Tiny microchips pack a big power punch. These little semiconductors are what make computers, smartphones and pretty much all the digital devices in your life function. The increased demand for personal electronics since the start of the pandemic has caused a shortage — and the auto industry is among the hardest hit.

Why the auto industry, though?

When auto factories shut down across the globe in 2020, they cancelled chip orders, which then became consumed by other companies using chips for video game consoles and other home-based electronics. As factories reopened and re-submitted their chip orders, they found themselves in something of a supply and demand pickle. According to a Wall Street Journal article, Toyota cut auto production throughout Japan by 40% in September because the shortage finally caught up to their factories.

The ripple effect has slowly permeated the auto industry. As new vehicle production has halted, prices have gone up for existing new and used cars. What’s a car-buyer to do?

If your current ride just needs a little TLC, it’s better in today’s economy to invest in the maintenance it deserves — especially if you’ve neglected regular tune-ups during the past year or more.

To better prepare for our delightful Midwest winters, we got the scoop from two local auto shops — Cars Trucks & Vans and Lund’s 66 — on their best tips to keep your car in tip-top shape.