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Woman changing tire on a road

Tips on How to Change a Tire

Here at Classic Toyota, we pride ourselves in fulfilling all of our customer’s automotive needs. From helping you find the right car to providing you with top-notch service, we are a Toyota dealership that is always willing to pull out all of the stops. And to us, part of being a great dealership is providing our customers with crucial pieces of automotive knowledge. One of the many subjects that our team of automotive professionals is passionate about is flat tires and what to do if you ever find yourself stuck on the side of the road with one. For starters, it is always wise to have the necessary equipment for changing a flat tire in your car. Some of the equipment to include in your flat tire kit is a car jack, a wrench, a tire pressure gauge, and an air compressor. Having all of this on hand can make the difference between waiting for roadside assistance and changing a tire on your own and seeking assistance on your own. We also recommend that drivers are aware of the space that they are pulling over into. You want to make sure that you have enough room to change the tire safely. Another useful nugget information is to raise your car so that your tire is at least six inches off the ground. Having it at this height can make the removal process much easier than it would be otherwise. Lastly, we always recommend that drivers have their flat tire looked at by a trained technician; and you can find a whole team of automotive technicians at Classic Toyota. If you’re looking for Toyota service near you, you can look no further than Classic Toyota. We strive every day to meet all of our customer’s needs, including flat tire servicing. We’ll either fix your flat tire or provide you with a replacement so you can keep on rolling.

Man using calculator with car toy and coin stack for insurance loan or Saving for buying car concept

How to Budget Yourself For a New Toyota

Classic Toyota is home to a vast collection of new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles and a team of automotive professionals who will go above and beyond to satisfy all of your car-related needs. When our customers visit our Toyota dealership to pick up a new car, some of the biggest questions they have to revolve around budgeting. Budgeting for a new car can seem pretty complicated. Between financing options, and determining the value of a potential trade-in, there is a lot to take into account. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it first may seem to new car buyers. First things first, when you purchase a new Toyota, chances are you will need to acquire financing. Financing is done through a financial institution and is essentially a loan you can use to pay for the full price of the vehicle. The monthly payments you make on your car, end up going to this financial institution and in most cases include some percentage of interest. When purchasing a new car, we recommend that you offer up a down-payment of some kind. A substantial down-payment can lower your month-to-month payments, and in some cases can make paying off the car much easier than it would have been otherwise. You can also trade-in an older vehicle and use that value towards the value of your new car. Every auto loan comes with an expected term limit, which can range anywhere between 24 and 72 months; however, the average auto loan term length is 68 months. Typically the longer your term length, the lower your car payment, however, that is subject to change. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new Toyota Prius, or want to budget for something pre-owned, our team at Classic Toyota are excited to help. We’ll walk you through every step of the car buying process and help you find a car and financing plan that fits all of your needs.

Mechanic with a wrench

Celebrating National Car Care Month at Classic Toyota

Few Toyota dealerships are as dedicated to customer service as we are at Classic Toyota. From our wide selection of new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles to our passionate sales team, we are committed to excellence. In the spirit of that endeavor, we are excited to share how you can celebrate National Car Care Month with us. Surprisingly enough, plenty of our customers are unaware of what National Car Care Month is, or even when it occurs, which makes sense. National Car Care Month is a holiday celebrated by dealerships everywhere, and we are proud celebrators here at Classic Toyota. This month-long holiday is that time of the year when drivers focus on auto care and receive some much-needed maintenance. There are many ways in which you can celebrate National Car Care Month. Some of our customers simply come in for detailing. Having your car cleared of springtime pollen and leftover road-salts from the winter can do wonders for your paint job in the long term. Alternatively, other customers visit our Toyota service department for more intricate technical maintenance. Oil and tire changes seem to be the most popular mechanical servicing that our customers request, and for a good reason. Motor oil is the lubricant of your engine, and it is tasked with keeping all of the components in your vehicle running smoothly. At the same time, your tires are the foundation of your vehicle, and upkeeping tread levels, air pressure, and proper balancing can do wonders for your driving experience and degree of safety while on the road. Still unsure of how you can celebrate National Car Care with our team at Classic Toyota? Well, pay us a visit, and our skilled mechanical team can inspect your vehicle from bumper to bumper to ensure that you keep on driving smoothly through the spring season and beyond.

