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It's the season of many things: being with family, exchanging gifts, drinking hot chocolate, snow falling from the sky... and it's also the season of giving. During this time of year many people start to think about how they can use their own blessings to help others, and in the case of our own Sales & Leasing Consultant Vince Gedgaudas, a chance to turn talent into meaningful action that will benefit families in our area. One of Vince's original charcoal drawings will be raffled off for a cause -- read on for details! more What: One original charcoal drawing by Vince Gedgaudas (pictured above) What for: 100% of raffle proceeds will benefit the Women and Children's Horizons, a Kenosha-based shelter for women and children that offers many programs and services that benefit area families and help keep people safe. How much: Each raffle ticket, worth one chance to win, is just $5 How to enter: If you'd like to purchase a ticket, see the Facebook event for more details here. Vince will be selling tickets at the Mudhaus art studio in Kenosha, and you can get in touch via Facebook to arrange a time to pick up your tickets. Our Contribution: Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine will be matching every donation -- dollar for dollar -- up to $1,000 toward the Horizons organization. Deadline: The winner will be drawn on Tuesday, December 23rd. You need not be present to win -- Vince will announce the winner promptly after the drawing. Vince and the rest of here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine would love to see a big turnout for this raffle! Please share the Facebook event with friends and family -- It would be great to help Vince put together a nice big donation to Horizons just in time for Christmas. We wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.

2015 Chrysler 300 Release Date We've been patiently waiting for details about the 2015 Chrysler 300 release date, and the newly refreshed model was finally revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month. Today we'll tell you what we know about the new 300 and highlight some of the improvements you can expect to see in Chrysler's flagship vehicle. more New look: One of the first things fans of the Chrysler 300 will notice is a new grille. Already the 300's face was large and in charge, but it's even more so now with this new "face of Chrysler" grille, bigger and bolder than ever before. There are other changes to the sedan's look as well, including new wheel designs and LED lighting. New Interior: The 300's new interior has a premium look and feel that drivers and passengers will definitely appreciate. A 7-inch full-color driver information display is now standard, and the electronic rotary transmission shifter is a class-exclusive feature. There's a new steering wheel as well -- it's got three spokes and larger controls. Class-exclusive Torqueflite 8-speed transmission: Now standard in all Chrysler 300 models is the Torqueflite 8-speed transmission you won't find anywhere else in the segment. This feature is part of what helps the 300 earn class-leading status in V-6 fuel economy, best-in-class V-6 and V-8 driving range, and up to 6% fuel economy improvement with the available 363-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Get it at Palmen: When can you get your hands on the wheel of the new 2015 Chrysler 200 here in Racine WI? Get in touch with us to let us know you're interested and we'll be happy to put you atop the list of contacts once we've got it in stock for you to come in and check out in person. Our friendly and professional staff will gladly help you schedule a test drive and answer any questions you may have about the refreshed Chrysler 300.

How do I get the most trade in value for my car? If you've decided that it's time to trade in your vehicle for a new or used model that's more in line with what you'd like to be driving, there can be a lot of questions about how to make sure you're getting a good deal. Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we do our best to offer a fast, fair appraisal process that gets you behind the wheel of your new vehicle, but there are definitely some steps you can take ahead of time to make sure you're getting maximum value. If you're wondering, " How do I get the most trade in value for my car?," these quick tips from our dealership should be helpful! more 1. The first thing you'll want to do is collect your records. We hope you've been keeping  detailed record of all service center maintenance and repairs, complete with receipts for work done, or your own bookkeeping records if you do most of your own work. This shows any potential buyer, including a dealership, that your vehicle has been well-maintained. 2. Next, you'll want to do some digging to get a clear idea of what your vehicle is probably worth. You'll want to look not only at the big name sits like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book, but also take a look in your local area to see what private sellers and dealerships are selling a vehicle like yours for. An understanding of your car's likely value in the current market will keep you from having unrealistically high (or low) expectations of what you'll be able to get for it. 3. Clean it up! Alright, a crumb-free interior and shiny paint might not be a huge boost to the value of your trade, but when it comes to looking like a nice, attractive-t0-buyers used model, every bit helps in making your car look as appealing and well taken care of as possible. 4. Finally, if your vehicle is still under warranty or if there are relatively inexpensive repairs to be made, get that done before having it appraised. Now you're ready to trade! Come check out our huge selection of new and used models here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine!

