February 16, 2012
Don’t let bad shocks shock you with additional repair costs
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 It's shocking to imagine a drive in your car without a
suspension system. Every bump and crack in the road would transfer from the
chassis and up the passenger's spines. But, more than a matter of comfort,
properly functioning shock absorbers save wear and tear on your vehicle while
making the driving experience safer.
Have you ever hit a really bad pothole and felt the steering
wheel jerk in your hands? Imagine trying to hang onto that wheel, and control the
car, if there was no suspension to absorb the shock. On the other hand, as
shock absorbers wear, they generally cause the opposite problem. The suspension
becomes increasingly sloppy and the steering is affected in the process.
Still, comfort is the number one reason people change their
shocks or struts, depending on which your vehicle is equipped with. Shocks and
struts don't need changing based on a maintenance schedule. Rather, their life
expectancy is related to the kind of driving you do.
"With most cars, the shocks and struts will last quite a
while," said Denny Norton, owner of Ringwood based Performance Unlimited at 5415
Austin Court. "The best bet is to have them checked out from time to time. Of
course, if you feel the suspension getting a bit squishy, you may want to have
them looked at. Otherwise, you can ask your mechanic to take a look when you
have your oil changed."
Badly worn shocks also affect the way your tires wear and can
cause additional wear to your steering and other suspension parts. In other
words, if the shocks are no longer doing their job the way they used to, it's
time to change them before you find yourself changing other expensive steering
and suspension parts, as well.
One quick test you can give the car yourself is to press and
hold a corner of the car down. When you release it, the car will jump up again
and bounce a couple of times. If the bouncing continues more than that there's
a good chance you're in need of new shocks or struts.
For more information about Performance Unlimited, visit www.4performanceunliimited.com
or call 815-728-0343.
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February 8, 2012
An automotive tune up more than pays for itself in mileage and repairs
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 Cars now days don't require a tune-up as often as their
ancestors did. Each vehicle is different. Check with your owner's manual or
mechanic to see what's specific to your car. Of course, if the car isn't
running smoothly, gas mileage has dropped or you notice any other abnormalities
in the way it drives, it's time to bring the car in to a trusted auto-repair
shop.
Spark plugs are now designed to last up to 100,000 miles.
That doesn't guarantee, however, that they'll operate at peak performance for
the duration of that period. In fact, if the car wasn't properly tuned earlier,
or is otherwise out of adjustment, the wear and tear on spark plugs can
increase dramatically.
Other aspects of a tune up include checking and/or replacing
the ignition wires, the fuel filter, the pvc filter, adjusting the fuel injectors
or carburetor and the timing. A good mechanic will also take a look at your
belts, hoses, vacuum lines and other engine parts to ensure you won't find
yourself on the side of the road looking for a tow a few miles later.
A car that is properly tuned will get better gas mileage,
run more reliably and will last longer than a car that is out of adjustment.
All of these factors can save the consciences driver more money in gasoline,
repairs, early replacement of the vehicle and the cost of towing and taxicabs.
When bringing your car in for a tune up, make sure you use a
qualified mechanic. Denny Norton, at Performance Unlimited, 5415
Austin Court, Ringwood, said it's best to use a certified mechanic.
"Our mechanics are ASE certified and consistently take
courses to stay on top of the latest changes in automotive technology," he said.
"That's a commitment we feel our customers deserve. If your auto-repair shop
hasn't made that same commitment, I'd recommend that you look for a qualified
mechanic to keep you on the road."
For more information about Performance Unlimited, visit www.4performanceunlimited.com
or call 815-728-0343.
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February 2, 2012
Whoa – it sure can get slippery out there with winter driving: Collision expert offers tips on safer seasonal driving
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 “It doesn’t look that bad, it wasn’t the guy’s fault but
it’s $3,600,” said Tony Licocci, with McHenry
MAACO Collision Repair & Auto Painting, as he looked over a vehicle
that recently came into his shop for season repairs.
In the auto body industry, seasonal repairs represent those
that are caused by weather conditions. In this case, the $3,600 bill is the
result of icy conditions the car owner was driving through while trying to get
home.
