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Spend the 4th of July in a Sporty New Fiat

4th of July
When Fiat began to reinvent itself ten or so years ago, the little sporty cars looked cool and fun to drive. Now, the all-new 2017 Fiat finds itself as an established part of American culture, showing up in film, commercials, and its emblem and car shape recognizable by the masses. And in terms of performance, safety, and comfort, the Fiat has only progressed over the years. So if you’re looking for a zippy, fun drive this 4th of July, come to Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat today to take one for a spin. The 4th of July is more fun when you have a cool car to drive. A national day of joyrides, picnics in the park, and peering through the sunroof at the fireworks just isn’t as exciting in an old clunker. So here are five reasons to spend this Independence Day in a new Fiat: 1. Great Fuel Economy.New Fiat If you have to do a little traveling this 4th of July, save some gas money and drive in style. There are two engine options with the new Fiat. A 5-speed, 1.4-liter engine comes standard, or drivers can opt for a turbocharged version of the same. Both allow for great gas mileage, offering around 30 mpg in the city and up to 40 mpg on the highway. Some car critics have noted the Fiat does not have as good fuel economy as a few other compact cars, like the Honda Fit and Chevy Spark, which can both hit in the upper 30s in the city and closer to 50 mpg on the highway. And though these two tiny cars do save a little more fuel than the Fiat, drivers have to consider if they are actually worth it. Sure, less trips to the gas station is always a plus, but when you look at the full package the Fiat offers compared to what the others bring to the table, there really is no comparison. Simply put, the Fiat’s charm and performance outweigh any other compact car, and if you have to lose a few miles per gallon for a better driving and better looking car, I say so be it. Plus, when driving a compact car that naturally gets better gas mileage than just about any other type of vehicle, do you really notice a difference in a few measly miles per gallon anyways? 2. High-End Features.
New Fiat
What’s great about Fiat is that there are so many variations to choose from. First, you have three versions of the car to decide between: Pop, Lounge, and Abarth. With each of these three you can choose to have a three-door hatchback or a two-door Cabrio. And, if you and your friends feel like opening up the hatchback to enjoy the 4th of July festivities, there are many fun add-ons and variations in features to pick from to keep everyone entertained. Let’s begin with the Pop This is Fiat’s base level vehicle, but there is nothing basic about it. It comes with 15-inch painted aluminum wheels, Bluetooth streaming audio, hands-free calling, and power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, etc. The Pop also comes in a sport trim level, which has 16-inch wheels and a sleeker, more aerodynamic body shape. The Lounge is next in the progression and has a little more to offer. This Fiat comes with all the base-level perks (15-inch wheels, power everything, Bluetooth, etc.) plus a 7.0-inch LCD display screen, a fixed glass roof (perfect for watching fireworks!), chrome accents throughout the interior and exterior, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Finally, the best of the best, the Abarth Fiat. This high-end version comes with a turbocharged engine, an upgrade in suspension, 16-inch black alloy wheels, and a slew of safety features. Once you decide on which Fiat you want, there are even more features to choose from. For example, there are 15 interior and exterior colors, and over 40 extra accessories to look through and add on. 3. Comfort and Quality.
New Fiat
Looking and feeling good are a big part of the 4th of July holiday. On this day we like to enjoy comfort food, wear comfy clothing, and gather with friends and family. And there is no other car that promotes such a way of life than the Fiat. Beyond its numerous features and configurations, comfort and quality are ranked pretty high as well. Even though the Fiat is one of the smallest cars made (except for maybe the Smart car), it does an incredible job at producing a roomy interior. The front seats are well cushioned and there is plenty of legroom without having to move the passenger and driver seats back too far. Due to the Fiat’s boxy shape there is also enough wiggle room. Head and shoulders can move back and forth freely so that, no matter where you sit, you are comfortable. The seats in the back are smaller and therefore do not fit adults quite as comfortably as up front. Honestly, the back is best used as a loading bay, a perfect set up to carry groceries and luggage. Or, better yet, a box full of fireworks! 4. Safety.
New Fiat
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Fiat a perfect safety score for all areas of the vehicle, except the front where there was some small overlap during crash tests. One of the best safety features on the Fiat though is how it positions its passengers. Up front, both seats sit upright allowing full view of the road ahead. And the Fiat’s quick response and nimble movements on the road make it feel much larger than what the car actually is. This makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier than most other compact cars. All Fiats come standard with dual front, side, and curtain airbags. There is also a driver’s side knee airbag, plus all the newest electronic safety features: anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, a hill-hold feature, and much more. Safety features are important in a vehicle, especially when driving on such a busy day as the 4th of July. There will be a lot of people on the road and making sure your car has all the modern safety bells and whistles is essential. And the new Fiat has you covered. 5. Surprising Performance.New Fiat In order to offer superior performance without losing good fuel economy, the Fiat likes to stick with a 4-cylinder engine. Because of this, it is recommended to opt for the turbocharged version. This adds a lot more pep, but you still get that great gas mileage. Not to say the turbocharge will turn your Fiat into a racecar (0 to 60 can take up to 10 seconds), but it definitely does not lag behind. As a matter of fact, the Fiat turbocharged might be the fastest 4-cylinder compact car. When you combine it all, you can see how great the Fiat performs. Its expert suspension and response time, combined with a tough 1.4-liter engine and 15- or 16-inch wheelbase offer a truly zippy ride that is controlled and safe. The biggest difference between the Fiat and other compact cars is that you can feel the authenticity in a Fiat. It never feels as though you are driving an oversized plastic toy down the road. It feels more like a small, supped-up tank with incredible gas mileage than anything else. There are plenty more reasons than listed here to own and drive a new Fiat this Independence Day. Come on over and see us at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat today and let us show you what all the Fiat fuss is about. And have a wonderful 4th of July in your brand new turbocharged Fiat! -Andrae Bergeron
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The Fiat Abarth Collection: Ultimate Comfort and Design

Legacies are started with forethought and they are established through hard work and persistence. Karl Abarth, the famous automobile designer, put his heart into everything he touched, and a new line of Fiat vehicles celebrates his awe-inspiring ingenuity and style. Introducing the all-new Fiat 500 Abarth and Fiat 124 Spider Abarth, otherwise known as "The Scorpionship.” They’re mysterious, dark, sleek, and dangerous. The aptly named “Scorpionship” is the induction to the Fiat family of two impressively sleek vehicles dedicated to a man who knew no bounds and understood what it takes to create a vehicle that runs and operates better. Karl Abarth, an Australian known for his advancements in mechanics and marketing, first designed motorbikes. He began gaining notoriety as a motorbike racer and eventually moved to Italy with the hopes of working on automobiles. And by “work” what he really wanted to do is make automobiles better—that is, faster and lasting. His personal touches to vehicles, known as “upgrades,” were so successful he eventually partnered with the Fiat brand where he ended up creating one of their most famous cars, the Fiat 500. When it was created, in 1959, this vehicle was a hit right off, celebrated for its speed, superior handling, and sleek design. Karl’s notoriety lives on in the all-new and “upgraded” 500 Abarth and 124 Spider Abarth. Here are some details on them both: The 500 Abarth The interior of the new Fiat 500 Abarth is exciting. Every aspect, from the shape and design to the upholstery and technology, is focused around you—the passenger. Some cars like to impress with tricks and gadgets that shimmer and shake, but at the end of the day they do little for you. The 500 offers what you need, what you want, and promises to offer up a good time. Inside, the Fiat 500 Abarth offers comfortable seating for everyone with side bolsters impeded into the seats to keep you snug and settled while speeding down the road (the heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission has plenty of zip to it). The high backs to the seats provide even more support and give a sporty, racecar feel. Under the hood, the 500 is suited with a 160-horsepower, 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo Engine that packs a punch. Then there’s the sleek 17-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels to take the design a step further. The Fiat 500 Abarth looks and feels powerful, that’s for sure. The 124 Spider Abarth Inside this Italian roadster, drivers can find the Fiat Connect 7.0 with a 7-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth Audio and Voice Command. Every surface to every inch of the interior is soft, plush, and full of quality. The heated, black leather sporty-seats take comfort to a new level and, just as with the 500, there’s an exciting feeling of being in a racecar ready to take off. The 1.4-liter, six-speed manual transmission offers a smooth, fast drive that has to be experienced to fully grasp. This is beyond having fun. This is truly driving. And the 17-inch Gun Metallic aluminum wheels provide a stark contrast to the soft, smooth shape of the body—an attention