Performance Unlimited Blog

“12:00 … 12:00 … 12:00.” If you were around in the days of VCRs, you probably remember the repetitive flashing of that number. Back when VCRs were state of the art, most of the video machines included a clock with a digital display on the front. For those who were not entirely technically savvy, programming the clock was a nuisance they often skipped. As a result, instead of the time changing every sixty seconds, “12:00” flashed endlessly on the front of the machine. People got used to it. They learned to ignore it, mostly. Today, many drivers have learned to ignore another indicator light. This one, instead of telling the time, and located in their vehicle rather than in the house, is the “Check Engine” light that one day appeared in their dashboard. As with the flashing “12:00” they got used to it until, virtually, they just didn’t see it anymore. “Unfortunately, though drivers can sometimes get away without doing anything about the ‘Check Engine’ light for a while, other times, they...

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 spe...

(Originally posted November 2011) 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...

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 patien...

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 ...

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 sell...