“It just happens that fast,” Licocci said.
Winter, particularly in the Northern regions, presents
several potential obstacles to safe driving. First among these are icy roads.
Licocci said the best thing to do is to slowdown. He added that 4-wheel drive
doesn’t help a bit on ice.
“And you have to watch out for the guy in front of you who
is fishtailing,” Licocci said. “Next thing you know, he’s going to wipe out. If
you’re on ice and can’t stop, you’re going to hit him.
Licocci said that, when the backend of your vehicle slides
out you need to counter steer. This doesn’t happen as often today as it once
did as so many cars have front-wheel drive today. However, when it does happen
it often happens when braking.
Another difference between driving today and years ago is
that newer cars usually come equipped with anti-lock brakes today. Anti-lock
brakes pulse automatically when you hit the brakes hard. With older cars,
drivers needed to pump the brakes when the car began sliding on ice. That’s not
helpful with newer cars that have anti-lock brakes.
Another winter driving hazard is caused by snowy roads.
Licocci said drivers should try to stay out of deep drifts where they can
become stuck or, worse yet, lose control.
“Try not to change lanes too often,” he said. “Follow in the
ruts other cars have created.”
If someone does become stuck, he recommends trying to rock
the car free with the accelerator or by shifting from drive to reverse. A word
of caution here is that too much rocking can have an adverse affect on the
transmission. Denny Norton, with Performance
Unlimited, can attest to that fact based on the number of transmissions
he’s replaced over the years.
Another and potentially more dangerous winter driving
condition is called black ice – ice that is not visible on the road but can
still throw your vehicle out of control.
“The thing with black ice is, usually, you don’t know it’s
there until you’re on it,” Licocci said. “That’s the worst kind (of winter
driving condition) because it surprises you.”
When you find yourself on black ice, don’t panic. Slow down,
but don’t jam on the brakes. Licocci even suggested that you might want to stop
for a cup of coffee somewhere until you can get behind a salt truck.
Whatever the particular winter driving hazard, staying calm
and aware always goes well with slowing down and putting a little extra space
between your vehicle and other cars. Of course, in the worst conditions, you
might want to ask yourself just how important the trip is to begin with.
Staying home is one of the surest ways to avoid ‘seasonal repairs.”
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January 19, 2012
Keeping your windshield clear in the winter is a team effort
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 Slippery roads make winter driving a bit more intense than
most driving of the mid-summer variety. Around these parts, in the Midwest,
we've all seen cars in the ditch testifying to the reality that cars do slide
on ice. But, slippery conditions are not the only cause. In fact, some of those
cars in the ditch got there as much because of impaired vision as from the
level of traction on the highway.
Keeping your windshield clear is vital in the winter. It's
bad enough that your tires may lose a firm grip on the road; your ability to
anticipate such occasions, and react appropriately, is largely dependent on
your ability to see what is going on around you. However, it takes a team
effort to keep that windshield clear.
In this case, the team players are your windshield wipers,
your defrosters, windshield solvent, a brush and a scrapper. The brush and the
scrapper are often the first into the action. You come out of the house and
find the car covered in snow and/or the windshield coated with frost or ice.
Maybe you're in a hurry. Don't let your schedule dictate the level of safety
you apply to your driving experience. Clean off the snow and scrape the window.
It's a very good idea to clear loose snow off the hood, as
well, since, once you start driving, the snow on the hood will blow up into the
windshield.
Good wipers are essential. Are yours in good repair? Do they
leave streaks as they wipe the windshield? If the answer to these questions is
no, it's time for a replacement. Skimping on wiper blades is not the best idea
considering the difference in cost and the potential difference in safety
offered by different models. Some wiper blades even come with a covering to
keep the snow from binding up between the blades and their holders.
In any case, remember to gently knock the ice off your wiper
blades when your brushing or scraping your windows before driving.
Washer solvent is also essential. Maybe you can get by
putting water in the reservoir in the summer but that will turn to a block of
ice in the winter. A good dose of windshield washer solvent works wonders when
salty road spray begins to accumulate on the windshield.
