Performance Unlimited Blog

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...

A 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...

Dinner 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 effec...

“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, ...