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Only a few more days to register for the...
Knauz Spring Car Care Clinic - Saturday April 16th, 2011
April Is National Car Care Month, in a recent survey it was found that:
· 38% of vehicles had low or dirty engine oil
· 54% had low tire pressure
· 28% had inadequate cooling protection
· 19% needed new belts
· 10% had low or contaminated brake fluid.
Join us April 16 th, 2011 for our Spring Customer Car Care Clinic at the Knauz Autopark. We will be offering refreshments and raffle prizes along with a Complimentary Vehicle Inspection to prepare your vehicle for the spring and summer. Click here to view a copy of our complimentary vehicle inspection checklist. Once your vehicle has been inspected we will provide you with a Deluxe Knauz Vehicle Wash. In addition our Parts Boutiques will be offering special pricing on accessories, personal technology devices along with collectibles and apparel.
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Save The Date
June 5th, 2011- The Land Rover Lake Bluff Off Road Event
Land Rover Experience Off-road events provide a unique opportunity to take advantage of the unparalleled capabilities our vehicles have to offer. Guided by our dedicated Land Rover Team, you'll learn to properly navigate steep ascents and descents, pick the right line on side tilts, and maintain vehicle control in challenging off-road settings. When your day of off-road instruction is done you will enjoy a fantastic luncheon and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow Land Rover owners. Whether avid enthusiast, seasoned adventurer or curious novice you will be amazed at the capabilities of your Land Rover. Each year this event fills up quickly, so be one of first to reserve your place for this year’s event. Please call one of our Client Care Team Members at 847-604-8100 to check availability and reserve your spot.
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Gas reaching $4.00 or more scare you?
40 Tips to save on gas
The gas gauge is headed down to “E” — again — and unleaded regular fuel has left the $3.50 mile post well behind. If these recent headlines have you worried:
It’s time to think about ways to starve off a case of pump panic. The basics are repeated every time gas prices rise, but here are 40 common sense tips to help reduce the bite gas has on your paycheck.
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Vehicle Preview: The 2012 Range Rover Evoque
All-terrain capability in a cool urban crossover.
Range Rover is set to release a vehicle so revolutionary to the brand that it used two auto shows to introduce the full model line to the public. The coupe version of the new 2012 Range Rover Evoque crossover debuted at this year’s Paris Motor Show while the five-door model broke cover a few months later at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The extended celebration seems only fitting, considering the Evoque is the lightest, most agile and most fuel-efficient Range Rover in the company’s history.
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Vehicle Profile: The 2011 Land Rover LR4 HSE
Stellar refinement enhances an unstoppable force.
The name Land Rover inspires visions of steely-eyed adventurers sojourning across desert wastes or conquering wind-scored peaks. From Highland bogs to Himalayan rapids, Land Rovers forge on where other SUVs fear to tread. Land Rover earned its reputation for go-anywhere bull-doggedness by constantly refining the off-road dynamics of its vehicles through more than 60 years of production. Less lionized perhaps is Land Rover’s devotion in equal measure to providing its buyers with bespoke luxury. The 2011 Land Rover LR4 HSE is a shining example of the storied brand’s ability to pair unrivaled ruggedness with unmatched refinement.
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New smart Expressions Program Offers Extensive Customization Options
“Any Color You Like” paint and 3M vehicle wraps expand the fortwo’s styling palette.
Despite the natural advantages of its unconventional, head-turning looks, the designers at smart have continued to brainstorm ways to push the customization and personalization options available with the fortwo to the limit. The fruits of their innovation are now available through the smart Expressions Program.
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Vehicle Profile: The 2011 smart fortwo cabriolet
Updated smart convertible offers new features and excellent fuel economy.
Few subcompact cars provide the same styling panache and exclusive feel of the 2011 smart fortwo cabriolet. This unique open-top automobile is designed to offer the frugal fuel economy and space-saving footprint desired by urban drivers while simultaneously packing in convertible fun and design rarely seen in this class of vehicle.
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Vehicle Preview: The 2012 Hyundai Veloster
The heir-apparent to the sporty-coupe crown.
Hyundai is set to conquer the sporty compact coupe segment. Making its world debut at the North American International Auto Show this past January, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster showcased a host of innovative features, from leading-edge infotainment technology designed to keep you safe and connected to an all-new hyper-fuel-efficient engine that returns up to 40 mpg without the added weight, cost and complexity of a hybrid system.