Tips and Advice for new car owners Whether it's your first time owning a new car or it's just been a while, there are some things to keep in mind just after buying a new car that could help you a lot down the road, particularly if you think you'd like to sell or trade it in at some point. You want to help your vehicle retain as much value as possible, though it's important to be realistic about auto depreciation. Your new car will never again be worth as much as it is in the moment before you drive off the lot, but there's a lot you can do to help it hold on to as much value as possible. Here are our top tips and advice for new car owners: more 1. Read your owner's manual. Yes, read the entire thing. If that sounds crazy, we counter with this: Maybe it's crazy to own such a complex and valuable thing and not know how it works and how it's meant to be taken care of. In the manual, you'll find out valuable nuggets like how often your specific vehicle needs an oil change (hint: it's not always 3,000 miles), how various features work, and of course the ever-lingering question of how to change your clock for daylight savings time. It's all there -- read it! 2. Speaking of scheduled maintenance, you need to be keeping a detailed record of your service appointments. That is, save and file all receipts from oil changes, tire rotation, check-ups, and repairs. If you can produce this at the time of a potential sale to show that you took care of your vehicle and maintained careful records, this is a huge boost for your credibility as a seller and proof that you didn't neglect your vehicle. 3. Drive nice! Whether you've got a lead foot or a case of recurring road rage, resolve to create new habits with the acquisition of this new vehicle. Nothing adds unnecessary wear and tear to all systems like aggressive driving. When it comes time to sell, these habits will show in the condition of the vehicle, and it'll cost you. Questions about how to take the best possible care of a new vehicle? Feel free to ask our sales or service representatives for more tips!

Is the 2015 Chrysler 200 a Good Car? When it's time to buy a new car, there are a lot of ads, articles, and retailers out there competing for your attention. The big decision for you, of course, rests on what you see as the best value for the money you're looking to spend. One way people make these key decisions is to take a look at the latest consumer research to come out of today's reputable sources. Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we're proud to tell you that according to Consumers Digest, one of today's leading publications for consumer data, three of the models we stock new here at our dealership are considered top-tier "Best Buys." We'll tell you about their criteria and which of our vehicles made the cut. If you've been wondering, " Is the 2015 Chrysler 200 a good car? " or "Will the new Jeep Cherokee be a good value for the money?" We aim to answer your questions right here! more First of all, what does Consumers Digest use for criteria in deciding which models to label a Best Buy? According to the publication's website, it comes down to eight areas: performance, ease of use, features, quality of construction, warranty, efficiency, styling, and maintenance and service requirements. If those sound like the same elements you use to measure the value of a new vehicle, that's no coincidence. So let's move on to the Best Buys here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine. 2015 Chrysler 200: Completely redesigned for the new model year, the 200 comes out of the gate strong with a Best Buy ranking thanks in part to its competitive fuel economy, unique nine-speed transmission, and incredible array of safety features. 2015 Chrysler Town & Country: A minivan that goes well beyond the basics, the 2015 Chrysler Town & Country offers best-in-class horsepower without sacrificing efficiency or generous space. 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee: There's a reason the Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever, and that tradition continues with this Best Buy classification for the new model year. Best in class high mpg and three available 4x4 systems are only the beginning. Ready to test drive one of these excellent, top-ranked models here in Racine? Give us a call and we'll make it happen!

When is the Milwaukee Holiday Parade 2014? Here in Racine, we get into the holiday spirit nice and early. That's why our own holiday parade for 2014 is already done and over with (don't worry -- there are still plenty of highly festive community events around the bend in case you missed it!) If you're looking for an even bigger parade to attend now that your appetite for festive holiday events has been thoroughly whetted, it may be worth your while to head on up to Milwaukee to participate in their festivities as well. So, when is the Milwaukee Holiday Parade 2014? Where is it? What else is there to know about it? We've got all the details for you right here! more We'll start with the date and time so you can clear your calendar: The Milwaukee Holiday Parade 2014 takes place on Saturday November 22, and it begins at 9:30am. That's the Saturday before Thanksgiving, so it won't interrupt your big shopping weekend one bit! Next up, of course, is the location: The parade is going to start on Kilbourn Avenue & Astor Street, moving west to Old World 3rd Street and there it'll turn left and make its way south to Wisconsin Avenue. The parade concludes in front of The Shops of Grand Avenue, which right on the corner of Old World 3rd Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The next item of business, of course, is where to park your car. Here's a comprehensive parking map for the city of Milwaukee -- otherwise come extra early, grab a spot at The Shops at Grand Avenue, and grab breakfast before parade! What to bring? Well, in addition to plenty of warm clothes for what'll undoubtedly be a chilly Wisconsin morning, everyone is encouraged to bring as much non-perishable food items as your little mittens can carry -- shopping carts manned by Johnson Controls volunteers will be on hand to collect all the goods, which will benefit Hunger Task Force's Food for Families. All your friends here at Palmen Racine wish you a safe, happy, and festive holiday season!

