Performance Unlimited Blog

One thing is certain - the full heat of summer is approaching McHenry. If you haven't done so yet, it's time to have the air conditioning checked in your car. How high will the temperature rise this summer here in McHenry and will your car’s AC keep you cool no matter the heatwave we experience? The Farmers’ Almanac projects that we’ll have a “Sultry, Thunder-Filled” summer in the McHenry area. That includes a summer heatwave that will test your car’s air conditioning. In truth, whether we have an exceptionally hot summer, or a normal summer, there are definitely days when you’ll want your car’s air conditioning working at tip-top performance.  The average high temperature in McHenry, from 1992-2021, for the months of June, July and August, were 81, 85 and 83 degrees. On any day when the thermometer hits those temperatures, you’re probably going to want to use the air conditioning in your car. Last June, we had 10 days of 90-degrees or higher. The highest of these was 97 degree...

There are any number of problems that could cause a breakdown of your car, truck or SUV when you leave your McCullom Lake home. The cure is timely maintenance. Maybe if you’re a fairly new addition to McCullom Lake and other roads you’ve never had the experience of you car, truck or SUV breaking down and leaving you stranded. However, if you’ve driven for any serious length of time, there’s a good chance you’ve already experienced the automotive breakdown. McCullom Lake drivers are, by no means, immune to their vehicles breaking down. Those who have experienced fewer breakdowns in their driving careers have either spent more time driving newer cars, trucks or SUVs or have done a stellar job of staying on top of maintaining their vehicles. Still, even new cars, trucks and SUVs have breakdowns. And, even if you are on top of maintenance, there’s always a chance that you could have a mechanical problem while driving that might leave you stranded. The unfortunate reality is that things mec...

Offroad driving is tough on your truck or Jeep, proper preparation will help ensure that it's ready for the challenge. Proper installation of that lift kit is a good start. The truck with those big, beefy tires was sitting on the side of the road in Wonder Lake. Traffic was passing by and the driver was out of the truck looking underneath. There, the problem wasn’t too difficult to recognize. The front end of the driveshaft is hanging down on the ground as if the truck was prepared to pole vault. Why would the driveshaft fall out of the transmission? Something is clearly wrong. A short conversation with the owner of the truck establishes that he just purchased the truck. The previous owner had recently installed a lift kit on the truck. This wasn’t a minor adjustment; after installation of the lift kit, those climbing into the truck virtually needed ladders to get up there. But why would this cause the driveshaft to fall out?  A simple matter of geometry Prior to installing the lif...

Having trouble thinking of something to give mom for Mother's Day? Don't forget the gift-giving potential of mom's car, truck or SUV. Think of all the things mom has done for you over the years. When you were a baby, she fed you and changed your … Uhum. She prepared all those meals as you grew up, including your favorite meal, even if it wasn’t a special occasion. She cheered you up when you were down and taught you all those things you do for yourself now. Clearly, she’s earned a special day and Mother’s Day is just such a day. It’s a day to show your mother how much you appreciate her and all she’s done for you oh so many years. Most of us will buy candy and flowers for mom. Most of us will take mom out for brunch or dinner. But maybe there’s something else you can do to make this a fantastic Mother’s Day for your mom. And mom’s car, truck or SUV is rich in potential for a special Mother’s Day gift. Having mom’s car washed, waxed and/or detailed is a great idea. Imagine t...