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Top 5 ways to get pulled over We’ve all been there: you’re driving along and all of a sudden you see red and blue flashing lights in your rearview mirror. The pang of fear and frustration that comes with that sight can be avoided if you drive carefully. Check out the top 5 most common reasons people get pulled over! Read More: How can I make the time pass on my commute? Speeding. This one is a no-brainer. The faster you are driving, the longer it takes you and your vehicle to react when necessary. For example, speed limits are lower in residential areas, because there are a number of risks involved with driving on residential roads. A kid could run out into the road, a stray pet could try crossing the street, and if you are speeding, you are less likely to be able to stop in time to avoid hitting them! Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so that you don’t feel the need to speed. Cell Phone Use. This reason is becoming more and more prevalent. Many states have a ban on cell phone use while driving, and for good reason – looking away from the road for even a split second could be the difference between avoiding a collision or not. Distracted or Hazardous Driving. Similar to the risks associated with cell phone use, putting on makeup, changing clothes, or even eating food can all be major distractions that cause accidents. Hazardous driving like making illegal U-turns, stop sign and stoplight violations, failure to yield and more are all also reasons for traffic stops. Equipment Violations. Expired plates, burnt-out or broken headlights or taillights, certain vehicle modifications like loud exhaust and deeply-tinted windows are some of the most common equipment violations cops pull folks over for. Tailgating or Improper Lane Changes. These reckless movements are typically closely watched for by cops. Driving too closely can impact your ability to stop in time, causing a fender-bender, and improperly changing lanes (i.e. cutting someone off, not checking blind spots) can also put other drivers at risk if they have to brake sharply or swerve to avoid hitting you as you make the move. The biggest takeaway here is to drive safely. Follow all posted signs and be alert and aware of other vehicles and potential hazards on the road. If your vehicle is in need of service, you can schedule a service appointment online or come to Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine to get your vehicle checked out today!

Tips to improve your driving commute If you are a commuter, you probably spend a lot of time in your car, which can be daunting some days when you just want to reach your location. But with all of the technology advancements in new vehicles these days, you have plenty of ways to make your commute more bearable! Check out these tips to help your commute! Read More: What is Electronic Stability Control? Keep your car clean: This will help you feel better about sitting in your car for long periods of time. Wipe down surfaces regularly to keep germs from building up and you can even keep a garbage bag in your car to help keep the clutter at bay. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks: Connecting your smartphone to your vehicle's infotainment system, you can use your car speakers to broadcast a podcast you love or an audiobook. Whether you choose personal development content or a gripping fiction novel, getting out of your head can help the time pass. Give yourself plenty of time: Nothing makes a commute or traffic more frustrating than running late. Leave with plenty of time to account for backups or potential detours. Relax or meditate: With the stress of the workday, taking some time to do breathing exercises or walk through a guided meditation practice while you are stuck in traffic can help you start or end your day on a positive note. We hope these tips help you get through your daily commute with ease! If your vehicle is in need of service, you can schedule a service appointment online before you come to see us at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine!

Tips to improve fuel economy in the summer Summer means that more people will be taking road trips and traveling on the road. Whether you have a family cabin that you frequent in the summer months or you just like to plan a few long road trips when the weather is nice, you can help yourself save some money in fuel costs by following these tips to help increase your fuel economy! Read More: Navigate construction zones safely this summer! How to increase fuel economy in the summer Use your air conditioner wisely. Running the AC in your car increases fuel consumption and can bring down your overall efficiency, so try to roll the windows down instead when you are driving around town. However, on the highway, open windows reduce your car's aerodynamic flow which can also reduce efficiency, in which case the AC is the lesser of two evils. Roll your windows down when you first start driving. Doing this can help let some of that hot air out of your vehicle so that you don't need the AC on at full blast. You can also roll down your windows while idling, and parking in the shade helps your vehicle stay cooler to begin with! Watch your speed. Fuel economy ratings tend to decrease when you drive over 55 miles per hour, and even more so when you stop and accelerate sharply. Opt for gradual, consistent flow when speeding up and slowing down, and try not to speed too much. Keep up with vehicle maintenance. One of the best ways to make sure you are getting the most out of your vehicle is to properly maintain it. Get regular oil and filter changes, check your tire pressure regularly and make sure your tires are properly aligned. These small things add up to help you get the most efficiency out of your vehicle. We hope these tips help you drive efficiently this summer. You can schedule a service appointment online if you need to get your vehicle checked out before your next trip! We hope to see you soon at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine.

