**Courtesy of Dodge official YouTube channel
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Top 7 Urban Legends About Motor Oil
1. Change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months — whichever comes first. We've said it before and we'll say it again: This is a myth for the vast majority of modern cars. The 3,000-mile oil change is the credo of the quick-oil change industry and dealership service departments, designed to regularly get you into the service bay. (Jiffy Lube recently abandoned its advocacy of the 3,000-mile rule, but clings to severe-schedule advice with which Edmunds disagrees. More on this later.)
Experts agree that the oil in today's cars should be changed at the designated intervals in the owner's manual or when the car's oil life monitor light appears. (The average interval for 2010 cars is around 7,800 miles.) Oil experts and car manufacturers say that oil chemistry and engine technology have evolved tremendously in recent years, extending oil change intervals.
"If customers always just stayed with the 3,000-mile recommendation, there'd be these great strides in the robustness of oil that oil companies have made [that] wouldn't be utilized," said Matt Snider, project engineer in GM's Fuels and Lubricants Group. Consumers, he said, would be "throwing away good oil" if they hewed to the outdated 3,000-mile rule.
2. Change your oil before a long road trip. There is some truth to this. It's definitely a good idea to look your car over before long drives, says Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing for Edmunds.com. However, if the oil change interval is not scheduled to occur during the trip, it is not necessary to change it preemptively. If the oil change interval would arrive during the trip, then it's a good idea to change it before you leave.
But Edmunds cautions that having service work performed just before a trip carries a risk. He was once driving miles from anywhere when a car passed him, trailing oil. It turned out the owner had just had her car's oil changed, and the shop had not properly tightened the drain plug. It had vibrated out. Edmunds suggests scheduling a service visit for about a week before leaving on a big trip, just to make sure everything is working properly before you hit the road.
3. Nearly all cars should be serviced under the "severe" maintenance schedule. This oft-cited rule is a myth the quick oil-change industry (including Jiffy Lube) uses to bolster more-frequent-than-necessary oil changes, experts tell Edmunds.com. When manufacturers say "severe," they mean situations in which vehicles pull heavy trailers, or cars race on closed tracks. It also applies to taxis or emergency-response vehicles that can idle for hours at a time. Just plain old stop-and-go traffic doesn't automatically bump people into the severe schedule. For further proof, consider this: A number of automakers, including Ford and GM, contacted Edmunds data editors to request that the maintenance section of Edmunds' site substitute the normal maintenance schedule for the severe schedule that had been displayed. If your car has an oil life monitoring system the severe-versus-normal question is moot.
4. Check the oil on the dipstick. If it's black, change the oil. Experts say this is a myth, as is the related notion that you can identify spent oil by smell. "That is old school," says Kristen Huff, vice president of Blackstone Laboratories in Fort Wayne, Indiana. "Oil is meant to get dark — it means it's doing its job," she says. The bottom line: Black oil still has plenty of life left in it.
5. When you buy a new car, change your oil at 3,000 miles to remove metal particles from the engine break-in process. There might be a grain of truth to this, according to the experts at Blackstone. Oil samples from engines during the first 3,000 miles of driving show elevated "wear-in" metal levels, coming from the pistons and camshafts, says Ryan Stark, Blackstone's president. But he added, "To me, it doesn't make that much difference because if the filings are big enough to cause damage, they will be taken out by the oil filter."
However, a Honda spokesman says its cars come from the factory with a special oil formulation for the break-in period. Honda advises owners to not change the oil early. Stark said Blackstone Laboratories' test of Honda's break-in oil shows it contains molybdenum-disulfide, an anti-wear additive. But Stark said Honda is the only manufacturer he knows that's using special break-in oil. The take-away? If there are any special break-in recommendations from the manufacturer, follow them. And consider analyzing the oil at 3,000 miles.
6. Once you use synthetic oil, you always have to use it. This is a straight-up myth. In fact, the line between synthetic oil and petroleum-based oil is blurring because the two types of oil are often blended, says Edmunds Engineering Editor Jason Kavanagh. "As long as the oil meets the service and viscosity requirements set out in your owner's manual, you can switch back and forth as much as you want," he says.
