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The all-new Jeep Renegade is the newest and very impressive member of the Jeep family that is coming out this year. Hoping to reach new markets with its fuel efficient engine and rugged-looking exterior combination that is a first in its class. The Renegade is reaching for social media in an attempt to find out what it means to show your “Renegade Spirit.” The best picture of people exhibiting #RenegadeSpirit win a new 2015 Jeep Renegade. more Entering the contest is easy, but requires a little social media knowledge. Potential winners are able to enter the contest by taking a photo of themselves doing something that shows what they think is the #RenegadeSpirit and tweet it. All of the pictures that are competing with appear on Twitter for others to view. When the pictures are submitted, they have a chance of being shown on the new Jeep Renegade commercials that will be showing over the next few months, and of course to be the one that wins the car! On top of a chance to win the Renegade, three participants will be flown to Los Angeles to attend the iHeartRadio Music Awards where the first Renegade award will be handed out. The all-new Jeep Renegade is being made in Italy, right along side the new Fiat 500X. The Jeep hopes to maintain its rugged appearance and personality from the rest of the family, but to increase efficiency and modern styling in its change in engine and body design. There is no arguing that the Renegade is a true Jeep, but we are all very excited to see what sets it apart from the rest. If you are interested in being one of the first to test drive or own a 2015 Jeep Renegade, contact us at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, and we’d love to set that up for you.

You just finished filing your taxes and sent them off with the joy in your heart of looking forward to your tax refund. Getting that check in the mail is important to you. It’s your money. So you are now wondering to yourself of all the things you could potentially buy with this? We’ll tell you why buying a car with your tax refund might be a bad idea. more There is one thing that we all can agree on. Buying new things, especially a new car, can be really exciting. Sitting in that fresh car smell and driving it out of the lot might be a daydream for a lot of us, but spending our tax return money on a fancy new car is most likely not a great idea. Before you buy a car there is always a financing process. Unless you have the money to drop on a car without taking out any loans, buying a car requires a down payment and loan payments afterwards. The big difference between buying a car at any other time of the year, and buying one with this refund in your pocket, is that you might fool yourself into buying a more expensive car because you can afford the down payment. This is the big mistake. Sure, buying a car with your tax refund can be a great idea, but spending more than you can afford to make payments for is a definite no-no. Look at how much you make each month, and figure out how much you can spend on a car and pay off each month accordingly. You don’t want to end up in a situation where your tax refund is gone and you can’t make your loan payments. The best method of buying a car is pretending that you don’t have the extra cash from the refund and then purchasing a car just based off how much you make in a normal month. Then use the refund for a down payment once you’ve chosen a sensible vehicle. Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we want to get you into the perfect car for you. We are here to help you finance and choose the car that fits your budget and needs. Contact us if you have any questions, or schedule a test-drive here.

We aren’t quite out of the woods yet, as far as winter goes. It might seem that the days are getting longer and the temperatures are a little less vicious, but this means that there is potential for unexpected winter weather. We’ll tell you some of the key tips that make safe driving on black ice, possible. more Everyone knows that sweaty and horrible feeling of the moments that you feel your car slipping on ice. You feel like you have no control and your life is at the mercy of chance, as you slip and slide on the road. This is particularly common in the winter when things are melting and refreezing. Melting snow means puddles, and puddles that get really cold become ice patches. So, what can you do? #1: Keep an eye out for the ice! Being extremely aware of the road is important in the winter, especially. Not only is there the chance that another vehicle isn’t driving safely, but you also need to keep an eye out for ice patches. To safely navigate the roads in the winter, it is key that you keep an eye out for black ice. This stuff is sneaky! It’s usually hard to see from the driver’s seat because it is often the same color as the road. Keep an eye out for roads that look shinier than they should be, and remember not to slam on your brakes. #2: Keep your car in good condition. This means getting those pesky oil changes and making sure your wiper blades actually work. A car that isn’t running right can cause more danger to both the driver and those driving around you in the winter. Need to get that done? Make an appointment here, and we’ll get you set up. #3: Keep an emergency kit in the car This is precautionary, but if you do end up in trouble, you’ll be happy you had the brains to plan ahead. Keep some sand or kitty litter in the car to help your tires get traction if you get stuck. A shovel, snow brush, and ice scraper will help you get out of snowy problems. An extra jacket or blanket is also a good idea because it’s really cold (especially if your car isn’t running). Want us to take a look and make sure you car is ready to take on the 2nd half of winter? Call or make an appointment. We’d love to help! If you are interested in looking at some vehicles that are great in the winter, check out our inventory!

We all love cars, at least the idea of cars. They get us places more quickly than biking or walking, and they look really awesome. But some of us, both children and adults, have bodies that don’t like cars as much as our minds do. Obviously it has nothing, we hope, to do with the car itself. You most likely are suffering from motion sickness. We’ll give you a few tips to help you deal with motion sickness in the car. more The holidays just passed and warmer weather will be on its way soon. That means long road trips and vacations. For some people, this is an absolute nightmare. No one likes to feel nauseated and dizzy in the car. So what can you do about it? #1: Try to Avoid Getting Car Sick There are a few preemptive things you can do to keep yourself from getting car sick. Dramamine is the drug that is in most over-the-counter medicines. Another method to avoid getting sick in the car is to eat some ginger. Ginger can be eaten as a cookie or a drink (ginger ale). You can also try to be closer to the front of the car, but if you have a past of car sickness, it’s good to keep a plastic bag handy just in case! #2: Don’t let yourself see the motion. Sometimes even just cupping your hands over your eyes can make a huge difference. Prevent yourself from seeing the motion of what it outside passing by. Even a little view of this can trigger nausea. Note: It’s better to do this BEFORE the nausea starts. #3: Breathe!! Get some fresh air. If you get car sick often, remember to take breaks in driving for a few minutes every hour or so. Fresh air is great for sickness. #4: Try to Keep It Clean If the worst happens and you actually throw up, try to make it into a container of some sort. This is best in a plastic bag, but use whatever you can. Vomiting out the window or on the floor is a huge mess and your driver will not thank you. With these tips, we hope you are able to enjoy riding around in your car even more than you already do! Of course, car sickness with kids is a whole different problem we can write tips for that another day.

2015 Jeep Renegade price and specs Jeep aimed to create something new and exciting without leaving behind the tradition and legacy that Jeep has built in its fan base for decades. The truly amazing part about this, according to those who have taken a drive in the new Renegade model, is that Jeep has not only kept their traditional appeal, but have improved upon it to meet the standards that the world sets for fuel economy and versatility these days. Read here to find out the 2015 Jeep Renegade price and specs. more Looking at the Renegade, it is clearly a step in a new direction for the Jeep family. The newest addition however, seems to fit in quite nicely in the lineup. We can’t stop looking at the Renegade and it has us all looking forward to its release. The base trim MSRP for the 2015 Renegade Sport is set at $19,995, while the Limited is starting at $26,795. The range of 4 different trims, the Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited, each include a step up in ruggedness and power. Both the Sport and Limited trims feature a standard 1.4 Liter I4 MultiAir Turbo engine, while the Trailhawk and Limited trims run on the 2.4 Liter I4 MultiAir engine. The Sport and Latitude feature a standard 6-speed manual transmission and the optional (standard on the Trailhawk and Limited) 9-speed automatic transmission. Being compared to the much more expensive Land Rover Evoque, the Renegade is said to get over 30 mpg on the highway. Driving the Renegade delivers a limber and comfortable experience with the same quality we have come to expect from the Jeep. With an attempt to keep the hardtop and meet halfway, the optional My Sky has two removable sunroof panels that would allow the driver and passengers to enjoy the closest thing to the Jeep Wrangler’s open air option. As for the interior, the splash of color and functional, yet graceful style of the center console makes for a unique driving experience. Clearly Jeep has made a great new model to add to the lineup. Are you interested in taking a test drive or being one of the first to own the all-new Jeep Renegade? Contact us here or set up an appointment. Our friendly and professional staff in Racine WI is here to help!

Are you tired of driving around the same piece of gas-guzzling junk that you’ve been driving for years now? If you are wondering how to save for a new car? These are a few ways you can start preparing your budget for the purchase of a newer vehicle. more We all know that saving money means spending less than we are earning. But much like losing weight, it sounds simple and fast, but really can be a struggle when you try to put it into practice. 1: Think about your car payment If you are thinking about a car loan, then you have to consider how much you can pay monthly. You’ll want to leave a little space for unexpected repairs or maintenance (oil changes or new tires). If you want to skip the loan and save up enough to cover the whole car, then your planned monthly payment would be zero. 2: Figure out how much you can put down If you’ll have a monthly car payment, you should take some time to calculate what you’ll need to put down. Many calculators are available online. This is a good way to figure out what kind of car you can afford. 3: When do you need (or want) the car? The sooner you need the car, the faster you’ll need to save up. More time will make things less stressful. However, if you need the car next week, you might just have to consider a cheaper option to make ends meet. 4: Save up! Having the savings taken directly out of your paycheck and into your savings account is a great way to avoid skipping on your goal each month. If you don’t have direct deposit, have somewhere where you are keeping the money saved up to avoid spending the money you meant to put towards the car. The most important thing is to do this first before spending anything. Otherwise you’ll probably blow it. 5: Don’t make life horrible You have to make the saving process better than a punishment. If you let it create negativity and frustration, you are much less likely to succeed. It’s like a diet. For your safety and the safety of others, try and keep yourself out of trouble and try to be realistic with the goals you set for yourself. If you are in the market for a car, check out our inventory of new and used vehicles at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Racine.

