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Do good to those who love you Take Care of Your Engine This is something that we all do: We hop in our vehicles, turn them on and go on our way. The only time we get to thinking about our engine is when we hear weird noises, see eerie vapors or something on the dashboard turns on. Your friends here at your Palmen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram or Racine dealer, we want to give you a few tips to take care of your engine and keep it running. Too hot to be thirsty As the plants need soil to grow, your engine need oil to keep moving. So, change the oil regularly! Oil keeps vital engine parts well lubricated so that they won't overheat. Your engine can't function without it and if you go too long between oil changes it can cause permanent damage to your engine over time. Whether it’d be an old or new model, this is a step that should be regularly made. Take it to for a little walk And if you don’t want things to get too heated -literally- The easiest way to protect your engine from overheating is by making sure you have the proper amount of coolant (radiator fluid) circulating throughout your engine. This is done by making sure that the cooling system (radiator, thermostat, water pump and coolant) has the proper amount of cooling liquid. Whenever you see that your car is overheating, take it immediately to the service center to prevent further permanent problems. If you want your car to be a breath of fresh air, then don’t forget to check on the air filters regularly. Its jobs is to keep all the bugs, leaves, dirt and craziness from getting inside your engine. Over time, however, these filters get clogged and this is when a replacement part is needed. Nothing too expensive, yet vital to the life of your vehicle. Dont forget that if you take care of your vehicle, it will take care of you.

Bring on the claps and the laughs 2014 4th of July Parade Racine WI Your favorite  time of the year is coming soon! The time where we unite as a nation to salute the strength of our Founding Fathers. 2014 4th of July Parade Racine WI will bring you a sky full of colorful fireworks and a community united by the same patriotic feeling. No need to get lost Your Palmen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer in Racine WI wants to give you all the details so you don’t miss one splash of color from the 78th parade on July 4th, 2014. The theme of this year’s parade is “Lights, Camera, Action,” which give the organizers of the area's festivals and fairs a chance to make showcase their talents down the 2.6-mile parade route. If your feet can’t handle so much hassle, hop in your new vehicle from Palmen and don’t miss anything. The sky is dressed in colors Expect nothing but the best. The 2014 4th of July Parade Racine WI is bringing your all-time favorites: horses, clowns, jugglers, antique cars, the popular Iwo Jima presentation, servicemen and servicewomen, award-winning marching bands (and drum & bugle corps), colorful floats, dance troupes, sports heroes, school groups, politicians, and other dignitaries - more than 160 units in all! Whatever you need, whatever you want; you’ll be able to see it all. Fireworks begin at dusk over the lake at North Pier. The fireworks are visible all along Racine's Lakefront. And if you have never been to the parade, let us give you a few tips to make this date completely unforgettable. Find a curbside seat and do it early! Protect your ears against all the police cars, fire engines, military vehicles, classic cars, Case tractors, earth-moving equipment … You get the idea. And lastly, have a safe trip home and rest up for the fireworks. Remember to pack up your favorite beach chairs and enjoy of a night of colors, energy and the American spirit.

Face the summer with all you have What to Have in the Trunk for Summer Trips OK, so you've packed the bags, the football, volleyball, soccer cleats, lunch boxes, portable video games, dogs treats, plastic bags and the perfect road trip music .. but what about your car? What do you have in it that makes it “summer ready?”  Here at your Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Racine, WI, we want to keep you informed of what to have in the trunk for summer trips to grandma’s kitchen or ocean breezes. Your baby got your back For many, the trunk of your car is the place where everything you once lost can be found. However, many drivers neglect the valuable opportunities that this space gives them. And, yes, we know that you've been a “good boy” taking your car to service center for a regular check up, but hey, things happen. First, let’s clarify what are the essentials that every -yes, every - driver should have no matter whether you have an old or new vehicle. These include: jumper cables, flares and reflectors, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a container with water, an extra blanket, and, our all-time favorite, a spare tire. Family car or for that single individual, spacious or minimal, there should not be any excuses for not having these valuable essentials. More than a vehicle, it's your right hand In addition, there are some other items that could possibly save your life or ease the mind of your love ones. Many don’t know this but portable jump-starters, with USB ports included, could be very convenient when you battery or your phone says Hasta la vista, Baby. Add an FRS radio, but the one that runs on AAs, that way you’d know that it won’t need to be recharged and will work when you need it. Lastly, this is the trick that every driver should have in consideration on this summer season. It is not an extra part or an electric device: every driver should keep a small container for gasoline in their trunk in case your car or generator runs out of fuel. Bring on the heat, the streets and be Summer-ready !

iSimple BluClik Bluetooth Remote Control iSimple BluClik With Fathers’ Day just around the corner, last minute shopping is inevitable. A card is nice, yes, but in today’s era of technological advantages, nothing better than giving dad a present he can use, understand and look hip with. The iSimple BluClik is the best option when you don’t want to compromise style because of time. What happens when the you have an older model that doesn’t come with a touch screen pandora-recreating app? You have to go back to the old times when connecting your phone to the auxiliary audio input was the only way one could listen to one’s own playlist. Those times are no more! Easy, practical, special. A device called iSimple BluClk is revolutionizing the audio industry. It pairs with your Bluetooth phone and puts a selection of oft-used commands at your thumb-tip. The device promises that you'll be able to play, pause, skip, and adjust the volume without taking your hands off of the wheel or your eyes off of the road which helps avoid accidents and repairs. It even integrates with Siri and Google voice search. Interested? Stay tuned. Style should never be compromised The iSimple BluClik is a small, coin-sized Bluetooth remote that attaches to your car's steering wheel or dashboard. On its face is a collection of buttons. Volume up and down are located at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, respectively. Skip forward and back are at 3 and 9. In the center is a big, round microphone button. Along the edge of the unit is a Micro-USB port that is used for charging the BluClik with the included USB cable. However, the cable's only about 3 to 4inches long, which means that whatever is being charged has to be pretty close to the device -either a powered USB port on a PC or a USB wall adapter since it doesn’t include a charger. According to the instructions, the battery last about 60 hours of consecutive use. Although, it all depends on how much you click it. Last but not least, the iSimple BluClick comes with two extra parts: metallic trim pieces so that it’d match perfectly with the decor of your daddy’s second baby. Clearly, the perfect gift for that special man.

Summer Car Care The long days of summer are finally upon us, and it definitely feels great. You’re probably planning something to celebrate these warm, sunny days, whether it’s a long weekend getaway with the family or an extended camping trip with your best friends. Whatever the occasion, you’ll want to make sure your car is in tip top shape for the task. Winter might be the time of year most associated with car care needs, but in fact summer car care is quite important also! Read on to find out some of our best tips for keeping your car in great shape this summer. Keep your car clean to avoid dirt build-up which can be corrosive. Summer is hot, and so is your engine. That means this is an especially important time to be on top of your coolant levels. If you’re heading out on a trip, make sure this is one thing that gets checked out before you embark. This is fairly easy to check on yourself by following a few simple guidelines. One, don’t open it up when your vehicle has just been running and is hot. Check it after a night in park. As for where your specific tank is located, that’s one for the owner’s manual. Still not sure? Bring it on it to our service department and have us run a check for you. Tires, tires, tires! The scorching summer roads aren’t a whole lot friendlier on your tires than the icy winter ones, unfortunately. The fact is, in our mercurial climate especially, year-round attention to your tires in an absolute must. It’s imperative that you’re regularly checking tire pressure, having them rotated regularly, and yes, getting them replaced when necessary. Less car trouble means more time to relax and enjoy summer! Check those wipers. Summer in the Midwest is known for storms that can arrive at a moment’s notice (if that!), with dark clouds and torrential downpour sometimes completely overwhelming what was just a pleasant afternoon drive. This is not when you want to find out your wipers aren’t up to snuff! If it’s been a while, or this last winter was particularly hard on yours, go ahead and replace them. It’s cheap, easy, and worth it. If you want your car checked out by us to make sure you’re road trip ready, just stop on in. Or maybe you’re looking for the perfect vehicle for you and your family to own? We’ve got that, too! Have a safe, happy summer!

