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A car wheel in a dark room amidst other car parts

5 Reasons to Use OEM Parts When Repairing Your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM

Image via Pixabay. When it's time to repair your vehicle, we recommend only using OEM parts from your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM dealer. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components are made by the original manufacturer, MOPAR, for your specific vehicle make and model. Check out these reasons why you should use original parts over aftermarket ones for vehicle repairs. 1. Easy to Source for Parts Delays in waiting for replacement parts for your vehicle can be frustrating. Unfortunately, if you opt for aftermarket parts, you will waste time and resources comparing different manufacturers of generic parts and choosing the best quality. Opting for OEM components saves you time and money. Original MOPAR parts for your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM are available at your local dealership. You can also order directly from the manufacturer and have the parts installed by your dealer. Since there is only one of each OEM component, you don't have to waste time comparing price, quality, and producers. 2. Quick and Seamless Installation Original manufacturer parts are designed specifically for your car's make and model. The parts fit perfectly and do not require any modifications. This allows for quick and seamless installation, which saves time and labor costs. Some aftermarket parts require modifications to fit properly, which can affect their performance. When you get repairs at your local dealership, your vehicle will be handled by MOPAR-certified technicians. These technicians have the expertise and knowledge to handle all your vehicle's systems and components. They will carry out high-quality repairs and get you back on the road quickly. 3. Guaranteed Quality and Reliability OEM MOPAR parts undergo rigorous testing and quality control to ensure optimal performance in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles. They are engineered to meet the strict specifications set by the manufacturer. This gives the parts unrivaled reliability compared to aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts can match the guaranteed quality of genuine components. They can fail prematurely and cost you more money in repairs over the vehicle's usable life. 4. Parts Warranty From the Manufacturer Original parts come with a 24-month parts warranty that provides coverage in case any defects arise after the parts are installed. This can save you money and hassle for future repairs. Aftermarket parts rarely come with any warranty protection. If they fail prematurely, you have to pay out of pocket to replace them again. 5. Preserve Your Car's Value Since OEM components have the exact engineering and quality as the original parts, they maintain the car's value. This is unlike aftermarket parts, which are usually cheaper knock-offs that may detract from the car's worth. Repairing your vehicle right the first time using original parts is worth the investment. If your car needs repairs, contact Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM.

Two technicians checking the oil in a vehicle

How Often Should Your Chrysler Get an Oil Change?

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. Without oil, your engine will quickly stop running smoothly, and eventually, it will stop running at all. Changing the oil frequently is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do to protect your car and help it last as long as possible. But how often are you supposed to head to the Chrysler dealer for an oil change? Understanding Oil Change Frequency Wondering how often you should be swapping out that old oil for some fresh liquid gold? It used to be the standard advice to change your oil every 3,000 miles, but with advancements in engineering and the oils available, most newer Chrysler models can now go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles before needing fresh oil. However, it's always a good idea to check your vehicle's owner's manual or consult with the experts at the dealership to get the most accurate and specific guidance based on your model and driving habits. Signs Your Chrysler Needs Fresh Oil Perhaps you've forgotten how long it's been since the last time you took your car in for service. And sometimes, your car will need oil more frequently than the recommended interval. If you watch for the following signs, you'll always understand when your vehicle is trying to tell you it's time to get fresh oil. Oil or Check Engine Light Sometimes these warning lights will illuminate before any other signs appear. Take the time to have your car checked as soon as it lights up, and you can avoid the worsening symptoms of old oil. Engine Noise and Knocking Oil provides a protective layer between the parts of your engine, reducing friction as it works. If your oil level is too low, or if the oil is old and dirty, it can't do its job properly. In that case, you might start to hear increased engine noise or even knocking sounds. If you do, get it some fresh oil, pronto! Dirty, Dark Oil Fresh, clean oil is supposed to be amber in color and slightly translucent. As it gets used, it collects dirt and debris from the engine, turning it darker. If you check your oil and it's dark and dirty, it's time for a change. Frequently Low Oil If you check your oil and notice that the level is consistently low, even after a refill, your car is either burning or leaking oil. Both scenarios warrant a trip to the service center. Get Fresh Oil at Your Chrysler Dealer What should you do when you notice any of these signs? Head to your local dealership, of course! Our expert technicians can change your oil, replace the oil filter, check all your fluids, and give your car a general health check to make sure everything is running as it should be. Regular service is an investment in your Chrysler's performance. Keep an ear out for strange noises, an eye on your dashboard lights, and a regular schedule for changing your oil. Call Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM and schedule your next service today!