7. Synthetic oil is better for your car's engine and it improves your fuel economy. Myth. Steve Mazor, manager of the American Automobile Association's Research Center, says his testing shows that synthetic oil is generally a superior lubricant, but adds, "I'm not sure it is worth the extra cost — you need to take some of the [manufacturer's] claims with a grain of salt."
Blackstone's Stark says he has not seen data to support claims that synthetic oils boost increased fuel economy. "There is a school of thought that says the synthetic oils are slipperier and allow the engine to spin easier — I don't know that I believe that."
**Courtesy of Edmunds.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Our great deals on new vehicles are a lot more shocking than Taylor Swift winning another award!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
2013 Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition Gives To Military Charities
The announcement came yesterday, while many Americans were observing Veterans Day. The timing isn't coincidental: like the Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition, the Patriot Freedom is billed as "a tribute to the brave men and women that have served", according to Mike Manley, Jeep's president and CEO.
That's not just talk: Jeep is donating $250 from the sale of each Patriot Freedom to a range of military charities. The vehicle is also eligible for Chrysler's Military Bonus Consumer Cash program, which offers a $500 cash allowance to "active military, active military reserve, retired military (honorable discharge and 20 years of service required), and retired military reserve (honorable discharge and 20 years of service required). Honorably discharged veterans are eligible within 6 months of discharge date."
On the exterior, the first difference you're likely to notice between the Freedom edition and the regular JeepPatriot is a military-inspired star right in the center of the hood, as well as on the rear quarter panel. The vehicle comes with three patriotic paint options: Deep Cherry Red (seen above), Bright White, and True Blue. The 17" aluminum wheels are painted in Mineral Gray, and on the front doors, you'll find a badge labeled "Oscar Mike", which is military lingo for "on the move".
Inside, you'll find features like those on the 2013 Jeep Patriot Latitude, on which the Patriot Freedom is based -- features like a sunroof and all-season floor mats. However, there are a few differences, including the dark gray cloth interior, which comes with "silver accent stitching and a black fabric 'star' logo patch on the front seats".
With two- and four-wheel drive configurations, the 2013 Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition starts at $21,445, plus a $995 destination charge. It's currently available at Jeep dealers nationwide.
Source: The Car Connection
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
How to Make a Great Car Interior
This is how you destroy boring car interiors forever. Easy.
**Courtesy of Dodge official YouTube channel
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Chrysler's Automobility Program
Designed to help customers with permanent disabilities enter, exit and/or operate a new vehicle, Chrysler's Automobility Program can help you do the things you love to do in life. Our goal is to assist in lessening the burden of the financial cost of modifying your vehicle.
Click HERE for more information
Monday, November 5, 2012
Not quite sure what Chrysler or Jeep you want, check out these 2012 vehicle reviews
Our swift service process was able to help get a family to Disneyland on time!
"were on our way to Disneyland for the evening. They noticed our little group and did a rush job and what would have taken a couple of days only took two hours to fix! We are so thankful that they could help us out!"
Friday, November 2, 2012
Chrysler Maintains the Momentum With A 10% Jump In October Sales!
The Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in October compared with the same month a year ago. The FIAT brand's 89 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the month. October marked Chrysler Group's 31st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.
"In spite of Hurricane Sandy, Chrysler Group posted its best October sales since 2007 and we achieved our 31st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. "Last month we also further demonstrated our disciplined approach to sales growth by posting a Q3 2012 operating profit of $706 million, an increase of 46 percent over Q3 2011."
A diverse set of Chrysler Group models set records last month. The Fiat 500, with its considerable 89 percent sales increase, set a sales record for the month of October. The Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan, the Jeep® Wrangler and Jeep Patriot sport-utility vehicles, and the Dodge Journey full-size crossover all set sales records for the month of October.
Chrysler Group's minivans each posted double-digit percentage sales increases in October. The Dodge Grand Caravan's 49 percent sales gain represented the largest percentage increase of any Dodge brand model while sales of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan were up 31 percent in October. The Ram 1500 pickup truck, Dodge Charger muscle car, and Chrysler 300 flagship sedan all had sizeable sales gains during the month.
Chrysler Group finished the month with an 83-days supply of inventory (404,122 units). U.S. industry sales figures for October are projected at an estimated 14.7 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).
