Blog

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. Eyeing a car at the local CDJR dealer, but you can't decide between new or used? It's a classic car-buying dilemma, and each route offers its own perks and quirks. In this article, we'll cover the advantages and disadvantages more New Car Appeal All the Latest Features Opting for a brand-spanking-new CDJR means you're getting the cream of the crop: all the newest tech, safety gadgets, and sleek designs right out of the gate. Wonderful Warranty New cars come with warranties that have your back for the first few years. This means less sweating over unexpected repair bills for anything that falls under warranty coverage. Sweet Dealer Incentives New car buyers often get the red carpet rolled out for them with offers of lower interest rates or tempting deals like cash back. Customize Your Heart Out Got your heart set on a specific color or feature? Buying new often means you can get your ride exactly how you want it, right down to the little details. The Downside The sting of depreciation hits hardest with new cars. They lose value the moment you drive them off the lot, especially in the first year. Plus, you'll generally pay more in insurance for a new vehicle. Pre-Loved Perks More Car For Your Cash Your budget stretches further in the used car market. Thanks to depreciation, you might snag a higher trim or a model with all the bells and whistles at a price that won't make your budget unhappy. Save on Insurance Insurance premiums are usually lower for used cars, thanks to their lower value. Over time, this can add up to significant savings, lowering your overall cost of ownership. The Downside Used cars are, by definition, older , and that means they're likely to break down sooner, requiring repairs that may not be covered by a warranty anymore. Plus, each car comes with an unknown history. Even with a comprehensive check and a clean vehicle history report, some issues might not be immediately obvious. Certified Pre-Owned: The Best of Both Worlds If you're looking for the middle ground, Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles get a thorough inspection and come with a warranty, offering a blend of new-car confidence and used-car value. Should You Choose New or Used at the Chrysler Dealer? This is a question you have to decide for yourself. If you're all about getting the latest model with a warranty and customization options, a new vehicle from our inventory might be your best bet. But if you're looking to get more bang for your buck by skipping the hassle of depreciation, then a used car from Bill Snethkamp CDJR could be the way to go. At the end of the day, weighing the pros and cons will steer you toward the best choice for your driveway. Come by Bill Snethcamp CDJR in Highland Park, MI, to take a look at our inventory today!

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. The 2024 Wagoneer is a full-size, three-row SUV that ranks near the top of the Jeep lineup in terms of both space and luxury. The Wagoneer is available in four feature-packed trims and even comes in a larger long-wheelbase model, which is a foot longer than the base body type. Explore this impressive full-size vehicle, then make an appointment to experience it in person at your local Jeep dealer. more Power and Utility Jeep has equipped the Wagoneer with a Hurricane twin-turbo engine that delivers up to 420 horsepower, and it has a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. The base powertrain comes with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, but you can choose from many different upgrades, including three separate four-wheel-drive systems and an adaptive air suspension that gives you several extra inches of ground clearance. The 4WD models have a drive mode selector so you can adjust your Jeep for snow, mud, sand, and rocks. Depending on trim and options, the Wagoneer provides up to 24 highway miles per gallon, not to mention a reported zero-to-60 time of just 6.3 seconds. Interior Space and Tech The Wagoneer has seating for eight passengers and up to 71 cubic feet of cargo space. You can opt for second-row captain's chairs instead of the bench if you only need seating for seven. Base tech equipment in the Wagoneer includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, as well as navigation, Bluetooth, several USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo with satellite radio. Optional upgrades include a built-in Amazon Fire TV system, two rear 10.1-inch touchscreens, a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, wireless charging, and even an extra touchscreen on the passenger's side. Every trim offers comforts like a universal garage door opener, proximity keyless entry, remote start, three-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and leather upholstery, and you can select options like a panoramic moonroof and ambient lighting. Driver Assistance and Safety Every Wagoneer features parking sensors, hill start assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear seat alert, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. You can add a 360-degree surround-view camera, automatic high beams, intersection assist, driver attention monitoring, rain-sensing windshield wipers, traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The Jeep Wagoneer was named first for residual value among large SUVs by JD Power and Associates, so it's one of the smartest buys you'll find if you want a family vehicle you can drive for years to come. Stop by Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Highland Park, MI to test drive this award-winning option today.

Image via Pixabay. Should you buy or lease a car? Which option is right for you? Thankfully, your local Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealership will have plenty of cars to choose from, as well as helpful online tools that can make the decision a lot clearer from the comfort of your own home. more Advantages of Buying a Car When you buy a car, you can either pay in cash or go with the more standard method of getting an auto loan from your bank or credit union. Your monthly payment will depend on your credit score and how much the value of the car is. In the long run, buying a car typically will save money at the end of the loan when compared to a lease of the same length. After you pay off the car, the car is officially yours! You can do whatever you want with it now, like make modifications to the body or paint style, but you're also the only one responsible for it. To keep the car from drastically dropping in value, car owners need to keep up with regular maintenance to make sure the car is safe and street-worthy. Advantages of Leasing a Car Leasing a car looks a bit different from buying. When you lease a car, you leave with a brand new model that you pay monthly payments on to drive for a set term and then return the car afterward. This provides you with a brand-new, safe, and reliable car every time. There are a few drawbacks of leasing to consider. When the lease is over, you have to return the car or pay a large sum to keep it. It is comparable to renting an apartment. Also, you are not gaining equity from this method compared to buying. It's also important for road trip fans to know that leases will include a set amount of miles you can drive, and going over that number will incur additional charges. Buying or Leasing a Car Is About You Buying a car is something to be excited about and you should do what makes you happiest. If you're not super sure what car to drive for the next 5-10 years, leasing might provide extra time to figure it out. Already fallen in love with a dream car? Then buying it can save you money, and it would be officially yours to keep and do with it what you want. Contact us at our Chrysler dealership, Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram located in Highland Park, MI. We can help you find the perfect car for you to buy or lease.

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. The 2024 Jeep Compass is a very popular crossover SUV available at your local Jeep dealer. It's powerful, loaded with technology that's bound to impress, and overall an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact, adventurous ride. more 1. It's Strong If you have some towing needs, then the Compass is sure to satisfy them. Producing 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, it's capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds. That's a lot of power for a compact car, and its strength comes largely from its two-liter turbo engine. 2. It's Ready to Take On Adventures Ready to have some fun on the trails? The Compass Trailhawk is Trail Rated and more than capable of handling tricky paths. It has Falken WILDPEAK all-terrain tires, and you'll find it maneuvers well, has plenty of ground clearance to crawl over debris, and can even handle a little water fording. The special water sealing helps it survive every adventure. The Selec-Terrain Traction Management System is particularly helpful for traversing the trails. It adjusts your shift patterns, torque distribution, and engine performance to enhance both traction and control during a range of different driving conditions. Plan on traversing in a hilly area? The Trail Hawk has hill descent control, so steep slopes are no problem for this crossover. 3. Useful Advanced Tech The Compass has a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen that's highly responsive and grants you access to the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. You can wirelessly connect it to both Apple and Android smartphones so you can access your favorite podcasts, playlists, and other applications through the screen. Google Maps or Apple Maps are features you'll definitely use if you love heading off to new destinations. There is a wireless charging pad available in the Compass to make sure your phone never runs out of power. Just place it down on the pad, and it'll start charging automatically. This ensures you'll never lose access to your maps, and your loved ones can reach you, no matter where you are. 4. Fantastic Safety Technology Stay safe during regular driving with the Active Driving Assist System. Its features include forward collision warning with active braking, blindspot monitoring with rear cross path detection, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. The Compass also has a high-strength steel body and seven advanced airbags, so it's as safe as it can possibly be. It even has side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. Visit Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Highland Park, MI to take the Compass out for a ride. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call us at (313) 209-7156.

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. Designed for rugged off-roading and packing style inside and out, the 2024 RAM 1500 TRX Crew Cab 4x4 is here at your nearby RAM dealership. more Engine and Off-Roading Under this pickup's hood is a strong 6.2-liter HEMI V8 that uses eTorque technology to optimize every drop of fuel. This engine generates an astonishing 702-horsepower output, as well as 650 pound-feet of torque, giving it an impressive 0 to 60 MPH time of a mere 4.5 seconds and an 8,100-pound tow rating. Taking on off-road challenges with this truck is a pleasure, thanks to its advanced 4x4 system that adapts to different terrains without breaking a sweat. This system is complemented by a multi-link rear suspension for enhanced handling and smoothness over rough terrains, a multi-mode terrain management system, and Selec-Speed Control, a cruise control for crawling through nature while enjoying the views. Cabin Comforts and Design You'll find upscale luxuries throughout the cabin, with options like power-reclining front-row seats that offer lumbar support and a heating setting, high-end seating fabrics ranging from vinyl to leather, a stylish-looking red and black interior color scheme, and a rear split-folding 60/40 bench seat. Letting a breeze in is easy with the power panoramic sunroof, and the front- and rear-door accent lighting, rear window defroster, and memory settings for the driver seat and power-adjustable pedals are all convenient. Outside, the Multi-Function Tailgate makes cargo loading and unloading simpler with its 60/40 swing-away doors, the pickup box lighting illuminates the bed, the heated side mirrors will be appreciated on colder mornings, and the black power-fold trailer tow mirrors extend your view. You can also deck the vehicle out with TRX hood and side graphics, special edition console and hood badges, and off-roading extras like chrome tow hooks and rock rails. Tech and Driver Assistance This truck's many sophisticated tech highlights include wireless smartphone connectivity for both Apple and Android devices, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and the Uconnect 5 NAV system, which offers TomTom navigation guidance and SiriusXM with 360L access among its many functions. While there's a 12-inch driver information cluster with 3D graphics, there's also a Head-Up Display on the windshield to help you keep your eyes focused ahead, and passengers will love the wireless charging pad and 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Also impressive, this truck's driver-assist features include highlights like Rear Cross Path Detection and the Blind Spot Monitoring System, Forward Collision Alert with Active Braking, a 360-degree Surround View Camera, ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control. Ready for fun both on and off-road, this edition of the RAM 1500 TRX is sure to impress, so come take it for a test drive by contacting us today at Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Highland Park, MI.

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. There's a lot to consider when you're shopping for a new vehicle. You'll likely test-drive several models and evaluate amenities ranging from sunroofs to suede seats. There's also another key consideration when you're picking out a new set of wheels, and that's fuel efficiency. Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle saves you money at the gas pump and is good for the environment. Your local Jeep dealer has several efficient models worth a look. more 1. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid The Chrysler Pacific Hybrid is proof that driving a larger vehicle doesn't automatically mean you have to sacrifice fuel economy. This seven-passenger minivan gets about 22 miles per gallon when taking into consideration its performance on both highways and city streets. The gas-powered version of the Pacifica runs on a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 287 horsepower. Switching to the hybrid version of the Pacific boosts this vehicle's fuel economy even further. With its 3.6-liter V-6 and its two electric motors, the Hybrid version of the Pacifica gets an EPA-estimated 82 miles per gallon equivalent when combining both highway and city performance. Once the battery pack has been exhausted, the Pacifica has a combined fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon and an all-electric driving range of 32 miles. 2. Jeep Wrangler 4xe The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is another hybrid option that offers terrific fuel economy as well as capable handling. This Jeep gets an EPA-estimated 49 miles per gallon equivalent. You can travel roughly 370 miles on a single tank of gas and a fully charged electric battery, and the Wrangler 4xe has an electric-only range of 21 miles. 3. Dodge Durango The Dodge Durango is a three-row family hauler that offers plenty of power and fuel economy that saves you money at the pump. The Durango can be had with a V-6 engine with 295 horsepower or a V-8 engine with 360 horsepower. The V-6 engine is the more efficient of the two, with a fuel economy rating of 19 miles per gallon on city streets and 26 on the highway. The V-8 engine gets 14 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway. 4. Ram 1500 If a truck is more your speed, check out the Ram 1500. The Ram comes with several different engine options and boasts plenty of towing capacity. This truck also scores well for fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 23 or 25 miles per gallon of combined performance, depending on which engine you have. Regardless of what type of vehicle you're looking for, we've got an efficient option for you. When you're in the market for your next vehicle, come see us at Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Highland Park, MI.

Image via Pixabay. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Changing a flat tire isn't as complicated as it looks. It just takes a little time and know-how. As your CDJR dealer, we'd like to tell you the simple steps to quickly and easily replace your tire. more Find a Flat Space If your tire fails while you're driving, you'll need to pull over to replace it. Scan the area for a likely space that's out of the path of traffic. Good locations include the emergency lane on a highway, a strip mall parking lot, or any other flat area. Make sure that your car won't block any traffic. Switch On Your Lights Once you've switched off the engine, raise the emergency brake and switch on your indicator lights. You can also raise your hood. These are universal signs other drivers will recognize that your car is stationary, so they'll automatically slow down and avoid you. Find The Tools You'll need your spare, a lug wrench, and a jack. The tools will usually be stored in the trunk, and your spare will be under the carpet in the trunk, on the roof, or underneath the vehicle. Loosen the Lug Nuts Use the lug wrench to loosen each nut. These nuts are securely tightened, and you'll have to apply force to loosen them. The easiest way to do this is to attach the wrench to a nut and then press down on the wrench with your foot. Don't remove the nuts yet: just loosen them enough so they can easily be turned by hand. Position the Jack Look underneath your vehicle for one of the flat reinforced sections designed as lifting points. Once you've found the closest one to the flat, position the jack and lift your vehicle high enough that the flat touches the ground. Change The Tire Unscrew the lug nuts, then lift the flat off the wheel hub. Position the spare on the wheel hub and rotate it until both sets of holes line up. Once this is done, screw the lug nuts back on by hand as tightly as you can. Lower Your Vehicle Use the jack to lower your vehicle to the ground, then use the wrench to tighten the nuts as securely as possible. Your tire has been successfully changed, and all that's left to do is pack away your tools and the flat before you drive away. If you have a regular-sized spare, you can continue to drive normally. If your spare is a space-saving tire, don't drive over 50 mph or for more than 50 miles before you replace it. Head on over to us at Bill Snethkamp CDJR in Highland Park, MI, to get your replacement tire.

Image via Pixabay. It's important to keep your car belt in good condition as it's responsible for powering essential components such as the alternator, power steering, cooling system, and air conditioning compressor. If the belt is worn, frayed, or cracked, it can break and cause severe damage to components under the hood. Watch for the following signs that will warn you when to get an engine belt replacement at your CDJR dealership before it's too late. more The Belt Is Shiny and Unevenly Worn To prevent any significant damage due to a snapped belt and being stranded on the side of the road, regularly lift the hood to examine the belt closely. It's essential to check both sides of the belt for any uneven wear, as it may be a sign of misalignment caused by a faulty pulley. If your belt appears shiny or unevenly worn, schedule an appointment with your technician at the earliest. The Belt Is Frayed or Cracked When you inspect your car belt and notice that the rubber of the belt is frayed or cracked, especially if the damage runs halfway through the belt, it's best to replace it as soon as possible. A worn-out belt that is already frayed and cracked could snap at any moment and, when it breaks, cause extensive damage to other components. You will not be able to drive your car, and if you do, it will damage the engine. You Notice Bits of Missing Rubber If you notice missing bits of rubber on the side of the belt that faces the pulley, replace the belt without any delay. Although the belt may still function, it's not worth taking the risk of it snapping and causing severe damage under the hood. You Hear Squealing, Ticking, or Flapping If you hear squealing sounds coming from under the hood, it could be oil leaking onto the belt and causing damage. You may hear ticking or flapping noises if the belt is badly frayed or broken. Don't drive any further, and contact us immediately for assistance. The Belt Is Older Than Five Years Car belts are manufactured out of strong and durable rubber, but, like everything else in life, they also have a lifespan. How long a car belt lasts could range from 50,000 to 100,000 miles, sometimes even more. Monitor the belt and have your technician inspect it at each service interval. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended belt replacement intervals. Call Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Highland Park, MI, if it's time to replace your car belt to ensure your vehicle runs at its best and always gets you safely to your destination.

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. While it's easy to cover the cost of routine maintenance like wiper blade replacements and oil changes, other vehicle repairs are more expensive. An extended warranty from RAM can significantly reduce the repair costs for more expensive vehicle components. Learn more about available vehicle protection plans at your RAM dealer. more What's Covered Under RAM's Extended Warranty? RAM warranties are all backed by MOPAR. There are four MOPAR Vehicle Protection Plans to choose from, so you can customize your preferred level of coverage. Each vehicle protection plan has unique coverage details and coverage eligibility requirements. MVP Maximum Care Plus The MVP plan is designed for new cars that are within three years or 36,000 miles of the vehicle's first in-service date. The coverage term for this plan is eight years or up to 150,000 miles. This plan offers the most comprehensive level of coverage, similar to the limited bumper-to-bumper factory warranty that came with your RAM. Added Care Plus This plan has the same eligibility requirements as the MVP plan and the same coverage term length. This plan will cover over 800 vehicle components, which include the powertrain, transmission, and drivetrain. MOPAR Maximum Care To qualify for this plan, your used vehicle must be 10 years old or less and must have fewer than 150,000 miles on the odometer. If your vehicle has a five-year or 60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, then your car must have fewer than 125,000 miles on the odometer. The term length for this plan is five years. This plan also covers 850 vehicle components. Added Care This plan is also designed for used RAM vehicles and has a coverage length of up to five years. This plan will cover the powertrain, drivetrain, and transmission, along with 650 vehicle components. When Is the Best Time to Buy a RAM Warranty at Your RAM Dealer? The best time to buy a vehicle protection plan will depend on whether you are buying a new or used RAM. If you are buying a new RAM, then you should wait until your factory warranty expires to maximize the length of your vehicle protection. If you are buying a used or Certified Pre-Owned RAM, then it might be a good idea to purchase a long-term warranty on the same day you buy your vehicle, particularly if the factory warranty on your RAM has already or is about to run out. A RAM vehicle protection plan is a great way to save money on repair costs for major vehicle systems, such as your drivetrain or powertrain. Your eligibility for individual plans is determined by whether you have a new or used vehicle. To learn more about your coverage options, contact Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. The Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram family is famous for its ruggedly capable and practical vehicles. This makes the group a great choice for those in the market for a new SUV. If you're looking for something unique from this year or last that goes beyond the norm, be sure to check out these fine models at your local Dodge dealer! more 1. 2024 Dodge Hornet If you're looking for excitement to go along with the practicality that an SUV has to offer, then the Hornet is sure to deliver plenty of sting! The compact crossover is powered by either a 265-hp 2.0L turbo inline-4 or a 1.3L turbo inline-4 plug-in hybrid system producing a total of 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. A 9- or 6-speed automatic transmission quickly and smoothly distributes this impressive power to all four wheels. In the 0 to 60 sprint, the plug-in hybrid model has recorded a time of 5.6 seconds—not bad for an SUV that earns an EPA-rated 77 MPGe combined. As for passenger space, the Hornet's cabin has a generous amount of it, including 38 inches of rear legroom. 2. 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat One of the most powerful SUVs on the market, last year's mid-size Durango SRT Hellcat has a supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 that puts out a whopping 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. This level of performance allows the SUV to rocket from 0 to 60 in well under four seconds and tow up to 8,700 pounds. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a precise 8-speed automatic transmission. Inside the Durango SRT Hellcat's three-row cabin, you'll find racy details like a flat-bottom steering wheel, contrast stitching, and exclusive SRT embroidery. A host of standard creature comforts includes heated and ventilated seats, 8-way power adjustability for both front seats, and tri-zone climate control. 3. 2023 Grand Wagoneer The full-size Grand Wagoneer of 2023 is tough to beat when it comes to providing a luxurious riding experience. It also happens to have a lot of muscle thanks to its standard 471-hp 6.4L V8 and available 510-hp 3.0L twin-turbo V6. In addition to coming with a robust 4-wheel drive system, the SUV offers an adaptive air suspension that can be raised to increase ground clearance while off-roading or lowered for easier cargo loading. Up to eight people can be comfortably seated within the Grand Wagoneer's three rows, but buyers may opt for a seven-seat configuration with two second-row captain's chairs. During long road trips, passengers can pass the time with an available rear entertainment system featuring dual 10.1-inch touchscreens. Whether your ideal SUV is compact and sporty or large and elegant, you'll have no problem finding it within the CDJR lineup! Contact Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today and schedule a test drive!

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. Learning to drive is an exciting rite of passage, and your Jeep dealer would like to give you a few tips on how to make sure the experience is a great one. There are a few things that new drivers need to learn and practice to ensure they stay safe on the roads. more Learn All About the Safety Features Familiarize yourself with the airbag system, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control, and all advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane-keeping assist or adaptive cruise control. Spend some time going through them and getting the settings the way you want them, so there are no surprises. Practice the Effective Use of Mirrors and Blind Spot Checks Regularly adjust and use your rearview and side mirrors to get a complete view of your surroundings. However, don't rely solely on mirrors; always perform blind spot checks before changing lanes or turning, as mirrors can't cover every angle. Adapt Your Driving to Weather Conditions You must learn to adapt your driving style to different weather conditions, and don't pay attention to the fact that many drivers neglect this: be better. In rain, snow, fog, or on poorly lit streets at night, reduce your speed, increase following distance, and use your headlights. Refine Your Turning and Maneuvering Skills Practice smooth and precise turning. When maneuvering in tight spaces, like parking lots or during U-turns, take it slow and be aware of your car's dimensions. This practice builds your spatial awareness; and if you've ever seen someone with a giant SUV or truck taking up three lanes just to make a simple turn, you'll realize how important this step is. Practice Effective Communication with Other Drivers Many drivers don't use their turn signals or don't use them right: don't be one of these foolish people. Always use your turn signal, and remember that you need to put it on before you start slowing down, not after you've braked and just before you make the turn. Be Prepared for an Emergency Keep an emergency kit in your car, including items like a first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, and basic tools. Also, have a plan for roadside emergencies, such as a flat tire or engine trouble. Knowing whom to call and what to do can take the panic out of these situations. Don't Think You'll Ever Be Too Good to Improve Driving skills improve over time and with experience, and they always continue to improve as you use them. Be open to learning from every drive, whether it's understanding road signs better, mastering the timing of your braking, or getting more comfortable with highway driving. We hope you'll love driving as much as you love your Jeep. For more tips and service to keep your Jeep running reliably all the time, contact us at Bill Snethkamp CDJR.

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. ​​​​​​​​When you first bring home your new Chrysler, it gleams in the sun. But, over time, environmental conditions, mud, and sunlight can cause havoc with your paint, and it could lose its sheen. Fortunately, this problem can be prevented by taking care of your car's paint. As your Chrysler dealership, we're going to give you some tips on how to protect your vehicle's finish from the elements. more Advice From Your CDJR Dealership: Tips To Protect Car Paint Regular Washing Some drivers might think washing a car is a chore to be completed. Almost every Chrysler driver, however, will agree that there's immense satisfaction in washing their car. There's a feeling of achievement when you step back and see your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM vehicle gleaming in the sun again. Always be sure to use a high-quality car wash soap, as it won't damage your paint. Never use dish soap. We also recommend good quality sponges and microfiber clothes, as both will clean perfectly and not scratch your paint. Once your car has been washed, rinse it off with the hosepipe and dry it with more microfiber clothes or cotton towels to provide a streak-free shine. Alternatively, you can take your car to a car wash, but be sure to check the quality of the rollers first. Worn or damaged rollers can scratch your paint. Remember To Wax Waxing your car puts an additional protective layer between your paint and the environment. A high-quality wax will remain on your car and reduce the chance of scratches from dirt, grit, and other airborne abrasives. It's not essential to wax every time you've washed your car, but you should wax your vehicle thoroughly at least twice a year. We recommend waxing at the end of spring and the end of fall. Summer and winter are the two seasons that can put the most stress on your paint. Michigan's cold winters can be very enjoyable when you can relax inside your home in the warmth. Unfortunately, those same low temperatures can damage the paint if it's not protected. After a good coat of wax, your car's paint will shrug off the snow and ice. Beware the Sun Sunshine is good for all of us, and bright sunny days make you feel more alive. Sadly, while sunlight is good for humans and animals, it's bad for paint. The UV rays in sunlight can fade and oxidize your paint. The sun's infrared rays are no better, as they cause additional damage. Too much time in the sun, and your paint can develop tiny cracks that will spread. We advise that you park your car in your garage or other parking structure. If this isn't possible, a good quality car cover will protect your paint from the sun. If you want to know more about protecting your paint, visit us today at Bill Snethkamp CDJR.