to detail surely inspired by the great Karl Abarth himself. We’re excited about the Scorpionship, and as seasoned fans of the Fiat brand, we at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat like to help our customers take care of their Fiat vehicles. Like Karl Abarth, we want your Fiat to last as long as possible. One problem with keeping up on a Fiat's regular service and maintenance is that a lot of drivers are unsure as to when and what things should be done. For instance, some oil needs changing every 3,000 miles while other types of oil last much longer. Some batteries last up to six years while others are lucky to make half of that. What's great about Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat is the professionals in our service department can guide you on all your Fiat's service needs. Not only will they keep you up on when and what needs to be done, but they will also give you tips on how you can keep your Fiat running at its best. Our goal is for you to come in and see us only for those things you can't take care of on your own. By taking the initiative with your Fiat's needs, we can work together to save you money and heartache. Here are a few important tips for your Fiat from our service department: Battery Life There is a bit of leeway on the type of battery you get for your Fiat, but there are specific things that should be done to make it last. The average battery usually lasts as long as four to six years, but this can change depending on how well you take care of your car. Here are a few things you can do to extend your battery’s lifespan: Keep the car out of the elements as often as possible. Cold weather especially wears down your Fiat’s battery, so if you have a garage or car cover, put it to use. Check the electrical connections on your battery once every few weeks. Where your battery connects to the Fiat can begin to erode over time—this can happen with any vehicle. This erosion will eventually eat up and destroy this connection. Simply take a stiff brush and scrub it clean and you are good. Regularly check the battery’s levels of electrolyte. This is commonly forgotten but can be detrimental to your battery’s lifespan if not watched. The easiest way is to stop in to Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat for a quick check and fill up if necessary. Lastly, it's a good idea to regularly check the charge of the battery, especially if you have noticed your lights dimming or sluggishness when you start the car. There are kits you can buy to check the charge on your battery, but it is honestly easier to have our technicians give it a look every time you come in for an oil change. Oil Changes Speaking of, timely oil changes are crucial to keep your Fiat running as it should. On the other side of that, if the oil is not changed as it should be, major problems can occur. We recommend having an oil change every 5,000 miles. However, depending on how you drive, this could change. If you find yourself mostly in stop-and-go traffic, you might consider changing the oil earlier. Then again, if you mostly drive long stretches on the highway, it is possible to go longer before getting that oil changed out. Also, most new Fiat cars use synthetic oil, which lasts longer and works much better than regular oil. Though synthetic costs more (up to three times as much) than regular oil, you don’t have to get it changed nearly as often, so the cost can even out. More than likely, your Fiat uses synthetic oil and it will need to be changed around every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Your best bet is to pop in to Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat. After a quick conversation about your driving habits and a look under the hood, our technicians give you the perfect diagnosis. Windshield Wiper Blades Similar to finding the best battery type for the Fiat, there are many brands and styles of wiper blades available. The most important thing is knowing how to care for them. You can make your windshield wipers last twice as long if you know a few tricks. Here’s what we suggest: Each time you fill up with gas, take a paper towel and wipe the rubberized underside of your wipers. This will take away any dirt and grime picked up from the road and make the rubber piece last much longer. In the winter, if you find that your wipers have frozen over, do not use them until all the ice has melted from the underside. Using them when they are coated in ice can crack the rubber and leave them ineffective. Closely inspect your wipers every six months. This won’t take long, but it’s important to make sure they are clean and suitable for use. If a rock or piece of glass gets wedged underneath it can leave a permanent scratch on your windshield. Even worse, if you do not realize they are defective and then try and use them while driving in the rain you can run into some even bigger problems. Tires Choosing tires for your Fiat can be tricky. Price is definitely a factor, as well as their overall quality. Before you go spending top dollar it’s best to check with the professionals. We can guide you towards the best tire for how you drive. Once you do get those new tires, you will need to do a few things regularly in order to keep your rides smooth and free from blowouts: Have our tires rotated every other oil change. By moving the ones in the back to the front and vice versa, you keep the tires from wearing down as easily. Once a week or so give your tires a quick inspection to make sure there aren't any nails or screws embedded. These can often go unnoticed for days, even weeks, while slowly letting air release. Check your Fiat’s tire pressure every few weeks. If you notice drastic changes in weather, it is a good idea to go ahead and check them as well. The preferred inflation pressure is usually listed on the side of the tire, but our technicians can tell you what’s best as well. Whether you are interested in learning more about the new Abarth 500 and 124 Spider models, or you feel like testing out any of our new or used Fiat models—and we do have plenty—we are happy to help you out. Stop in and see us at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat today.   -Andrae Bergeron https://www.fiatusa.com/abarth.html

