There’s not much that I like about winter. I don’t snowmobile or ski. If I want to ice skate, I can do that at the Crystal Ice House in Crystal Lake, and they have ice year round. I enjoy driving but even this is less of a pleasure in the winter.What’s wrong with driving in the winter? How about having to clean snow and ice off your windows before you go anywhere? How about the slush and salt

With these articles, we try to share a little useful information for people who rely on automotive transportation. That, of course, refers to the vast majority of us. We also, occasionally, share high performance automotive tips, from time to time. Our goal is that these articles are of value to as many drivers as possible.The other day, we discovered that we may not speak to as many drivers as we

There are fast lube shops where they do oil changes and a few other mechanical odds and ends. There are also auto repair shops where they can handle tune-ups, the aforementioned oil changes, alignments, and most of the other customary repairs. Where, however, do you go if you want something out of the ordinary for your car?What if you’re tired of your car doors bumping into other cars in parking

In previous articles on this blog site, we’ve discussed the hazards of winter driving here in the Midwest (this certainly applies anywhere that roads are covered with ice or snow). In those articles, we’ve expounded on the importance of good tires, properly filled with air and balanced. We’ve also spoken of the vital importance of good brakes, a firm suspension and solid steering and chassis.

With that fresh blanket of snow on the ground, your car is slipping and sliding as you cautiously apply the accelerator. Then, once you get up to a safe rate of speed, you notice a squirrel running into the road. You hit the brake but, hopefully, not too hard. Too much brake, too fast, and you can lose all control; that squirrel can send you spinning into a ditch. “Where the heck is that

An old friend used to wash and wax his car every weekend when the weather was reasonably warm. He used a two-step Blue Coral brand of wax that essentially required waxing the car twice – a pre-wax and the actual wax. Today, Blue Coral even offers a combination wash and wax but not then. Most of my friend’s Saturdays were filled with washing and waxing his car – a red 1973 Plymouth

Have you ever seen someone who just seems a little carried away when it comes to maintaining their vehicle? Year after year, day after day, you see them doting over their car as if it’s the only thing they worry about, as if it’s their second biggest investment or something. Of course, chances are, it is their second biggest investment. Still, maybe there is a point where someone takes

The other day, an SUV was westbound on Route 120 approaching the light at Wonder Lake Road. Though the vehicle wasn’t moving very fast, apparently due to a dusting of snow on the road, the vehicle suddenly spin around until it came to a stop facing backwards in the right-turn lane. Fortunately, no one was approaching the turn intending to turn north on Wonder Lake Road. Even more fortunately,

New Year’s is a time for resolutions. The most popular resolution is to hit the gym and get fit, maybe take off a few pounds. Gyms and fitness centers will see an influx of new members. Unfortunately, within a month or so, the resolve that brought the new members in will dissolve and the ‘regulars’ will have unfettered access to the fitness equipment. For those who fear their motivation

The evening started great for Bob and Linda, and for Bill and Cindy. Both couples left the kids with trusted babysitters and headed out to New Year’s parties where they would spend their time with good friends welcoming in 2013 while bidding 2012 goodbye. Bob and Linda hired McHenry Limousine Service to ride to the party in style, picking up some friends along the way. Bill and Cindy saved