A variety of engineering errors can cause a defect in a car. Cars aren’t perfect, and often owners are unaware of how to deal with a malfunction. Usually, the problem is concentrated on models that were produced during a certain time period at one specific plant. Therefore, not all drivers of a specific vehicle would be forced to pull off the road when a defect for that model is announced to the public.

When faced with a recall, aside from obvious signs of random malfunctions, you will be alerted to the defect in your car via standard mail or electronically if you have an online account with your dealer or an on-board communication system in your car. When the manufacturer or the government acknowledges that there is a defect, an Official Safety Recall Notice is sent to owners who are at risk. The notice provides details about the problem as well as instructions on the best way to handle it. In most cases, drivers are advised to bring the car to their Phoenix Chrysler dealer as soon as possible.

According to Scottsdale Chrysler, here is a list of current recalls:

Warning Light

A small number of customers reported intermittent airbag warning-light illumination. An investigation by Chrysler Group engineers led to the discovery of a seat side-airbag wiring harness terminal that did not meet specification. These are large cars, including the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger. All were assembled between April and December of 2011.

Fuel-Tank Transfer Tube

Engineers discovered that the tubes didn’t maintain the proper shape. That could restrict fuel flow, causing the vehicles to stall. Jeep Compass and Patriot models from 2011 and 2012 are being recalled to fix an issue with the fuel tank transfer tubes. One accident has been reported related to this issue.

Rear Brake Calipers

This recall effects 52 2013 Dodge Darts. The company says they were all built during the same 24 hour period in November. The vehicles have brake calipers that don’t meet specifications.

Engine Cover

Seven thousand 2013 heavy-duty Ram pickups (2500 and 3500 models) are being recalled to replace a cover for the diesel engine. Chrysler says that cover has less heat resistance than intended. However, the vast majority of these pickups are still on dealer lots. Only 550 have been sold to customers.

Tunnel Shield

This recall affects Dodge Nitros and Jeep Libertys from the 2007 and 2008 model years. Chrysler says a heat shield that can loosen and contact the drive-shaft causing wear and possible breakage over time. That can cause the vehicle to stall. Altogether, 78,500 vehicles are affected.

Parking Brake Cable

A routine internal audit of 2013 Ram 1500 pickups discovered a small number of vehicles whose parking brakes did not comply with mandated performance standards. Ninety three hundred 2013 Ram pickups are being recalled to inspect their parking brakes and, if necessary, reset them according to specification. This puts the vehicles at risk of rolling away, if they are parked on a steep hill.

In all of the recalls, owners will receive specific instructions in the mail. If any of these recalls affect you, visit Chapman Chrysler.

In the extreme heats of Arizona, it is important to know the effects that the heat can have on your vehicle, and how to deal with them. There are many Dodge dealers in Phoenix who are able to assist you in getting your vehicle summer-ready.

When it comes to tires, it is common to be concerned with avoiding road hazards like nails, glass and other debris that could cause punctures, but heat is a comparable enemy. In addition to the heat generated by rolling resistance and friction of your tires, summer pavement temperatures can exceed air temps by 10-15 degrees. The extreme heat increases stress on tread cracks, sidewall bubbles, bald spots or other structural deficiencies that could cause a blowout or disintegration. To avoid such occurrences, it is important to have your tires inspected during each oil change for proper inflation, tread depth and signs of wear or damage. This also applies to older tires with low miles because age could compromise structural integrity. Regular vehicle cleaning with the use of specific protectants can also help protect your tires because they often contain UV protection and help maintain the elasticity of the rubber.

Summer’s extreme heat can also kill your car battery. In fact, high temperatures actually accelerate your battery’s chemical operation and cause its internal fluids to evaporate, triggering it to burn out quicker. To avoid this from happening, keep your battery clean all year-round. The terminals should always be free of corrosion and can be maintained by applying a solvent of water and baking soda with some steel wool. Like other periodic maintenance items, have the battery checked on a regular basis.

Even today’s modern vehicles have traditional systems of belts and hoses to help move essential fluids like oil and coolant and turn fans to maintain proper engine operating temperature. Frequently, a basic visual inspection of these items may not reveal harmful damage occurring inside hoses and on the undersides of belts. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can cause cracks, leading to radiator failure and engine overheating. To avoid this, have your hoses and belts checked regularly clamps by a professional mechanic, or by visiting Chapman Dodge. Also, have your cooling system pressure tested for leaks, then flushed and filled regularly.

Modern vehicles often offer more vibrant colors, brighter finishes and improved protection. Unfortunately, some manufacturers have decreased production costs by using thinner paint coats that are more susceptible to external damage. Constant, direct sun exposure can damage your vehicle’s clear coat and cause paint, rubber and plastic trim to fade, crack or peel. Similarly, high temps inside your car result in a greenhouse effect causing your dash and upholstery to fade, dry out and crack. In the absence of a garage, many car detailing experts recommend covers to protect your car from oxidation, bird droppings, acid rain and other contaminants as well as sun damage.

The transmission is the functioning heart of your car, and can be under increased stress during summer’s high temperatures and its labyrinth of internal parts is subject to failure if overworked or not properly maintained. It is essential to keep on top of scheduled transmission maintenance, including fluid and filter changes at least every 20,000 miles. If your vocation or lifestyle requires carrying heavy loads, check your owner’s manual to ensure it is within the vehicles towing capacity. And for the everyday driver, keep unnecessary cargo out of your vehicle that can build up and add taxing weight.

For more information on how to make sure your car is ready for the summer, visit Scottsdale Dodge.

Anyone who is in the market for a Dodge Dart in Phoenix has noticed that the 2013 Dodge Dart GT is the top trim in the Dart lineup, delivering styling that is completely unique. Up front is Dodge’s familiar grille, with cross-shaped elements in either black or body color finish. The overall design manages to be both aggressive and curvaceous, due in part to the angular face and details like optional dual exhaust outlets, blacked-out trim and a distinct lack of chrome.

Stop by Chapman Dodge to see how the GT setup adds a sport suspension with frequency-sensing damping shocks. It is offered with a six-speed manual dual- clutch transmission and Chrysler’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder Tigershark engine produces 184 horsepower with 174 lb-ft of torque. According to Dodge, the dual-clutch transmission is certainly smooth with subtle shifting that feels like a standard automatic, even when coasting. Using the electronic range select results in nearly instant gear shifts.

Standard equipment for the 2013 Dart includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, aggressive front fascia with black accents, dual exhaust, LED taillights and a unique interior treatment with a heated steering wheel. Additionally, the Dart has projector fog lights and power heated mirrors. An 8.4-inch touchscreen display and a ParkView rear backup camera will keep you up to date with technology, while premium door trim panel with soft-touch upper surfaces, a leather steering wheel and accent stitching on the instrument panel will preserve your style. Also included are a power 10-way driver seat, including power lumbar support; driver and front passenger seatback pockets; overhead console with sunglass holder; front passenger in-seat storage, and temperature and compass gauges.

The 2013 Dodge Dart GT was built with 68% high-strength steel and includes ten standard airbags. Other safety features include child seat anchors, emergency braking assist, stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, and emergency interior trunk release. Furthermore, the 2013 Dodge Dart GT is the only car in its class to offer blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection.

All in all, the Dodge Dart GT is a quiet, sporty car with a good interior space and fine grip and composure. It has modern features and a balance of economy and acceleration that is sure to deliver an excellent driving experience.

Bringing your car in for service, whether for routine maintenance or a repair, can be an unpleasant experience.  Few drivers would choose to take the time to have their car serviced if they could avoid it, but a visit to the service center is inevitable for everyone who owns a vehicle.  In order to ensure that you get the most of each visit, here are five important questions to ask your service advisor the next time you visit your Scottsdale Dodge dealer.

1.  Is my vehicle due for scheduled maintenance?  Manufacturers intend for some components of your vehicle to deteriorate over time so that more expensive parts endure less stress.  Filters, brake pads, fluids, and other necessary components need to be inspected and serviced at pre-determined times or mileages – these inspections are known as “service intervals.”  The technician at the service center will likely know each interval and the service for which it calls for your car, and ensuring that these inspections are performed decreases the likelihood that your vehicle will suffer a future breakdown.

2.  What can I do to ensure that my vehicle is operating well between service visits?  The best kind of repair is the one which is never needed because a potential problem was identified and corrected before it caused further damage.  Ask the service technician to show you how to check your vehicle’s fluids, how to read and interpret gauges, and specific concerns that may affect your vehicle’s year, make, and model.  At times, identifying that your oil pressure is too high, to take one example, and coming in for service right away prevents damage which would otherwise result in costly repairs.

3.  Have any recalls been issued for my vehicle?  The experts at your local Dodge Service center likely perform a recall check each time a vehicle is serviced, but it can never hurt to ask.  Manufacturers frequently update recall databases and send notices to both service centers and owners.  Identifying the need for recall service while you are at the service center can eliminate the need for a return trip.

4.  Is this maintenance covered by my warranty?  Many new vehicles come with factory warranties, and dealers offer additional service packages at the time of purchase.  Before paying out-of-pocket for your service, be sure that the work being done is not covered by the warranty or a supplemental service plan that you purchased with the vehicle.  You may be surprised to learn that the service you need is included.

5.  What would you do if this were your car?  If you bring your car to the service center for major repairs, this question can be important.  If you are concerned about whether to repair a component, replace a component, or trade in your vehicle and purchase a new one, the technician’s opinion is often informative.  By making the service technician personally reflect on the situation, you may receive insights which can help make your decision easier.  At Chapman Dodge, every technician treats every vehicle as though it were their own, and they will provide honest and thoughtful advice for these and any other inquiries you may have.

Stop by Chapman Dodge to see the overhauled 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 complete with a new suspension, 8-speed transmission and V6 engine. Innovative technological features make the Ram 1500 one of the most refined pickups on the road while elevating what is possible in a full-size pickup. Topping the list is a new 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Ram  1500 will give the truck the best fuel economy and best tow rating of any V6 truck.

As for functionality, the Ram 1500 offers Regular, Quad and Crew Cab sizes. Regular cabs feature an 8-foot bed, while both the Quad and Crew Cab offer either a 5-ft 7-in or 6-ft 4-in bed, all of which can accommodate the Ram Box lockable side storage compartments and a removable bed cover. A spray-in bedliner is offered along with numerous tie-down and utility upgrades. Crew Cab models can now be equipped with a 6-ft 4-in bed.

Inside the pickup’s interior sets new standards in design and execution. Even the most basic models feature intricate door panels, comfortable and supportive seats and a sophisticated dash. On models equipped with the Torqueflite 8-speed transmission, a dash-mounted rotary gear selector replaces the console shifter to free up more space in the center console.

Visit a Phoenix Ram dealer to see all of the technological advances in the Ram 1500, including the available UConnect infotainment system and configurable LCD information screens. The UConnect system uses an 8.4-inch display screen, wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, streaming Bluetooth and voice recognition controls for the phone, texting, music, radio mode and navigation. The new system is also fully upgradeable, allowing Ram owners to keep current with the newest technology even as their vehicle grows old. If the owner desires, the design can even accommodate navigation added to the non-navigation UConnect 8.4 system at a later date. Multi-media input access for USB, SD card and auxiliary inputs are provided, as well as an available CD player in the center console. The Ram 1500 can also be equipped with a 7-inch multi-information screen that displays data in both text and graph form covering everything from digital speed readout to specific vehicle status information such as fuel economy, trailer towing information, outside temperature and trip data.

Other tech-minded features of note include available Alpine audio, adjustable air, Keyless Enter n’ Go, ParkView rear backup camera, ParkSense rear backup warning sensors, 911 assist, SmartBeam automatic high beam control, rain-sensing wipers and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.

Standard safety equipment includes front side thorax airbags and full-length side curtain airbags, as well as electronic traction and stability control, trailer sway control, hill-start assist and automatic reverse pinch protection on the windows and sunroof. Rain Brake Support uses the brake pads to occasionally brush water away from the rotors helping to keep them dry and better able to stop the vehicle.

For more information stop by Scottsdale Dodge.

Smaller really is better with the new Dodge Dart Aero, brought to you by Chapman Dodge. The 2013 model sports a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine instead of the regular 2.0-liter engine found in the base Dodge Dart model.

The best part? It gets up to 41 miles per gallon.

The Dart Aero is able to deliver such an improvement in fuel economy courtesy of a lower profile, underbody aero kit and low-rolling resistance tires and active grille shutters.

The grille shutters activate under certain conditions to redirect airflow around the front and down the sides of the vehicle, rather than through the engine compartment, lowering aerodynamic drag for improved efficiency.

Ring in your new year with a 2013 model that will satisfy the environment and your pocketbook – fluctuating gas prices won’t have anything on you, or your Dart Aero.

Better yet, the interior has as much to offer as the exterior. Your Dodge Dart Phoenix comes with auto headlamps, projector headlamps and LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and electronic stability control, TopSpeed said.

It also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a touchscreen media center.

Amongst your long list of resolutions, be sure to add an investment to your future: A Dodge Dart Aero, a vehicle that will impress your friends, family and fellow drivers.

Why?

It’s sleek and quick, like a dart.

Hit the bullseye today by visiting your Scottsdale Dodge to see the Dart Aero in action.

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition was built with the mountainous trails of Moab Utah in mind. It is perfect for off-road enthusiasts who are looking for a ride that can withstand the toughest trails. Here are some of its key features:

Pentastar^® V6 This engine is designed for off-roading. It has a revised throttle body, a rear-facing alternator, and a snake-like belt that avoids water and mud. The Mopar^® power-dome hood with custom black decals gives a glimpse of this powerful monster.

Sunrider^® Soft Top Forget the hardtop! This wrangler comes standard with a dust-resistant soft top that allows you to enjoy the sun while on the trail. The new Lift Assist feature makes it even easier to lower the top. Hardtops are also an option.

Dana 44 This standard rear axle makes off-roading possible. It’s Tru-Lok^® optional capability helps distribute power evenly between the rear wheels to give you the utmost traction.

Command-Trac^® 4WD This four-wheel drive system gives you complete control of your vehicle no matter where you drive it. It comes standard with a Trac-Lok^® limited slip rear differential for added traction in the absence of the Tru-Lok^® Locker. Find out more about these features at Chapman Dodge.

Mopar^® Rock Rails These satin black rails made of heavy gauge steel tubing protect the lower sides of your wrangler so you don’t have to worry when you venture out on the rockiest trails.

Kevlar^® Tires The Moab Edition is equipped with exclusive Goodyear Silent Armor tires and black Rubicon 17-inch wheels that are tough enough for off-roading.

Mopar^® Slush Mats Go ahead, get dirty! The deep grooves on these mats capture water, mud and snow so that it doesn’t ruin the carpet. They are removable and easy to clean.

Garmin^® Navigation Don’t get lost! The “bread crumb” feature keeps track of your destinations so you can see where you are and where you’ve been.  It can also display temperatures, fuel economy, distance to empty, tire pressures and has a digital compass.

Visit Scottsdale Dodge today to take a test drive.

Interior Accessories

Rear View Camera System: Replace your current rearview mirror with one that includes a 3.5” LCD monitor that gives you a clear view of what’s behind your car. Don’t have Bluetooth? No worries. A hands free Bluetooth phone is also integrated into the mirror.

Interior Lighting: Illuminate the inside of your Dodge with Mopar’s Interior Ambient Lighting kit. With the turn of a knob, you can select which multi-color LEDs you want to use. When your mood changes, select a different color to match.

Pedal Kit: Set your vehicle apart with Bright Pedal Covers that fit your Dodge pedals perfectly. Mopar’s are made of polished stainless steel and are easy to install.

Cargo Tote: Organize your sporting equipment, tools and safety gear in Mopar’s Collapsible Cargo Tote. Snap-in dividers allow you to customize your storage space and carry handles make it easy to transport. It’s easy to clean, has skid-resistant rubber on the bottom and folds down to portable size.

Kicker Stage III Upgrade: Amp up your Challenger’s factory sound system with Mopar’s Stage III upgrade. The kit comes with brand-new front and rear speakers, an amplifier and a subwoofer that make your vehicle different from all the others at the Scottsdale Dodge dealer. You will feel the bass in every song that plays!

Exterior Accessories

Wheels: Choose from 17”, 18” or 20” chrome plated, polished and/or painted Mopar wheels. Wheels are made of cast or forged aluminum and are treated with a durable coat that fights corrosion.

Rear Spoiler: Give your Dodge more character with a Mopar rear spoiler. Spoilers are designed to match the lines of your car so they don’t look like add-ons. Get the sporty look you’ve always wanted.

Roof Mount: Mopar offers a variety of removable roof mounts to transport all of your recreational items. Whether you’re headed to the mountains, river, lake or bike path, a roof mount will make your trip easy and more enjoyable.

Grille: Add a grille to the front of your Dodge to give it a custom look. Combine with appliques to really make your ride unique.

Applique/Decal Kits: Appliques and decals allow you to really personalize your vehicle and make it different from any other Dodge. Add pinstripes, full body-side beltlines, complete hood cover and many other designs. Choose black, white and even blue.

Visit Chapman Dodge for exact pricing.

There is a wide range of financing alternatives for customers in search of a new automobile. Of course you can pay cash, but for many if not most that choice involves factors such as the annual percentage rate and a “cash back” incentive. Cash back is a popular enticement that dealerships offer in order to encourage people to buy a new vehicle. While these offers seem like a good deal, potential buyers should weigh other factors to determine if the cash-back incentive makes the most financial sense. Here are a few common options explained:

Cash-Back Program:
Cash-back incentives typically are offered by the car manufacturer as a cash-back reward for people who buy a new car. For example, a consumer goes to buy a new 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 from a Chapman Dodge dealer, and agrees to a financing plan they will then receive a $2000 ‘cash-back’ incentive to use as part of the cars down payment. Ultimately the cash back in conjunction with whatever discounts will allow the cars price tag to come down thousands of dollars for the consumer.

APR:
A new car is a major purchase, and few people pay cash for it. Most consumers obtain a loan to buy a new car or finance the purchase through the manufacturer or a financing department. A car loan, like any loan, comes with interest rates, known as an annual percentage rate, or APR. For example a consumer could get a 2012 Chrysler 300 C for an APR of 0% on a 60-month lease.

Low APR or Cash Back?
Some car manufacturers offer a combination of cash back and a low interest rate. Some of these offers are either/or, meaning the consumer may choose either the cash-back reward or the low interest rate, while others offer both cash back and low interest. For example, as in the previous example of the 2012 Chrysler 300C the customer could chose either the 0% APR or a rebate of $3,750.

Calculation:
If a Scottsdale Dodge consumer is faced with the decision of purchasing a new car with a cash-back incentive or a low APR, they must perform a few calculations. There are several automobile websites that offer calculators that help with this task. For example, if you’re offered $5,000 cash back or a 1.0 percent APR on a 48-month loan for purchase of $24,230—with no trade-in or cash down—you’ll save $13 per month by choosing the low financing over the cash-back offer.

Cash Purchase vs Low APR:
Another option for Arizona car buyers is to skip financing altogether and pay for a car in cash. Buying a car in with cash saves you money in the long run as you don’t have to pay interest, but it also takes a lot of money out of your pocket. As long as you aren’t taking money out of your emergency funds or selling other assets to purchase the car, buying a car with cash is often a good option.

For more information on any of the vehicle deals in this article as well as many others, come by Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep.

Strong sales have put automakers in the power seat this summer, which means consumers will likely see sparser deals than in previous years. Still, there are a few bright spots for buyers. Cheap and more widely available credit has led to favorable financing deals, and high vehicle-resale values have helped dealerships push cheap leases. Plus, there are still a few cash deals. Here is where drivers in the market for a new car can still find bargains:

Leases. “Right now, we’re seeing the most attractive leases across the board that we’ve seen in a number of years,” says Alec Gutierrez, a senior market analyst at auto-pricing publisher Kelley Blue Book. Leasing payments often factor in a vehicle’s expected resale price, and used-car values have been rising, he says. That encourages manufacturers to drop lease prices, even to the point where they beat financing deals for buyers.

Low-rate financing. Consumers who want to hang on to a vehicle for more than a few years may find that financing is still the better deal, Caldwell says. “There are lots of 0% offers, because credit is cheap,” she says.

Consider: Scottsdale Dodge is now offering no payment for 90 days and and 0% APR for 72 months on Avengers and Chrysler 300′s.

Big vehicles. Larger SUVs and trucks typically have the biggest cash rebates, and this year is no exception, says Jesse Toprak, the vice president of market intelligence at TrueCar, an auto-pricing website. Those categories don’t typically do well when gasoline prices are high and face increased competition from new crossovers that mix size and efficiency, he says.

Bigger vehicles account for the bulk of autos with cash incentives of $1,500 or more right now, for example Jeep Liberty has a $3,500 enticement.

Model redesigns. If price is more important to you than style, look for a car that is set to be redesigned in its next model year, Merrihew says. Incentives typically are better than on recently redesigned models because the look isn’t as fresh. There often is more room to negotiate, too. “The downside is, it will look like yesterday’s news pretty quickly,” he says.

Consider: Jeep Wrangler Phoenix dealers have great deals on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler since the 2013 model has just hit showroom floors. The MSRP on a 2012 Jeep Wrangler is $24,575 but with a $1000 cash bonus and $843 drop in price, one can be yours for only $22,732.