Fuel pump

How to Improve the Fuel Economy of Your Toyota

Here at Classic Toyota, we offer a wide selection of new and pre-owned Toyota brand vehicles. From fuel-sipping Toyota hybrids to versatile full-sized SUVs, we offer a wide variety of vehicle types; that said, there are some tried and true methods you can use to save some cash at the pump regardless of what you drive. Whether you’re sitting behind the wheel of an incredible fuel-efficient Toyota Prius, or are thinking of picking up a Toyota SUV, you don’t have to settle for the lower end of your vehicle’s miles per gallon rating, or MPG-rating. Through regular upkeep and conscious driving, you can save your dollar at the gas pump and stretch that gallon. How do you boost fuel economy? Well, for starters, your tires play an integral role in the functionality of your car. Not only do they support your vehicle’s weight, but they can hinder your fuel economy when their tread is low, or they are improperly balanced. By upkeeping your tires, you can avoid excess friction on the road, and keep your engine from working harder than it needs to. Another crucial piece in the fuel economy puzzle is motor oil. Motor oil is a lubricant that is used to keep all of the varying pieces of your engine moving smoothly. Over time this oil can build up grime, which in turn can cause your engine to have to work harder, hurting your gas mileage. By swapping out your motor oil once every 3,000-5,000 miles, you can keep your engine at peak levels of performance. Improving your fuel economy can seem pretty complicated, especially if you tackle the issue by yourself. Fortunately, our team of auto technicians at our Toyota service center can answer any questions you may have and perform any maintenance you may need to keep your car running optimally. No matter your automotive needs, Classic Toyota has got you covered.

The device is off-road jeep.

How to Get Your Toyota Off-Road Ready

Here at Classic Toyota, we understand what it takes to be a top Toyota dealership of Waukegan, IL. From five-star customer service to our wide selection of cars, our staff will go above and beyond to fulfill any and all of your automotive needs. This is especially the case if you want to take your Toyota car off-roading. more When our customers ask our staff about off-roading in their Toyota car, we almost always fill them in on what it takes for a car to be off-road ready. Sure, there are plenty of Toyota cars that are ready to hit the trail right off the bat, but others may require further preparation. For starters, you want to be sure you have tires that can handle the rough and tumble of the trail. Not every tire is designed for off-roading and as such you'll want a set of tires that are both durable and have deep enough tread to grip the varying terrain of the outdoors. The drivetrain of your car also plays a huge role in how effective your car handles some of the rough obstacles of off-roading. While rear and front wheel drive are great for the pavement, you'll want a vehicle that is equipped with either four-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) to ensure maximum maneuverability. Last but not least, you'll want to ensure your vehicle has a substantial amount of ground clearance. The ground clearance in your car is the amount of space that separates the undercarriage of your car from the ground. The greater the ground clearance in your car the better your chances of avoiding harmful obstacles. No matter if you've been off-roading for years or are just starting out, the team of auto experts at our Toyota service and parts department can be sure your vehicle is up for the task. At Classic Toyota, your safety and your satisfaction is our number one priority.

2018-Toyota-Prius-Two-Eco

A First Look at the 2019 Toyota Prius

At Classic Toyota, we pride ourselves in helping our customers find exactly what they’re looking for. Whether they’re on the hunt for the new Toyota Camry or are in need of car buying guidance, we’re committed to fulfilling our customer’s automotive needs. In pursuit of that, we’re excited to share a first look of the 2019 Toyota Prius. more Toyota has always been known for creating durable, fuel-efficient, and long-lasting vehicles, and so far, it seems as though the 2019 Toyota Prius is going to be no different. The Toyota Prius is already a successful model within the Toyota brand, and the 2019 Toyota Prius seems to capitalize upon that. Offering familiar fuel efficiency, all-wheel drive availability, and a spacious cargo area, Toyota is trying to cater to a wide variety of potential Toyota Prius drivers. The latest iteration of the Toyota Prius comes equipped with a zippy 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which offers drivers 121 horsepower to take full advantage of. This fuel-sipping hybrid still offers the same degree of incredible fuel economy that drivers have grown to love, earning 54 mpg in the city and 50 on the highway. Drivers can choose from one of six trim options: L, LE, LE AWD, XLE, XLE AWD, and Limited. This is a vast selection, and with AWD added to the mix, it truly alters the perception of the Toyota Prius from being a simple hybrid commuter to a fuel-saving road tripper. The 2019 Toyota Prius has plenty to offer, and you can experience all of it first hand at our Toyota dealership. At Classic Toyota, our team of automotive experts can help you get behind the wheel of the latest Toyota hybrid, and help you find out if one of Toyota’s most successful cars is right for you.

