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When it comes to caring matte paint, there are a few different things to consider. Traditional vehicle paint and all of the finishing products are made to reflect light and shine. The difference with matte paint is that it is not reflective. Thus, taking the time to care for it requires different products and methods. Read on to learn some of our tips for how to clean and maintain matte vehicle paint. more How Does Matte Paint Differ From Regular Car Paint? Matte paint, while not shiny, has its own issues and difficulties. Because it doesn't shine, it cannot be buffed or polished. A matte finish won't tolerate any scratches, and cannot be corrected once it has been scratched. Because of this, we have to treat it carefully. Read More: How to Boost Your Vehicle's Value How to Wash a Matte Car Be sure to use a wax-free, ph neutral, car washing soap. It needs to be wax-free because wax in regular vehicle soap will cause a splotchy and clouded appearance. The ph neutral part will help avoid any damage caused by the soap. It is important to wash a matte vehicle regularly, as any excess dirt and oils will start to give the vehicle a sheen. If you wash the vehicle and it still seems to have a sheen, you can try diluted Isopropyl alcohol to remove any excess oils. Be sure to remove bird droppings or bugs as soon as you can to prevent damage to the matte finish. Schedule Matte Paint Cleaning Racine WI If you have a matte finish on your vehicle, and the maintenance seems overwhelming, don't hesitate to schedule a detailed cleaning with the skilled technicians here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. Our Racine service department offers a wide variety of maintenance and repair services, so schedule your appointment online or by giving us a call.

There is a certain pride we feel when we're driving around in a car that is well cared for and looks great. When it comes to fast cars, and even your every day driver, the exhaust system can start to look a little grubby. In order to get it cleaned up and looking like new, we've put together some quick tips to clean your car's exhaust at home. Read on and see what you'll need to get the job done! more Cleaning Your Car's Exhaust Tips and Tricks What you need: You'll notice that most of the tools you need to get the job done are similar to those you need to keep your wheels and rims looking nice. Gloves Wheel Cleaning Brushes Wheel Wash Mit Wheel Soap All-Purpose Cleaner #0000 Steel Wool Metal Polish Wheel Protectant READ MORE: Preventing Rusty Rims What You'll Do: Clean your exhaust after your wheels, but before you clean your car's paint. Make sure to separate the wheel cleaning tools from those you use on your car's paint. Spray some all-purpose cleaner onto your exhaust tip and allow it to soak for 1-2 minutes. Using strong wheel soap, clean the exhaust tip with a wheel cleaning brush, making sure to twist and scrub. Then rinse (without spraying directly into the exhaust chamber) and see if it's clean enough. If you still aren't happy with the result, soak the tips in wheel cleaner and use some steel wool to scrub off the rest of the carbon. Rinse and repeat if still not clean. Follow up with aluminum or metal polish to brighten the surface, and then finish with some wheel protectant to keep the tips as clean as possible, until it's time for a wash! Schedule Vehicle Detail Racine WI If this seems like a lot of work, and your speed machine could use a clean up, give us a call at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Racine. Our friendly experts are here to help get your car looking and driving its best, and we offer a wide variety of services.

Every state has strange laws that were created at one point or another, and Wisconsin is no exception. We're going to tell you about some of the weirdest driving laws in Wisconsin, and you can try to live within the law. Or not. These silly rules might seem too outdated, but let us know in the comments below what you think! more Strange Laws in Wisconsin Before we get into the laws that are specific to driving or vehicles, we'll tell you about a few laws that might have you puzzled. Which one do you think is the most bizarre? Read More: This Color Car Paint Never Fades! In Milwaukee, it is illegal to play a flute and drums in the streets to attract attention. So better find attention in another way!  In Racine, it is illegal to wake a fireman when he is asleep. Those guys need to conserve their energy, and get their rest when they can!  In Sun Prairie, it is illegal to manufacture nuclear weapons within the city limits. So, if you're looking to craft one of those, best take it into the country. Bizarre Driving Laws in Wisconsin In Hudson WI, no one may sit on another's parked car without expressed consent. It is illegal in LaCrosse to tie your horse along 3rd street. You must ride your bike with both hands on the handlebars in Sun Prairie. No one may camp in a wagon on a public highway, as you will risk a fine of up to $10. Do these strange laws have you puzzled? Wondering what situations brought about such detailed rules? We are too. Our world is filled with so many issues, and yet residents of Wisconsin were, at one time, banned from consuming yellow butter substitutes by law. The world is a funny place. Be sure to check out the other tips and tricks we have available for car drivers in WI!

Whether you're setting off across the country, or just headed out of town for the weekend, the music you choose can make or break the road trip. We want to keep you from breaking the good vibes of your trip, so we're offering you our favorite Spotify playlists for a summer road trip. Read on and choose what you want to jam to with your fellow passengers. more Disney Songs Spotify Playlists "Disney Hits": This playlist features all the classic Disney songs from the movies we grew up with, but also features favorites from Disney's newer movies, making it a perfect sing-along option for the trip! "Disney Channel Movies/Tv-Series Albums": If you are a Disney channel fan and love the music from the shows and movies, you are sure to find some sing-along options here! From Camp Rock to Hannah Montana. Happy Music Spotify Playlists "Get Happy": This playlist features upbeat music from a variety of artists. If you like a mix of decades and styles, this happy playlist is sure to keep your toe tapping throughout the trip! "Good Vibes": This pop playlist is full of catchy tunes, and many that you already know the words to! If you enjoy a mix of recent favorites and the top tracks, this playlist is sure to brighten the ride. Rainy Weather Spotify Playlists "Rainy Day": Bring your warm and cozy feelings along for the ride with this list. It may be summer, but in the rain we all enjoy some calm music. Get emotional and enjoy the ride with this cool and relaxing list. "Calm Down": If you're looking for a mix of music to keep you chill behind the wheel, this calming list is sure to do the trick. Check it out and get into the feelings of rainy weather while you drive. Read More: Fastest Way to Charge Your Phone in the Car Road Trip Vehicle Maintenance Checklist There are a few important things you'll want to make sure you do before heading out on a road trip. You'll want to check the tires, the condition and level of the oil, the level of wear on your brakes, and any leaks. If you aren't sure what the red flags are, feel free to bring your vehicle in to see the experts here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine. We'll help you make sure your car is road trip ready! Schedule Service Online!

Car insurance is one of those necessary evils. We feel like we are constantly sending our money off into a black hole, but it must be done. So, if you are sick of your car insurance rates and are looking for some tips for lowering your car insurance rate, read on. We've got the 5 most common ways to lower car insurance payments, and we're going to fill you in! more Five Ways to Decrease Car Insurance Bills Get Multiple Quotes Before Committing: Different insurance companies charge different amounts, and if you aren't careful you could end up paying twice as much at one company over another. Shop around and get quotes from a variety of different places before putting all your eggs in one expensive basket! It might end up saving you over 50%! Ask About Low Mileage Discounts: If you drive significantly less than the average driver, there's a chance that you could score a lower payment. Check with your insurance company for any available discounts. Even without the discount on insurance, you're saving money on fuel! Drop Comprehensive Coverage on Older Cars: If you are paying for comprehensive insurance and your car's value is really low, consider doing some calculating to see if it's worth it. Here's a general rule: If you take your comprehensive coverage premium and multiply it by 10, that number should be less than the value of your vehicle. Avoid Lapses in Coverage: Lapses in coverage, even if brief, can put you out of the running for discounts. If you pay your insurance bills on time and keep yourself covered at all times (even if switching companies) you will end up paying less. Watch Your Credit Score: More and more insurance carriers are looking at your credit score to determine your rate. If your credit score is in rough shape, it might be worth trying to clean it up. If you are worried about financing a new car, fill out this form to get pre-approved!