What’s All the Fuss: Something’s Up with the Dodge Ram 3500 and Jeep Wrangler JL

Customer curiosity has been piqued: what is Dodge up to with the Ram line of vehicles? And what does Jeep have going on with its Wrangler this year? Let’s have a look at the Dodge Ram, during Ram Truck Month, and let’s peek at the Jeep Wrangler and see why it’s earned Motortrend’s 2019 SUV of the Year award. Maybe we can find out what all the fuss is about. What does 2019 and beyond promise from Dodge and Jeep? Well, their 2019 models tell us where the Ram and the Wrangler will be heading in the years to come, and we think it’s something special. Mount Airy would love you to come down and test drive one of these beautiful vehicles so you can see for yourself! Ram 3500 Unique Features: First off, the Ram 3500 has stacked up a few accolades already—and it’s not even debuting until Spring! But let’s recap some of its features, and see what Ram has going on: Diesel Towing Capacity: The Ram 3500 has 35,100 pounds of towing capacity with its diesel engine, which means that hitching a trailer or towing another vehicle could not be any easier. And its dynamic centerline display with hookup assist makes the initial hookup super simple. Want Auto-level Rear Air Suspension on your Ram 3500? That’s an available option! Diesel Torque: The first heavy-duty truck to offer 1,000 pounds of torque on its diesel line? That would be Ram 3500. Stack that up against Toyota or Honda or Ford and see if who comes out the leader in torque! It is the Ram every time. Payload: For those of you looking for gas over diesel engines, consider this fact about the Ram 3500: the gas engine has best-in-class payload of up to 7,680 pounds (and the diesel has 6,910 pound payload, which is no small number itself). And for the engines, you can opt between the HEMI V8 gas engine or the Proven and Legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 diesel engine. Whatever engine best suits your lifestyle, Ram has you covered for all of your hauling, stacking, lugging, and transporting needs. Lights at Night: Ram has some unique offers on the 3500. Not only does Ram feature full-LED Headlamps and mirror-mounted rear spotlights, but you can also opt for Ram’s exclusive Adaptive Forward Lighting System. What does that mean? The headlamps’ aim goes where you turn, so that as you turn the wheel the headlamps follow and keep the light on where you’re going (not where you just were). That’s safety and that’s smart. That’s Ram 3500. Touchscreen: Ram now offers the largest touchscreen available in a heavy-duty truck. With twelve inches of touchscreen space, your navigation and infotainment options just got easier to see and easier to interact with. And you get a 360-degree Surround View Camera alone with Trailer Reverse Guidance View as an available option, to boot. That’s easier. That’s better. And that’s Ram. Safety and Assist Available Features: Ram 3500 offers ParkSense Rear Park Assist, which is useful for those parallel parking moments on a city or town street. It uses six sensors to help protect your fenders as you navigate the parallel park or K-turn out of your spot. And consider the Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking feature that assists your driving by warning you of a potential forward collision (which also only works even when a trailer is attached). And those are just a teaser for what available options Ram 3500 has stacked on deck. Pricing and Specs: Ram announced on February 19 the starting retail prices for its Ram 3500, which comes in various trims and body styles: Limited, Laramie Longhorn, Laramie, Bighorn, and Tradesman. For example, consider a well-equipped Tradesman regular cab 4x2 with an MSRP of $33,395 with a $1,695 destination fee. The Ram 3500 Limited Mega Cab 4x4 is equipped with a 12-inch Uconnect 4C touchscreen would come in at $67,050 (plus standard destination fee). All models come with the standard 6.4L HEMI V8 with 8-speed automatic transmission. If you want to onboard the Cummins Turbo Diesel with 6-speed automatic transmission, add $9,100 to the model of your choice. Adding the optional 1,000 lb.-ft. torque Cummins High Output, paired with the Aisin 6-speed transmission? Just add $11,795 to the base price. Customer Reviews: Because the model does not roll out until Spring, we will consider what Motortrend’s review has to say about the Ram 3500: “Ram’s big trucks get a full style and tech makeover” their website posted. They go on: “a great deal of engineering went under the hood of the new Ram HD.” Motortrend also liked the upgrades in the cabin and the technology features: “Passengers will play with their phones in more comfort than ever” do to upgrades in the design of the Ram 3500, which will make for a smoother, quieter ride in the cabin. “These customers are telling truck makers they want three things, and they want them in perpetuity: more power, more technology, more comfort,” and Motortrend believes that Ram has delivered on all three points—and so do we at Mount Airy! Special Offer on the Ram 3500 Dually What more needs to be said about the Ram 3500 that hasn’t already been mentioned? It’s a perfect fit for all heavy-duty jobs, it can haul and carry enormous payloads, and it has power to match all your needs when on the job site. It is a work horse, in the truest sense of the word. Pricing: Right now we offer a 20% off discount on the Ram 3500 Dually with “On The Job Upfit” for all our in-stock vehicles. One example is the 2018 Ram 3500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4x4 8’ Box, with a 6.7L Straight 6 cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission—which comes fully loaded with technology goodies. With current discounts and bonus cash offers amounting to $8,615, that brings the price to $50,940. And we have up more models on the lot, all ready to move. 110% Price Guarantee With Mount Airy’s 110% Price Guarantee, and our superior service, we assure our customers the smoothest, most expert car buying experience. Here’s one recent customer review that we are proud to share with you: “Very good customer service, very quick and nice people. The new service manager is awesome! Took great care of us and fixed our problem right away. Highly Recommend them.” Jeep Wrangler JL Unique Features: To begin, let’s talk about how Motortrend has named the Jeep Wrangler JL the “SUV of the Year” for 2019! Wow. And the Wrangler JL was in competition with 35 other SUVs for the acclaimed spot, making itself the SUV leader. So, let’s take a look at some of the features that won such a prestigious accolade. When Motortrend named the Wrangler JL, they looked at six categories to arrive at naming it the 2019 SUV of the Year. And they concluded, “The new Jeep Wrangler is what crossovers want to be when they grow up.” Let’s look at a few of the things that won the Jeep Wrangler such high marks: Off-roading and all-weather capabilities: Let’s start with what has made Jeep Wranglers so famous. The Wrangler is unparalleled in its design, built around its high-sitting 4x4 system. That means it beats the competition when it comes to traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance. Want to climb around the Blue Mountains? Jeep Wranger is for you. Want to escape to the sandy dunes of the Coast and go fly fishing? Think Wrangler. Hitting the trails for a good, long hike. Take the Jeep. Safety & Security: Jeep Wrangler offers an available package called “Advanced Safety Group” that includes Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, which can help to alert you and assist you in preventing a collision. Also, Adaptive Cruise Control or Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control can read your speed against the speed of others around you, on the road, and adjust to the flow of traffic. ParkSense and ParkView: Jeep also offers ParkSense Rear Park Assist, employing sonar technology to watch for obstacles behind you or alert you to a potentially hazardous situation when you attempt to parallel park or back up. And this comes paired with the ParkView Backup Camera, so that sonar and camera work together to ensure the safest possible parking scenario. Blind Spots and Rear Cross Path: Jeep offers both Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection so that, when you’re out on the highway, your Wrangler will alert you if another vehicle is driving in your blind spot or if a car is crossing through your path as you attempt to back up. Those safety features seem essential and common sense in such a fast-moving world. Technology: Jeep Wrangler has available the Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4-inch touchscreen and Navigation system, which offers a bright and large screen for your navigation and infotainment needs. And a feature worth noting is Wrangler’s ability to launch its own powerful 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot, which can handle up to eight devices at once. Connected? Yes, the Wrangler keeps you connected and GPS-driven in multiple ways when you’re off-roading or cruising the highway. Pricing and Specs: The Wrangler comes in five models that start their pricing at an MSRP of $31,545. The Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4x4 starts there and the Sport S has an MSRP of $34,745, while the Wrangler Sahara launches at $38,395 MSRP. Customer Reviews: Let’s finish up by looking, again, at what Motortrend concluded when it reviewed the new 2019 Jeep Wrangler: “This Wrangler, this iconic Jeep, exists because it’s always existed, and this new one is the best one yet…No, Jeep faithful, they didn’t ruin it. They didn’t even make it just as good as the old one. They made it better in every way.” Check out this hot deal on our lots at Mount Airy—but you better act fast, as prices this hot won’t last long: Fiat 2018 Spider This is a sporty performance car. It’s flashy and fun and U.S. News and World Report named it the Best Sports Car for the Money, and Cars.com conferred the accolade of Best New Convertible of 2017. Also, Consumer Guide named it their Best Buy Award in Sporty/Performance Car Class for the second year in a row. The Spider debuted in 1966 and it’s a true Italian sports car that lives up to all you would want from a sports car. Its beautiful Italian design and styling accents make it quite the looker, and driving it is a dream. Just imagine zipping around sharp curves and softly cruising for miles down long stretches of open road. This is what driving is all about. Pricing Right now Mount Airy has taken 18% off its price for the stock of Fiat Spiders on the lot. The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider Classica has a MSRP of $26,240, and with the sales we are running, you can take $1,395 off that MSRP. Bonus Cash offers can take off another $4,750, for a total savings of $6,145!