There’s no denying the popularity and importance of making vehicles that are environmentally friendly. This is a much easier feat when talking about making compact cars, but to make an SUV that fits the bill is a completely different animal. Jeep has impressed us for decades, but read here to find out why the environmentally friendly 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee was voted Green SUV of the Year. more The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel was named the Green SUV of 2015 by Green Car Journal. The Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever and the 2015 Ecodiesel is an excellent addition to the Jeep family. With an impressive fuel economy, comfort and performance, it's no surprise that someone took notice! Delivering 30 mpg on the highway, this full-size SUV is getting the same, if not better, gas milage than most of the compact SUVs available today. Producing a class-leading 240 horsepower and an exciting 240 lb per ft of torque, the EcoDiesel V-6 engine delivers both power and low CO2 emissions. Matched with an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission, the 3.0 Liter EcoDiesel engine is able to achieve excellent acceleration rates and smooth shifting. With ride quality equal to most luxury vehicles, the ability to handle a tough environment and heavy towing (up to 7,400 lbs!) is icing on the already fantastic looking cake. Keeping with the traditional look of the Jeep Grand Cherokee that we have grown to love, this 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee with and EcoDiesel engine is sure to become a new favorite. Jeep has over 70 years of history that continues on into the future as newer and more incredible cars are added to the legacy each year. If you are interested in test-driving or coming in to see a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, contact the friendly, professional staff here at Palmen Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram of Racine. We look forward to showing you what this awesome vehicle can do!

Fake Engine Noise For the last several decades, a loud roar was the sign that a car was powerful, fast, and impressive. Many people have even added mufflers to cheaper cars attempting to mimic the loud engine of a more expensive car. Technology has progressed to the point where we are able to make powerful, efficient engines that are very quiet. But because of the history of the classic roar, carmakers are adding the sound in artificially. So what’s up with this fake engine noise? more What should be an impressive accomplishment has car makers worried that drivers would be disappointed. Engines today are working so efficiently and are so awesome, that they can deliver the same amount of power as older engines without producing the noises that we have become so accustomed to hearing. So, why does it seem that powerful engines still make quite a bit of sound? Because car companies are afraid that buyers will avoid a quiet engine, mistaking it’s quietness for a lack of power. Many trucks, SUVs and other muscle cars are built with new technology in their engines that make them run more quietly along with their other benefits of better fuel economy. However, car companies have taken the measures to avoid the stigma of having less power by adding artificial sound. By adding sound, the driver may feel that the engine is stronger. There are situations where fake engine noise serves an important purpose. Electric cars, for example, can run so quietly that a pedestrian might not have a chance to get out the way. This can be especially important for blind pedestrians that are looking for vehicle’s auditory clues. However, most of the time, it seems that cars are using the fake engine noise to bring up memories of the powerful engines of the past that have created such impressive legacies in the minds of their drivers. While the sound does not affect the safety or power of the cars being built, it might be time for a change. Should car companies stop adding the extra noise, or does the harmless noise give enough of a benefit emotionally that it’s worth keeping around?

2015 Wrangler and Charger won for Best Resale Value Taking the gold with the Best Resale Value awards from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. With their worldwide recognition and popularity, both cars are setting records and continuing to carry the prestige passed down from past generations of Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Read here to find out why the 2015 Wrangler and Charger won for Best Resale Value. more Many cars compete to tops the charts in fuel economy and work to maintain their value over time. In the last 4 years, no car has been able to maintain value the way the Jeep Wrangler has in its class. The Dodge Charger also received a best resale value award in the full-size car category. The awards are given to cars based on projections from Kelley Blue Book and decided by a team of skilled automotive analysts. The car with the best resale value, compared to its original value, after five years is given the award. The top ten finalists this year were by a majority in the truck category. Not only was this good news for the Jeep, who took first place in its class, but for the drivers of trucks being produced today. It appears that the combination of new automotive technology and design are creating high quality vehicles, which is good thing for both drivers and sellers of cars everywhere. The 2015 Jeep Wrangler includes features like a standard eight-speaker audio system with the option of upgrading to a Premium Alpine Audio Package. It’s impressive 4-wheel drive delivers once again with the addition that it is one of the few mid-size SUVs that offer a six-speed manual transmission. The 2015 Dodge Charger makes its debut with improvements to its styling and technology. Built with the now standard eight-speed automatic transmission, and a range of options for a fuel-efficient, powerful engine, the Dodge Charger is the fastest and most powerful sedan out there. If you are curious about these vehicles or want to take one for a test drive, contact our professional, experienced staff at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Racine, WI.

