   Give your car a good hand washing as well, and apply a nice coat of finishing wax before protecting it with a fabric car cover. Inflate your tires slightly above their current air pressure before storing. Over time a tire will slowly lose air pressure, especially when exposed to change in temperature.  Make sure they’re not inflated over their maximum pressure number so you don’t damage the integrity of the tire. Stabilize your car and prevent rolling by adding wheel chocks or wood block wedges under the wheels. Do not use the parking brake to stabilize the car, as storing with the brake engaged can damage it and make it difficult to disengage when removing from storage. Remove your car’s battery and store it away. Connect your battery to a “trickle charger” or “battery tender” to keep the battery at peak performance but prevent overcharging.  You can also keep it in a warm room of your house to prevent a stored battery from freezing and being damaged. Top up all fluids and ensure that your car has adequate antifreeze.  If you’re storing a car for longer than 3 months, be sure to add a bit of fuel stabilizer to the tank. Ensure that the tank is nearly full, and then add the fuel stabilizer before storing.  Make sure to take your car out for a spin before you place the car into long-term storage, to ensure that all fluids and the fuel stabilizer are cycled through the car’s system. Block up any holes in the garage where small animals may enter. Rodents and other critters love to hibernate and cozy up in cold weather, and your car is the perfect safe environment!  Make a point as well to clear out the trash from the side pockets and floors, and be sure to check for food to avoid any pests or rodents making a home to hibernate. Got any more tips and tricks for storing your collectibles or joy-ride cars? Let us know in the comments!

Every January from the 15th through the 23rd is International Snowmobile Safety Week. Snowmobiling is an exciting and competitive adventure winter sport! Snowmobiles are motorized sleds or scooters, designed for winter weather terrain; the vehicle is steered by skis and propelled by a belt track in the rear.  They can be driven on ice and snow, and travel well on roads, trails, or open terrain.  These winter ready vehicles are the perfect choice for wilderness transportation, recreational racing and tourism, hunting, and even trapping. more In order to be the safest and most responsible snowmobile rider, we have a list of helpful tips, tricks, and suggested activities to keep you up to date and responsible. Remember, even if you’re prepared as best you are able, accidents can still happen, so do your best to stay alert and stay safe, and we wish many happy trails to you all! The Very Basics of Safe Snowmobiling: Don’t drink/use and ride; much like getting behind the wheel of a car while drunk or high, snowmobiling while intoxicated is a no go. Never ride alone.  There’s safety in numbers, and two or more people will keep you safest while snowmobiling. Know the risks and be prepared for anything. Stay on the trails and don’t go off-map. Make sure everyone has safety gear such as a compass and map, waterproof matches and flare/candles, crank flashlight and/or headlamp and/or flashlight with spare batteries, extra ignition key, a tow strap, first aid kit, survival kit, etc.  Consider two-way radios and/or satellite phones if typical cell tower reception is low. Wear a safety helmet and fully protective waterproof clothing with reflective strips, full eye protection, and solid boots. Maintain a safe speed to minimize odds of losing control of the vehicle, injury to passengers, or other catastrophic accident. Avoid driving on lakes, rivers, and other frozen bodies of water; these may appear to be solid, but weather can change very, very quickly and once you fall in things can get dangerous very fast. Maintain your calm and stay focused. Keep your eyes peeled for potential hazards on the trail including other snowmobiles, people, and animals as well as weather and natural elements.  Keep your emotions regulated to avoid road rage and distracted driving. No one under the age of 16 should be allowed to drive, and children younger than 6 should not be a passenger. Do not take on more passengers than your vehicle is designed for; if it isa solo riding snowmobile, do not add a second person, and if designed for dual riders do not take on more than that. Use extreme caution if/when towing passengers on sleds, tubes, tires, or other ride-on items. How to prepare for your snowmobiling adventures: First, it’s important to understand state and local laws and regulations. Check with your local snowmobile club, snowmobile dealer/rental facility, and department of parks and recreation for updated information on local rules and guidelines.  