Auto repair shop offers tips on holiday shopping mall parking lot safety
%05-%12-%2012, %Rauto maintenance northern Illinois, holiday shopping safety, holidays, parking lot safety, shopping mall safetyPermalink
This time of year, there’s a good chance you’re planning to head out to the mall. After all, you may very well have gifts to buy for loved ones naughty or nice.
As the season is often hectic, there’s a tendency among shoppers to think about their shopping before they enter the stores. In fact, the closer we get to the store, the more likely we are to feel distracted from our driving while contemplating just the right present for Aunt Susie or whether there’s something better than a necktie we can pickup for dad.
For some drivers, once they enter the mall’s parking lot, their driving is virtually on autopilot. In reality, the parking lot is a place where we’re best to heighten our senses. Pedestrians are often as distracted as drivers. That means, as we move through the aisles looking for a place close to the door, we need to keep an eye out for the person who walks into our path without looking, not to mention the driver who backs out of a spot unexpectedly.
Once we park, we join the ranks of the pedestrians. Now it’s our turn to watch out for distracted drivers.
“Even before you park, it’s a good idea to give some thought to where you’re parking,” said Denny Norton, owner of the Ringwood based Performance Unlimited auto repair shop. “Make sure you park somewhere you feel safe. It’s a good idea to make sure the area is well lighted. After all, moving vehicles aren’t the only potential threats in a parking lot.”
As if to accentuate that risk, recent reports tell of a new scam by carjackers. They’re purported to put a sheet of paper in the back window of a car. Drivers get in, start the car and then notice the paper. Leaving the car running, and the door open, they step out to remove the paper from the window. While out of the car, the carjacker, hidden nearby, jumps out of hiding and into the car.
Norton offered a few parking lot safety tips:
· Write down or otherwise note where you’ve parked so you don’t spend unnecessary time walking through the lot looking for your car.
· Stride confidently and purposefully to your vehicle.
· Don’t look other pedestrians directly in the eye but don’t nervously look away, either. Those up to no good can often smell fear.
· Have your keys in your hand ready to open the door when you arrive back at your car but don’t open the door with the key fob so soon that someone can jump in when you’re not looking.
· Keep your eyes open and aware of anyone acting suspiciously.
You may even want to invest in some pepper spray or a self-defense course. The point is that, with proper precautions, you can have a safe and happy shopping experience.
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Performance Unlimited’s Norton winds up tenure as networking group’s president with another Shop With A Cop success
%21-%11-%2012, %Rauto repair, auto repair Illinois, children's charity, christmas charity, McHenry County Police Charities, police charities, Shop With A CopPermalink
Denny Norton, the owner of Performance Unlimited, the premier auto repair shop at 5415 Austin Court, Ringwood, is coming to the end of a two-year term as president of the MC3 McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce business networking group. He was vice president for the two years prior to that and is stepping down from the prior position next month.
During his tenure, the group has twice hosted Shop With A Cop benefit parties to support the program sponsored by McHenry County Police Charities.
The second of the annual installments of the party was held just last week. The group is reported to have raised close to $14,000 which will be used so that area police officers can take children, from families having a hard time with the economy, Christmas shopping. Each child receives a winter coat, hat, gloves and boots, as well as $150 to spend as they please at Walmart on Route 31 in Johnsburg.
“This is a really great event,” Norton said. “Not only does it benefit a great cause, it’s also a great time.”
The party included food, drinks, music and games. There was even a singing competition between the Johnsburg High School and McHenry High School chorus groups. The groups both showed up wearing Victorian Era outfits.
“The outfits were awesome,” said Norton. “But, the singing was just incredible. Personally, I don’t know how anyone could have chosen one group of singers over the other. They were both superb.”
As the party, the food and the entertainment were all free, the funds raised for the event had to come from somewhere. In fact, some of the funds were raised in advance. For instance, Wendy’s restaurant on Route 31 and Burger King on Route 120, in McHenry, both held Shop With A Cop benefit nights to raise funds for the charity by contributing a portion of the proceeds from dinners.
Otherwise, most of the funds were raised through the silent and live auctions and the raffles. A wide array of gifts was available in the raffles. Participants purchased raffle tickets and dropped a ticket here, a ticket there, in the buckets for the items they hoped to win. The gifts were all donated by various individuals and businesses.
