That used car looks all shiny and new. The interior has that new-car smell. It’s the color you wanted. It’s the model you wanted. It’s love at first sight – kismet. In no time at all, you’re pulling out of the dealer’s parking lot in your new-used automobile with a satisfied smile on your face. But will that smile last? Overtime, that used car will require maintenance and repairs. It’s

Sheldon Cooper: Your check engine light is on. Penny: Mm-hmm. Sheldon Cooper: Typically that's an indicator to, you know, check your engine. Penny: It's fine, it's been on for, like, a month. Sheldon Cooper: Well, actually, that would be all the more reason to, you know, check your engine. Penny: Sheldon, it's fine. Sheldon Cooper: If it were fine, the light wouldn't be on. That's why the manufacturer

Years ago, Richard took his car into a dealership because of a problem with the engine. The dealership hooked the car up to its diagnostic equipment and the computer produced a number that, when cross-referenced in an accompanying diagnostic book, told them what the problem was. This number was not good. They told Richard that the number indicated an incurable problem with the engine. Richard paid

But Memorial Day is to honor those who rode in those vehicles and marched beside them Today, many McHenry residents will light up the barby, throw various types of meat on the grill, and commiserate with friends and family while taking the day off from work for Memorial Day. But the day is not about barbequing; it’s about taking a moment to reflect on the commitments of those who serve today, and

You glance at the clock in the dashboard and realize that, if the McHenry traffic doesn’t start moving, you’ll be late for that important meeting. To make matters worse, for some reason, the car’s air conditioning isn’t quite doing its job today. You feel a bead of sweat rolling down your cheek and it prompts you to glance down at your pits. Sure enough, they’re soaked. This is not good. It’s

The headlines say it all: “Senate bill would double Illinois state gas tax” and “Proposal (from Illinois Senate) bill would double Illinois state gas tax.” These are ominous indications of what you may be paying at the pump in McHenry in the near future. And there isn’t much you can do about it. Well … there is one thing you can do. The more you pay at the pump the more imperative it is

Where should you bring your vehicle for auto repair services? If you want the greatest satisfaction, bring it to an independent auto repair shop. This is the finding of a Consumer Reports Member Survey (based on non-warranty repairs and service). Some would find it surprising to discover that, according to the survey, bringing a vehicle to an auto dealership for repairs and service is the least likely

This photo, taken from Ethereal Confections Sunday,shows the blizzard that hit Woodstock in full bloom. It’s good to be prepared. Some people in Woodstock had put their scraper and snow brush away already when Sunday’s blizzard hit. They may have discovered that they were premature to do so. It’s difficult to be prepared for any situation but it’s worth the effort to try. Having the means

The headlines say it all: “Senate bill would double Illinois state gas tax” and “Proposal (from Illinois Senate) bill would double Illinois state gas tax.” These are ominous indications of what you may be paying at the pump in McHenry in the near future. And there isn’t much you can do about it. Well … there is one thing you can do. The more you pay at the pump the more imperative it is

Last week, this blog discussed the season of the pothole. Every Spring, the potholes appear as winter’s damage emerges from the slush, snow and ice. But this is the rebirth of another season here in McHenry. This is known as the season of the roadhorse. This equestrian animal doesn’t require water, a bail of straw and some oats every day; rather, this horse stands rigid from dawn to dusk and back