Ram Promaster City Price If you're an area business owner, you know that having the right work vehicle to get the job done is a crucial part of day to day operations. When the time to consider a new and updated model comes, it might be time to take a look at the all new Ram Promaster City which is scheduled to be released for the 2015 model year. With world class functionality and an impressive level of efficiency, you won't believe how affordable this brand new model is as well. Today we bring you the details from Ram on the new 2015 Ram Promaster City price, mpg rating, and additional details about this impressive cargo van. more Whether this is your first Ram cargo vehicle or you're already an owner of one of the current models, we think you'll be impressed by what's on offer in this new 2015 Ram Promaster City. Designed for businesses with a variety of industry-specific needs, the Promaster City can be customized in a number of ways and has been created with a diverse range of alterations in mind. As for the configuration options, you've got a variety of choices and we'll list them below along with the recently-announced MSRP. Each has a destination fee of $995 as well. Tradesman Cargo - $23,130 Tradesman SLT Cargo - $24,655 Wagon with rear and side windows - $24,130 Wagon SLT with rear and side windows - $25,655 Here's one of the most impressive things about the new 2015 Ram Promaster city van: the fuel efficiency is like nothing you've seen before for this class of vehicles. The EPA-rating for city driving is 21 mpg and for highway rides its an incredible 29 mpg, for a combined rating of 24 mpg. Think you might be interested in learning more about the affordable and efficient new 2015 Ram Promaster City here in Racine? Why not give us a call and let us know you want to be among the first to test drive and check this new van out, and we'll be sure to get in touch with you as soon as it's in!

Miranda Lambert Ram Truck Auction If you're a fan of country music, Ram trucks, or both, you  may have heard about the Miranda Lambert Ram Truck auction that's currently going down on eBay. Want all the details? Want to see the truck? We're here to help! We'll tell you all about this one of a kind pickup that's currently up for auction, where the money is going, and how you can bid on it yourself! more Country star Miranda Lambert has recently teamed up with Ram trucks to design a one-of a kind model that's being auctioned off on popular online action site eBay. Here's what you need to know: About the truck: This is a brand new 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 with under 500 miles on it. The 2014 Ram 1500 is a Motor Trend Truck of the Year winner and the Laramie Longhorn is one of the most impressive trim levels the model has to offer. This one's a unique Granite Crystal Metallic color and is customized to have Miranda Lambert's signature "Guns & Wings" logo embroidered on the console lid and emblazoned on the side of the cab as well as the rear lift gate. Under the hood, it boasts a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 which is paired to an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. It comes with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty as well as a 5-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Inside, you've got gorgeous premium leather seats in Canyon Brown. What's the auction for? Proceeds from the auction help support MuttNation, Lambert's charity that helps improve the lives of animals by building shelters, promoting pet adoption, funding spay/neuter programs, training shelter dogs, and much more. The auction winner will receive a personal note from Lambert thanking them for supporting the cause! How can you view and bid on the truck? Go here! And hurry -- Auction ends on 11/15/2014! Want to test drive a Ram 1500 here in Racine WI? Come see us at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine!

How to clean windshield wipers When it comes to proper car care and maintenance, sometimes it feels like there's just too much to remember and somehow we're going to end up messing something up that will cost us. Here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we sure hope that isn't the case but we do know it can be difficult to keep track of everything that needs to be done to keep your vehicle in good working order. That's why we try to offer advice on matters great and small to help our friends and customers to be the best vehicle owners they can be. Today we're going to get into something a little smaller that can have a big impact on your life on the road: how to clean windshield wipers. Chances are you're regularly washing your windshield, but how about those all-important wiper blades? They need attention, too, especially during the winter months! more All you really  need is a rag, or even a sturdy paper towel will do the trick. Get it a little bit wet -- just warm water is fine -- and wipe down the length of the entire blade. You'll probably see dirt and residue when you do this, so feel free to repeat the process one or two times. You should aim to do this as often as you wash your car. Another issue that may be in play if your wipers still don't seem to be doing the trick is that you might not be cleaning the windshield itself often enough without the use of the blades. That is, with a squeegee at a fuel station or at home. You should be doing this regularly to remove bugs and other tough spots that your blades might not be getting. This will prevent additional wear and tear on your wipers. If you think your blades might be in need of replacing, just ask us about that next time you come in for an oil change. We can certainly let you know if its time and help you with replacing them if so.

