Blog

How Take Care of Your Windshield There is nothing better than having perfect visibility of everything around you. One sleeps so much better knowing that the road is clear from here on. What might require you to have a clear vision? Perhaps a cup of coffee in the morning or putting on your favorite pair of jeans and going for an afternoon out in town. However, when it comes to your time on the road, a clear vision requires that your vehicle’s windshield wipers stay ready to go at all times. Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we want to make sure that you know how take care of your windshield to keep the future clear for you. Don't let anything obscure your path First, you have to learn where everything comes from. If you open the hood of your vehicle, you will find a plastic container where your windshield wiper liquid is. Did you find it? Perfect. Now check how full it is. Remember to always keep this liquid full with the proper solution available for you on the market. But don’t just use any detergent, because it could leave residue that could block your vision. And see the sun shine through ... Now, you have to make sure that you use the right type for your vehicle. Some liquids are concentrated, which means that you have to take an extra step and mix them with water before pouring them into your vehicle. If your area code finishes with cold, think about using a premixed solution that contains antifreeze. This will help your windshield stay clean and the liquid not to freeze up underneath the hood. Remember that here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we care about your safety and of those who travel along with you. Contact us for more information on how to take care of your vehicle, about new models or even financing! Our expert sales representatives will be happy to help you every step of the way.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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.

How to Properly Sit in Your Car Since it’s summer time, many have plans of going out of town in their car to save time, money and enjoy the view along the way. However, being in the car for long periods of time can take a toll on your body and back. Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we want to help you understand how to properly sit in your car. stay comfortable. Stay happy First, don’t you just slump in the car. The slumping position is extremely taxing on your back when you stay on it for long period of time. Instead, remember to step in and lead with your hips. By making sure that your hips go first and then the rest of your body you can ensure that you are sitting on the back of your thighs and not sitting on your tailbone. Even if the excitement of driving your new vehicle or the hurry of getting to work in your old car is too intense, remember that your health should always be a priority. And pass the knowledge to others In order to keep you back straight, use a small blanket or a t-shirt to create extra support on your lower back. Place it right up into the region of your upper spine. Pillowcases also work for your back to be supported and your shoulders relaxed. It’s likely that you will feel a pleasant change in your neck, shoulders and lower back. When it comes to distance, try to bring your seat forward some more in order to achieve the correct distance and maintain good posture.  Your legs should just sit and should not be involved in holding you upright. Follow these simple steps and in order to make your summer trips more comfortable for you and healthier for your back. Always keep in mind that here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine in WI, we care about vehicles and their drivers. As always, call if you have any questions or want to test drive a new vehicle!

Nighttime at all times Benefits of Tinting Your Windows We want you to ask yourself: Do you want more security in your vehicle? Do you want to reduce interior fading? Hide expensive equipment from would-be thieves? Reduce or eliminate glare? Keep your car cool on sunny days? And increase comfort? Well, ladies and gentlemen, all your questions will be answered when read the benefits of tinting your windows.  Here at Palmen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Racine, we want to help you be completely prepared for everything that this summer has coming for you. Protect the goodies! The biggest advantage of tinting your car isn't just for looks or to keep up with the fashion. Not many know this but some of our inventory of cars have tinted windows for protection. In the case of an accident that might cracks the window, the strong adhesive tint film will hold the cracked glass together help prevent it from doing damage and adding a little more safety to the automobile. And your health. If you installed new features on your new vehicle, the last thing you want is to have them damaged just because of the weather or worse, have them stolen! GPS units, sound systems, tools, and other valuable equipment in their car that can be easily noticed from the outside, making it an obvious target for thieves. Dark windows means less visibility for outsiders -and is a cheaper alternative to alarm systems. Tinting your car windows isn’t just for for the car but for you, too! No matter how dark you get your windows tinted, they cut out 99% of UVA and UVB rays. These are the rays that affect the interior of your vehicle and are harmful for your skin. Protect your car, protect your electronic devices, yourself and your passengers and don’t forget to have a great summer !