Even though there are plenty of people who, throughout the course of their driving career, will end up changing makes once, twice, or even multiple times, some brands -- even some particular models -- just have that appeal that keeps people coming back for more. You probably know people who are on their second or third of the vehicle they've been driving for years -- it's not all that uncommon. Recently a research firm called IHS did a 12-month study where they looked at which brands and models had the most customer loyalty, and wouldn't you know it -- four of our models here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine made the cut! Two were Jeeps, and there was a Chrysler and a Dodge. Which models were they, and what's with all the Jeep owner loyalty? Find out more here. more First of all, here are the four models: Chrysler Town & Country -- In the Non-Luxury Mid-Size Van segment, the Town & Country takes the top prize for owner loyalty. We can't say we're terribly surprised based on our own experience with T&C owners, but we might take issue with that non-luxury categorization -- how many minivans do you know of with standard leather-trimmed seats? Dodge Challenger -- For the Non-Luxury Sport Mid-Size Car, of course the Challenger was a shoo-in. With its incredible performance, iconic styling, and reputation for quality and endurance, it's not wonder Challenger drivers tend to be lifers. Jeep Grand Cherokee -- The Non-Luxry Mid-Size SUV segment was all wrapped up by the one and only Jeep Grand Cherokee. Why is it the most awarded SUV ever? A lot of reasons, but for drivers who keep coming back for more, it comes down to reliability and comfort. Jeep Wrangler -- It's no secret that Wrangler drivers are a distinctive bunch -- they even have their own wave -- so it's pretty clear that the model would find its way to the top spot of the Non-Luxury Compact SUV segment. One of the main reasons for such Jeep loyalty, in our experience, is that Jeeps are among the most affordable to own, drive, insure, and maintain over time. For people who have been bitten by the Jeep bug, it's hard to go back to anything else. Want to test drive one of our models here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine? Give us a call and we'll get it set up.

Miranda Lambert Roots and Wings If you're a fan of Miranda Lambert, Ram trucks, or -- best of all -- both, you're sure to enjoy this new video by the country superstar (we'll show it below), the song for which was actually specially written for this new campaign with Ram. We'll start by telling you a bit about the relationship between Lambert and Ram, what you can expect for the future of the campaign between the singer and our favorite line of trucks, and then of course we'll watch the video for Miranda Lambert Roots and Wings. It's all below: more So, why the pairing of country singer Miranda Lambert and Ram trucks? According to Robert Hegbloom, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Ram Brand, FCA here in North America, "Miranda Lambert is a perfect partner for Ram She's been around trucks her entire life, from being born on a farm to owning a ranch now, and she lives her life by her own rules just like so many of our Ram truck owners." He then sites some common values such as "hard working, determined, goal-oriented, and tough." We couldn't agree more. How about from Ms. Lambert herself? According to the singer, "I am very inspired by what the Ram brand stands for -- being who you are, working hard, staying true to your roots." Well-said! And so it came about that Lambert wrote the song you'll see at the bottom of the post, called Roots and Wings. It's about remembering and being grateful for where you came from. What else can you expect between Miranda Lambert and Ram trucks in the coming weeks and months? There will be television, print, digital, social media, and long-form video, so there's plenty to look forward to if you like this pairing. Now, without further ado, take a look at the new video from Miranda Lambert and Ram trucks, "Roots and Wings":

Ram Rebel Release Date If you've been wondering when Ram 's going to come out with an answer to the other special off-road trims that are out there in the pickup world, the answer is: very soon! The 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel was just announced at the North American International Auto Show, and it looks like it'll be a standout offering in the off-road optimized full size pickup segment. So when is the Ram Rebel release date? We'll tell you what we know about the upcoming arrival. more Rugged capability: One thing you'll notice right away about the Rebel is that it's got an unmistakably capable and commanding presence -- from the standard 33-inch tires fitted to the 17-inch silver and black cast aluminum wheels to the all-new grill with a huge silver RAM badge leaving no room for mistaken identity. It looks formidable, strong, and ready... and it is all of those things: Performance: Only available as a crew cab with a 5-ft. 7-inch bed length (of course other 1500 models have a wide variety of other configurations if that would better suit your needs), the Rebel gives you two great engine options: a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or the 5.7-liter HEMI. You'll also have a chance to choose between 4x2 and 4x4 configurations depending on your specific needs. Features: What does the Rebel offer to make it stand out in terms of features? Well, there's a 1.0-inch factory suspension lift to give extra ground clearance for off-road rides, a Torqueflite 8-speed automatic transmission, exclusive link coil rear suspension, deep all-weather floor mats, and special badging and embroidery throughout the cabin displaying the Rebel nameplate. So when is the Ram Rebel release date? You can expect to see this model sometime over the summer, so it's not too far away at all! Want to be among the first to test drive and own the 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel? Just give us a call or drop us a line.