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Since today is National Vinyl Records Day, we thought we’d celebrate by highlighting some of the fantastic musicians, bands, and performing artists that hail from Chicago.  We really do love living in such close proximity to one of the most Musical cities in America!  It’s such a gift to be able to connect with our favorite city through the work of these fantastic musicians.  If you’ve got a favorite musician we’ve left off our list, or a great musical hotspot or record shop we should visit just let us know in the comments on our social media! more Iconic Chicago Musicians Muddy Waters was an iconic American Blues Singer-Songwriter and musician known for his immensely powerful vocals with incredible depth of emotion.  He also played the guitar and the harmonica! Styx is an American rock band famous for their signature blend of hard rock guitar and acoustic guitar.  The band formed in 1972 as a progressive alt-rock band but soon rose to meteoric success as an arena rock band in the late 70s and 80s. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of6JVn8i934 Cheap Trick formed in Rockford, Illinois in 1973 and have been on tour as a classic 80s “Power Pop” and Hard rock crossover group.  Their iconic songs have been used in countless movies and television shows, as well as becoming infamous songs in pop culture history! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY9IXaZ9ius Wilco rose to popularity in the 1990s with their blend of alt-rock music with a hint of country-folk from their roots and poetic, heartfelt lyrics. Curtis Mayfiled is an unparalleled musical genius, singer-songwriter, and record producer whose legendary vocals, guitar, and influence have left an indelible mark on pop music, movies, and television. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cmo6MRYf5g Benny Goodman is heralded as the King of Swing with his trademark clarinet playing and brass band accompaniments.  His unique spin on instrumental tracks ushered in the swing era of the 1930s, but made such a lasting impression that we still enjoy his music decades later!  He’s a true legend in Chicago music history! Earth Wind and Fire are synonymous with the 1970s, but their music has beguiled people worldwide for decades!  From movies to radio to even Vine and TikTok, their music has influenced just about every generation, and their infectious melodies keep us dancing! Fall Out Boy rose to success in the early 2000s pop-punk and emo-pop scene thanks to their catchy riffs and memorable (if sometimes incomprehensible) rock anthem lyrics.  And of course they inspired legions of teen fans with their quirky music videos and “devilishly good looks.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onzL0EM1pKY Chaka Khan has produced an outstanding amount of timeless pop tunes that have become an icon for so many communities and individuals!  Once you hear her legendary dance beats, you can’t help but get up and dance.  There’s just nothing like her powerful, confident attitude and incredibly smooth vocals! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVDCNmdi7QI Common is a rapper, hip-hop artist, and activist who hit mainstream popularity thanks to his slick beats, incredibly crafted spoken-word style, and his thoughtful, empathetic lyrics which focused on positivity and social justice.  He later transitioned into acting for film and TV. He is also outspoken on current events and social issues, and considered an iconic figure in activist spheres. Sam Cooke was one of the most influential Black artists in the history of pop music, known for his distinctive style in Soul, R&B, and Gospel genres.  He’s often referred to as the “King of Soul” and was not only a singer-songwriter but also a producer and entrepreneur!  He is truly beloved by music aficionados but especially those who enjoy soul music. Chicago is a staple in American Rock music and so ubiquitous that it’s hard to believe they were once formerly known as “The Big Thing.”  With over 100,000,000 records sold, they’re one of the longest-running and best-selling music groups of all time!  Since 1967 they have recorded over 38 albums, and although the lineup has had a few changes, and the band has had its ups and downs and breakups, they've had legendary staying power and are still on tour today! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_l-st8Q1S0 Looking to grab some of these mega hits on vinyl for your collection? Check out these Chicago area record shops! Reckless Records Wicker Park Dusty Groove East Village Dave’s Records Lincoln Park 606 Records Lower West Side Gramaphone REcords in Lake view REcord Breakers in Avondale Electric Jungle Rogers Park