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Vehicle Comparison: The 2011 Hyundai Sonata vs. the 2011 Honda Accord
The new Sonata surpasses the old guard.
Ask buyers what they’re looking for in a midsize sedan and you’ll hear the same answers that have helped shape this mainstream segment since its inception – value, safety, comfort, roominess, responsive power and superior fuel economy all vie for the top spot on the list. Consumers cross-shopping the 2011 Hyundai Sonata against the 2011 Honda Accord should not be surprised to learn that the Sonata either matches or surpasses the Accord in those areas that matter most.
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Stay Healthy on the Road and Abroad
Advice for the perfect travel experience.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a once-a-week business traveler or love cross-country road trips – regardless, certain precautions while spending time away from home can keep you at your best. There’s nothing worse than feeling ill, especially when matters are complicated by unfamiliar territory. Fortunately, however, there are steps you can take to ensure a safe and successful excursion. Here are a few to get you on the right track:
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Our Restaurant Review for April
Bertucci’s Italian Steakhouse in Highwood, IL.
With the Easter and Mother’s Day Holidays coming up, we thought we would review a Sunday Brunch. It seems that each of these days families gather and the inevitable happens, either one family member graciously spends days before and days after preparing the house and the food for the gathering, or everyone decides to take in a Sunday Brunch together. One of the nicest aspects of going the Brunch route is the ease of clean-up, none and the choices of food to choose from. When you think about it, how much time and money would you spend to have the variety of Breakfast Foods, Salads, Pastries, Main Course Entrees and Desserts on hand to feed a family gathering? The variety is the key to any Sunday Brunch, this past weekend my wife and I decided to attend the Sunday Brunch at Bertucci’s Italian Steakhouse in Highwood. While it was not the most elaborate design or layout I’ve ever encountered for a Brunch Buffet, what it did feature was a great variety of items to choose from.
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Oh, Tango You Didn’t!
Celebrities who refused to Dance with the Stars.
Love it or hate it, ABC’s reality show Dancing with the Stars is a runaway hit. The show, based on the popular UK series Strictly Come Dancing, is embarking on its 12th season and it is bigger than ever. A total of 138 stars have taken to the floor to compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, which might make you wonder, with so many stars saying, “Yes,” has anyone turned down the opportunity to strap on those bedazzled dance shoes and shake it?
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The Knauz Autopark Cares
Opportunities to help Children’s Memorial Hospital
In the next few days tickets will go on sale for the 15th Annual Children’s Memorial Hospital Charity Car Raffle. Once again the Knauz family is partnering up to with the hospital in their efforts to raise much needed funds to assist the programs and their mission to provide quality health care for children in the region.
About Children's Memorial Hospital
Children’s Memorial Hospital is the place where kids come first. Staffed and equipped like no other hospital around, we are tenacious in our quest to heal and compassionate in our care. With top pediatric specialists, the newest technologies and kid-focused experience, we dedicate ourselves to the health and well-being of all children.
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Our Pets Of The Month For April...
Meet Fabio & Sparkle
Just remember...
Pets may not be our whole lives, but they do make our lives whole.
Meet Fabio Breed: Pug-Chihuahua Gender: Male Age: 1 year
Breed: Pug-Chihuahua Gender: Male Age: 1 year
Yes of course I can dance! Just watch me as I stand on my hind legs, I have the perfect balance. The ladies especially think that I am very cute. Rescued from another shelter when my time was up, I am a happy go-lucky little boy that loves everyone I meet. I am an energetic and inquisitive guy that currently has to keep my need for activities on the low side, something about having tested positive for heartworm so I am not allowed to tire out. That’s okay because I love walking around, sniffing and smelling the wind. Spring is in the air, I can tell that! I have a little cherry eye that will be taken care of once I test negative on the heartworm test and go in to become a member of that spayed/neutered society. I am so good that I am even a dog used for new dog walkers and of course I was also quickly enrolled in the Kids Care Group and the Junior Volunteers. I even got cat-tested and did quite well. It would be great if someone would consider fostering me while I am undergoing treatment…and maybe they’ll even consider adopting me once I am done.
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Spring Safety Tips for Dogs
Ten safety tips to keep your dog safe
With the coming of spring, it's not only the flowers that come back to life. Fleas and intestinal parasites reappear in full force creating a potential health hazard for dogs. As dogs start to shed their winter coats, dog owners begin to see fur everywhere in the home. Dogs begin to spend more time outdoors, and with more exercise nutritional needs change. The following spring safety tips for dogs will help you and your dog make the most of the season.