It’s also important to adhere to posted signage; respect public and private property owners by not trespassing where prohibited to do so. Second, it’s recommended to enroll in a snowmobile safety course. These specialized safety courses work much like the typical Driver’s Ed for new drivers. You’ll learn the parts of a snowmobile, how they operate, helpful riding skills, emergency and troubleshooting tips, how to avoid potential hazards, basic laws and regulations for operation, and many also include a live driving test. Third item of merit, you’ll want to learn proper communication and hand signals to help you stay safe, much like using hand signals as a cyclist on trails and roads. Fourth on our list is keeping your eye on the weather and taking properly maintained and groomed trails in safe weather conditions.  Snowmobiling is an outdoor motorsport, and keeping abreast of inclement weather is vital to your safety. You’ll want to be aware of recent and pending weather conditions not just so you can dress appropriately with goggles and other gear, but so that you can determine if it is safe to embark on your journey. Anything under -20F is too cold to ride, with 0F to 30F being the most comfortable weather conditions for snowmobiling. You’ll also want to avoid snow squalls, snow glare, and whiteouts, so please, postpone your trip if the weather is unfavorable!  You’ll also want to be aware of avalanches in specific areas of terrain, so be sure to check www.avalanche.org for existing conditions. Fifth on our recommendations, but certainly not the least, is to make sure that you’re properly insured for collisions, bodily injury, property damage, and/or comprehensive insurance plans.  Accidents can happen at any time, and making sure you’re covered whether you own or rent is imperative to staying safe and sound and preventing costly damages. May the memory of Ken Block and his legacy live on: Today we’re honoring the memory of Ken Block, founder and driver of DC Shoes as well as the infamous Hoonigan Racing.  Earlier this month, Ken Block was involved in an unfortunate snowmobile accident and passed away from related injuries.  Ken Block will be missed and he will be always fondly remembered by all of us in the automotive community.  His legacy will live on! The Hoonigans Pay Tribute to Ken Block:

We love exploring all the beautiful places that Illinois and Wisconsin have to offer, but sometimes breaking out of the typical and traditional is just what the doctor ordered. That’s why on today’s blog we’re heading out of state to Michigan!  You’ll find great suggestions for unexpected destinations just a few hours drive away from our dealership in Waukegan. more Lac La Belle Michigan This charming and scenic resort area is packed with plenty of big attractions to thrill adventure seekers!  Head over to the lodgings a t Mount Bohemia Ski Resort, or rent a private cabin nearby for a cozy, snowy retreat from your day-to-day stresses.  You’ll enjoy a wonderful stay filled with snowmobiling, snowboarding, skiing and more! The area gets more than 250 inches of snowfall annually, and is a premier winter sports destination in the Lake Superior area. Marquette, Michigan From November to mid-March, this is another fantastic destination for winter weather thrills and chills.  You’ll have no shortage of excitement here for some unexpected activities such as snow biking, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and even horse drawn sleigh rides!  And if you’re looking for a truly memorable experience, we also recommend heading over to Little Presque Isle for a glimpse of the Northern Lights! New Buffalo Michigan If you seek a quiet respite from your daily life, you’ll find plenty of rest and rejuvenation in this quaint little community.  Normally a hustling and bustling town along Lake Michigan in the summer, in just 90 minutes by train or 3 hours by car, you’ll find yourself lost in a charming winter wonderland. Explore the southwest Michigan wine trail, take a scenic winter hike, shop the downtown area and antique stores, rent a fat-tire bike, or even go old-fashioned sledding or tubing.  It’s a wonderful place to get cozy and relaxed. Mackinac Island Michigan The Island is in peak season in the late spring and early summer, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities to have fun in the “off-season”, too!  Head on out to the island and you’ll see why the year-round residents love it here.  From fat-tire biking to snowshoeing to cross country skiing, there’s no shortage of fun.  There’s also a wonderful selection of seasonal community activities and events, including a chili-cook off, guided walking tours of the island, and so much more!  And of course, there’s plenty of fine dining and shopping to enjoy as well. South Haven Michigan This coastal getaway is exactly what you’d expect with a beautiful name like that, a wonderful haven away from the hustle and bustle of work and errands!  This beautiful off-season destination is sure to please with its sparkling snowy winterscapes, waterfront breezes, and gorgeous trails for crunching through the snow. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and good ol’ fashioned sledding through this fairytale wonderland will captivate visitors of all ages and energy levels!  You may even catch a glimpse of frozen waves twinkling in the sunlight as you sip your hot cider.  It’s worth visiting for the most magical getaway!

Did you know today is Kid Inventors Day? Inspire your young ones to get crafty with STEM/STEAM related opportunities and foster independent learning with a dash of creativity and ingenuity. We’ve got some great choices in books to read in the car on the way to your next family visit to the science museum, as well as books that will light a spark in their imagination. You'll also find free online tutorials for STEAM and creative projects, as well as subscription box suggestions for the independent learner..  Each workshop or project is  either good for keeping young ones busy while you work on things during the day, or a bit of togetherness time for weekends and evenings or breaks in the day. more Mistakes That Worked: The World’s Familiar Inventions & How They Came to Be By Charlotte Foltz Jones with John O’Brien as Illustrator Sometimes, creative minds can be a little hard on themselves and expect perfection. This book is a great way to help kids understand that sometimes the happiest of accidents lead to the most beautiful new discoveries! This book will give them a chance to learn all about these unintentional inventions that have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention By Pip Jones and Sara Ogilvie as Illustrator This wonderful picture book will inspire young readers and makes a great “readaloud” story for the whole family!  Izzy uses plenty of ingenuity to create a machine that can mend broken tools, and hopes to win a membership to the Genius Guild. Follow along with all of the wacky hijinks and clever, creative problem solving, and inspire the little STEAM enthusiasts and Makers in your midst! Rosie Revere, Engineer By Andrea Beaty and David Roberts as Illustrator The Questioneers series is a bestselling collection of stories for a reason! From Rosie Revere, Engineer to Ada Twist, Scientist, and Iggy Peck, Architect, your little inventors will be inspired for years to come. Starting them off as readalouds, and graduating to a first read for many kids is a great way to get them thinking outside the box, and the gears of creativity turning!  Rosie Revere is sure to inspire passion, creativity, and problem solving. If I Built a Car By Chris Van Dusen Jack has a limitless imagination!  He knows just what he would do if given the chance to invent his own vehicle.  Inspired by all of the things around him: old cars, zeppelins, locomotives, planes, and more, Jack and his father set out to create something magnificent.  A great book to read aloud and get little minds a spark of creativity! Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids By Bob Katovich Foster a teamwork environment and get the gears turning in your kiddo’s head!  This book has 20 original designs for STEAM projects and creativity.  Use household items and a little ingenuity to build something incredible. Lifeovercs.com has an excellent Transportation Activities unit ready to go.  You can engage children in preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary school ages with these activities.  From Math to Literacy to Arts and Crafts, it’s a full STEAM ahead list of engaging hands-on ideas. Keep preschoolers interested in play and increasing their motor skills and independent play with some of these excellent activities from Preschoolactivitiesnook.com ! There are 5 daily lessons that which be done with a sibling or an adult, as well as on their own for exploration. TamingLittleMonsters.com has three different physics related experiments and projects to inspire the physicist in your midst!  The projects are delightful, and your children will be so engaged they won’t even realize they’re learning the fundamentals of a scientific field. KiwiCo kits are an excellent idea to engage young learners and encourage them to explore STEAM concepts  Subscribe and kits will automatically ship to your doorstep.  You can find projects for all ages from infant to toddler, early elementary, middle school, and beyond.  The company offers “Koala Crates” “Kiwi Crates” “Atlas Crate” “Doodle Crate” options!