Here is a complete list of the contributors:
| · 18th ANNUAL JOE L. NORTON GOLF OUTING - KATHIE LYND |
| · 31 North - |
| · AAA CHICAGO MOTOR CLUB - JEFF SIMS |
| · ADVENTURE GAMES plus HOBBIES and TOYS |
| · AJI CUSTOM CABINETS - JASON RODRIGUE |
| · AL ’N ANN’S COLLECTIBLES |
| · ALDEN’S KENNELS – JANET DOMRASE |
| · AMY NELSON |
| · ANNE ECKARDT |
| · A-PC COMPUTERS - MICHAEL GOODMAN |
| · ARBONNE - JILL MAY |
| · ARBONNE INTERNATIONAL - SUSAN McGLADE |
| · B&B AUTOMOTIVE |
| · BARZSO PLAYSETS – RON & MARYANN BARZSO |
| · BEV KUTNICK |
| · BIKE HAVEN |
| · BILL MURPHY |
| · BIRDS OF PARADISE – LAURIE RICHTER |
| · BJORKMAN’S ACE HARDWARE |
| · BLACK ORCHID BOUTIQUE |
| · BMC TOYS – BILL McMASTERS |
| · BRANDYWINE TOY SOLDIERS – ALLAN FORD |
| · BRUNCH CAFÉ |
| · BUDDYZ RESTAURANT |
| · BULL VALLEY GOLF CLUB – MIKE PICCIANO |
| · BURGER KING McHenry Rt 120 |
| · CALVIN PLOWMAN |
| · CAMP BOW WOW |
| · CARRIE KUTNICK |
| · CELBRATING HOME - LYNN ELLIOTT |
| · CHAMBERS HEATING & AIR – STEVE CHAMBERS |
| · CHAPEL HILL FLORIST |
| · CHARTER FITNESS |
| · CHICAGO BEARS HAT - AMY NELSON |
| · CLAWS and PAWS |
| · CLINT EASTWOOD |
| · CMP FOUNDATIONS – CATHI PONDEL |
| · COSTCO - PHIL VITELLARO |
| · CRAIG REMINGTON |
| · CROSS COUNTRY MORTGAGE - BILL ZENG |
| · DAVE PITTMAN |
| · DEB BENNETT |
| · DEB McCLAUGHRY |
| · DEBBIE McNICHOLS |
| · DICK'S SPORTING GOODS - McHENRY |
| · DONNA WOLFF |
| · Dr. GREGORY V. SIERMINSKI |
| · DUNKIN' DONUTS in McHENRY |
| · ECKEL'S McHENRY FLEA MARKET |
| · ED BORRIS |
| · ELLEN M. MENAS |
| · ENVIOUS TANNING & SPA |
| · FAMILY TAILOR SHOP – TONY AND LAURIE WIRTZ |
| · FAMILY VIDEO |
| · FANTASY FACTORY |
| · FARMERS GIFT |
| · FATHER & SONS TOYS – LEN HARDT |
| · FIREWOOD GRILL |
| · FLOORING AMERICA - MIKE LEVIN |
| · FORESTER ENTERPRISES – WILLIE FORESTER |
| · FOREVER ETCHED – KATHY McCAIN |
| · GARY BEADEL |
| · GARY CLINTON |
| · GARY LINDEN |
| · GREAT LAKES FIRE AND SAFETY |
| · GREEN MOUNTAIN COFFEE ROASTERS, INC. |
| · GREG MAYER |
| · GYPSY GLENN |
| · HAMPTON INN |
| · HAPPY TAILS |
| · HARRIS BANK – GIUSEPPE VENEZIANO |
| · HOBBY BUNKER – MATT MURPHY |
| · IMPRESSIVE IMAGES EMBROIDERY – FRAN LAMBERT |
| · JACK FRANKS |
| · JAN SALTZGAVER |
| · JAYNE BOCKMAN |
| · JESS ENTERTAINMENT – DICK JESS |
| · JETT’S HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING - WAYNE JETT |
| · JIM CLOUSE |
| · JOE SAINE |
| · JOHN MOLINI |
| · JOHN STENGEL |
| · JOSEPH SAINE |
| · JULIA KUTNICK |
| · JUNE MAHONY |
| · KAREN LAVIN ATTORNEY AT LAW |
| · KELLY BRANDT |
| · KENNY'S FLOOR COVERING |
| · KIDDY KORNER |
| · KIERA CONFECTIONS – KIM LOEWE |
| · KING’S X – MARTIN VASQUEZ |
| · KOHL’S - McHENRY |
| · KUKLA PHOTOGRAPHY – KRISTIN KUKLA |
| · LEE AUTOMOTIVE |
| · LEGAL SHIELD - FRANK HOSTICKA |
| · LIGHTNING ELECTRICAL – MIKE STARZYK |
| · LINDA KOCH |
| · LOCKER'S FLOWERS |
| · LUCKY-E KENNEL |
| · MARGARET FENELON |
| · MARJ SCHUPNER |
| · MARK ROBB |
| · MARK S. YOUNG |
| · MARY KAY – BROOKE JURIS |
| · MARY KAY - CASSANRDA YATES |
| · MARY’S FLOWERS & GIFTS |
| · MARZANO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT |
| · MASTER TECH |
| · MATSOCK INSURANCE – JOHN NELSON |
| · MAUREEN MIKA |
| · McHENRY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
| · McHENRY CULVERS |