Ways to get better fuel economy Getting good fuel economy is important to all of us, and here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine we like giving our helpful tips and tricks for all things automotive. Today we've compiled a list of ways to get better fuel economy that are simple and easy to remember. They might involve adjusting your current habits a bit, but when there's cold hard cash to be saved, it's definitely worth a try! more Okay, we'll get the big one out of the way that will probably be he most difficult for people to change: Play nice! Aggressive drivers are harsher on fuel, and it's not hard to see why. Hitting the gas hard is doing just that -- using more fuel -- and for what? Often you're really just getting to the next red light a little faster. Slow down a little, take it easy, and your wallet will thank you along with the other drivers with whom you share a road. Use your cruise! Now, we don't recommend cruise control on snowy, icy roadways, and so if you're with us here in Wisconsin this might not be a year-round option for you. When you can do so safely, though, use cruise to regulate fuel use. Also, if you have a vehicle that lets you switch between 2- and 4-wheel drive, stay away from the 4x4 unless you really need it. Keep it light. When you need to haul a bunch of stuff, you need to haul a bunch of stuff. We get it. But whenever possible, keep your cargo load light to improve fuel economy. Had that box of stuff from the garage in your trunk for months? Get it out of there! Finally, stay on top of your tire pressure. This can be a huge factor in winter because we lose pressure faster and it's a lot more daunting to get out and check in the biting cold. Make sure you do it, though, because this can help you save big. Drive safely!

How to safely drive on ice Now that our Wisconsin winter is starting to definitively set in, it's time to start thinking about whether we're prepared for the snowy, icy road conditions that are just around the corner. It's important for our own safety as well as that of our passengers and other motorists that we know as much as possible about how to handle these types of roadways. Years of experience are a great teacher, but for those of us without that advantage we've prepared some tips for how to safely drive on ice this winter. more 1. Plan ahead. In this case, planning ahead comes in two forms: having a winter road-ready vehicle and knowing what we're getting into. Make sure your tires have excellent tread and adequate pressure, and see to it that your brakes, alignment, and safety systems are all in good working order. Stop in to our service department if you'd like to have anything checked over. The other thing is giving yourself plenty of time en route. It's hard to stay calm and relaxed when you're running late, and a steady demeanor is key for getting through an unpleasant driving situation. 2. Keep your eyes where you want to go. While you want to maintain as much awareness as possible of your entire surroundings, one piece of advice we offer is to focus on keeping your eyes trained on where you want to go rather than where you don't. So if you begin veering toward a snow bank or ditch, gently correct while keeping  your eyes on the road where you want to be. 3. Braking and steering. When it comes to braking, steady and gentle is the name of the game. Approach a stop gradually, especially if there are other vehicles ahead of you. Find yourself slipping? Remember that you're steering in the direction that you want your front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding right, you'll want to steer right. Also, remember to always keep your lights on in winter if you don't have automatic daytime running lights. Visibility is key!

Best Off Road Vehicles 2014 So, you want to start off-roading. The first thing you need, of course, is the right vehicle for the job. Now whether you're looking to get into the off-roading scene for work or adventure (or both, of course), we've got an ideal vehicle for you here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine. How do we know? A recent article by Popular Mechanics looked at the best off-road vehicles in 2014, and not one but two of our models here made the cut! more First off, what make a great off-road vehicle? One factor is ground clearance, which of course helps keep the underside of your vehicle from coming into hazardous contact with the dirt and rocks below. Then there are wheels and tires that can be optimized for maximum traction, a 4x4 drivetrain, and ideal power in the form of low-end torque. All of these and a number of other factors come in to play when determining a good off-road vehicles. So what were our top two off-roaders here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, according to the recent Popular Mechanics write-up? 1. Jeep Wrangler. To absolutely no one's surprise, the world-famous Jeep Wrangler made the list, and specifically the Rubicon was highlighted. Truly designed for the off-road experience and a consistent leader in the technologies that help make it safer and more fun to traverse all sorts of terrain, the Wrangler is your starting and ending point when you want high adventure behind the wheel. 2. Ram trucks. Now, if your off-roading needs are a little more about business than pleasure, chances are you're looking for a heavy duty work truck that can take you far off the beaten path, and then do some towing and  hauling on  your way back to civilization. That's a tall order, but it's met with our line of Ram trucks, from the basic work truck to our heavy duty models. Questions about what off-road ready vehicle is right for you and your specific needs? Come see us here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine!