Is your gas grill over the hill?

Now is a great time to buy a new gas grill – but do you need one? 

The experts at Consumer Reports have some tell-tale signs that your grill is over the hill:

A rusty or cracked firebox. A little rust can be removed with a stainless-steel brush. If the box has extensive rust or cracks, it’s time to get a new grill.

• Yellow or uneven flames heat. Those are clues that you need to clean the burner tubes or ports; try using a toothpick. If the flames are blue and even when you turn the heat back on, the burner is fixed. 

• Coated cast-iron grates that are flaking or cracked should be replaced because flakes of coating can stick to your food.

• Cracked hoses and connectors. Replacing a cracked gas hose is a safety must. Do the bubble test: Mix a bit of dishwashing liquid and water in a spray bottle, then spray over hoses and connections to the gas tank. Bubbling is a sign of a leak.

• Iffy igniter. One that’s integrated into the burner controls, such as those on gas ranges, is harder to replace than an igniter that’s separate from the controls.

If you’re grill is over the hill, or you’re just in the mood for an upgrade, now is a great time to buy, as hardware, big box and home improvement stores need to make room for snow blowers, shovels and holiday hardware.