| · McHENRY HARLEY DAVIDSON |
| · McHENRY HEATING |
| · McHENRY LIMOUSINE SERVICE – MARTY ROBB |
| · McHENRY MAACO COLLISION REPAIR and AUTO PAINTING |
| · McHENRY RECREATION BOWLING CENTER |
| · McHENRY SAVINGS BANK |
| · McHENRY VFW |
| · McHENRY WATER WELL & PUMP - JOHN MATTHESIUS |
| · McHenry Wellness |
| · MEADOWSWEET RANCH |
| · MEALS LIKE MOM'S - CHEF DEBI STUCKWISCH |
| · MEDIEVAL TIMES |
| · MEGA EVENT – BRIAN PALMER |
| · MEIJER'S |
| · MIKE and BEV KUTNICK |
| · MIKE HANDLEY |
| · MIKE KUTNICK |
| · MIKE MULLINS |
| · MILWAUKEE MILITARY MINIATURE MODELERS - NICK ALBANESE |
| · MR. ROOTER - JEFF FENDT |
| · NAPA AUTO |
| · NATIONAL PASTIME SPORTS CARDS |
| · NATIONAL PASTIME SPORTS CARDS |
| · NATURAL THERAPY WELLNESS CENTER |
| · NATURE'S FEED |
| · NORTHERN ILLINOIS WINDOWS – BILL THOMAS |
| · NOSTALGIA TOY BOX – PHIL ROSNER |
| · NOW HAIR THIS - DEBBIE SCHMITT |
| · P & P PRODUCTS – LARRY PATTERSON |
| · PAM ALTHOFF |
| · PAYROLL SOLUTIONS, INC. - WADE MEYER |
| · PERFORMANCE UNLIMITED – DENNY NORTON |
| · PLAYSET MAGAZINE - RUSTY & KATHY KERN |
| · PLUM TREE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB |
| · POLISH LEGION of AMERICAN VETERANS |
| · POPCORN FACTORY |
| · PRAIRIE ISLE GOLF CLUB |
| · PRO CIRCLE GOLF CENTER |
| · PRUDENTIAL FIRST REALTY - DAWN FOLLIARD |
| · PRUDENTIAL FIRST REALTY – IVER & JAYNE BOCKMAN |
| · PRUDENTIAL FIRST REALTY – LINDA ROBERTS |
| · PRUDENTIAL FIRST REALTY – MIKE KUTNICK |
| · PRUDENTIAL FIRST REALTY – SHELIA THOMAS |
| · RAYMOND BOWL in JOHNSBURG |
| · RICH PUBLICITY – RICHARD ROSTRON |
| · RICH SCHUPNER |
| · RICHARD EGAN |
| · RICHMOND CITIZENS POLICE ALUMNI |
| · RICK EBER |
| · RICK KELLER |
| · RICK LIPP |
| · RIVERSIDE CHOCOLATE FACTORY |
| · ROBIN SWANSON |
| · ROGER ROSS |
| · RON LIZORTY |
| · ROTARY DOWN BREAKERS GROUP |
| · SANDY HOLLAND |
| · SEND OUT CARDS – BARBARA BISHOP |
| · SENSIBILITY HOME STAGING |
| · SHAMROCK SUBS & SMOOTHIES |
| · SHELIA THOMAS |
| · SILENT OAK SALON - BONNIE HUFF |
| · STADE'S FARM MARKET |
| · STEVE AND NANCY CONNELL |
| · TANNERS |
| · TANNIS CENTROGOLO |
| · TASTEFULLY SIMPLE – MARY LAATZ |
| · THE ADAMS FAMILY |
| · THE GRAPHICS CO. - CAMERON OLSON |
| · THE MARX MUSEUM - FRANCIS TURNER |
| · THE NUT AND CANDY HOUSE |
| · THE POPCORN FACTORY - LAKE FOREST |
| · THOMAS SEBASTIAN COMPANIES – PETE SECKER |
| · TOTAL-U-FITNESS – MICHELLE AND TONY MYATT |
| · TOY SOLDIER HQ – KENT SPRECHER |
| · TOY SOLDIERS OF SAN DIEGO – NICK & DEANNA VERSTEEG |
| · TROPIC TAN STOP |
| · VERLO MATTRESS |
| · VINDICI RECIPES - TIM VINCI |
| · VISUAL HORIZONS INC. – WAYNE SEELY |
| · WAUCONDA FRUIT & NUT COMPANY |
| · WAUCONDA NUT HOUSE |
| · WENDY'S - McHENRY |
| · WESTON TOYS - STEVE and LINDA WESTON |
Pull on in and make sure you can stop at McHenry VFW for Shop With A Cop Thursday at McHenry VFW
%14-%11-%2012, %Rauto repair, auto repair Illinois, charity, children's charity, christmas charityPermalink
It’s Thursday evening and you’re driving westbound on Route 120 just a little east of the bridge going into McHenry. There you notice the sign for McHenry VFW and you suddenly remember, “Tonight is the night for the Shop With A Cop party.”
You see that no one is behind you and you hit the brakes hard trying to make the turn into the VFW’s driveway. Problem is the brakes don’t react quite as quickly as you did. Well, now that’s a problem.
The good news is you don’t have to turn around. If you continue west to the first street and turn right, there is another entrance off of Charles Street. You can enjoy the party, bid on some of the live or silent auction items, have some food, something to drink, play some games and listen to some music.
The whole time you’re at the party having a great evening, you’re also contributing so that a police officer with McHenry County Police Charities can take a child from a financially challenged home out for some holiday shopping. Each child accepted into the program receives $150 for shopping along with a winter coat, hat, gloves and boots.
“This is the sixth year we’ve done this and everyone has always had a great time,” said Denny Norton, owner of Performance Unlimited and president of MC3, the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce business networking group that hosts the party.
Norton is also someone you can trust to take a look at your brakes, not that he’d want to do so during the party.
“You should have them checked every 30,000 miles,” Norton said. “Especially after a hot summer like the one that just passed.”
Norton said the heat creates more friction that can wear the brakes faster. The heat also draws moisture. As a result, you may need to have air bled out of your brakes. If you have 100,000 miles on the brakes, you might as well setup an appointment to have new pads installed and the rotors and/or drums cut.
Don’t worry about that right now though, assuming your brakes are still functioning. Come on in and join the party. But, don’t wait too long to have the brakes looked at.
For more information, call Performance Unlimited at 815-728-0343 or visit: www.4performanceunlimited.com.
Tires with traction take some of the stress out of winter driving
%09-%11-%2012, %Rauto repair shop, safe driving, slick conditions, slippery roads, tires, traction, winter drivingPermalink
There’s just something about that first snow, a blanket of white covering roads and landscape and sparkling under street lights at night. It brings out that youthful sense of wonder in even the most ardent individual who has sworn to have shoveled their last driveway. Of course, the wonderful world of snow leaves something to be desired when someone climbs behind the wheel and tries to drive on the stuff.
Slllliiippppperrrryyyy – that’s the word that comes to mind. But, not to worry, after all, you’ve got a good set of meats on the corners, right?
Meats? You know, tires, el grabo de roados. You do have a good set of tires on the car, don’t you? A set of tires that can ‘grab’ the road through a layer of snow help to prolong the pleasure of admiring a winter wonderland. But, if the treads are worn, that sense of wonder can turn to anguish in a heartbeat.
Tires are where your car meets the road quite literally. The key is traction.
“If you’ve got tires that provide good traction, you’ll pull away from stops easier and you pull to a stop safer,” said Dennis Norton, the owner of Performance Unlimited, 5415 Austin Court, Ringwood. “It’s a good idea, this time of year, to make sure your tires are in shape for the winter ahead.”