October 2012 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand
Dodge Brand
Dodge brand sales were up 20 percent in October, the brand's best October in five years and its 17th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Dodge brand sales of 40,611 units represented the largest sales volume of any Chrysler Group brand in October.
The Dodge Journey full-size crossover and the sporty Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan each set a sales record for the month of October. Journey sales were up 18 percent compared with the same month a year ago. October marked the seventh month this year in which the Journey has set a sales record, including an all-time sales record in August. Dodge Avenger sales increased 7 percent versus the same month last year. The Avenger has set a sales record in six months so far this year, including an all-time sales record in April.
The all-new Dodge Dart, with its 10 standard-equipment air bags and one of the auto industry's highest content-ratios of high-strength steel, earned two major safety accolades in October. The Dart was named a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and grabbed the 5-star safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the regulatory agency's highest grade. Sales of the Dart were up 4 percent in October compared with the previous month of September as the state-of-the-art compact sedan continues to build sales momentum.
Sales of the Dodge Grand Caravan, the brand's volume leader for the month, were up a hefty 49 percent, the largest percentage sales gain of any Dodge brand model in October. It was the minivan's 10th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its best October sales in five years.
Ram Truck Brand
Ram Truck brand sales were up 17 percent in October compared with the same month last year. The Ram pickup truck, Chrysler Group's volume leader, extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 30-consecutive months. Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 20 percent in October compared with the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck's best October sales performance in six years. The Heavy Duty Ram trucks led the way, up 26 percent, while sales of the Light Duty Ram trucks increased 17 percent.
The new 2013 Ram 1500 with best-in-class fuel economy began arriving in dealerships across the country in October. During TAWA's annual Texas Truck Rodeo in October, the Ram 1500 was named "Truck of Texas," the group's highest honor. The Ram 1500 also was named "Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas" and was awarded "Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas" for the Laramie Longhorn model. Additionally, the Ram Truck brand was voted "Truck Line of Texas." Judging by the 50 TAWA members occurred over two days of uncompromising on- and off-road vehicle evaluation. Consideration is given to everything from interior and exterior styling and off-road capability to the entrant's overall utility, value and fuel efficiency.
The Ram Cargo Van posted a 145 percent sales increase in October compared with the same month a year ago.
Chrysler Brand
The Chrysler brand extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 16-consecutive months in October. Chrysler brand sales were up 5 percent, the brand's best October sales in five years. Both the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan and Chrysler Town & Country minivan had strong October sales. Sales of the Chrysler 300 were up 40 percent compared with the same month last year, the full-size sedan's 12th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Chrysler brand introduced the all-new Chrysler 300 Glacier Edition, featuring the market's most fuel efficient AWD system, along with unique leather seats integrated with ballistic fabric for all-weather capabilities. And the Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition sedan arrives in showrooms during this fourth quarter, complementing and improving the 300 with unique features from multi-award winning menswear designer John Varvatos.
Sales of the Town & Country minivan were up 31 percent in October compared with the same month a year ago.
Jeep® Brand
Two Jeep models had a record-setting month in October. Sales of the Jeep Wrangler were up 14 percent, a sales record for the month of October. The Jeep Patriot, the best-priced compact SUV in America, posted an 18 percent increase, also establishing a sales record for the month of October and the largest sales gain of any of the Jeep brand models.
For the third consecutive year, the Jeep Grand Cherokee – already the most awarded SUV ever – captured the "SUV of Texas" award at TAWA's Texas Truck Rodeo in October. Grand Cherokee sales were up 8 percent in October versus the same month last year. In addition, the Grand Cherokee was named "Full-Size SUV of Texas" and the ultra-premium Grand Cherokee Overland Summit retained its "Full-Size Luxury SUV of Texas" title. The rugged Wrangler was awarded "Mid-Size SUV of Texas" for the third year in a row.
For the third consecutive year, the Wrangler was recognized as the "Hottest 4x4 SUV" at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in October in Las Vegas
**Courtesy of Auto Spies
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Chrysler Town & Country - Test of Ownership
Can you learn everything you need to know about which minivan to buy from car tests?
**Courtesy of Chrysler official YouTube channel
Our team always makes the customers feel like longtime friends!
"Overall we feel we had a very pleasant experience. It seemed more like having a discussion with friends than the typical "who's trying to WIN the deal" you so often find in buying a car."
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