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On October 11th, Toyota and the National Football League officially announced the two brands have entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement designating Toyota as the OFficial Automotive Partner of the NFL! Toyota Signs Multi-Year Sponsorship Deal with the National Football League Leverages NFL platforms to build Toyota brand awareness, consideration, and loyalty Toyota to support grassroots NFL programs aimed toward elevating communities more “The NFL is the number one sports property in the U.S. with 205 million passionate fans,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Toyota. “This partnership provides us the opportunity to connect with fans through a wide array of NFL programs and platforms, allowing us to share our brand message and promote our vehicles to a diverse and highly engaged audience.” Thanks to this exciting agreement and year-round marketing platform power, Toyota will be able to communicate its brand message to football fans across the US.  Toyota aims to connect with consumers in an authentic way, enhancing their fan experiences while simultaneously driving Toyota Brand Loyalty.  Through the ability to activate at official NFL events, Toyota will be able to engage fans in their favorite environments and create lasting brand awareness. This current partnership will also extend beyond just the bright lights of the stadium and cheering fans, and into football-loving communities across the country. The League’s commitment to prioritizing and cultivating multicultural programs coincides with the Toyota focus on diversity and inclusion, allowing Toyota to work in tandem with the NFL, providing mobility for all and to leave no one behind. At a regional level, Toyota is no stranger to close relationships with the NFL brand. Eleven NFL teams currently receive Toyota Sponsorship through its network of dealer associations. Local activations will be driven by 1200+ Toyota dealers across the US. “We’re thrilled to welcome Toyota, a brand that has supported both the League’s media partners and its clubs, now as the Official Automotive Partner of the NFL,” said Tracie Rodburg, senior vice president, Sponsorship Management at the NFL. “Toyota shares the NFL’s strategic vision and goals, prioritizing authenticity and a commitment to their consumers, our fans. We look forward to working together to bring fans exciting programs in the seasons ahead.” This isn’t the first time that Toyota has worked with the NFL.  In the 1980s, the “Toyota Halftime Show” first premiered on ABC’s Monday Night Football. Later, in 2006, Toyota handled the halftime sponsorship for NBC’s Sunday Night Football, a relationship that has been ongoing ever since.  Now, with this new partnership, relationships continue to build on the shared mission of the NFL and Toyota, reaching fans through their living rooms and communities all around the country. “For more than half a century, Toyota and the NFL have brought American families together for memorable experiences and iconic moments. With this partnership, and the combined resources of Toyota and the NFL, the best is yet to come,” David Christ added. The NFL helps unite communities by delivering the most exciting sports and entertainment experiences in the world. Similarly, Toyota helps support people and enrich communities worldwide by leading the way to the future of mobility. With our commitment to quality and innovation, we bring our A-game every day to meet the challenges facing our future. See for yourself how excited we all are about this partnership—watch the video.

For those who love things that go bump in the night, make walls fall and your skin crawl, this is the most wonderful time of the year.  Today, we’re sharing our picks for some of the area’s latest and greatest Halloween and Haunted House attractions.  Not into big scares and gore? No problem! We’ve also got some family friendly options in the mix so there’s something fun for every scare level and age group. more Basement of the Dead Haunted House in Aurora is one of the area’s hottest attractions and presents a truly unique 3D experience haunted house!  Attend one of the special themed nights such as “Nights of Isolation” or “Lights Out” events where your group are given one solitary glow stick with which to navigate your way out of 15,000 square feet of sheer terror.  It’s rated one of the most frightening haunted house experiences in the Midwest, and many have left the experience early due to extreme fright.  Will you make it to the end laughing in victory, or will it send you running for the hills screaming? (66 miles from Classic Auto Group) The Halloween Experience in Elgin is a family friendly Halloween spectacle featuring the all new for 2023 “Boo’s Spooky Adventure”.  It’s the perfect family friendly outing to celebrate Halloween without all the chills, kills and things that go bump in the night.  It’s one of the top Halloween Destinations in the US for a reason.  Grab your tickets online because space is limited. You’ll enjoy a Halloween Light and Music show and Drive-Thru experience. (60 miles from Classic Auto Group) Killdare Haunted City in Bridgeview is one of the area’s newest haunted attractions.  You’ll experience 40 minutes of cursed attractions, sights, sounds, and sensations for an all encompassing multisensory nightmare!  The attraction features a cast of more than 50 professional haunters and plenty of adrenaline-pumping nightmare scenarios in the “city grounds.” (55 miles from Classic Auto Group) Terror Roulette in South Barrington is an interactive Halloweem haunted house blending theatrics, suspense, adrenaline, and fear into an incredibly immersive horror experience. Visitors can opt for a “no-touching” ticket with the “Voyeur” label that signals to the haunters that you prefer to be a spectator, which is a unique option allowing for accommodations.  The dealer will help guide you through to the room that is best suited to you and your fears!Visitors must be 16+ to enter without a parent or guardian, and it is strongly advised to leave visitors under the age of 16 at home. (50 miles from Classic Auto Group) Haunt31 in Lake in the Hills i s a residential run haunted halloween attraction and a neighborhood name for 25 years running.  Enjoy the professional and homemade animations, displays, sfx, and “un-dead” actors running around!  The attraction is open nightly, weather permitting, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch the live actors on site for the ultimate experience.  While it might not be appropriate for the littlest ghosts, older kids and tweens will enjoy it with their parents and friends. (37miles from Classic Auto Group) The Realm of Terror in Round Lake Beach has been terrifying guests for more than 20 years with their escape room experience!  See for yourself why it’s the #1 Highest-Ever rated haunted house experiences in Illinois. This is not a child-friendly experience. This walk-through haunted house has been crafted by industry professionals and is staffed to the gills with top-tier haunters and a truly terrifying cast. It also features its very own haunted house bar and food trucks on site.  Warning: It should be noted that this attraction may be offensive or inappropriate for some audiences, and should be avoided by those with heart conditions or chronic medical issues for your safety. (13 miles from Classic Auto Group) Other amazing area attractions for a good scare and some thrills and chills: Disturbia Haunted House in Downers Grove IL The Kill on Old Mill in Lake Zurich The Legendary Dungeon of Doom Haunted House in Zion Abandoned Haunted House Complex in Mount Pleasant WI Soul Reapers Haunted House in Wilmot WI Buffalo Bills Haunted Trail in Franklin WI The Hill Has Eyes in Franklin WI Wisconsin Fear Grounds in Waukesha

Since it’s currently International Infection Prevention Week, we thought we’d take a look at some important tips and tricks to keeping your vehicle fresh, tidy, sanitized, and free of “yuck.”  In addition, you can never be too cautious during this “cold and flu” season and with schools back in session passing around those nasty little bugs.  So we’ve got a great guide for taking care of your car and keeping it sparkling clean! more Tips for Disinfecting and Sanitizing your vehicle: There are lots of special vehicle-friendly sanitizing solutions on the market right now, and many of them contain special moisturizers and protective barriers to prevent premature aging/cracking of leather, plastic, and other surfaces.  A cleaning solution which contains at least 70% isopropyl alcohol in order for it to be effective against coronavirus and other nasty germs, but use caution on some surfaces.  Many cleaning products will tell you right on the label which viruses, bacteria, and diseases they’ve been proven to obliterate, and will also detail which surfaces are safe to use them on. Never use bleach products, hydrogen peroxide products, or ammonia-based products to clean your car’s interior. Always keep the following cleaning kit handy in your car: hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, masks, disposable gloves, trash bags, clean and fresh microfiber cloths, paper towels. Clean high-touch areas of your vehicle such as inside and outside door handles, the steering wheel, gear shift, turn signal and wiper levers, buttons on your dashboard, infotainment touch screens, emergency brake, driver and passenger armrests, grab safety handles, seat adjustment/heating adjustment buttons and levers on passenger and driver seats, AC/Heating vents and controls. If a surface appears to be dirty, wipe it down using a solution of gently lathered soap and warm water with a microfiber cloth and then wipe dry with an additional microfiber cloth; following the soap solution, you may wipe the surface down with a disinfectant wipe or spray. Where’s the rush?  Just like you would take at least 20 to 30 seconds of hand washing to properly cleanse your hands, you’ll want to take your time cleaning your vehicle to make sure you’re doing a thorough job! Consider applying a gentle foaming upholstery cleaner to fabric surfaces and seats, washing and drying your floor mats, and applying a fabric-friendly disinfectant made for soft/porous surfaces.  Alternatively, you can have your interior detailed or steam cleaned to remove additional dust, allergens, dirt, and germs lurking in the upholstery. If you’re driving with passengers who are sick, it’s recommended to leave all windows open at least 3 inches to help circulate fresh air and lower potential spread of viruses and germs. Additional tips for keeping a clean vehicle and minimizing exposure to germs, viruses, and bacteria: Add a miniature trash can to your car’s interior.  Whether you go green and reuse a plastic bag, or you snag one of these nifty mobile, on the go trash can options, this is an essential accessory for your car.  And of course, helps you avoid the bad habit of making a “backseat floor trash can.” Follow the mantra of “Toss it out whenever you step out!”  Making a habit to toss out or take inside everything you’ve brought along for the ride will keep your car interior sparkling clean. You can prevent the spread of germs and dirt by removing something every time you get out of your car.) Line your cup holders with silicone cupcake molds, foam inserts, or plastic liners.  You’ll have a no-muss, no-fuss cleanup job for leaks and spills simply by removing the liners to dispose, or reusing them after washing and sanitizing. Install some simple in-car organizers to the center console or the back of your seats/headrests.  Organizers can help keep cleaning materials, detergents, disinfectants, and tissues readily available. If you’ve got kiddos or teens, these organizers can also safely stow away their toys, books, tablets and snacks in easy-to-reach and clean pouches. Regularly wash and detail the interior of your car with professional car wash services.  In addition to routine spot cleaning or the occasional wipedown, sending your car to be detailed and professionally steam cleaned is highly recommended. Deep cleaning surfaces and upholstery can reduce allergens, germs, and other nasty stuff hiding in the fabric and on interior surfaces.

We don’t mean to sound the alarm, but with the anticipation of the holiday season coming up just around the corner, now is a great time to start mentally preparing to do a little shopping!  Or, if you’re like some of us, you know that this is just the best time to shop before the crowds and the hustle-and-bustle begins.  Either way, we’d like to take a moment to remind you that it’s Bookshop Day; shopping at small, independent bookshops is a great way to support your local community, boost regional economy, and make a real difference in the lives of people who run them! more Let’s check out a list of some great options, and some suggestions for titles to snag for your loved ones for this year’s gift haul: The Lake Forest Book Store in Lake Forest This Old Book in Grayslake Barbara’s Bookstore in Vernon Hills The Green Read in Crystal Lake 2nd & Charles in Gurnee Galaxy of Books in Winthrop Harbor Jeff Hirsch Books in Wadsworth Book Bin in Northbrook BookLady’s Book Attic in Bartlett Town House Books in St. Charles Harvey’s Tales in Geneva Bookhunters New and Used Books in Batavia Studio Moonfall in Kenosha Blue House Books in Kenosha Inner Child Comics in Kenosha Arte of the Booke in Kenosha Heirloom Books in Chicago Unabridged Bookstore in Chicago City Lit Books in Chicago Myopic Books in Chicago The Book Cellar in Chicago Here’s some great automotive centric books to purchase from or order via your local bookshop: How to Build a Car by A. Newey i s an in-depth, technical look about the world of cars from an F1 engineer. You’ll get insights into the math and engineering behind the builds, anecdotes about his life, and the politics behind the sport of F1 racing.  It’s perfect for the huge car nerd in your life. A Man and his Car: Iconic Cars and Stories from the Men who Love them by Matt Hranek celebrates the relationship between cars and their owners, and what gives them the “drive” to be so passionate about their ride.  Filled to the brim with anecdotes from collectors with beautiful photos of their cars from the whole shebang to the little details. The Science of Supercars: The Technology That Powers the Greatest Cars in the World by Martin Roach, Neil Waterman, John Morrison tracks the evolution of the supercar from nuts to bolts and the powerful technology that makes them a cut above the rest.  Explore the history of these incredible inventions, interviews with top names in the racing industry and supercar collectors, and the ways that these outrageous vehicles have changed the industry as we know it today. Perfect Control: A Drivers’ Step-by-Step Guide to Advanced Car Control Through the Physics of Racing By Adam Broulliard and Paradigm Shift Driver Development makes a unique gift for the car enthusiast in your midst.  Learn the physics behind driving at different speeds, identify and prioritize cues from your vehicle, and learn the optimal input to get your car running to the limit and being the best it can be.  It’s a fascinating read sure to delight any gearhead!

It’s time for another helpful edition of Automotive Terminology Decoder!  Each month we’re sharing some posts with helpful terms, vocabulary, and phrasing used by mechanics, service technicians, and industry professionals.  It’s our hope that we can help arm you with the lingo and knowledge you need to navigate car ownership, car buying, and vehicle maintenance with ease.  Have a suggestion for a future update? Let us know in the comments what terms and questions you have about automotive life. The Chassis is, in short, the structural, load bearing frame of a vehicle without its body.  It includes all of the major components including an engine, the transmission system, the gearbox, propeller shaft, the axles, control systems like the brakes and steering, and the suspension system. more Modern cars use a unibody construction, which means the frame and body skeleton are manufactured as one singular piece.  The frame or unibody is the piece that everything else attaches to, so it must be the absolute strongest part of the vehicle.  The suspension system includes the control arms, springs, struts, and shock absorbers.  The steering gear helps control the vehicle’s direction. The transmission and drive shaft help control engine rotational force and manage speed.  The engine provides the force which moves the vehicle from place to place and provides power. The engine is attached to the chassis with motor mounts; axle assemblies, wheel hubs, suspension shocks and springs, and other components are all mounted directly to the chassis. When a vehicle is involved in a collision or accident, it can cause some serious frame damage. This is usually when insurance adjusters get involved, to help you assess the damage and extent of repairs required or if it is a total loss.  Perhaps, however, you’ve been in a minor fender bender and chosen to avoid reporting to insurance, and have gone about your merry way until you noticed your car is not driving properly.  Sometimes, we discover what seems like a minor incident initially, turns out to have caused greater damage than we realize.  Here’s a few things to look over, and some ways that you can assess for signs of car frame damage so you know what to look out for. Walk around your vehicle paying close attention to details, and inspect underneath it for any signs of frame damage or stress. If you notice that doors, trunk/hood, and other parts of your vehicle don’t seem to be properly aligned nor close smoothly and securely, this may indicate body or frame damage. Check all of your tires for wear and tear, and if they’re wearing unevenly, you may want to bring your vehicle in for an inspection with your local mechanic. If you notice that your vehicle rear wheels don’t align with your front wheels when driving straight, and it’s veering a little to one side or the other, this may indicate the frame is bent. If you’re noticing new and “exciting” noises such as rattles, clinks, clanks, rumbling, or whining that weren’t there before the incident occurred, it may signal frame damage. Any one or all of these signs indicate that your vehicle is in need of repair and a trip to the body shop.  It may be possible to repair the frame back to a pre-collision condition, saving you further costs of damage down the line.  If your car insurance company has decided that the frame damage is too severe to fix, or the costs outweigh the value, you’ll want to forgo the repairs and take the assessment to heart, and follow the steps to claim your vehicle with your insurance company.

It may be October, but just because it’s autumn doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a taste of fiery, smoky barbecue!  Today is National Pulled Pork Day, and we’re sharing the names of 5 great local restaurants serving up some of the best options in smoky, sweet, and spicy bbq cuisine.  From wings to ribs to pulled pork and more, you’ll find something to satisfy every craving.  We’ve even found some great vegetarian options so your non-meat eating pals can enjoy the smoky flavor experience, too!  Best of all, these are pretty kid-friendly establishments which are perfect for a weekend family meal and some bonding time.  Check it out! more And, of course, if you’ve got a favorite meal from these 5 establishments, let us know!  Leave your picks for best dishes, or feel free to suggest additional local  bbq hot spots in the comments on our social media.  We love hearing from our fellow community members! Big Ed’s Barbecue in Waukegan is owned and operated by local Waukegan Residents!  This restaurant’s award-winning, signature flavor comes from the slow smoked dry-rub seasoned meats cooked in their hickory wood barbecue pit. Each dish is made from scratch daily.  Customers reave about the pulled pork and the Barbecue Mac and Cheese.  Don’t eat meat? No problem! Try out one of their vegetarian friendly options like a salad with their delicious red skinned mashed potatoes, a plate of gooey mozzarella sticks, or some crunchy fried pickles! Hillery’s Bar-BQ in Waukegan is another great local bbq spot where you can get some of the best barbecue ribs around!  Customers rave about the rib tips, creamy coleslaw, and luscious fried hush puppies.  Their house-made sauce comes in hot or mild options, and offers a unique flavor profile that keeps visitors coming back again and again.  Non-meat eaters will enjoy the fried okra, onion rings, fries, and of course the house made catfish. Test Kitchen BBQ in Waukegan is serving soul food barbecue options that are to die for.  Customers are raving about the brisket and its delectably tender meat and savory flavors.  Other popular menu items include delicately crisp fried catfish, melt-in-your mouth turkey tips, flavorful sides like fried cabbage and black eyed peas, and tangy pulled pork sandwiches.  You can also order your meals with an assortment of sauces to choose from. Captain Porky’s in Wadsworth is a must-try when it comes to barbecue!  Try  the Pulled Pork Shoulder sandwich, grab some Chicago Pit-Style BBQ by the pound, enjoy a traditional seafood boil, or any of their hand-breaded Po’ Boy sandwiches.  Choose from their homemade barbecue sauces in either a mild or spicy option to tailor the meal to your palette.  We’ve also been told the BBQ baked beans are delicious, and that you can’t go wrong with an order of garlic potatoes and greens. Smokin’ BBQ on 45 in Mundelein is frequently rated 5 stars by bbq aficionados in the area.  Customers are raving about the pulled pork sandwiches, the smoked wings, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and the brisket.  Check out their rotating specials frequently if you’re looking to get a taste of something new and exciting!  As an added bonus, those who aren’t fans of red meat will love the option for a Turkey Burger, vegetarian friendly Pulled BBQ Jackfruit, and Catfish filets.

Last month we covered what to do if you are in a collision with wildlife for RoadKill Day, and how to handle the situation safely.  Today we’re going to share some additional pointers for how you can best avoid the collision in the first place as part of acknowledgements of World Animal Road Accident Awareness Day. Here are some thoughtful pointers to consider as a defensive driver sharing roadways with wildlife: Be on high alert when driving through wildlife areas such as parks, rural areas, undeveloped land, wetlands, woodlands and forests, and/or through places such as national and state parks and wildlife preserves. If possible, limit your driving through these areas at dawn and dusk, when wildlife has the highest probability of crossing.  If you must drive through these areas, be sure to stay informed about the behavior and patterns of the animals in the region so you can notice subtle signs and movement more keenly. Avoid littering!  If you’re camping outdoors, stopping at a rest stop, having a roadside picnic, or visiting a nature site, be sure to bring all food and trash back out with you when you return. Leaving litter or food waste behind in public outdoor areas can increase the presence of wildlife, and create further wildlife attraction to roadside locations by way of easy food sources. Bring out what you take in! Be alert and aware of the road signs along the highway, as they’re usually placed in areas of high-collision probability. These may be depicted with a graphic of the particular species of animal, or may be generalized to “wildlife” crossing text signs. It’s advisable to also ask your passengers to assist you in scouting any potential hazards along the way, as they can help you navigate while you keep your eyes safely on the road ahead. As a driver, you should always scan the road from left to right, and from right to left, ensuring that you’re thorough and frequently inspecting the roadside for incoming wildlife. Always make sure you and your passengers are fully seatbelted and properly seated in the vehicle in case you have to stop short, or in the event collision with an animal is unavoidable. Slow down and keep extra car length distance between you and the cars ahead of you; this allows for increased stopping distance and less chance of collision with another vehicle. When driving at night, keep a lookout for animals eyes which will be very reflective in the glare of headlights.  Unless in the case of extreme weather such as low-visibility fog or snow, it’s recommended that you employ your high beams to scan the road at further distances for incoming wildlife.  Bear in mind that headlights do not illuminate objects as easily when driving at higher speeds, so when possible drive at a slower speed for safety. Make sure you have proper visibility by ensuring a clear windshield, free of cracks, muck, and debris; be sure to replace your windshield wipers and consider adding a hydrophobic coating to the glass for increased visibility in inclement weather.  Ensure that your headlights are in proper working order, and consider opting for headlights with higher luminous intensity. If an animal crosses safely through traffic to the other side of the road, do not presume that it will stay there. Many animals often make split-second decisions to turn back and go across where they came from.  Be aware and alert for animals that change direction!

Today is National LED Day!  We’re celebrating this handy invention of modern society with a great blog dedicated to a little history lesson followed by recommendations for best LED car lights. more What is an LED and how does it work? LED stands for Light-emitting diode.  An LED is a semiconductor device which emits light when current flows through a microchip, this in turn illuminates the tiny light source.  The color of the light emitted is determined by the energy required for electrons to cross the band-gap of the semiconductor.  LEDs are different from regular and incandescent light bulbs because they do not have any qire filaments. They’re also incredibly efficient, energy saving lighting options as they produce more brightness for longer, while using less energy and emitting less heat. Who invented the LED light? We’ll have to start with the discovery of Electroluminescence, the naturally occurring phenomena upon which all LED tech is built.  In 1907, British radio researcher Henry Joseph Round discovered it upon accident when experimenting with silicon carbide and a cat’s whisker. He discovered that a yellow light was produced when current passed through the silicon carbide detector. Many years later, in 1961, Robert Biard and Gary Pittman invented and patented an infrared LED device for Texas Instruments (which they created by accident while attempting to invent a laser diode instead.) It was the first LED!  However, since it was infrared, it was beyond the visible light spectrum for humans. The first visible LEDs were pioneered by Nick Holonyack, a consulting engineer for GE.  Holonyack invented the first visible light LED, which emitted a red hue.  In 1972, electrical engineer M George Craford invented the first yellow-colored LED; he also invented a red LED that was 10 times brighter than the one invented by Holonyack.  In 1976, Thomas Pearsall invented the high-efficiency, extremely bright LED which is used in fiber optics and fiber telecommunications!  In 1995, Shuki Nakamura invented the first blue LED light. The first LED headlights for cars were introduced in 2004, being first employed by Audi followed by Lexus in 2006; now, most vehicles come with LED headlights as a standard option. As of 2020, Arrow Electronics announced that it has developed a technique that allows for one singular LED to produce each of the three primary colors, allowing tiny LEDs placed in close proximity to render the full spectrum of color! What are the benefits of LED vehicle headlights? LED headlights are solid-state bulbs, meaning that they provide much lower operating costs over time, as well as greater longevity to their halogen counterparts.  The intensity of the light from the LED is significantly stronger than traditional headlights, creating a whiter, brighter light for more visibility especially in low-light situations.  On average, LEDs are 80% efficient, meaning just a mere 20% of their energy is wasted as heat!  In addition, the bulbs last an impressive 22 years on average before they fail, and an average of 11 years of continuous driving. Can I upgrade my older vehicle’s lights to LEDs? If you’re a real go-getter or an experienced gearhead, it’s certainly worth your while to consider an upgrade. Most vehicles can be retrofitted with LEDs quickly and easily with a special LED headlight kit. If you prefer, you can also reach out to your local trusted mechanic and have them install the upgrade kit for you. Let’s Go Shopping for some LED Headlights Fahren H11/H9/H8 LED headlights are affordable and easy to install, making them a great entry level choice for upgrading to LEDs. They have cool white temperature, and deliver 60 watt brightness.  Use them as headlights or fog lights depending on the size. Honcs H11/H8/H9 LED headlights are another budget friendly option on the list. They’re recommended for low-beam use, and have a clear, bright white light at 6000k to 6500k temperature.  They’re compatible with a wide range of vehicles, too! Anzo’s Black LED headlights have a 1 year warranty, and are brighter than the average factory halogen light bulbs.  They’re easy to install with plug-and-play wiring, and have a bright, well defined beam for maximum visibility on the road. Anzo’s Chrome LED headlights ha ve a 1 year limited warranty, require no drilling or cutting or special tools, and are easy to install thanks to their plug-and-play wiring.

The Rebelle Rally event is back and better than ever for 2023, especially if you’re on Team Toyota!  Toyota Motor North America has announced that it will have six different teams competing in this year’s event, doubling the number of participants from 2022.  The 12 participating team members represent a large swathe of professional disciplines and skills, but for this event they’ll be showcasing their precision driving skills and navigational prowess. This year, six teams will showcase the broad range of resilient trucks and unyielding spirit Toyota is presenting sponsor of Rebelle Rally’s Live Webcast again for 2023 more “As a trailblazer, Toyota understands the values of collaboration, perseverance, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence,” said Kristen Tabar, group vice president, Advanced Mobility Research and Development at Toyota Motor North America. “The Rebelle Rally provides the perfect platform for Toyota team members to demonstrate their passion for learning and problem solving, develop their driving skills, navigate treacherous terrains, and work together as a cohesive unit. This remarkable journey highlights important principles to Toyota’s culture: teamwork and the challenging spirit that drives the brand forward.” The Rebelle Rally is an event like no other: a fiercely competitive, women led, off-roading event where each team must work together to cover more than 1,400 miles of challenging terrain and unpaved ground as they race across the Nevada and California desert from October 12th through the 21st.  Toyota is once again a proud sponsor of the Rebelle Rally’s Live Webcast event, which will stream throughout the competition for viewers at home to ride along.  This year’s webcast will include interviews with participants, live updates, and insights from checkpoints along the route. Toyota’s teams will compete using a fleet consisting of six different Toyota vehicles featuring the company's most popular off-roading options.  Samantha Barber and Becky Brophy will be competing as Team 152 in a Toyota 4Runner; Sandra Li and Myra Padda will be competing as Team 182 in the Toyota Sequoia; Kara Yde and Susann Kazunas will be competing as Team 153 in a Toyota Tundra; Heather Eich and Alison McGowan will be competing as Team 183 in a Toyota Sequoia; Sive’a Peralta and Rie Iida will be competing as Team 190 in a Toyota Tundra; and Ai Keskeny and KArli Raimondo will be competing as Team 195 in a Toyota Tacoma. “Partnering with Rebelle Rally allows us to share amazing stories of resilience, determination and uncompromised power that our team members and vehicles showcase during this challenging event,” said Susann Kazunas, Vice President at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas. “We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the durable trucks and the incredible women who embody the spirit of the rally.”

Here at Classic, we love any holiday or event that gives us a chance to give back and connect with our community. Today is National Do Something Nice Day, and we’d like to celebrate by illustrating some amazing ideas for you to give back and help out other people. The world could always do with a little more kindness, so why not use today’s blog list as a springboard!  Feel free to contribute to the conversation by pitching in your own community-centric, neighborly suggestions in the comments on our social media, too. Here are four great ways to inspire others around you, and get you started with thinking in a community service oriented mindset: more Simply letting someone know that you care and are thinking about them can do a world of difference in their day. T oday is a great day to remember to check in with your friends and neighbors to see how they’re faring.   Perhaps offer to drop off a snack or a homemade meal, send them something fun in the mail, or fire off a few GIFs and memes via text or messenger.  Just knowing someone out there is hoping you have a good day can really bring about a smile or two! Do some volunteer work within your local community. Spend some time walking or playing with animals at the local shelter or city pound.  Donate some crafting supplies to the local senior center and do a little visiting while you’re there.  Put together some care packages of snacks and toiletries and drop them off at the local domestic shelter or homeless shelter; you can also give them out to people in need as you meet them. Help a “stranger.” There’s lots of ways to give back even if you don’t have the largest social circle.  This can look like helping someone load groceries into their car, paying for someone’s meal behind you at the drive through, paying in advance for the coffee of the person in line after you, leave an extra large tip at the next restaurant or bar you visit, leave a “Just because” gift card on someone’s windshield for a few dollars to the store they’re parked at, call the local utility company and pay off someone’s bill, or even donate some brand new books or clothing to a local family shelter. Sponsor or organize a local park cleanup effort. Gather your friends, family, and neighbors and rally together to help clean up your local community spaces such as parks and playgrounds.  Clear the garbage, sort the recycling, clean up the graffiti or damage to benches and equipment, help plant some new trees or flowers, participate in community fundraisers to add new attractions to local parks, volunteer at a local public event, install some public artwork like murals or street art or host public art shows, and help fundraise for green initiatives in your community.

We’re back with another fun edition of Automotive Terminology, where we demystify vocabulary, phrases, and terms used by industry professionals. We understand that buying, selling, and fixing cars is not a part of most of our customers daily or even weekly lives, so we’re here to help take the stress out of selecting or repairing your vehicle! Through our Classic Auto Group Decoder series, we’re giving you the tools to decode and navigate conversations with automotive professionals be they salesperson or mechanic.  And of course, if you have any questions or something you’d like to know more about, feel free to leave a comment and we’ll keep it in mind to answer for future posts! more Today, we’re going back to basics and taking a look at the 8 most essential parts of a vehicle and their functions.  We’re going to learn about the engine, transmission, front and rear axle, steering system, suspension system, wheels, tires, and brakes.  Let’s break it down into easier to digest parts so you can get a good understanding of what each of them does. The Engine: The engine’s job is to transform fuel into energy. This includes three primary categories: Internal Combustion Engines, Hybrid Engines (internal combustion + electric), and Electric Engines. Internal combustions work by taking in a mixture of fuel and air, compressing the air and fuel in the cylinder, which causes a small explosion that generates energy and expels the waste fumes as exhaust. The Electric Engine gets its energy from being plugged into a charging point, storing that energy in rechargeable batteries that power the motor and turn the wheels; they can accelerate much faster than conventional engines! The Hybrid combines the best of both worlds, utilizing the internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors; these do not usually require being plugged in, as the battery is usually charged by regenerative braking. The Transmission: This is one of the most essential components of your vehicle, as it’s what moves the power from a vehicle’s engine to its wheels. It helps ensure that your engine spins at the proper rate without going too fast or too slow at a given speed.  The transmission fluid inside it is a special oil that cools and lubricates the gears, and functions as a source of hydraulic pressure to shift the gears.  Parts that help your automatic transmission function include transmission fluid, torque converter, oil pump, planetary gear set, clutch pack, brake band, output shaft, oil pan, and valve body. Front and Rear Axle: These parts are responsible for rotating the wheels. Most vehicles have a front and rear axle, but some vehicles that are larger may have more.  The Front Axle is responsible for assisting your steering and processing shocks as you drive along the uneven roadways; it has four major components: the beam, swivel pin, track rod, and stub axle.  The Rear Axle is designed to deliver power to the driving wheels; it has two halves also known as half shafts which are connected by the differential. Steering System: A vehicle’s steering system includes not just the obvious steering wheel and steering shaft but also: ball joints, bushings, sway bar links ,center links, idler arms/pitman arms, rack and pinion units, tie rod ends/sleeves, CV Joints/boots, CV Axle Half shafts, shock absorbers, struts/cartridges.  Electric power steering is most commonly used in modern vehicles because it does not require steering fluid and thus has less maintenance requirements.  Some systems use electric assist, and others like hydraulic steering systems require power steering fluid. Suspension System: This system helps provide stability and performance of your vehicle by absorbing bumps in the road to provide you with a safe, smooth, and comfortable ride.  This includes the tires, air springs, sway bars, struts, shock absorbers, and linkages which connect the vehicle to its wheels.  It’s responsible for keeping the car in control as you drive, supports weight, and helps maintain tire contact with the road. Wheels and Tires: The wheels are spun by an axle powered by your vehicle's engine.  A vehicle’s tires wrap around the rim which acts as a framework of support and form, so that when you fill it with air it keeps its shape. Rims are usually made from steel or aluminum.  These in turn work together to help you turn and propel your vehicle forward using friction and constant ground contact. Brakes: The brakes help you apply friction, leverage, and hydraulic force to bring your moving vehicle to a stop or slow in speed.   When friction is applied, your brakes get hot from the kinetic energy converted from the wheel’s motion!  The brakes system includes the brake pedal, brake fluid, brake booster, master cylinder, brake lines and brake hoses, disc brakes (caliper, brake pads, brake rotor), drum brakes (brake drum, wheel cylinder, brake shoes.) It’s important to bring your car in for regular maintenance and scheduled repairs as soon as possible. Your local mechanic, like those at the Classic Body Shop, can help keep your ride in tip top shape, ensuring the safety of you, your passengers, and fellow drivers on the road.

We love a fun, pop culture moment, and October 3rd is the best of the best: Mean Girls Day! In celebration of this silly cinematic holiday, we’re bringing you a post filled with super fun Pink items for your vehicle. Because as everyone knows … on Wednesdays we wear pink, but our car is bedecked 24/7/365. more Add some pink flair to your car with these budget-friendly Neon Pink Car LED Strip Lights from EJ’s SUPER CAR Store on Amazon, just $13.59 at the time of this blog’s publication. The soft pink glow will add so much ambience without breaking your bank! Hop in on the pre-order with a special deal to save $70 on a Front and Rear Seat bundle with these Luxury Seat Covers in Pink or Black and Pink from SeatCover Solutions! They’re currently available in a full set via your make/model/year for just $389.99 We can’t resist a good sparkly, glittery accessory. Can you?  C heck out this 27 piece set of Blinged out gemstone car accessories from NBTEPEM Store on Amazon for just $49.99. If pink isn’t your thing, they’ve got additional colorways to choose from, too. The SINGARO Car Cup Holder Coasters are a bestseller for a reason! They’re convenient, non-slip and colorful accessories to help keep your car clean.  Pop ‘em in to protect from drink spills and coffee stains in your cup holder. They’re on sale at the time of publication of this blog for just $5.99! What could be more fun to do on October 3rd than express your inner Mean Girl with this 5 inch vinyl bumper sticker on Amazon from StickerU. Support a small business for just $4.95! Keep your car detailed and spotless with this THINKWORK Pink Portable Vacuum and Car Cleaning Kit with Cordless Rechargeable handheld vacuum cleaner. I t’s budget friendly clocking in under $50 with a pricetag at just $45.99. Never be caught unprepared for a vehicle emergency with this handy, and also stylish, hot pink car emergency kit from THINKWORK!  It includes jumper cables, a basic first aid kit, handy tools, and safety gear to get you through until help arrives.  Just $69.99! Who says girls can’t be gearheads, too? Exactly!  If you’d like to snag yourself a set of hot pink tools, we say go for it.  Your garage should reflect you and your interests, and there’s nothing wrong with a little color! This 220 piece tool kit from FASTPRO has everything you need to get your projects done, and then some. Currently on sale at the time of publication for $69.31. Carbella’s Pink Car Mats come in a 3 piece set with waterproof trim-to-fit car mats to fit your car, truck, or SUV. Keep your floors clean and tidy between detailings and washes after all your off-road adventures with this colorful trio.  Just $54.99 on Amazon right now.