Tips for driving in construction zones Construction is prevalent throughout Wisconsin roadways in the summer months. While it can be a nuisance to have to drive through, it is important to be extra vigilant for your safety as well as the safety of others on the road. Learn some tips to help you safely navigate construction zones this summer! Read More: What can I do with my old tires? How to drive safely through construction zones Watch for signs: There will be orange warning signs ahead of the actual construction zone. Take these seriously and be on the lookout for workers and machinery. Heed the warnings about work zone fines: Fines double in most work zones, to be especially careful about your speed and attentiveness throughout these zones. Follow the speed limit signs: In most construction zones on highways, the speed limit is reduced to 55 miles per hour. Even if you don't see workers on the road, if the posted speed limit is marked as 55 mph, that is the speed you should follow. Watch out for cones and flaggers. If you see construction workers holding flags or signs to help direct traffic, be especially careful. It is also important to watch out for cones as they are used to direct traffic around work zones. View Our New Inventory Essentially, the most important takeaway is to be hyper-vigilant and use caution when driving through construction zones. Follow all posted speed limit signs and pay attention to cones that may divert the flow of traffic around a certain lane being worked on. We hope you have a safe summer! For all of your automotive needs, come to Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine today!

Best vehicles for camping If you are an avid camper, you know that having a vehicle that has the space and power to bring along all of your gear is important so that you don't have to leave anything behind. Jeep, Dodge and Ram all have models that make great camping companions. Check them out here! Read More: Navigate construction zones safely this summer! Best Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles for camping 2019 Jeep Cherokee: The 2019 Cherokee has a powerful engine that gets up to 31 highway mpg, meaning you can go further on a single tank of gas. It also features plenty of safety and security to give you confidence behind the wheel, like available Blind Spot Monitoring, Keyless Enter 'n Go™ and more. The Cherokee offers Trail Rated® models that feature enhanced capabilities in the areas of traction control, water fording, maneuverability, articulation and ground clearance. 2018 Jeep Wrangler: The Jeep Wrangler is probably the first model that comes to mind when someone says "Jeep" for most people. The iconic model is incredibly capable when it comes to keeping up with your adventures. It also features Trail Rated® models, and has a couple of 4x4 systems to give you more control on the road. The Wrangler can tow up to 3,500 pounds, allowing you plenty of power to bring along a small trailer or boat. 2018 Dodge Durango: The Durango offers a spacious interior, with seating for up to seven passengers. The Durango SRT trim can tow up to 8,700 pounds ensuring you won't have to leave anything behind. The Durango also gets up to 26 highway mpg, giving you plenty of efficiency to get where you need to go. 2019 Ram 1500: With best-in-class towing of up to 12,750 pounds, the Ram 1500 is a powerhouse when it comes to capability. The 2019 model also features a comfortable interior, with seating for up to five passengers and advanced technology that allows everyone to stay connected and entertained on the road. You can browse our current inventory and set up a test drive for your favorite model online before you come in to see us at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine!

How to keep spiders out of your car For many people, spiders are a pesky annoyance. But when you encounter a spider in an enclosed space such as your car, it can be downright dangerous. Many people have a fear of spiders, so finding one in your car while driving can cause you to panic and potentially get into an accident. If you've ever dealt with spiders in your car, check out these tips to keep them away! Read More: What do Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Assist do? Tips to get rid of spiders in your car Spiders like dark, warm places, making your vehicle a perfect place for them to set up camp. Follow these tips to keep them out of your car! Thoroughly clean the interior of your car. Spiders love a bit of dirt, so making sure you regularly clean out your car, including vacuuming floor mats and underneath your seats, can be helpful to deter them. Wipe down surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner. Try to do this as regularly as possible. Check your door seals and keep your windows rolled up whenever possible. Spiders can enter your car through small holes, so check the rubber seals on your car to make sure there are no holes or cracks for a spider to sneak through. Try using non-toxic spider repellants. You can find non-toxic spider repellant sprays at home improvement stores, or make your own using a combination of water and a few drops of citrus, rosemary, garlic, peppermint, or lavender essential oils. Spray the repellant along the seams of your doors and windows, as well as around the hood of your car to help deter spiders from finding their new home in your car. View Our Inventory We hope these tips help you keep your car spider-free this summer! For all of your automotive needs, come to Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine!

