If you’re a fan of hybrid vehicles but have been waiting for one with more power and rugged outdoor appeal to appear, than your time may have finally arrived. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), makers of well-known car brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat, and Ram, has confirmed plans to expand their line of electric hybrid vehicles to include the Jeep Wrangler.

FCA currently has one hybrid model, The Chrysler Pacifica, which offers a plug-in version for purchase. However, they have a lofty goal of offering as many as 30 electric hybrid models by the year 2022. As with other electric hybrid vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler will have an electric plug that is used for charging. Advantages to the hybrid model include a higher fuel economy and increased engine power. Current fuel economy is 18/23 miles per gallon. With the new Jeep hybrid model that economy increases to 23/25 miles per gallon. And while there is still speculation as to what type of engine will be used, many believe that some form of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan’s 260 horsepower V6 engine will show up under the chasse, as the Jeep currently uses a similar type of engine.

So how exactly does a hybrid engine work to influence overall miles per gallon? As you may have already guessed, it works through the use of electricity. Where a traditional engine would have an alternator, the new hybrid Jeep Wrangler houses a powerful 22-horsepower electric engine in addition to the traditional one. This electric engine uses a 48-volt battery for all starts and stops of the vehicle. Housing an electric engine for this purpose allows the vehicle to conserve gasoline and raises the overall miles per gallon. The electric battery also has regenerative features so that every time you brake or coast, you’re helping to charge the battery. So ideally, you’re refueling the battery and saving gasoline all in one action. And while the exact number of miles the battery can run without assistance from the traditional engine hasn’t yet been announced, it’s expected to fall somewhere around the mileage currently being achieved by the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid, which comes in at an impressive 32 miles.  Not too shabby for a rugged, off-road vehicle like the Jeep Wrangler.

As you might expect, the overall cost is a bit extra for this upgraded feature. You can plan to pay about $3000 more for the hybrid engine and the required eight-speed automatic transmission that accompanies it. However, if you pair that cost with your overall gas savings and were planning on buying an automatic versus manual transmission regardless, you can expect to recoup your initial investment after around four years of ownership (This number assumes an average of 55% city driving).

Jeeps are made to be freewheeling, off-roading, hard-working vehicles so, of course, the biggest question that people tend to ask is, “Will I need to sacrifice ruggedness and power in exchange for a hybrid engine?” And the answer looks to be an emphatic NO. Everything you see on the jeep from the bumpers to the axles is still designed with an off-road adventure-driven owner in mind. The jeep still comes with the soft and hardtop and, as always, drivers still have the option to take the doors off or leave them on. Jeeps are also still crash-tested at the same standards as other cars to assure overall safety regardless of the conditions you’re driving it in. You can also still count on the same firm ride as the non-hybrid and that an acceptable level of interior noise will be heard. Finally, as an added bonus, the new hybrid Jeep Wrangler can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 7 seconds. Not too shabby for a hybrid!

If you’re in the market for a rugged off-road vehicle, we highly recommend you research and test drive the new 2020 Jeep Wrangler. With everything from reliable off-road capability to overall improved driving performance and gas mileage, now is the time to make the switch to hybrid. And when it comes to finding the right dealership for the job, Mount Airy Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat has you covered. Stop by to talk with one of our professionals and take a test drive today. We look forward to serving you!

 

 

Julie Mastbrook

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

 

“2020 Jeep JL Wrangler PHEV Plug-In Hybrid First Sighting!” 2018+ Jeep Wrangler (JL) News and Forum – JLwranglerforums.com, 2018+ Jeep Wrangler (JL) News and Forum – JLwranglerforums.com, 20 Mar. 2019, www.jlwranglerforums.com/2020-jeep-jl-wrangler-phev-plug-in-hybrid-first-sighting/.

Cantu, michael. “Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid on Track for 2020 Launch.” MotorTrend, 17 Aug. 2018, www.motortrend.com/news/jeep-wrangler-plug-in-hybrid-on-track-for-2020-launch/.

Capparella, Joey. “2020 Jeep Wrangler Expands Engine Options with a New V-6 ETorque Hybrid.” Car and Driver, Car and Driver, 15 July 2019, www.caranddriver.com/news/a28396620/2020-jeep-wrangler-new-v-6-hybrid-engine/.

Stocksdale, Joel. “2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid Caught Undisguised.” Autoblog, 20 Mar. 2019, www.autoblog.com/2019/03/20/2021-jeep-wrangler-phev-spy-photos/.

Wiese, Dan. “Jeep Wrangler Hybrid: Hybrid Is One More Step in Roughneck’s Search for Acceptance in Polite Society.” Stltoday.com, 26 Feb. 2019, www.stltoday.com/brandavestudios/jeep-wrangler-hybrid-hybrid-is-one-more-step-in-roughneck/article_4b45882a-39e3-11e9-a535-ef9f47897c9d.html.

 

 

 

Tags: electric cars, Hybrid Vehicles, Jeep Wrangler Hybrid, Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat, New Hybrid Jeep
Posted in Hybrid, Jeep, New Inventory | No Comments »

Dodge is pulling out all the stops in their newest lineup of vehicles. The automobile manufacturer seems to be solidifying its legacy as the superior architect of the American muscle car, and no two models on the market today show this better than the Challenger and the Charger.

These vehicles share some key similarities: they’re both built on the same platform, they both offer an impressive range of V6 and V8 engines, and they both use the same eight-speed automatic transmission (for the most part), to name a few. Nonetheless, there are also some important differences between the two, and each model offers its own set of characteristics that will appeal to a wide range of drivers.

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, the 2019 Dodge Challenger or 2019 Dodge Charger could be the perfect fit.

 

THE CHALLENGER

The Dodge Challenger seems to become more popular with time, even though it hasn’t seen a total redesign in over 10 years. That’s not to say that a facelift starting with the 2015 models, little changes made each year, and the constant offering of new trims hasn’t helped. In that regard, this year is no different, as Dodge introduced the Hellcat Redeye and R/T Scat Pack Widebody trims to their 2019 Challenger lineup. Let’s get into some of the details:

 

Looks

Perhaps one reason the Challenger hasn’t seen a complete redesign in a decade is that people love the way it looks. It really is the epitome of a muscle car, with its sleek two-door body, tenacious grille, and wide back end leaving no room for apologies.

The unmistakable appearance that sets the Challenger apart from its rivals—namely the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang—extends beyond its exterior. This modern muscle car comes with a leather and metal-look steering wheel, gear shift knob, and locking glove box, bringing an industrial edge to the interior. Depending on the trim you choose, the seats come in Houndstooth cloth or Nappa leather, with suede inserts and accent stitching available. The aesthetics are topped off by aluminum panels and consoles with metal-looking accents.

 

Performance

If there is any characteristic that outshines the look of the Challenger, it’s the performance. The Challenger has not only lived up to its reputation as a superior muscle car, it has exceeded expectations with the 2019 models. The lowest trim levels, the SXT and GT, come stock with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque; this leaves you with a 0-to-60 time at slightly over six seconds.

The R/T provides an eight-speed automatic transmission with a 5.7-liter V8 for 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque; you can opt for a six-speed manual transmission, which brings the numbers to 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Going up a trim level to the R/T Scat Pack will earn you a 6.4-liter V8 good for 485 hp, 475 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 time at just over four seconds (for both automatic and manual).

Dodge adds over 200 horsepower and pound-feet of torque with the Hellcat. Yes, you read that correctly. The Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine produces 717 hp and 656 lb-ft of torque. Pretty crazy, right? But we’re not done. The highest trim level and a new addition to the Challenger lineup for 2019, the Hellcat Redeye, is good for a ridiculous 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Dodge claims the Hellcat Redeye’s 0-60 time to be 3.4 seconds and says it can conquer a quarter-mile in 10.8 seconds.

 

Driving

The Challenger has been criticized for its lack of agility. True, the Camaro or Mustang might be better suited for a driver who is looking to take fast turns or race down long roads. However, the Challenger has its advantages when it comes to the driving experience. It’s smooth—so smooth you might mistake it as a Cadillac if you closed your eyes. No matter which trim you choose, you won’t feel many bumps in the pavement.

 

Safety

The safety ratings for the 2019 Challenger are solid. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, which is as high as a vehicle can score. Its IIHS tests, where “Good” is the best score, resulted in the following:

• Moderate overlap — Good
• Side impact — Good
• Roof strength — Acceptable
• Driver’s side front small overlap — Marginal

In addition, the Challenger’s forward collision warning—which is offered as an upgrade on all trims—earned it a Basic rating. Other optional safety feature add-ons include rear-cross traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

 

Comfort

Another impressive quality of the Challenger is its comfort. The seats on all the trims are top-quality and make for an enjoyable ride. However, the customization Dodge offers for its seats is something to be admired. Drivers have 17 custom seat options to choose from; so, whether you want to go full-on retro, modern luxury, or anywhere in between, you can get it with the Challenger. Also, heated and ventilated front seats are available, which can make a big difference in comfort.

