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We all drive around on paved roads, but do you ever stop to consider why they are named things like Street, Avenue, Lane and Circle? What makes a street different than an avenue? We're here to help clear some things up, and it might just help you out next time you are lost! Instead of turning onto Winchester Court and hoping you end up back on Main Street, you can confidently know that a Court will lead to a dead end. All of that info and more is available here, where we're covering the differences between street names. What Makes a Street vs Avenue vs Boulevard? The most neutral word to use to describe the pavement we drive on is by calling it a "road," as the term road has no other qualifying factors other than being a road. However, there are some more specific terms that we have heard our whole lives, and they hold more meaning than you might have thought! Street: Usually runs East to West and are usually in a city. Avenue: Usually runs North to South, sometimes has a median. Boulevard: A street with trees lining the sides or with trees in the middle. Drive: Not quite a driveway, but usually is a private, winding road that connects several residences Court: This type of road has an end that can either be a T-intersection or something like a cul-de-sac Circle: Usually circles around an area, but may also be an open area intersected by multiple roads. Place: Similar to a court, it is a short and skinny road that comes to a dead end or cul-de-sac. Way: Simply a small and thin out-of-the-way road. Trail: Usually located in or near a woods or wooded area Highway: A major public road, usually connects different cities. Freeway: A specific type of highway with at least 2 lanes on each side; has no tolls or intersections on it. Fuel Efficient Used Cars For Sale at 8320 Washington Avenue in Racine, WI If you are looking for something fuel efficient and affordable in the Racine area, check out the wide inventory at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Racine.  Our used cars are well cared for by our experienced service team, and we have makes and models to fit any preference. Schedule a test drive online after you check out the up-to-date online inventory, or stop by to see what we have on the lot!

With winter quickly approaching here in Wisconsin, it’s important to make sure you have good tires on your vehicle. Whether you’re in need of a new pair of tires or are just looking to put some winter tires on for the season, the unlimited options may leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed. We know it can be difficult to know which tire size your vehicle needs or which tires work best, so to help out, we’ve implemented a Tire Finder page into our website. How to Find Tires in Racine, WI Using our Tire Finder tool is incredibly simple. All you have to do is enter the year, model and trim of your vehicle, and we’ll take care of the rest. If you know what tire size your vehicle needs, you can enter that instead of year, model and trim to bring up the correct results. Read more: Buying the Right Tires for a Wisconsin Car Once you enter the information about your vehicle or tire size, you’ll be brought to a page that displays all the tire options for the information you provided. You’ll easily be able to see information like base price of the tires, installation price, size, seasonality, tread life warranty and more. We know that this can still be a little overwhelming if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, so we’ve broken it down even farther with a comparison tool. With our comparison tool, you’ll be able to select up to four tires and compare them side-by-side. Simply check the boxes for the tires you want to compare and hit the compare button. Now you’ll be able to see more in-depth information about the tires including width, ratio, diameter, class, load index, performance rating and much more. You’ll also be able to see if the tire is being offered with a promotion. If it is, you’ll be able to see what the promotion is. If you still aren’t sure exactly what tire would be the best fit for your vehicle or budget, don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team. You might also be interested in: Six ways to Improve Your Night Driving Ready to schedule an appointment to get those new tires installed? Schedule a service online with us or give our service department a call at (877) 637-9292.

Sometimes you need to clean your car, but you don't have the right tools on hand. That doesn't mean you need to push off the chore! We'll tell you how to get your car clean, and which household products you can use to clean your car. Not only will you be able to check it off your to-do list, but you will have saved money along the way. Read on and get your car cleaned up and looking great, without having to buy specialized products. DIY Car Washing Soap and Cleaner Step 1: Wet Down Your Vehicle's Exterior Rinse your car with the hose. Try to get all the areas of your car with the hose at least twice to help break up dry dirt and debris. Create a baking soda mixture. Pour one cup of baking soda into a gallon of water and use this to lightly clean the exterior with a sponge. The baking soda will remove grime without being too harsh. Step 2: Fully Clean the Exterior Make Soapy Water. Mix ¼ cup of soap (not dish washing soap, as this might damage your car's paint) with one gallon of hot water. It is best to use a soap with a vegetable oil base. Use a clean sponge to wash the exterior, and a bristled brush for the tires and wheels. Step 3: Rinse Everything Off Rinse first with the hose. Make sure to rinse until you no longer see residue of the soap or baking soda mixture. Make water and vinegar mixture. Mix the vinegar and water mixture at a ratio of 3:1 and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the exterior of the vehicle and wipe dry with newspaper. This will leave the car clean and shiny, without streaks. Vehicle Maintenance Savings Racine WI Your vehicle could use maintenance and repair, and with the coupons available on Palmen Dodge Jeep Chrysler Ram of Racine's website, you can save some money along the way! Before you schedule your next appointment, take a look at the different savings options on our page and bring them along when you come to see us.

Driving at night is more dangerous than daytime driving, even for the most reliable drivers. Many of the same threats are made more threatening at night with your vision impaired by the darkness. The team here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Racine want to help you get where you need to go as safely as possible, and that's why we are sharing with you six way to improve your night driving. Remember all these tips and you are well on your way to surviving night driving. Six Tips For Safer Driving After Dark Stay Alert – This might sound like a general tip, but its probably the most important one on the list. It's easy to let the lack of sunlight give you a nodding head and droopy eyelids. Drive safe by keeping yourself wide awake, even if it means stopping for snacks or blasting your favorite tunes and singing along. Check Those Headlights – Your bright headlights are the only thing keeping you from driving blindly in the dark, so you'll want to make sure they are working properly. One thing that will make for safer driving is to have properly aligned headlights. They should both be pointed the same direction and should give you a decent view of the road and area around. If you have any questions about your headlights or want to get the alignment fixed, give us a call. Deer Venture Together – Much like a group of women will head to the bathroom together, deer like to travel in small groups. Sure, there are other animals you might come across while driving, but the most common is the deer. Remember that where you saw one deer, there are likely to be a few more. Keep your eyes peeled! Read More: Favorite Spotify Playlists for Summer Roadtrips Read More: What's the Fastest Phone Charging Method for Your Car? Dim Your Dash – Your interior lights can decrease your eyes' ability to focus on what's going on in the dark outside. Do your eyes a favor and dim your dashboard and first-row touch screen to a comfortable level at night. Focus That Gaze – Instead of staring into the headlights of oncoming traffic, focus your attention onto the right side of the road. It can start to make you dizzy or become overwhelmingly distracting to stare at headlights that are coming your way, so the best way to stay focused is to look away. However, you still need to keep an eye on the direction of the road, so watch that right edge! Clean The Windshield – You might thank yourself for doing this next time you are driving during the day too! Take a few minutes to clean bugs and dirt off both the inside and outside of your windshield. It will improve your vision, and make your car look nice too. Vehicle Service Coupons Free Online Racine WI If you are interested in saving money on your next trip to the service center for an oil change or other maintenance, take a look at the coupons available on our site. Schedule your service appointment online or over the phone and print your coupons off before coming to see us.

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

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

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

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

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

When it comes time to go hunting, fishing, or even just camping with your family in the woods, finding a place to sleep can be tough. Sure, you might bring a tent along, but if you have a pickup truck along there's really no reason you'll need one! We're here to give you our four tips for pickup truck camping, and we hope to help you make your next trip more convenient than ever before! What Do You Need for Truck Bed Camping? While it's not as spacious and comfortable as a camper, truck bed camping allows you to get some sleep without spending a ton of extra cash. If you've got a relatively clean truck bed, and a clear night, you are all set! If you have a covered truck bed, you don't even need the clear night. However, these four tips will help you make your overnight stay more comfortable. Four Steps to Comfortable Truck Bed Camping Step 1: Clean 'er Up Between the dirt from hauling things and potential mess left from your last hunting trip, your truck bed might be a bit of a dirty place to sleep. However, if you want to camp out there it's helpful to clean out and seal the area the best you can before heading off on your trip. Close windows and use weather tape to seal any leaks in your cover/hatch. Step 2: Raise the Floor Since you'll most likely need your truck bed's space for storage while on your trip, it is important to take advantage of all the potential your truck provides. A good way to increase your storage space, and still have room to crash at the end of the night, is to create a raised platform with storage underneath. While you might feel like you are reliving your college days in a dorm bed raised way too close to the ceiling, you will appreciate the room for your extra cargo! Step 3: Waterproof Storage Camping gear, clothes, cooking equipment and other belongings should be organized and stored in separate waterproof bags or containers. This will allow you to store those items outside the truck at night while you sleep. Other things like electronics will probably be safest in the cab of the truck. Step 4: Pack Thoroughly The last thing you want to find out when arriving at your camping destination is that there is no running water and you have none along. Bring plenty of water along, and a couple aluminum baking pans to use when you want to wash your face or brush your teeth, or even do dishes. Also make sure to bring a headlamp or lantern, a portable charging device for your phone, extra batteries for a flashlight, and an extra key to your truck. You never know what might happen!

Let's face it, teen drivers are some of the least experienced drivers on the road. Because of this, we want to set them up for success. One way, other than following them around and making sure they never make a mistake, is to make sure that the car they drive is safe and reliable. So, what do you need to know when choosing a safe car for teen drivers? Check out our tips and see what vehicles in our inventory would make a great option for your new driver. Three Must-Haves When Buying a Car for a Teen Driver Safety: There are professionals out there who work hard to make sure you know about the safety features a vehicle offers. Your teen will benefit from a vehicle that has the latest safety technology, and you can review crash test ratings before purchasing to see how your potential purchase compared to others. Check out this link to see what your car scored. Affordability: When it comes to purchasing a car, the sticker price is not the only payment your teen driver will be making. Things like car insurance and fuel economy can make a difference when it comes to your teen's bank account. Give us a call or use our fuel economy calculator to see what you'll spend on gas in the first year of owning one of the vehicles on our lot. Reliability: Nobody likes getting into a car only to find that it won't start. Between engine issues and other potential problems, it can be expensive and dangerous to drive an unreliable car. Give your teen the chance to gain driving experience in a car that is as reliable as can be. Also be sure to teach your teen driver about proper maintenance and repair! Palmen Dodge Jeep Chrysler Cars for Teen Drivers Used Cars Under $10K: Buying a used car from the professionals at Palmen means you're getting a quality vehicle that has been inspected and cared for. Our affordable options for new drivers come with a quick and easy financing process, and allow you to get the car you need without breaking the bank. Check out the inventory by clicking the link above. New Cars With Over 30 MPG Highway: When fuel economy ratings are your top priority, we want to help. We offer an inventory that features fuel-saving vehicles. Look through what we have and schedule your test drive online to get behind the wheel and see whether the high-tech efficiency is everything you've been wishing for.

Faded car paint is not sleek and stylish. It's faded car paint. In order to keep your car looking great for as long as possible, you might be wondering which are the best paint colors to avoid fading? However, choosing the right color car has less impact on your fading paint, and your time and maintenance is much more important! We'll tell you our three best tips for keeping your car from losing it's original luster. Which Car Colors Fade the Fastest? Despite all the myths and legends, it turns out that your car's paint will fade no matter what color it is. You might see fading more apparently on darker, or more vibrant colored cars, but a white or light-colored car will fade just as much. Read More: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Color Options When it comes to avoiding a faded car, the process is more in your hands than anywhere else. You have the power to keep your car looking great, and we'll tell you how. 3 Easy Tips to Prevent Fading Car Paint 1) Keep Your Car in a Garage: Sun and rain and hot and cold temperatures affect the exterior of your vehicle. If you have the option, keeping your car in a garage can save your paint from the fury of nature. The temperature is more controlled, and the UV rays from the sun can't damage your paint when your car is tucked in your garage. 2) Wax and Polish Helps a Lot: If you have the time to spare, waxing and polishing your car can make a difference when it comes to your car's paint. The wax and polish make your car look great, but can also help with preventing scratches and scuffs. 3) Buy an Additional Cover: There are several different options available, but you can choose to buy a cover for your car. Throw one of them on when your car is not in use to give it an extra layer of protection from UV rays and other types of damage. Read More: 2016 Jeep Patriot Color Options