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The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan seats seven people, and it's available in three trim levels: SE, SE Plus, and SXT. This comfortable, affordable vehicle is ideal for carpooling or taking a road trip with your family. Here's some more information about the 2019 Grand Caravan's best features. more 1. A Capable, No-Nonsense Exterior This minivan is durable and practical. It doesn't stand out in traffic, but it's easy and fun to drive. Sliding driver and passenger-side doors and heated, folding rear-view mirrors make getting into a tight parking space or a small garage much easier. The Grand Caravan also comes with 17-inch wheels, daytime running lamps, halogen headlights, and a rear windshield wiper. You can add on roof rails, and the SXT comes with a power liftgate. For fog lights, choose the SE Plus or the SXT. 2. A Spacious, Comfortable Interior The Grand Caravan has lots of comfortable features. The base model has three-zone temperature control, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, and plenty of compartments and storage spaces throughout the vehicle. It comes with folding third-row rear seats, and you can add folding second-row seats. Both rows of seats fold completely into the floor to provide plenty of cargo space. With the SXT, you can fold the third-row seats in the opposite direction to make comfortable tailgate seats. The optional all-weather floor mats have deep grooves to protect your vehicle by trapping water, mud, and snow. You can also add a heated steering wheel to the SXT. 3. Plenty of Tech The Grand Caravan comes with a 40-gigabyte hard drive with 28 gigabytes of free space, six speakers, and a 6.5-inch touch screen. The audio input jack is compatible with multiple devices, including e-book readers, phones, and digital music players. You can add the Uconnect hands-free option group to get Bluetooth Streaming Audio, a remote USB port for charging mobile devices, audio controls on the steering wheel, voice recognition, hands-free calling, and a one-year trial subscription for SiriusXM satellite radio. These options come standard with higher trim levels. Other options include an HDMI port for watching videos in high definition and a 9-inch overhead screen that unfolds from the headliner in the second row. It also includes a DVD player and a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet. You can even add a remote control and wireless headphones. 4. Excellent Safety The safety features in the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan are as dependable as the rest of it. It comes with a rear view camera, electronic stability control with trailer sway damping, and active head restraints for rear-end collisions. This vehicle also has seat-mounted side air bags, side curtain air bags, and multistage front air bags that can inflate with different levels of force to reduce injuries in low-speed accidents. Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM has been family-owned and operated since 1926. Visit us to learn more about the 2019 Grand Caravan and check out our wide inventory. With our experienced staff, you can enjoy an easy, stress-free buying experience. image via Billsnethkamp.net

The 2019 Jeep Compass SUV seats five people, and it has sophisticated looks, convenient features, and impressive off-road abilities. With this versatile vehicle, you can have a pleasant commute or an outdoor adventure. It comes in six trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Sun & Wheel, Altitude, Limited, and High Altitude. People often call the Sun & Wheel the Trailhawk. Keep reading to learn more about the Jeep Compass. more Sleek Style With the 2019 Compass, Jeep's unique seven-slot grille is surrounded by narrow headlights and a lower grille. It has a capable, stylish look, and it's small enough to easily maneuver through traffic or narrow trails. The base model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, heated power side mirrors that fold manually, a rear windshield wiper, and a fuel filler door that lets you push to open it. A power liftgate is available with the Latitude, Altitude, Limited, and High Altitude. The Limited and the High Altitude have turn signals on the side, and other options include rear tow hooks and automatic headlights. You can add on rain-sensing windshield wipers or swap the standard wheels for 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch wheels. Luxurious Interior The 2019 Jeep Compass comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, folding rear seats, a 115-volt power outlet, six speakers, audio controls on the steering wheel, a 7-inch touch screen, push-button start, keyless entry, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There's also a 3.5-inch driver information display with your speed, trip and fuel information, the outside temperature, and more.  You can also add an 8.4-inch touch screen, navigation, a power sunroof, heated leather seats, or a nine-speaker BeatsAudio system with two subwoofers. Excellent Performance The 2019 Compass has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. It has power steering and battery run down protection as well. The Latitude and higher trim levels come with a stop-start dual battery system. When you stop the vehicle, the engine shuts off to save fuel. The secondary battery keeps the radio, air conditioning, and other amenities working. Four-wheel drive is optional, and you can use the Selec-Terrain traction management system to choose Auto, Snow, Sand, or Rock driving modes. The Compass can travel 23 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Advanced Safety Features The 2019 Jeep Compass has a variety of advanced safety features, including all-speed traction control, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, a theft deterrent system with an engine immobilizer, hill start assist, and a rearview camera. It also comes with a driver's knee air bag, front seat-mounted side air bags, and side curtain air bags. With the Limited and the High Altitude, you can add blind spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear parking assistance. Visit Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to check out our extensive inventory and learn more about the 2019 Jeep Compass. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you find a vehicle to meet all your needs. image via Billsnethkamp.net

Detroit, Michigan, has some of the best museums in the world. Some people call it the Paris of the Midwest for its rich culture and its wide variety of available activities. Here are some of the best museums for kids and adults in the area. more 1. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is dedicated to innovation and America's greatest minds. You can explore a reproduction of Thomas Edison's Menlo Park lab, take a tour of an actual Ford factory, ride in a Model T, enjoy an IMAX movie, and see the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. Check out a steam locomotive, a huge toy train display, the bike shop where the Wright brothers experimented with flight for the first time, and Ford's first car: the Quadricycle. You can even watch glassblowers in action and get a custom gift for friends or family members. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2. The Detroit Institute of Arts The Detroit Institute of Arts has one of the largest collections of art in the U.S. This 658,000-square-foot building contains more than 100 galleries and more than 65,000 works of art from all over the world. You can see pieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Degas, Renoir, and many other well-known artists. The Institute also has games for kids and families, art classes, workshops, and frequently changing exhibits. Children will like the Paul McPharlin Puppetry Collection, and you can enjoy a movie at the beautiful Detroit Film Theatre. There's a free guided gallery tour at 1 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, 6 p.m. on Fridays, and 3 p.m. on weekends. You can also enjoy a different live concert every Friday night. 3. The Detroit Historical Museum The Detroit Historical Museum first opened in 1928, and it provides a detailed history of Detroit. You can learn about the city's start in 1701, how it became the Motor City, and how it was involved in the Underground Railroad. Walk through reproductions of the streets of old Detroit to see the city's transformation over time and create your own song at the Kid Rock Music Lab. The Detroit Historical Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4. The Michigan Science Center Also called MiSci, this museum has more than 250 hands-on exhibits, including a miniature town for toddlers and a mock factory. You can also enjoy live stage shows, an IMAX theater, a planetarium, and fun adults-only events. The Michigan Science Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. These museums are ideal for a field trip or a fun weekend. Their changing exhibits mean you can go back again and again to have a great time and learn more about art, history, and science. Image via Flickr by VasenkaPhotography used under CC BY 2.0

The Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition is a limited edition vehicle that you'll want to buy as your next car. From an impressive exterior to multiple safety features, here are a few reasons to check it out. more Sleek Exterior The Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition has nine different exterior colors to choose from, including Bright White, Ocean Blue Metallic, Granite Crystal, Firecracker Red, and Mojito. The front part has Rubicon bumpers and hood as well as removable end caps. There are also low-gloss black accents on the grille throats, headlights surrounds, and tow hooks. There are rock rails on the side, but side steps can be added as well. The hood also has a giant Moab decal to show off the limited edition version. Luxurious Interior While you'll love the outside of the vehicle, the inside also provides a luxurious feel. Leather surrounds the cabin and is found on the dashboard as well as the seats. There are nine speakers to make sure everyone can hear the music well and are from the premium brand Alpine, so the sound is high quality. All-weather slush mats make it easier to go on weekend adventures without worrying about messing up the floors. You'll love the 8.4-inch Unconnect touchscreen that makes it easy to get the information you need about your vehicle quickly. You can access your music with ease thanks to the touchscreen's central location. Apple and Android smartphones can quickly connect to the Jeep so you can play music or podcasts off your phone onto the speakers in the vehicle. This also comes with navigation capabilities so it's easy to get directions to where you're going or find the nearest gas station or restaurant. Cold Weather Group Package An exciting feature of the Moab Limited Edition is the optional Cold Weather Group. This package comes with heated front seats as well as a steering wheel that's heated, making those cold winter days much easier to get in the car. The package also comes with a remote start so you can start the engine and warm up the vehicle from the comfort of your home, making it more comfortable to leave home in the winter. The Trail Rail cargo management system makes it easier for you to organize your gear as well as store it. Safety Features There are multiple safety features in the Limited Edition, such as the Advanced Safety Group. This has full-speed forward collision warning to alert you when it detects a collision ahead based on your speed. If you don't react in time, the vehicle will automatically brake to try to reduce your chance of an accident. Adaptive cruise control adjusts your speed based on how fast the vehicles in front of you are going so you don't have to manually slow down or speed up. If you want to check out the Limited Edition Wrangler Moab, visit our dealership at Bill Snethkamp CDJR. We are happy to let you test drive the vehicle and answer any questions you have about it. You can also check out our variety of other cars, trucks, and SUVs. Image via Billsnethkamp.net

The 2019 Pacifica is a great vehicle when you have a family. There are multiple features that you'll love about this minivan, including a spacious interior. Here are a few family-friendly features that you'll love about the 2019 Pacifica. more Spacious The Pacifica 2019 comes standard with seating for seven people. However, you can increase that to eight if you get the optional middle seat in the second row. The standard material for the seats is cloth, but they also have ventilated, heated, and leather front seats available if you want to add a little luxury to your drive. You can also get heated seats in the second row and front seats that are power-adjustable eight different ways. There's enough legroom in the minivan even when the full seating capacity is used. The van also has four LATCH car-seat connectors on the rear-outboard seats. Plenty of Cargo Space When you have a family, you're bound to have cargo you need to lug around with you. Whether it's soccer gear for practice or luggage for a road trip, having enough space in your vehicle is essential with a family. When all the seats are up, there are 32.3 cubic feet available for storage. That means you can store plenty of sports gear or suitcases, and when the second and third rows fold down that expands to 140 cubic feet of space. Another convenient feature is the Stow 'n Go seats, which fold into the floor so you can maximize your storage space available. This is in comparison to most minivans where the seats have to be physically removed, so the Pacifica 2019 makes it quicker and easier to get storage space. Many Safety Features Another feature most people find important when they have families are having safety features in the vehicle to protect the passengers. The Pacific 2019 has plenty of those that you'll love. Parking assistance makes it easy to pull in and out of parking spots. You'll have a camera to watch as you're backing out of a spot to let you see anything in your way and tell you how you need to turn the car to avoid hitting objects. Rear cross path detection tells you if something suddenly comes into your path, such as another car or a person, so you can stop the van in time. The vehicle also has perpendicular and parallel parking assist to show you how to turn the wheel to fit into the parking space. That means you'll be able to park closer when you see a coveted spot and not have to walk far with the kids out of fear of not knowing if you'll fit into a parallel parking spot. If you're interested in seeing the 2019 Pacifica in person, visit our dealership at Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and even let you take it for a test drive. We also have a wide selection of other cars, trucks, and SUVs. Image via Billsnethkamp.net

If you're in the mood for coffee, there are plenty of places to choose from in Detroit. Whether you like mochas, lattes, or regular black coffee, check out these places to stop for coffee in the area. more 1. Detroit Sip This coffee shop is a great place to meet friends over a latte or hunker down and focus on studying or work. There are fun coffee and espresso drinks that are Detroit-themed to choose, and local coffee brand, Ashe Coffee Roasting Company, is served. There are also many snacks available that are locally made such as brownies, cakes, doughnuts, chips, and soups. They are limited to only being open from Thursday to Sunday, however, so make sure to check what day you're going. 2. Cafe 1923 Cafe 1923 is located in the Hamtramck neighborhood and frequented by the locals. They offer free Wi-Fi, which means it's a common place to see students and those who work online hanging out here for a few hours. If you're hungry for lunch, you can choose from a variety of salads and sandwiches that are served each day. There's a comfortable library section to relax in and enjoy a laidback afternoon, or you can choose to sit in a pew as well. 3. Bikes & Coffee If you love bikes and coffee, you'll love stopping by the aptly-named Bikes & Coffee coffee shop. Stop by here to grab your favorite coffee drink during one of your rides. They also have bagels, pastries, and other snacks to choose from. If you need your bike worked on, you can also get that done here. The shop tailors to bikers who need new builds and repairs on their bicycles. There's no better way than spending a day talking to others who have similar interests while getting your bike worked on. 4. Astro Coffee Astro Coffee is located in the historic neighborhood of Corktown in Detroit. They source their own coffees by roasting them at their Core City facility. If you're a frequent visitor, you'll be able to try a constantly changing selection of new coffees that change each season. They're proud to showcase small lot producers in the coffee world. In addition to black coffee, they also have espresso drinks to choose from. All their food is made using natural and organic products and is made in house, including their sandwiches and baked goods. Even their produce is local, as you'll find Ghost Acre Farms, Keep Growing Detroit, and Detroit Mushroom Company used in their menu among others. Their bread and dairy products come from nearby Michigan. They are also working on Ochre Bakery, which is expected to debut this year and will expand their baked goods to naturally leavened croissants, bread, and whole cakes. Finding a good coffee shop to visit in Detroit isn't hard when you know where to look. Whether you need a good cup of coffee, a sandwich with local ingredients, or even your bike fixed, there's a Detroit coffee shop for you. Image via Flickr by OiMax used under CC BY 2.0

1. Detroit Institute of Arts The Detroit Institute of Arts was founded in 1885 and moved to its current site in 1927. The museum has rapidly expanded since then with additional wings being added and a major renovation happening in the early 2000s. The building takes up 658,000 square feet and has over 100 different galleries, a 380-seat recital and lecture hall, an auditorium that seats 1,150, a state-of-the-art conservation services lab, and an art reference library. more There are over 65,000 different works of art, so you could easily spend multiple days here if you truly wanted to see everything. Some of these include "Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait," the first U.S. museum collection of Van Gogh, and Diego Rivera's piece "Detroit Industry Fresco Cycle." There are also many European, Modern, American, Contemporary, and Graphic pieces of art in addition to notable works of Asian, Oceanic, Ancient, African, Islamic, and Native American art. 2. Ford Piquette Avenue Plant The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is a fun experience for car lovers. This is the oldest auto plant that's open to the public in the world and is virtually the same as it was when Henry Ford was around. There are three floors to this mill building, which are divided into sections by the same metal fire doors from when it was built. You can also see the famous "Positively NO Smoking" stencils around. There were over 12,000 Model T cars built in this factory and you can see how worn out the plank floors are from this. The plant is a designated National Historical Landmark, on the National Register of Historic Places, and a Michigan State Historic Site. You can walk on the same floors that Henry Ford's team developed the now infamous car that started a social and automotive revolution. His office has been left the same as it was in 1908 when he was about to become famous. There is also a small number of rare cars just built in Detroit available for viewing. 3. Motown Museum Motown began in a small house in Detroit, which is now known as the Motown Museum. Also known as Hitsville, USA, this was the house where Motown hits were recorded by Berry Gordy. While Motown Records was established in 1959, the museum wasn't founded until 1985. You can see artwork, costumes, music, photos, and more memorabilia to get a glimpse of what life was like back then. People come from all over the world just to step inside Studio A, where some of the most popular and best-loved Motown artists and groups recorded their songs. You can also see the upper flat where Berry Gordy lived with his family when the company was just beginning. There are plenty of museums to visit in Detroit. You can see famous art, check out an old car factory, and even see where Motown started when you're in the city. Image via Flickr by stevendepolo used under CC BY 2.0

Walking through Detroit's Greektown fills your nose with the wonderful scents of Mediterranean food. Visitors get to enjoy authentic Greek dining, and despite the name Greektown, there are also a number of other ethnic cuisines. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean. more Pegasus Taverna Pegasus Taverna is a casual Greek restaurant with rustic décor, exposed brick on the walls, and lattice ceilings with greens laced throughout. The menu includes traditional Greek dishes such as spinach pie, olive platters, and gyros. For an appetizer, the saganaki, or flaming Greek cheese, is a must, and for a main dish, the chicken kebabs are amazing. Pegasus stays open late-night, has a full bar, and there is a deli counter where you can order your meal to go. The Greek The Greek sits in the heart of Greektown and offers excellent food and great service. The menu has a good mix of traditional Greek dishes along with some contemporary flavors. To start, the chicken shawarma is wonderful, and the Greek Quesadilla comes filled with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, grilled chicken, and both mozzarella and feta cheese. You can also get a chicken strip pita sandwich, and for entrees the chicken kebab is wonderful, and the spinach pie is always made right in house. The Greek also features specialty gyros that you can get as a sandwich, a bowl, or a plate. The Golden Fleece The Golden Fleece is a staple in the Greektown neighborhood, and it has some of the best gyros you can get in Detroit. The chef makes the gyro meat right in house, it comes out juicy and tender, and the gyro serving is huge. This is a popular spot for the late-night crowd since it stays open until 1 a.m. every night except Friday and Saturday when you can get your gyro fix until 3 a.m. Niki's Pizza The Feta Cheese Pizza at Niki's is on the list of 25 Best Pizzas in the U.S. It has just the right amount of saltiness, the crust is soft in the middle and crispy on the outside, and it comes with lots of toppings. This pizza place also serves excellent salads, saganaki, and cocktails. If you've never tried Greek pizza before, this is the place to go. When the weather is nice, you can even sit out on the patio, or you can order ahead and take your food to go. Estia Greek Street Food Estia Greek Street Food serves street food gyros, delicious chicken, and salads. This is a great place in Greektown for a quick lunch or dinner, the build your own meal style makes it easy to get exactly what you want, and it all tastes fresh and delicious. Make sure to try one of these places on your next trip to Greektown. You can get the flavors of the Mediterranean whether you like them on a pizza, in a bowl, or in a sandwich. Image via Flickr by stu_spivack used under CC BY-SA 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

The Detroit Riverfront is full of activity all through the year. The area continues to grow and improve with activities and events for the whole family. Whether you enjoy walking, biking, live music, or just relaxing, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do around the Detroit Riverfront. more Go on a Nature Walk The Riverfront Conservancy and the Detroit Audubon offer nature walks all through the year. During the winter, you can go on a nature walk and learn all about the birds that call the riverfront home. The walk starts at Cullen Plaza where you explore the wetland habitat, and then you head to Gabriel Richard Park to visit the birding station and even get a glimpse of bald eagles, Canvasback ducks, and more. Everyone will get hot cocoa and snacks to end the adventure. See a Concert at Chene Park Chene Park is a 6,000 seat amphitheater right on the riverfront. This venue has 5,000 seats and 1,000 lawn spaces making the best place in Detroit for a spring or summer concert. Some of the performers coming to Chene Park this year include B2K, KEN, and the Lost 80s Live with performers such as Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, and Bow Wow Wow. You can find out more about who's coming by visiting the box office, and tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Saturday Market at Eastern Market Just about a mile from the Detroit Riverwalk, you'll find Eastern Market. This regular Saturday event is one of the oldest year-round public markets in the U.S. The Saturday Market features over 225 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and many other products and unique treasures. This market stays open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a goal of providing healthy and nourishing food to the Detroit residents. Visit Cullen Plaza Cullen Plaza is the heart of the Detroit Riverwalk and its where you'll find the carousel, a sand volleyball court, and the bike shop and rental station. There are tables out where people can sit and chat, and there is also a cafe for when you get hungry. There is also a pavilion at Cullen Plaza with public facilities, and this is the spot on the riverfront where you can hop on Diamond Jack's River Tours. This company offers both private tours a public charter of the Detroit River. Visit William G. Milliken State Park The William G. Milliken State Park opens May 1 and offers a wide variety of activities. You can visit the butterfly gardens, go fishing, take a walk, or go for a bike ride. The park also has covered picnic areas, a 52-slip harbor, and a scaled down replica of the Tawas Point Lighthouse to mark the entrance of the harbor. The platforms along the river provide a place to fish, and there is a bike path that winds through the park. The Detroit Riverfront continues to grow offering all kinds of activities for everyone. Image via Flickr by JasonParis used under CC BY 2.0