The front and rear legroom in the Challenger’s cabin is comparable to its competitors, but its 16.2 cubic feet of trunk space is near the top of the class. One other element of comfort the Challenger provides is that it’s quiet—like really, really, quiet. You won’t hear much road noise from the cockpit, which is saying something given that monster of an engine under the hood.

 

 

THE CHARGER

Yes, the Challenger is as much of a muscle car as you can get, and it’s impressive in many other ways. However, the Charger is right there with it, and it comes with its advantages as well.

 

Looks

The 2019 Dodge Charger comes with either a 120.2-inch or 120,4-inch wheelbase, both of which are quite larger than many of its competitors. Yet, this doesn’t take anything away from its sleek body construction. In many regards, the Charger looks like a sedan version of the Challenger with its aggressive exterior features. However, the shape is a bit smoother all around. In short, the Charger could pass as the Challenger’s more responsible older sibling who got married and had kids. As far as the interior aesthetics go, it offers virtually everything the Challenger does and maybe a little more.

 

Performance

The Charger offers top-notch performance in all of its trims. Similar to the Challenger, its base model (SXT) comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that’s good for about 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The GT uses the same engine, but the R/T gets an upgrade with a 5.7-liter V8 that produces 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. Up another level gets you the Scat Pack trim and its 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. Then comes the leap to the SRT Hellcat—a beast of a car with a 6.2-liter V8 producing 707 lb-ft of torque. All Charger trims come stock with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and manual is not an option.

 

Driving

As far as the driving experience, the Charger leaves nothing to be desired. Despite being a large sedan, it’s touted for its agility above competitors like the Chevrolet Impala and Ford Taurus. Unlike its feisty younger sibling, the Charger can take fast turns with grace and minimal body roll. It also offers an all-around smooth riding experience, especially when outfitted with one of several available sport suspension upgrades.

 

Safety

Overall, the 2019 Charger received good safety ratings. It was rated five stars for overall safety, side-impact and rollover prevention by the NHTSA, and four stars for frontal-impact collision. While the IIHS gave it a marginal rating in the driver’s side front small overlap test, most of the categories earned a good crash test rating, including: moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints and seats.

 

Comfort

The Charger has all the elements of comfort offered by the Challenger, except there’s more room. Overall, the Charger’s cabin is well-built and more spacious than many of its competitors. And similar to the Challenger, the seats are as comfortable as you’re going to find, making it a great vehicle for long trips.

 

KEY DIFFERENCES TO CONSIDER

While the Challenger and Charger share many characteristics, we’ve seen how they differ from one another in certain areas. Now let’s take a quick look at some factors with the two models side by side to help give you an idea of which might work best for your needs:

 

Exteriors

You can tell by the exteriors that the Challenger and Charger are siblings. They both showcase aggressive body styles that you can spot from anywhere, and both are an unequivocal picture of American muscle in their own right. However, the Challenger is a coupe with a stronger retro look and slightly sharper lines. The Charger, on the other hand, looks more like a street racing car and leans more towards a modern visage.

 

Interiors

The interiors in the two models are very similar. Both offer world-class seats and loads of customizations, and both cabins are impressively built. It really comes down to how much space you want and where you want it. You’ll get more legroom with the Charger, but the Challenger has class-leading trunk space. In short, the Charger is preferable if you’ll be driving around with three to five passengers. If not, the Challenger will get the job done.

 

Performance

The engines that come in the Challenger and Charger are very similar as well. At every trim level, the Challenger edges out the Charger in horsepower and torque. Both models come stock with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the Challenger offers a six-speed manual transmission on certain trims. Either way you go, you have the potential for obscene horsepower and torque.

 

Driving

The Challenger provides a smoother riding experience than most of its competitors, but it’s not the ideal car for taking turns at high speeds. In comparison, the Charger is also smooth, but it handles better than a lot of other cars in its class. Overall, both models are a joy to drive.

 

 Pricing

As in many other areas, the pricing for the 2019 Challenger and 2019 Charger are neck and neck. The Challenger base prices range from $28,095 MSRP to $59,245 MSRP (prices do not include upgrades). The Charger base prices range from $29,470 MSRP to $65,795 MSRP.

 

The Bottom Line

Both the 2019 Dodge Challenger and 2019 Dodge Charger have a lot to offer drivers. Both are a masterpiece of a muscle car, which makes deciding between the two a difficult task. It really comes down to your unique needs and preferences. The Challenger will provide you with unmatched power in a fiery-looking coupe body. The Charger will give you a more family-friendly sedan body without sacrificing an aggressive appearance and powerful performance.

If you like muscle, you really can’t go wrong with either choice. To help you decide, be sure to come on over to Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat for a test drive!

 

 

-Alex Watson

Tags: best dealership near me, Charlotte, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, mopar, Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat, muscle car
Posted in Dodge, New Inventory | No Comments »

Demand for plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) is growing, though they still only claimed about 2% of the U.S. market share in 2018 (global market share is similar). That number includes battery-operated vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

The thought on everyone’s mind: is this the future of driving?

The primary difference between the two types of vehicles is that a BEV runs solely off the energy from the vehicle’s battery, while a PHEV uses the battery alongside a fuel tank that kicks in at various intervals. There would be clear benefits to drivers and the environment if BEVs were to become mainstream. However, there are currently just too many drawbacks to know how successful the BEV market can become. While many proponents are hopeful that BEVs will eventually become commonplace, the future of these vehicles remains largely unknown due to a number of unanswered questions and issues yet to be resolved. For instance, how will drivers have access to charging their vehicles? Will there be convenient charging stations like there are gas stations? Also, can we expect improvements to be made with batteries in the future?

This article will explore the potential advantages of a BEV-driven world and the challenges that BEV drivers currently face, and we’ll take a look at some of the main questions and issues that are too prevalent to be ignored.

ADVANTAGES OF A BEV-HEAVY MARKET

Even though we are still in the early stages of developing electric vehicles, BEVs currently come with many benefits, and it’s not hard to see how these benefits could become even more impactful as technology improves.

Lower Operating Costs

For one, it’s much cheaper to charge a BEV than it is to run a traditional vehicle off of gas; it’s actually about one-third of the cost. Also, a BEV contains very few moving parts compared to a traditional vehicle, which means it’s less expensive to maintain. For instance, with a BEV you don’t have to worry about servicing a starter motor, fuel injection system, exhaust system, or radiator, among many other components. Though many improvements need to be made to these vehicles’ batteries, most BEV manufacturers provide an eight-year warranty on their batteries even now.

Environmental Benefits

Some of the most obvious advantages are those that benefit the environment. BEVs have virtually no exhaust emissions, which means they emit much less pollution than traditional vehicles do. And if you use renewable energy for charging, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced even lower. For example, rather than charging from the grid, you can use a polar PV system while there’s daylight. If you must use the grid, you can still minimize greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing green power from your electricity company.

Even the manufacturing of some of the top BEVs is eco-conscious. For instance, the Ford Focus Electric and Nissan Leaf are largely made of recycled and bio-based materials, such as plastic bags, water bottles, and second-hand car parts and home appliances.

Health and Safety

Along with the financial and environmental benefits, BEVs can help improve our health and safety. Less pollution from exhaust means better air quality, which can reduce health problems caused by pollution, and BEVs create much less noise pollution than traditional vehicles. Also, since BEVs typically have a lower center of gravity, they are less likely to roll over. Furthermore, fires aren’t as much of a risk, and the body structure of BEVs can prove more durable in a collision.

 

DISADVANTAGES OF CURRENT BEV MARKET

Of course, there are also drawbacks to BEVs. While they have enjoyed success, it has been with a limited group of consumers.

Charging Times

Tesla has led innovation in the BEV market in many ways, including its Supercharger networks, which can charge vehicles in about 30 minutes. However, that’s still a lot more time than it takes to fill the gas tank of a traditional vehicle. What’s more, scientists behind the efforts of manufacturers like Tesla and Toyota have their doubts about the possibility of reducing charging times enough to satisfy mainstream consumers. And since Toyota has been in the electric vehicle game for over 20 years, that speaks to the magnitude of this problem.