And what about the defrosters? If you can't blow heat up
into the windshield there's no way to melt the ice that builds up as you drive
on certain days. Warming up the car a little before you go will help generate
the heat necessary to help clear ice that builds on the windshield as you
drive. If your defrosters don't work, get into your trusted auto repair shop
and have them do something about it.
Don't forget the other windows, either. Safe driving
requires the ability to see in all directions. Plus, you can even receive a
ticket for failing to adequately clear your windows before driving.
Oh, and there is one more member of the team - you. You're
the one with the wisdom to use all the tools at your disposal to stay safe on
the highways.
Having trouble with your wipers, defrosters or windshield
solvent sprayer? Performance Unlimited, 5415 Austin Court, Ringwood, can help.
Visit www.4performanceunlimited.com
or call 815-728-0343.
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January 11, 2012
At Performance Unlimited, auto repair customer service includes dropping off and picking up customers
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 Bringing the car in for maintenance or repairs is one thing.
The logistics of the matter can put the whole process in an entirely different
light. Common questions, along with finding out why the car is making that
noise, the brakes are squeaking or its overdue for an oil change, include
deciding whether to wait for the car or not.
For those who want to wait, Performance Unlimited, 5415
Austin Court, Ringwood, has a clean and cozy waiting area beyond the front desk
that includes television and magazines. For those who would rather not wait, or
whose cars require more extensive repairs, leaving the car at the repair shop
presents potential problems. It's generally not a problem at Performance
Unlimited.
"We provide free drop-off and pickup for our customers who
live and/or work in the area," owner Denny Norton said. "We know it can be an
inconvenience bringing the car into the shop."
At Performance Unlimited, it's not just anybody driving
customers home or to the office. Norton does most of the driving himself.
"I don't think bringing the car in for repairs or
maintenance should be a hassle," he said. "And I do most of the driving myself
because I think that's where customer service begins - responding to your
customer's needs. We drive them home when they drop the car off and pick them
up when it's finished."
For more information about Performance Unlimited, visit www.4performanceunlimited.com
or call 815-728-0343.
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January 5, 2012
Performance Unlimited builds friendship and trust with quality auto repair services
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 The auto repair technicians at Performance Unlimited, 5415
Austin Court, Ringwood, don't know the meaning of down time. It seems they're
always busy. Of course, that's the nature of the business for an auto repair
shop with a long-standing reputation for superior workmanship and customer
service.
The other day, a customer came in the door at Performance
Unlimited and, as he handed his keys to owner Denny Norton, continued to the
cozy waiting area beyond the front counter. Addressing the customer by his
first name, Norton said, "Hello" and then apologized that there were a few cars
ahead of him.
"That's OK," the customer said as he took a seat. "I'll
wait."
Some things are worth waiting for and that includes quality
auto repair services. Of course, Norton is always willing to drop off and pick
up clients in the area when more extensive repairs are required. But, watching
the interaction between Norton and his customers, it's quickly apparent that
his customers are completely at ease putting their vehicles in the skilled
hands at Performance Unlimited.
Anyone who has spent some time at the auto repair shop, and
has watched Norton and his staff interact with their customers, will agree that
the relationships between Norton, his mechanics and his customers are based on
mutual respect.
One can learn a lot about an auto repair shop by observing
the clientele. At Performance Unlimited, the customers are as friendly as the
staff. The customers know that Norton and his highly trained auto technicians
have the customer's best interest at heart. It's a great way to do business and
an equally wonderful way to make good friends.
For more information about Performance Unlimited, visit www.4performanceunlimited.com
or call 815-728-0343.
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December 24, 2011
A Classic Car Christmas tale
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 In the darkness of the late night drive, reflective mile
markers flashed by with a monotonous rhythm.
Bob pushed the accelerator down just a touch hoping to eke out a bit
more speed and, thereby, shorten the duration of his trip. But the slippery
roads rebelled and he felt a looseness in the steering as Mother Nature
challenged for control of the car anywhere past 45 mph.
He imagined his family at home, seated by the tree as it
blazed in a festive mix of seasonal colors, the fireplace casting dancing
shadows about the room as they sipped cocoa while watching White Christmas,
It's a Wonderful Life or, even, A Christmas Carol. Oh, but he wished he was
there with them now - at least before the children headed to bed. But, the snow
continued to fall, as did the temperature outside, creating a nasty mix of
hazardous driving conditions that would warm the heart of no one but Ebenezer
Scrooge on a Christmas Eve night like this.
Bob thought about that for a moment, as he reduced his
speed enough to regain control from the conditions on the road. "Scrooge," he
thought, "yes, this weather is Scrooge-like in its determination to spoil the
spirit of the holiday."
Bob glanced at the trip meter; another 100 miles or so to
go. Outside the car, he could see the wind swirling the snow a breath above the
surface of the icy pavement. Bob sighed
deeply. "There's nothing to be done but continue on."
He did some calculations in his mind and concluded that
he had more than two hours to go at this speed, assuming all went well.
Up ahead, he made out a hulking shadow on the side of the
road. As he drew closer, he could see the unmistakable shape of an old classic
car. He slowed for a closer look as he passed and shook his head side to side,
"Unless I'm mistaken, that's a 1929 Ford Sedan, and in pristine condition. What
the heck is it doing on the side of the road on a day like today?"
As he drove on, it occurred to Bob that the car had a
1932 license plate. "I wonder if the car is even licensed for the road?" he
pondered. "Well, that was strange."
Bob had hardly turned his thoughts back to his battle
with the weather when he began to make out another shadow further up the road.
He recognized the shape of a man trudging down the side of the road. As he drew
closer, Bob began to apply the brake. The road was otherwise deserted and there
was no conscionable way he could leave this man to face the storm alone,
certainly not on the night of December 24.
Bob could see the man had the collars of his long, heavy
gray coat pulled tightly around his neck. A slightly battered fedora was pulled
down tight and tipped forward and to one side to block the wind from beating
against the man's face.
Bob came to a stop beside him and motioned to hop in.
But, instead, the man stood on the road surveying Bob's car from side to side
as if he was trying to decide if it was animal, vegetable or mineral. Finally,
Bob reached over and opened the door.
"Do you want to get in?" he asked impatiently.
Slowly at first, as though not quite convinced, the man
nodded and, at last, accepted the offer to slide into the passenger seat.
Once inside, the man switched from surveying the car side
to side to cautiously surveying Bob up and down. He seemed to find Bob's attire
peculiar. Finally, he looked Bob in the face and said, "I thank you for the
ride, sir."
"Well, I couldn't very well leave you out there, now
could I?" Bob asked.
The two drove in silence for a moment before Bob asked,
"Is that your Ford I saw back down the road?"
"It is," the man replied.
"Beautiful car," Bob said. "What were you doing out on
the road with it on a night like this?"
"Just trying to get home to the family for Christmas," he
said. "My ‘beautiful car,' as you put it, ran a bit short on gasoline."
In an instant, Bob realized he would probably have to
drive this man back to his car, extending the duration of his trip even
further. He glanced at the clock in the dashboard and tried to recalculate his
ETA in consideration of this new wrinkle.
"I sure appreciate you coming along," the man said.
Remembering the spirit of the season, Bob softened his
heart a bit. "It's my pleasure," he said, even managing a slight smile.
After they'd drove a bit further, the man asked, "What
kind of car is this?"
"It's an Impala," he said.
"Impala?" the man asked.
"Yeah, you know, a Chevy," Bob said.
"Chevrolet? I didn't know they made a car like this," he
said as surveyed the lighted digitized dashboard with an apparent level of
amazement.
Up ahead, Bob could see a large, illuminated Shell sign
high on a post off the highway. Soon they were at the station where the man
discovered he would have to purchase a plastic-red gas can to carry the petrol.
The convenience station, the gas can and, no less, the computer at the front
counter, all seemed to leave the mean in a state of awe.
