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Did you know that today is National Puzzle Day?  Whether you’re looking for a rousing good time with friends, an activity for the whole family, or a lively new addition to your date night rotation, you’ll find plenty of ideas on today’s blog! We’re highlighting our picks for interesting Escape Rooms and Mystery Dinner Theatre puzzles that involve diving right into the center of all the action.  Solve a puzzle or a mysterious crime with a little bit of cheeky improv and a lot of laughs! And for those who prefer to stay indoors, but want to stay busy at home we’ve got some great picks for car themed puzzles. It’s all happening right here on today’s blog. more Amazing Escape Room Experiences in Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin: You might have seen Escape Rooms or Puzzle Escape Game Experiences popping up in your area over the last few years.  They’re an excellent way to spend time with friends and family, and perfect for those who have a competitive edge!   You and your friends, or even a group of strangers, will work together to solve puzzles by putting together clues or brain teasers in order to beat the clock and gain your freedom.  It’s a fun teamwork experience with challenging adventures and themed elements, and no experience is the same twice!   You’ll experience a whole new form of experiential storytelling and role playing for a truly unique night out on the town.  Check out our picks for great escape rooms in the area and snag your ticket now! 60 to Escape in Gurnee IL Golden Escape Rooms in Grayslake IL Edge of Escape Rooms in Zion IL No Escape Room in Buffalo Grove IL Xscape in Time in Barrington IL Lock Chicago Escape Rooms in Wilmette IL Noggin Builders Kid Escape Room in Northbrook, IL EscapeQuest in Crystal Lake IL Twisted Limits Escape Rooms in McHenry IL Mastermind Escape Games in Schaumburg IL Lake Geneva Clue Room in Lake Geneva WI TeamEscape 262 Menomonee Falls, wI City13 Milwaukee in Oak Creek, WI Seven Keys to Escape in Racine, WI Mystery Dinner Theatre Shows in Wisconsin and Illinois: If you really enjoy the escape room experience, but want to shake things up a bit, then dinner mystery theatre is just the ticket!  Check out these super fun experiential supper clubs and virtual experiences that put you and your guests in the middle of a mystery to solve.  It’s a super unique experience that will change each time you go thanks to the magic of improv theatre. The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Schaumburg The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Chicago The Murder Mystery Company in Milwaukee, WI St Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre in Hudson, WI Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI Murder Mystery Dinner Parties in Chicago Cool Car Themed Puzzles to Do At Home SpringBok’s 1000 Piece Classic Car Puzzle MasterPieces 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle Route 66 Pitstop Road Trip License Plate Map Puzzle by TDC Games Road Trip Puzzle Map Book for Kids on the Go by Conceptis Puzzles Road Trip 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Buffalo Games Store

It’s National Chocolate Cake Day It’s National Chocolate Cake Day, and we feel that’s cause enough to celebrate. Who doesn’t love a great chocolate cake?!  It’s the perfect sweet moment to punctuate a busy week once the weekend rolls around.   All that fudgy, moist, sweet, rich deliciousness on a plate is the best treat at the end of a long day.  And we’re here to support some fantastic local businesses in the Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin, all just a short drive away from Classic Auto Group!  So let’s hit the road and find some truly luscious chocolate treats right here on today’s blog. more Best Places to Grab a Slice of Chocolate Cake or Order Dessert: Illusion Bakery Inc in Waukegan O Brothers Bakery in Waukegan Tony’s Bakery in Waukegan Panaderia y Pasteleria Arizmendi in Waukegan Sweet Tooth Delivery in Gurnee Dalton’s Cakes in Grayslake Tina’s Italian Bake Shop in Gurnee Gloria’s Cakes in Racine, WI O&H Danish Bakery in Racine, WI Larsen Bakery Inc in Racine, WI Olde Madrid in Racine, WI Sebastian’s in Racine, WI Nothing Bundt Cakes in Greenfield, WI Sweet Mandy B’s Bakery in Chicago Mindy’s Bakery in Chicago Lutz Cafe & Pastry Shop in Chicago Jennivee’s Bakery in Chicago Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe in Chicago Make Your Own Car Themed Cakes in These Fabulous Tins and Moulds: Wotoy’s Cake Baking Pan Mold Wilton’s Lightning McQueen Cake Pan Mold Car Shaped Silicone Molds for Cake or Candies