Electricity Generated

Another prevalent issue with BEVs is that they require electricity, which must come from somewhere. In states like California, most of the electricity comes from natural gas supplies, but states like West Virginia use coal to generate up to 90% of its electricity. Overall, about 38% of electricity in the United States is generated by coal. This begs the question: just how clean and green are electric cars? In short, it depends on where in the country you are driving. Furthermore, the lithium-ion batteries used by manufacturers like Tesla contain components that can potentially harm the environment by way of ecological toxicity and contributing to global warming.

Limited Categories

Finally, you don’t see any BEVs that fall under the heavy-duty truck category. This is mainly because the technology isn’t workable for truck applications—and it won’t be anytime soon. This is a serious problem because there are 2 to 3 million heavy-duty trucks on the road in the U.S. Much of the American economy depends on Class 8 commercial trucks, which guzzle 30 times more gas than the average automobile (about 35 billion gallons each year).

It’s difficult to see how BEV technology could advance enough to accommodate the heavy-duty truck category in the foreseeable future. However, if such trucks were able to be produced in an electric format, it could drastically decrease oil dependence and significantly benefit the trucking industry financially.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARGING STATIONS

There are currently about 20,000 public charging stations and 57,000 outlets for plug-in electric vehicles in the U.S. Here’s the thing: 4,800 of those stations and 18,200 of those outlets are found in California. Not surprisingly, California has also accounted for almost half of all BEV sales in the country since 2011. If there is hope for the BEV market to experience continued growth—and especially if battery-operated cars are to become mainstream—there must be more charging stations created throughout the country.

In a sense, the future popularity of BEVs in any particular area of the country depends on the accessibility of charging stations in that area. However, it gets tricky because states that don’t sell a lot of BEVs are less inclined to invest in public charging stations, but if they never decide to invest, then their sales will probably not improve by much. Therefore, there must be a break in the cycle at some point if BEVs are to become commonplace in the future.

Sure, there are some people who could charge their BEV at home, but that’s a limited category of consumers. Without an adequate number of charging stations open to the public, much like gas stations are, BEVs will never reach the mainstream. To put it into perspective, there are approximately 168,000 public gas stations in the U.S.—more than eight times the number of charging stations. The majority of consumers will never make the jump to BEVs until that gap is dramatically closing.

 

THE ROLE OF BATTERIES

As essential as charging stations are for the future of BEVs, batteries may play an even more important role. And BEV batteries need to undergo a lot of development if electric vehicles are to become commonplace.

Battery Anxiety

The term “battery anxiety” is often used in reference to one running out of battery power on their smartphone. We’ve all seen the symptoms: a family member searching frantically for a charger cable; a co-worker turning their desk over, only to ask you if they can borrow a charger; even a stranger asking if they can PowerShare with your phone. Chances are you’ve experienced the symptoms yourself. In a study administered by electronics manufacturer LG, 9 out of 10 people showed signs of battery anxiety.

The same logic is behind the term “range anxiety” in reference to electric vehicles. If such a phenomenon has that kind of grip on people with smartphones, you can imagine the impact of this anxiety when it comes to driving a car. Range anxiety is one reason why many consumers won’t even consider going the BEV route.

Most BEVs allow drivers to go about 100 miles fully charged (the Tesla Model S is an exception, as it allows drivers around 250 miles). This is another reason why the scarcity of charging stations is such a severe problem. Nonetheless, many manufacturers have pledged to develop BEVs that will hit about 200 miles per charge. That would surely make a big difference, but it’s still a far cry from a conventional vehicle that can go 300 to 400 miles on a full tank of gas.

The Problem with Lithium-Ion Batteries

Most newer electric cars these days are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are not without their advantages, such as the fact that they are light-weight (as compared to lead-acid batteries), relatively low-maintenance and can last for 8-10 years. However, there are some serious issues to consider as well.

For example, lithium-ion batteries are expensive. While a high-end lead-acid battery—as used in most traditional vehicles—costs around $120, a typical lithium-ion car battery costs in the $1,700 range. Also, lithium is highly reactive. This means if they are damaged or installed incorrectly, they can explode.

Moreover, the cells used in lithium-ion batteries are made with rare-earth metals; the supply of these metals is limited, and they’re dangerous to mine. Most workers who are tasked with retrieving rare-earth metals are laboring in harsh conditions, to say the least (and in some cases this means illegal child laborers).

The Prospect of Flow Batteries

Enter a new hope for BEV proponents: the “flow battery.” Scientists are currently working on this new type of refillable battery that they hope will replace lithium-ion as the commonplace battery in BEVs. The strongest appeal of the flow battery is that it solves most of the biggest problems consumers have with BEVs.

Depending on the model of vehicle and the power source used, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 10 hours to fully charge a lithium-ion battery in a BEV. If the flow battery is a success, it will allow drivers to empty their battery liquid and pump in new liquid in minutes—roughly the same time it would take to fill a gas tank.

What’s more, since the basic infrastructure is already there, it would be easier for gas stations everywhere to be retrofitted to pump this battery liquid in place of gas. This means that the scarcity of charging stations would no longer be a problem—thus, no more range anxiety. There is still a lot of progress to be made in the development of flow batteries, but it’s possible we will see some form of them in the next three years.

 

THE BOTTOM LINE

It’s easy to see how drivers and the environment would benefit from a BEV-driven market. All things considered, they are a more eco-conscious alternative to traditional vehicles, they are cheaper to operate, and they offer health and safety benefits. That said, BEVs have their share of drawbacks as well.

If BEVs are ever to enter the mainstream, more charging stations and better batteries must be made available. It looks like the work is being done to solve these issues, but only time will tell whether or not BEVs are indeed the future.

 

 

-Alex Watson

 

Tags: batteries, battery operated vehicles, charging stations, electric cars, future of electric, hybrid
Posted in About Mount Airy CDJRF, Hybrid, News | No Comments »

America’s families have asked and Chrysler has delivered. Introducing America’s first hybrid minivan, and the largest hybrid vehicle in the U.S., the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the best of its class. The 2019 Pacifica Hybrid, according to Business Insider, still outranks Honda and Toyota’s comparable models. Now at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, you can take the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid for a spin and fall in love with a vehicle that delivers the greatest fuel efficiency, electric mileage, and style for your money today.

At a glance:

• America’s largest hybrid vehicle
• The most technologically advanced seven-passenger hybrid
• MSRP: From $40,245
• $7500 tax credit
• 3 rows of family-friendly seating
• The best combination of safety and fun for your next road trip

 

Hybrids: A More than Happy Medium

Hybrid vehicles are a great gateway to the world of plug-ins and electric vehicles. For an everyday vehicle to run errands, commutes, and kids all around, a hybrid means you lose very little by gaining a plug and enough electric range for many people to never use a drop of gas.

The Pacifica Hybrid is specifically a great vehicle for families who can’t make the leap to a fully electric vehicle. Hybrids are reasonable; with a lack of infrastructure in place, such as the absence of charging stations for electric vehicles right now in North Carolina, electric vehicles just aren’t cut out for out-of-town family visits or longer road trips. But for those who want to keep their driving local or cut down emissions, or go entirely tailpipe-emissions free, the Pacifica Hybrid is the way to go.

 

Saving You Money, and Saving You Time

Charging an electric vehicle isn’t as fast as pumping gasoline for sure, but it does not have to have to take up all of your time. You can charge your battery at home in only two hours with the available 240-volt Level II charger.

In comparison…

The Pacifica Hybrid 2019’s quick charge in just two hours is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Volt. We’d say that’s pretty quick!

• Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: 2 hours
• Chevrolet Volt: 2.3 hours
• Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid: 3.0 hours
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 3.5 hours

 

Safe. Secure. Sound.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has over 100 standard and available safety and security features. Some of these impressive features include:

• Available full-speed forward collision with active braking
• Available LaneSense lane departure warning with lane keep assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Available 360 degree surround-view camera
• Fog Front driving lights
• ParkSense with Stop Parking assist

And what’s the overall NHTSA safety rating? It shouldn’t be surprising that the Pacifica Hybrid received a 5/5 rating.

What is the total combined driving range of the Pacifica Hybrid? The Pacifica Hybrid has an 82 MPG rating, and a 32-mile electric range with an incredible total driving range of up to 520 miles. All of those family vacations you have been dreaming of? Totally within your reach.

 

Crunching Numbers and Configurations:

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid at a glance includes:

• Payload: 1,313 lbs
• Warranty: 3 yr/36,000 miles basic, or a 5 yr/60,000 miles powertrain
• Curb weight: 4,987 lbs
• Fuel tank capacity: 16.5 gallons
• Engine: 3.6L V-6
• Transmission: 1-speed automatic
• Power: @ rpm
• Drivetrain: front-wheel

The configurations range from:

• Touring Plus: $40,245
• Touring L: $42,445
• Limited: $45,795

 

Specs: Riding in Style and Comfort

The interior of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is designed to impress. With the most innovative seating and storage in its class and an eco-chic design, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is as family friendly as it is environmentally friendly.

The basic trim includes ABS and driveline traction control, with 17-inch polished and painted accented aluminum wheels. Climate control in the vehicle truly gives control to everyone in the vehicle. The Pacifica includes front air conditioning, dual-zone automatic, and rear air conditioning as well. It may be cold in the driver’s seat but are the kids complaining about being hot in the back? Separate controls in the back ensure everyone in the vehicle is comfortable.

For radio-aficionados, the Pacifica comes standard with SiriusXM, AM/FM/HD/Satellite, and a seek-scan radio, all controlled by two first row LCD monitors. These monitors feature the most advanced entertainment system available in seven-passenger hybrid, meaning fun, immersive, and smart interaction for the whole family. All of the doors on the Pacifica include Keyfob Remote keyless entry. It also includes heated mirrors, cloth seat trim, driver lumbar support, and a 60-40 split-bench third-row seats.

The Touring Plus trim provides the driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-seatback, heated front seats, and a leather seat trim.

The additional or replacing feature on Touring L trim includes Nappa leather seat trim, driver and passenger lumbar support, a navigation system, a panoramic sunroof, 20 speaker Harman Kardon sound, a $775 S Appearance package, and a 120 AC outlet.

 

What does the Pacifica Hybrid cost?

The price ranges from $41,490 to $51,050 depending on the trim levels.

 

Does the Pacifica Hybrid qualify for a tax credit?

When you purchase an electric vehicle, you may be eligible for a one-time federal tax credit of up to $7500, which is not an incentive guaranteed for other hybrid vehicles on the market. It’s worth noting that this nonrefundable credit doesn’t carry over year to year, so make sure you take advantage of this tax credit while you can. You can receive a portion of the $7500 tax credit even if your tax liability is below $7500. Ask our team at Mount Airy CDJRF if you’re interested in learning more about the tax incentives available to you.

 

The Pacifica Hybrid: How does it work on a long haul? What if you can’t plug in to charge?

While the Pacifica doesn’t have enough battery capacity to go entirely on electric power, it can be used as fully electric around town, and as a hybrid for long trips. With a quiet ride inside, excellent captain’s chairs in the first and second rows, and room for seven total passengers, there’s nothing keeping you from enjoying a road trip in this vehicle.

The Pacifica Hybrid delivers more usable all-electric range than most other plug-in hybrids and actually recharges the battery pack on regenerative brakes. So, even if you’re running on gas, as you drive and stop, the battery can recharge slightly.

Now you can drive where you want when you want without any of the range anxiety. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid seamlessly switches from an electric motor to a gas engine for greater peace of mind and total hybrid power.

 

How do you charge it and how long does it take?

When you purchase a Pacifica Hybrid, it comes equipped with a Level I 120-volt AC charging cord set, which requires a conventional 120-volt AC grounded wall receptacle along with the portable charging cord set.  Ensure that your vehicle is turned off and plug the charger cord into the vehicle’s power outlet.

You can find the charging cord set by opening the cargo area storage bin on the driver’s side, which includes the charging cord in a storage bag. Keep in mind that this cord set is for Level I charging only.

Once you begin, insert the AC plug of the charging set into the grounded wall receptacle. Then take the charge connector and place it in the vehicle’s charge inlet. A “click” will be heard when inserted correctly, and the charge active indicator lights will cycle from left to right. Once your vehicle is fully charged, the lights in the charge indicator will show all five bars.

You can also set a charging schedule with the available 4C NAV in the Hybrid Electric pages app. On the Charging Schedule page, you can set a charging schedule by checking the box next to the setting “Enable Schedule” and customizing as needed. You can choose to “charge Until Full,” which allows the vehicle to fully charge versus stopping at a certain point. You can manage all of this right from your smartphone.

The Level 1 120-volt charger can be fully recharged in approximately 14 hours. You can shorten the time and charge your Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid in as little as 2 hours by using an available Level II 240-volt charger. Charging times are estimated but can change based on the age and condition of the battery, and the current provided to the charger.

 

What’s the expected life of the battery?

The expected life of the lithium-ion battery is the life of the vehicle.

 

What about charging from a public charging station? How long does that take?

At a public charging station, the Pacifica Hybrid can be charged on Level II 240-volt chargers and takes around 2 hours to fully charge from a completely empty battery.

 

What is the estimated cost of charging the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid?
It takes 13k to fully charge the battery and using the national average electricity rate of $0.12/kWh, it costs approximately $1.66 to fully charge the battery using a home charger.

 

Can you tow with a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid? If so, how much can it tow?

Towing a trailer is not permitted on the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid, as hybrids are not rated for towing and the added weight of the battery already weighs on the vehicle significantly. You cannot order the Pacifica Hybrid with a towing package as a result.

The non-hybrid Pacifica with the tow package is rated for 3.6K lbs.

 

Is the Pacifica Hybrid worth it?

Here at Mount Airy CDJRF, we believe that the Pacifica Hybrid 2019 speaks for itself. As not just the only hybrid minivan on the market, but the best of the best when it comes to your hybrid family vehicle options, the Chrysler Pacifica is a classic in the making and built to suit families of all kinds.

Torn between the Pacifica and the Pacifica Hybrid? It’s hard to justify not buying the plug-ins, as the non-hybrid is basically the same as the hybrid unless you really need the second-row seat to fold into the floor on a regular basis, or if you’re locked into a tighter budget and are seeking a lower spec Pacifica. With seating for up to seven, it’s the perfect vehicle for families big and small.

With the purchase of a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, you may be able to factor in the $7500 federal EV tax credit, alongside other possible state and local added incentives, meaning that the hybrid can definitely cost less than the equivalent non-hybrid Pacifica, or other similar vehicles. For example, any other minivan, including the Honda Odyssey, gets nearly as expensive when matching what the Pacifica includes, and they don’t qualify for the $7500 EV tax credit, or other incentives like the carpool lane stickers.

Come by Mount Airy CDJRF today to check out the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and see why it’s truly the best in its class.

 

-Tayler Green

Tags: american, beat the competition, best local car dealer, car dealer, dealership, hybrid, hybrid minivan, minivan, minivan near me, Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat, new inventory
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The third generation of the Dodge Durango will soon be coming to an end. Dodge will usher in a new era with the 2021 models by showcasing a new body-on-frame architecture, among many other changes. The primary reason for this is that FCA—the parent company of the Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee—doesn’t want the two SUVs to be rivals anymore. That being said, there is much to like about the latest Durango. And for fans of this generation of models using the unibody platform, which is in its 9th year, buyers can enjoy the current body style and take advantage of all the updates and upgrades that Dodge has to throw at it. In essence, the 2019 Durango looks and acts like a muscle car turned SUV, but it still accommodates the family.

If you’re in the market for a new midsize SUV, the 2019 Durango should be considered for your short list.

 

Overview of Specs

Perhaps what makes the new Durango most unique is that it’s a midsize sport utility vehicle that provides drivers with the capabilities of a larger SUV while handling more like a compact SUV. In a class of numerous competitors, this aspect is as much impressive as it is welcome. Though it still holds on to the overall body style of its preceding models, the 2019 Durango sports a slightly more aggressive look on the exterior. As with the handling experience, the interior offers features and a layout not unlike those you would find in a smaller SUV. It feels modern and comfortable inside, and with three rows and plenty of room, it makes it the perfect family vehicle.

The base model of the new Durango, which starts at an MSRP of $29,995, includes a 3.6-liter V6 at 293 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. This, along with a standard rear-wheel drive, renders a fuel efficiency of 19 miles per gallon around town and 26 MPG on the highway, which is what can be expected for this type of engine. Drivers can opt for a V8 engine if they want more power, as well as an all-wheel-drive add-on, both of which have their perks though they drive the fuel efficiency down a bit.

 

The SXT

Here are some of the other primary features offered on the SXT, which is the base model of the 2019 Durango:

• 4 doors
• 5 to 7 passengers
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• 48 to 65 cubic feet of cargo space
• Keyless entry
• Power windows
• Rear defrost
• 18-inch alloy wheels, all-season tires
• Climate control, dual zone and rear-control A/C
• Wireless device hookup
• Hands-free communication system
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Rearview camera
• 4-wheel ABS and 4-wheel disc brakes
• Airbags at the driver, passenger, front head, front side, and rear head

 

Other Trim Levels

There are four other trim levels available that offer various upgrades. The GT is one level above the base model, with the primary differences being rear parking sensors, a garage door control, a leather steering wheel, and a power-operated driver’s seat.

The R/T trim offers perhaps the most upgrades for the money:

• Remote start
• Powered liftgate
• 5.7-liter V8 engine
• Leather upholstery
• Power-operated passenger seat
• Heated seats and steering wheel
• Performance-enhanced steering and suspension
• 8.4-inch touchscreen
• Navigation system
• Alpine stereo system with 9 speakers

 

Going a step further, the Citadel is considered the luxury model of the Durango. Upgrades include chrome side mirror casings, sunroof, and captain seating with a middle console in the second row. If you’re looking for more amenities than the SXT and R/T models offer but want to keep a leaner look, the Citadel may be the choice for you.

The SRT is the Durango model you are most likely to see in review photos and magazines. It’s the most performance-focused model, and it reflects in the price at an MSRP of $62,995. Essentially, every mechanical aspect of the all-wheel-drive SRT is performance-tuned, and it also comes with Nappa leather and suede upholstery, air-conditioned front seats, adaptive headlights, and adaptive suspension. The SRT may be the most aggressive midsize SUV in its class. If you’re OK with the price tag and decreased fuel efficiency (13 MPG City/19 MPG Highway), this trim could be the one you find most impressive.

 

How Safe Is It?

The new Durango received favorable IIHS safety ratings overall. Crash tests returned good results for roof strength, head restraints, and seats. In particular, the Durango proved adequate in driver and passenger injury measures, as well as driver and passenger head protection. Also, with optional equipment add-ons, it rated superior in front crash prevention.

There are many features the Durango SXT provides that help to prevent accidents and protect drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. For instance, it has five airbags strategically placed throughout the vehicle, 4-wheel ABS and 4-wheel disc brakes, and child locks. In addition, each model has traction control, driver-adaptive brake system, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera.

Some of the higher trim levels come standard with front and rear parking sensors, and drivers can purchase packages that add more safety features. Here are some of the features you can add:

• Automatic high beams
• Adaptive headlights
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
• Blind spot alert
• Forward collision warning
• Rear cross traffic monitor
• Auto emergency braking (AEB)

The bottom line on safety is that any Durango model you choose will be comparable to the others in its class. With safety standards becoming increasingly stringent, Dodge hasn’t overlooked any aspects with the Durango.

 

How’s the Performance?

No matter which model you go with, you can expect good performance from your Dodge Durango. There are three different powertrain options available. The SXT and Citadel come standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine (295 HP/260 ft-lb torque), though upgrading the engine in the Citadel is an option. The R/T is stocked with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine. By far, the most powerful model is the SRT, which boasts a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 and supplies drivers with 475 HP and 470 ft-lb of torque.

Another impressive part of the Durango’s performance is its towing capacity. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 allows drivers to tow up to 6,200 pounds, while the 5.7L HEMI V8 and 6.4L HEMI V8 engines can tow up to 7,400 pounds and 8,700 pounds, respectively. It’s worth noting that the 8,700 pounds towing capacity are considered best in class.

When it comes to the driving experience, the new Durango delivers. One of the things that set it apart from other crossovers of its size is that it provides a smooth ride—whether you’re on the highway or trekking through rough terrain. This is one area where the family-friendly quality of the vehicle comes in. Also, the Durango handles like a smaller SUV, making it easier to park and maneuver around corners than its size would suggest. Overall, it accomplishes being both a fun and comfortable ride for people of all ages without compromising safety.

Fuel efficiency with the Durango is comparable to others in its class, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9. The models carrying the 3.6L Pentastar V6 powertrain gives drivers 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway; the 5.7L HEMI V8 produces 14/22 MPG, and the 6.7L HEMI V8 produces 13/19 MPG.

 

What’s it Look Like?

The exterior of the 2019 Durango is surely one of its most unique characteristics. Dodge hails it as “a masterwork of muscle,” which is a tribute to its appearance as much as its powerful performance capabilities. The SXT and GT models are a clever combination of sporty and graceful, though you can add the SRT-style hood—which has an air inlet in the center—to the GT if you want. As you go up the ranks of the trim levels, the Durango gets more and more muscular. The SRT, in many ways, resembles the iconic Charger, giving drivers a sense that they can go anywhere and be the boss. Furthermore, many of the models have a good bit of chrome along the exterior, which gives the overall appearance an added boost.

There are 10 exterior paint colors to choose from for the 2019 Durango:

• White Knuckle
• Granite
• Redline Red
• Reactor Blue
• Vice White
• Billet
• DB Black
• Octane Red
• Destroyer Grey
• F8 Green

 

 

What’s Inside?

The interior is another factor that makes the new Durango a great vehicle for families. Its roomy cargo space and welcoming cabin make it a truly comfortable vehicle to sit in—whether you’re driving across town or across the country. The entry-level SXT seats five people, but you can add a third row, which opens up space for seven people. Captain chairs in the second row is another option, which means you could have six people in the vehicle. There’s a variety of leather upholstery upgrades available, as well as a heated steering wheel, power-operated front seats, heated seats (front and second row), and air-conditioned front seats.

As far as infotainment goes, the Durango has it going on. The core infotainment system is the Uconnect. This connected vehicle platform is built exclusively into Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, and FIAT vehicles, and it has won several awards for its features and efficiency. At the base model, buyers have access to a 7-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, six-speaker audio system, and voice control features. The upgraded models are even more decked out. You can upgrade to an 8.4-inch screen, built-in navigation, Sirius XM, a BluRay/DVD player for the back seat, and a nine-speaker Alpine or 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

One of the most satisfying qualities of the Uconnect system—and also why it beats out many of its competitors—is that it is very user-friendly and easy to navigate. This is largely because it employs a combination of physical controls, smartphone capabilities, and big touch-screen buttons to go along with a painless interface. In other words, people with little to no technology experience should be able to use the infotainment system with no problems.

 

 

If you’re looking for a vehicle that suits the entire family while bringing pure muscle and grace to your driving experience, the 2019 Dodge Durango is a perfect choice. All models come loaded with features and appeal that overshines the competition. As safety is always the most important factor when it comes to driving, the Durango has you and your family covered from front to back with safety features to help prevent accidents and protect you should an accident occur.

If you’re looking for power in an SUV, the Durango is a total specimen—untouched by the others in its class. Also, it’s one of the smoother and roomier rides you will find. With a variety of exterior colors, from whites and greys to Dodge’s iconic red, chances are there’s at least one that will wow you. Finally, Dodge has outdone themselves with the infotainment features offered in all its Durango models. Muscle, grace, safety, fun—all can be yours with the new Durango. Be sure to pop on over to Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT to see for yourself.

 

 

Tags: 2019 Dodge Durango, Family SUV, Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat, New Cars, Performance, Safety Features
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Jeep has reached the epitome of ruggedness by taking the Jeep Wrangler and the most advanced midsize pickup to-date and morphing them together as one vehicle. The said it couldn’t be done, they said it shouldn’t be done, but Jeep runs according to its own rules. So is this new vehicle a Jeep? Yes. But is it a truck? Yes. It is the best of both, and quite possibly, the coolest and toughest vehicle on the road. Welcome the 2020 Jeep Gladiator.

Why You Need this Vehicle

In some ways the all-new Jeep Gladiator is exactly what it looks like: half-Jeep, half-truck. In other ways it is so much more: a beefy vehicle that’s not afraid to go off-roading; a midsized pickup that is so advanced there is nothing else out quite like it; and a family car offering smooth, easy driving. Sounds almost too good to be true, we know. But, guess what? It’s not. This newfangled utility vehicle is sure to turn heads and impress even the most knowledgeable of care enthusiasts. The Gladiator is something never been done before.

Even though it’s the brand’s first pickup since 1992, Jeep has not failed to keep up with what the modern consumer wants and needs in a truck. This is important—knowing how the pickup of today is used—because trucks aren’t what they used to be. Whereas before they were these clunky, minimalist vehicles made for either hauling or towing, they are now built to be the all-encompassing vehicle that offers a smooth ride with advanced capabilities to make everyone happy, children and adults alike. The same could be said about the Wrangler itself: once an ultra-rugged machine meant to get dirty, rusty, and beat up, the more modern versions have managed to keep the original toughness, but add in a lot of luxury and new technology. Jeep has proven in the past they are willing and capable of keeping up with the most modern advances, but with the Gladiator, they actually take the lead in innovation.

This is really what Jeep is all about, taking something already proven and making it better. And in this case, Jeep has taken both the Wrangler (their own venerable vehicle) and the concept of a midsize pickup to new levels.

It doesn’t hurt that the new Jeep Gladiator looks pretty cool—scratch that: REALY COOL. The long frame stretches across the road. It sits low, atop four chunky wheels—crouched in position to takeoff and cut through rugged paths. It’s boxy shape reminds us it is still a Wrangler, but the open bed in back piques curiosity. In full view, the Gladiator shines bright with slight curvature around the bed and front, but all following long, hard lines creating the 218-inch frame (the longest Jeep made). It’s truly a marvel to watch this machine take over the road.

Here are a few more specs worth noting to the look of the 2020 Gladiator:

• The zipperless Sunrider soft-top and lightweight panels to the hard top are easier than ever to remove—with one hand, even! Now drivers can go from a covered vehicle to a complete convertible within just a few minutes. Imagine stopping at a light and having the top down, with you back in your seat, before the light even turns green.
• Feel like getting a little closer to nature while you drive? The Gladiator maintains its Wrangler-ness by offering the capability to remove all four doors, as well as, fold down the front windshield. This is the best (some would say the only) way to splash through big puddles and smaller bodies of water. Just because you have yourself a shiny, new Gladiator doesn’t mean you have to wait on getting dirty. Think of it like this: a clean Gladiator is a sad one. They were born to get dirty and caught up in sticky situations. Go out and expore!

Now let’s look at that bed:

• Rugged Steel Box: the 5-foot steel bed comes with tie-downs and available spray-in bed liner, which is durable enough to handle extremely heavy loads. This is not Jeep simply slapping a bed on a Wrangler. This is a true-blue, heavy-duty truck bed made and ready to handle anything you dare throw in it.
• Weatherproof Power Outlet: this advanced truck bed comes with a 115-volt power outlet located in the rear of the bed to help you saw through plywood, charge power-tool batteries, or even warm-up that new meat smoker. There is a switch in the cab of the Gladiator that activates the outlet, so it’s not constantly running.
• Secured Cargo: the Trail Rail Cargo Management System uses adjustable tie-downs with overlapping rails to weigh down and secure items resting in the bed. This is great for those items that you are afraid might fly out of the bed during the drive.
• Advanced Tailgate: the three-positioned tailgate is easy to lower and close, and allows for the following carrying options: upright, midway up, and completely flat. These different positions allow for safe carriage of all sorts of materials from the ultra-flimsy to the long, more awkward ones.
• Roll-Up Bed Cover: the Tonneau offers a sleek way to cover your bed. Simply lock it into position and unroll to cover your luggage or other smaller items to keep them from encountering unforeseen rain.

On-Road/Off-Road

Here’s the news: the 2020 Gladiator needs to be able to do everything the most modern Wrangler can do—fight through muddy paths, crawl over rocky terrain, and cruise down country roads. Here’s the good news: it can do all these things and more, namely in terms of traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance.

• Traction

Every wheel of the Jeep Gladiator works independently do drive you forward, making sure you always have the best traction. This feature shines best when climbing over large rocks or dipping through big potholes. Each wheel keeps turning, allowing you constant momentum.

• Water Fording

With its high air intake and advanced water sealing, you can cruise though water of up to 30-inches. This will definitely help you enjoy the creeks and streams found down the beaten path.

• Maneuverability

Optimized wheelbases and precision steering allows the rather long frame of the Gladiator to ease through tough, tight trails and spaces. It really is amazing how well the 2020 Gladiator maneuvers around rocky terrain. Whether elevated or flat, the Gladiator pushes through it all.

• Articulation

This term means all four wheels are able to maintain connection with the ground, no matter how uneven the drive is. It’s fascinating to watch, as the wheelbase twists and bends to always keep the vehicle in contact and control. Jeep has thought of everything with the Gladiator.

• Ground Clearance

Between the ground and the underside of the all-new Gladiator, there is 11.1-inches of clearance. Trying to picture this can be tough, so go ahead and break out the tape measure. That’s a lot of clearance! Now you can drive over logs and branches that would before keep a new adventure from ever happening.

The Competition

The Drive website does a wonderful job at providing a quick breakdown of the 2020 Gladiator’s specs compared to other modern counterparts—or, at least those who are close. Have a look for yourself:

Towing Capacity:

• 2020 Jeep Gladiator: 7,650 pounds
• 2019 Ford Ranger: 7,500 pounds
• 2019 Chevrolet Colorado: 7,000 pounds
• 2019 Toyota Tacoma: 6,800 pounds
• 2019 Nissan Frontier: 6,500 pounds

Payload Capacity:

• 2020 Jeep Gladiator: 1,600 pounds
• 2019 Ford Ranger: 1,860 pounds
• 2019 Chevrolet Colorado: 1,581 pounds
• 2019 Toyota Tacoma: 1,620 pounds
• 2019 Nissan Frontier: 1,502 pounds

Notice that the new Gladiator is right up there with the best of them—actually leading in towing capacity! Here are a few more specs:

Fuel Economy (Ford Ranger only has a 4-cylinder engine):

• 2020 Jeep Gladiator: 16 mpg city/23 highway
• 2019 Ford Ranger: 21 city/26 highway
• 2019 Chevrolet Colorado: 17 city/24 highway
• 2019 Toyota Tacoma: 19 city/24 highway
• 2019 Nissan Frontier: 16 city/23 highway

Ground Clearance:

• 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon: 11 inches
• 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: 8.9 inches
• 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: 9.4 inches

Off-Road Angles:

• 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon: 43.4° approach/20.3° breakover/26° departure
• 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: 30° approach/23.5° breakover/23.5° departure
• 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: 35° approach/23.9° breakover/26° departure

So what sort of insight can we gather from this information? Well, the Gladiator is not just a Jeep/pickup hybrid. It fully operates both as a Jeep and a truck—able to keep up with anyone else on the market; in fact, the Jeep Gladiator is already leading the market in many areas.

Impressive Interior

Not only does the Gladiator perform way beyond expectations, it also has quite a plush and roomy interior—with some impressive technology as well.

Once inside, you feel like you are in the most advanced Wrangler ever made, which is actually true. The first thing you may notice is the exterior color and materials also serve as trim on the inside. But what’s really impressive is how well these materials—sleek, smooth metal—interact with the soft-touch materials running throughout the interior. This relationship of different materials and tones creates a sophisticated, yet rugged feel. Just the sort of atmosphere you want in an advanced SUV.

There is plenty of fancy technology inside the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, enough to make your off-road travels just a bit more civilized and fun.

Check these pieces of technology out:

• Voice Command

With the Uconnect voice command system, answering the phone, making calls and texts, even controlling your music have never been easier—and safer. The Gladiator gives you plenty of reasons not to look at your phone while driving.

• Strong Connections

The Gladiator’s SiriusXM Guardian and Roadside Assistance both connect to your phone so that you can have remote access from just about anywhere. This allows you to maintain control of your safety and entertainment even when you are outside of the vehicle.

• Never Get Lost Again

Jeep Gladiator has a wonderfully advanced navigation system that allows you to activate and control it using touchscreen or voice commands. Not only does the navigation system let you know where you are going and how to get there, it also gives information on where ATMs, restaurants, and so much more are located.

At Mount Airy Chrysler  Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, we are extremely excited about the arrival of the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator. In fact, some of us are so ready we can’t sleep at night! The arrival of any new vehicle is fun, but when something comes along such as the Gladiator—the perfect utility vehicle that can haul and tow and cruise and do so much more—it’s even more exciting.

Even though we don’t currently have the Jeep Gladiator on the lot, this doesn’t mean we won’t eventually have the brightest and best. And it definitely doesn’t mean we don’t know everything there is to know about it. Please come in or call for any information you want on the impressive Gladiator. You will find we just can’t wait to talk about it!

Tags: best jeep dealer near me, best jeep gladiator dealer Mount Airy, best jeep gladiator dealer near me, jeep dealer mount airy, jeep gladiator, Jeep truck
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It’s a big decision buying a car. Not only do you need to make sure it fits your lifestyle, you also need to make sure: it’s not a lemon; that it has a decent warranty; you research the trim level needed most; you make sure it fits in your budget, and the list goes on. It’s a lot of work, but the time you put in up front will greatly benefit you in the long run—and that’s the goal isn’t it, to keep your new addition to the family running for a long, long time.

According to a 2017 article in Business Insider, Warren Buffett—you know, the guy who is worth somewhere around 84.4 billion dollars—always buys his vehicles at a reduced rate. Actually, what he does is he finds one that has had some minor damage (hail, fender-bender, scrapes and dents, but never anything too serious), purchases it for a fraction of the true cost then has it repaired. He then drives said car until the wheels fall off or his daughter is too embarrassed to ride with him, whichever comes first.

So why does a man who could buy every vehicle in America choose to hunt for bargains when he car shops? Because it’s worth it in the end. Within the sea of vehicles out there, and the fluctuating prices of those vehicles, major deals can be found. It just takes a little time and effort.

How Much is Too Much?

Respected moneyman, Dave Ramsey has a lot to say when it comes to making the big decisions in life, such as buying a home or a car. Here is what Mr. Ramsey had to say about purchasing a car in a question-answer section of his website:

“The total value of all your vehicles—things with a motor in them—should not be more than half of your annual income. If you make $50,000 a year, you shouldn’t be driving a $40,000 car. That’s stupid. Why? Because they all go down in value. You’re putting money in something that goes down in value, and you need to be able to financially absorb that loss without it crippling you.”

Now this might be a little hard to swallow for some. It’s nothing to see a price tag of $40,000 hanging from a car, but it does seem silly to spend more than half your annual income on something you could get for much less. Why are so many people willing to pay inflated prices? Because it’s easy, and because they just don’t know any better.

Dave goes on to say, “Cars lose 70% of their value in the first four years. When you turn $30,000 into $11,000, you need to be able to absorb that hit. That’s about $100 a week, by the way. Let’s pretend there’s a bizarre circumstance where you don’t have a lot of income, but you have $10 million in real estate. Then we might use a different formula. If you’re worth $10 million, then you can probably afford a nicer car than your income would indicate. As a general rule, your income is a good indicator of your financial juice, so you have to think about how much you’re going to put toward something that’s going down in value. Rich people don’t put a large percentage of their lives in things that are going down in value. That’s how they became rich. We’re going to buy on a ratio of our financial situation. We’re not going to buy a new car—ever—until you’re worth at least $1 million. You’re not going to have the total of all your vehicles ever—except in very rare circumstances—be over half of your annual income. That tells you if you can afford to do something like this.”

Aha, so that’s why Warren Buffett refuses to pay full price for his cars—vehicles typically go down in value, not up. This is all the more reason to make sure what you are buying is what’s best for you, whether it be a family-van, pickup truck, or a sporty Jeep Wrangler, you want to make sure the purchase is worth it in the long haul and that you aren’t spending too much of your annual income.

The True Cost of a Car

Though it’s true the value of a new car drops the moment it is driven off the lot, as long as you aren’t breaking the bank to buy it, it could still be worth the price, and the drop in price, just so long as you have done the research and you know you can afford the (true) cost of the vehicle.

Here are a few hidden car costs that (non-savvy) buyers often fail to calculate:

• Financing Charges. Paying for a car in cash is usually your best option, but let’s be honest, how many people are actually able to do this—besides are friend, Warren Buffett? For those of us who do need to get a bit of financing, it’s important to note that throwing at least a little cash as a down payment can drastically reduce the monthly cost. It might also be a good idea to try and extend the loan and try and find the lowest interest rate. These are numbers and scenarios you will need to spend some time going through, and it could take time—which is why most car buyers don’t bother looking into the myriad was a car can be financed. Do your research and take your time, it will be worth it.
• Tax Credits. “Hybrids and electric cars seem great, but they cost so much!” We hear this all the time, and there is some truth to it—but there’s more to it than that. Yes, you will pay more initially for these types of vehicles, but you do save on gas and energy while you own the car. And that’s not all: you can also receive plenty of national, state, and local tax credits that can completely justify that hefty price tag. Buying these vehicle used can help drive the price down as well.
• Insurance Premiums. Car insurance, after the initial price of the car, is usually where you will spend most money. The problem is companies charge different premiums depending on the type of car you buy. And it’s not just the make and model of car you get, these premiums are also based on the style—that is trim level, body style, etc. Usually, specialty vehicles (performance-oriented) have higher premiums, but it’s difficult to tell just how much you will be paying until you play around with the numbers and vehicle types. insure.com is a great website with a calculator that can help you crunch the numbers and find the best price for the car you want to purchase.
• Maintenance and Repair. Though cars these days are usually able to go longer than ever without having maintenance and repair, every car driver knows there will be a need to take the car in for work to be done, whether it’s minor or major repairs. Because of this, it’s important to spend time going over warranty options. Luckily, at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, we will not only provide you with all your warranty options, we also have expert technicians who can do any maintenance and repair on site.

Quick Tips: Three Important Factors For Buying a Car

We know buying a car can be tricky. When living in a city such as the size of Charlotte, things can become daunting pretty quickly. Everyone has an opinion on what you should buy, how much it should cost, and so on. Then there’s the risk: what if it breaks down? What if I don’t end up liking it, or it isn’t the right fit for the family? Though the risks taken can often be scary, they can also be minimized, or even eliminated, simply by following a few basic rules.

#1 Research the Car You Want

Spend time cruising around the Internet doing some fact-finding—look especially for things to watch out for in conjunction with your specific make and model—and narrow down your search as you go. Read through comparison guides and reviews on sites such as www.kbb.org and www.caranddriver.com. You can also find reviews and blogs of used vehicles on various dealer websites (such as ours!). Once you find what you like, stay firm in the “must haves” (such as manual or automatic transmission, number of miles if buying used, engine size, etc.), but also be willing to budge on the smaller things. There is plenty of information out there, you just have to take the time to find it.

#2 When Possible, Have Cash in Hand

When out looking for possible winners, it’s a good idea to have the cash ready. You never know when someone will swoop in and overbid the car while you’re off to the bank. Also, it’s tough to turn down cash, making the possibility for you to underbid a little better. If purchasing from a dealership, don’t rely on the dealer to find you the best financing—that is, unless you shop at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, where we can help find you the best rated financing around. If you need it, spend time finding the best borrower percentage rates, and where to get them.

#3 Get a Professional Opinion

It can be time consuming taking a possible car purchase to a trusted mechanic, but it’s well worth it—in fact, it’s probably the most important thing you can do. No matter what the vehicle history says, or how you felt during the test drive, why not take the time and pay the $50-$100 it takes to have a professional scour through every inch to find anything potentially wrong or worrisome? There are plenty of shops in Charlotte that are trustworthy and fairly priced, but if you don’t “have a guy,” our technicians at Mount Airy are your best option. They know our cars inside and out and will relay every bit of pertinent information to you—no secrets, no hidden agendas. We want you to be happy.

There are two types of car shoppers we see on the lot. There are the ones who are a little nervous with blank faces and sweaty palms. They haven’t done the necessary research and they are hoping the best scenario for them just happens to reveal itself—which we all know does not usually happen. Good things come to those who work for them, which perfectly defines the second type of car shopper we see. This group is confident and exited. They know they are about to save a lot of money and drive off the lot with the car of their dreams. Simply put, they have done their research.

You see, at Mount Airy, we want the same things you do: a low-cost, well-built car that will last for years to come. Come see us today and let’s find your new car.

 

Sources:

• https://www.businessinsider.com/5-of-warren-buffetts-most-frugal-habits-2017-5#buffett-drives-the-same-car-for-years-3
• https://www.daveramsey.com/askdave/automobiles/how-much-car-is-too-much
• https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/hidden-costs-buying-new-car-201898

 

Tags: best fiat dealer near me, best jeep dealer near me, best ram dealer near me, certified pre owned, Chrysler, Dodge, fiat, Jeep, new inventory, Pre Owned vehicles, Ram
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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 4×2 with an MSRP of $33,395 with a $1,695 destination fee. The Ram 3500 Limited Mega Cab 4×4 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 4×4 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 4×4 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 4×4 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!

Tags: best fiat spider dealer mount airy, best fiat spider near me, best jeep wrangler mount airy, best jeep wrangler near me, best ram 3500 near me, best ram dealer mount airy, fiat spider on sale mount airy, ram 3500 on sale mount airy
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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.

Tags: AC Inspection Mount Airy, Battery Inspection Mount Airy, best service center near me, best service inspection mount airy, oil change Jeep, oil change mount airy
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You’re riding along, cruising down the highway on a clear, sunny day when out of the blue a little light on the dashboard catches your eye.

The light is one you can’t remember having seen before. You start to wonder if perhaps you’ve just somehow missed it. Is it a tire pressure indicator light? Or maybe there’s a feature that lets you know that the gas tank lid is open? What if the whole engine is about to seize?

Come to think of it… do you know what any of your warning lights really mean?

COMMON DASH LIGHTS

Check Engine

For one reason or another your car’s computer has registered a diagnostic code and most likely needs professional troubleshooting. According to Auto Zone, there are five common reasons your check-engine light will come on:

Your Oxygen (O2) Sensor needs to be replaced

Your oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust system.

What happens if I don’t replace it?

• Your engine will burn more fuel than needed
• You will lose fuel economy, and get less miles per gallon
• Faulty sensor(s) can cause damage to your spark plugs and catalytic converter

Gas cap is loose, damaged or missing

Your gas cap seals the fuel system and helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank. It also prevents gasoline fumes (hydrocarbons) from being released into the atmosphere while you aren’t driving the car.

What happens if you don’t replace it?

• You can lose fuel through evaporation
• You may take more trips to the gas pump

A bad catalytic converter

Your catalytic converter helps protect our environment by converting harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Damage usually occurs due to neglected maintenance.

What happens if you don’t replace it?

• Your vehicle will not pass an emissions test
• You will experience reduced performance and fuel economy
• Your car may run at a higher temperature

It’s time to replace your Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF)

Your mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to determine how much fuel is needed to run your engine efficiently.

What happens if you don’t replace it?

• Faulty sensors can cause damage to spark plugs, O2 sensors or catalytic converter
• You will experience reduced performance and fuel economy

Your vehicle needs new Spark Plugs or Plug Wires

Your spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your vehicle. The spark plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs.

What happens if you don’t replace it?

• You will experience poor performance (reduced power, engine missing) and reduced fuel economy
• Worn plugs and plug wires can cause clogged catalytic converter or damage to ignition coils and O2 sensors

 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

This light indicates that the TPMS has found a tire with low air pressure (or there could be sensor malfunction). There’s a chance you may see this light come on during cold weather. If you remember grade-school science class, air molecules bounce off of one another at a higher rate at warmer temperatures thus raising pressure. Colder weather slows the molecules. When this light comes on, check your tire pressure and if needed, put in air. Many gas stations have free air pumps that include a tire pressure gauge, but it’s a good idea to buy your own gauge, learn how to use it, and keep it in your glove box.

 

Coolant Temp Warning

Although antifreeze’s name may seem to imply that it helps stop an engine from freezing, it actually keeps your engine from overheating. Antifreeze contains lubricants and anti-corrosion agents to keep components like your radiator properly lubricated and free from corrosion. Without antifreeze the radiator can cause your engine to overheat, leaving you with an undriveable vehicle and an expensive repair. Antifreeze is part of the overall system that also includes the fan and radiator cap. Problems with either of these also may trigger the warning light. Get to a service station as soon as possible!

 

Transmission Temperature

Transmission fluid is a lubricant that makes shifting gears — whether in a manual or automatic — easier. If your transmission fluid is hotter than normal, something is amiss with your transmission fluid level or engine coolant. Don’t grind your gears! Get to a service station as soon as possible.

 

Brake System

When this warning light comes on there’s one of three possible conditions: the parking brake is on; there’s a problem with the braking system/brake fluid is low; or the anti-lock braking system has a problem. First make sure the parking brake is fully released. Second, check the brake fluid — a hydraulic fluid that is used in converting force into pressure and thus amplifying braking force. A problem with the ABS will require professional diagnostics and servicing.

 

Battery Alert

Your car’s battery is what cranks the engine. If this light comes on the battery voltage level is below normal level and the vehicle’s charging system — battery, starter, alternator or another component — is not functioning properly. If your battery is more than 4 years old, then it should to be tested. Look for any loose cables or corroded battery terminals. A loose or worn accessory drive belt can make a squealing noise. A clicking or grinding noise when you turn the key is a good indicator that your starter is bad. A dead battery, one that won’t stay charged, or headlamps and interior lights that appear dim can indicate that your alternator is bad. In many cars, replacing a battery is not excessively difficult, but batteries are heavy, can be pricey, and should be handled with care. When your battery is replaced by a professional, your old battery will be properly disposed of as well.

 

BASIC CAR CARE

As cars have gotten more advanced and so many systems have become computerized, many people have stepped away from performing their own basic car care. At Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, we are happy to take care of all your service needs. However, we know that there may come a time that you need to be able to help yourself.

We recommend that all drivers learn how to put on their vehicle’s spare tire. While the concept is the same, vehicles have varying equipment, tire sizes, and techniques. To change a tire you’ll need:

• Spare tire
• Jack
• Socket wrench
• Gloves (to keep your hands free of sludge and debris)

 

The basic steps to changing a flat are as follows:

1. Use your jack to raise your vehicle on the side where your flat tire is located (driver’s or passenger’s, front or back). Your vehicle should be high enough to allow clearance between the ground and a fully-inflated tire.
2. Most wheels have screws and bolts that hold them on. Unscrew each bolt with your socket wrench until your wheel can pop off. Remember righty-tighty, lefty-loosey!
3. Don’t lose your bolts. Keep them in a safe place such as your pocket.
4. Remove the wheel with the flat tire. It will be heavy! Place it in the trunk. Put the spare tire on.
5. Using the bolts you removed earlier, secure the spare tire being sure to tighten the bolts well.
6. Gently lower your jack so that your car is now even with the ground. Remove the jack.
7. Drive at a reduced speed to a service station that can do tire repair or replacement. Do not drive for extended periods on a spare tire!

 

Be sure to read your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specifics about where to find the jack, where to place it on the vehicle, and whether you have a full-sized or “donut” spare.

Reading the owner’s manual will also help you learn about your car in other ways. It’s always a good idea to know how to check the oil and replace the windshield wipers.

And once you’ve learned more about your vehicle, see if you can correctly tell whether the following statements from Mobil’s car care quiz are true or false:

1. You can tell if a tire needs or has too much air just by looking at it.
2. Changing the oil and filter can help an engine last longer.
3. If an air filter looks clean, then it doesn’t need to be replaced.
4. A good coat of car wax can help keep paint looking good.
5. Brake fluid lasts forever.
6. If engine coolant is bright green, then it’s still performing well for your cooling system.
7. When working on a car or truck, it’s a good idea to tighten nuts and bolts as much as possible.
8. It takes more fuel to stop and start an engine than it does to leave it running.
9. You should follow the tire pressure number listed on your tire’s sidewall when inflating tires.
10. Putting premium gas in the tank will provide a premium in performance.

How did you answer? Let’s check to see whether you’re right!

1. You can tell if a tire needs or has too much air just by looking at it.

FALSE:A tire can be as much as 10 pounds per square inch (psi) low on air pressure and not show any outward signs.

 

2. Changing the oil and filter can help an engine last longer.

TRUE: While changing the oil too frequently is not required, the difference between an engine that lasts for the life of a vehicle and one that wears out too early is based on following the vehicle manufacturer’s oil and filter maintenance schedule.

 

3. If an air filter looks clean, then it doesn’t need to be replaced.

FALSE: An air filter traps dirt and junk so small that it cannot be seen. Even if an air filter looks clean, it can still be clogged with crud.

 

4. A good coat of car wax can help keep paint looking good.

TRUE: A thin layer of wax protects against all types of things that can harm paint. The type of car wax you use is not as important as simply completing the task of applying wax to your vehicle

 

5. Brake fluid lasts forever.

FALSE: Brake fluid should be clear and transparent. Cloudy brake fluid means it’s time for a change.

 

6. If engine coolant is bright green, then it’s still performing well for your cooling system.

FALSE: Chemicals in engine coolant can become corrosive. Coolant that looks fresh can actually be causing unseen and expensive cooling system damage.

 

7. When working on a car or truck, it’s a good idea to tighten nuts and bolts as much as possible.

FALSE: Almost every fastener that can be tightened on a modern motor vehicle is designed for tightening to a specific torque. Use a torque wrench to get it right.

 

8. It takes more fuel to stop and start an engine than it does to leave it running.

FALSE: This may have been true in the olden days of carbureted engines, but modern fuel injection systems have put a permanent end to this myth.

 

9. You should follow the tire pressure number listed on your tire’s sidewall when inflating tires.

FALSE: Tire pressure runs with the vehicle itself, not the tires it rolls on. Always inflate tires to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

 

10. Putting premium gas in the tank will provide a premium in performance.

FALSE: Unless the engine under the hood was designed and built to take advantage of the extra octane in premium fuel, there is no point in paying the extra money per gallon.

 

KEEP YOUR CAR SERVICED WITH US

At Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, you can rest assured that we carefully inspect your vehicle every time you bring it in for service. Your safety is important to us! Whether you’re due now or making plans for when you hit significant miles, visit us online or call to ask about our service specials. Our service department is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Come see us soon!

Tags: auto care, dashboard lights, dashboard symbols, decipher your vehicle, understand your car, vehicle dashboard
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