So, you're thinking about selling your vehicle. What can you do to help increase the selling price? Sure there are the simple things, like cleaning it and taking great pictures. But what else do you need to do? Read on to see how to boost your car's value, and sell it quicker! more Three Ways to Increase Vehicle Resale Value Lights, Dents & Scratches: If the lights don't work, get them fixed. However, if they are working and have become dull and foggy, take some time to learn about how to clean them up. It's generally acknowledged that bright clear lights make a car look nicer. For dents and scratches that are more eye-catching than you'd like, bring your car to see an expert. What you'll gain in resale value is well worth fixing up those minor issues. Chipped or Broken Windshields: Any windshield issues can take a big chunk off your vehicle's sale price. While it might seem expensive or annoying to replace your windshield, the KBB experts say that most of the time you'll make back what you paid in increased vehicle value. Tires and Brakes: If your brakes are totally worn out, replace them before selling the vehicle. However, if you aren't selling a luxury vehicle and your brakes are still doing alright, don't replace them. When it comes to tires, it's not worth putting a whole new set on. However, it is important not to have bald tires on your car when you sell it. Increase its value greatly by putting on a set of matching used tires. Trade-In Used Vehicles Online in Pleasant Prairie WI If you're feeling overwhelmed at the idea of finding a buyer and trying to get the best price for your vehicle, then look no further! Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine, we offer a free trade-in value estimate to every interested car owner. Simply fill out the form and receive an estimate for your vehicle's worth here at our dealership. Then you can bring it in and trade it for cash. It's that easy!

We might know that Jeep vehicles are renowned for their capability and sporty design, but the Jeep wasn't born out of a wish for style or comfort. The original Jeep was a utility vehicle developed to be an affordable, no-nonsense option for the military to use as transport. We'll tell you 3 things you didn't know about the original Jeep. Read on! more Fun Facts About the First Jeep Vehicles The WWII Jeep was Designed in Two Days The government realized upon getting involved in WWII that the military needed a light and effective mode of transportation. Karl Probst started work on the design and was finished, proposed, and accepted in only two days. Talk about quick turnaround! Ford Introduced the Famous Jeep Grille Ford had a number of innovative designs on its "Pygmy" design, and one of those was the flat grille that we know the Jeep so well for. In an effort to create a high quality vehicle that was easy to produce and maintain, the flat front grille from the Pygmy was adopted. The Jeep Name is Still a Mystery It's assumed that the Jeep name comes from a shortening of "general purpose vehicle," but there's no way to say for sure. Other sources say that it was common to call all military vehicles "Jeeps." We may never know, but we sure are glad they are here! Read More: New Features on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Which Jeep is Most Like the Original? While there is no Jeep in the lineup that is as rugged and rough as the original, the 2016 Jeep Wrangler is probably the most popular option for drivers who love the historic look of the original. If you are interested in learning more about the Wrangler model, check out the research page here!

This top-level trim of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a variety of exciting features and added luxury. The MSRP for the trim is $35,690, making it a step above that of the regular Cherokee, but not enough to break the bank. The Jeep Grand Cherokee lovers out there who can't quite afford the price tag might just want to take a look at what they'll find inside the Jeep Cherokee Overland trim. Read on to learn more about the Jeep Cherokee Overland interior technology features. more Jeep Cherokee Overland vs Jeep Grand Cherokee There's more than a difference in price between the Cherokee Overland and Grand Cherokee Overland, but for drivers looking for comfort, who don't need to capability and lower fuel economy ratings of the Grand Cherokee, the 2016 Cherokee Overland is a comfortable and luxurious option. The Overland trim, like the other trim levels for the Cherokee, is available with front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Read More: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Specs Y Technology Features Inside Jeep Cherokee Overland Blind Spot Sensor ParkSense Parking Assist Bluetooth Compatibility Voice-Activated Navigation Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls Heated and Cooled Front Seats Three Interior Power Outlets Colorful First-Row LCD screen Test Drive Jeep Cherokee Overland Pleasant Prairie WI If you are interested in getting behind the wheel of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overlander, then you have come to the right place. We have several of these exciting vehicles in stock and ready for you to drive home today. Give us a call or schedule your test drive appointment online to get started and see whether the Overland trim is the right fit for you.

When it comes to speed and power, there are few who don't think of the worlds most impressive sports cars. Even better than imagining the worlds most impressive sports cars, is driving one. The Dodge Viper has long been one the most exciting vehicles available, and it's making an appearance for 2017, its last year of production, with the same incredible power and style we've always loved. Read on to learn more about the 2017 Dodge Viper engine specs and interior features. more Last Production Year for Dodge Viper: 2017 Despite the fact that the Dodge Viper has been a crowd-pleasing sports car since it's creation, the Dodge brand has decided to move forward without its super car. The 2017 Dodge Viper is the last generation of the Viper, and there have been 25 great generations before that we can still enjoy. Read More: Dodge Viper Blog Posts The 25th anniversary limited-edition models will make the last production year of the Viper stand out from the rest. Here are a few of the special edition options that will be produced in limited numbers during this final year. 1:28 Edition ACR (American Club Racer) VooDoo II Edition ACR Snakeskin Edition GTC GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR Each limited-edition Viper model will feature a serialized instrument panel with the model name, and that can be customized with the driver's name. Read More: What's the Fastest Dodge I Can Buy? 2017 Dodge Viper Image Gallery

There are some cool advertisements we see on TV every once in a while, but have you seen one that makes the car you drive look completely un-cool? Well, unless you drive a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, this ad is sure to make you feel a little jealous. Check out the new Hellcat at with the robot hellcat and schedule your test drive to take home your own Hellcat today. more Unleashed Dodge Hellcat Advertisement Highlighting the speed and power that the Hellcat engine brings to the table, this Challenger SRT Hellcat ad makes us all feel excited about the horsepower under the hood. Watch the video below, and consider taking a test drive in the 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. We know you'll love it. Check This Out: Dodge Challenger vs Ford Mustang vs Chevy Camaro Test Drive the Dodge Challenger Hellcat WI If you are interested in seeing more of what this powerhouse has to offer, give us a call here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine. We would love to let you get behind the wheel and share more of the Challenger SRT Hellcat's incredible performance specs. Schedule your test drive online today!

Buying a new truck is a big investment, and making sure you get the right fit for you is important to us here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine. Today, we’re taking a closer look at what separates the RAM 1500 and RAM PowerWagon. Each of these pickups have a lot to offer, but the PowerWagon stands out from the rest in both capability and price. We’ll tell you more about the engine specs and interior features, so keep on reading! more RAM 1500 vs RAM Power Wagon Engine Specs RAM PowerWagon Interior Features Considered the off-road truck leader, this powerful new truck offers you the capability and versatility you’ve always wanted and then some. But when it comes to interior comfort, there’s nothing missing in the Power Wagon. Entirely customizable, there are seat panels, colors, and materials available for you to choose from. New colors like Diesel Gray can take your Power Wagon’s look to the next level. Read More: 2017 RAM Power Wagon Engine Specs A seven-inch first-row LCD screen uses “Power Wagon” startup graphics, but an optional 8.4-inch screen can be connected to the UConnect infotainment system and will feature an off-road theme. Other luxury options include a heated steering wheel, tire-track embossed seating to match the Power Wagon’s actual footprint, and all-weather rubber mats featuring RAM’s logo. Test Drive RAM Pickup Trucks Milwaukee WI If you are interested in being one of the first lucky drivers to get to take a closer look at the 2017 RAM PowerWagon, give us a call. Our sales team would be happy to share information about its arrival and release date, and to schedule your test drive when it arrives. We look forward to helping you find the perfect truck for your off-roading needs.

When evaluating a pickup truck, the statistic that generally pulls the most weight (get it?) in the minds of consumers and drivers is its towing capacity. At Palmen CDJR, we know how important it is for you to get out onto the work site and pull whatever you need with ease. Today, we’ll be taking a look at America’s Big Three: Our 2017 RAM 1500, the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado. All three are well respected throughout the industry for their power, menacing styling and overall design, but how well do they all stack up? more Towing capacity of the RAM 1500, Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado Gone are the days when you could throw a V8 into a pickup and call it a day. All three models have numerous engines available that help with fuel efficiency, horsepower, and overall performance. Other factors in a truck’s towing capacity include its axle ratio, bed size and drive style. Keep that in mind, because for the sake of simplicity we’ll be taking a look at the maximum towing and payload capacities that these powerhouses offer. What else does the 2017 RAM 1500 offer? There are a number of nuances that go into these figures, but for the most part all three of these trucks are more than capable of doing whatever you need them to. What sets the RAM 1500 apart from its counterparts, however, is its  fuel efficiency. You’ll get up to 29 miles per gallon on the highway in the 2017 RAM 1500, even as it is working hard to transport your valuables. Add that to strong structural integrity and a world class interior (with the UConnect system) and you have a workhorse that is guaranteed to go the extra mile for you. To help you decide which RAM trim line interests you the most, click here for a full rundown of their specifications. If you would like to schedule a test drive or see all the different RAM 1500 models that we offer, feel free to contact the sales team at Palmen CDJR of Racine. We are always available to help with anything that you need! View Our Current Inventory