How to avoid carsickness on a road trip Summertime is a great time to take road trips and experience more of the country. But for some people, motion sickness can put a damper on the trip and make it uncomfortable and stressful. Learn some tricks to help avoid or beat carsickness here! Read More: Take away the distractions in the car! Symptoms of carsickness There are many different symptoms associated with feeling carsick, but some of the more common ones are nausea, dizziness, vomiting, sweating and a general sense of feeling unwell. These symptoms can come on gradually or happen pretty quickly depending on a person's sensitivity to their sense of balance and equilibrium. View Our Inventory Tips to avoid carsickness There are many things you can do both before and during your road trip to avoid feeling carsick. Check out these tips! Before your trip: Be mindful of the food and drink you consume. Highly spicy, heavy or fatty foods can worsen feelings of carsickness, as can liquids like alcohol. Pack medicine geared toward easing the symptoms of motion sickness to help you beat symptoms you might feel coming on once you hit the road. During your trip: Choose your location wisely. In a car, it is best for you to sit in the front seat, and make sure to keep your eyes forward to avoid turning around and facing the opposite direction of travel. Try to choose mild food and drink while you are on the road. Foods with strong smells and fatty, spicy or rich foods can bring about nausea and other symptoms, so keep the food mild and avoid smelly foods. Reading or looking at your phone or tablet should be avoided if you are prone to carsickness. While you might think it is a distraction, it can actually make your symptoms worse! Keeping your head up and eyes on the road can help you avoid negative reactions. If you start to feel symptoms coming on, opening a window can help alleviate them. Take breaks to stretch your legs and give your body a break from moving as often as you need to. Schedule a Service Appointment We hope these tips help you avoid feeling carsick on your next trip! Get out there and explore the world around you this summer!

How to reuse and repurpose old tires If your tires are worn out and you need to get them replaced, you might be wondering what you can do with your set of old tires! Recycling them is important, but there are a variety of things you can do to reuse and repurpose your old tires too! Check out these ways to use your old tires! Read More: Get the most life out of your tires! Kids' Play Area Outdoor Décor and Planters Other Uses for Old Tires For all of your automotive needs, come to Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine!

How to make tires last longer Tires are an integral part of your vehicle, meaning it is important to ensure they are in good shape and working properly at all times for your safety. Worn out tires are at an increased risk to pop, and they can cause more wear and tear on your vehicle overall. Learn how to get the most out of your tires with these tips! Read More: Take away the distractions in the car! Tips to make tires last longer Watch your driving habits. Speeding, fast turns, starts and stops all cause more tire wear. Avoid objects in the road like curbs, potholes and rocks. Visually inspect your tires periodically (especially if you run something over) to ensure there are no scrapes, bulges or major tread wear. Check tire pressure regularly. Your tires can lose up to two pounds of pressure a month, so monthly checks are recommended to ensure your tires are properly inflated. It is best to check tire pressure when your tires are cold, so try to do it in the morning before you go anywhere. Check your tire alignment regularly. Tires that are not properly aligned will not wear evenly, making it likely that they will need to be replaced sooner. Bring your car into our service department for a quick appointment to check your tire alignment! Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. This helps all of your tires wear evenly so that you get the most out of your tires. We hope following these tips help you get the most life out of your tires! If you are in need of tire service or replacement, schedule an appointment at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine today!

How to avoid distracted driving April is Distracted Driving Awareness month, and in an effort to keep you safe on the road, we want to share some tips to help you avoid driving distracted! Check them out here! Read More: Drive safely at night! Tips to avoid distracted driving Distracted driving is becoming increasingly more common with the advancement of technology. While many new vehicles offer connectivity to help you stay connected hands-free, even these systems can lead to distracted driving. Many people don’t realize how dangerous it can be to drive while distracted – it only takes a fraction of a second for an accident to occur! Following these tips will help you avoid driving distracted. Use your phone for emergencies only. While it can be enticing to check a text message, answer a phone call, or change the music playing from your device, this is one of the biggest causes of distracted driving-related accidents. Even hands-free devices can be distracting, so save the social calls for when you are not on the road. Don't multi-task behind the wheel. In today's society, multitasking is often the only way people can be successful in their busy lives. However, eating while driving, making work or personal phone calls, checking text messages or emails can all take your attention away from the road and cause you to get into an accident. Don't drive while drowsy. When you are drowsy, you lack alertness and awareness of other vehicles, making a crash much more likely to occur. If you are drowsy or dozing off behind the wheel, pull over and take a stretch break or get some rest before you get back on the road. Limit the number of passengers inside the car. Driving with friends or pets can be just as, if not more, distracting than talking on the phone behind the wheel. Try to limit the number of passengers you bring along with you, and keep pets secured with a leash in the back seat. View Our New Inventory We hope that these tips help you stay focused on the road! For more information about distracted driving statistics and tips, check out the National Safety Council's website for Distracted Driving Awareness Month!