Tune Up Your Driving Machine at Mount Airy's Certified Service Center

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it has the biggest savings. In this last half of the month, Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat has some great discounted services and coupons expiring—and they expire on February 28, so you have to act fast! Take a look at a few of the deals we’re offering: Express Lane Oil & Filter Change Have you been putting off your next oil change? As you know, conventional oil should be changed every three months, or 3,000 miles. With this Express Lane coupon, for only $15.00, you can receive a conventional oil replacement for up to 13 quarts. A synthetic oil change comes in at $114.95 for up to 13 quarts. Synthetic oil changes for newer cars are recommended every 10,000-15,000 miles, as they last longer than conventional oil, but turbo engines and older cars may still require oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Synthetic oil is designed for performance, as it provides a quicker engine start time, cleans engine sludge and deposits, and increases fuel and oil economy. If you’re concerned about making the switch from conventional, don’t worry. There are no consequences to switching between oils. For $184.95, the EcoDiesel oil change is a great deal, at up to 11 quarts. All of these oil options come with a new Mopar®/Magneti Marelli® Oil Filter. This offer is valid for most makes and models, and there will be an extra charge for each additional quart of oil, at $3.00 for conventional oil, and $9.95 for synthetic oil. If you have any questions, you can talk to our friendly service team about what’s best for your budget and your engine. Download the coupon here. AC Inspection Spring is around the corner, and with our unpredictable North Carolina winters breaking into summer weather every other day, there is no better time than now to have your vehicle’s air conditioning checked! For only $8.99, our service team will perform an A/C system performance check, visually inspect system components for leaks, and check temperature readings and compressor operation. Stay ahead of A/C problems and don’t wait until a hot day to find that your vehicle is blowing out hot air. A/C problems can come from a worn valve, refrigerant leak, or broken belt, any of which can cause more damage to your vehicle than if you're A/C if left unrepaired. Download the coupon here. Charging System Test For only $14.99, our team will test your battery, voltage regulator, and alternator/generator. Why would you want to test these, and how often should they be tested? Testing your battery: Your vehicle’s battery supplies the power to start your engine and powers the electronics in your vehicle when it isn’t running. Most of us are also familiar with the fact that a dead battery will leave us stranded. So, needless to say, our car’s battery is one of the most important parts of our car. In general, vehicle batteries last about four to five years. It’s recommended that they are tested at least twice per year, typically in the late fall and late spring. This is because extreme hot and cold weather wear batteries down; hot weather causes the acid to evaporate and causes corrosion, whereas cold weather can slow the chemical reaction in a battery and make it work harder to start your vehicle. Extreme cold weather can also freeze your battery, and once a battery is frozen, it will have to be replaced. Testing the voltage regulator: Voltage regulators limit the maximum amount of voltage to prevent the alternator from shorting and overheating. If your car has lights that are dim or pulse, you might have a bad regulator. Testing the alternator/generator: The alternator is your car’s electrical generator; it spins the belts around your engine and recycles electrical power. When the alternator stops working, your vehicle’s battery will die quickly, and your vehicle is unlikely to start again. Dimmed lights inside the vehicle dash, a smell of burning rubber, a grinding or gritty sound when the vehicle is running, or slow moving windows and seat adjustments may be signs that your alternator is not running correctly. Download the coupon here. These are only a handful of the deals ending this February, so head over here to check out more of the services (we’re talking Brake Pad Replacements, Multi-Point Vehicle Inspections, and more!) that you can save on this month at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat.