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How Do you Fix Flood Damage in the Car? Flooding is a harsh reality for many who live in places that receive heavy rain during the spring and summer. With the rain comes potential for flooding, and if your car gets stuck in the middle of it, it can result in extensive damage. So how do you fix flood damage in the car? We'll give you some starting tips and tricks to get the clean-up process going! more There are a few important things to remember before trying to clean up your flooded vehicle. When in doubt, have it towed to a trusted service center. Do not start the engine unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure that there is no water in any part of it. Contact your insurance company before doing anything to make sure you understand what is covered and what they need you to do. READ MORE: Does My Use Struts or Shocks? Now that you've taken care of the basics, you should try these next steps to minimize any damage. Find out how much water your car was in: Usually the water will leave a line along the side of the vehicle if it reached above the tires. If it was below the doors, your car is most likely okay. Any higher and you are looking at some work ahead. Try and soak up some water: Despite the fact that the mold will grow quickly, you might be able to keep it at bay by pulling out all the floor mats and other removable fabric. If the water reached the upholstery, there's a good chance you'll have to replace it to avoid mold. Check all the fluids: This means the oil, transmission, brake, power steering, fuel... all of them. Any water contamination can mean serious damage without being flushed first. If there is water in any of these fluids, it's important to bring it to a service center, pronto! READ MORE: Why Does My Manual Suggest Premium Fuel? Even if your vehicle passes most of these tests and you work to repair damage, there's a high likelihood that the vehicle will experience issues related to the flood down the road. This might mean months, weeks, or even years. It might make sense in some situations to have the vehicle totaled and to find a new one! We hope that these tips help to get you out of a messy situation easily and affordably. Nobody likes the hassle of a flooded car, but when it happens, your friendly team at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine is here to help! Give us a call and we'll make sure we get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Why do Jeep drivers wave and honk when you pass by? When it comes to driving a Jeep, you never really understand it until you have one of your own. The history and united group of drivers that the Jeep brand as collected over the years have become one of the most recognized group of vehicle brand fans in the world. So why are there so many Jeep fans across the globe? Why do Jeep drivers wave and honk when you pass by? We'll tell you! more It's no secret that the Jeep lineup consists of some pretty adventurous vehicles and some pretty stylish ones, too! There are a lot of great things to love about the Jeep brand and the cars that drive around our streets today. An example of pure adventure is the 2015 Jeep Wrangler. This amazing vehicle is prepared for off-roading, sunshine or rain. Whether you want the cloth top, a hard top, or no top at all, this vehicle is ready. With great options for the latest technology and comfortable seating for five passengers, the 2015 Wrangler is a car that was made to perform. READ MORE: Teaching Your Kids About Washing the Car this Summer! On the other hand, there is the sleek and stylish 2015 Jeep Compass. While this might not look like a vehicle to take on a safari, it's more traditional roof makes it great in all weather types. Excellent handling and a sturdy build makes this vehicle perfect for those who live where there are tough road conditions. Another great example of Jeep's impressive history is the brand-new 2015 Jeep Renegade. It hasn’t been here for long, but this little beauty combines what we love about new vehicle efficiency and modern convenience into a classic style that we recognize. Using the traditional Jeep front grille and including the ability to handle off-roading adventures, this efficient little Jeep is a big contender in the automotive industry. READ MORE: Does My Jeep Renegade Have Keyless Entry? When Buzzfeed put together this article with Jeep as a compilation of the ideas and beliefs that make Jeep's fans so special, they were right to say "when the going gets tough, the tough go 4x4." Jeep vehicles are special and their drivers are adventurous. That's why Jeep is known across the world, and that is what sets their fans apart. They live life on the wild side in a Jeep that's ready to handle whatever life throws at it.

Have you been sad about the loss of the Dodge Grand Caravan? It turns out that the Grand Caravan will be returning through at least 2017! While that isn't a promise for a permanent place in the lineup, it's immediate future is safely in the hands of the Dodge designers who are at work making it even cooler and more exciting than it has been already! Minivans are getting better every year. more The Dodge Grand Caravan has been a staple for families across America for several years. With it's aggressive stance and powerful engine, this spacious van has been making it possible for families to take road trips and vacations with less stress and a more entertaining ride. READ MORE: Best Places to Get Ice Cream in Racine WI Safety features available on the latest models range from a rear-view camera to active safety features like lane departure warnings and brake assistance. It's no wonder that the NHTSA has given the Dodge Grand Caravan a 5-Star safety rating. Americans across the country love this minivan for it's simple styling and functional interior features. Now we know we can look forward to it's return for at least two more years! READ MORE: The Chrysler 200 is the Best Choice for New College Grads Enjoy the pictures below and give us a call if you are interested in taking the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan for a test drive. We would love to help you get into a vehicle your family will love!

2015 Chrysler 200's come with 84-Month Financing Plan Buying a new vehicle is expensive and financing can be an intimidating process. When money is tight and you need a new car, it turns out that brand to turn to is Chrysler. Some of the super-popular 2015 Chrysler 200's come with an 84 month financing plan that makes buying a new car easier and more affordable. Want to know how to grab onto this deal before it's gone? Read on! more With the 2015 Chrysler 200 selling in record numbers, the Chrysler brand has stepped up its game by offering their golden goose with a great financing deal to go along with it.  There's a lot to love about the ultra-stylish Chrysler 200 that comes with the latest technology and an aerodynamic and sporty exterior. Now it's even better with the exciting financing plan offered on several different trim levels. READ MORE: Powerful 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack has 285 Horsepower Chrysler.com shows that many of the more expensive trim levels offer the 84-month financing. As always, your credit score has an impact on the financing options available to you. Only those with really great credit scores are able to take advantage of the 0% interest plans, but it's definitely worth checking out. The friendly financing team at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine is always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding new vehicles or the simple and quick financing process. To see what options are available to you, be sure to fill out our credit pre-approval form. You can also take time to schedule a test drive online at a time that fits your busy schedule. READ MORE: Girls Dance in a Dodge Challenger to Big Sean's Latest Song More information about the 2015 Chrysler 200 is available here, but the pictures below might convince you to stop in for the test drive. It's definitely worth the time to see how the great handling and exciting features make driving an unforgettable experience every time.

While there have always been a ton of different color options to choose from with the Viper GTC, it's now offering 8,000 new color combinations with very stylish and modern matte paint! Will you choose to design your Viper with these interesting new color options or choose one from the 50 million other combinations previously available? more The 2016 Dodge Viper GTC is a sports car with the colors and stripes to stand out amongst the sea of vehicles on the road every day. It cannot be argued that the Viper offers a unique style and customizable exterior that draws the eyes and turns heads as it passes by. What do you think of the matte color options? READ MORE: What To Do With a Flooded Car? If you are interested in test driving or being the lucky owner of a 2016 Dodge Viper GTC, contact the sales team at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine. Our team of automotive experts are always happy to answer any questions you have regarding our inventory, the latest technology, and the simple financing process! We look forward to hearing from you!

Every vehicle on the road has its own set of either struts or shocks. There are a few important things that these parts do for you and your vehicle, and a few ways to tell if you need to get them replaced. So you want to know how to tell if your car has struts or shocks? We'll tell you that and more, so keep reading! more The first step in figuring out what your vehicle has, is understanding what the parts do. We see shocks on many different forms of transportation, but most visibly on bikes. The idea of cushioning the rider from bumps in the road is one of the most noticeable things that the shocks or struts do, however they also serve the purpose of keeping the vehicle from shifting horizontally while on the road. So, on top of saving you from a bouncy and uncomfortable ride, the struts or shocks handle side-to-side motion, thus making the vehicle much safer on the road. Your vehicle's stability is very important in tough road conditions and bad weather, so you have a lot of pressure on your strut or shocks. READ MORE: Bad Car Sounds that Mean Trouble So what's the difference between them? It's mostly a matter of how they look and where they are. Shocks are more easily picked out because they look a lot like what we see on bikes. They are big springs that are there to keep your car from bouncing around. They absorb the shocks from the road. A strut, on the other hand, is horizontal and harder to see. They are usually right inside the wheels and almost look like they are a part of the wheel itself. Do you need to replace them? The general rule for replacing shocks or struts is every 50,000 miles, but there is a way to test them to see whether it's time. Stand in front and push down on the vehicle's bumper. If the vehicle comes back up and bounces more than twice, there's a good chance that you need to replace your struts or shocks. READ MORE: New Jeep Renegade in Music Video Not sure what you think about your shocks or struts? Give our service center a call or schedule an appointment to see us online. We would be happy to take a look at your vehicle and make sure that everything is running the way it should.

2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack with 485 horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi There are some vehicles that are just amazing to look at. The ones that make your head turn as it drives by. It doesn’t always mean that these vehicles are outside of your price range when they are gorgeous. And the Dodge Charger is a sport car that every person can enjoy, without having to pay the price. The 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack with 485 horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi comes ready to hit the road. Read more about it here. more There are few things as exciting and fun as driving a vehicle with power and agility. The 2015 Dodge Charger is one of the brands most popular vehicles, and the R/T Scat Pack model is not only more powerful, but also eye-catchingly exciting. With so much power behind the wheels and an overwhelmingly fluid driving experience, it’s no wonder that this beautiful vehicle is the sport car of choice for many drivers across the country. READ MORE: Does My Jeep Renegade Have Keyless Entry? Options like leather heated seats are hardly missed in a vehicle that offers such a fantastic drive and stylish looks. In several bright colors, the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack model is unique-looking, but keeps the stylistic taste of other Dodge models with the rear lights and body shape. With a starting price of only a little over $40,000, this vehicle challenges many more expensive vehicles in performance. Customizations are numerous in the Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack that offers a sunroof, leather upholstery, and ventilated seats to the choosy buyer. Staying at the base trim however, this beautiful charger really does bring out the excitement in getting out on the road. READ MORE: One Couple Owns Over 75 Dodge Vipers! Are you interested in seeing one of these amazing  powerhouses in person? Give our friendly staff a call. We would be happy to set up a time for you to test drive and witness the awesome power and exciting capability of the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack model.

We have all been watching the newest Jeep models roll off of dealership lots almost as fast as they arrive. Many Jeep fans are completely in love with the sporty and efficient 2015 Jeep Renegade. For the first time in what seems like forever, Jeep is making a luxury SUV to challenge Range Rover. Read on to find out more: more The potential is there, and the Jeep designers are preparing to send out a new SUV with luxury to match the Range Rover rival that has always stood above the Jeep brand in that category. Combining the versatility of off-roading capability and the comfort of luxury means a new Jeep that sounds pretty fantastic. READ MORE: Girls Dance in a Dodge Challenger The new Jeep Grand Wagoneer would come fitted with the latest technology and a more expensive price tag. Assumed to be released in 2018, the new Jeep SUV is made with the challenge of meeting the luxury levels we see in the Range Rover, but without taking away from the classic and great reputation of the Jeep name. For over 50 years, the Jeep vehicles we know and love have been driving on roads across the world. With their amazing ability to be both stylish and rugged, these versatile cars have gotten people where they need to go and continue to do so every day. With a focus on sporty utility, the step into the truly luxurious would be an exciting adventure for Jeep fans everywhere! READ MORE: One Couple Own 77 Dodge Vipers Interested in seeing what Jeep has been up to lately? Come in today to take a look at the 2015 Jeep Renegade. We also have 2015 Jeep Wranglers which we all know and recognize as the world's most popular Jeep model. Schedule your appointment online today! Our friendly and professional staff of automotive experts are always here and happy to help you with any questions regarding our inventory or financing for a new vehicle!

Looking for a summer activity that is both fun for everyone and teaches valuable skills? Take your kids out and let them help you to wash the car! There are different aspects to consider depending on the age and skill level of your kids, but the skills they pick up from washing the car with you can be helpful later in life. Read on to find out more about this family fun summer activity in Racine WI. more Whether you have kids in preschool-3rd grade, or 4th-grade and up, washing the car can be a great way to cool down on a summer afternoon, while accomplishing something and learning new skills. For the younger ones, washing the car is mostly about bubbles and water. Having a good time taking car of washing the car for little kids won’t be filled with technical information, but letting them feel like they are helping to accomplish something is a great confidence builder. (Not to mention a great way to use up all that childhood energy!) READ MORE: Does My Car Really Need Premium Fuel? Using the fun sponges and car washing gloves available today will make the activity more fun for the kiddos, and everyone can get soaking wet. Let your kids spray off the car and wash things they can reach. It’s really about fun at this time. Once your kids hit that 4th grade age, things can be more technical and specific. You can start working on teaching them the methods of washing the car to get the best results. Help them to understand why it’s beneficial to park the car in the shade and to wash from the top down. It can be a great way to facilitate the use of logic and problem solving. READ MORE: How Often Do I Need to Wax My Car? If you have the car washing down pretty well, older kids might be up for learning how to wax a car. Give it a shot! On a nice summer day, there is nothing better than building skills and your relationship together as a family.

Does the Jeep Renegade come with keyless entry? Keyless entry is the use of anything other than a key to unlock the doors of your vehicle. Most cars today come with keyless entry through the use of a remote on the keys of the car. However, there are lots of different forms of keyless entry in today's fast changing world of vehicle technology. Does the Jeep Renegade come with keyless entry? We'll tell you that and more! more The new Jeep Renegade is a beautiful crossover SUV that carries the tradition of rugged appearance and design from the rest of Jeep's history, and adds some modern flavor. Modern flavor, of course, adds cool technology for both the driver and passengers to enjoy. From a first-row LCD screen, to Bluetooth technology, the 2015 Jeep Renegade comes fully packed with entertainment and convenience features for everyone. Comfortable seats and high quality audio packages make every trip more enjoyable. A spacious rear and foldable seats makes it easy to take advantage of the maximum cargo space in the Renegade. READ MORE: How to Measure My Renegade's Horsepower Keyless entry is standard on vehicles today through the use of a remote on the key chain. It is included as a convenience feature for almost every vehicle on the road because of the lower risk factors that come with newer methods for remote entry. Some of these less safe methods include IPhone apps like the one recently created for Volkswagen. Through the use of the mobile phone, a Volkswagen owner can easily lock and unlock their vehicle from a long distance. While there are many new technologies in the world of automotives, including new ways to get into your vehicle and new ways to enjoy the drive. It might not stay the same for long, but the improvements that are made each day are impressive and exciting. READ MORE: Jeep Insurance is Cheaper than Other Cars Interested in taking the 2015 Jeep Renegade for a test drive? Our friendly professionals would love to show you the awesome features and great driving experience that the new Jeep Renegade provides. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!

Affordable Sporty Vehicles in Racine WI When it comes to predators on the road, we all like to think we are one of them. We all look at those sports cars as they drive by and wish we were in them. Well, the team of designers at Dodge have finally given us what we wanted. We have an inventory full of affordable sporty vehicles in Racine WI and we are ready to help you drive home in one today. more Owning the road doesn't have to cost a fortune. But doing it in a minivan is pretty impossible. Between the latest models of Dodge vehicles available, there is sure to be one that offers the speed and style you need and want in a true road predator. The 2015 Dodge Dart in Racine WI is the perfect example of a small and affordable vehicle with the sporty appearance that catches the eye. The 2015 Dodge Charge r is a powerful vehicle with the style and attention-grabbing design that makes it a popular choice for those looking to drive something sporty without passing on affordability and seating for up to five. The 2015 Dodge Challenger is an aggressive vehicle with powerful options that can take it to the next level in everyday sportscar driving. If you are interested in test driving any of the fantastic-looking vehicles we have in our diverse inventory, be sure to schedule your appointment online or over the phone. Our team of automotive experts are happy to answer any questions you have and guide you through the process of trading in your old vehicle for something more sporty and powerful. Don't limit yourself to a vehicle that cannot offer the excitement you deserve. Test drive one of these predators today. We look forward to hearing from you.

is premium gasoline better than the cheaper gasoline? Going to the gas station can be puzzling for those that don't know which gas is best for their vehicle. There are several different options for fuel and each one comes with a different price. You may wonder to yourself, " is premium gasoline better than the cheaper gasoline? " We are here today to answer that question and tell you why! more Premium fuel comes at a premium cost. But what is the point? Why pay more for gasoline? How do you know if your car needs premium gasoline? It all begins in your owner's manual. Open it up and look to see what fuel it suggests. An engine that has a higher compression rate needs higher octane fuel to keep it from knocking. You will notice a knocking engine as it is often very audible. This is not a good sound to hear, and can be avoided by using premium gasoline. However, if your vehicle only suggests premium, you are most likely safe to purchase the cheaper lower octane fuel without risking a knocking engine. There are a couple myths involved with the purchase of vehicle fuel. The first is that the premium fuel keeps the engine cleaner. This is not true as all fuel companies are required to put engine cleaning fluid in with their gasoline to prevent build up. The second myth is that premium gasoline performs better than lower octane fuel. While there may be a very slight difference in performance, it is not enough to justify the more expensive price. Simply put, the premium fuel works the same as cheaper fuel in vehicles that don't need it. But a vehicle that does require premium fuel will suffer problems if the lower octane fuel is used instead. How is your engine running? Have you had a spring vehicle inspection ye t? Now is the time! During the month of May we are offering great deals on things like oil changes and new tires. Interested in looking at a newer vehicle for the summer months? Check out our large inventory of new and previously owned vehicles at very affordable prices. As always, our team of automotive experts are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to hearing from you soon!