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Today is Small Business Saturday.  As fellow business owners and local Waukegan area residents, we want to take a moment to shout out our appreciation for all of the small business owners that make our community such a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful place to live!  We encourage everyone to shop small and shop local if you’re able to do so this holiday season. You’ll find plenty of unique, one-of-a-kind, and memorable gifts from the beautiful shops, businesses, and organizations that make Waukegan and Lake County so wonderful!  Check out the local area calendars for a plethora of regional holiday markets happening just before the holidays, perfect for last minute shoppers.  Not sure what specific item to get, but know what your recipient loves the most? Why not get a gift card!  They’re a perfect option for your gifting this holiday season, and a fantastic way to support a local business with patronage. We are sure that you’ll find just what you’re looking for right here in your own backyard! Here’s an eclectic mix of different businesses in the area that would love your support this holiday season!  Grab something from a local bakery to bring to family and friends dinner parties.  Gift your loved one an experience or a lesson in art or music.  Book a photoshoot to make some memories with your family.  There’s so many things to choose from! Great Local Businesses: El trigal del potosí Poparazzi gourmet treats Art-park Waukegan artists Tufo art gallery One crown studios Family piano co Sidecar studios Natural balance massage therapy Your this and that shop waukegan Horsefeathers inc A cuban experience Dylan blake photography The parlor art gallery The stitching bevy Insty-Prints Print Shop Drip and Culture Real human beings supporting other real human beings has a real world impact.  Each sale of their work or dollar towards funding campaigns means folks can put a roof over their heads and food on the table. You might also be helping to support a side-hustle that is helping put someone through school without debt, paying back student loans, caring for a relative, affording childcare, paying for medical costs, etc. Many chronically ill and disabled business owners and creators use their studio practices as an alternative to the prohibiting tasks of most traditional work environments; running your own business means setting an accommodating, flexible schedule to work at their own pace and within their personal limitations. Each independent creator and small business owner has their own “WHY” behind their work — don’t be afraid to ask about their passion and motivation.   Small business owners love sharing our motivations and inspirations with others; connecting with other cool humans is one of the best parts of being an independently run creative business!  No matter how you slice it, you’re helping to support the local economy, and making our town a better place to live and work and play in, and a safe and happy community is the best gift of all!

The holiday season is here, and with it comes Classic Auto Group’s 2022 Gift Guide for Gearheads!  No matter what you celebrate, it’s always good fun and cheer to share gift exchanges with your friends, family, and loved ones, and of course, there’s the annual company party with coworkers.  If you’re looking for a little guidance to get the perfect gift this holiday season, we’ve got you covered with some great gifts for car enthusiasts and serious gearheads. The last few years of shutdowns, lockdowns, and pandemic related woes have hit small businesses the hardest, so if you’re able we’d love to encourage you to shop small whenever possible. Get a jump start on your shopping check out our gift guide featuring lots of independent businesses this year! Apparel Some people are more subtle and wear their heart on their sleeve, but these gifts will let the recipient wear their passions emblazoned across their chest for all to see. This “Still Plays with Blocks” shirt from CrazyDogTShirts on Etsy is a fantastic gift for your favorite mechanic. It comes in two color options for tees, as well as a hoodie.  It’s got fairly fast shipping options, too! These Check Engine Ties from Cyberoptix on Etsy are the perfect gift for any automotive enthusiast, and of course would be perfect to wear on New Years Eve. This item comes in three different colors and ships free to the US. These custom embroidered car sweatshirts and hoodies by MadeMyDays on Etsy are sporty, soft, and really unique!  Who doesn’t love snuggling into a cozy hoodie on a cold winter's day? Exactly!  They’re also customizable, and you can leave your requests and reference images with the seller via Etsy Messages for a personal touch. This is the perfect T-Shirt to purchase for the gearhead who gabs about their car at any given moment. 365CarMods on Etsy offers this fun shirt in 4 different colorways and up to a 3XL. Spend over $35 on items from their shop and the shipping is free! Know someone who carries around pics of their car like other people do of their kids and grandkids? We sure do! This customized car hoodie from MotorElement on Etsy makes a fabulous gift! Send in a photo of that special car and have it personalized for the recipient. Comes in White or Black in sizes up to a 5XL, and your choice of custom backgrounds. Home Decor Bring a little bit of the garage into your home, but without the mess!  Here’s some great ideas for automotive decor that don’t include oil stains, grease marks, and other under-the-hood gunk. Got a DIYer in your midst? These spark plug coat and hat hooks from CJ7Designs on Etsy are the perfect gift. These are a great swap in for the crafty handyperson to create their own one-of-a-kind coat rack or hat rack! Get that special someone some custom lighting for their den or office, or heck even their garage workspace. These really cool custom automotive desk lamps from CustomHarleyLampShop on Etsy make a fine luxury gift item for your significant other or family member. For a more modern touch, we recommend these beautiful personalized cut metal signs from YourWeddingPlace on Etsy. They can be personalized with any text up to 10 characters per line. You can choose from 5 different colors and finishes, and 6 different sizes.  It’s one of the most sought-after automotive gifts on Etsy right now, too! Your loved one will (hopefully) never be late to another family get-together again if you get them this awesome Wall Clock made from an upcycled clutch pressure plate from ANGWheelsIn on Etsy! As an added bonus, it ships free to the US! Trendy gift recipients will be elated to receive this custom car gearbox neon sign from KudetaStore on Etsy! It comes in 3 sizes and fully customizable color options from more than 10 choices.  It also ships free to the US, and comes from an Etsy Star Seller.  This would make a great group gift for friends or several family members to chip in on. Stay tuned for another edition of our Gift Guides for Gearheads later this month!  We’ll be back with fresh new options and suggestions for personalized and unique gift giving for all the car lovers in your life. And feel free to leave your gift suggestions in the comments!

Did you know that every minute, around 26 vehicles are recycled in the US per minute? Conversations around ecological conservation, global warming, and renewable energy are becoming more and more frequent as politicians, citizens, and businesses work together to create a greener future.  In light of that, we thought it would be a great idea to celebrate America Recycles Day by highlighting efforts the automotive industry is doing in order to recycle and reuse metal and other materials in efforts to be more eco-conscious! Automotive recycling accounts for 14 million tons of recycled steel, or the equivalent of more than 13 million cars.  In fact, vehicles are the most recycled item in all of the US, with around 95% of decommissioned and defunct vehicles being recycled annually.  More than 27 million vehicles are recycled around the globe annually, and 12 million of those are from right here in the US! Automotive recycling industry in the United States provides jobs to over 100,000 people, and nearly $25 billion in revenue.  And the North American (US/CA) auto recycling saves 85 million oil barrels each year, and enough reclaimed steel to create 13 million new cars! Everything from steel and aluminum to car batteries (a whopping 98% are recycled) windshield glass, carpets,rubber hoses, and even seat belts can be repurposed or recycled!  Even tires can be recycled and repurposed into new goods such as rubber for shoes and sandals, filler for playground surfaces, etc.   Experts anticipate that scrap metal recycling will total upwards of $60 billion by the end of 2021, with about 60% of scrap metals being recycled from the automotive industry over the next 10 years. Did you know that 86% of your car’s parts can be recycled? Here’s a great list of parts that can be reclaimed, repurposed, or recycled for use in other vehicles by automotive enthusiasts and mechanics: Vehicle batteries Select computerized elements Gently used or new tires Hoods Bumpers and fenders Transmissions Other specialty parts in good condition Other materials from your vehicle that can’t be salvaged for use in another vehicle, but are upcycled and repurposed everywhere include: Glass which is recycled into concrete, glass bottles, insulation, jewelry, and even countertops. Oil gets cleaned, refined and repurposed for use in other applications. In fact, 85 million barrels of oil are saved every year through recycling. Rubber tires are shredded and broken down into things such as mulch, playground surfaces, running and race tracks. Steel and aluminum from vehicle bodies and frames. Did you know that even consumers and car owners can find ways to reuse auto parts at home?  We’ve got a great list of ideas for you to incorporate those old car parts into decor and more! Rustic Industrial Kid’s Chairs by “My Repurposed Life” - made from recycled vehicle jacks! A Reclaimed Licence Plate Map by “C.R.A.F.T .Blog” - collecting old license plates and cutting them up for each state in the US! Car and Tractor Tire Rim Ottomans from “Country Living” - create the perfect outdoor seating for your firepit by repurposing old car rims as a seat base! Seatbelt Buckle Key Holder by “Walyou” - a clever way to thwart the family member who always loses their car or house keys! Reuse Old Car Tires in the Garden List by “Backyard Boss” - create a veggie garden, planters, and more with your old discarded tires! Got a garage that needs reorganization and updating?  Try implementing these handy ideas for storage from old coffee cans, soup cans, and more!  Got some room to do cutting and welding? Why not turn some aluminum cans into art in your garage-turned-workshop. DIY Coffee Can storage DIY Storage Options from PVC Pipe and more DIY Tin Can Storage DIY Soda Can Art and Decor DIY Tire Swing from Bob Vila Not interested in upcycling or DIY projects? You can still take part in recycling your old car parts of your own accord. Check out this handy list of suggestions on how to do so!

We’ve covered tips and tricks for roadside safety, proper car maintenance, and plenty of road trip ideas, but today we’re taking it back to the basics and fundamentals of driver safety: seatbelts!  To celebrate National Seat Belt Day, we’re sharing some important facts about seat belt usage as well as some suggestions for securing your family pets on the road, too. It’s all right here on today’s blog. Vector illustration of safety belt, seat belt. Seat belt for protection. Safety equipment for vehicle or plane. Safety first, fasten your seat belt sign with arrow. Green background. We’re thrilled to report that according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2021’s national use rate of seatbelts by Americans was an impressive 90.4%! In 2020, NHTSA reports that out of the 23,000+ passengers of cars who died in vehicle accidents, 51% of them were not seatbelted. It’s important to buckle up each and every time, no matter how long or short your trip is - in fact, most crashes happen within 25 miles of your home. (NHTSA) Buckling up in the front seat of a car can reduce risk of fatal injury by 45% and moderate to critical injuries reduced by 50% (NHTSA) Airbags are not a replacement for seat belts, but rather are there to work in tandem and further reduce injury or chances of death. If your seatbelt is not comfortable, you can acquire seat belt adjusters or seat belt extenders both as aftermarket products and from your vehicle’s manufacturer. Vintage, classic, and antique vehicles should be updated and retrofitted with modern standardized seat belts to ensure a safe ride. Seatbelts are a matter of national concern, and 49 out of the 50 states have specific laws about usage and requirements! Did you know that use of seatbelts and vehicle restraints drops by 40% in children when parents don’t properly use their seat belts? 57% of 13 and 14 year olds who were involved in fatal crashes in 2020 were unrestrained. Setting a good example for younger drivers and younger passengers can save their lives! (NHTSA) Children should always remain secured in car seats and/or booster seats until they have outgrown the size and weight limits of their booster seats, or have reached a size where they can fit properly in the seat with safe seat belt usage. Generally, this is between ages of 8 and 12. Additionally, all children under 13 should remain in the back seat. From 1975 through 2017, seat belts have saved more than 370,000 lives. Car Safety for Pets Travel Safety Tips for Pets Frontal Car Crash with Unbelted Passengers The Seatbelt Song for Kids

Toyota’s Newest Member of the GR Sports Car Lineup on Display at SEMA, Wearing the Rally Look and Performance Equipment this Powerful All-Wheel-Drive Hot Hatch Deserves LAS VEGAS (Nov. 1, 2022) – The 2023 GR Corolla debuted earlier this year and gives North American driving enthusiasts the hot hatch they’ve been asking for. Before the new addition to the Toyota GR sports car model line becomes available in Toyota dealerships in 2023, Toyota provides a glimpse of the new model’s potential for aftermarket customization with its GR Corolla Rally Concept. On display at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center is Toyota’s new and expanded exhibit (Central Hall, Booth No. 22200), including the GR Corolla Rally Concept – rocket fuel for those who love Toyota sports cars and rally performance. “The all-new GR Corolla checks all the driving excitement boxes – 300 horsepower, turbocharged performance, standard six-speed manual,all-wheel-drive handling and hot hatch functionality,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president – Toyota Division Marketing. “The GR Corolla Rally Concept shows what happens when we apply a healthy dose of Toyota Gazoo Racing DNA and expand the GR Corolla’s rallying roots.” Starting with a 2023 GR Corolla Circuit Edition, Marty Schwerter and the Toyota Motorsports Garage team – Brad Vetter, lead fabricator; Justin Lacore, fabricator; and David Senn, technician – nailed the goal of creating an ultimate rally machine. Inspired by the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Yaris Rally1 World Rally Championship race car, they focused on applying many of the race car’s technologies and characteristics to this concept. The first task was creating functional rally car bodywork that complements the GR Corolla’s already dynamic look. They fabricated an aggressive wide body configuration with massive three-inch fender flares made from 20-gauge steel, and integrated carbon composite side skirts. Huge openings in front and rear fenders direct and exhaust dirty air from the wheel openings, and the fenders are aerodynamically designed to create maximum downforce. More aero and downforce advantages come by way of a carbon composite front splitter with a 4.5-inch overall length, and a massive custom-fabricated carbon fiber rear wing. This design features both a wing and spoiler providing two elements of downforce, with side plates mounted to the hatch to align the wing with the vehicle’s roofline. Of primary importance was increasing airflow to the custom oil and transmission coolers mounted in the interior and just behind the driver and navigator. The team custom designed functional rear quarter windows with vents directing air to the coolers, and Toyota North America R&D Engineering Design Innovation 3D-printed the components. On the corners are 17 x 8-inch OZ Racing wheels with 215/60R17 Continental VikingContact® 7 tires, and fully adjustable TEIN Gravel Rally coilovers to complete the package. The team kept the GR Corolla’s robust and capable brake setup with 14 x 1.1-inch ventilated and slotted rotors with four-piston aluminum calipers, then added Wilwood® turning brakes – a secondary set of rear calipers – to help provide the braking and turning control needed for gravel rally terrain. Combined with the custom bodywork, the result is a stance that is six inches wider than stock. The production G16E-GTS 1.6-liter, three-cylinder port injected turbo, 12-valve DOHC engine with its single-scroll ball-bearing turbocharger that already produces a healthy 300 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, provides a solid heartbeat for this new hot hatch. With the help of MagnaFlow®, the team added a fully custom exhaust system and GR high flow air filter to help optimize airflow and exhaust performance. The interior is all rally driving function and purpose, with the team adding only what a rally team needs and modifying the rear seats to fit the roll cage and spare tire. The GR Corolla Rally Concept features OMP® Racing seats and belts, a custom full cage made from TIG welded 1 3/4-inch x .095 DOM steel, OMP Racing fire suppression system, ZeroNoise® rally intercom system and a spare tire mount and jack. With the addition of the turning brake system, the team slightly relocated the standard six-speed manual shifter to provide optimal driver ergonomics. Adding Toyota Gazoo Racing-inspired paintwork by Complete Customs®, McKinney, Texas, completes the goal of enticing the imagination of what can be done with the dynamic GR Corolla canvas. Toyota is displaying 12 additional special project concepts in its SEMA Show exhibit at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 1-4, 2022, showcasing a breadth of on- and off-pavement performance and adventure. Vehicle shown is a special project car, modified with non-Genuine Toyota parts and accessories. Modification with these non-Genuine parts or accessories will void the factory warranty, may negatively impact vehicle performance and safety, and may not be street legal. RELATED MEDIA RELATED IMAGES RELATED VIDEOS FACT SHEET GR COROLLA RALLY CONCEPT 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 the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 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.

Welcome to another edition of Classic’s Youtuber Roundup! Where we’re sharing our picks for entertaining car content in the vloggersphere.  It’s one of our favorite pastimes to enjoy vlogs and videos about cars and car related media.  Let us know in the comments what channels you love watching on YouTube so we can check them out, too! First up is one of our favorite channels, Donut Media, with an absolutely hilarious edition of “Real Mechanic Reacts”!  This time, the team is breaking down some of their most favorite lines from the Fast & Furious Franchise, and asking real professional mechanics to weigh in on realism versus fiction. Sarah-N-Tuned has a fascinating video on the channel about the process of removing muck, gunk, and grime from a vehicle using the dry ice blasting method!  It’s a fascinating process that cleans the car while preserving its original quality through a non-abrasive process.  Check it out! Ken Block and the Hoonigan crew just dropped their latest project “Electrikhana” and it’s a can’t-miss-spectacle of epic proportions.  Check out this incredible one-of-a-kind custom built car hitting a closed track with plenty of neon glow for the cyberpunk energy of your dreams. Get your track cars ready for winter weather and colder temps with these suggestions from RallySport Direct’s latest YouTube video. The Car Care Nut is taking us on a run through of a 20 year old engine of a vehicle that has been well-maintained and cared for over the years.  It’s vital that you continue to service your vehicle and keep up the regular maintenance of tuneups, fluid changes, and bring in for repairs quickly.  This is one beautiful car, folks! If you’re into collecting cars, you might really dig these videos from Hoovies Garage! He’s selling 4 vehicles from his iconic car collection at auctions for a world record price.  We love Hoovies Garage and these fun project cars, and we think you will too. If you’re looking for a reliable used car for a younger or newer driver in the family, check out these recommendations from YouTuber, The Car Wizard.  He’s got a list of 6 super reliable cars and any anticipated service needs he’s experienced as a mechanic for each of them. The crew over at The Smoking Tire has been having a blast buying cheap, gross, dilapidated rides and swapping them into drivable rigs with a little elbow grease. Check out “All Cars Go to Heaven” and see how it went. This one’s from a few years back, but it’s still a super fun watch! Check out the stunt coordinator from Fast Five as he breaks down the car chase scene where Vin and Paul steal a vault.  It’s right here on the Vanity Fair channel:

Save a few dollars on cleaning and detailing with these budget friendly cleaning tips and tricks for your vehicle! Protect your windshield from wet leaves, frost, ice and snow with a plastic tablecloth! A dollar store or budget buy plastic table cloth can save you a lot of time in the morning.  No more rushing around and then walking outside to see a frosted up window or caked on wet leaves filling you with dread.  Place the plastic tablecloth over the windshield the night before, and any time where you’ll have it parked at length.  You’ll be able to easily slide the plastic cloth off and save the time scraping and brushing by simply shaking it off.  Fold it up, place it in your trunk, and you’ll be on your merry way in no time. Use a cereal keeper container as a lidded trash can for travel! Forget about those hanging fabric garbage cans, or putting a bin/box on the floor that rolls around as you drive.  Grab a budget friendly cereal container with a lid at your local dollar store, and line it with a plastic grocery bag. Place it in the backseat of the car and use it to store your trash while you’re on the go.  Makes cleaning easier with nothing sticky left on your floor mats or carpets or tipping over on turns. Remove dead bugs and insect splats with dryer sheets! No need to gather complicated cleansers or soaps or scrubbies to get those stuck-on nasties off your windshield or bumper.  Any brand of dryer sheet will do the trick nicely!  Rinse your car with clean water, then grab the damp dryer sheet and simply wipe them away.  Rinse with water again and you’re good to go! Remove rust with a bottle of Coca Cola and a bit of foil! This soda’s notoriously acidic properties may not be so great on your insides, but they’ll do wonders for your vehicle’s outsides.  If you’ve got rust spots on your bumper or other metallic accents on the body, consider a bottle of Coke and a piece of foil for an easy budget friendly hack.  Pour the soda on the rust spot, and gently scrub it with some aluminum foil folded over 3 to 4 times into layers.  You’ll notice the rust will begin to flake off!  Once it does, you can switch off to a gentle dish sponge.  When the rust is removed, grab some gentle soap and clean water and rinse off the sticky pop and remaining debris. Protect your cup holders from sticky mess and melted drinks with cupcake liners. Your local grocery store or dollar store probably sells multipacks of these convenient cupcake and muffin tin liners for a low price!  Place a silicone cupcake liner into the bottom of each of your cup holders, and when they get sticky or dirty you can swap them out and pop them out for clean ones, and put the dirty ones in with the dishes. Easy peasy! It’s also great for easily accessing change for tolls or vending machines or air-pumps in a jiffy. Use hand sanitizer as a budget-friendly de-icer for locks and doors! A small can of deicer is a great thing to keep in your bag, backpack, briefcase, or emergency kit, but if you’ve not got one this everyday household item will get it done!  Squirt the hand sanitizer into your lock, push the key in and out and turn it gently.  Within a few moments, the ice should be melted and you should be able to turn and open the lock!  Just use caution, this shouldn’t be a repetitive hack as the sticky cleansers can jam your locks over time and require them to be cleaned, but in an emergency or occasional pinch, it will work wonders.  You can also create your own deicer in a pinch with a spray bottle, ⅓ water, and 2/3 70% isopropyl alcohol - shake to mix well and spray into the lock or door and in a few moments it should be free of ice!