Let's get you some new tires! Cheapest tires in Racine Is it time for new tires? Are you sure? Winter can be particularly harsh on your tread, and as much as it can be a pain in the neck –  and the wallet –  to replace a set of tires, it will save you a lot of trouble in the long run to take care of it before it becomes a bigger problem. Today we’ll tell you how to check your tire tread and where to get the cheapest tires in Racine –  and we don’t mean “cheap” in the quality sense –  We mean unbeatable prices! Keep a close eye on your tread to make sure it's not too low. Alright, so step one is to check your tread. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Lincoln penny test. It’s the simplest and fastest way we know to check the tread on your tires if you’re not experienced enough to eyeball it. Take a penny and place it in your tires tread, with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. Sound crazy? Just wait! Now, look to see if you can see the top of his head or if the tread is covering part of it. See the whole thing. If it’s covered, so are you for the time being. But what happens if you can see his entire head? That’s not the best news, as it means your tread is too low for safe driving and it’s probably time to replace the tires. We wish there were a quick fix, but even assuming you’ve been taking good care of your tires –  keeping them clean, rotated regularly, and filled with the proper amount of air –  the eventual wear-down is just an inevitable occurrence. The upside? We know where to get the best price in town on a new set. It pays to save! It’s right here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine! How do we know we’ve got the best price on new tires? Because we stand by it! From now until June 30 if you buy a new set of tires from us and then see a better price on the same set and bring us the ad within thirty days, we’ll refund you the difference! We sell tires for all makes and models, so don’t worry that we’ve only got options for Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram (though we certainly do have those!) –  Just come on in and let us know what you’re looking for –  We’ll make it happen, and for the best price in town!

Bring your car out of storage As much as we love driving our cars, some of them just aren’t cut out for these Wisconsin winters. Or sometimes we simply don’t want to deal with the effects of winter and put our vehicles away for the season. But when summer rolls around – as it’s certainly doing now –  it’s time to bring your car out of storage! Here are our top tips for how to transition back from your car’s seasonal hibernation and into warm weather fun! If you're taking it out into the sun, it ought to shine, right? Whether it’s your beach-combing Wrangler or your prized Dodge Challenger, your winterized car needs to come out of hiding now that these warm sunny days are upon us. So how do we proceed? The first thing you want to do, scary as it may prove for some of us, is to check for signs of rodents. Certainly you prepped for this possibility as best you could while putting your car away, but rodents are nothing if not tricky. So get under the hood and check for chewed belts, wires, and hoses. Also poke around for nests. Any areas that you covered up to avoid this, like the exhaust pipe, should also be cleared. Check your tire pressure. This is one of those things that happens no matter what we do. Tire pressure goes down whether we’re out on the road or not, so make sure yours are up to their recommended weight before getting back out there. As always, your fluid levels are of key importance to your car’s performance, so no matter how topped-off you know you were before putting your car away, it never hurts to make sure things like oil, transmission fluid, and coolant haven’t managed to leak out during the winter. Now get out there and have a great summer! Chances are you disconnected your battery when putting your vehicle away, so make sure you reconnect it and while you’re at it, wipe the battery terminals down with a lint-free rag and if they seems particularly dirty, use baking soda and a toothbrush. Give it a wash! Hey, why take your prized automobile out on its first summer run looking dusty? Run through a carwash or give it an old fashioned hose-down yourself in the driveway. We here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine wish you and you car a happy return to the roads!