We’re celebrating National Mountain Day with a list of fantastic mountains across the country that beg to be your next vacation destination!  Pack up your hiking gear and let’s hit the road together on an exciting expedition to these gorgeous peaks and valleys. more Denali (Mount McKinley) in Alaska - Denali National Park is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in Alaska. It’s home to 37 species of mammals, 130 species of birds, and countless varieties of plants and flowers.  You’ll find incredible trails for hiking, cycling, snowmobiling, and backpacking as well as plenty of opportunities for fishing, photography, and wildlife documenting. Mount McKinley stands at a staggeringly tall 20,310 feet above sea level! Grand Teton in Wyoming - This national park is a must-see on every hikers bucket list.  There are plenty of gorgeous overlooks and hiking trails, gorgeous paths for cyclists, an aerial tram, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and so many opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation as well as photography.  Grand Teton stands an impressive 13,775 feet above sea level. Kiamichi Mountains in Oklahoma - This mountain range may be more diminutive in height compared to others on this list, standing at just 2,500 feet above sea level, but it does not make it any less impressive!  It’s situated in front of the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma, and provides ample opportunities for fishing, biking, canoeing, river floats, horseback riding, and hiking. You can also rent a cabin and enjoy the fresh mountain air for a memorable camping trip. And remember your camera, of course, as it’s got gorgeous lakeside and mountain scenery you will want to capture forever! Magazine Mountain in Arkansas - Another of the smaller peaks on our list, this Ozark mountain location is known for its majestic sweeping views of rolling hills and treetops.  It’s perfect for a quiet day of observation and exploration, as nature lovers will be captivated by the plants and wildlife in the region.  The Mount Magazine State Park area boasts a flat-topped plateau with sandstone bluffs, waterfalls, and a variety of hiking terrain trails. Mount Elbert in Colorado - This is the highest peak in the Sawatch Range, and also the second highest peak in the contiguous US, standing at 14,439 feet above sea level.  This is a hike that’s not for the faint of heart; though its risk for avalanches is low, it’s considered to be quite a challenge and poses genuinely serious risks for even experienced hikers. This is not a peak for novice climbers, but that’s not to say you can’t enjoy the scenery in the area!  The surrounding area has plenty to do including fishing, biking, rafting, horseback riding, and smaller hikes. And it’s of course a wonderful spot for plein air painters and photographers wishing to appreciate the scenery. Mount Katahdin in Maine - At 5,268 feet above sea level, this is the highest point in the state of main, and it’s located in Baxter State Park.  The mountain has multiple trails ranging in difficulty from movie to most challenging for experienced hikers. Beginners will want to choose “The Saddle Trail”, but it does have a pretty slow ascent so you’ll need some patience. It boasts an absolutely incredible view at the summit of the surrounding wilderness area and its multiple peaks, and that’s truly a must-see experience! Mount Rainier in Washington - Standing a whopping 14,411 feet above sea level, this peak is an absolute iconic part of the Washington state landscape!  You can see this impressive mountain rising above the mists and it’s the highest mountain in the state of Washington and its Cascade mountain range.  It’s an active volcano, and also one of the most glaciated peaks in the contiguous US, contributing to 5 major rivers in the area.  Whether you choose to brave the hike all the way to the summit, or prefer to explore the grounds nearby, there’s plenty of opportunity for all skill levels and ages to enjoy the mountain. Mount Washington in New Hampshire - Known for its incredible views of the White Mountains region, Mt Washington is the tallest point in the whole state of New Hampshire at 6,288 feet above sea level.  Visitors can opt to take the vintage train ride up to the summit, book a seat on a passenger van ride, spend a day hiking there and back again, or risk their transmission by driving up from the base to the summit on their own.  It’s got a weather station and museum to visit when you reach the top, as well as some of the most spectacular and photogenic landscape views! ​​ Mount Whitney in California - If you love a good challenge, then hiking to the summit of Mount Whitney is definitely the destination for you, at 14,505 feet above sea level. This peak is the highest mountain peak in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the state of California, and the contiguous US!  You can hike it all in one go if you’re ready for teh challenge, but less experienced hikers may prefer to choose a multi-day backpacking hike with a guide.  The surrounding area is incredibly scenic and truly majestic, offering opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping.