Welcome to another edition of Classic Toyota's Automotive Terminology Decoder! Today, we're tackling some terms and phrases related to your vehicle's steering system, and related service and maintenance tips. 🚘️ Power steering An electric and/or hydraulic system that multiplies, for ease and comfort, the force a driver exerts on the steering wheel. 🚘️ Power steering fluid Hydraulic fluid used in a power steering system. 🚘️ Power steering hoses The flexible hoses carrying hydraulic fluid between the various components of a power steering system. 🚘️ Variable gear ratio steering assembly The steering mechanism that converts the rotational motion of a steering wheel to the side-to-side motion of a lever that is connected to the steering linkage. 💡 How do I know if/when the steering system needs service? 💡 If your vehicle's dash warnings include" service power steering" it means that your vehicle is in need of immediate inspection and repair. If you have a hydraulic power steering system, there may be a leak requiring a repair and refill of fluid. If it's an electronic power steering system, you'll receive an EPS light, and may need to inspect the vehicle's battery or battery connection. If the lights come on while you're driving, enable your hazard lights and move your vehicle to the side of the road. Once you're safely off to the side, test and check the severity of the issue by turning the wheel left and right. Some causes that may trigger alerts: 🔧 Low Power Steering Fluid or a Leak 🔧 Broken Power Steering Belt 🔧 Dirty or Contaminated Steering Fluid 🔧 Bad or Faulty Steering Pump When power steering pumps are failing, they may emit a whine or a grinding noise when turning. You may also notice a tight steering response, or a slow response when moving the wheel. Any of these indicators is telling you that it's time to bring it in for service as it's about to fail. If it is still easily movable, you may be able to drive the vehicle to your home or service center. However, if you suspect a severe issue, it will be safer to call a roadside assistance service or a tow truck. Call our service centers today to schedule a maintenance appointment!

Today we’re sharing a fun car post about tips and tricks to help you drive better on the roads and keep a few extra dollars in your pocket.  These hacks and suggestions will instantly improve your driving experience!  Feel free to leave your own in the comments and let us know your convenient and money saving hacks for car maintenance. A DIY Car Air Freshener - Looking for a long term air freshener on a budget?  The local dollar store has several items that can save you time and money!  Grab a few packages of wax melts in your favourite scent, and a small mason jar that fits in your cupholder.  Place the wax melts inside the jar and replace the lid.  Using a hammer and nail or a small drill, create several small holes in the lid.  Put the jar into your center console or cupholder, and on a warm or sunny day the wax will melt and release its scent, and it’ll harden and cool at night or in chillier weather. Toothpaste Headlight Restoration - This simple household item can take your headlights from foggy to fresh and clean in minutes!  Choose a toothpaste meant for whitening and fighting tartar build up for your best results.  Apply the toothpaste to a clean microfiber towel, then wipe the headlight casing in a circular motion.  Let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe with a clean, damp microfiber cloth and douse with clear water. Your headlights will appear good as new!  Remember to add a thin coating of protective car wax to the outside to prevent further fogging and damage. In-Trunk Bungee Cord Paper Towel Holder - It’s always handy to have some paper towels readily available to clean spills, wipe down your dashboard, and clean off gunk from your windshield.  With this helpful hack, you’ll slide a bungee cord through the paper towel roll’s center, and affix it to the inside of your car trunk.  It’ll stay secure, clean and easily accessible in a pinch! Clean Your Wiper Blades Quickly and Easily - A bottle of isopropyl rubbing alcohol will go quite a long way on your car. Everything from tree sap removal to glass cleaning to wiper blade cleaning!  Your car’s wiper blades can accumulate quite a bit of dirt, dust, and grime as they clear the glass for visibility. You can pour a little alcohol on the wiper blades and gently rinse with clear water to remove the outermost layer of dried rubber and gunk buildup. Vinegar and Baking Soda for both Stain and Odor Removal - Everyone loves a good family road trip and making memories to last a lifetime.  However, many hours on the road means more potential for fast food spills, mess and muck from the kiddos, and even fur and accidents from dear ol’ fido. But there’s good news!  Those stains and smells don’t have to stick with you in the memory books.  Pour some vinegar into a spray bottle and soak your car’s stained upholstery, then follow up with a spoonful of baking soda and scrub with a nylon cleaning  brush or toothbrush.  Wipe it off with some hot water and clean it up with a wet-dry vacuum!  For stubborn, lingering odors, sprinkle the baking soda directly on the fabric or carpet and leave it to sit at least 15 minutes or overnight.  The longer it’s left on the surface, the more it will absorb!  You can then vacuum it up and spray it with a fabric refresher to reinvigorate the clean car aroma.  Want to keep it fresh for the long haul? A small bowl or mason jar of baking soda in the cupholder can help!

Toyota is reimagining the full-size sedan with the all-new 2023 Toyota Crown. As the first Toyota sedan to offer the Hybrid MAX System, drivers will be sure to feel the power from this powertrain. Offering drivers a premium, intuitive driving experience, the Crown blends supreme comfort, confident handling, innovative technology and a sophisticated ride into one striking, bold design. When the first Toyota Crown debuted in Japan in 1955, it was ahead of its time. Known for its innovation and ability to push the limits, the Crown was a mainstay in the U.S. until the last one was sold here in 1972. Now, after 50 years and 15 model generations, the Toyota Crown returns — better than ever with an all-new design, innovative powertrain, and the quality, durability and reliability that are virtually synonymous with the Toyota brand Here are five things to know about the all-new 2023 Toyota Crown: Elevated Sedan Experience Ushering in a new era for the segment, the all-new Toyota Crown breaks the mold when it comes to full-size sedans. Toyota created a versatile vehicle that can suit various tastes and complement a myriad of lifestyles — available in three different grades: XLE, Limited and Platinum, all with standard All-Wheel Drive. Whether drivers want a car that’s sleek and classic or bold and exciting, the Toyota Crown has it. The best part? All grades offer premium comfort, style and luxury for an elevated sedan experience. Assembled around the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TNGA-K) platform, the Toyota Crown has raised, crossover-like ride height, offering drivers better road visibility by allowing them to see over the vehicles that are lower to the road. Along with better visibility, it makes entry and exit from the vehicle easier. The premium features don’t stop there. Additional features work against noise intrusion to provide drivers and passengers with a quiet, cocoon-like environment that takes the driving experience to new heights. Plus, its standard Dual Zone Climate Control gives occupants the power to control their own HVAC settings, allowing them to sit comfortably with their own air. Additional standard features include 8-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats and heated front seats that can be adjusted to three levels. Powerful Pair of Hybrid Powertrains Adding more power to the robust electrified lineup, customers now have the choice between the new Hybrid MAX System (exclusive to the Platinum grade) or the fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System. The fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors in a highly compact system, offering an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined rating and smooth, linear acceleration. The Hybrid MAX powertrain has a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed automatic transmission with powerful torque and low RPM. Equipped with a manufacturer-estimated 340 net horsepower, this new system packs an impressive punch. Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive comes standard on XLE and Limited – with an all-new, performance-focused Full-Time Electronic All-Wheel Drive making its debut as standard equipment on the Platinum grade. These highly advanced systems help provide a number of benefits. From traction control for slippery conditions to increased stability when cornering complete with enhanced fuel efficiency, both systems offer comfortable driving performance. State-of-the-Art Suspension System Although attractive exteriors may grab attention, performance is key. The Toyota Crown’s suspension system provides comfortable maneuverability for an all-around smooth ride. It features a MacPherson-type strut front suspension and a new method for fastening the steering gear and enabling rigid, direct handling, which also reduces noise and vibration. The newly developed multi-link rear suspension helps create a faster response to drive torque. Thanks to the Crown’s handling being bolstered by an electronically controlled brake system featuring Active Cornering Assist, drivers feel the enhanced agility by capturing the stability control to reduce understeer in certain cornering situations. Advanced Multimedia The all-new advanced Toyota Multimedia System makes drivers feel at home while on the road. With amenities like a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability, drivers can listen to music, their favorite podcasts and other media while reaching their destinations. The system comes with features that are easy and convenient to use. Users can interact with the new system’s design through touch and voice activation. For example, the personal Intelligent Assistant that comes with an active Drive Connect trial or subscription can be easily activated simply by saying “Hey Toyota.” Intelligent Assistant can search for directions, find points of interest, adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more — all hands-free. The Toyota Crown also comes with a multitude of free trials, including a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan for three months, and Safety Connect and Service Connect trials. Safety Connect puts help at the driver’s fingertips. It has an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Collision Assistance, helping to give drivers peace of mind at all times. Service Connect makes car maintenance easier by providing drivers with vehicle health reports, maintenance alerts and other reminders. Top-Tier Safety and Parking The Toyota Crown upholds one of Toyota’s highest priorities – safety. All grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, designed with features to help protect drivers and passengers. For instance, the system comes with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. It’s designed to detect a vehicle or pedestrian while providing audio and visual alerts and automatic braking in certain conditions. Blind Spot Monitoring helps detect and warn drivers of a vehicle approaching or positioned near or in adjacent lanes. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is designed to improve lane control with the assistance of Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist. It is designed to notify drivers with audio and visual alerts if the vehicle is leaving its lane without indication of a turn signal. The Lane Tracing Assist can also help keep the vehicle centered in its lane when detecting lane markers or a vehicle ahead. If backing out of a parking space or driveway has ever been a struggle, the Rear Cross Traffic Alert is designed to make it easier by detecting a vehicle approaching from either side while pulling out and alerting the driver with a visual and audible warning. The Rear Seat Reminder can also notify drivers when a rear door was opened after the vehicle has been turned on, with a reminder message in the instrument cluster after the engine is turned off, accompanied by multitone chimes. For Platinum-grade owners, the Advanced Park system is standard. Drivers can say goodbye to wasted time searching for an empty spot. This handy sensor is designed to identify an open parking space, control the steering wheel, shift, accelerate and brake for easy hands-free parallel or reverse/forward perpendicular parking. With all these features and amenities, the Toyota Crown is revved up and ready to take its legacy to the next level. Find more information on the 2023 Toyota Crown here. Originally published September 22, 2022

October is National Car Care Month!  Let us help you prepare your vehicle for the change in seasonal weather conditions with the helpful hints and tips from our service center.  Feel free to give us a call and schedule your appointment today for your monthly and seasonal maintenance needs. Our service professionals are available to get your vehicle service and in tip top shape before blustery rainstorms and impending winter weather arrive. Check the fluids and change your oil. Be sure to top off all fluids such as antifreeze and oil, and get your systems flushed and changed as needed.  As you’ll be running your car idle more frequently to warm it up on chilly mornings, you don’t want anything to seize up while doing so!  Our maintenance and service technicians can help guide you on what needs to be flushed or pencil you for an oil change appointment as part of your regular maintenance schedule. Inspect the tires. Keep yourself and your passengers safe, as well as other vehicles on the road, by ensuring that your tires have proper tread depth and show no signs of extreme wear and tear.  Bring your car into the service center for a tire rotation, wheel alignment, and replace any tires that appear overly worn or close to their end of life.  Your tires provide significant stopping power by gripping the road in slippery conditions. We recommend considering a really good all-weather or winter tire in the next few weeks. Make sure all of the lights work. Sunset is creeping up earlier and earlier over the next few weeks. It’s important to make sure all of your headlights and brakelights are fully functional.  You’ll need them for those foggy, blustery evenings!  Especially important to have working headlights for trick or treating to make sure you can see the kids wandering around in costumes.  Additionally, you don’t want to get a ticket for improperly working headlights, nor get into any serious accidents because you missed something in the roadway and were unable to stop in time. Thoroughly inspect the brakes. There are few things more dangerous than wet, slippery leaves or black ice on the roadways, and both are common foes in the mid to late autumn weather.  Inspect the brakes and rotors and be sure to test them out to ensure they are not squeaking, squealing, or grinding.  If you suspect that your brakes are not stopping as quickly as usual, or are less responsive to pressure, bring your car in immediately for a service or replacement brakes. Make sure the heater and defroster are working properly. With the temperatures dropping rapidly, especially in the evening, frosty windows are a common occurrence in the mid to late fall.  You’ll want to double check that all heating vents and defroster elements are working, and do so before the need arises! It’s very important to visibility that your car has an adequate defroster and defogger, so call for a maintenance appointment if either of these features is not functioning properly.

Meet Leo! Leo is one of our dedicated bilingual sales and leasing consultants here at Classic Toyota. He has been part of the team for 14 years. During his free time, he is a very active member of the Waukegan community and does volunteer work for non-profit organizations. Leo is also a member of LCCC and the Collison of Latinos of Lake County. Introducing Leo of Classic Toyota While Leo is an expert at identifying his customers needs and matching them with the perfect vehicle, his favorites from the Toyota lineup are the 4Runner and the Tacoma.