2025 RAM is The Truck of Choice for Working Families

We’ve all seen dash cams in cars before, but what is their purpose? Why would anyone want a recording of their driving? Come to find out, there are multiple purposes for using dash cams, and all of them are important–important enough that every driver today should have one installed. In the modern age of driving, having a recording of your trips (or accidents, speeding tickets, etc.) can be incredibly beneficial. Let’s see why. Exactly What is a Dash Cam? A dash cam is a small camera that is mounted to your vehicle’s dashboard, windshield, or rear-view mirror, and its primary function is to record video footage of your trip, as short or as long as it may be, to provide you with a visual record of all the events that took place during the drive. The camera connects to your car’s power supply and it begins recording right at the start of your trip, and it stores the recorded footage on a memory card or some other device that is easily removable. Once your drive and the recording are finished, you can access and review any of the recordings at any time. One of the many things that’s nice about dash cams is that they all come with a variety of features. GPS tracking, night vision, audio recording–these are only a few of the available functions used to provide you with a more comprehensive look at your travels. Imagine the protection against fraud, the deterrent for reckless driving, and even the capability of making memories this one device can offer. Now that we know what a dash cam is and what it does, let’s look into why you should own one. Is It Truly Worth The Purchase? In short, yes. Absolutely it is. Dash cams are invaluable for drivers. This tool can provide valuable evidence for settling insurance claims and even settling legal disputes in the event of a car accident. Moreover, a dash cam can protect you from fraud by recording particular incidents that happen on the road, like staged/phony accidents and false insurance claims. Think of how nice it would be for parents of teen drivers to have a dash cam recording that allows you to monitor their driving behaviors. Your teen might be more apt to follow the rules of the road a bit more conscientiously if they know mom and dad are watching! Another great reason to install a dash cam is to capture those beautiful drives through scenic mountains, forests, etc. With your dash cam, you can record it all. What Are The Different Types of Dash Cams? There are a lot of dash cams to choose from. Do a quick Amazon search and you will be inundated with cams all offering different features and capabilities. Here are a few of our favorite types of dash cams along with a quick description of what they can do: Single Channel Dash Cams These are the most basic type to purchase, as they only record footage from the front of the car. Since they have one, primary function these are usually the most affordable option, and they work well for drivers who only need a basic recording of the events that took place in the front of their vehicle. You can purchase a single-channel cam for around $100. Dual Channel Dash Cams Dual-channel cams offer footage from both the front and the rear of the car, which makes them a great choice for drivers who want a recorded view of their travels. It’s true most of the action takes place up front, but there can be plenty happening behind you as well. Not a bad idea to get the front and rear view. Dual-channel dash cams come at around $200-$300, depending on the brand. 4K Dash Cams 4K dash cams provide drivers with a high-definition video recording. The footage a 4K captures is incredibly clear and detailed without blemish and is a must for anyone who knows they will be coming across a scene they will want to be recorded with wonderful clarity. To nobody’s surprise, this type of dash cam is a bit more expensive, running anywhere from $375 to $500. Rear-View Mirror Cameras Cameras that mount to your car’s rear-view mirror seamlessly blend into the interior, so passengers might not even notice it if you don’t share that you have one. These types of cameras are made to discreetly provide a recording without interfering with your view of the road, as well as, the car’s natural aesthetic. This mirror cam most often comes with a larger screen that can display a live feed of your surroundings, and you can check your footage as you drive. *A quick note on lithium-ion and capacity battery-powered dash cams: lithium-ion and supercapacitor are the two most commonly used dash cam battery types. Both have their good and not-so-good aspects, mostly depending on how they are used, but we have found that the supercapacitor is more efficient, as it tends to have a longer running life due to its ability to work under extreme heat and cold weather conditions. Even More Benefits of Having a Dash Cam Personal security is one of the best reasons to drive with a dash camera. A running camera can deter theft, vandalism, and accidents on the road. Some even offer a parking feature that allows drivers to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings while the car is parked and left alone. Safety is a reason alone that dash cams are flying off the shelf, especially during the holiday season and times of high travel and therefore high theft. The ability to have video evidence at the ready is a wonderful way of safekeeping video evidence you have captured of a crime or car accident. This evidence is an incredibly valuable asset to use in any sort of legal proceedings, as it can dispute against fraudulent insurance claims–something we see happening way too often these days. Businesses have even turned to dash cams as a way of encouraging and monitoring safe driving (think delivery trucks and various taxi services). Could there be a better way to keep drivers aware of their actions and driving behaviors than installing a dash cam? We think not. You can consider your dash cam as another set of eyes on the road, working in tandem with you to make sure your travels are safe. With this added layer of security, drivers can feel more confident knowing their journey is being recorded and anything captured can be seen and used as needed. Anyone who travels often or who spends copious amounts of time on the road (for work or pleasure), certainly should have a dash cam. They can be used to capture interesting images, scenic footage, or as mentioned above save you from entering into dangerous situations. Consider purchasing a dash cam today, and start recording your travels, no matter how big or small.

This year, Fiat Chrysler will be the very first car company to offer Amazon’s innovative AI-based technology, the Alexa Custom Assistant, which allows you to drive with a full-time assistant wherever you go. By building-in Alexa, your vehicle can communicate with you through a simple conversation, making your driving experience even more special. Taking a road trip with Alexa is nothing new. Anyone can purchase and carry a portable Alexa so she can answer questions and work your calendar, but never have we seen a system that integrates with your vehicle so closely—literally, becoming a part of your car. Fiat Chrysler will be the first automaker to use Alexa Custom Assistant alongside its own proprietary in-car voice assistant. By using this innovative technology, Alexa is able to communicate with your car’s Uconnect system, as well as, any other device connected: house lights, home alarm, etc. Imagine, speaking to your car to control your media, smart home devices, even to remind to you pick up groceries on the way home. And to make the prospect of driving with an assistant even more enticing, Fiat Chrysler will not charge for the integrated program. How it Works How will I differentiate between Alexa and my car’s Uconnect? Fiat Chrysler has set up the Alexa Custom Assistant in such a way that drivers won’t need to remember two wake-up phrases to access both systems. Simply use one wake-up phrase to access Alexa and she will take care of the rest. According to Amazon, “This allows the brand’s assistant to act as the product specialist, while Alexa is still available to help with everyday needs.” Not only can you customize and use one wake-up word, but you can also customize voices and other intricate aspects to the system’s capabilities. Amazon’s goal with the Custom Assistant is to have a system that can be personalized by each user so each conversation with Alexa is unique. Now your Chrysler is even more tailored to you. What we really like about this close relationship between Fiat Chrysler and Alexa is that it’s all based on language, which allows you to keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel at all times. What’s more, this language will constantly be improving. Since your Alexa Custom Assistant will be powered by Amazon, it will continually improve and update its language understanding, intent routing, intelligence, and response speed so you are always working with the most updated and innovative virtual assistant created. Different car brands can even create their own unique voice that guides the driver through the system’s functionality, making the technology suite even more unique and enticing. Now, from the comfort of your own vehicle, you can use an intelligent assistant to control a range of devices like increasing or decreasing the incline on a treadmill, changing the channel on a stereo system or television, even starting a robot vacuum! Looking ahead, more car companies are indicating a possible relationship with Amazon’s custom software. Lamborghini and Rivian vehicles hope to have Amazon control basic functions such as climate control, windows, media, and phone calls. Benefits to Riding with Alexa The idea of riding with a virtual assistant is groundbreaking for sure, and we can’t wait to try it out. Just imagine how different the driving experience will be… With Alexa, the Uconnect voice command system becomes more powerful. Answering the phone, making calls and texts, even controlling your music has never been easier—and safer. The Alexa Custom Assistant system gives you plenty of reasons not to look at your phone while driving. You can connect all sorts of systems and devices by using your new smart assistant. SiriusXM Guardian and Roadside Assistance both connect to Alexa Custom Assistant so that you can have remote access from just about anywhere. This allows you to maintain control of your safety and entertainment at all times. Alexa, paired with a wonderfully advanced navigation system, allows you to activate and control your road trips using touchscreen or voice commands. Not only does the navigation system let you know where you are going and how to get there, but it also gives information on where ATMs, restaurants, and so much more are located—and all this comes audibly so you can focus on the road ahead. At Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we are so excited to drive with Alexa. To find more out about when the Alexa-infused Chryslers will be available, visit our website or come see us in person.

Fun Facts and What’s New About Your Favorite Cars, Trucks, and SUVs! 2024 RAM HD The 2024 Heavy Duty comes mostly unchanged, except for one small feature: the Tailgate Ajar warning light now comes as standard equipment for every Heavy Duty in the lineup. Three engine options are available with the new Ram Heavy Duty. First, there is a 410-horsepower, 6.4-liter V-8 that makes 429 pound-feet of torque (and is paired with an eight-speed automatic, which is the only transmission offered in the Power Wagon). Also offered is a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline-six in either rear- or four-wheel driving availabilities. The Cummins engine outweighs the V-8 by 490 pounds, but it doesn’t handle quite as well on smaller roads and around town, and compared to the V-8, the diesel is not as quick. Where it shines though is in its towing power. The Ram truck was first introduced in 1981, and it was meant to serve as anything from a comfortable family vehicle to a rugged work truck. As years went on, and with numerous awards won along the way, the Ram evolved to fit the ever-changing needs of the modern driver. Today the Ram has become a staple family/luxury/work vehicle that continues to impress and evolve. With both the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 truck models growing in popularity, it’s worth taking a closer look into what makes each special. 2025 Ram 1500 Since the 2025 Ram 1500 model is set to receive some major updates, not many changes have been made to the 2024 model. The new 1500 will be offering multiple engine options, such as a 305-horsepower V-6 and a 395-horsepower V-8 that offers 12,750 pounds of towing. And of course, it comes with rear- or four-wheel-drive, and multiple cab options (regular-size, extended, and a large four-door crew) that can reach over six feet. Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat customers have found that the interior of the Ram 1500 has plenty of cubby storage and room for passengers to stretch and relax. Some of the higher trim levels come with luxurious features such as heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, premium leather materials, and real wood accents. With an incredibly spacious crew cab, tons of storage, and a special split-folding tailgate, the 2024 1500 is tough to beat. And, though the Ram does not offer the 1500 as a regular cab any longer, the 1500 Classic will come as an optional regular cab for the purists out there. The Ram 1500 has always been noted for its superior safety features, and over the years these features have only become more refined. As we become more advanced, so do our vehicles, which means it’s important that the Ram pickup keep up with the times. 2025 RAM 1500 RHO Brand New this year, Ram introduced the Ram 1500 RHO: This new model is a high-output version of the Ram 1500, offering a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 540 horsepower. It’s designed to compete with the Ford Raptor and other high-performance off-road trucks and it does not disappoint. 2025 Ram 1500 REV Later in the year Ram expects to release their new electric pickup truck. Ram 1500 REV: It will have a range of over 500 miles and will be available in both single-cab and crew-cab configurations. 2024 Jeep Wrangler There have been a few new upgrades made to the 2024 Jeep Wrangler, such as a more modernized look and a mild upgrade to the tech features. There are also 10 new wheel designs to choose from. But, it’s the interior display of the Wrangler where we see most upgrades this year: a 12.3-inch Infotainment display now comes standard. This new display replaces the smaller 5.0- and 7.0-inch screens of the past while also offering Jeep’s latest Infotainment software including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While navigating the onboard system, drivers can choose from any of the over 2,000 trail maps–and there is the ability to download even more. We wanted to test the performance of a few of the Wrangler trim levels here at Mount Airy Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat. We started with the base-level Wrangler Sport. This V-6, six-speed manual transmission engine easily went from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Next, we drove the popular Sahara model with an automatic transmission, and it reached 60 mph in 6.8 seconds (the four-cylinder engine of the Sahara got to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds). Lastly, we drove the heavy-duty Rubicon model. This robust version of the Wrangler comes with all the bells and whistles, and we found it hit 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds! Other car companies may try, but nothing matches the look and performance of a Jeep Wrangler. To own one is to own an anomaly, something so unique it holds a class of its own. You can even customize your Wrangler to differentiate it from others by adding specialized lights, mirrors, a soft- or hard-top, lifting or lowering…the list of customizations to the Jeep Wrangler is endless. Chrysler Pacifica in 2024 There are only a few changes made to the Chrysler Pacifica in 2024. The Pacifica Pinnacle comes with a new Sepia interior color option, and Red Hot and Baltic Gray new paint colors have been added to the other Pacifica trim levels. One thing about the Pacifica we love is its easy cleaning. An optional vacuum cleaner comes built into the new Pacifica, and our technicians at Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat had to test it. Honda has a similar feature in the Odyssey, but it’s placed way in the back and is difficult to access. When accessing the Pacifica’s Stow & Vac system, we noticed it is placed in the second row, which is a smart move since the second row is where most traffic comes and goes, especially on long road trips. The Stow & Vac was able to reach every corner of the Pacifica, and it did a wonderful job picking up dirt and crumbs. We give the Pacifica’s vacuum feature an A+. As in years past, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica’s design is expertly laid out for optimum comfort. Its long body takes on a shape like that of a sporty SUV, only the Pacifica sits lower to the ground. This allows for easy access and plenty of room from the front of the cabin back to the trunk. The dual-panel moonroof over the second row, and the fixed-panel moonroof over the third row, provide natural lighting and a better view for the entire family. 2024 Dodge Durango This year, the Dodge Durango has a few changes made: the Citadel trim level will now offer the Tow N Go package, and an upgraded version of blind spot monitoring has been added throughout the Durango lineup. This new system knows when you are towing so it doesn’t get confused by the presence of your trailer just inches from your rear bumpe One area that needs no upgrading is the Durango’s media technology. Currently, the Durango’s Infotainment system that sits right above its dashboard is the best in the market. The base SXT and the mid-level GT Durango models come with an 8.4-inch display, while the Citadel and R/T models come with a 10.1-inch screen (this is also an option for the GT). No matter which size system you get, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. There’s an option for a rear-seat infotainment system as well, which has dual screens, and it provides HDMI and RCA ports to connect more devices. This is a great feature for long trips with the family; imagine driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway from Mount Airy to Virginia with a Durango full of family, all watching their shows and listening to music–everyone is happy and, best of all, everyone is quiet. When Dodge first came out with the Durango, over 25 years ago, its body-on-frame construction was modeled after the Dakota truck. The Durango was a truck/SUV crossover that won over drivers with its rugged demeanor and semi-sporty shape. Over the years the Durango made slight alterations to design and construction, but it’s never lost its toughness. Today’s model, however, has managed to combine its hardy physique with a touch of something more refined and sophisticated, creating a furrowed luxury difficult to find anywhere else.