Blog

Lebron James orange Jeep Exact model not shown. For pics of the Lebron Jeep, go here! If you're a fan of legendary NBA star LeBron James and Jeep vehicles, you may be saddened to know that a unique opportinity has just recently passed you by -- for now, at least (more on that later)! Last weekend in Willoughby Ohio, Lebron James' orange Jeep was made available in an auction by Fusco Auctions for its current owner -- who is the second to own it after LeBron. A worn jersey of the star athlete's was also auctioned off. more To be clear, it was actually a 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited that James had bought new and customized significantly. He originally paid $33,000 for the burnt orange Jeep, and put in another $33,000 is customizations. What did he do to improve and add value to the Jeep, which was slated to auction at a minimum reserve of $50,000? The Wrangler Unlimited's spacious interior only continues to improve. The orange and black interior was adorned with embroidered seats and headrests featuring Lebron's "King James" logo, which is of a lion wearing a crown on his head. The logo also appears in the center of the custom wheels. Lebron himself had only put about 1,000 miles on it, with just another few added by the current owner. So, what did the Lebron's orange Jeep sell for? It didn't! For now, the current owner will hang on to it, but stay tuned for future opportunities to own what might be the most fun and functional piece of memorabilia we can think of! Want your own Jeep Wrangler Unlimited but don't feel like you need it to be previously owned and customized by a huge basketball star? We can help you out with that -- Have a look through our selection online!

What to Do in Case of a Road Accident We aren’t calling the back luck. We just want to make sure that you have the tools necessary to stay safe even when an emergency happen. While on the road, the possibilities of something “out of the blue” coming your way are very real. But that shouldn't be a problem if you know what to do … and that is where we come in. Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we want to make sure that you know what to do in case of a road accident in order to keep you and your family and loved ones always safe. more Let's give them a good example. The best thing you can do is to keep calm and keep on driving. For example, if you find yourself drifting to the ride side of the road, don’t panic and try to maneuver the car like in an action movie. The sudden right-left-right-left movement of the tires might actually cause the car to run off the road or even flip. Just allow your vehicle to slow down, which will also give you time to regain calm. Be smooth and steer away. and .. let's just see what happens. We also recommend you to put it in neutral. Almost all passengers can do it as easily as the drivers. When does that work? When the accelerators might be stuck due to misplaced floor mats, or objects that shouldn’t really reach the driver’s side. All you have to remember is to stay calm - that’s when the ideas come in more clearly. Since every car has a blind spot, it is important that you make sure that in case of an accident you have perfect visibility so that that moment doesn’t become something worse. For that, you can even get a spotter. Get somebody with better visibility than you to tell you when to go, stop or if they are some objects on your way. Something like having a third eye but less weird. And remember that in case of an accident, always call the police. And don’t worry, any damage to you car, we will be glad to repair here at our service center. Give us a call and one of our expert representative will gladly set you up with an appointment. We are always here to help.

What to Do if Your Car Gets Stolen Sometimes we cannot help mayhem from happening. Somebody scratching one’s car, a miscalculated backup, children with baseball  bats close to our windshields or somebody deciding that your car should be theirs. Although it hurts to lose something so valuable like your vehicle, here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we want to make sure that you know what to do if your car gets stolen in order to regain calm and have once again a sense of security. more It can happen to anybody First things first, you have to call the police. Don’t panic and just breath. We understand that some things in the heat of the moment, we don't know how to properly act in order to solve a problem. This is why it is wise to call the experts and let the police handle these type of situations. Remember that this is a serious emergency and calling the cops could help you get your car back! We just want to help you know what to do if it happens to you. We advise you to be as specific as you can when describing your automobile to the police. Tell them where it happened, the color of your car, license plate or any details that might help them identify it among the rest. You can also spread the word yourself by creating flyers about your stolen car and where people can reach you if they happen to see it. You can also search on the internet, not for your car but for pieces of it since this is what thieves often steal cars to sell theirs parts online. And last, but definitely not least, remember to always take valuables out of your car, like your wallet or driver’s license. It is not being negative … it’s being cautious. Remember that here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler of Racine, We strive to give you as many options and solutions as we can in and out of the dealer. So, give us a call. One of our expert sales representative s will be waiting to assist you.

2014 Ram 3500 Now is not the time to settle for less than what you need and deserve. With the crazy type of life that you have, the business that you run and the services that your work provides, it is important that you have the right kind of vehicle for you. This is why here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we want to introduce you to the 2014 Ram 3500, a truck that will help you get where you need to go, bring whatever you need to bring and help you get the job done. more Trust in those around you. With the legendary V8 engine with variable valve timing standard on the 2014 Ram 3500, it gives driver the ability to bring in the power, without killing their pockets. This vehicle is all about efficiency and top-of-the-line performance. Space for all your hard work to go along. 383 Horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque plus aluminum cylinder head with spherical combustion chambers let you know that this vehicle is ready for you and whatever work comes your way. When it comes to space, the 2014 Ram 3500 will not let you down. The available RamBox Cargo Management System is a lit, secure and spacious storage located into the side rails of the truck’s bed. Perfect for those extra tools that you can’t leave behind. And it doesn’t stop there! Add the AllSecure remote security system, you have the ability to lock and unlock your cargo with the simple and easy touch of a button. And the technology that the ParkView Rear Back Up Camera offers, will let you see every aspect of your surroundings with clarity. There is this and so much more! But don’t let us spoil all the fun. Call and make an appointment for a test drive. One of our expert sales associates will be more than happy to show you the strength that this model has to offer.

2014 Dodge Journey in Racine WI The name says it all. The 2014 Dodge Journey will be be your best companion along the road. Think of it as more than just a vehicle. This will be your best friend in every climate, road, or city! With its modern look, technological advanced features and a modern look that supplies great fuel efficiency,This vehicle will be your loyal companion in any adventure you face ahead. Come and check out what the 2014 Dodge Journey in Racine WI has to offer and come along for the ride of your life. more Technology where you need it. Brain where you want it. The days where you worried about who was going to come to the trips up the mountains or who could be invited to the beach are over! The 2014 Dodge Journey in Racine WI provides you with the ability to bring everybody and their cargo along with you with the available seven-passenger seating. Everybody is invited to come along this quest with you. And that is not all! With the second-row seat, available third-row seat and available fold-flat front passenger seat folded, you get up to 67.6 cubic feet of cargo space. There will be no more debating! Everything will have a place in this amazing vehicle. And the technology is never lacking! The Electronic Stability Control combines the Antilock Brake System and All-Speed Traction Control help to keep you on track in a variety of road surface and weather conditions. The 2014 Dodge Journey not only takes you where you need to go, but it gets you there safely. And don’t think that this is just a machine. The 2014 Dodge Journey is a lot of fun, too! Stay connected with all those around you with the 8.4-inch Uconnect Touchscreen. This available feature allows you to keep track of the weather, your calls, entertainment, and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle in the city or the highway. Why wait?! Gen in contact with one of our expert representatives here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine and let us inform you about financing possibilities. Your ride is waiting for you right now!

Perhaps it is true when they say that one can learn from anything. It is all about looking at your surroundings and seeing how you can incorporate things from work, your friends or even your house into your garage and your car. Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine we want to tell you what your kitchen can teach you in order to learn how to keep your garage organized. You never know, it is always good to redecorate. more It all looks great where things are where they should Look around, there is so much that you can bring from the inside of your house to your garage in order to establish a new aura in the place where your vehicle comes to rest. It is not only for aesthetics, keep in mind. For example, brighten up the walls. Nothing beats that smile By painting your garage’s walls - like in your kitchen- and floor of a light color like white or light gray, you can improve the effectiveness of lighting. This can help you detect dropped parts and fluid leaks. If you happen to see something wrong with your car, bring your automobile to our service center so that one of our expert representatives can help you out. So, let’s be honest, how often do you use the stand mixer? Not that much, right? If left on the counter then it becomes clutter, which is something we don’t really appreciate. Now, look inside your garage. If you see something that is taking up space for no reason, like a miter saw, move it onto a shelf or under a bench. Also, think about gravity! The heavier and more fragile stuff should be moved to the ground so they cause less damages if they happen to fall. What is the number one rule in the kitchen? Clean as you go! Dishes, pots, pans, cups, knives, spatulas, work surfaces, and everything else are washed and sanitized constantly so work flow is not interrupted by a greasy mess. But this isn’t a cooking show – we are talking about the quality of your home. So, apply similar thinking to your garage. Wipe down tools and place them in their proper location every time you use them. Besides, it creates a safer work environment for you and all around you.

