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If you are a business owner and you purchased, or are looking to purchase a new or used vehicle for your business, then you might qualify for the section 179 tax deductions. Whether you pay in cash, are still paying off a loan, or are looking to finance a new work vehicle, you can use the Section 179 deduction to lighten the load and make your work vehicle more affordable. more What Qualifies as a Section 179 Business Vehicle? Any vehicle that you purchase and use predominantly for business purposes may qualify for the Section 179 tax deduction. Most of the vehicles that qualify for full Section 179 deduction are vehicles that inherently aren't likely to be used for personal purposes. Some of these vehicles include (from www.section179.org): Heavy "non-SUV" vehicles with a cargo area that is at least 6ft in length and cannot be easily accessed from the passenger area. Many pickup trucks with full-sized cargo beds quality. Vehicles that seat more than nine passengers behind the driver's seat. This includes vehicles like airport and hotel shuttles.  Classic cargo vans. These vehicles have a fully-enclosed driver's compartment/cargo area, have no seating behind the driver's seat, and do not have a body section that sticks out more than 30 inches past the windshield. Section 179 Vehicles Can Be Used When it comes to qualifying for the Section 179 tax deductions, the vehicle must only be new to you. Buying used is a great way to save money on a new work vehicle, and the team at Palmen Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Racine has something for you. Read More: Specs and Options on 2016 RAM ProMaster Cargo Van The vehicle must be used to business at least 50% of the time, and you can only claim the deduction in the tax year that the vehicle was "placed in service." This means that when the vehicle is ready and available, even if you aren't using it, you will count that as the vehicle's tax year. A vehicle cannot receive a deduction if it was first used for personal purposes and then later used as a business vehicle.

Here in Wisconsin, we definitely know about cold weather. We might have some muggy hot summers too, but winters here can be brutal. When your nose hairs are freezing every time you breathe, you can bet that your engine is having a tough time. Your engine wants to start about as much as you want to crawl out into the snow in your birthday suit. So, a great way to encourage your engine to run the best it can, and get your car's fluids moving is to use an engine block heater. Not sure what that is? We'll tell you what it is, and all about putting an engine block heater in your RAM 1500. more What is an Engine Block Heater? An engine block heater works to warm your engine just a little bit, making it easier to start. We all know we wish our vehicles would warm up as quickly as possible, and this is a great way to give it the head start it needs, without wasting a ton of fuel. Check This Out: Which 2016 RAM Truck is Best And engine block heater works to keep the fluids in the vehicle warm and more easily circulated. Some types of engine block heaters warm the engine coolant and some warm the oil. The most common block heater is an electric heating element that is connected to an outside power source and uses electricity to warm the engine coolant. Other block heaters run on the vehicle's gasoline or diesel fuel and do not require an external power source. RAM 1500 Block Heater Installation Believe it or not, if you have a relatively new RAM 1500 truck, you have a block heater already installed. In the US, the truck doesn't come with a standard cord for the block heater. You can pay for the option to be included, or simply buy the cord later. The team here at Palmen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can get you the cord you need to take advantage of your block heater this winter. Read More: 2016 RAM 1500 Color Options Check out this cool video that shows you how to connect your block heater cord and use your heater to keep your engine ready to go.

Hurry to Racine WI to find great deals on new and used RAM trucks at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine. We have a large inventory of different trucks with incredible capability, and both new and used options to meet a variety of budgets. Keep reading to learn more about what we have in stock and how to get your perfect RAM truck on sale during the Palmen 1000 Sales Event. more Palmen 1000 Sales Event Prices Between Feb 13th and April 30th, the team at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM are working hard to sell 1000 vehicles in only 100 days! It's a race and a challenge that the team takes on every year, and the benefits fall to the lucky car buyers who take advantage of the great prices. Discounts range from lower prices on new compact sedans to lessened lease prices for family SUVs, the inventory at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine is sure to have something that meets your needs. You Might Also Want to Read: 2016 RAM 1500 Color Options 2016 RAM Truck Inventory Palmen 1000 RAM trucks are known for their incredible capability and versatility. Great design and truly powerful engines make them the perfect truck for getting the tough jobs done, without sacrificing comfort. Intelligent and rugged design inside and out shows the world that when you drive your RAM truck, you mean business. Check This Out: The Off-Roading 2016 RAM Power Wagon Take on the road and any challenges that rise to meet you in a new RAM pickup truck from Palmen Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Racine. We have a large inventory of new 2016 RAM 1500 trucks, 2016 RAM 2500 trucks, and a few RAM ProMaster City trucks. Used RAM Pickup Trucks in Racine WI If you have a tight budget, but don't want to miss out on the power and impressive design of a RAM pickup, take a look through our used inventory. There are a number of great-looking trucks available for affordable prices here at Palmen Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. We can't wait to help you drive home in one! Stop by today or schedule your test drive online.

New technology means that your Jeep vehicles can come with a variety of new tools and features that may improve your driving experience. With the introduction of the eight-speed transmission, the team at Chrysler-Fiat developed a new gear shifting method that is intended to make shifting between park, drive, reverse, and neutral easier and more efficient. While there are complaints that the e-shift technology is confusing, we have included an instructional video on how to use the new shifting method, and which vehicles have it. more Jeep SUVs with E-Shift Transmission While there are a number of great reasons why the new e-shifter technology works incredibly well, the changes in design have some drivers worried that they are not able to park their vehicle and drive away with the confidence they used to have with older systems of gear changing. Read More: All-New Jeep Wrangler Hybrid The 3.6-liter V6 2014 and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees are the vehicles that come with the new shifter that looks much like a traditional shift stick. The difference is in its operation. Instead of shifting from park to drive and the stick remaining in the new position, a light on the device shows which gear you are in, and the stick returns to the center position. As you change gears, both the light on the stick device and an indicator on the Jeep dashboard show which gear the vehicle is in. 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Without E-Shifter For those who do not feel confident in the new style of shifting between gears, the team at Jeep has designed the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee without it. Instead of shifting with the new stick and lights, the Jeep Grand Cherokee adopted a more traditional shift style, offering comfort to those who have been disappointed with the new method. Be sure to check out the other Jeep vehicles available for 2016, and come in for a test drive to see which one is the best fit for you and your preferred driving style.

When you need a truck that can handle whatever the road, or off-road, throws at it, you're going to want the RAM Power Wagon. It's got the power, the versatility, and the aggressive appearance that you want in a truck that is built to take on the toughest roads and terrain. The off-roading 2017 RAM Power Wagon release date might not be set in stone, but these gorgeous images from the 2016 Chicago Auto Show make us excited to see what the designers at RAM have in store. more 2017 RAM Power Wagon at Chicago Auto Show Eye-catching vertical truck bed stripes and a black grille are only two of the details on the new Power Wagon. The exterior shows the confidence and aggressive stance we have come to expect from the RAM brand trucks, but with the graphic details that set it apart from the rest of the lineup. Read More: 2016 RAM 1500 Big Horn Color Options Under the hood, you can expect to feel a 410 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine. When it comes to driving on smooth roads or off-road, the Power Wagon with a standard Crew Cab has what you need. It can come with all the bits and bobs of a luxurious pickup, or the standard features of the Tradesman trim. Check This Out: RAM 1500 With Best in Class Diesel Fuel Economy The off-road package for the 2016 RAM 2500 adds capability and can be combined with the RAM 2500's 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine or the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine. Both the Power Wagon and the 4X4 packages will be available for purchase later this year. b 2017 RAM Power Wagon Arrival Date WI If you're looking forward to the release of the 2017 RAM Power Wagon, you aren't the only one! We will keep you updated with the latest information and any details surrounding the arrival of this incredible pickup. For now, enjoy the pictures from the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, and make sure to check back with us at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine for info on how to be one of the first to test drive the 2017 RAM Power Wagon in Kenosha WI.