It’s National Vlogging Day today!  Before the advent of YouTube, you’d have been hard pressed to find someone who knew what the word “vlogging” meant, but now thanks to the advent of social media such as TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and even Instagram Reels it’s ubiquitous!  The internet is flooded with thousands of enthusiastic social media users documenting their niche special interests.  If you’re dying to fill your days with hours of content on your personal hobbies, vlogging is where it’s at!  But we know that sometimes it can be overwhelming to pick a place to start, and that’s why we’re bringing you some of our picks for niche car content in vlogging. more Check out our list of some of our favorite channels to check out on YouTube and other social media, and be sure to “Like and Subscribe” to your faves and help them sustain their creativity! The Car Care Nut This channel on Youtube is run by a Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician who has been in the automotive industry for more than a decade.  In addition to working on cars, he’s also got quite a passion for luxury vehicles and racing!  Subscribe to AMD’s channel and you’ll learn a lot about what’s under the hood, vehicle inspections, the mechanics of hybrids/plug-in hybrids and so much more!  It’s a very thorough and informative channel for all car enthusiasts.  Want to learn about a specific skill or have a question?  You can tune in to the channel’s Q&A livestreams for a chance to have yours answered! The Engineers Post This channel is jam packed with videos on the engineering behind all things automotive! Learn the science behind  everything from turning the key to start the ignition, how different types of engines work and are configured, hybrid battery technology, manual and automatic transmission mechanisms, and so much more.  Choose from one of the many playlists for curated topics or scroll the video feed to find specific subjects. It’s straightforward and informational content. Throtl This channel gives subscribers a behind-the-scenes look at custom car and truck builds!  The shop has an impressive collection of rebuilds, modifications, engine swaps, test drives, deep dives into the creative process, and even reaction videos.  There’s no shortage of excitement, either, as most of these custom projects deliver the ultimate in high speed, high performance, seriously stylized vehicles. You’ll love it! Driver 61 This is a UK based channel that focuses on Formula 1 racing themed content. Check out their playlists and overall library for a selection of F1 racing history, analysis of racing techniques, racing statistics, car parts and performance requirements of F1 vehicles, and so much more! Hoovies Garage Channel creator Tyler Hoover is an automotive enthusiast and writer who documents his wild car purchases and collection of unique vehicles.  You’ll find some of the content also crosses over with his fellow car vlogger pals as they collaborate on modification challenges and rebuild competitions.  It’s a very fun channel with really interesting cars and lots of behind the scenes vlogs. Engineering Explained This is one of the most accessible channels on YouTube if you’re looking to learn more about the science, engineering, and mechanics behind why and how vehicles work.  With simple, accessible, and through videos you’ll learn just about everything on what makes each make and model of car completely unique, as well as the why’s and how’s of their functionality. It’s one of our favorite subscriptions on YouTube! Petrolicious This is the ultimate channel for the classic car enthusiast!  Petrolicious has compiled thousands of hours of footage across the globe to bring their viewers top tier content in car collecting.  You’ll find rare vehicles, iconic classics, muscle cars, race cars, and so much more.  Their content is all about preserving the history and authenticity of classic cars, and spreading the joy and love of classic design.  You’ll have an opportunity to experience some truly dynamic vintage automobiles, and learn more about what sets them apart from our personal daily drivers. The playlists section is great for finding specific content on the topic you love most from racing to mechanics to regional designs. The Smoking Tire with Matt Farah This YouTube channel also has a corresponding podcast hosted by Matt Farah and Zack Klapman and their rotating cast of special guests.  Get an inside look into their personal collections of cars, video reviews of a wide variety of makes/models, and ride along on their many adventures!  It’s great for gearheads who want some quirky, casual viewing. Gears and Gasoline With new content videos promised every Saturday (life permitting) this channel is sure to provide you hours of fresh content to keep you focused.  Join along as the team vlogs their way across the US on road trips in their modified cars, or sit back and enjoy a series of  behind the scenes builds. Looking for something with a little more pep? The channel also has a great playlist or two with track day footage. AMMO NYC This is the channel for those who love some good old fashioned squeaky clean automotive content, literally!  Ammo NYC is one of the premiere places for car care needs.  The channel is full of incredible vehicle transformations from dirty, dusty, and decrepit to dazzling, gleaming clean cars! It’s an incredibly satisfying experience, but also quite educational! You’ll learn lots of tips and tricks to keeping your car neat and tidy, the best methods for cleaning and preserving the paint, and even helpful storage tips.  We think you’ll really enjoy this one! Check out this great video to learn how to start your own vlog:

Audiobooks are a fantastic way to pass the time while passenging on a long car ride. They’re also great at keeping you alert and engaged while driving long distances or commuting to and from work, with the ability to pause or stop whenever you need to focus on the road more easily than a phone call would be.  Today we’re going to share some of our picks for inspiring audiobooks to take with you on your next trip, or even if you’re in need to do some virtual travel on your staycation! more While the books on our list are currently available for purchase on sites like Amazon or Audible and iTunes, they’re not the only places you can find audiobooks!  Check with your local library on how to access their digital lending catalog. Most town, county, and even some college libraries have the option to download an app and check out a limited number of ebooks as well as audiobooks. It’s a fantastic way to stock up on entertainment for your road trip without breaking the bank, and leaves you a little bit of pocket change left for your destination. Click on a link below to check out an audio sample of these great books about travel, exploring, and fun adventures: World Travel: An Irrelevant Guide by Anthony Bourdain Walking Home by Rick Rogers In the Weeds by Tom Vitale Leave Only Footprints by Conor Knighton Aftershocks by Nadia Owusu No Standing on the Toilet and Other Itchy Feet Travel Tales by Sam Letchworth The Catch Me If You Can by Jessica Nabongo The 9 Best Hidden Gem Vacation Spots in the USA to Add to Your Travel Bucket List by Jim Conti Almost Anywhere by Krista Schlyer Road Trip with Remington Beagle: Michigan to Alaska and Back by Valerie Winans Spiral Jetta by Erin Hogan Bicycling with Butterflies by Sara Dykman Riverman: An American Odyssey by Ben McGrath We Came, We Saw, We Left: A Family Gap Year by Charles Wheelan

Today’s blog is focused on one of the most vital parts of your vehicle’s system: the brakes!  Your brakes give you the ability to slow down, stop, and avoid serious harm or accidents. Let’s learn a little more about what to look for, how they work, and how to repair them! Your brakes should be serviced every 20,000-60,000 miles, inspected every six months during an alignment/rotation, and if you’re using your car for frequent long trips, lots of commuting, or even as a rideshare you may wish to have them checked or inspected more frequently. more If you don’t get your brakes inspected and/or serviced regularly, this can cause the brake pads to wear down and grind metal-on-metal against the rotors.  This can lead to improperly stopping and higher risk of accidents and even death.  Your brakes should bring your vehicle to a complete stop with zero audible reaction. If you notice a screeching, squealing, or grinding sound when you press the brake pedal, it’s time to bring them in for a service.  This noise is caused by the “wear indicator” on your brake pads making contact with the rotor, indicating they are in dire need for replacement and repair. When it comes to selecting the right brake lines and brake pads for your vehicle, you should evaluate your driving frequency, distance, driving speed average, and location.  Your mechanic will help you select the best options for your make/model and driving habits. Check out this helpful video about how Brakes work from Donut Media on Youtube: We know that buying or servicing a vehicle isn’t a part of everyone’s daily life habits, so we’re here to help shine a light on important terms to know with today’s Classic Auto Group’s Automotive Terminology Decoder! Here are some helpful tips and terms to know when it comes to speaking about your vehicle’s brakes and parts: Brake fluid The fluid used in the hydraulic brake system. Brake lines, hoses & connections Tubes and their connections that carry brake fluid between the various components in a vehicles brake system. Brake linings High-friction, heat-resistant material that is attached to the brake shoes in a rear drum brake system. Brake master cylinder A device that stores brake fluid and hydraulically forces it through the brake lines to the brakes when the brake pedal is depressed. Brake pads High-friction material attached to a metal backing plate; these may be made of ceramic or a combination of metals and organic materials. Brake pedal A device used to control a vehicles brakes. Brake pedal spring A spring attached to the pedal assembly that provides some resistance during pedal depression and also assists in returning the pedal to an upright position. 👇️Let us know in the comments on our social media what other helpful terms and tips you'd like to learn on our next Automotive Terminology post! 👇️

There’s no better way to say farewell to summer and hello to the pending fall weather than a great campout!  And of course, as the nights get cooler and the days shorter, a great campfire is an absolute must! Today is national campfire day, and we thought it fitting to share fun and easy ways to camp in your vehicle!  No matter if you’re just taking a little nap on the side of the highway on an epic road trip, or you’ve made plans for a wilderness adventure as a weekend getaway, you’ll find lots of useful content on today’s blog.  We’ve got tips and tricks for campfires, campsite meals, gadgets and gizmos to camp in your car without a tent, and more. more Here’s some easy hacks to staying safe while using your car as a campsite: Make sure the space you choose for your car campout is a legal parking area; some spaces may require temporary passes, permits, or registration. Choose a flat, shaded area so your car will be stable and cool, and make sure the parking brake is engaged to avoid accident or injury. Adhere to posted signage and any warnings for roving wildlife, natural disaster prone areas, areas available to hunters/bowman, etc. Charge your electronics while you’re driving and ensure they’re fully powered before you turn in for the night.  Otherwise, choose a portable solar charger or battery pack for your car and electronics. Ensure all of your food is safely stowed in a container with a secure lid or a cooler. Hang a battery operated headlamp or battery operated lantern nearby for safety especially in case you need to take a bathroom break, check on your pets or human companions, or just do a little late night reading. Make sure your windows are open to provide proper ventilation and air circulation; you can DIY your own mesh window covering or buy a car tent mesh window cover. Make sure you have given your location to a family member or friend for safety, and check in with them before you turn in for the evening, and again when you wake up, for safety precautions. Check out this really cool camping conversion for a car: Great Car Camping Gadgets Buffing Hero’s Non-Inflatable Car Mattress is under $200 and a great portable mattress for backseats, hatchbacks, and more. Portable Camping an with LED Lantern and 40H Battery Life is great for circulating air and keeping cool while resting for less than $20. EcoNour  Car Window Screens for Camping 2 Pack is under $20 and keeps the bugs and pests out but lets fresh air in and is under $20 a pair. Tips and Tools for Making a Great Campfire: Adhere to any posted signage that allows or prohibits bonfires, firepits, grilling, etc. Follow one of the 5 methods of building a campfire. Check out Smokey the Bear’s tips for maintaining a safe and sustained campfire. Do not light a campfire or ignite anything near a vehicle as it is a fire hazard. Learn how to choose the right area of a campsite to build your campfire or fire pit. Snag yourself these essential campfire tools The Campfire Pocket Torch on REI.com A good pair of fire gloves from REI.com Campfire utensils from REI.com A Cast Iron Fire Pit Griddle A Cast Iron Dutch Oven Wonderful Campfire Recipes to Try on Your Next Campout Vegan Camping Meals Campfire Fish Recipe Campfire Trout with Herbs and Bacon Mini S’mores Grilled Corn in Husk Camper’s Breakfast Hash Skillet Herb Bread Get-Up-And-Go Granola

Today is National Dash Cam Day!  We’re here to help shine a light on one of the most important new tools to enhance safety and security for all vehicles and all drivers.  Give yourself more peace of mind in the event of an accident, reduce the chances of theft, and even potentially lower your car insurance premium thanks to added protection. more This tiny camera can be mounted on the windshield or dashboard of your vehicle, and the rear windows.  Dash cams are a wonderful piece of technology that can help accurately report damage during collisions by serving as a witness with record, improves your driving skills, and can upload footage to the cloud for later use as needed. It’s also a great way to protect younger drivers by having an “extra set of eyes” when you can’t be there as a parent to monitor them. Basic models will record the road, mid-range models offer additional protecting like parking monitoring, and higher level options can do all of that and more! Check out our picks for some options to fit just about every need and budget. The Dual Dash Cam Front and Inside 1080P Camera for $59.99 on Amazon has Infrared Night Vision and dual mounting options.  It’s great for drivers who spend a lot of time on the road after dark, and also great for monitoring your car if you use street parking.  In addition, it has features that trigger the camera recording if your car is hit while parked. LAMTTO’s Mirror Dash Cam with Front and Rear Dual Camera and Parking Assistant is another great budget friendly feature on our list today. At just $69.99 on Amazon at the time of posting this, it’s a fantastic entry level model to increase your safety and security without breakin the bank. The Nextbase 222 Dash Cam is available for $90 at Walmart and it has 1080P HD capabilities, and enhanced tech for both daytime and nighttime recording. It’s compact design makes it convenient to place anywhere to monitor your car both on and off the road.  It’s got a low-profile design and high-strength magnets for easy installation that stays out of your eyesight. Car and DRiver’s Dash Cam Road Patrol Dual FHD 1080P Cameras have a Sony sensor, night vision, GPS and more.  The convenient and clear OLED touch screen makes it easy to change settings, view footage, and navigate menu options.  It will keep your car safe on and off the road with Drivesmart Alert System for enhanced driver safety, and parking mode which starts recording as soon as it detects a collision. The Garmin Dash Cam 47 at Best Buy for $169.99 may not be the highest quality camera on the market, but it’s got clear visuals, an easy app interface, it’s simple to install and use, and it’s a great value for the dollar! The Thinkware U1000 Wi-Fi Dash Cam with 32GBS memory card and Rear View Camera is the top tier price point on our list, but it's worth it. With 4K UHD Dash Cam Resolution, Low-Light 30FPS Recording potential, a built-in GPS tracker with microphone and speaker, and the Thinkware Cloud App for iOS and Android, it’s the best of the best right now on the market. It also includes driver assistance features such as forward collision, lane departure, and other safety features. Check out this video from CNET on Choosing a Dash Cam for your car:

Today is National Service/Assistance Dog Day. Let's give a cheer for these incredible canine companions!⁠ These dogs provide an essential service for disabled people and include (but aren't limited to) Seeing-Eye guide dogs, emotional support therapy, veterans assistance, and other accessibility needs.  ⁠Check out today's blog post to learn more! more Unlike typical pets, these dogs receive specialized training so they can join their human companion and assist them in their daily life. Service dogs are allowed places that other animals may not be allowed to enter such as buses, taxis, restaurants, and other public forums.  You may have even noticed various service and support working dogs out and about on public transportation, in your ride-share pool, out on the street, or even with a customer at one of our dealerships.⁠ Here Are The Types of Service Dogs You May See: Guide Dogs Hearing Dogs Brace/Mobility Assistance Dogs Diabetic Alert Dogs Seizure Alert and Seizure Response Dogs Psychiatric Service Dogs Autism Support Dogs FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) Service Dogs Allergy Detection Dogs Emotional Support Therapy Dogs PTSD Service Dogs ⁠ If you see one of these canine good citizens out and about you may notice they have special lead or harness or vest with a designation, remember that they're on the clock working and shouldn't be approached lest they be distracted and not able to do their jobs properly.⁠  These animals have spent years of training and had thorough educations in their specialized areas to be able to best assist their owners to lead a more independent, accessible life.  You can learn a little more about their training here with this article from the AKC. Traveling with a Service Dog may sometimes require a few extra steps to ensure the dog’s safety, as well as making sure that transportation services will properly accommodate an individual’s needs. Here’s some information on what’s required for bringing a service dog on an airplane, and more details on other accessibility requirements. Curious about bringing a service dog in a taxi or rideshare service? While these drivers are legally obligated to provide their services to riders with service animals, oftentimes a rideshare partner may still try to refuse transportation. Here is a blog post with firsthand experience from an individual with a service dog who has encountered such experiences in ableism and discrimination.  By learning more about this type of discrimination, we can learn how to be better advocates for others as well as ourselves, and create a more inclusive and accessible environment for both disabled and able-bodied individals. Just like the average pet canine, Service Dogs require the same safety in moving vehicles, and should still follow precautions.  It's recommended that service dogs are secured safely with a Car Harness and tethered with room to lie on the floor or sitting harnessed in the seat; it depends on the Service Dog's owner and their preference and accessibility needs.⁠ Here’s a great little video that explains how service animals assist their owners on public transportation: Wondering how some service dogs travel by car or over long distances? Check out this amazing video here: And here’s some fun facts about Service Dogs from The Official Service Dog Registry from a few years ago:

Welcome to another edition of our Car Care Service Tips blog!  We’re here to help you maintain our vehicle between your regularly scheduled maintenance appointments at our service center and auto body shop.  Check out these summer essential service points before you head out on your next long drive or day trip. more Check Tire Air Pressure and Rotate Tires After several day-trips or even a lengthy drive to your vacation destination, your car tires are going to have seen their fair share of wear-and-tear.  Check the tread depth for signs of wear or uneven tread; replace or patch any damaged tires.  Check the tire pressure before you depart on your next adventure, and especially with any 10 degree temperature change outside. Inflate them to the recommended PSI from the manufacturer’s guidelines. Make sure you bring your car in for a wheel alignment check and have the tires rotated to ensure even wear. Top off Fluids While it’s important to keep your car’s fluids in check on the regular and with each seasonal maintenance, it’s imperative that during the summer months you especially keep an eye on your Coolant and motor oil levels. An increase in summer travel along with high-heat can mean these fluids are depleted quicker than average, and the last thing you want is to be stranded on the highway with a seized engine.  Make sure that you have Antifreeze/Coolant topped off as well as the appropriate oil before you leave on a long trip. Change Oil and filter Each vehicle make/model will differ in mileage requirements for oil changes, but most are between 3,000 and 6,000 miles between an oil change service.  Be sure that you bring your car in at the appropriate mileage markers especially if you’ve been making frequent drives or a long journey.  It will ensure your vehicle runs more efficiently in hot weather, reducing the chance of a seized engine or fuel inefficiency. Clean and/or replace air filter Summer heat means running the AC frequently, and that can lead to a need to replace your air filter in just one or two months as opposed to the usual 3.  Make sure you’re regularly checking the filter and cleaning it as needed, or replacing it earlier if you’ve been doing a lot of driving this summer.  It will ensure that your AC runs properly and can consistently cool your vehicle. Park your car in the shade Finding the shadiest spot in the lot during summer has quite a lot of benefits for your vehicle.  The most obvious benefit of a shady spot is keeping the interior cool, making it more comfortable for you to drive later and preventing damage to the car’s leather or fabric surfaces.  If you can’t find a shady spot, you can add a window shade or a sunshield to the windshield and prevent UV light from warming your car as quickly.  Shaded parking over the long term can also help protect the longevity of your car’s paint and protective clear coat, which can be damaged over time by long exposure to direct sunlight.  Using a fabric car cover for prolonged storage or lengthy parking times such as a few days can help keep paint safe. Is there a topic you wish to see covered in depth on a future service post update? Let us know in the comments on our social media!