When the man came up short on the cost of the gas and gas
can, equally amazed that "gasoline in these parts costs more than $3," Bob
pulled out his debit card and made the payment on the man's behalf.
"It's OK. I've got it," Bob said.
The man watched a moment and then, as though he suddenly
realized that, by swiping the card through the slot on the blue box on the
counter, Bob had paid for the gas and container, the man offered a sheepish,
"Thank you, again, sir."
Soon, they were back at the man's car. Bob got out and
admired the vehicle for a bit, in spite of the blowing snow and cold, while the
man carefully funneled the gasoline into the car's tank.
Then, the man opened the hood and, after removing the air
filter, poured a few drops into the carburetor. He handed the gas can to Bob
and said, "This is yours," before he hoped behind the wheel. In a moment the
car was running with that rather quaint rumble of the old in-line 4-cylinder
engines.
The "Bonnet," as the man referred to the hood, all
buttoned up again, Bob nodded and said, "Merry Christmas," before heading back
to his car and putting the gas can in the trunk next to some brightly wrapped
presents.
"And to you, sir," the man said. "And thank you again."
Eager to make up for lost time, Bob was quickly moving
down the road ahead of the man. "Kind of a strange guy," Bob thought to himself,
as he glanced at the man's headlights reflecting in the rearview mirror. Bob
shrugged and glanced again, but they were gone. "Oh, my God, he must have gone
into the ditch," Bob said outloud.
Startled, Bob hit the brakes a bit too hard and almost wound
up in the ditch himself. Quickly, he spun the wheel around and headed back to
help the man, the whole time thinking, what a shame if he banged up a classic
car like that, not to mention banging himself up a bit, too.
As he drove back, Bob could see no sign of the man off
the road or among the trees. He went back to where the man had been stranded
and turned the Impala around again. As he headed back up the highway, Bob
noticed something strange. He could see his own tire tracks in the snow but he
couldn't see any tracks for the 1929 Ford. Bob came to a stop and looked.
"Yes, this is where we were," Bob thought. "The Ford was
parked right there."
But, there wasn't a trace of tire tracks from the narrow tires
on the old car. It was as if the car had completely vanished. Bob continued on
another few miles and, coming around a bend in the road, suddenly recognized
his exit.
"How can this be?" he thought. Deeply puzzled but equally
pleased, Bob took the turn and was soon pulling into his driveway. He sat in
the car a moment trying to make sense of what had happened. Then, he got out
and popped the trunk open. As he gathered up the presents, he glanced where he
had set the gas can. It wasn't there.
Shaking his head, he went inside where he was greeted by
his wife, Julie, and children at the door with hugs and kisses all around. The
children were thrilled to see him but Julie seemed as perplexed as Bob.
"How did you get home so quick?" she asked. "You called
from Minneapolis only two hours ago."
Then, as though she suddenly suspected he had been
ribbing her all along, she smiled in appreciation of his ‘little prank.'
Bob smiled back. But, as he hugged his wife again, he
looked out into the swirling snow outside and wondered about the mysteries of
Christmas.
Here at Performance
Unlimited, 5415 Austin Court, Ringwood, we wish you all a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.
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December 22, 2011
Ask your mechanic – the Check Engine light is nothing to sneeze about
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 You're driving down the road somewhere in Illinois, maybe
even Ringwood, Illinois, and you suddenly notice an amber light in the
dashboard is burning brightly. Upon closer examination, you notice that it
reads: Check Engine. No, you don't have to panic. Depending on how your vehicle
is otherwise operating, you may not even have to pull to the side of the road
and call a tow truck to bring your car to a mechanic. But, a Check Engine
warning light is something you don't want to ignore.
When your car tells you to Check Engine, it's a good idea to
listen; it's a good time idea to bring your car to a mechanic soon. A mechanic
will diagnose the problem in fairly short order. A mechanic is trained to know
what to do when the Check engine light comes on.
The Check engine light, which may appear as a small outline
of an engine or with the actual words - "Check Engine" - comes on as an
indication of a potential problem. It's triggered by the onboard diagnostics
system, or as your mechanic might put it, the OBD system. The OBD system
regulates numerous aspects of your cars performance, including fuel mixture,
timing, RPM and other factors that, when out of whack, will turn on your check
engine light while also, possibly, affecting the way your car drives.
Of course, when your car tells you to Check Engine, you
might also want to pay attention to anything else out of the ordinary - things
you can tell your mechanic to give him or her an idea of where the problem
lies. Has the car started to run sluggishly? Does it seem like the motor is
running roughly? It's possible the Check engine light will indicate something
more serious that would require the immediate attention a mechanic. Then again,
in some cars, a loose gas cap will trigger the Check engine light.
There are scan tools available to the general public that
will diagnose the problem when the Check engine light comes on. However, a
skilled mechanic is still a safe bet when dealing with such instances.
Another note about Check engine lights; if you live in an
area that requires Vehicle Emission Testing, a Check engine light will indicate
a condition that would cause your vehicle to fail - another good reason to
bring your car to a mechanic ASAP. At Performance Unlimited, 5415 Austin Court,
Ringwood, the mechanics will have you safely back on the road in no time.
For more information, visit www.4performanceunlimited.com
or call 815-728-0343.
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December 14, 2011
How can you tell if you can trust your auto repair shop?
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Does your auto repair shop stand behind its work? The right
answer to that question can go a long way to maintaining a driver's healthy
blood pressure. There are a few things in this world that are universally
frustrating. One of these is paying to have a vehicle repaired only to have it
breakdown again, with the same problem, shortly afterwards.
In some cases, it turns out the auto shop did a poor job of
analyzing the problem. In these instances, not only does the car owner pay for
a problem that might not have required repair, they still need to repair the
original problem.
There are several ways to ensure you won't fall into this
pit with your auto repair specialist. First - ask around. Certainly, someone
else you know has used this repair shop before. What was their experience like?
Did they have to bring the car back to the shop? If so, how was the problem
resolved?
Denny Norton, at Performance Unlimited, 5415 Austin Court,
Ringwood, said he offers a 12,000-mile/12-month warranty on all provided
services. Additionally, his mechanics
are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and
Performance Unlimited is a certified Bumper to Bumper Service Center and a
member of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce.
"Wherever you bring your car, if they don't have these
certifications, and if they don't have a warranty on their services, you might
want to approach with caution," Norton said. "Of course, if they have all of
those and a good reputation in town, you'll know you're in good hands."
For more information about Performance Unlimited, visit www.4performanceunlimited.com
or call 815-728-8343.
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December 11, 2011
Performance Unlimited offers free charging and coolant/antifreeze inspections
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It takes a certain amount of amps from a car battery to
start a car on a warm day and a different amount of amps to start a car when
it's well below zero outside. You don't have to wait until it's 20-below zero
to test this concept. In fact, at Performance Unlimited, they recommend that
you don't wait.
"Cold weather is really hard on a car," said Denny
Norton, the owner of Performance Unlimited. "If a battery is starting to fade
or a little weak, a cold spell will often tip it over the edge."
No one likes to turn the key and hear nothing more than a
click as the battery hasn't enough oomph than to engage the starter. That's why
Performance Unlimited is offering free charging and coolant/antifreeze systems
inspections. A quick trip to Performance Unlimited today can help drivers avoid
costly problems in the winter. And when the car won't start the driver is often
stranded.
The charging and coolant/antifreeze inspection is valued
at $70. As a Fall Special, it's free through (date).
Performance Unlimited, located at 5415 Austin Court,
Ringwood, can be found online at www.4performanceunlimited.com.
Or, you can call 815-728-0343 to setup an appointment.
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November 27, 2011
Give the gift of winter safety with a Performance Unlimited gift certificate
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Is someone you love a little behind on having the oil
changed in their car? Maybe they haven't gotten around to winterizing yet. With
another winter preparing to invade the Midwest, it's a good time to start
thinking about such things.