Couple in car

How to Make the Most Out of Your Test Drive

When you visit Classic Toyota, you can expect to find a Toyota dealership that is incredibly passionate about customer satisfaction. We will go above and beyond to fulfill all of your automotive needs, and help you browse our wide selection of new and pre-owned Toyota brand cars. At Classic Toyota, we also understand the importance of a test drive, and how you can make the most out of it. more When you sit down for a test drive, it is your first impression of a vehicle. During a short drive, you’ll have to analyze everything from the amount of cargo space to the handling of the vehicle. In the end, you’ll have to ask yourself, "is this the car for me?" There's a couple ways to figure this out. For starters, before you head down to start your test drive, you should consider what kind of car would check off all of your automotive boxes. For instance, do you like power and cargo space, or do you prefer fuel efficiency and green energy? Answering these questions can mean the difference between buying a brand-new Toyota Prius and a Toyota SUV. When you’ve figured out what kind of car you’re looking for, the time comes for the actual test drive. When you visit the dealership, it is worthwhile to bring a friend or family member that you trust, to have a second opinion on the car you’re test driving. While driving, you should also drive a route that you do regularly. For instance, if you’re a commuter, drive part of your commute to get a real gauge as to what this new vehicle feels like. At Classic Toyota, we understand that your first test drive is incredibly important, and we’ll go above and beyond to help you enjoy every moment of it. Whether you’re looking for an SUV or a fuel-sipping hybrid sedan, we have you covered at Classic Toyota.

car insurance contract money

Understanding the Details of Gap Insurance

When you visit Classic Toyota, you can expect to find Chicagoland Toyota dealers that are passionate about two things: their cars and their customers. We are passionate about sharing automotive knowledge with everyone who comes into our dealership, and we believe a few pieces of information can be as important as the details of gap insurance. more What is gap insurance? Our sales team receives that question a lot when they suggest adding gap insurance to their vehicle. The ‘gap’ stands for guaranteed auto protection. While gap insurance won’t protect your vehicle from things like engine failure or poor mechanics, it can protect you from losing a car in the event of an accident or car theft. Say for instance you drive a Toyota Camry, but end up totaling it an accident. In this scenario, let's say you still owe $10,000 on the car, and the totaling only covered $6,000 of that remaining loan. Gap insurance can cover that remaining amount and free up your finances to help you purchase a new vehicle to replace your totaled vehicle. If you repeat this same scenario without gap insurance, you could be left making payments on a loan for a vehicle that you no longer own. Gap insurance may increase the overall cost of your car purchase, but it can make all the difference in giving you peace of mind while you’re on the road. Our sales staff at Classic Toyota are strong advocates of gap insurance and are always ready and willing to fill you in on all of the details in person. If you visit our dealership today, we can give you a tour of our showroom, and tell you more about how adding gap insurance to your car purchase can benefit you in the long term.

hybrid, 3D rendering, blue street sign

A In-Depth Review of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

At Classic Toyota we strive to help our customers find a vehicle that is the perfect fit for them. As a Toyota dealership, we owed it to our customers to provide a wide selection of new and used Toyota brand vehicles. Of the many new models to enter our Waukegan, IL dealership, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is turning out to be a fan-favorite. more The Toyota RAV4 has made a name for itself over the years as a rugged SUV with all the comfort and innovative features that the Toyota brand is known for. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is entering the market, falling in line with this brand promise, and is continuing to implement a degree of fuel-efficiency once reserved only for vehicles like the Toyota Prius. The hybrid version of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is expected to earn 34 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. The new Toyota RAV4 hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that offers drivers 176 horsepower and 163 lb-ft worth of torque; that’s a sizeable amount for something that practically sips fuel. The engine is paired to an electric motor which adds 118 horsepower and 149 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels and 54 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque to the rear ones. With all of this added engine power, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid brings incredible responsiveness to the driving experience, with some reporting that the new SUV can go from 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is ready to take on any challenge you put in front of it. With hybrid functionality and incredible Toyota build quality, the new RAV4 is an experience not like any other. To feel the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid first hand visit our dealership today, and our team can set you up with a test drive. At Classic Toyota, your satisfaction is our number one priority.