Let's keep it moving How to Change a Tire Imagine you’re out on the street. The summer breeze flowing through your hair while you ride around with the windows down. All green lights, empty sky … ha! We know life is not like that all the time. Sometimes things happens -and you have to be prepared. From the entire sales department of Palmen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Racine, we want to help you be prepare for even the simple things on the road, like how to change a tire. Easy steps! This is the best part. Changing a tire should be something that every car owner should know. Whether you have a new vehicle or an old car, the road might get the best of you and, unfortunately, end up with a flat tire. 1: Find a flat and a safe place to park. Park as far from traffic as possible and turn on your emergency flashers. 2: Place a heavy object in front of the front and back tires so that the vehicle stays put. 3: Take out the spare tire and the jack- this is why you always have to be prepared with an emergency kit and spare parts. 4: Raise the jack until is supporting but not rising the car. 5: Remove the hub cap and loosen the nuts by turning counterclockwise. Those will be tough, so be patient! 6: Remove the nuts the rest of the way. 7: Place the spare tire on the hub all the way to the back. 8: Lower the car without applying full weight on the tire. 9: Lower the car to the ground fully and remove the jack. Dont forget to secure the nuts as hard as you can. 10: Put the old tire in your trunk and take it to a mechanic in our service center. We want you to be ready for summer trips or simple task like going from point A to point B. Stay in touch to see more tips and tricks for you and your vehicle.

Get exactly what you need How to Choose a Car For some, the moment when you step into a dealership might be stressful; so many cars, so many deals … we understand how confusing and sometimes puzzling it could be. However, here at Palmen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Racine, we want to give you some tips on how to choose a car. No more questions marks Ask yourself, “What do you need this car for?” if the answer is to go from point A to point B, then you could use a small car with high gas mileage. However, if you have to go from point A to point B with soccer balls, football equipment, backpacks, lunch bags and two pets, you might be looking at an old or new model for a minivan. It carries everything you need and, with today’s models, minivans look stylish and modern. Make your way on the streets You’ve gathered your friends, their friends, camping and water gear -sounds to us like adventure time. Because you want your vehicle to match your style without the necessity of additional feature s, a large SUV will do the job. You’ll look and feel like you know exactly what you’re doing and where you’re going. However, if what you need is a vehicle to help you move boats, campers, jet skis, dirt bikes or whatever other adventure companions you might need, you might want to consider a pickup truck. They have exactly the hauling power you need without losing the style and modern look you prefer. Another scenario could be if you use your vehicle to drive for work, whether it’d be from city to city, state to state, or to take clients to lunch, a hybrid sedan might be exactly what you need. These models are extremely reliable, which tells you that your visits to the repair center would be reduced while taking care of your pocket. Everybody has a model that’s just right for them according to their necessities – Yours could be just around the corner.

Sun and miles Taking Care of Your Car During the Summer In case you haven’t noticed it yet, it’s time to get summer ready. You’ve taken into consideration what you eat, the hours you workout and the clothes you wear but what about the car you drive? Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we want to let you know somethings to keep in mind when taking care of your car during the summer. Enjoy the summer. Enjoy your ride If the A/C in your house has to be turned on for the summer, then the one on your old or new vehicle has to be worked on, too. It is a simple task that can be save you a buck or a call to the repair center. Talking about heat, the cooling system in your car also has to be taken care of. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically to prevent overheating. Less things on your to-do list You’ve heard of tanning oil, right? What about car oil? The oil on your vehicle should be changed approximately every 3,00 miles and specially during the summer when you travel for long periods of time, with lots of luggage or if you use your vehicle to tow a trailer. And since you’re already in the front of the car, check the lights! Inspect all light bulbs, replace burned-out bulbs and get in the habit of cleaning them periodically. In order to keep the party going, you have to take care of your car’s tires. Get them rotated every 5,000 miles and check the tire pressure once a month. Before embarking on a journey, check them while they are cold. And dont forget to always check you spare to make sure the jack is in good condition. This additional item can save you time and money if kept well. Have fun and get a tan! But don’t forget to take care of your car to make this summer a safe, hassle-free one.