Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Blog

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.

Summer is perfect for road trips, camping trips, and day outings, which means lots of miles and stress on a car.  Checking a car before heading out is vital to ensure the personal safety of passengers as well as to prevent damage to a car. Below Dodge service department has created an inspection checklist that will make sure the any road trip will run as smoothly and safely as possible.

On the outside of your car:

• Wheels:  Check the tread of the tires to make sure they aren’t worn down and using an air pressure gauge make sure the tires are inflated to the right levels. It’s also a good idea to check rims, lug nuts, and hub oil seals.
• Lights:  First turn your car on and make sure the headlights work properly, as well as the high and low beams. Make sure all signal lights work as well such as brake lights, stop lights, parking lights, and hazards lights.
• Glass:  Clean mirrors and windshields to eliminate any dirt and grime, also ensure the windshield wipers are working.
•  Suspension: Double check the spring mount, springs, and shock absorbers for wear and tear.

On the inside:

• Engine: Obviously this is one of the most important features to check before heading out on a long road trip. So first check to make sure you have no ignition problems, and then check the engine oil and coolant levels. Be sure to also check the air compressor belts, the water pump, alternator and the power steering for any problems.
• Steering: Check all power steering fluid levels and drive the car around the block to make sure the steering is working fine. Blow the horn too, to ensure it works as well.
• Battery: Pop the hood and do a visual check of the battery, there should be no unsecure connections or out of place objects. There should be no corrosion or damage on the battery box as well.
• Brakes: Another vital feature to check, brake problems are important to catch before hitting the road. First check the brake fluid than start the car and test the brakes. Drive a little at a slower speed, than brake hard and fast, there should be no squealing or screeching from the brakes. Check the emergency brake the same way.

By taking the time to check these few things your road trip will be a lot safer for you and everyone else in the car. Make sure to also check your fuel levels and stay aware of any troubling sounds or unusual feelings while driving. Also remember that if you don’t feel comfortable checking all of these aspects on your own,  your local Scottsdale Dodge will be more than willing to inspect the car and ensure their working properly.

The 2013 Dodge Viper is still a ways off but the SRT engineers have been busy making improvements to the iconic legendary super car. Last month when it was still a “Winter Wonderland” in Michigan, the bloggers at Red Letter Dodge caught the guys doing a little white powder drifting on a 2010 test mule. That’s where Dodge’s gear heads are fine-tuning the new stability control that will be on the next generation model.

Even though the Dodge Viper never lost its crown as the ultimate American-built sports car, the bar has now been raised. For our competition out there, consider this your first warning!