Spring Safety for Dogs: Tip #1
Fleas that were no problem in the cold of winter, will rear their biting little heads again with spring. Since fleas can cause a series of health complications, it's important to treat your dog with flea prevention when spring starts. The easiest flea prevention medications are those that are applied topically once a month, however if you use this method be careful not to wash your dog with soap-based shampoos, as these will cleanse his coat of the flea medication. Instead use water-based shampoos, or give your dog a flea medication in pill form. A single female flea can lay over 300 eggs a day, so take preventive measures to protect your dog and home from an infestation as the warm spring weather starts
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Mother’s Day Perfection
Find the perfect Mother’s Day treat this year in Illinois and Indiana.
Don’t let it sneak up on you – Mother’s Day will soon be here. In Illinois and Indiana, the opportunities to get creative in your planning are many: Outdoor recreation, culture, pampering—they’re all at your fingertips.
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Discover the Natural Perfection of Patagonia
Argentina’s diverse wilderness is ready to host the adventure of your life.
Sprawling across Argentina’s southernmost region, Patagonia is truly a world of its own. From spellbinding glaciers to winding, mountain rivers, you’ll never finish exploring this South American gem. Magellan may have been impressed in 1520, but today’s Patagonia is more enchanting than ever. Thanks to 21st century trends in eco-friendly luxury, the region is a hotspot for travelers craving adventure, as well as extravagance.
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Springtime Date Ideas
Spring means it's time to shake off winter, grab your date, and get out of the house!
Spring provides a great opportunity for you and your partner to enjoy fun, exciting and romantic dates in the Great Outdoors! The following are just a few ideas to help you brainstorm, some are even free:
Visit your local parks
Spring is a great time to take your special someone to see nature at its gorgeous best. Drink in stunning natural vistas. Observe wildlife. Admire the flora, etc. Plus, many parks offer various trails for walking, jogging, biking, etc. Or, if there is a swing set available, sit and enjoy!
Visit a botanical garden
This idea is an extension of the first. However, botanical gardens offer a wider variety of exotic flowers, trees and plants you may not experience elsewhere. In addition, many botanical gardens offer other outdoor activities such as art exhibits, brunches and open air concerts. These events provide an ideal setting for a romantic date.
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April Safety
Car Seat Safety Tips
Keeping Kids Safe and Secure
Using a car seat (child safety seat) is the best protection you can give your child when traveling by car. Every state in the United States requires that an infant or small child be restrained. And with good reason — unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in children, and most such injuries are automobile crashes.
Child safety seats can substantially reduce the risk of a potentially fatal injury, especially for babies but also for toddlers. Yet many safety seats are used incorrectly. When choosing any car seat, following some general guidelines will help ensure a child's safety. The best car seat is not always the most expensive one — it's the one that best fits a child's weight, size, and age, as well as your vehicle.
Once you select a seat, be sure to try it out, keeping in mind that store displays and illustrations might not show the correct usage. It's up to you to learn how to install a car safety seat properly and harness your child for the ride.
If you need help installing your safety seat or would like a technician to check whether you've installed it properly, the federal government has set up child car seat inspection stations across the country. Also, many local health departments, public safety groups, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and fire departments have technicians or fitting stations to assist parents. (If you go to one of these locations, be sure to ask for a certified child passenger safety technician to assist you.)
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Senior Moments
Simple steps to improve your memory.
Inevitably, as we get older, our brains slow down and memory loss occurs. It is a natural part of the aging process and, in most cases, no cause for alarm. According to the National Institute on Aging, “Your mind works a lot like a computer. Your brain puts information it judges to be important into ‘files.’ When you remember something, you pull up a file…As people grow older, it may take longer to retrieve those files.” While we all experience what cutting-edge scientists and individuals under the age of 40 refer to as “senior moments,” it is possible to gain some control over this process by following these few easy steps.
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One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure
Highlighting the world of collectibles.
You know the old adage. In American Pickers host Mike Wolfe’s case, this turned out to not only be true, but to be the foundation upon which he has built a truly fruitful life.
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Get UnCARBONated
What exactly is a carbon footprint?
We hear a lot about “carbon footprints” these days, but no one seems to explain just what this green buzzword really means. We know we should try to decrease ours, but where do we begin? Here is an introduction to this hotly debated topic.
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