Winter weather can take a toll on a vehicle's paint. Whether it's the cold temperatures, the salt and sand used to keep the roads clear, or when you need to remove the snow and ice after a storm, your car's paint takes a beating. Since you can't stay home all winter and keep your vehicle in the garage, it is important to protect it. Check out these tips for protecting your car's paint during the winter months. Protect It Before Winter Arrives Before the temperatures even begin to drop and the snow starts to fly, make sure to add a protective coat of wax to your car. A polymer wax will provide a layer of protection and help to create a shield against the road salt, snow, and general winter grime. Apply a thorough coating of wax in the late fall, and then reapply at least once during the winter. Just make sure to wait for a day above freezing and wash your car thoroughly before applying. more Take Cover If you have a garage, use it in the winter. Not only will it make your day easier after a snowfall, but it is also better for the paint. If you don't have a garage, consider a car cover. There are heavy duty covers that will protect the car from moisture and the impact of ice storms. Keeping your vehicle under cover will also prevent ice from forming which not only saves you time, but it means you don't have to scrape it off the paint. Remove Snow and Ice The Right Way Always keep a good snow brush in your vehicle so you can use it to remove snow and ice from your car. Don't use a shovel, a credit card, or other items that could damage the paint. There are products with foam heads which will safely remove snow from the car, and when it comes to ice, make sure you don't use an ice scraper on the paint. These tools are only for the windows. The hard plastic will scratch the paint, so instead, leave plenty of time to warm up your car and melt the ice. Wash It Frequently The salt and sand that road crews use when clearing the roads gets in and on your vehicle. It is important to wash this off, so it doesn't damage the paint. Whether you have to bring it to a car wash or you have a place at home to wash it, make sure to clean off the road grime every few weeks throughout the winter. The salt will damage the paint if it stays on too long. Use a Clay Bar Even after washing, there could be small particles of grit that remain on the paint. A clay bar will remove these by gliding over the waxed surface. It acts as a deep cleaner and removes stuck on particles, and it will even remove imperfections in the paint. Follow these tips to protect the paint and keep your vehicle looking great all winter long. Image via Flickr by evengoodwin1 used under CC BY 2.0

The North American International Auto Show just wrapped up in Detroit, Michigan, at the end of January. The show featured a large collection of impressive vehicles that we can expect in 2020. Check out a few of the top vehicles that made their debut at the Detroit Auto Show. more The Dodge Ram HD Is More Capable Ram drivers are still reeling after the 2018 Auto Show when the 2019 Ram was first introduced. 2018 brought the first major change to the design of the iconic Ram truck. Now, Ram is preparing for the 2020 model which will feature the latest interior technologies and an increase in power. On the inside, the Ram HD is equipped with a 12.0-inch driver infotainment system, which is easy to read and has navigation capabilities. The 2020 Ram 1500 is powered with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine with 400 horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque. It has a towing capacity of 35,100 pounds and a maximum payload of 7,680 pounds. There will also be a diesel engine option available that comes with a smaller engine, a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. Retractable corner steps will make it easier to access your truck bed contents. The Dodge Durango Is Preparing for a Major Re-Design The Dodge Durango also made a quiet appearance at the Detroit Auto Show. It is gearing up for a major redesign come 2021, meaning the 2020 model is your last chance to purchase it as it stands. The new driver infotainment system is slightly larger with a more user-friendly interface. The exterior of the 2020 Durango is minimally changed from the 2019 model. However, we can expect to see more changes before it officially hits dealership floors. We can expect Dodge designers to use it to test out potential major changes that will come with the 2021 Durango model. The engine setup is the same as previous models which includes a standard 3.6-liter V-6, a 5.7-liter V-8, and the SRT model which features a 6.4-liter V-8 which produces 475 horsepower. The Jeep Gladiator Is the First Open-Air Truck The Jeep Gladiator had already attracted a lot of attention prior to its official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show. This Jeep paired with a truck design has a best-in-class towing of 7,650 pounds and a payload of 1,600 pounds. It is powered with a 3.0-liter diesel engine. It is the unique design that has everyone talking about the Jeep Gladiator. Jeep has already created a reputation for its impeccable off-roading capabilities. The 2020 Gladiator will offer those same off-roading abilities but with the durability of a truck with a flatbed design and a top-down driving experience. It is expected to be a popular purchase, being the only open-air truck in the market. The Detroit Auto Show gave us a sneak peek of what we can expect for 2020. Drivers all over look forward to the release of the first open-air truck and the powerful Dodge Ram HD. In the meantime, come by Bill Snethkamp CDJR today to check out our 2019 lineup. Image via Flickr by nan palmero used under CC BY 2.0