With a bald or balding set of tires, a car will have a rough time on slippery roads. It’s also unwise to drive with tires that aren’t evenly worn. You don’t want to have traction on three corners and no traction on the fourth. A situation such as that is an invitation to a spinout when the snow flies.
How do you know if your tires have enough tread left? If you have 2/32nds of an inch or less tread, it’s time for new tires. If you don’t have a tread-depth gauge, you can actually use a penny (and they told you pennies were useless anymore). Looking at the Lincoln side of the penny, turn the 16th president on his head and insert the coin into the tire tread. If Lincoln’s hair doesn’t nestle down into the tread, you need new tires.
If you turn the coin around with the Lincoln Memorial facing you, but still upside down, if the roof is completely hidden, you still have 3/32nds of an inch of tread. You probably don’t want to let those tires go much longer.
It’s a good idea to keep your tires properly inflated. A tire that is almost flat will affect your steering and your traction. Likewise, a tire that is over inflated will cause troubles, too.
It’s a good idea to have your tires rotated and balanced on schedule (see your owner’s manual, as you would to check on proper inflation).
If you really want good traction in the winter, you can even purchase winter or snow tires. An auto repair shop, such as Performance Unlimited, can mount your winter tires when the season approaches and put your summer tires on the car when winter is over. All-season tires are another option, and are really the bare minimum when winter calls.
Maybe you won’t come to love the snow. But, if you have good tires on the car, you won’t dread the season as much either.
For information about mounting winter tires, balancing or rotating your tires, or to purchase a new set of tires for the winter, call Performance Unlimited at 815-728-0343 or visit: www.4performanceunlimited.com.
Performance Unlimited Stockcar marks the spot for Shop With A Cop party
%31-%10-%2012, %Rauto maintenance northern Illinois, auto repair shop, charity, children's charity, Shop With A CopPermalink
MC3, the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce business networking group, is holding its annual Shop With A Cop fundraiser Thursday, Nov. 15, to benefit the McHenry County Police Charities effort for children of families struggling economically. Denny Norton, the president of MC3 and the owner of Ringwood based Performance Unlimited, described the MC3 event as a party that benefits a good cause.
To be sure, the event, held at McHenry VFW on Route 120 east of the Fox River, will include live and silent auctions. However, it will also include games, food and drinks and live entertainment. So, if you boil it all down, it really is a party.
“And a darn good party, too,” said Norton. “We figure it’s the perfect mix when you can have a great time while benefiting a great cause.”
Last year, MC3 raised more than $18,000 for Shop With A Cop. As with this year, the fundraising also included donations from area businesses, such as Burger King and Wendy’s. The two restaurants have held Dine and Donate nights at their establishments on Route 120 and Route 31, respectively. On given nights, 15 percent of proceeds from sales between certain hours is contributed to the event.
Wendy’s is holding another Dine and Donate night from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 7.
The way Shop With A Cop works is that Police Charities partners one police officer with a child or, possibly, siblings. Then they go to Walmart, on Rout3 31, Johnsburg, to do some Christmas Shopping. Each child is given $150 to spend. Each child also receives a coat, hat, gloves and boots so they can stay warm through the winter.
“It’s really incredible to see the smiles on these children as they interact with the police officers,” Norton said. “The officers bring the kids to Walmart one morning before it officially opens and then the officers take the kids up and down the aisles shopping. Mostly, they buy things for people in their families. In fact, the police officers often have to remind the kids to buy something for themselves.”
Norton said that another great thing about the program is the way it pulls individuals and businesses together for a great cause. That’s very evident on the night of the fundraising party when tables are filled with donations for the auctions.
This year’s contributors include:
· Jayne Bockman
· Gary Clinton
· Shelia Thomas
· B.M.C. Toys
· Costco
· Alan Ford
· Jim Clouse
· Roger Ross
· Craig Remington. Wendy’s in McHenry
· Burger King in McHenry
· Forester Enterprises
· Gary Beadel
· Carrie Kutnick
· Rich Egan
· Ron Barzso/Playests
· Phil Rosner/ Nostalgia Playsets
· Clint Eastwood
· Ron Lizorty
· Mike Mullins
· King’s X
· Rick Eber
· Rick Keller
· Rick Lipp
· Ed Borris
· Rusty + Kathy Kern/Playset Magazine
· Francis Turner/ The Marx Museum
· Gary Linden
· Mike Handly
· Dave Pittman
· Steve and Nancy Connell
· Calvin Plowman
· Steve and Linda Weston/Weston Toys
· Jack Franks
· Pam Althoff
· Jill May
In terms of the party, Norton said it includes the live musical notes of the two-man jazz band, “2 Rich.” Musically, the evening also includes a choral competition between the McHenry High School Chorus and Johnsburg High School Chorus.
“Not only do they perform, but they sometimes do so attired in the finest Victorian outfits,” Norton said.
The event at the VFW is open to the public and easy to find. Norton said attendees should just look for the Performance Unlimited stockcar out front. For more information about the event, visit: http://www.mc3online.com.
Are your wipers ready for winter?
%25-%10-%2012, %Rauto repair, auto repair mchenry county, winter driving, winterizing, wiper bladesPermalinkA streaky wiper blade is, at the very least, an annoyance in the summer. In the winter, it’s potentially far more dangerous. And this is the time of year to make sure that you have a set of wipers in your car that will provide a clear view of the road ahead.
“Of all your senses, when you’re driving, none is more important than your vision,” said Denny Norton, owner of Ringwood based Performance Unlimited. “that’s not to say your other senses aren’t critical, as well. But, if you can’t see where you’re going, it doesn’t matter as much if you have a good feel for the road or if you can hear an ambulance coming. If you can’t see, there’s a good chance that ambulance will be coming for you.”
Norton said it’s frustrating when wipers fail to adequately clear the windshield. The problem is compounded in the winter with snow and ice that can freeze onto the windows and wipers. Then, when you add the effects of road salt, you’ve got a real mix for potential disaster.
Snow and ice can build up on the wiper blade until the spring action that allows the blade to contour to the windshield becomes rigid and inflexible. At that point, the wiper has little or no effectiveness in terms of clearing the windshield. But, Norton said there is a solution that goes a long way to preventing that problem.
“They cost a little more, but they make wiper blades that have a rubber shield over the spring assembly,” Norton said. “For a little more manufacturers now offer wiper blades that conform to the window without the traditional spring assembly. In the winter, these blades are well worth the cost.”
Wiper blades, however, are only one part of a critical system designed to work in unison to provide clear vision for drivers. That system includes an assembly to provide a spray of washer solvent onto the windshield on demand. It’s important to use a solvent that won’t freeze at the temperatures experienced in the area.
The washer-solvent sprayer is never more critical than when a fine mist of moisture and road salt begins to dry on the windshield. Even with good wiper blades, efforts to clear the windshield are often futile unless some washer solvent is added to the equation.
Another critical component is the car’s defroster. The fan must have the ability to blow up across the inside of the windshield and access to heat in that process is essential. That means the heater must work as well as the blower.
In many newer cars, they actually combine the air-conditioning system with the defrosters. This way, the defrosters use the A/C to dry the air before it is blown across the windshield.
There are other crucial tools to having clear vision for driving. These include a hand-held ice scrapper and a snow brush. It may take a few minutes to completely clear the snow and/or ice off the windows but the return in positive vision is well worth the effort. In terms of brushing away the snow, it’s best to do a thorough job on the vehicle so snow on the body doesn’t blow up onto the windshield or windows once the car is in operation.
There are solvents made that drivers can apply ahead of time. These are advertised to reduce frost on the windows and to make it easier to scrape frost and ice off.
“There are instances when you’re driving when fractions of a second count,” Norton said. “If your vision is reduced your chances of avoiding an accident are equally reduced.”
Anyone having any problems with the components listed above should bring their car in to a trusted auto repair shop. Norton said that the auto repair technicians at Performance Unlimited are happy to check the wipers, defroster and window solvent levels and can do that while performing other repairs or maintenance, too.
Norton said this is also a good time to make sure your vehicle is otherwise winterized.
For more information about Performance Unlimited, call 815-728-0343 or visit www.4performanceunlimited.com.