Maybe this offers an opportunity. You've been trying to
think of something different to buy them for the holidays and they need to
prepare their car for the hard-cold season ahead. Maybe you could combine the
two by giving them a gift certificate from Performance Unlimited - 5415 Austin
Court, Ringwood.
"If you live in these parts, the last thing you want to do
is wait until winter hits to think about preparing your car for the season,"
said Denny Norton, owner of Performance Unlimited. "This isn't just a matter of
convenience. It can help extend the life of your car. In some extreme conditions,
it could even mean avoiding dangerous situations, too."
Norton said that winter can be dangerous for drivers. On the
one hand, if their vehicle is not up to conditions, braking and steering can
have a rough time in the snow and ice and potholes they produce. On the other
hand, if their car dies or won't start, people can find themselves stranded.
"Hopefully, if you are stranded, you're stranded indoors,"
Norton said. "Unfortunately, your car might have other ideas."
Norton said that winterizing a car includes making sure the
oil is changed, the anti-freeze/coolant is up to snuff, the charging and starting
systems are operating properly and the car is well tuned. It also includes
looking at the brakes, steering and suspension. A Performance Unlimited
Winterizing Check will cover all the bases. What better gift could you give
than one that keeps a loved one safe through the season?
For more information about Performance Unlimited, visit: www.4performanceunlimited.com
or call 815-728-0343.
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November 15, 2011
Performance Unlimited invites folks out for the gift of music and more at McHenry “Shop With A Cop”
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 From 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17, the MC3 business
networking group, part of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, will throw one
heck of a shindig at McHenry VFW east of the bridge on Route 120. Denny Norton,
of Performance Unlimited, 5415 Austin Court, Ringwood, is a member of MC3 and
the “Shop With A Cop” party is one of his favorite events of the year.
“This is a great party and a great cause,” said Norton.
“Last year, the event raised $11,000 so that area police officers could take
underprivileged children out holiday shopping at Walmart. This year, we hope to
raise even more.”
Norton has donated items for the silent auction at the
event. H has also arranged to have racecars out front to draw attention to the
festivities. However, his contributions also have a musical quality.
Norton has donated a cash prize for the sing off between the
McHenry and Johnsburg High School choirs. The choirs will perform for the
listening pleasure of the audience, which will then vote by applause for the
winner.
“It’s kind of an American-Idol type thing,” Norton said.
“Only, in this case, we already know they have talent. You have to hear these
young men and women sing to believe it.”
For more information about the “Shop With A Cop” event,
visit: http://www.mc3online.com/Events.aspx.
For more information about Performance Unlimited, McHenry
County’s premier auto repair location, visit: www.4performanceunlimited.com or
call 815-728-0343.
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November 10, 2011
Car mirrors are useless if they don’t help you see – Performance Unlimited says proper adjustment is key
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 It’s a good idea to keep your eyes open on the road ahead
while driving. Actually, it’s just as critical to keep tabs on what is coming
up behind you.
Most cars today have a rearview mirror and an outside mirror
on either side of the car. Properly used, they can give a driver an effective
view of what is approaching from behind. Proper usage, however, goes beyond
regularly checking the mirrors; proper usage starts with proper adjustment.
Properly adjusted, the three mirrors will provide as complete a view of what is
behind your car as possible. In the process, they’ll reduce the areas commonly
known as blind spots.
A blind spot is that region behind your car that you can’t
see in your mirrors. But, if you adjust your mirrors correctly, you can almost
eliminate blind spots. When you eliminate blind spots you eliminate the
possibility that you’ll have an accident because you didn’t see what was in your
blind spot. You could still have an accident because you didn’t look but if you
take the time to adjust your mirrors properly, you’re probably the kind of
driver who will take the time to look before you move.
So, how do you properly adjust your mirrors? First, consider
that you most likely have three mirrors on your car; it’s not real effective if
they all show the same area behind your car. In other words, for your mirrors
to provide the best possible view behind your car it’s a good idea to avoid duplicity.
Also, keep in mind that the view provided by the mirrors is based on the angle
in which the driver looks at the mirror. Mirrors should be adjusted for each
individual driver.