Facelifted and looking great for 2016, the Chevy Cruze and Dodge Dart are two sedans that are achieving impressive fuel economy ratings and making driving more fun for those who can't afford a sports car. Gone are the days of driving a beater when affordable cars like the 2016 Dodge Dart have made driving a compact sedan exciting and sporty than ever before. Today we'll compare the 2016 Dart and 2016 Cruze to shine light on the exciting features available in each, and to help you decide which is the right fit for you. more Dodge Dart has More Horsepower than Chevy Cruze Horsepower might not be the highlight of your vehicle shopping priorities, but we guarantee that you will love the responsive feel of driving the Dodge Dart. Praised for it's quick acceleration and tight turn radius, the Dart is a great car for drivers who want the feeling of a sporty vehicle without breaking the bank. The Dart's base trim offers 160 horsepower with a 2.0-Liter I-4 engine, compared to the 153 horsepower and 1.4-liter engine on the Cruze. Read More: Say Goodbye to the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200! The Dodge Dart also has a maximum trailer weight of 1,000lbs, making it a versatile option for drivers looking to tow the family boat or help friends move to a new house. The larger fuel tank than that of the base Cruze, and 36 miles per gallon highway fuel economy rating makes driving the Dart affordable and environmentally friendly. 2016 Cruze and 2016 Dart Interior Features Both the 2016 Chevy Cruze and 2016 Dodge Dart have a number of standard and optional interior convenience features. Comfortable cloth seating in each sedan has room for up to five passengers, and both vehicles come with a standard four-speaker audio system for enjoying music and other media while on the road. Optional features for both vehicles include a first-row LCD touchscreen with voice-activated navigation and luxurious leather seating. Active and passive safety features like rear park assist are available on higher trim levels, adding the potential for a more confident driving experience. Read More: 2016 Dodge Dart Trim Level Comparison Test Drive the 2016 Dodge Dart in Racine WI If you are interested in taking the 2016 Dodge Dart for a test drive, give us a call or schedule an appointment online! Our friendly team here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine is always happy to show you around the lot and help you through the quick and easy financing process we have available for our customers. Check Out the Fuel Efficient Jeep Renegade!

When it comes to releasing powerful and versatile vehicles, the Jeep brand has never disappointed. These rugged vehicles offer impressive style and a variety of interior features for drivers looking to add a little modern style to their daily drive. Looking to widen the variety of Jeep vehicles available, the brand is looking to announce the all-new Jeep Wrangler hybrid release date for Wisconsin in the near future. We'll tell you what we know so far. more Jeep Wrangler Hybrid and Diesel Options 2016 The new Wrangler model has a lot in store for drivers looking for a diesel or hybrid option. In the US, the Wrangler is currently only offered with gasoline engines, but drivers in Europe have had access to a turbodiesel option for the last few years. While it isn't likely that the US will be getting the same 2.8-liter diesel engine that is available in Europe, we can look forward to the 240-horsepower of the potential 3.0-liter V6 diesel that's offered on the RAM 1500 pickup. Read More: All-New Premium Jeep Cherokee Overland The Wranger will most likely receive a slightly hybrid option, one that cannot run purely on electricity. It still should, however, increase fuel efficiency and make the Wrangler a more viable option for everyday driving. Technical details aren't available yet, but it is assumed that the hybrid powertrain for the new Wrangler will also be available on other vehicles in the Fiat-Chrysler family. Other Changes to the New Wrangler On top of changes to the engine options, the new Wrangler is said to be much lighter than previous models. Being made of lightweight materials like steel and aluminum make it easier for smaller engines to offer a more responsive drive and use less fuel. Read More: 2016 Jeep Patriot Safety Rating and Review We are likely to see the next generation of Jeep Wrangler in showrooms in 2017. The diesel engine isn’t going to be available until at least 2018, and the hybrid model is a few years beyond that, but the gasoline Wrangler will be available before you know it! Make sure to check back here at our blog to stay updated with the latest information from Jeep!

When you buy a truck, it's a big investment. When you buy a RAM, you are buying a high-tech piece of machinery that is prepared to handle your toughest tasks and roughest days. It's only fair that you get a truck that matches your personality, and that's just what the color options on the 2016 RAM 1500 Big Horn allow you to do. With 11 different colors to choose from, you can pick a truck that stands or or blends in as much as you would like. We will warn you, however, that the RAM 1500 is a truck that tends to stand out from the crowd, so don't plan on fading into the background too much! more Eleven Different Colors on the 2016 RAM 1500 Having a variety of options is one of the great things about buying a RAM 1500 Big Horn. You can trust that the technology materials inside the cabin match the quality of the truck's performance. When you drive home in a RAM 1500 Big Horn, you are getting the tough nature of one of the best-selling pickups in the automotive marketplace, but you are also given the chance to enjoy truly impressive style and design. Read More: RAM Tradesman vs SLT vs Big Horn What We love about the 2016 RAM 1500 Big Horn From the comfortable seats, to the chrome detailing, the RAM Big Horn is a pickup that stands ahead of the competition. A leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls greets the lucky driver, while a modern control center features a LCD touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system and useful apps. Space for passengers in the back can be perfect for friends or family, or even cargo when you pack up for a weekend away. Inside the 2016 RAM 1500 Big Horn, you will feel confident and at ease on the road. Colors By Row: Black, White, Bright Silver, Blue Streak, Deep Cherry Red, Flame Red, Western Brown, Black Forest Green, True Blue, Granite, Maximum Steel Want to Test Drive the 2016 RAM 1500 in Racine WI? If you are interested in a test drive, be sure to schedule your appointment online or contact our experienced sales team directly by phone! We are happy to answer any questions you have about our trucks or the simple financing process we offer our customers. We look forward to hearing from you soon, and helping you drive home in the truck you've been dreaming of!

In an effort to increase the focus on crossover SUVs, full-size SUVs, and pickup trucks, the team at Chrysler Fiat has decided to end the production of the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200. With American car shoppers choosing more capability and interior space, small sedans and compact vehicles are losing popularity. Read on to learn more about what these changes mean for the Chrysler and Dodge lineup in the future. more Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 Gone by 2018 Though Europe has seen an ever-growing sales rate for small and economical cars, the American car shoppers have a taste for the rugged capability of larger and more powerful vehicles. The plan at Chrysler Fiat is to slowly phase out the production of both the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart, with a transitioning focus on Jeep and RAM. We won't see a sudden disappearance of the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200, as so many drivers and buyers are still interested in them. However, the phasing out is said to be taking place, if not completed, by 2018. Chrysler Fiat has explained that they do not intend to cut jobs or negatively impact the production numbers, but simply to "defocus" from passenger sedans, and put more effort into the production of vehicles like the RAM 1500 and Jeep Cherokee. Read More: All-New 2016 Premium Jeep Cherokee Overland Model What We Will Miss the Dart and 200 Both the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 are smaller vehicles with an impressively responsive drive style and affordable price tag. The small interior has room for five passengers, but the rear seating and limited cargo space makes it a tough option for families. High-tech features are available throughout both sedans make driving more fun, and the great fuel economy ratings allow for a less stressful daily commute. We will surely miss the Dodge Dart and the Chrysler 200, but there is still plenty of time to drive one home before they are gone. These impressively modern sedans are available today at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine. Check out our online tools that make it easy to apply for credit pre-approval or schedule your own test drive appointments. Read More: 2016 Chrysler 200 Review and Specs

When you are considering purchasing a new car, it's important to take a look at the seat trim and decide whether the material is right for you. While most vehicles come with the affordable vinyl and cloth options, you can spring for the ultimately luxurious leather seats. Each material has its own pros and cons, so we will help you decide. Wondering which car seat material is easiest to clean? We'll answer that and more! more Vinyl vs Cloth vs Leather Vinyl Seats This is the most affordable seating trim option and comes with a few added benefits. Vinyl might not be the best-looking option for seating trim, but it is certainly the easiest to clean and maintain. Vinyl is made from plastic, so it doesn't not stain or tear as easily as cloth or leather. It can handle mud and salt and water much better than other seating materials. However, the downside to vinyl, other than the less stylish appearance, is that it can be uncomfortably sweaty and hot in the summer. Read More: 3 Reasons to Keep Your Car in the Garage Cloth Seats More affordable than leather, and certainly more stylish than vinyl, cloth seats are the perfect middle ground. Commonly chosen for its comfort and affordability, cloth seating trim is breathable and feels nice, even on longer road trips. The downside to cloth seating is that it can tear and stain much more easily than vinyl. It can also be harder to clean cloth seats as the fibers hold onto smells and spills. Read More: Which Cars Require Premium Fuel? Leather Seats The top of the line, when it comes to car seating, is leather. It is the most expensive, most stylish, and best looking option for a new car. If properly maintained, leather seating can look great and prove to be one of the more durable seating options available. The downside to choosing leather is the importance of cleaning and maintenance. Leather seats will only stay looking great if you remember to keep water and salt from getting onto it. Dark leather seats can become extremely hot in the summer sun, so watch out if you sit down in shorts!

Debuting this week at the New England International Auto Show, the 2016 Premium Jeep Cherokee Overland model is said to boast an unmatched combination of luxury and capability in the mid-size SUV segment. If there's one thing we love, it's a Jeep that is as fun to ride inside as it is to look at. The Jeep Cherokee is a vehicle with an impressively modern exterior and exciting interior features, but it looks like things are getting even more luxurious in 2016! more Jeep Cherokee Overland Exterior Features Everything from new body color options to a gorgeous front grille and bright 18-inch aluminum wheels are new on the 2016 Cherokee Overland. New Standard HID bi-xenon headlamps come along side the "Overland" badge that is featured on the front grille. All of these exciting changes to the exterior allow the lucky driver to stand out from the crowd and show off the new, luxurious Jeep style. Read More: 2016 Jeep Patriot Gets Perfect Safety Rating Jeep Cherokee Overland Interior Technology The rugged and modern exterior of the Cherokee Overland is continued in the luxurious-looking interior that seats up to five passengers. Premium enhancements throughout the cabin give the impression of heightened style, while the latest in convenience technology makes the driving experience more exciting. Some of the premium features included on the Overland model include a leather-wrapped instrument panel, lumbar support for the front passenger and driver seat, a new Jeep steering wheel with high-gloss wood trim, standard Nappa leather seats with heat and cooling for the driver and front passenger. Read More: 2015 Jeep Patriot Wins Cost to Own Award at KBB Exciting technology features include a bright and colorful 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth compatibility, a voice-activated navigation system, and the Uconnect infotainment system access. Safety technology features also come standard on this incredible Jeep Cherokee, adding Parksense rear backup assist, blind spot monitoring, and a power liftgate. 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland Arrival Date Racine WI If you are excited about this gorgeous Cherokee Overland model and would like to take one for a test drive, keep an eye on our up-to-date inventory and check back on the blog often. We will keep you updated on the latest information and new arrivals to the dealership lot. Check Out the 2016 Jeep Cherokee

There are certain wives tales that we all believe about driving, and some of them can be expensive to live by! If you are worried that you have been misinformed about important vehicle facts like oil changes and the safety of making hands-free phone calls, then read on! We'll tell you about three of the most popular driving myths you've believed your whole life, and you can let us know what you think in the comments section below! more Three Popular Driving Myths You Shouldn't Believe Anymore Myth 1: Red cars get pulled over more often Common sense helps us understand and believe this myth, but it simply isn't true! Police are just as likely to pull over vehicles of any color. However, more sports cars are pulled over than other vehicles, and more sports cars are red than other vehicles. This comes down to the drivers' habits. Those who drive fast cars are more likely to speed, and therefore get pulled over more often. Read More: Do I Need to Wax My Old Car? Myth 2: Warming up your car before driving If you drive a vehicle that is less than 10 years old, then there is a good chance that you need to do very little warming of your engine before hitting the road. Newer engines are made to warm up more quickly as you begin driving, so it is merely a waste of fuel to allow your vehicle to sit in the driveway idling for a long time before getting in! Read More:  How Long Do I Warm Up My Car? Myth 3: Fill your car with premium fuel every once in a while There is a myth that filling your vehicle with premium fuel every once in a while will help to clean out the engine and keep things running more smoothly. However, all fuel grades are required to have the detergents and cleaning capability that the premium fuel has. In fact, putting premium fuel in your engine will not to anything to improve the performance. Your vehicle was made to run a certain grade of fuel, and it's always best to stick to that when filling up. Read More:  What's So Great About Premium Gas? Check Out Our latest Jeep Inventory!