RAV_MY19_0011_V001

Everything You Need to Know About the 2019 Toyota RAV4

At Classic Toyota of Waukegan, IL, we are passionate about the Toyota brand, from our wide selection of new and pre-owned Toyota cars to our staff who are well learned on everything Toyota. So, it’s fair to say that we’re excited to get behind the wheel of Toyota’s latest flagship SUV, the 2019 Toyota RAV4. more The Toyota RAV4 has always been an impressive vehicle, offering the comfort of an SUV with the fuel efficiency of a compact car. Throughout the years, Toyota hasn’t deviated from that identity, and this year’s iteration of the Toyota RAV4 is bound to be no different. For starters, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 has received a complete overhaul in its appearance, leaning further into the angular design that helps reduce drag while out on the road. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes in three basic trim options: Adventure, XLE, and Limited. The latest Toyota compact SUV has taken inspiration from its cousin, the Toyota Prius, by adding an electric motor that will support a gasoline powered motor. This hybrid functionality boosts this SUV’s fuel economy giving it an impressive 29 mpg combined. The engine overall will give drivers 203 horsepower to play with, and the hybrid option of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is expected to have even more power behind the wheel, offering 219 horsepower. All in all, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is expected to be a showstopper, and our team is excited to help you experience it first hand. Visit our Waukegan Toyota dealership today to experience why everyone is raving about the 2019 Toyota RAV4. From our knowledgeable staff to our wide selection of vehicles, we can satisfy all of your automotive needs at Classic Toyota of Waukegan, IL.

Car polishing series : Cleaning car engine

What Your Engine Type Says About Your Car

Our team at Classic Toyota understand how challenging it can be to purchase a new car. Fortunately, we are a Toyota dealership that believes in 100% customer satisfaction and will go above and beyond to answer all questions you may have. One of the many questions we receive surround the topic of engine types. more Determining the best kind of engine for your car can be quite overwhelming, we understand that. There are many engine types out there, but typically car buyers have an option between a four-cylinder, V6 or V8 engine. A car with a four-cylinder engine is usually going to be smaller, and in many cases, more fuel efficient. An example of a fuel-sipping, compact, four-cylinder engine car is the sleek, reliable, and ever-popular Toyota Camry. The 2019 model of this compact car gets an incredible 29 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway, making it the perfect commuter car. Although not all Toyota drivers are a fan of the compact and fuel-conscious. These are the kind of drivers who believe bigger is better; and regarding power, they aren’t wrong. Take the Toyota Highlander for instance, which sports a V6 engine as standard. This SUV may guzzle gas, getting a meager 20 mpg city and 26 highway, although what it lacks in fuel efficiency it carries through in performance, boasting 185 horsepower beneath the hood. This Toyota SUV is also much larger than its four-cylinder counterpart, which means more room for friends and cargo. In truth, no engine type is superior, as it all depends on what you want out of your car. At Classic Toyota in Waukegan, IL we stress this point to all of our curious customers. Whether you’re an avid camper or a day-commuter, our team can help you find the vehicle and engine type that fits all of your automotive needs.

Winter tire

Safe Driving Tips for this Winter Season

Here at Classic Toyota, we understand what it means to be a reliable Toyota dealership. While selling great cars, and having an honest and skilled sales staff is important, our customer’s safety is just as important, and with winter here, staying safe on the road is a priority. more Here in Waukegan, IL winter temperatures can drop significantly. Getting as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit. These low temperatures combined with winter weather can mean for some nasty road conditions. Between rain, snow, and ice, plenty of drivers inexperience to the Illinois winter can find themselves in over their head. Fortunately, there are some ways you can drive safely this winter. By reducing your speed, and not slamming on your brakes or accelerator you can reduce the chances of spinning out on an icy stretch of road. When climbing up a steep incline, it is highly recommended that you don’t stop halfway, doing so can put you in a place where you have to accelerate suddenly, which as a result can cause your wheels to spin out on the road. You should also avoid using cruise control when driving on a wet or icy road; that way, you can react in time if your tires lose traction. Lastly, the best piece of advice we can give is just to stay home. If the weather is terrible, the temperatures are low, and the road conditions aren’t safe, staying home can be your best bet at avoiding the dangers of winter driving. While we have a wide selection of new and pre-owned cars from Toyota, our team is also well-versed on safe winter driving. If you have more questions or want to get your car winter-ready, visit our dealership today and we can fulfill all of your automotive needs.

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