To adjust the rearview mirror, while seated in the driver’s
seat, move the mirror until its view is centered out the back window and you
can just see the trunk lid. Then move the mirror so the view is slightly
higher.
To adjust the side mirrors, the key here is that you’re not
adjusting the mirrors so you can look at your own car. You may love the shiny
finish on your car, and we hope that you do. But, wait until you park somewhere
and then get out if you want to admire the paint job.
For your mirror’s sake, adjustment means moving it out to
the point where you can’t see your car. If you do this on both sides, when a
car moves out from your view in the rearview mirror it will move into the
drivers or passengers side mirrors.
For more information about Performance Unlimited, visit www.4performanceunlimited.com
or call 815-728-0343.
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November 8, 2011
Performance Unlimited offers Winter Driving Tips
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 You probably heard about the 27-inches of snow that fell on
the east coast recently. Even if you didn't hear about that, you've almost
certainly noticed that Halloween has come and gone and the weather outside is
decidedly chillier. What does this mean to you? If you live in these parts, you
know that it means you'll need to start bundling up when you go outside. It
also has distinct implications for your vehicle.
Cold weather tends to test a car's reliability. Will it
start? Once running, will the engine continue to run and will the car come to a
stop when you apply the brake while driving on a thin layer of ice? While
driving in your car, will the windows fog and will the heater provide heat?
These questions and more are addressed in Performance Unlimited's Winter
Driving Tips - http://www.4performanceunlimited.com/index.php?pr=Driving_Tips.
Winter is a trying time for a car or truck. With a little
preparation and armed with some useful knowledge, it doesn't have to try your
patience or tax your budget.
"Benjamin Franklin used to say that ‘An ounce of prevention
is worth a pound of cure,'" said Denny Norton, the owner of Performance
Unlimited. "That's never truer than when you're dealing with your car in the
winter. It's almost Murphy's Law - if you wait until it's 20-below zero to see
if your battery can handle the cold, it won't. I don't just recommend that my
clients winterize their vehicles, I winterize my own car."
To learn more about Performance Unlimited, or to schedule to
have your car winterized, visit www.4performanceunlimited.com
or call 815-728-0343. Performance Unlimited is a full-service auto repair shop
with a reputation built on a commitment to customer service.
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October 27, 2011
Performance Unlimited sorts out the peaches from the lemons for used car buyers
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 OK, so the paint is nice and shiny, the interior smells like
pine, the tires are clean and glistening and engine doesn't knock or wheeze but
what's the real cost of that used car you're looking at? The real cost of a
used car isn't just the cash you fork over to the seller. It's more than the
additional cost of taxes and licensing. The true cost of a used car includes
all the repairs you'll do in the months and, hopefully, years ahead, as well as
the level of frustration you may experience in the process.
Denny Norton, at Performance Unlimited, 5415 Austin Court,
Ringwood, understands the potential pratfalls of purchasing a used car. That's
why, along with providing superior auto repair and maintenance services, he
also offers a used-car checkup to help used-car buyers to know what they're
getting into beyond the Simonized finish of the vehicle.
"While there are some folks out there selling used cars who
will try to hide issues that will cause trouble later, even with a reputable
seller, it's important to know what you're getting into before you buy," Norton
said. "While we don't have a crystal ball to see into the car's future, we can
provide buyers with a solid understanding of a vehicle's current condition."
Norton said Performance Unlimited will provide a
bumper-to-bumper, inside-and-out checkup of a used vehicle for only $43. The
potential buyer will receive a full report on everything from suspension and
steering to engine and transmission. Amor All on the tires will make them shine
but will not add tread life to a tire that only has another
three-of-four-thousand miles left in it.
"We take a lot of the guesswork out of buying a used car,"
Norton said. "We also let you know if the car was well maintained. I guess you
could say we know the difference between a peach and a lemon."
For more information about Performance Unlimited's Used Car
Checkup, or any of its other auto repair and maintenance services, visit www.4performanceunlimited.com
or call 815-728-0343.
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