We’re back with another great guide to Winter Sports fun in Illinois and Wisconsin.  Check out our latest travel blog and get to planning your great winter escape outdoors with some of our great picks for destination getaways and day trips.  From snowmobiling to snow tubing to ice skating and more, there’s lots of fun for everyone! more Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club This incredible group maintains over 160 miles of trails in Northern Wisconsin in the Minocqua area.  The group grooms the trails weekly, ensuring they’re in prime condition for weekend activities.  You can view the full map of trails here! There’s a lot of additional wintertime Northwoods activities in the area, too: ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding galore!  There’s even snow tubing and an incredible winter zipline course. Where to Eat: Northfork Fin & Filet in Arbor Vitae WI; Mary’s Place North in Arbor Vitae WI; Mavericks Restaurant Mexicano in Woodruff WI; Black Bear Bar and Grill in Minocqua WI; Great Northern Coffee Traders in Minocqua WI; Minocqua Prime in Minocqua WI; Lakeside Grill in Minocqua WI; Dixies Coffee House in Manitowish Waters WI Where to Stay: Timber Bay Resort in Lac du Flambeau; Pointe Hotel & Suites and Conference Center in Minocqua; Pine Hill Resort in Minocqua; The Waters of Minocqua; Whitehaven Bed & Breakfast in Minocqua Winter Park Other Activities Nearby: The Northwoods Petroleum Museum, Rhinelander Logging Museum, Three Lakes Center for the Arts, Campanile Center for the Arts, Island City Antique Market Bearskin State Trail This 26 mile trail stretches through two counties in Wisconsin.  You’ll enjoy activities all year round such as walking or biking and fishing in the warmer months, and snowmobiling and cross country skiing in the winter time.  Enjoy beautiful views of densely wooded pine forests, and enjoy the many lakes and ponds inviting you to enjoy the sites and sounds of the majestic regional wildlife. Where to Eat: Shady Sue’s Restaurant, Rhinelander Family Restaurant, Joe’s Pasty Shop, Big Daddy’s, Pat’s Tavern & Grill, Crimson Cafe, Dina Mia Pizza, CT’S Deli LLC Where to Stay: Quality Inn, Days Inn & Suites, AmericInn by Wyndham, Clear Lake Inn and Resort, Holiday Acres Resort on Lake Thompson, Centerstone Resort Lake-Aire-Tomahawk, Kafka’s Resort Other Activities Nearby: The Hodag, ArtStart, Rhinelander Historical Society Des Plaines River Trail Wadsworth Spanning a whopping 56 miles in both Cook and Lake counties, this gorgeous trail is perfect for year round fun.  You can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, walking, and horseback riding in warmer weather, or head out for a cool afternoon of winter fun with cross country skiing or snowmobiling.  This trail winds its way along protected lands and 85% of the river running through Lake County.  Enjoy all of the sights and sounds of nature and do a little bird watching or wildlife photography while you’re out there! Where to Eat: The Shanty Restaurant in Wadsworth; Captain Porky’s in Wadsworth; The Duck Inn in Wadsworth; Mama K’s Pizza and Grille; Pho Kho Gia Lai Vietnamese, Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe in Libertyville; Madras Kafe in Vernon Hills; Nirvana Wine & Grillerie in Vernon Hills; Tsukasa of Tokyo in Vernon Hills Where to Stay: The Lotus Suites, Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast, The Inn on Sheridan, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Illinois Other Activities Nearby: 60 to Escape; Funflatables Gurnee; Extreme Flight Simulation; Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve; Midlane Country Club, Russell Military Museum Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda Whether you’re heading out for a solo day to get in touch with nature, or breaking away from the screens with your family and friends for outdoor fun, you’ll have a blast here in the Wauconda area.  From Ice Fishing to Ice Skating to Sledding and Snowmobiling, there are plenty of ways to enjoy wintertime outdoors at the Lakewood preserve.  