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Getting your oil changed is essential for the health of your engine. If you continue to put off your oil change, the health of your motor will be compromised severely. Today, we're looking at how often you should schedule a RAM oil change. more However, filling up more often is the least of your problems. Eventually, excessive wear and tear will occur because the moving parts that make up your motor will not be lubricated adequately. If you continue to put off your oil change, your engine components will need to be replaced. Eventually, your engine may even fail. Do not put off your regular oil changes. Stick to the recommended maintenance schedule. How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed? You should get your motor oil changed every three months or 5,000 miles. However, if you drive in severe conditions regularly, you need to come in every 3,000 miles for an oil change. On the other hand, you may come in for an oil change every 10,000 to 12,500 miles if you use synthetic motor oil. Is Synthetic Motor Oil Worth the Extra Cost? Synthetic motor oil is absolutely worth the extra cost. First, it saves you money because you can go 2.5 to 3.3 times longer between oil changes. However, saving time and money on oil changes isn't the only benefit of choosing synthetic motor oil. Greater Engine Protection One of the reasons you can go longer between oil changes when you opt for synthetic motor oil is it protects your motor better than conventional motor oil. One of the reasons this is the case is it maintains its viscosity regardless of its temperature. Conventional motor oil is only effective after your motor has warmed up to normal operating temperature. When it is cold, it is too thick to flow freely and protect the moving parts that make up your engine. On the other hand, synthetic motor oil is thin enough to protect your engine even when your engine hasn't reached optimal operating temperature. Also, synthetic motor oil doesn't get too thin to provide adequate protection when your engine gets very hot. If you can't remember the last time you brought your RAM in for an oil change, you have probably driven over 5,000 miles. Contact us today at Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Highland Park to schedule your oil change to improve your fuel efficiency and protect the health of your motor.

Does it feel as if your car is losing power? Is the engine sounding rough? Do you need to fill up more often? At your Chrysler dealer and Jeep dealer, qualified technicians perform engine diagnostic tests using advanced diagnostic equipment to quickly and accurately determine the cause of mechanical issues and perform the necessary maintenance to ensure that your vehicle is in excellent condition. more Does Your Car Need an Engine Diagnostic from Your Chrysler Dealer and Jeep Dealer? The Check Engine Light Is Illuminated When the Check Engine Light on your dashboard is on, it is an indication that there is a problem somewhere. If you ignore the light, it could lead to extensive damage to your vehicle's components. When you notice the light is on or flickering, the best cause of action is to schedule a diagnostic test. A qualified technician will determine why the light is on and what is causing the problem. Loss of Power For your engine to produce power, a mixture of air and fuel creates combustion. There are many reasons why your vehicle experiences a loss of power, from a clogged air filter and faulty fuel filter to a bad fuel pump and a sensor malfunction. A diagnostic test is needed to determine what is causing the problem. Poor Gas Mileage If you notice that you drive the same distance but need to fill up your tank more often, it's an indication that there is an issue that needs attention. Yet again, there is a myriad of problems that could cause a decrease in fuel efficiency. The best way to find the problem fast is to ask your technician to perform a diagnostic test. Rough Running and Idling Many different issues will result in rough idling. The cause could be a malfunctioning fuel pump, clogged air filters, bad spark plugs, dirty fuel injectors, or an array of other problems. Ask your technician to perform a diagnostic test. The test will accurately determine the exact cause of the rough idling. Strange Noises When you hear a knocking noise coming from under the hood, it's a reason for concern. Damaged mechanical parts will cause the knocking noise. A diagnostic test will determine where the noise is coming from. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur that could result in a breakdown. Unpleasant Odors You should never smell your car's emissions inside your vehicle. If you smell engine or exhaust fumes or any other unpleasant odors inside the cabin, it's an indication that something is not operating as it should. Ask your technician to diagnose the problem. Smoke From the Exhaust Seeing grey, blue, or black smoke from the exhaust is never a good sign. The smoke could be from damaged fuel injectors, a damaged air filter, engine damage, clogged fuel filter, excessive oil consumption, or other problems. A diagnostic test will determine what is causing the issue. A diagnostic test will identify the precise cause of car troubles fast and effectively before the problem escalates. Contact Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today. Our qualified technicians will perform a diagnostic test to determine the cause of your vehicle problems and perform expert maintenance and repair services to ensure that your vehicle performs optimally.

A car air filter is an afterthought when it comes to vehicle maintenance by many, but replacing it regularly is key when it comes to keeping an engine healthy. Unfortunately, the signs of a dirty air filter may not be obvious. If left for long periods in a vehicle with excess build-up, hefty bills can result to get the car running properly again. As such, knowing the signs that it is time to replace an air filter is important when it comes to keeping a vehicle running smoothly. more 1. Fuel Efficiency Measuring gas mileage is as easy as keeping track of the number of times you fuel up in a week. This is because as an engine is starved of the clean oxygen it needs to run efficiently, it will begin to pull energy from the vehicle's fuel to run instead. Therefore, if more money is increasingly being spent at the gas station weekly, it is a good indication a dirty air filter is the culprit. 2. Service Engine Light The service engine light is something all drivers despise seeing because worst-case scenarios immediately come to mind. Fortunately, for most, it does not mean that the engine itself needs replacing. Getting the light to turn off could be as simple as replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one. 3. Problems Starting Car Healthy engines turn over without hesitation. When filtered oxygen is not being provided to an engine, and soot begins to build up on the spark plugs, it becomes more difficult for the spark plugs to ignite the engine. For many cars, there is not any warning that the engine is having problems firing. As such, it is important to keep air filters changed as recommended to prevent sudden engine failure from occurring. 4. Reduced Horsepower When accelerating, especially quickly, there is an expectation that a vehicle will respond without hesitation. If it feels like there is a delay in acceleration when pressing the gas pedal, a dirty air filter may be to blame. A quick fix to a delayed response can be a short trip to the dealership to trade out a dirty air filter for a clean one. 5. Exhaust Smoke Inefficient fuel burning is what causes smoke to be expelled from the exhaust. And that fuel not being burned completely by the engine is a direct result of a dirty car air filter. Therefore, changing out the air filter immediately is advised to stop exhaust smoke in its tracks. 6. Dirty Air Filter Plain and simple, if an air filter appears dirty and has layers of build-up on it, it is time to replace it. For most vehicles, this occurs every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. A clean air filter is a vital component in keeping a car's engine running smoothly. Come visit our certified technicians in the service department at Bill Snethkamp for your air filter maintenance and other car service needs.

Do you have trouble with your RAM or need it serviced? Well, it is important to trust all your vehicle's service and maintenance requirements to a certified RAM dealership. There are many advantages of getting your RAM serviced at a dealership's auto service center rather than at Joe's garage down the street. more Service Performed Under Warranty If your car is under the manufacturer's warranty or extender dealer warranty, you will save a lot of money by visiting a dealer for service. The warranty does not back third-party services, and you will be forced to dig deeper into your pockets to foot the cost of the repairs or service rendered. Also, to keep your warranty valid, major services must be carried out by a certified technician. Since all technicians at a dealership are certified, you don't risk voiding your warranty. Importantly, a dealer may also organize for a nationally acceptable warranty to back up your service if your warranty is expired. Dealers Have Specialist Equipment RAM vehicles require specialist equipment for appropriate service and maintenance. Ram dealers use specialist manufacturer-approved equipment and tools to service your car. The tools are usually expensive and are not readily available at corner shops. Since dealers use cutting–edge equipment, it means that they have the capacity to accurately diagnose your car's problems and carry out the required repairs. There is no guesswork. Above all, the technicians can also identify and rectify other minor problems that may stall your car in the future. You Receive Special Alerts RAM dealers are always up-to-date with any manufacturer's alerts concerning recalls or any other service bulletin. Though the manufacturer will normally email car owners, chances are there that you may miss out on the mail. A RAM dealer will inform you of any recalls directly. Dealers Maintain Complete Car Service History It is important to keep a record of all the services and repairs done to your car. Ram dealers keep and maintain every service and repair records from the time you purchased the car. The records are important in providing information to future buyers or in cases of a trade-in. The records help in ascertaining the value of your car. Dealers store the records in a computer, and you can ask for a print out any time you want. On the other hand, the corner shop may not keep the records for you. Dealers Use Original, Genuine Parts RAM dealers use Original Manufacturer Equipment to service your car. The parts are ordered directly from the factory. As such, your car will be serviced using specific parts made for the particular model. Original parts make your car look newer and last longer. The parts also preserve the performance and integrity of your RAM. Using original parts for repair also maintains the residue value of the car. Servicing at a RAM dealer will ensure that you get quality service from certified professionals. Also, getting the right parts means that your RAM's overall health is protected. Contact Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for more information about servicing your RAM at an accredited dealership.

Your RAM is a tough beast and can take nearly anything you throw at it--especially when you take good care of it with regular maintenance. And for that maintenance, your RAM dealer is the best choice. more Get Parts That Fit What keeps your engine performing at its peak are parts that fit like a glove. When all your parts are made especially for your vehicle, you won't experience premature wear and tear, failures, or unexpected damage. Your dealer not only has the parts you need to keep your RAM in top working order, but they also have those parts on hand. When you visit an independent garage, you might have to wait days just to get the right part (unless you want to take your chances with a generic one). Get Free Warranty Service When something goes wrong that's covered by the warranty, taking it to the dealership is the fastest way to get everything sorted out, with the least hassle for you. Increase Your Resale Value As much as you love your RAM, the day may come when you're ready to trade it in or sell it. At that moment, you'll get the most for your vehicle if you can show a reliable record of regular service. That servicing is even more impressive and convincing when it has all been done at the dealership. Plus, the dealership will have a record of everything, too. Protect Your Warranty Your vehicle is covered, but if something goes wrong at a servicing from an independent garage, it could void your warranty. If the mechanics put something in the wrong way or damage something else while they're doing it, not only are you on the hook to get that fixed, but you might not be covered at all after that. If anything goes wrong at the dealership, though, they are the ones responsible for making it as good as new. Benefit From Their Incentive to Serve The dealership has a couple of strong incentives to do a good job. The first we've already mentioned--if they mess something up, they're entirely on the hook and responsible to honor the warranty. That's a strong incentive to do things right. But there's another incentive to consider, too. Your dealership has a pretty big reputation to uphold, and they don't want to do anything to jeopardize that reputation. After all, they not only want your business for servicing: they also want you to think of them when you're ready to buy your next vehicle. That's not going to happen unless they offer you reliable, honest, fast service. Get Skilled Service A local garage mechanic may be very knowledgeable about engines in general, but that's not the same thing as having specialized knowledge about your vehicle. The technicians at the dealership have been trained to work on RAM vehicles. They know these vehicles inside and out. They know things to look for that would never occur to a general mechanic. And they have the specialized diagnostic tools needed to do the job quickly. When it's time to get your RAM some service, visit Bill Snethkamp and make sure you're getting the best.

A Jeep is a reliable vehicle, but even the most reliable ones occasionally need service. To keep your Jeep everything it should be, for as long as it should be, schedule Jeep service with your dealership. more General Service Oil Changes Your specific schedule will depend on the model and year of your Jeep as well as how you drive it. The oil needs to be changed somewhere between 3,500 and 10,000 miles, and modern Jeeps will alert you when it's time. This nifty little system actually adapts to the way you drive! If you take a lot of short trips, idle frequently, tow heavy things, drive in extreme temps, or use E85 fuel, your oil will do more work and need to be changed more frequently. Conversely, if you use better fuel, mainly use your Jeep for long highway drives, and don't live where temps are pushing the ends of the thermometer in either direction, you'll be able to go a lot longer. Never go over 10,000 miles or 12 months, though. Oil Change Extras When you visit your Jeep dealer for an oil change, you can expect them to take good care of your vehicle by also inspecting the battery, brake pads and hoses, the cooling system, and more. These checks are especially important if you drive off-road frequently. Milestone Services At certain intervals, it's crucial to get your Jeep some special checks. At every 10,000 mile interval, for example, your technicians will be looking at spark plugs and the suspension on top of everything else. These shouldn't be causing any issues at this point, but it's a good idea to check them out just in case. At the 100,000 mile mark, you will need fresh transmission fluid and coolant and will want to replace the spark plugs entirely to ensure the best ongoing performance. Special Situations There are times when it's a good idea to schedule a special service, even if you aren't due for an oil change. Get your Jeep looked at if any of the following apply to you: You've Had a Minor Accident After a major accident, you certainly know to get your Jeep looked at. What some people don't realize, however, is that even a minor fender-bender that doesn't show any damage on the outside can still cause internal damage. Even if things look good to you, take your Jeep for a checkup if it's been in a minor accident. You Feel Something Isn't Right You drive your Jeep every day: you're the one best placed to notice an odd sound, smell, or feel. If the brakes feel mushy, if you hear squealing or growling, if the check engine light comes on and won't go off, or if you're feeling a slow-down in acceleration or less responsiveness in the steering, get your vehicle checked out. You're Going on a Big Trip If you're planning to take the Great American Road Trip or head out to a few days of remote off-roading, it's a good idea to get things checked out just to make sure you'll have a great time with no unexpected surprises! Does your Jeep need a little tender loving care? Visit Bill Snethkamp today and get the best service available!

Keeping your vehicle's windows clean and clear is important for your safety. When you can't see well through your windows, you can't see the dangers on the street well, either. As a bonus, clean windows make your car look good and new. Though the task seems simple enough, there are a few tricks that will help you get the job done. Work smarter, not harder, with these tips for cleaning your car windows. more 1. Get the Right Supplies You'll need two things to get your car windows spotless: window cleaner and a cloth. That may sound basic, but you should make sure you get the right ones for the job. For the window cleaner, make sure it's streak-free. Otherwise, you're trading one evil for another. We suggest Windex or a vehicle-specific brand such as Armor-All. The wrong cloth can make your work more difficult. Opt for a microfiber cloth that won't leave behind fuzzies on your windshield. Some people use newspaper, but that can stain your hands and make a mess of your car. 2. Sponge the Dirt Off There's one more tool you can use: your trusty sponge. If your windows are very dirty, either with months of dust or gifts from the birds, you'll want to use a wet sponge to break up and wipe the grime off your windows. Don't get your microfiber towel filthy by trying to use it to wipe your travels off your window. 3. Spray and Wipe After the sponge, spray your windows again and take your microfiber to it to wipe away any excess dirt. Try to wipe away all the moisture from your windows to avoid leaving water spots. Repeat the process in the interior. Don't forget to roll your windows partially down to get the tops of them hidden by your doors. 4. Inspect and Touch Up Once your windows have dried, inspect them for any parts you might have to touch up. Some spots are tougher than others, and you may have to go over them a few times to get it right. 5. Attack Stubborn Splatter Bug splatter is one of the most difficult things to get off your windshield. If you can't seem to wipe them away with a couple of wipe-downs, it's time to pull out another tool: bug stain remover. At your local car supply store, pick up a bottle of a solution specifically designed to remove persistent bug splatter. You could also try to apply baking soda to the spot, letting it sit, and then wiping it away. 6. Take Preventative Measures Windshield wipers are something many people overlook when cleaning their windows. Use any towel to give these a wipe down, so you don't have to deal with the frustration of dirtying your window again the next time you use them. There you have it — clean windows that look like they just came out of the dealership. Use these tips to improve your visibility and make your car look better, which will make you feel better. Photo by Andrew Neel from Pexels

The new 2020 Jeep Gladiator is an exciting addition to the Jeep lineup. It takes everything we love about the Wrangler and adds a five-foot pickup bed on the back. The unique look of the Gladiator makes it stand out in a crowd, while its capabilities, both on and off the road, make it top on the list for trucks. Here are some of the things you need to know about the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. more 1. The Exterior Look The Gladiator is a four-door Wrangler up front with removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and a removable roof. In the back, a five-foot bed features a unique three-position tailgate with a midway position that allows you to haul loads that are longer than the five feet. The four trim levels start with the Sport which has 17-inch steel wheels and a Class II bumper hitch. The Sport S adds alloy wheels and heated power mirrors, while the Overland comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, side steps, tinted windows, and body-colored wheel arches. The top-level Rubicon adds extra off-road features such as 33-inch all-terrain tires and higher fenders to accommodate them. It also has locking front and rear differentials, Fox shock absorbers, and both rock rails and skid plates. 2. The Power and Performance All the Gladiator models get a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Jeep makes a six-speed manual transmission standard and offers the option for an eight-speed automatic. All trims also come with four-wheel drive. When equipped, the Gladiator can tow a class-leading 7,650 pounds and handle up to 1,600 pounds in the bed. 3. The Cabin and Technology The cabin is very similar to the latest Wrangler JK, with circle gauges and circle air vents. The materials Jeep uses are easy to clean and water resistant even in the lower trims so you can take it off-road and then just hose it out. The standard folding soft top has a sunroof feature and the base model comes with a 5-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Jeep makes a 7-inch touch screen available, along with an 8.4-inch touch screen that comes with navigation and satellite radio. You can also get an updated version of the Uconnect infotainment system. Unique features that the Gladiator offers include a portable and waterproof Bluetooth speaker and a forward facing camera to get you a better view of the terrain ahead when you go off-road. 4. The Safety Features All the models come standard with a rearview camera and there are two safety packages available as well. The Safety Group and Advanced Safety group will add advanced driver-assist features such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is a highly customizable truck. Along with the four different trim levels to choose from, you can also add packages to change the look of the doors, the top, and the windshield to make your Gladiator truly unique. Image via Flickr by Crown Star Images used under CC BY 2.0

Many American-made vehicles are not completely made in America. While the factory might be in the states, a number of the parts and components come from other countries. Since it is more difficult to determine the qualifications for an American made vehicle these days, cars.com created an index to show which vehicles are the most American. The 2018 Jeep Cherokee made the top of the list this year up from second place last year, and here is why it is as American as apple pie. more The Domestic Parts Content Cars.com determined that 72 percent of the components that make up the 2018 Jeep Cherokee come from American companies and distributors. This is more than any other vehicle on the list which includes over 100 U.S.-built vehicles. The Vehicle Assembly Plant The Cherokee comes off the Belvidere, Illinois assembly line. This assembly plant first opened in 1964 and sits right next to the Chrysler operated Belvidere Satellite Stamping Plant which produces sheet metal for the production line. The plant covers almost 5 million square feet, employs people from two local unions, and has almost 5,500 employees. There are over 5,100 hourly employees, and over 300 salaried employees. Chrysler moved the production of the Jeep Cherokee to the Belvidere plant in 2017 creating almost 300 new jobs in the U.S. The Engine and Transmission Sourcing All the engines and transmissions used in the 2018 Jeep Cherokee come from American plants. This includes the 3.2-liter V-6, 24-valve WT engine, and the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine. The nine-speed automatic transmission is also produced right in the U.S. at the Kokomo, Indiana plant where several of the transmissions that Jeep uses in their cars and trucks come from. There is also the Mack Avenue Engine Complex in Detroit, Michigan where American workers make the 3.2-liter Pentastar engine. Why It Is Important A cars.com survey found that it is important to many U.S. consumers to support their local workers and buy American made vehicles. Some important findings from the survey include that fact that 28 percent of respondents will only buy their vehicles from an American manufacturer, and 66 percent will research where the cars are built and the location of the manufacturer's headquarters before considering a vehicle. The survey also revealed that 82 percent of buyers believe that buying vehicles made in America will create more jobs right in the U.S. The 2018 Jeep Cherokee This 2018 model Cherokee comes with either a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine depending on the trim, and new for 2018, the Latitude is the base trim. The 2018 model also added standard 17-inch alloy wheels, high-intensity discharge headlights, fog lights, and a backup camera. Jeep added the Latitude Plus trim to the lineup with an 8.4-inch touch screen, satellite radio, and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat. The auto industry has a huge impact on the U.S. economy. It starts with the assembly line, but also includes the workers manufacturing parts, the people working at new car dealerships, and even the white-collar product development and marketing jobs. Image via Flickr by truckhardware used under CC BY 2.0

When it comes to full-size trucks, the competition is fierce. Pickup trucks are some of the bestselling vehicles in America, and so the companies that make them are constantly offering new configurations, new innovations, and new ideas the competition hasn't thought of yet. For 2019, it's Ram's turn to pull ahead thanks to the completely redesigned Ram 1500 pickup truck. Not only does the new model come with all the unique Ram features you could get last year, but it also has several brand-new features that are firsts for any pickup. The 2019 Ram 1500 may or may not be the perfect truck, but there are several reasons it's definitely the best choice available today. RamBoxes This is one of the Ram 1500's older features, but it's still the only pickup truck to offer lockable boxes built into the long sides of the bed. These boxes are long enough to fit garden tools like shovels and rakes, and you can also use them to store smaller tools, work gloves, and other items you wouldn't want to keep in an open bed or be hard to reach under a tonneau cover. RamBoxes are also waterproof and drainable, so you can fill the whole length with ice and use them to store drinks or keep fish fresh. Air Suspension The 2019 Ram 1500 is still the only light-duty pickup truck to offer an air suspension system. An air suspension uses cushions of compressed air as springs to keep bumps in the road from rattling the frame, and they have several benefits over traditional springs. One of the biggest advantages is the fact that you can adjust your ride height, and so the Ram 1500's air suspension system lets you adjust the rear suspension up and down. This helps give you a level bed even when it's loaded to capacity. eTorque The biggest innovation of the 2019 Ram 1500 is the new eTorque system that's available with both available engines. eTorque is a light hybrid system, and what it does is replace the traditional alternator with a small electric motor. This motor is smaller than what you'd get on a regular hybrid vehicle, and it doesn't change the Ram 1500's top speed or horsepower, but it does help the pickup truck accelerate faster from a full stop by using the instant torque electric motors offer. 12-inch Touchscreen The interior of the 2019 Ram 1500 got a few big upgrades, too. One of the most obvious would have to be the available 12-inch touchscreen in the center console. The big screen makes it easy to see things like the navigation screen, and you can switch to split-screen mode to see climate control switches and other controls. The 2019 Ram 1500 combines popular old innovations with several new features that are completely new to the light duty pickup class. Thanks to this, it's easy to see why the new 1500 could lay claim to being very possibly the best example of its class ever built to date. Image via RamTrucks.com