A man working under the hood of a vehicle

Does Your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM Have a Faulty Ignition Coil?

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. Ignition coils deliver 25,000 to 40,000 volts of electricity many times per second to the spark plugs. Despite working so hard, ignition coils can only last up to 150,000 miles of driving. When a coil eventually begins to falter, you'll notice the signs of trouble outlined below. Any of these issues may indicate that it's time to visit your local Chrysler dealer to replace a faulty ignition coil. Erratic, Jumping RPMs When the flow of electricity through your engine is strong and steady, the RPMs will remain consistent. But when a faulty coil stops supplying proper voltage, one of your cylinders will begin to misfire. This misfiring will disturb the RPMs, causing the RPM gauge on your dashboard to jump around erratically. You're also likely to feel your engine shake and judder and hear it sputtering. Plummeting Acceleration Without as much power as usual, an engine with a bad ignition coil will fail to accelerate properly. This usually becomes most noticeable when you're trying to overtake, cross an intersection, or surge your way up a steep incline. Thickening Exhaust Fumes When a cylinder starts to misfire because of a failing coil, the fuel being injected into the combustion chamber doesn't get burned away as it should. This fuel can quickly build up and then start to escape into the exhaust system, where it will eventually escape from the tailpipe as smoke, thickening the exhaust fumes. Difficulty Starting the Engine Early in the morning, when the engine's cold, it needs a reliable burst of electricity to get going. If one ignition coil can't deliver that voltage, you might find it difficult to start your car. If more than one ignition coil has failed, you might not be able to start the engine at all. Poor Fuel Economy When one cylinder is down due to a malfunctioning ignition coil, your engine will be burning through fuel at a normal rate but with fewer miles to show for the effort. So if you find yourself spending more money on gas each month, a bad ignition coil might be to blame. Ask Your Chrysler Dealer To Clean Your Car's Igniton Coils While ignition coils are usually long-lasting car parts, they're located in one of the dirtiest parts of the engine and can sometimes become fouled by carbon deposits. A dirty coil can often be cleaned to restore its function. You'll just need to have an experienced technician take a look. Visit Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM today to have your ignition coils cleaned or replaced at one of the state's longest-running dealerships. We're family-owned and operated and have been proudly providing the region's drivers with excellent customer service since 1926.

Car headlights

Does Your Chrysler Need New Headlights?

You just can't drive safely without working headlights on your vehicle and, it's not even legal to drive at night without them. There are some tell-tale signs that your headlights are near the end of their lives, and you'll want to make it a priority to replace them if you think the bulbs are about done. This list will help you know if you need new headlights before visiting your Chrysler dealer. 1. The Headlights Have Become Fainter After owning a vehicle for a while, you're sure to know how bright the front lights normally shine, and the difference will be notable as they start to diminish. Sometimes this is due to a buildup of dirt and grime on top of the lens and you'll be able to clean it off, but if the dust is accumulated on the inside you might prefer to bring the vehicle in for a touch-up. If the lens is clean, however, you might be witnessing the bulbs dim due to the filament reaching the end of its lifespan. Once the bulbs are out the only way to solve the problem is a replacement, so you'll want to have new lights installed. If one bulb is about finished the odds are that the other one is soon to follow, so it may make more sense to have both updated in one visit. 2. Your Lights Are Flickering Headlights that blink on and off are not a great sign for the health of your bulbs. The issue could potentially be electrical, with something like a bad battery connection, or physical from something like a loose bulb harness (resulting in moving and wearing away of the wires connection). Both of these issues will require assessment from a mechanic. Alternatively, the bulbs could simply have been used for a long time, and the filament has taken on normal damage from being aged. Filaments cannot be replaced on their own, and the only rectifier to worn-out bulbs is a new set of lights, so bring your vehicle in for an upgrade once you've noticed the flickering has started. 3. One or Both Bulbs Are Completely Blacked Out This issue should be pretty obvious since the bulbs will not come back on once completely burnt. What may not be so apparent, though, is that losing one bulb is still a sign you need both replaced. Headlights time out at about the same rate, and if you have lost one, the other is going to die soon as well. It's impossible to drive safely at night without both of your headlights working properly, and once you begin to notice signs they are going out, the bulb life is sure to expire soon. Drop by Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today to have your vehicle's lights updated so you can get back to your evening adventures. Image by Karsten Paulick from Pixabay

Car after collision

How to Find a Quality Collision Repair for Your Chrysler Vehicle

An accident isn't something any driver wants to think about, but they do happen. If you're involved in an accident, Chrysler dealer can repair any type of damage. We'd like to tell you more about the quality collision repair we can perform for you. Arrival When you arrive at our collision center, one of our Chrysler-trained technicians will complete a thorough examination to confirm the damage. Their training allows our technicians to determine the damage without disassembling your car. We'll go through the check-in procedure and help you with a hire car or transport to home or work. Estimate Once our technician has completed the inspection, we'll prepare a written estimate that details the damage, cost, and time to repair. We'll send it to you, and we can answer any questions and give advice and recommendations for the repair. We'll also send a copy to your insurance company if you've made a claim. We work with numerous insurance companies, and this experience helps to speed up the claim process. We understand their policies and procedures, which helps to reduce the time needed for their approval. At the same time, our technicians will create a repair plan that will guide the repair process. Approval Once we receive approval, we can provide an updated time to complete the repair. We'll keep you informed of the progress as the repair proceeds. Our technicians will collect the replacement parts from our fully stocked parts store. If we require any part we don't have in stock, we can obtain it speedily from Chrysler. Painting Automobile painting is highly specialized, and our collision center in Highland Park, MI has the most up-to-date equipment from Chrysler. We can match any paint color and duplicate the essential factory finish in our paint shop. We use genuine Chrysler parts, as they are prepared for painting in your car's color. Repairs The exact repair process varies, depending on the type and level of damage. We know that you're anxious to have your Chrysler returned in perfect condition ASAP. To achieve this, we devote all the required technicians and resources to your repair according to our repair plan. Quality Control When the repairs are complete, we reexamine them to ensure they meet the required standard for a Chrysler repair. We pride ourselves on our high standard of repairs and customer service, and all our technicians work to these standards. Collection We'll advise you that your car is ready for collection, and you'll drive away in a car that's like new again. If you'd like more information or to book a repair, call us today at Bill Snethkamp CDJR. Image by gd baker from Pixab ay

radiator

Is the Engine on Your Car Overheating? 3 Possible Reasons

A car overheating is a problem no driver wants to deal with. Engine heat can rapidly cause damage to critical and sensitive engine parts. Fortunately, there are always early warning signs that your engine is running too hot. If your engine is overheating, we can repair the problem for you. As your Chrysler dealer, we want to tell you more about some signs of potential trouble. Coolant Leak Your car's temperature is controlled by the flow of liquid coolant. This coolant is a mix of antifreeze and water, and it's able to absorb heat. Your engine generates huge amounts of heat, and the heat must be removed ASAP. As coolant is pumped through your engine, it absorbs the radiating heat and takes it to your radiator where the heat is removed. A coolant leak can very quickly cause your engine to spike. As coolant is lost, the pressure in the system slows down. This causes the coolant to run slower and increases the heat even more. A coolant leak is usually easy to spot, as coolant is manufactured in bright colors like pink, blue, and green. If you see a pool in any of these colors under your car, call us ASAP. We'll find and fix the leak for you. Broken Water Pump The water pump pumps coolant through your system. Although the pump is relatively small, it's very powerful. This pump pushes the coolant through your engine at high speed and under high pressure. Speed is essential, as the faster, the coolant flows, the faster it can cool your engine. The pump will continue to run as long as your engine is above a preset temperature. All pumps can eventually wear out, and the water pump is no exception. If the pump fails, the coolant won't be able to move through the engine. This will cause your engine temperature to rise rapidly. Our technicians can test your pump and replace it very quickly for you if it's failed. Your cooling problem will be fixed as soon as the pump is operating again. Engine Temperature Gauge When your engine temperature is normal, it should sit around the middle of the temperature gauge. You may see temporary increases, for example, if you're towing a heavy trailer uphill, but the temperature should return to normal. An engine temperature that continues to increase is a sign of trouble. It means that there's a problem with your cooling system. The gauge doesn't identify the source of the problem, but it shows that one exists. Our expert Chrysler technicians will find the cause of the overheating and fix it before it causes any damage. If your car is overheating, call us ASAP at Bill Snethkamp CDJR.

6 Car Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Car in Great Shape for Years

It's a well-known fact that regular car maintenance is essential if you want your car to run perfectly. You will have years of driving pleasure when you look after your car and save a ton of cash on gas and repairs. Below are great maintenance tips from your Chrysler dealer to help you keep your vehicle well maintained and on the road longer. 1. Stick to the Recommended Maintenance Intervals Your Chrysler's service schedule is there to help you take care of your car's maintenance needs. When servicing your vehicle at the recommended intervals, our Chrysler technicians will perform the recommended inspections, corrections, adjustments, and replacements timeously to keep your car in excellent condition. You'll find the maintenance intervals for your model in your owner's manual. 2. Regularly Change the Oil Your car needs new oil regularly to keep the fast-moving engine components well lubricated to reduce friction and keep the engine cool and protected. If you drive your vehicle in heavy traffic, take frequent short trips, or let it idle for long periods, the oil in your car will need to be changed more often. Speak to your Chrysler technician to help you with the best oil change intervals for your specific model, engine type, and driving conditions. 3. Check Your Car's Fluids Monthly Make a habit of checking your car's fluid levels monthly and top them off if necessary. If you notice that the fluids are old, dirty, or look discolored, the fluid must be drained and replaced. Check under your car for puddles; if you see a pool, your vehicle is leaking fluid. Bring your car to us for repairs immediately to prevent further damage. 4. Inspect Your Battery When you check the fluids, inspect the battery for corrosion and damage. If you see buildup around the terminals, clean it with a brush and a solution of water and baking soda. Ask us to test the battery if it's older than three years it to determine if it's still good and if it needs replacing. 5. Don't Ignore Strange Noises and Odors Strange noises and odors tell you something is wrong with your car. It's best to ask one of our Chrysler technicians to take a closer look. It might be a small problem, but get it repaired before it gets worse. 6. Keep an Eye on the Dashboard Warning Lights If you see a dashboard warning light is on, it's essential to determine what triggered it to avoid extensive damage to your car that could lead to high repair costs. Schedule a service appointment as soon as possible, and we'll expertly repair the problem. When you follow these six helpful tips, your car will not let you down. Call Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today for a maintenance appointment, and we will help you keep your vehicle in top condition. Image by Paddy Kaye Ssenfuma from Pixabay

engine transmission

4 Benefits of Getting Routine Transmission Service

Your transmission is very tough and built to last. It contains hundreds of constantly-moving parts that operate in a hot, friction-filled environment for long periods. Under these conditions, parts can wear out. A regular transmission service is essential to keep your transmission always performing at its best. As your Chrysler dealer, we'd like you to know some of the benefits of routine servicing. You'll Save Money Money spent on maintenance isn't wasted, it's invested. This money is invested in the health and longevity of your car. When you come in for regular transmission maintenance, our highly-trained technicians have the opportunity to closely examine your transmission. There are huge numbers of parts, and the failure of a single part can have adverse effects on the whole transmission. Our technicians will thoroughly examine your transmission as they serve it. They will check and replace the transmission fluid, examine the seals and gaskets, and complete all the checks needed for a thorough Chrysler service. This maintenance routine replaces parts that can wear out and cause future problems. Due to their expert knowledge, our technicians can also spot potential problems before they become real problems and cost you more money. You'll Save Time As your CDJR dealer, we know that time without your car can be frustrating and inconvenient. We strive to ensure that any repairs are completed as soon as reasonably possible. When your car is undergoing a regular service, it takes very little additional time to make any other needed repairs as your vehicle is already here. Repairing potential problems when you've already arranged your time around your car being unavailable makes sense. It relieves you of the hassle and additional time needed to bring your car back in the future to repair a problem. Regular maintenance allows you to save future time. Your Car will Perform Better Your transmission and engine have a symbiotic relationship, as they work together to enable your car to move. When your transmission has been serviced, it will operate far more effectively and efficiently. New transmission fluid, for example, provides better friction resistance, allowing the gears and other components to move faster and smoother. Replacing worn parts with new OEM ones also allows the transmission to function better. These benefits carry over into your engine. A faster and smoother transmission reduces the load on your engine, and this improves your engine performance. You Retain Value If you're thinking of selling or trading your CDJR for a newer model, a good maintenance record increases your sale or trade-in value. Well-maintained vehicles will always command a higher price than poorly maintained ones. Since the transmission is one of the most expensive components to repair or replace, caring for your transmission is an investment towards that new 2022 model you've been looking at. Call our service department today at Bill Snethkamp CDJR and book that service for your transmission. Our highly-trained technicians will ensure your transmission operates at the peak of efficiency once again. Image by Ulrike Mai from Pixabay

broken alternator

Does Your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM Need an Alternator Repair?

The alternator transmits power from your car's engine to your battery, recharging it and keeping all the electronic components of your vehicle up and running. If your alternator runs into trouble, your battery won't last long, and neither will many other parts of your car. Let's take a look at signs you might need to visit your local Chrysler dealer for an alternator repair. Your Battery Dies A functioning alternator keeps your battery fully charged with each drive you take. If your alternator begins to fail, then your battery will charge less and less with each drive, until it finally dies. If your battery does give up the ghost, there might be other possible causes. Perhaps you left your headlights on all night, or it might be because the battery itself is simply too old and has died on its own. Jumpstart to Diagnose the Problem To see if the problem lies with your alternator or your battery, you can jumpstart your car. After you jumpstart it, if your engine stays running, then the problem most likely lies with your battery. But if the car dies again a short time later, then your alternator probably isn't doing its job. Have it repaired or replaced by a trusted technician. Your Headlights Are Dimming The first sign of a struggling alternator is usually dimming headlights as insufficient voltage is running through your car. Conversely, you might also notice sporadically overly-bright headlights, flickering in the light, or other signs of erratic voltage. These are all indicators of a failing battery or alternator. You Have Trouble Starting One vital function of your battery is to start your car. If you turn the key and the starter takes more time than usual, this points to a weakening battery, which could well be a result of alternator trouble. You're Stalling Frequently The spark plugs that ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chambers of your engine require a strong electrical current. If this flow of electricity begins to weaken, then the spark plugs will start failing to fire as they should. This leads to sputtering and sudden stalls. So if you keep stalling, have both your battery and your alternator checked. Your Electronics Are Failing There are many electrical parts in all modern vehicles. If you notice any abnormalities in your air conditioning, power windows, radio, dashboard, or sunroof, take a look at your battery and alternator. Either one could be on its last legs. Your Dashboard Warns You The computerized monitors throughout your car will warn you of all kinds of detected problems, including issues with your alternator. This will probably show up as an "ALT" or "GEN" light, depending on your car's make and model. If you see such a light, don't ignore it. Have a technician take a look. How a Chrysler Dealer Can Help You First, a technician will use a diagnostic device to determine if your problem lies with the alternator, battery, or starter. They'll cross-reference the device readouts with the service limits set by Chrysler for your car model. Once the problem is identified, they'll repair or replace the necessary parts, using specialist tools. For any concerns you have about your alternator or other parts of your car, pop into Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Detroit. We're a local family-owned dealership, and we've been helping out the drivers of Detroit since 1926. Image by SmartRecycling from Pixabay

Brake Repair

4 Signs Your Car Could Use a Brake Repair

Your brakes are one of the essential features of your vehicle, as they are the only way that you can slow down and stop your car. Although they are so important, they can be overlooked. Without brakes, you and your car are in danger. As your Chrysler dealer, we care very much for the safety of both you and your vehicle, and these are some of the signs that you need a brake repair. 4 Signs Your Car Could Use a Brake Repair at Your Chrysler Dealer Brake Light Comes On If the brake light lights up and you haven't applied your brakes, this is a warning that there is an issue with your braking system. For safety, we always recommend that you bring your car to our service department so that we can identify and resolve the issue as soon as possible. The longer that the issue persists, the greater the chance that your brakes may fail when you need them most. Brake Fluid Leak Any fluid leak from your car is a cause for concern, and if you apply your brakes and they feel soft, the most likely cause is a brake fluid leak. The master brake cylinder provides the power for your brakes and the reservoir for the brake fluid. When you apply your brakes, fluid is forced through the brake hoses to apply the pressure to activate your brakes. If this fluid level is low, your brakes will be less responsive. Screeching Brakes The friction coating on your brake pads provides a built-in early warning when they need to be changed. As you use your brakes, the friction material starts to wear out, When this material has worn down enough, it reveals a metal piece that will screech when your brakes are applied. Although the noise sounds awful, it doesn't mean that your brakes are going to suddenly fail. If you hear a screeching sound from your brakes, contact our service department and we will investigate. If your brake pads have worn, we can easily replace them with new OEM ones. Grinding Sound From the Brakes A grinding sound is far more serious than a screeching sound, as it means that the friction material on your brake pads has worn off. Without the material protection, the brake pads will grind against the metal rotors and scour them. If you continue to drive with grinding brakes, at the very least your rotors will need to be replaced, and you can cause even more serious damage to your car. For safety, it's essential that your braking system always works perfectly. Good brakes can save you from a potential accident. If you have any of these signs of a brake problem call us immediately at Bill Snethkamp CDJR. Our highly qualified technicians will be happy to check your braking system, and we will repair or replace any damaged or worn components. We have served the Detroit area since 1926, and you can rely on our exceptional service.

car battery change

Does Your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM Need a New Car Battery?

Your car's battery is something that is never really thought about until the day it stops working. Inevitably, the battery will fail at the worst possible time. Life can be stressful, but with proper care, a dead battery is one stress that can be avoided. As your Chrysler dealer, we would like you to know the signs that you may need a new car battery. Corroded Terminals If you pop the hood and see a gray or white ash around the battery terminals, this is a sign of leaking acid fumes. These fumes are released when an electrical current causes a chemical reaction between the lead plates and sulfuric acid inside the battery. This acid mixes with moisture in the air and forms a salt that corrodes the battery terminals. Your battery will, unfortunately, need to be replaced. Awful Smell A damaged battery can start to leak gas into the engine compartment. The easy tell-tail sign of this is the awful smell the gas gives off. If you are driving and you smell the odor of rotten eggs, come and see one of our service technicians. We can quickly replace your battery, and the awful smell will disappear. Dead Battery A car's battery usually lasts for 3 to 5 years, depending on climate and driving style. If your battery is new and it dies, this can be a sign that you have an alternator problem. An older battery, however, may just have worn out. We recommend having a battery check-up at least every three years to ensure that your battery is always in perfect working order. Battery Light Goes On If this light appears on your dash, and then stays on it is a warning that your electrical system is not working correctly. A loose connection, a weakening alternator, or a dying battery are all possible causes. The good news is that this is an early warning that a problem exists. The sooner our mechanics can examine your car, the easier and cheaper it is to fix. Damage to the Battery Your battery is protected by a strong casing to prevent damage to its internal components. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can cause the casing to warp. This damage may not be noticeable at first, but it can result in a crack in the casing which will grow larger over time. We recommend periodically checking your battery casing for any sign of damage. A cracked or misshapen battery should be replaced ASAP. A battery replacement is easy, and we have the best diagnostic equipment available and expert technicians to make it even easier. If you have one or more of the above issues, call us right away at Bill Snethkamp CDJR. Our family-owned dealership has proudly served the residents of Detroit, MI since 1926, and we are happy to assist you with all of your automotive requirements.

car air conditioner

Car AC Not Working? Visit Your Dodge/RAM Dealer Today

You're stuck in traffic on a sweltering day and when you turn on the AC for relief, you get a blast of warm air! Well, you're in good company, as almost every driver has experienced their car AC not working. Luckily, if you're in Highland Park, MI, you have a friendly Dodge dealer who can fix it for you. How your AC Works Your car's AC contains refrigerant, a chemical that in its gaseous state absorbs and holds heat, and in its liquid state it expels heat. A compressor forces the liquid refrigerant under pressure into a condenser. The expansion valve on the condenser turns the refrigerant into a cold gas. This gas then passes through an evaporator which absorbs the heat inside your vehicle. As the refrigerant gas absorbs heat, a fan blows across the evaporator and chills the air released into your car's cabin. A drier captures any moisture in the air, and the refrigerant is recirculated to the compressor to start the process again. Why My AC Isn't Working Now There are five main reasons for AC failure, and our experienced technicians can repair all of them. Electrical Issues There are several possible causes of an electrical failure, including a blown fuse, a failed switch, or even a problem with the AC control module. Electrical issues are usually easy to diagnose and fix. If they are not repaired, however, they can lead to acid buildup and potentially more serious damage to your AC. Leaking Refrigerant Over time, rubber seals and hoses can wear and loosen. If this happens, refrigerant gas will leak out of the system and your AC will no longer work properly. In addition, moisture can mix with the refrigerant, and form an acid that can permanently damage your cooling system. Compressor Problem If the compressor fails, it will no longer circulate refrigerant. This is a fairly common problem and is usually caused by not engaging the AC over the cooler days of fall and winter. A second possible issue is that the switch inside the compressor may have become stuck in the "off" position. Condenser Problem The condenser depressurizes, cools, and liquifies humid air from the compressor. If it fails, however, you will notice your AC no longer works efficiently. Another potential problem is that the condenser can develop a leak due to age or damage. Broken Cooling Fans The cooling fans circulate cold air, but damage, a blown fuse or an electrical short may cause them to stop working. If that happens, your cooling system will fail. This is usually a simple problem to fix, as the broken parts are easily replaceable. If you experience any problem with your AC, give us a call right away at Bill Snethkamp CDJR. Our highly-qualified technicians will repair your AC and have it running smoothly again in no time. We pride ourselves in making sure your vehicle always stays in excellent condition.

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