There are even several dog parks for your canine companions to enjoy a little socialization time! Where to Eat: SLYCE Coal Fired Pizza Company; Bulldogs Grill; Uncle D’s Bar and Grille, Strawberry Moon; ALonso’s Burrito Express; Whisk Bakery & Coffee; Deacon’s Restaurant & Bar at the Golf Farm; Sofia’s Mexican Restaurant Where to Stay: Victoria Rose Garden Bed & Breakfast; Waterfront Hotel & Marina; Lincolnshire Marriott Resort; The Cottages on Petite Lake; The Mansion Bed & Breakfast; Cypress Resort & Marine Other Activities Nearby: Wauconda Bowl, Silver Lotus Yoga, Wedgewood Riding Center; Nippersink in Volo; Side Lot Brewery; Avolve Fitness More Great Destinations for casual sledding and tubing: Century Park Sled Hill in Vernon Hills, IL Wilmot Mountain in Wilmot, WI Wadsworth Sledding Hill in Wadsworth, IL Hart’s Hill in Round Lake, IL Paulus Park in Lake Zurich, IL Caboose Hill Sledding Hill in Lake Villa, IL Blair Park in Lake Bluff, IL Warren Township Sledding Hill in Gurnee, IL Christine Thompson Park in Gurnee, IL Great Destinations for Ice Skating in the Waukegan Area: Top Shelf Ice Arena in Gurnee, IL Skate Room in Vernon Hills, IL Watts Ice Center in Glencoe, IL Skating Ring at Midway Plaisance in Chicago, IL Inwood Ice Arena in Chicago, IL Kenosha Ice Arena in Kenosha, WI Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, WI

Wintertime here in the Northern United States can be a real challenge!  The unpredictability of winter storms can mean sleet, slush, snow, and ice on the road as well as our vehicles. It’s important to make sure that you’re well equipped to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you.  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to convenient winter weather car gear and gadgets.  Check it out! more The Heated Ice Scraper is an essential tool for every driver tackling winter weather muck.  Speed up the process of clearing your car windows and mirrors with this convenient 12V powered heated ice scraper for under $20! Get it for a steal right here. For those that prefer an ice scraper with reliable ol’ “manpower” you can ceheck out the Better Stuff Ice Scraper which chips and clears ice at the same time!  That’s right, it’s patented design is crafted to conform to the shape of your windshield to slice up hard-to-clear coatings of ice and frost while sweeping away the slush simultaneously.  You can grab a single or a two-pack and give one to a friend. Get it right here for under $25! Using the reliability of Amazon Confirmed Fit to find the right option for your car, this EcoNour Car Windshield Cover for Snow and Ice is one of the best buys for the snowy season.  Place one of these all-weather covers on your windshield to reduce your need to clear snow and muck and ice off the glass. Choose from the Standard or Extra Large sizes. Affordably priced under $30 right here. When paired with the convenient EcoNour Car Windshield Cover, your car can have all-season protection from the elements thanks to the EcoNour Car Side Mirror Snow Covers.  Check the Amazon Confirmed Fit feature to find the right option for your vehicle.  Affordably priced under $20, and currently on sale for $9.99! Get them right here. For the shorter drivers in our midst, the Astro AI 47,2” Ice Scraper with 360 pivoting head is going to be a godsend.  Choose from Medium or Large sized options in two colorways. Quickly clear the snow off of the top of your car, truck, SUV, or van with a convenient brush head or ice scraper at either end. Get yours here for under $30. No matter how carefully you drive, accidents do happen to the best of us!  Being stranded in a slushy snow puddle, icy patch, or other inclement weather hazard can be a real struggle.  But with the Tracgrabber tire traction device for snow and mud, the struggle will be a thing of the past!  With plenty of size options for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and even oversized vehicles, you can get a set of 2 or 4 of these easy install straps.  They’ll give your tires a little bit of stability and traction to get you out of many sticky situations.  Priced between $99 and $150, but this type of safety and comfort is priceless! Get yours here. We want to hear from you! Do you have a favourite item that’s been a lifesaver in inclement weather? Tell us in a comment and we may feature it in a future blog post update!

Today is National Hugging Day, and with the pandemic in swing, we realize this may not be the easiest holiday to celebrate for everyone, but if you’re able, give your loved ones a hug and let them know you care! (Don’t forget to hug your pets, too!)  And if you can’t see your loved ones for whatever reason, we’re here to share some great ways you can “hug” your community and show them you care! more Today we’re highlighting a wonderful local charity who needs your help providing not just hugs but safety and security to our local community here in Lake County.  Additionally, we’ve got a short list of more ways you can help local organizations and individuals. We Support COOL Ministries, and so can you: COOL Ministries is a not for profit charitable organization serving families in Illinois.  Founded by members of six Lutheran Churches, the organization first opened its doors to the community in 1983 with its inaugural COOL Food Pantry project.  They opened an additional location in 2007, COOL Pantry West, in Ingleside by way of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, which remained in operation through 2018. COOL pantry provides local families and veterans with breakfast, lunch, and dinner; they also provide accommodations for cardiac and diabetic diets, as well as options for those with allergies, and a wide array of ethnic food offerings. Since 2015, COOL Ministries is now a fully recognized social services organization run by the COOL Board of Directors who put their heart and soul into their work.  In 2016, after 30 years of operation out of a storefront in downtown Waukegan, headquarters relocated operations to a beautiful facility downtown at the Glen Flora Building on West Glen Flora Avenue. The COOL pantries receive an immense amount of community support from everyone here in Lake County; everyone from churches to individuals to the United Way of Lake County, and incredible grant funding and corporate donations.  We are also proud to count ourselves in the midst of those who support the efforts of COOL Ministries as they help local families and veterans find their footing on stable ground!  The support for COOL Ministries and the COOL Pantries is as diverse as the beautiful community we all love, work, and live in. Please, join us in supporting our community by helping raise funds and collecting donation items for COOL ministries from this list: Other fantastic ways you can support your community: Donate your time and physical presence to helping stock food pantries or serve meals Give blood at local blood banks or blood drives Ask if your employer will contribute a “gift match” to your personal donation When shopping on Amazon, set http://Smile.Amazon.com as your homepage Create care packages for the local homeless population and distribute, or bring to warming stations around the city. Collect gently used toys, books, and clothing in good condition which has been laundered and folded neatly, and bring them to a local family shelter or to warming stations around town. Donate or volunteer at events with other local charities and nonprofits: American Cancer Society in Lincolnshire, IL Barrington Area Community Foundation in Barrington, IL Beyond Sports Foundation in HIghland Park, IL Hands of Hope Foundation in Barrington, IL Jac Education Foundation in Highland Park, IL Jewish Council for Youth Service in Ingleside, IL Lake Forest Open Land Association in Lake Forest, IL Save a Star Drug Awareness Foundation in Highland Park, IL United Service Organizations in Great Lakes, IL (And many, many more!) And of course, all of us here at Classic Auto Group send a comforting virtual hug to you all in thanks for your support and dedication to building a better community!

Pardon our cheesy demeanor, but we’re a little excited today.  We’re celebrating National Cheese Day with an awesome list of local cheesemongers who have everything you need to make delectable dairy treats. Whether you’re cooking up a feast to take to tailgating parties, or you’re hosting a race-day party at home, we’ve got lots of ways for you to prep this delightful dairy food, whether it’s diced, sliced, fried, or fondue’d! more Image via Motor1.com Grab your favourite cheeses for a wine-and-cheese dinner at home with your friends, or grab some sharp cheeses and delectable bites for a fondue or charcuterie for a race day party! And if we may be so bold as to boast, we’re really thrilled with our proximity to the great state of Wisconsin, home to the “cheeseheads” of Green Bay, as well as some of the country’s top dairy farms and cheese shops. 5 Cheesy Fun Facts About Wisconsin’s Dairy Industry 90% of the milk made in Wisconsin gets turned into cheese, equating to over 2.8 billion pounds of this dairy delight! There are over one dozen cheese-themed festivals in Wisconsin Wisconsin is home to nearly 100 cheese production facilities More than one million cows call Wisconsin home, which equates to 1 cow for every 5 people living in this great dairy state. The average American citizen eats over 25 pounds of cheese per calendar year We love shopping locally at neighbouring businesses, and that’s why we’re sharing our picks for great local cheese mongers and delis in Southern Wisconsin, Waukegan, and the Greater Chicago Area that you can support with your patronage.  And check out our picks for great recipes to share with your friends. Top Notch Cheesemongers and Shops That Are Worth the Drive Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, WI Tim & Tom’s Cheese in Kenosha, WI Wisconsin Cheese Mart in Milwaukee, WI The Village Cheese Shop in Wauwatosa, WI Fromagination in Madison, WI The Cheese Box in Lake Geneva, WI Highfield Farm Creamery in Walworth, WI Wildmer’s Cheese Cellars in Theresa, WI Beautiful Rind in Chicago, IL Great American Cheese Collection in Chicago, IL Augusta Food and Wine in Chicago, IL Rogers Park Provisions in Chicago, IL Provisions Uptown in Chicago, IL Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits in Skokie, IL Vintages Cheese Shop in Arlington Heights, IL Movie Night and Race Day Recipes to Share with Friends Impress your friends with these great cheese centric tailgating recipes if you bring your grill, crockpot, or other portable warming stations. And if you’re spending the day at home watching our recommendations for car themed movies, or watching a televised Formula 1 or NASCAR race, you’re going to need lots of snacks to nosh on!   No matter how you slice it, these are some great shareable recipes featuring delectable dairy delights: Brown Eyed Baker’s Game Day Dip Just a Pinch Blog’s Chili Game Day Cheese Dip Lane’s BBQ Blog’s Game Day Pretzels and Beer Cheese Kingsford’s Game Day Grilled Cheese Sliders Old House to New Home’s Mini Mac & Cheese Bites Fountain Avenue Kitchen’s Cheesy Game Day Charcuterie Board Dinner at the Zoo’s Cheese Fries with Bacon America’s Test Kitchen’s Kid Friendly Cheese Quesadillas Meg’s Every Day Indulgence Blog’s Four Cheese Flatbread Tasty.co’s Cheese-Stuffed Burger Bomb Sliders Make Joshua Weissman’s Super Cheesy Homemade Deep Dish Pizza for a taste of Chicago right at home: And check out this fun video from celebrity chef and talk show host Rachel Ray featuring 5 NASCAR drivers as they race for the perfect cheeseburger!

We’re celebrating National Movie Day with some of our favourite movies about cars that you can stream or rent right now!  So grab a big ol’ bowl of popcorn and add these exciting flicks to your queue. more But first, here’s some super fun facts about Stunt Car Drivers in Hollywood: Salary for a stunt car driver ranges wildly from a mere $10,000 all the way to a whopping $250,000+, but the average salary usually falls somewhere between $45,000 and $115,000. Most stunts are performed in a controlled environment, thanks to cooperation with location authorities.  Professional filmmaking ventures will arrange with city officials to shut down roadways, bridges, or highways in order to film. Nearly all vehicles used in motion picture stunts are modified with heavy reinforcements to the car’s frame to avoid crumpling or damage upon impact, and prevent death or injury to the stunt driver.  Many of them include a roll cage as well as using heavier steel construction.  Other modifications include overriding the car’s inherent safety features such as driver assist, traction control, and other computerized correction precautions.  In addition, the drivers are outfitted with safety suits and helmets in case of collision or other mishaps. Many stunt cars, such as the ones in the Fast and Furious Franchise have been modified to fit camera rigs in the rear or front of the vehicle to provide a birds-eye view of the action, and to help with in-cabin shots of the stars for added realism.  Other cars, such as the ones used in Mad Max: Fury Road, are outfitted with crane rigs which hold a steady-cam that gives them a 360 degree view of all the action as the cars are in motion.  Before technological advancements which allowed for this modification, camera crews and directors often followed the action by motorcycle or adjacent car riding alongside! Check out our picks for great movies about the automotive industry and featuring some of the best stunt driving in Hollywood! Getaway Starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez Streaming on: Hulu, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play and Youtube. Retired race car driver Brent Magna is now racing against the clock to save his wife, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious, nefarious criminal.  Brent is forced to drive all around the city by this faceless villain as the criminal directs him to each destination via phone.  This movie features an impressive lack of CGI, relying entirely on practical effects and performance stunt driving skills.  Although the plot leaves a little something to be desired, it’s filled to the brim with top tier action and escapism. Watch the Trailer here: The French Connection Starring Gene Hackman Streaming on Hulu, AppleTV, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and GooglePlay Considered to be a classic entry in cinematic history, this story follows New York City narcotics detective “Popeye” Doyle as he and his officer partner attempt to take down an international crime ring.  Together they chase down a drug smuggler importing Heroin from overseas into the US. Watch the trailer here: American Factory A Documentary Streaming on Netflix. This Oscar-winning documentary covers the day to day operations, successes, and setbacks of a new factory opened in the shell of a once-defunct General Motors Factory after its purchase by a Chinese billionaire and businessman.  An in depth look at the growing technology industry and the working-class individuals who power the movement.  Portions of this presentation are in English and Chinese with subtitles. Watch the trailer here: Gran Torino Starring Clint Eastwood Streaming on: HBO Max, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play, Youtube, Vudu Korean War Veteran and Retired Automotive Worker Walt Kowalski spends most of his days as a bigoted recluse, but things begin to change after he stands up to a street gang on behalf of a local teenager who attempts to steal his car.  Kowalski is forced to examine his perspectives and begins to understand they may have more in common than he realizes in this heartfelt drama. Watch The Trailer: Drive Starring Ryan Gosling Streaming on: Tubi, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Youtube, AppleTV, Google Play Gosling stars as a man who is a Hollywood stunt car driver by day, and a getaway driver for hire at night for some of the city’s most nefarious criminals.  Although he has steadfast rules against participating in the activities of his clients, circumstances get the best of him and he gets a little in over his head in this intense drama/thriller. Watch The Trailer:

Shopping for a vehicle isn’t generally a part of our day-to-day routine, and not even our weekly or monthly ones!  So it stands to reason most folks may not be familiar with all of the new lingo and terminology for the automotive industry.  That’s why we’re bringing you a helpful guide to understanding all things automotive with the Classic Auto Group Decoder!  Learn the tips and tricks of the trade from the experts in the field, and you’ll be very prepared for your next sale or purchase. more Today we’re going to explore Automatic Transmissions! Automatic transmission A transmission that uses a torque converter, planetary gearset and clutches or bands to automatically change a vehicles gears. Automatic transmission bands In an automatic transmission, adjustable circular straps lined with a friction material which are actuated to tighten around and stop the rotation of a drum as part of the shifting process. Automatic transmission cooler hoses Flexible tubes that carry transmission fluid to and from a heat exchanger or oil cooler. Automatic transmission filter A component in most automatic transmissions that is fitted over the fluid intake, usually in the pan, that prevents debris and other contaminants from circulating throughout the transmissions inner workings and potentially causing unnecessary wear or damage. Some transmissions use a reusable metal or nylon mesh-type screen in place of a disposable filter. Automatic transmission fluid The fluid used for lubricating and cooling an automatic transmission. A car’s transmission is a vital part of your vehicle’s operation system, and one of the most important components.  It is a gearbox containing gears and gear-trains which provide power from your car’s engine to the wheels, and prevents the car from overheating and reaching max velocity..  If you want to visualize this process more simply, think of a bicycle’s gear and chain pulley system which moves its wheels in synchronization, and ensures they move at the same rate of speed. The transmission helps ensure that the engine is spinning at the right rate, transferring the correct amount of power to the wheels, and it changes gears depending on how far you push down on the accelerator pedal.  It regulates the engine’s RPM to avoid overloading the engine and also to decrease your fuel consumption, allowing you to regulate your vehicle’s energy.  Driving slowly with an automatic transmission means your car is operating in a lower gear; accelerating will switch the car into a higher gear, and thus rotating the wheels faster. The transmission directs the vehicle to idle when its wheels are not in motion by disconnecting the engine from the drive wheels. Automatic transmissions feature a computer-operated clutch that contains special sensors and processors to monitor your vehicle’s speed, directing the actuator to operate the clutch based on your speed and how hard you press on the accelerator.  Many drivers prefer automatic transmissions due to their ease of use, and the lack of multi-tasking required while driving.  If you listen carefully while you drive, you can notice when the automatic transmission’s mechanisms switch into another gear as you drive. The easiest way to monitor your transmission is by checking the fluid, which should be a bright red color; dark red or brown tinted fluid indicates it’s time for a flush and fluid change.  For those cars with a sealed transmission, there are a few sounds and sensations to look out for. If you notice that your car is having a rough time switching gears and you feel a slight pop sensation as it switches gears, or you notice that it is delayed in shifting gears while accelerating or decelerating, these are common signs your vehicle may need a service call with an experienced transmission.  Likewise if you notice any grinding, squealing, or a burning smell while shifting gears during your drive, these also point to a need for troubleshooting. Call one of our experienced service technicians today to schedule an appointment!

Today’s blog is focusing on transportation and automotive themed projects for kids of all ages.  We know that parenting during a pandemic can be quite a challenge, and equally so for our young scholars.  So we thought it would be a delightful idea to spread a little happiness and joy along with a bit of education.  These projects are excellent STEM/STEAM related opportunities to get creative, foster independent learning, and inspire young minds to think “outside the box.” more You’ll find solo projects and teamwork based options, giving you a little flexibility in play style and learning methods.  Each workshop or project is  either good for keeping young ones busy while you work on things during the day, or a bit of togetherness time for weekends and evenings or breaks in the day.  It’s a multipurpose blog post today!  Feel free to suggest your own activities and we may include them in a future blog roundup. TamingLittleMonsters.com has three different physics related experiments and projects to inspire the physicist in your midst!  The projects are delightful, and your children will be so engaged they won’te ven realize they’re learning the fundamentals of a scientific field.  Inspire those free thinkers to get creative in problem solving.  Each one lists the materials you’ll need to get started. Lifeovercs.com has an excellent Transportation Activities unit ready to go.  You can engage children in preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary school ages with these activities.  From Math to Literacy to Arts and Crafts, it’s a full STEAM ahead list of engaging hands-on ideas. Keep preschoolers interested in play and increasing their motor skills and independent play with some of these excellent activities from Preschoolactivitiesnook.com ! It’s a great option for kiddos who are home from preschool or daycare and are missing the engagement with their peers.  There are 5 daily lessons that can be done with a sibling or an adult, as well as on their own for exploration. Stirthewonder.com offers an excellent lesson using straws, wooden beads, and a little artistic creativity to create wind powered cars!  Kids will learn a little science, fine art skills, and improve motor skills.  Great for kids in preschool and early elementary school to do on their own, but would make a wonderful sibling-and-me project for older tweens/teens to do with smaller kids. KiwiCo kits are an excellent idea to engage young learners and encourage them to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.  You can subscribe for a few months at a time, and kits will automatically ship to your doorstep.  You can find projects for just about any age from from infant to toddler, early elementary, middle school, and beyond.  The company offers “Koala Crates” “Kiwi Crates” “Atlas Crate” “Doodle Crate” options!

We admire the thrifty car owner who prefers to mind their budget with a purchase of pre-owned cars, but we know it does mean forgoing some modern amenities.  Well, there’s good news!  You can now have your cake and eat it, too!  Spruce up your older model vehicles or pre-owned cars by bringing them into the 2020s with these amazing high-tech gadgets at affordable prices!  We’ve got great ways to add heated seats, digital security, and even wireless audio options.  As an added bonus, we’ve also included some great safety gear for a bit of “DIY Roadside Assistance.” more Check it out on today’s post!  And as always, feel free to suggest your own recommendations in a comment on our blog or social media. This Car Cushion with Massage and Heat is perfect for winter weather travel and commuting in inclement weather.  You’ll stay warm and comfortable no matter how long you’re stuck on the road in weather conditions.  Plus, it’s a great stress reliever and relaxation tool so you can arrive at your destination comfortably and calmly. Get yours here under $100! Be prepared or ANY situation with this all-in-one multitool for car emergencies by The Sharper Image.  It’s perfectly sized to fit in the side pockets of your doors, the center console, or the glove compartment.  It’s got an easy to read digital gauge on the side for tire pressure, too! Get yours here for under $100! These fabulous portable DVD Players mount to the headrests of your car to bring a little “in flight entertainment” to all your passengers, even if there’s no infotainment system. They’ll last on a charge for about 2-3 hours if both in use simultaneously, or you can get one solitary 5hour charge with one powered off.  Either way, it’s great for kids to give a limited screen time option in between car-games! Get it here for under $200! One you’ve vacuumed up the grit and crud from the hard to reach places and upholstery, you can give your car a full cleaning with this detailing tool from Sharper Image. It has multiple attachments to thoroughly clean every inch of the surfaces inside the cabin and trunk. Get yours here for under $200! Survival Supply has fantastic All-In-One kits for Winter Weather car safety and emergencies.  You’ll find a portable shovel, flares, work gloves, a utility knife, and more.  Makes a great kit for teenagers and younger drivers, and for those who commute frequently. Get yours here under $100! If your car doesn’t have a sentry recording style alert system, you can keep your property and your loved ones safe with this affordable Dash Cam model. It's great for those who park in the street or public areas thanks to its Night Vision, Three Way Camera, and 24 Hour Parking Mode. Get yours here under $300! The Anker Bluetooth Receiver turns just about any smartphone or music player into a wireless carplay device, even if you only have an AUX hookup!  Say goodbye to tangles of wires and messy cords by plugging this into the AUX jack in your car’s stereo.  Connect via the phone’s wireless menus and then cue up your favourite tuns on the streaming app of your choice. Get it here for under $50. The SHEROX Heads Up Display is a great tool to modernize your vehicle and keep your eyes ahead of you on the road. It projects your speed/RPM and other metrics on your windshield so you can stay focused and up-to-date! Get yours here under $100!

Not everyone is home for the holidays. Or even home at all. Join us in helping our local veterans this season. Next time you shop - think of vets in need & pick up some extras. more How to Help: Donate money at coolministries.org/veterans-assistance/ Donate time at coolministries.org/volunteer-opportunities/ Donate essentials at 800 W. Glen Flora Avenue, Waukegan 10am - 2pm M-F

Shopping for a vehicle isn’t generally a part of our day-to-day routine, and not even our weekly or monthly ones!  So it stands to reason most folks may not be familiar with all of the new lingo and terminology for the automotive industry.  That’s why we’re bringing you a helpful guide to understanding all things automotive with the Classic Auto Group Decoder!  Learn the tips and tricks of the trade from the experts in the field, and you’ll be very prepared for your next sale or purchase. more Today we’re discussing all things environmentally friendly, and covering alternative fuel and energy sources, and defining PZEV/ZEV in layman's terms. Check it out! AT-PZEV Advanced technology-partial zero emission vehicle. An emissions standard that meets PZEV requirements and has additional zero-emissions characteristics, such as operation by natural gas or hybrid vehicle batteries. DUAL-MODE HYBRID A hybrid vehicle with two different drive systems, referred to as Modes. In the first mode the vehicles runs solely on an electric motor powered by the vehicles battery system. When the electric-only mode is low on power, or during harder acceleration and faster speeds, a gasoline engine mode will initiate. The second Mode uses a gasoline engine to help power the vehicle and recharge the electrical system batteries. EMISSIONS SCORE A score from zero to 10 given by the EPA to each new vehicle that represents the amount of total emissions produced during a laboratory driving simulation of the vehicle. GAS/ELECTRIC HYBRID ENGINE A powertrain that combines an electric motor and a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine. PZEV Partial zero emission vehicle. A vehicle that has zero evaporative emissions and meets the EPA?s SULEV standard. ZEV Zero emission vehicle. The most restrictive emissions standard. Learn more about Environmentally Friendly Vehicles from Kia and Toyota by clicking here! Got a word or term in the automotive industry you’d like to learn more about? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to decode it in a future post.