Tips to drive safer at night There is no question that driving in the dark is more dangerous than driving in the daytime. No matter how bright your headlights are, there is only so much they can do to illuminate the road ahead. But there are some things that you can do to help lessen the risks of driving at night to stay safe on the road. Check them out! Read More: Road trip safely with your pet! How to drive safer at night Align your headlights so that they are aimed correctly at the road Clean your headlights often Dim your instrument panel and dashboard lights Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles on the road Avoid staring at oncoming lights Keep your eyes out for animals on the side of the road by watching out for reflections of your headlights in an animals eyes If you spot a deer: slow down as fast as possible, and don't try to swerve around it. They will often follow your headlights and move in front of you Clear your windows and windshield often to avoid build-up and keep your line of sight clear Clean and adjust your side mirrors and rearview mirror as needed Get your eyes checked regularly Take regular breaks to avoid getting too drowsy If you are feeling drowsy, stop and stretch, get some fresh air, do jumping jacks, or get a coffee from a convenience store to help you stay alert If you are too drowsy, stop at a safe rest stop or a hotel to get some sleep Especially when you are traveling at night, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry. If you are tired and feel yourself nodding off behind the wheel, it is important to listen to your body and take a break to get some rest. Keep your headlights bright (but lower them when you see oncoming traffic to avoid dazzling another driver!), give yourself plenty of space between vehicles around you and plenty of time to reach your destination, and always be alert for dangers on or around the road that could cause an accident! We hope these tips are helpful to you while driving at night. You can get your lights checked out and aligned at our service department! You can make an appointment online before coming in to Palmen of Racine!

How to drive a manual transmission vehicle: Downshifting and reversing Learning how to drive a manual transmission model can be tough, but that's why we are creating a helpful how-to guide to help walk you through the steps to drive stick! If you are catching up, check out part one of how to drive stick! Let's dive right in and learn the next steps to driving a manual transmission: downshifting and reversing. View Our Inventory Steps to drive a stick shift vehicle: Downshifting Once you've got the hang of accelerating and shifting gears (upshifting), you need to learn how to decelerate to slow down and stop safely. Downshifting is especially helpful on hills or in bad weather where it can be dangerous to brake too harshly. To downshift, you should be using the clutch and the brake while you shift gears, rather than the clutch and the gas pedal. Push in the clutch and shift down one gear while pressing on the brake. Let off the clutch slowing to avoid high revs. Repeat this process until you can reach a stop. Note: there is no real need to downshift into first gear, as at speeds that low you can generally just reach a complete stop and put the vehicle into neutral once you hit the bottom of second gear. But always make sure to get back into first gear as you start accelerating again! Important notes to remember about downshifting and stopping while in a stick shift vehicle are that you should only move one gear at a time. When at a stoplight, try not to press the clutch for more than a few seconds. You should put your car in neutral whenever you are stopped for any period of time. Steps to drive a stick shift vehicle: Reversing Once you’ve gotten the hang of moving forward in your stick shift vehicle, it's time to learn how to reverse! There is only one gear for reversing, but often it moves quickly, so it is especially important to let off the clutch slowly and push it back in while stepping on the brake if you need to slow it down. Learning to drive stick shift is a process that takes practice and time. Popping the clutch, or releasing it too quickly, will cause your car to lurch and stall out. This happens often as you are learning to drive stick, so try to get the hang of gear shifts before you drive in heavy traffic. Practice in open (read: empty!) parking lots, on long straightaways of deserted roads, and always have someone that knows how to drive stick shift along with you in case you run into trouble. We hope these blogs were helpful to teach you the beginning steps to learning how to drive a manual transmission vehicle! For all of your automotive needs, come on down to Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine!