Performance Unlimited Blog

Did you know that there is actually a difference between winter and summer wiper blades? According to NAPA, a summer wiper blade is “made with a lighter layer of rubber or silicone” and a lighter frame. This helps the blades to do a better job of wiping away water from the windshield in warmer weather. But these blades have a harder time standing up to winter weather. In the winter, they freeze up. They lose their flexibility and have a hard time clearing the windshield. Winter blades are designed so ice can’t build up into the frame. The rubber is thicker and it’s harder for the cold to reduce the ability of the wipers to clear the windshield cleanly. When a wiper doesn’t work properly, it will leave streaks – lines following in the path of the wiper blade’s travel. In some cases, it will leave water untouched on portions of the windshield where the water should have been removed. The result is that you’ll find yourself leaning and trying to look past the spots where the wipers have f...

Changing the oil according to recommendations in your McHenry car, truck or SUV’s owner’s manual is a critical factor if you want to extend its life and durability. But summer is a factor that may influence how frequently you change the oil. There are two primary enemies of motor oil – dirt and heat. The dirt is the accumulation of particles suspended in the oil that increases over time after each oil change. The heat, on the other hand, progressively breaks down the oil. The heat effects the oil’s viscosity. Viscosity is a measurement of the oil’s resistance in relation to how the oil acts with motion and under force. Measuring viscosity helps to determine the effectiveness of motor oil as a lubricant. A viscosity rating provided by the company selling the motor oil helps to determine which oil to use under which anticipated conditions. For instance, you may use a 5W-30 motor oil. The ‘W’ represents the winter rating for the oil. A low number, such as ‘5W’ represents an oil that will ...

You’re cruising down 120 one evening, a smile on your face as you head out of McHenry for an excursion you’ve looked forward to all through the pandemic when your serpentine belt breaks. Now that the coronavirus is fading, it’s time to get out of town. But you don’t go far before you have a problem. Suddenly, you notice that your dash lights seem as though they’re dimming. Next thing you know, the engine is dying and you’re trying to pull over before you lose the last traces of momentum.  What is wrong? Why would your car betray you this way? You’re not even out of McHenry and your plans are torpedoed. Then again, that might be a good thing. The alternative is that you’re a couple hundred miles down the road when you notice the problem. What would cause your car to act this way? Actually, the problem could develop several symptoms, none of them good. As mentioned above, it turns out that your problem is a broken serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is a critical part of your car. I...