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When you're in the market for a pickup, you want to get the one that fits your needs, your preferences and especially your budget. We've got the details about the different Ram 1500 trim levels, and are here to help you choose the right 2017 Ram 1500 model for your lifestyle. There are big differences in power and luxury between the trims, and the best part is that once you choose your trim, there's room for you to choose a model with certain added features and technology. more Ram 1500 Trim Level Comparison Engine Specs There are several different options out there for Ram pickups, but three that are available here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram are the Tradesman, Sport and Laramie. The most luxurious option, the Laramie trim, has the added features you'd expect with the higher price, but doesn't offer the same standard power as the Sport trim. The Sport trim level falls in the middle when it comes to price, but offers a higher standard capability rating to replace the luxury interior. The Tradesman trim comes in at the lowest price, and offers the same standard engine as the Laramie trim, just without the extras throughout the interior. If you're looking for a hard-working pickup, you can't go wrong with any of the trim levels of the 2017 Ram 1500. Read More: 2017 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel Best-In-Class Efficiency 2017 Ram 1500 For Sale Mount Pleasant WI If you are liking what you see when it comes to the 2017 Ram 1500, give us a call or schedule a test drive appointment online. Our up-to-date online inventory makes it easy to see what we have in stock and our online research page for the 2017 Ram 1500 makes it easy to see what's new this year. Check out the online financing tools to see what you could get for a trade-in, or to get pre-approved for a financing plan here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Racine.

The Jeep Renegade is a recent addition to the Jeep lineup and drivers across the country have fallen in love with its quirky design and affordability. The 2017 Jeep Renegade is looking to be every bit as exciting as last year's model, with even more features inside and out. Read on and check out the different color options available this year, and learn a bit about what kind of interior technology options you can choose from in the 2017 Renegade. more 2017 Jeep Renegade Optional Technology Features Available in five different trim levels, the 2017 Renegade offers something for everyone. At the Sport trim (staring MSRP $19,995) you can expect to find exciting standard features like a four-speaker audio system and steering wheel mounted audio controls. On top of that, you have the choice to add several features on the upper trim levels like: Bluetooth Compatibility Larger First-Row LCD Screen Voice-Activated Navigation Heated Seating Panoramic Sun Roof Rain Sensing Wipers Leather-Wrapped Heated Steering Wheel 2017 Jeep Renegade Exterior Paint Options Alpine White Black Colorado Red Granite Crystal Metallic Glacier Metallic Mojave Sand Omaha Orange Jet Set Blue Solar Yellow Test Drive 2017 Jeep Renegade Racine WI If you are interested in getting behind the wheel of a 2017 Jeep Renegade, give us a call or schedule your test drive appointment online. Our friendly sales team would love to walk you through all the other changes on the 2017 Renegade, and help you choose your perfect fit. Be sure to check out the free online credit pre-approval and the no-obligation trade-in form.

We've all driven our vehicle until that gas light turns on. Whether it was freezing outside and we really didn't want to have to stand outside and pump the gas, or money was tight and we just needed to make the fuel last as long as possible, we've all tried to stretch our empty fuel tank. Most vehicles can run for quite a few miles after the low fuel light comes on, but should we be pushing the limits? Check out these reasons why you should never drive your car on a nearly empty tank. more Why Low Fuel Is Bad For Your Car When your fuel light comes on, it means that your vehicle has between 10%-15% of the fuel left, and that it is running on its reserves. Sure, that might mean that your fuel efficient little car has quite a few miles left in it, but it's not worth running the risk of letting your fuel run dry. There's more at stake than your ego when you're standing on the side of the highway waiting for rescue. Read More: Smells Inside Your Car That Mean Trouble Your fuel pump works while your car is running to send your gas to your engine, and the fuel in the tank helps to keep the pump cool and lubricated. Without fuel in your tank to keep the pump cool, you run the risk of it overheating and eventually failing. Not only is it an expensive part to replace, prior to the failure, your car will be running less efficiently and wasting the fuel in your tank even when it's full. Check This Out: Free Online Coupons for Vehicle Service & Repair Another risk of driving with a low fuel tank is loading up your fuel filter with gunk from the bottom of the tank. Any debris or sediment will settle at the bottom, and when your fuel levels are low, that's where the pump will be pulling from. For these reasons, and to save yourself the embarrassment of standing on the side of the road waiting for a tow or for a friend to bring you some fuel, you should try to remember to fill your gas tank when it reaches a quarter tank. Fuel Tank Issues Service Racine WI If you are worried that your fuel pump is on its way out, or that your filter is clogged with debris from inside your gas tank, give us a call or schedule a service appointment online. The friendly and experienced team at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Racine would love to get your car in ship shape, and help keep your fuel economy at its highest possible level.