And if no one has jumper cables? Might be a good idea to have your battery checked now
%17-%10-%2012, %Rauto repair Illinois, auto repair McHenry, auto repair Ringwood, battery, battery check, check your batteryPermalinkDinner was great as you and your wife gazed into each other’s eyes across a candlelit table while the blowing snow whirled and howled outside creating a spinning backdrop of white on black in the window. Now, as they lock the door behind you, it’s time to go home. At the car, you open and hold the door for her while you wonder how you were ever so fortunate. Then, you slide behind the wheel feeling as though you heart could burst with joy. You turn the key and … nothing happens?
That is definitely not the way this story should go. It’s not the way to cap off the perfect romantic evening. But, this coming winter, if your battery isn’t up to snuff, that, or a story much like it, could be waiting for you.
Winter tends to test batteries. The oil in the car gets thicker making the starter work harder to turn over a cold engine. And, if the starter works harder, it needs more energy, more amps, to get the job done. That power comes from the battery, or maybe it doesn’t.
In spite of the effects of a harsh winter day on your car’s charging and staring system, in the scenario above, the problem may have started several months earlier.
“Winter can be hard on a car’s battery,” said Denny Norton of Ringwood based Performance Unlimited. “However, a really hot summer is even harder on a battery. The battery might die in the winter, but it’s possible it’s died because of what the heat did to it in July and August.”
As Norton pointed out, a really cold night could be the straw that breaks the back of a battery that was cooked in 100-plus-degree heat, as well as higher temperatures when the car was operating.
“It’s really a good idea to have your battery checked this time of year so you don’t run into trouble when you really need it,” Norton said.
While batteries that fail in the summer are inconvenient, they’re usually not as potentially dangerous as a battery that fails in the depths of winter. Stranded with sub-zero temperatures and hazardous wind-chill factors does not paint a pretty picture.
Norton said it only takes a qualified auto repair shop about five minutes to check a battery. It’s not a bad idea to have the rest of the charging system checked while you’re at it. In fact, checking or changing the oil and otherwise winterizing your car this time of year is the mark of a wise vehicle operator.
As for the battery, the cost of a new one is inexpensive insurance against the scene at the top of the story. In the case of a battery that is five or more years old, Norton said it’s a good idea to just go ahead and replace it.
For more information about Performance Unlimited, call 815-728-0343 or check them out on the Internet at www.4performanceunlimited.com.
Comments (1)
Changed the filter in your car lately? The cabin filter?
%10-%10-%2012, %Rauto repair Illinois, automotive repair, cabin filterPermalink
“Sure, I have them change the oil filter every time I have an oil change.”
Well, that’s a good idea, but that’s not the filter I was asking about. Actually, I was talking about …
“You were talking about the air filter. Absolutely: I change that probably about once a year.”
That’s also a good idea but …
“OK, OK, you’re trying to trick me here but it won’t work. You’re talking about the fuel filter, aren’t you?”
Well, no. Actually, there’s another filter in most cars these days.
“Don’t tell me. Just give me a minute … I’m drawing a blank.”
That’s OK. A lot of people don’t know about the cabin filter in their car.
“The cabin filter?”
Yes, it’s a filter that cleans the air coming into the car’s cabin, you know, where people ride. When you turn on the heat or the air conditioning, or even if you simply open the vent for ‘fresh’ air, the cabin filter cleans the air before it reaches you.
“What does it filter?”
Oh, just about anything you wouldn’t want to breathe if you can avoid it – dust, exhaust fumes, pollen, bacteria. The cabin filter is also known as the micron filter. It’s great for people who have allergies or for cars driven by smokers, since it also cleans the air you re-circulate in the car. It even improves the way your car smells inside.
“Wow, I had no idea. You know, I’ll get busy and change my cabin filter this coming weekend.
You can do that. However, depending on your vehicle, it can be a little tricky. In some cases, you might even have to disassemble panels from the dashboard. You might want to let your mechanic handle that for you.
“I do have an oil change coming up pretty soon. Maybe, I’ll have it done then.”
Good thinking. By the way, if you’re looking for a great place to have your oil changed and to have your cabin filter replaced, as well as any other auto repairs you might need, I know a great spot to bring your car.
“Where is that?”
Performance Unlimited in Ringwood. They have a great reputation for doing the job right the first time.
“What’s they’re number?”
You can call them at 815-728-0343 or, if you want, you can check them out on the Internet at www.4performanceunlimited.com.
“Hey, thanks for the help.”
My pleasure.
Auto repair shop hosts breakfast and business discussion for chamber connection group
%26-%09-%2012, %Rauto maintenance, auto maintenance northern Illinois, auto repair shop, business networkingPermalink
The auto repair shop at Performance Unlimited in Ringwood is usually full of cars, SUVs and pickup trucks as they receive the skilled attention of the auto repair technicians who make Performance Unlimited one of the premier auto repair shops in the region. Wednesday morning, Sept. 26, however, in the center of the shop were tables, chairs, breakfast and coffee.
By 7:30 a.m., the chairs were full of business owners who belong to MC3, the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce business connection group. Denny Norton, owner of Performance Unlimited, is the president of the connection group.
“We usually have the meetings at Green Street Café,” Norton said. “Once in a while, though, we hold the meeting at a member’s place of business. Today, it was my turn.”
Norton said that holding the meeting at Performance Unlimited was a great way to really showcase his business for other members of the group.
“You can tell them about the auto repair services you offer, and your commitment to quality, but it helps when you actually show them,” he said.
Performance Unlimited was started more than three decades ago. Now, it has a well-deserved reputation for quality and an honest concern for the welfare of the customers they serve.
Along with a couple of guests visiting the group for the first time, other members of the MC3 group in attendance included:
Dick Jess, 3D Painting
Michael Goodman, A-PC computers
Janet Domrase, Aldens Kennels
Michelle Myatt, Total-U-Fitnessand totally Fit Radio
John Matthesius, McHenry Water Well & Pump
Greg Mayer, Country Financial
Bill Zeng, Freedom Mortgage
Fran Lambert, Impressive Images
Bill Thomas, Northern Illinois Windows Service
Michael Kutnick, Prudential First Realty
Richard Rostron, Rich Publicity and OnTarget Resumes
Barbara Bishop, SendOutCards
Wayne Seely, Visual Horizons
Kathy Sierminski, Picker and Associates, CPAs
Each business owner/operator at the meeting shared 30 seconds of information about their business. Norton, as the host, spoke for 10 minutes. The focus of his presentation was on proper vehicle maintenance.
As Norton put it, “There are a lot of qualified auto repair shops in the area and most of them do a very good job. However, if you’re feeling uncomfortable with what your mechanic is telling you, trust your instincts and get another opinion.”
Most of the members of the group, however, do bring their vehicles to Performance Unlimited. As Seely put it, “We consider ourselves very fortunate to have someone of Denny’s caliber in our group – both in terms of the expertise he offers and in his strong business ethics.”
For more information about Performance Unlimited, call 815-728-8343 or visit www.4performanceunlimited.com.
Leaves slippery when wet – good reminder to check your brakes
%20-%09-%2012, %Rauto maintenance northern Illinois, safe driving, slick conditions, slippery roadsPermalink
This time each year, we welcome the return of that seasonal panorama of multi-hued reds, yellows, oranges, browns and greens as the leaves begin to change color. First on the trees, then descending to the ground, it’s a visual gift that softens the blow of an impending winter to follow.
While it’s hard to compete with the natural aesthetic value of the changing autumn leaves, a mat of wet leaves on the pavement can pose a hazard to drivers and those in their vicinity. Almost as though a layer of silicone was laid between two surfaces, tires can have difficulty grabbing the road at critical moments.
While this probably isn’t the greatest road hazard you’ll face throughout the year, it is worth noting. It’s also a useful reminder to check your brakes. After all, if your car will slip on wet leaves, imagine what it will do on a patch of ice in a few months.
It only takes a few minutes for a qualified mechanic to check your brakes. Most auto repair shops, such as Ringwood based Performance Unlimited, are more than happy to check your brakes at no additional charge while changing your oil or performing other maintenance or repairs.
Safety is the best reason to make sure your brakes are ready whenever you need them. However, Denny Norton, the owner of Performance Unlimited, said there is at least one other good reason to check your brakes on a relatively regular basis.
“Once your brakes wear down to the point where you’re riding metal on metal, you risk ruining your rotors or drums,” he said. “If you stay on top of your brakes you can usually replace the pads or shoes before you do additional damage.”
With modern brake systems, there are other concerns, such as the ABS anti-lock brake system. This is the system that rapidly pulsates the brakes when you stop hard so that the car doesn’t skid uncontrollably. However, the ABS system doesn’t require maintenance with the regularity of your brake pads and shoes.
For more information, call Performance Unlimited at 815-728-0343 or visit their Web site at www.4performanceunlimited.com.