Report potholes in Racine Potholes are a common problem in Spring, and can cause problems for vehicle owners that are both immediate and long-term. Today we’ll talk about why potholes form, how to avoid hitting them while driving, what to do if you do hit one and have damage as a result, and how to report potholes in Racine so that the roads here can be as pothole free as possible! Good driving habits can help you avoid pothole damage. How do potholes form? During winter, our roads freeze, and the water that’s seeped into all the tiny crevices freezes with them. This hardening puts strain on the blacktop, as does the erosion of the ground beneath the road which is also caused by the freezing and thawing process. These factors lead to an area that crumbles into what’s known as a pothole. Why you don’t want to hit them: Hitting a pothole can cause a number of problems for your vehicle. This includes potential damage to your wheel rims, engine, exhaust system, suspension, and steering. Hitting potholes can also contribute to long-term wear and tear on your tires, shocks, and struts. How to avoid hitting them: As with so many other things, it comes down to careful, conscientious driving. We’re sure you already practice safe driving habits, but just in case you need a refresher this includes slowing down and leaving space between you and the vehicle in front of you –  these things buy you time in the event of a pothole. Steer clear safely if you can, but if you must go over a pothole slow down gently (this is where the going slow comes in handy). Slow down! What to do if you hit a pothole? If you believe you have damage to your vehicle from hitting a pothole, bring it to our service center here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine. We’ve got a number of service coupons that can help you save on repairs. How to report potholes: The city of Racine has a pothole reporting form on their website. We hope you have a safe, happy season –  and watch out for those potholes!

Start your summer right with Jeep. Jeep Michael Jackson ad If ever there was an automobile brand synonymous with summertime adventure, we’re pretty sure it would have to be Jeep. From a Wrangler with the top down to a Cherokee packed with beach towels and swim fins, there’s just something summery about the Jeep lineup. In its latest ad, Jeep is highlighting that connection, capturing the essence of summer in a series of images to the soundtrack of a voice we think you’ll recognize. Check it out: So how can you enjoy your Jeep this summer? From off-roading adventures (depending on your capability of course) to road trips in any direction, Jeeps make summer travel even more fun than it already innately is. Today we’ll give you some tips for making the most of your summer excursions in a Jeep! Let's do this! First of all, unless your Jeep is brand new (lucky you!), you’ll want to make sure it’s ready for to make the trip you’re planning. Whether it’s an oil change, fluid top-offs, or a full inspection in our service center, it’s important to ensure that you’re not going be among those unfortunate souls whose summer adventure gets waylaid by car trouble. Next, plot your course. Don’t forget to account for construction. We know all too well here in the Milwaukee area that summer is the prime time for huge projects –  and huge detours. Above all, be flexible, and these little nuisances won’t feel so much like major disasters. Pack smart. If you’re going to be out for an extended trip, make a list of the things you’ll need over the course of a few days so that when those little “Oh, yeah, garbage bags!” moment pop up it won’t be when you’re already on the road. Wherever your summer adventure takes you, we hope you have a safe and happy journey! Thinking about going for it and getting a Jeep? We’re happy to help make that happen!

It's easy and useful - go for it! How to use Autostick For your average driver, the assumption is that your transmission choices fall neatly into two categories: manual or automatic. But it just isn't so! There's a unique and innovative option out there called Autostick - have you heard of it? It's actually been around since the 1990s and continues to be an option on a number of great vehicles today. But what is it? How does it work? And is it right for you? Today we'll explore more about the Autostick transmission system and help you determine how to use autostick to your best advantage. 2014 Dodge Avenger   So what is it? In short, super-simplified terms, it functions much like  like a manual transmission, but with no clutch. That is, you the driver are in control of what gear you're in and have  advanced control over your automobile in a variety of situations,  with the convenience of fully automatic transmission when you want it. There are a number of benefits to using the Autostick transmission option. Depending on what kind of driving you like to do, the option to control your gears can be very appealing, whether it's for fun in your super-capable Dodge Avenger, or you want to use it so that you can downshift on steep hills. For those people who like to be in control from time to time but don't want to be constantly saddled with the shifting process as with a manual, Autostick provides a smart alternative. The 2014 Dodge Dart has an Autostick option as well! It's available on several of our models, including the Dodge Dart. Worried about starting your car in snow during winter here in Wisconsin? With Autostick, you can start from second or third gear for improved traction. Want to learn more about our models here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine? We'll gladly give you a test drive and let you try Autostick out for yourself -- Just give us a call or stop in!

Don't let the interior of your car get jealous of a nice paint job! Interior Car Accessories Now that you have that dream ride-- and there really are so many to choose from -- What will you do with it?  Maybe you decided on durable Jeep Grand Cherokee, a fierce Dodge Charger, a swanky Chrysler 300, or a Ram 3500 ready to haul away the innards of a gutted house.  At any rate, you have the car that fits your style.  It's almost too good to be true.  Now make it your own.  Here are some good ideas for interior car accessories to help make your ride feel more like home. Sheepskin is in Steering Wheel Covers: Your steering wheel and your hands stealthily navigate your car from point A to point B, day in and day out.  Don’t you think that they both deserve to look good while doing it?  Enter a steering wheel cover.  Steering wheel covers come in dozens of colors. You can also choose from different materials, each giving a unique grip.  Your car will thank you.  So will your hands. Protective floor mats: Whether your car is new or used, it is going to be your friend and ally on the road for the foreseeable future.  You want your car to do right by you?  Do right by your car.  Keep it clean, free and clear of mud and dirt, by using some good floor mats.  This is especially ideal with our unforgiving Wisconsin winters.  Keeping your car clean says you take care of what's yours.  Snow and salt can stain your floor--but only if you pass on floor mats. Protect the floor of your car Dash Covers: Why should your seats and floor have all the fun?  Dash covers can protect you dash from the sun’s amplified heat.  The sun can cause the dash to lose it’s brilliant shine and create cracks.  With different colors and styles, this can definitely change the complexion of your ride. Now you’re all excited to get to get on the road to show you and your ride off--wait, what?  You don’t have a car?  You just dreamed that you got your dream ride?  Well what are you waiting for?  Stop in at Palmen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Racine.  Our new and used inventory is sure to be better than your best dream.

Used Cars for Sale Racine WI These tips will make used car shopping a breeze! We all want the best deal on a used car, but how can we make sure we get it? It would be nice to think it's as easy as shopping for a low price, finding it, and driving off into the sunset... But we know better than that. There are hassles and hazards and traps galore out there, and today we're here to save you from some of them with these helpful tips for shopping for a used car. And if you happen to be looking for used cars for sale in Racine WI... we might just know a place! Be realistic about what you can afford. 1. Know your budget. Take an honest look at your monthly budget and determine what's a reasonable amount to take out of that for a car payment. Remember, additional costs like insurance, fuel, and maintenance will be factored in as well so it's smart to make sure you're budgeting for those expenses as well. Have a high end and a low end of your budget, say, $250-$400, and realistically you'll want to shoot for something toward the middle of that range. 2. Be familiar with the class of vehicles you're looking at. Let's say you want a family crossover like the Jeep Cherokee. Reading up on other crossover will give you an idea of what features you can expect and open you up to the possibility of better deals if you're willing to expand your horizons to a similar model. And you're off! 3. Once you've got a few models in your sights, do a lot of homework using online resources like Kelley Blue Book to find out the vehicle's worth. Knowledge really is power. 4. Got a trade? Know its value. You can value your trade right from our website using Black Book. That way, we're all on the same page on what you should expect for it. If you want a great deal on a used car here in Racine, please give us a call! Our friendly and knowledgeable sales people want to help set you up with the used car that's just right for your needs and budget. Any questions? Call us!