There’s only a few short weeks left until the season ends and school begins again, so let’s make the most of it with one last memorable camping adventure of the Summer! Today we’re highlighting some of our best picks for gadgets we’ve found for those who seek to elevate their road trip to the next level.  We’re covering must-have gadgets for globetrotting “glampers” who want a taste of that instagrammable “Van Life” with all the modern amenities.  You’ll find everything from portable power units that can run your whole car or camper, outdoor friendly furniture and sleeping mats, and upscale GPS options for your offroad dreams.  Let us help you make the best of your last blast of summer in the coming weeks. more So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy that warm summer breeze while you can! If you’ve tried any of the items on this post, or have a suggestion of your own?  Feel free to chime in with a comment on our social media.  We’d love to hear what you have to say! YETI’s GoalZero portable power generator is a must-have for those who prefer to live off-grid on their road trips and campsites.  This plug-and-play option has solar powered charging, so you’ll never have to worry about the dangers of transporting fuel tanks or making a pit stop at a gas station to keep it powered.  It powers everything from laptops to tablets to gaming devices and phones, as well as featuring wall outlet options for lights and small cooking appliances.  Perfect for travel bloggers to keep their devices charged while recording beautiful scenery and vistas!  Works in weather conditions as chilly as  32º or as warm as 104º! Luno’s Air Mattresses are a top tier choice when it comes to inflatable mattresses for car camping and van life.  No matter what vehicle you’re using for your road trips, you’ll find one that fits perfectly for your exact make and model.  The company also makes a variety of additional accessories to make life more comfortable on the road. The Tread Powersport Navigator by Garmin is the ultimate accessory for your off-road adventures.  Gone are the days of shaking your phone in exasperation as the signal drops out again.  Forget about waiting for the infotainment system to load with its 1 bar of service.  With Tread, you’ll have seamless transition from road to rugged terrain along with a group ride option with radio and tracking for up to 20 of your pals.  You can sync the data across several wireless devices, too. It's perfect for traveling off the beaten track, with its weather resistant features and topographic mapping options.for North and Central America as well as US Forest Roads, Motor Vehicle Use Maps, and street makes of North America.  It highlights land boundaries and national parks and much more. A portable shower like the NEMO is an essential device for all hikers and campers to keep in their vehicle. Bid farewell to dirty boots, gear, and car mats;  rinse your equipment off before stowing it for the ride home, or wash your boots after hitting the muddy hiking trails.  Or keep it on hand at your next off-grid campout, so you can have a nice warm shower with fresh clean water!  It’s even great for hosing down your pets after a day in the mud or the sand!  No need to hang it off your vehicle like standard gravity showers, this one is easily portable and convenient with a foot pump and pressurized waterflow. The Belkin Magnetic Wireless Apple Compatible charger is the lowest priced item on our list, but certainly a must-have for tech savvy travelers. It’s compatible with the newest iPhone models from the 12 onwards, and uses USB-C and works with official MagSafe cases. The Carsule is an amazing pop-up camping option that fits most small to medium vehicles with hatchbacks or upward swing tailgates.  It easily folds and stows away in your trunk with space saving features.  Photographers and travel bloggers will enjoy the flexibility of being able to work on their photos, videos, and posts on the go. Campers and hikers will love the convenience for rests in between long hikes or day-to-day campsite rotation.  It’s a great budget friendly option with quick assembly that’s great for solo travel or couples.

Welcome to another Summer Edition of Classic’s Community Calendar!  We’ve done our best to round up some super fun events and family friendly fare.  You’ll find something for everyone in your social circle to come together and enjoy in our last full month of summer. So what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to appreciate the little moments with your loved ones. more On August 3rd at te Bonnie Brook Golf Course Clubhouse enjoy some live music and fantastic food for just $10 a meal at the “Chillin & Grillin Event with Matt Meyer” from 5PM to 8PM. On August 4th at Waukegan Municipal Beach from 7AM to 10AM stop by and enjoy the local Bird Walk event and learn more about local wildlife. Shorebird migration is abundant in early August, and there’s lots to varieties of our fine featured friends to observe. On August 5th at BMX Waukegan, all ages and skill levels of enthusiasts are invited to join in the fun for a BMX clinic hosted by 2x Olympian Nic Long. Registration in advance is required. August 5th starting at 5:30 is Afro-Caribbean Night at Stretch’s Sports Bar and Grill!  The kitche n will be serving up delicious jerk chicken, curries, oxtail with red beans and rice, cabbage, and mac and cheese. At 9PM you can catch some hot tracks with DJ Rickybobby Moore and DJ Hypnosis. Start your day with some calm on August 6th with Yoga at the Beach with Marlene at the Stiner Pavillion sponsored by Waukegan Park District! Bring your own mat and yoga blocks and of course, some chill vibes. The session is open to all levels of practice! Catch the last free Waukegan Band concert of the season on August 9th at 9PM at the Stiner Pavillion sponsored by Waukegan Park District.  Bring a chair, blanket, your favourite eats and your best pals and enjoy an evening of beautiful music from “Prismatic Spectrum: The People’s Choice.” On August 10th you can enjoy a workshop on buying and selling homes from the comfort of your current one! Join the Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim from 11AM to 12PM for “Fiscally Fit: Get Moving: A 60 minute Home Buying Workout” that’s tailored to buyers and sellers alike.  Learn more about the process and have your questions answered in this virtual meetup. August 13th is a great day to head over to the Kids’ Fair 2022 from 9:30AM at the Foglia YMCA of Lake Zurich for some great family fun. On August 15th beginning at 11AM over at Briarwood Country Club you can enjoy a beautiful day of golfing and fundraising for the 20th Annual Golf Outing for A Safe Place, to benefit domestic violence outreach and support in Chicago/Chicagoland area. On August 17th head over to Bevier Park for the “GO Waukegan Glow Walk” and enjoy an hour long community wide event from 7PM to 8PM, weather permitting. Head over to Bown Park on August 20th between 12PM and 4PM to celebrate literary great Ray Bradbury’s birthday with the 2022 Ray Bradbury Dandelion Wine Arts and Music Festival on Saturday! On August 26th the Waukegan Public Library is hosting another wonderful Summer Courtyard Series performance with artist John Nepper Bone Appetit from 12PM to 1PM with free admission! On August 27th head over to Maplewood Park in Deerfield for FAmily Field Day with your loved ones from 10AM to 12PM. Got an event coming up that you think our readers would enjoy? Let us know in a comment on our social media and we may included it in a future update for the following months!

Check out our picks for great gearhead content on YouTube! In case you haven’t noticed, we really really love cars!  In fact, when we’re not here on the sales floor or in the auto group office, you’ll find many of us out on the road or in our garages working on our own cars.  But even the most enthusiastic Gearhead today’s post comes in.  We’ve rounded up our picks for some of our favorite channels on YouTube for car enthusiasts of all skill levels. more Whether you love to be hands-on under the hood and live the DIY lifestyle, or you prefer the adrenaline rush of track day, there’s something for everyone on today’s blog.  Check out these Car Vloggers and feel free to suggest your fave in the comments and we may feature your picks on our next YouTuber Roundup #1 Donut Media This channel’s content is educational, extensive, vastly interesting, and cleverly presented with a sense of cheeky humor.  Donut Media is the channel for those who want to “nerd out” about cars including fun facts, Top 10 lists, product comparison videos, car news, and so much more. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a more lighthearted approach to automotive topics and education. The team at Donut clearly love what they do, and no matter if you love new cars, old cars, or something in between - Donut Media has a video for you! #2 Mighty Car Mods This charming dynamic duo of Aussie gearheads, Marty and Moog, hves some of the most entertaining content from the other side of the globe.  From beaters to brand new cars, they do it all on their own, always adding their own personal stamp and spin to their projects.  Not only do they modify and mend their favourite cars for racing and daily driving, but they also make movies and music.  What’s not to love about a pair of best friends bonding over what they love? We could all use a little more of their jovial personalities and uplifting attitudes! #3 Engineering Explained Have you ever wondered where combustion engines will be in 10 years?  Curious about the chemical reaction that takes place under the hood of your car?  Want to know how each part of the engine fits together and why it was designed that way? Engineering Explained sets out to break down the most basic question: “How does it all work?” Thanks to Engineering Explained, car enthusiasts of any level will find even the toughest topics broken down into easy to understand tidbits.  Jason Fenske presents his knowledge in a straightforward, easily-digestible way so that you can gain a little insight into how your fave cars work and run, and become a better car owner in the process. #4 Tavarish Tavarish is knowledgeable, opinionated, a big personality, and his personal car collection is a perfect match to his vibe.  You’ll find a wide variety of content on his channel, including some super fun crossover content and challenges with his fellow YouTube Vlogger pals!  This Russian-born and New Jersey-raised car enthusiast has a delightful collection of videos on modifying and repairing cars.  His playlist of 60-Second reviews is perfect for those with short attention spans!  Get the scoop on the latest and greatest cars out there. Looking for inspiration on designing your garage? Check out his dream garage build where he takes you from start to finish in revamping it to fit his needs!  Watch as he buys cars off of Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other local outlets and whips them into shape as the “whip of his dreams.” #5 The Hoonigans Known by collectors, drivers, and enthusiasts alike - the Hoonigan channel has really carved out a name for themselves in the automotive industry.  This team lives for track day, and consistently impress again and again with their tricks, stuns, and Don’t try this at home, folks; many of the stunts and adventures The Hoonigans partake in are dangerous to the inexperienced driver! Stay safe at home and boost your adrenaline by watching from your phone, tablet, or laptop. #6 Gears & Gasoline With more than 1 million subscribers on YouTube, this channel is perfect for vehicle enthusiasts of all kinds.  This passionate team of vloggers has dedicated their channel to chronicling their car modifications, test drives, track days, and even road trip recaps.  With cars ranging from budget friendly options to high end sports cars, there’s plenty to keep you intrigued and subscribed to this channel! Who doesn’t love a little Sunday Drive ASMR? Count us in, that’s for sure!