Attention Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Owners: Springtime is Check-up Time
With lots of great warm weather and summer road trips ahead, you want to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you and your family head off for some summer fun.
With lots of great warm weather and summer road trips ahead, you want to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you and your family head off for some summer fun. So now is the time for some preventive maintenance that can save you money and frustration down the road.
Under the hood
- Change the engine oil and filter if needed and make certain to use an authentic Mopar filter when you do (see owners manual for recommended interval).
- Have your local service perform a complete engine tune-up if necessary (check vehicle owner’s manual for frequency).
- Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks and drive belts for cracks.
- Have your antifreeze tested. It prevents your coolant from boiling in the summer.
- Check your air filter. Dirt and other winter road debris can clog your air filter, and that can affect engine performance and fuel economy. Also, check your owner’s manual for recommended service intervals for fuel and transmission filters.
- How are your shocks and struts? A winter season of banging over potholes and ruts can have an adverse affect on ride quality and vehicle stability. Your dealer can quickly determine if your shocks and struts need replacement.
- How’s your battery? Many vehicle owners assume that battery problems disappear with the spring warmth. But in fact, high summer temperatures can actually be as hard on a battery as cold weather. Your service shop can quickly check the health of your battery and recommend a new Mopar battery if needed. As a rule of thumb, consider replacing your battery after four years.
Check your tires
- Check your tire pressure. Temperature changes can affect it. Having the proper tire pressure will maximize your gas mileage and save wear & tear on your tires! Tires that are underinflated by just a pound or two can actually cut your fuel economy.
- Check the condition of your tires. Did they sustain any damage? Is there anything visibly wrong like cuts or bulges in the side walls? If so, have them checked.
It’s Inspection Time
In addition to the items listed above, spring is also a good time to have your service shop perform a complete vehicle inspection. A trained technician can spot maintenance and service requirements that you might not even think about. Brakes, exhaust systems, lights, and more can go neglected over the winter months, and can now present safety or convenience problems.
Have your local service shop use authentic Mopar parts for service and maintenance—the parts your vehicle was originally equipped with. Mopar parts have been designed and developed specifically for your Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle so they offer optimal performance and reliability.
A thorough vehicle inspection doesn’t take long and it will assure that your Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle is ready for the summer driving season and vacation time. For more information check the following Web sites:
www.mopar.com
www.chrysler.com
www.jeep.com
www.dodge.com
www.carcarecouncil.org