Our vehicles just don't love cold weather. Sure, you might have snow tires and seat warmers and all the other added features to make your winter driving more convenient and reliable, but there's nothing worse than having to scrape your car and unstick frozen doors when you're ready to leave. It's a hassle, but the good news is that there's something you can do to solve your frozen door issues this winter. more How to Prevent Frozen Car Doors This Winter Step 1: Inspect Your Doors There is a gasket that forms the seal between your door and the frame of your vehicle. If it is worn or torn, you'll find that water can get between the two and will freeze when the temperatures drop. This will seal your door to the frame of your car, and can make it nearly impossible to get it open. Step 2:  Clean the Door Frame Even if your gasket looks good, there is a chance that dirt and debris can get in the way of it sealing out the water. Take a microfiber cloth and some warm water to clean off the gasket all the way around. Step 3: Lube the Gasket There are certain types of rubber-safe lubricants you can buy that will help to keep the gasket in good shape. A dry gasket will crack and leak easier, so keeping it lubricated will help to ensure your doors don't freeze shut. Check out a silicone spray or general rubber conditioner. Step 4: Cover It Up If you don't have a garage to keep your car in, the next best thing you can do is to cover the car or the door you need to be able to get into. You can use a cover or a tarp to keep snow and rain off the door when the temperatures drop below zero.

There's something aggressive and confident about the Dodge vehicles for 2017, and we love it. If you're looking for a capable crossover SUV with options for added power and luxury, then you might want to take a spin in the 2017 Dodge Durango available at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Racine. Our fresh inventory features the latest designs and high-tech features, and when you add that to the incredible fortitude and style of the Durango, there aren't many SUVs that can keep up. more 2017 Dodge Durango V-8 Engine Specs Power comes standard on the 2017 Dodge Durango, an SUV built to take down the competition. Whether you choose the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine or the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, we're pretty sure you won't be disappointed. Impressive capability makes both options worthy of the road, and whether your hauling passengers or towing a trailer, the 2017 Durango has your back. Safety Features Available for 2017 Dodge Durango SUV Whether you're hauling precious cargo or packing up for a weekend trip, you want to do your best to avoid a collision and any damage that may come with it. Instead of stressing out over every drive, you can take this opportunity to choose an SUV that has your best interests at heart. These safety features are available for drivers looking to add a little extra convenience to the daily drive: Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking Back Up Assistance Uconnect Roadside Assistance & Emergency Assistance Test Drive 2017 Dodge Durango Racine WI If you see these specs and think to yourself that the Durango might be your perfect fit, give us a call or schedule a test drive appointment online. We would love to show you everything there is to love about the 2017 Dodge Durango, and get you started on the financing path that best suits your budget.

This time of year, many people are looking for a way to give back to their community. It's part of that Thanksgiving spirit that has us feeling thankful for everything we have. If you're looking for a place to donate some food or household supplies, check out the food pantries located in and around Racine, WI. We'll help you get a start on your good deed. more Donate Food and Toiletries Kenosha & Racine WI If you've got some extra canned good and toiletry items laying around your house, there might be a better use for them. Instead of allowing your excess items to collect dust before you eventually toss them into the trash, give them to a shelter or food pantry in the area that could use them. Racine County Food Bank With the economy as rough as it is for low income families and people who could use a helping hand, donations can make a huge difference. Community members in need are looking for help with feeding themselves and their families, and you can choose to donate food or money to the cause. Visit the website to learn more about what you can donate, or to make a monetary donation online. The Salvation Army – Kenosha We've all heard of the Salvation Army, and it does a lot for our communities. If you are interested in donating to this organization, located in Kenosha and all over the country, feel free to do so online via the website.  Otherwise, find out where your closest drop-off location is to bring items like clothes, books and other household items to donate to those in need. The Shalom Center – Kenosha This local organization offers food, shelter and guidance to those who need a helping hand.  They are looking for a variety of items for the food pantry: canned soup, canned fruit, tomato sauce, tuna fish, side dishes, beans. The soup kitchen also accepts donations of: chicken, ground beef, cheese, butter, spices and fresh fruits and veggies.

We've all heard that plants are a great addition to our living spaces. They make our homes and offices feel more comfortable, and they clean the air we breathe! Do we need any more reason than that? There is one space we spend time in that might have you wondering, can I keep a plant there? That place is your car. The answer is maybe. Read on for some info about keeping plants in your car and tips to help make it more successful. more Keeping a Plant in Your Car to Purify the Air We all love to breathe fresh air.  The sweet smell of air that is semi-free of pollutants can make for a healthier and happier lifestyle. So, what about purifying the air in your car? Your vehicle has carbon filters to keep some pollutants out of the cabin, but wouldn't a little plant add to the overall purity? Read More: Strange Smells in Your Car & What They Mean When it comes to putting a potted plant in your car, there are a few things you have to consider. During the summer, your car can be a very hot place, and the opposite is true in the winter. It's a good idea to consider having your car plant live indoors in the winter. During the summer months, having a plant in your car is more realistic. If you're up for the challenge, be sure to note these tips before you move the plant in. In the warm summer months, it's important not to stifle your plant. Keep the windows cracked so the temperatures don't suffocate the plant. Park your car where your plant can find some sunshine, and be sure to water as frequently as the plant needs. Feeding your potted friend will keep it alive longer. Find a stable location for your plant. If it's toppling over every time you take a left, you'll end up with a dead plant. It's important to make sure that it has a stable seat. Best Indoor Plants for Homes in Wisconsin If you give up on the dream of having an air-purifying plant for your car, you can still take advantage of the benefits of having one in your home! Check out this list of perfect indoor options for homes in Wisconsin. Lucky Bamboo: This hearty plant is great-looking and can live in even the least comfortable environments. Bring one into your home and water regularly to see quick growth. Golden Pothos Vine: This is a great suggestion for those who haven't had an indoor plant before. It doesn't need much light and only requires watering once a week or so. It grows quickly! Snake Plant: This slow-growing and exotic-looking plant will last for decades if you take care of it. Requires very little water and loves sunlight, but will survive even in less sunny rooms.

While you might notice smells inside your car more easily, since that's where you spend most of your time, the smells outside of your vehicle can be just as indicative of issues that need to be fixed. We'll help you diagnose the issue that is causing the burning smell outside of your car. Read on and learn about the smells that indicate issues with different parts of your car. more Bad Smells Outside Your Vehicle Whether you are just noticing a slight smell, or there is obviously something wrong with your vehicle, the type of smell you are noticing can indicate what type of issue you are facing. Here are five different smells and what parts they indicate need some work: Rotten Egg/Sulfer Smell: If you are smelling rotten eggs, it is usually caused by a catalytic converter in the exhaust overheating. The converter could be failing, or your engine might need some work. Either way, this means a trip to the service center! Don't wait too long, as this can cause issues down the road. Burning Plastic Smell: This usually means that another part of your vehicle is contacting the exhaust and is melting. If you ran over something on the road, this can be burning on the exhaust, or if a part of your vehicle is loose, it might be touching it. Burning Metallic Smell: This usually means your brakes are wearing down, or your clutch is failing. The clutch disc and your brake pads are similar in composition, and both create a similar smell. Bring your vehicle in to the service center to diagnose the issue and replace the affected part. Sweet Smell: You could smell this inside or outside your vehicle, but wherever it comes from it means a coolant leak. If it is leaking onto your engine or the ground, you will probably be able to smell it. Bring it in to find the leak and repair the issue. Gasoline Smell: If you are smelling gas when your vehicle is parked or when it is in drive, it indicates a fuel leak. The most common ones are the top seal on the fuel tank and the injectors that you find under the hood. Get this checked out and save money on fuel, and get rid of that constant gas smell.

Pickup truck lovers everywhere can celebrate and daydream about the new Ram Rebel TRX concept that recently made it's grand appearance. We're here to share some info with you about what makes the powertrain, engine and design of the TRX Concept stand out. We'll also show you some great pictures of the exterior, suspension and high-tech interior. more Ram Rebel TRX Engine Specs and Powertrain If you are interested in what makes an extreme performance half-ton pickup so special, you'll have to imagine a 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine that delivers an overwhelming 575 horsepower. That makes the TRX concept the most powerful factory-engineered half-ton pickup yet. Read More: 2017 Ram EcoDiesel: Best in Class Fuel Efficiency This intensely powerful engine comes paired with the TorqueFlight eight-speed automatic transmission and a 4x4 Performance Control System. Increased space for wheel travel gives the driver more than 13-inches of space, making the TRX Concept prepared to handle whatever the road throws its way. Rebel TRX Concept Design Images Focused on aggression and confidence, the Ram Rebel TRX is a truck built to be durable and functional.  The high-strength steel frame is nearly identical to the one used on the standard Ram 1500. However, a 40% increase in suspension travel means that there is room for the 37-inch tires to move and navigate off-road terrain, even at high speeds. Powerful Ram Trucks for Sale Racine WI If you are interested in seeing what other powerful pickups are available from the design team at Ram, be sure to take a look through our up-to-date online inventory. The friendly experts, here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Racine, are happy to answer your questions and to guide you through the truck options for 2017. Schedule a test drive online, or over the phone.

So, you're in the market for a new or used car, and you've got yourself wondering whether paying in cash or taking out a loan is a better option. We're here to tell you that paying with cash might not always be the best idea, so when you're choosing between the two options, it's important to consider what's going to work with your financial situation. We'll help you decide! more Reasons to Pay Cash for Your Car Many people choose to pay for a car with cash because then they will not be paying any interest. When you pay with cash, you simply hand them the amount agreed upon and drive home. However, there are reasons that make financing a car the better choice. You might want to pay for your new car with cash if: You do not qualify for a low interest rate You don't trust yourself to make monthly payments on time The car is relatively inexpensive Reasons to Finance Your Car If you are buying a new car, one that is going to cost a decent chunk of change, you might want to strongly consider the convenience and advantages of financing. Many people can afford a nicer car through financing, rather than only buying the vehicle you can afford in cash on the spot. Making monthly payments can be tough or annoying for those with a tighter budget, but ending up with a more reliable vehicle might be worth the investment. Read More: Tips for Financing a New Car With Poor Credit If you have a decent credit score, you can potentially qualify for a low interest rate. A lower interest rate means that even after all those monthly payments, you will have paid much less in interest on top of it. If you have the room for close to a 20% down payment and qualify for a lower interest rate, it might make the most sense for you to choose a financing plan. Apply for Financing Pre-Approval Online If you are interested in seeing what kind of financing plan you qualify for, here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Racine, fill out the online credit pre-approval form. Our financing team will work with you to choose the plan that best fits your budget and your lifestyle, and help you drive home in a great new or used car.

If you're looking for some classic Autumn fun, you've got to check out some of the local pumpkin patches. You'll find the perfect pumpkin for your porch, along with a variety of fun family-friendly activities and delicious fall treats. Whether you're in it for the adventure or to show the kids what makes fall in Wisconsin such a great time of year, we've got something for you. Check out these local pumpkin patches near Kenosha and Racine WI. more Brightonwood Orchard – Burlington, WI Pumpkins and apples are what the fall season is all about, and at this particular orchard, you can drive home with both in hand! They grow over 200 apple varieties, many different kids of squash, and bright, beautiful pumpkins. All of this available, along with a large number of all-natural products, homemade honey, Wisconsin cheese and award-winning apple cider. There's more than enough things to do when you visit the Brightonwood Orchard. Jerry Smith's Pumpkin Farm – Kenosha, WI This country store and pumpkin patch has more fun in one location than you could ask for! Bring the kids to enjoy picking out the perfect pumpkin, and follow up with some delicious fall treats and activities. Wristbands are only $10 and include access to the bounce pillow, corn maze, petting zoo, and hayride. Activities can be purchased separately for $3-$5. Thompson's Strawberry Farm – Bristol, WI If berries are your thing, or you're just looking for the perfect pumpkin, Thompson's Strawberry farm has something for you. The pumpkins are sold at prices of $70.00 per car-load, but can also be purchased individually, priced by size. The farm is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, is open Wednesday-Friday from 3pm-5pm, and Saturday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. Happ's Pumpkin Patch – Trevor, WI Located right down the road in Trevor, this cute pumpkin patch is home to more than just your favorite orange fall decoration! You'll find antique items for sale, a haunted train ride, and even a haunted Goul Bus after 5:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy the fall season without leaving the area as this local pumpkin patch offers fun for the whole family. Check out the Facebook page linked above to see what people love about Happ's!

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. more 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!