Do I need all-wheel drive? This person probably does. We’re known for our harsh winters and the slick roads that accompany them here in Wisconsin. We guess that’s just the price we pay for our beautiful summers, friendly people, and copious beer and cheese. In the end, the scale surely tips in our favor. But the fact remains that we end up needing to put a lot of thought into how our vehicles will fare in the winter weather conditions that inevitably plague our roadways annually. It’s likely that at some point you asked yourself, “ Do I need all-wheel drive?” Today we’ll tell you about some of the different types of drive systems that are available and help you decide which one is right for you. more Winter in Wisconsin asks a lot of us -- and of our vehicles. Just about every truck,  SUV, and crossover will have AWD or 4WD available, and a growing handful of cars like the Chrysler 200 will have it as an option as well. Most cars that aren’t too performance-oriented will be front-wheel drive, and your typical sports or pony car is rear-wheel drive –  the Dodge Challenger, for example. Now, if you’re aiming to determine whether you ought to go for the AWD model on your vehicle, we’ll give you some reasons why you may or may not want to go that route. Reasons to opt for AWD or 4WD: 1. You plan on doing a lot of off-roading. Four-wheel drive is especially good for this because most systems will allow you to manually switch into a lower range as needed for things like climbing or crawling over rocks. This is why rugged models like the Jeep Wrangler are almost always 4x4. 2. You need to tow frequently. This is especially the case if you’ve got a boat you plan on towing out of the water quite a bit –  the steep, wet boat ramp will be a real challenge for a rear-wheel drive truck, impossible for a front-wheel drive vehicle, but quite manageable for something with 4WD. Reasons not to go AWD: It's all about the tread. 1. You’re convinced it’s the only way to drive safely in winter. The fact is, today’s standard stability control and electronic traction control technology is enough to keep you in pretty good shape throughout the winter, especially if you invest in a set of snow tires. 2. You’re primarily a city driver. If you don’t need AWD for your day-to-day life or at least very frequently, skip it. Just because you keep telling yourself you want to get out on more adventures doesn’t necessitate the additional cost –  there’s always rental, after all. AWD and 4WD vehicles are more expensive to buy, fuel, and repair. It’s worth it for regular use, but not for once in a blue moon. Any questions about what kind of drive type you should opt for? Go ahead and give us a call or stop in and see us at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine!

How to Store Your Car With the end of the summer coming along, many would love to end it with a trip! This might mean leaving your vehicle behind but that should be no problem if you follow these tips for how to store your car. Just keep in touch with us here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine to figure out the best treatments for your vehicle. more Say welcome to the road Your bags are packed, you are ready to go, but now what? You have to start by changing the oil and filter in your old car or new vehicle. Keep your family happy and moving If the car is being stored for an extended period of time, give us a call and set up a n appointment with our service center in order to obtain a kind of oil that contains no additives. Also, in order to prevent problems like condensation in the tank, fill the fuel tank with fresh, premium fuel. In order to avoid any empty spaces where water can accumulate, it is better for your engine that you try a non-alcoholic fuel. Now this is a fun fact: if you want to take care of your windshield, place a piece of plastic wrap under the wiper blades in order to prevent the rubber from sticking to the glass. If you opt for removing the blades, be sure to pad the ends of the wipers arms, which can scratch the glass if inadvertently turned on. We all need a little extra care in order to stay healthy. This also goes for your vehicle! Think about it before you travel so that when you come back, it stays running and powerful for your and your family.

Right Way of Storing a Car With the end of the summer closing in on us, many have amazing adventures and plans to end this summer the right way. However, we cannot forget our loyal companion when we leave the house. Between dust and nature, you car can accumulate very dangerous residuals or have major internal malfunctions if left improperly unattended for long periods of time. This is why here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we want to teach you the right way of storing a car for when your journey involves getting on a plane or a boat and leaving your vehicle behind. more Let's keep the adventure rolling! The first step is simple: All you have to start by doing is change the oil and filter. If you are planning on leaving your car stored for a long period of time, talk to one of our expert representatives at our service center to have your car filled with oil without additives, which may have slightly caustic detergents. And leave those who you love safe and read for when you come back. Then, revise the fuel tank and fill it up with fresh, premium fuel. Condensation can become a problem in stored vehicles, so using Premium non-alcohol fuel will avoid any empty spaces where water can accumulate. In addition, try to use a gasoline stabilizer so that the gasoline doesn’t become gummy over time. Close the hood and check underneath the car to make sure that your tires are properly inflated. Here is a tip for you: Over inflation while in storage may help a flat spot and after storage, you might feel some thumping tires, which will go away after they have been driven around 10 miles. Think of it sort of like muscle memory. Lastly, we recommend that you cover your vehicle if you are leaving it outdoors or in a very dusky or windy location. This will impede water vapor from leaving the car after a humid temperature. Remember to take care of the vehicle that helps you get by so that it stays in great condition for when you and your family return.

How would you like to win a new 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude Edition? Or a trip and tickets to see the USA Men’s National Basketball team get ready to compete in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup? You can win these and other great prizes simply by participating with Jeep on Instagram by submitting your own #jeepsummer fun photos to the 2014 Jeep Summer Instagram contest. Interested in learning more about how to win? Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine gives you the details on how you can get involved in this fun summer giveaway from Jeep. more The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is one of our most popular Jeep models here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, and it’s no wonder why –  its got the spacious interior and rugged capability to be your on- and off-road best friend through all the seasons. The Altitude Edition, which is the grand prize in this contest, is extra luxurious and definitely worth your participation! So here’s how you do it: Twice a week, Jeep will change its image on this page: http://www.jeep.com/en/jeepsummer/ to give you a new way to get inspired. Then take that inspiration to your Instagram account, where you can tag photos with #jeepsummer for your chance to win weekly prizes as well as the grand prize. The best part is, every time you submit, two awesome things are happening: 1) you get another chance to win the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude Edition and 2) Jeep donates another dollar to the USO in order to help military troops and their families. What are you waiting for? Get on Instagram and get snapping and tagging! Go here for official rules and details. Can’t wait for the contest to end to get behind the wheel of a new Jeep in Racine? Come test drive one here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine today!

How to Avoid Car Theft Let’s be honest, there are always those who like that which isn’t theirs. However, here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we want to let you know that you don’t have to suffer from people taking your personal belongings. There are simple tips that you could follow in order to learn how to avoid car theft. more Because you can never be too cautious. Let’s say you have just bought that brand new car that you’ve always wanted, but that’s not the last step to make when it comes to a purchase of this magnitude. Take care of your vehicle! Be attentive of where you park it. Whether you park it on the streets or in a garage, opt for well-lit areas. Thieves are less likely to target your vehicle if they can be seen easily and will draw attention to themselves. And stay happy and secured Now, this is a matter of common sense. Stay away from parking lots and garage exits. Thieves are more likely to try to steal cars close to parking lot or garage exits, simply because they will have a faster getaway. Try parking in the middle of a row of cars in a heavily trafficked area of the lot or garage. Keep in mind that just like a large inventory will make you hesitate on which car to purchase, so it will be hard to choose a car to steal from an array of models. Most of the new models have a car alarm installed from the manufacturer, however, if your older model doesn’t have it and you want to add a little bit of extra protection to it, invest in an alarm system! This will notify you immediately if your car has been tampered with. And with today’s technology, some can even be programmed to automatically summon police. Get your car to a professional at a service center to get this small but significant extra feature installed and go on knowing that your automobile and your property will be safe at all times.

How To Wash and Wax Your Car It is great to know that we have many ways of taking care of your vehicle. It is not a matter of the season or where in the country you are; what matters is how well preserved you keep your car. Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we want to make sure that you have all the necessary information to keep up the great appearance of your car by learning How To Wash and Wax Your Car. more Let's keep things clear Let’s be honest, everybody loves that feeling of pride when you see your car after being detailed with care and perfection. If you don’t want to take your vehicle to the service center, we can tell you a few tips in order to do it yourself. In order to start the process right, we recommend you to park your car in a cool, shady place. If the water you're using to wash the car contains a lot of minerals, like some do, will most likely l leave spots on the paint's finish when it evaporates. Nothing like a shiny star That happens more quickly in hot sunlight. For best results, you should clean your car’s surface when the car is just warm enough. Check out our inventory of models to see which one you'd like to own and clean for yourself. Now, be sure to have a good amount of microfiber towels on hand for washing and drying the car, and for applying and removing car wax and related car-care products when taking care of your vehicle. Why? Because these microfiber towels are gentler on a car’s paint than cotton towels or chamois. Remember that little tips here and there can prolong the well-being of your vehicle. And stay posted to our Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine blog for more tips on how to take care of your vehicle during summer or any other season.