Hit the Open Road in a Dodge Charger
Though we’re about a quarter of the way through 2022, there’s still time to make your New Year’s resolution come true. For many Longmont citizens, buying a new car is a great way to start off the year. And no car serves a better purpose than the stylish, powerful, and capable Dodge Charger.
When you’re ready to take the Dodge Charger out for a spin, the experienced sales team at Longmont Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help. Ready to learn more? Here’s everything you need to know about the Charger:
Performance That Beats the Competition
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle and have been eyeing the Dodge Charger, it may have been because of its phenomenal power. The Charger comes with a multi-engine lineup, including the impressive Supercharged 6.2L HEMI High-Output SRT V8 engine. This one-of-a-kind engine has 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque.
This isn’t the only engine option, though. The Charger features the following engine lineup:
- 392 HEMI V8 engine that has 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. Best of all, with this engine, you can go from 0 to 60 in as little as four seconds.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine that has 292 horsepower. If you get the SXT AWD or GT models, you can get up to 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that has 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, along with fuel-saving technology that gets up to 25 mpg on the highway.
The Charger also comes with Launch Control with Launch Assist, which allows drivers the ability to designate the RPM when they want to put the car into first gear. It also has a Three-Mode Active Damping System that allows you to set a different suspension tuning based on your preference, such as sport or track mode.
A Stylish Exterior That’s Sure to Turn Some Heads
The look and feel of a Dodge Charger are unlike any other. Drivers can enjoy the exclusive Widebody fender, as well as the sharp front grille and massive 20×11” aluminum wheels exclusive to the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody and Scat Pack.
Best of all, the Charger comes with a variety of different badges your car can be equipped with to make you stand out from the pack. These unique badges are based on the model you choose, and they include the following:
- Scat Pack
- Redeye
- R/T
- Hellcat
If you want, you can also customize your Dodge Charger with unique racing stripes that match your style and personality. You can get these stripes in a number of different colors, including red, blue, silver, gunmetal, and carbon. That’s not all, either! The Dodge Charger comes in a variety of colors including TorRed, Go Mango, Indigo Blue, Octane Red, Pitch Black, Granite, and Frostbite.
Safety and Security
Last but not least, the Dodge Charger has excellent safety features to give anyone driving it peace of mind that they have extra security on the road ahead.
The Charger comes with multiple safety features, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitoring System
- Automatic High-Beam Headlights
- Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning
- Parkview Rear Back-Up Camera
- Rain Brake Support
- Electronic Stability Control
On top of these impressive technological safety features, the Dodge Charger has a solid, high-strength steel frame, multiple airbags throughout the cabin, and active front head restraints to minimize the risk of injury in a motor vehicle accident.
Find Everything You’re Looking For Behind the Wheel of a Dodge Charger
Whether you’re looking to take your new Dodge Charger on the road for an adventure or up the road to the local market, you want to drive something you can feel confident in. Fortunately, the Charger is just that vehicle — and the team at Longmont Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help.
Whether you have questions about what this powerful and capable vehicle has to offer or you want to take it out for a test drive around town, the qualified sales team at Longmont Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is your go-to guide for everything Dodge.
Our local dealership is conveniently located at 200 Alpine Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501. Our sales department is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am-8:00 pm to serve you.
When you find the car of your dreams today, tomorrow can’t come soon enough. Stop by so you can be on the road enjoying your new car as soon as possible.
The 2022 Grand Wagoneer stands at the peak of the American Premium Automotive experience. Premier craftsmanship, top-quality materials, and expert design are just a few of the Grand Wagoneer’s trademarks.
Our Prestige Chrysler Dodge team remains amazed at the Grand Wagoneer’s incredible design, technologies, and safety innovations that stand above the rest.
Design
The Grand Wagoneer is beautiful. Even at first glance, you know you’re seeing something special. The exterior is a harmonious blend of modern design and sophistication. High-end accents like our signature LED headlamps use an electric motor to rotate the lamp, providing light exactly where it’s needed most.
Select the perfect “icing” for your Grand Wagoneer – a sizable selection of 20- and 22-inch wheels are the best complement to your already-elegant style.
Make entrances and exits gracefully with Retractable Running Boards. Extend the running boards with your key fob. The running boards automatically hide once you’re inside, creating a seal to keep dust and dirt out of your interior.
Inside the Grand Wagoneer, you’ll find spacious seating for eight. Three rows of luxurious passenger seating options provide space for everyone to be comfortable.
Program 24-way power-adjustable front seats to conform to your body and provide the support you need for any drive. Engage the massage capability and be the envy of all when you arrive at your destination relaxed and revived.
Find the versatility you need for both passengers and cargo with a Power-Folding Third-Row Bench Seat that folds flat at the touch of a button. Suit your exact needs with countless configurations to accommodate your trickiest cargo.
Technologies
No matter where your adventure takes you, next-generation technologies provide ways for you to stay connected. Your front-seat passenger will appreciate being able to co-pilot using the Class-Exclusive Passenger Interactive Display. Utilize navigation applications, creature comforts, and infotainment options from a beautifully lit screen.
Stay connected with what matters most. Our Uconnect 5 System gives you the smartphone connectivity you need through a stunning and intuitive 12-inch touchscreen color display. Access your contacts, playlists, podcasts, and favorite apps with the touch of a button or two.
Relax and restore your mind with our Personalized Ambient Lighting and Relaxation Mode. Use the soft glow of interior ambient lighting and the available Relaxation Mode setting that features ambient visual displays and calming audio to calm a restless spirit after a particularly long day.
Download the Wagoneer App on your smartphone to schedule a service appointment, keep up with your vehicle health report, or contact a Wagoneer Ambassador with ease.
Safety
Personal safety has never been more important. The Grand Wagoneer is backed by over 120 standard and available safety and security features. You can count on the latest and greatest safety innovations and technologies. Features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go. Set your preferred driving speed and the distance you’d like to keep between your vehicle and traffic ahead. Our system will maintain both, and can bring you to a full stop and accelerate if necessary.
- Active Lane Management System. Sensors read the road as you travel and monitor your positioning within your lane. If your vehicle drifts to either side of its lane, the system gently guides you back to the center.
- Night Vision Camera. Night drive with confidence, knowing this camera is using thermal systems to monitor animal and pedestrian movement. This system provides added confidence and security when you need it most.
These are just a short list of some of the technologies available. Ask your sales team member to tell you about all the available and standard safety systems in Grand Wagoneer. It is critical that you know how these safety systems work so that you are as confident as possible behind the wheel.
These features save lives, and nothing is more important.
About Us
Our Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram team has served our friends and neighbors in Las Vegas for so long that we know you trust us for top-quality vehicles and service. We work hard to earn your trust.
When you visit our dealership, you’ll find highly trained professionals with experience and brand knowledge that you won’t find anywhere else. Our friendly, helpful staff wants your experience to be a positive one.
Our Prestige team knows purchasing a vehicle is an investment. We want to give you the information you need to make a well-informed decision. We are here to help you think through your options and weigh your pros and cons.
The Grand Wagoneer is the pinnacle of luxury. With top-tier craftsmanship, premium materials, and only the best of everything, you’ve got the world on a string with the Grand Wagoneer. Visit us today to make a Grand Wagoneer yours!
Here’s What You’ll Love about the Jeep Wrangler 4×4
Are you in the market for a sturdy, stylish, and tough vehicle that can handle all your off-roading needs? If so, then the Jeep Wrangler 4×4 might be the vehicle for you. Our staff at Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Longmont, CO, can help you drive home today in a rugged Jeep Wrangler 4×4. Here’s what you’re sure to love about it.
More Than Capable
The features on the Jeep Wrangler prove why it’s one of the top-rated off-road vehicles on the market today. This Trail Rated vehicle has a 50/50 split on torque to provide extra traction. It’s also capable of water fording and easy maneuverability, which allows it to tackle any kind of surface you want to drive across. These factors, combined with good wheel articulation, axle suspension, and clearance from the ground, mean that the places you can drive become almost limitless.
Under the hood, you have a few different options. You can either go with a 2.0L turbo engine with ESS, a 3.0L EcoDiesel engine, a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with Etorque, or a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with ESS. These engines, paired with one of three 4×4 systems available, provide your vehicle with the power and stability to handle anything you throw at it.
Interior Features
The Jeep Wrangler 4×4 includes several interior features that make an already incredible ride even more enjoyable. It has a nine-speaker Alpine Premium Audio System with an overhead soundbar, all-weather subwoofer, and a 552-watt amplifier system to make your sound system as powerful as the Jeep itself.
A number of storage options, including the Trail Rail system and plenty of space, allow you to store your cargo, no matter its size. The interior is also easy to clean with removable water-resistant carpet and floor drain valves that allow you to hose off the mud after a long day of off-roading. All of this comes with several tops and open-air style options to enhance your experience and provide you with freedom like never before.
Exterior Features
Speaking of roof options, one of those is the Sunrider hardtop, which provides protection from the elements while making it easy to get access to fresh air and sun.
To add to your open-air adventure, half-doors are available on some models of the Jeep Wrangler, not only opening up the vehicle even more but also providing increased visibility while driving. Or, you can go completely doorless with removable doors. With the Mopar Door-off Mirror kit, you can remove your doors completely for an off-road excursion without sacrificing your side mirrors. The Gorilla Glass windshield and bright LED lights add durability and reliability to an already rugged vehicle.
Technology
Just because the Jeep Wrangler 4×4 is a rugged outdoor vehicle doesn’t mean that it can’t come with some modern technology inside. It features remote keyless entry so you don’t have to go digging for your keys in your pocket.
The Wrangler also has a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that connects up to eight devices within a 50-foot radius of the vehicle. If you get lost off the road, you can use the built-in Uconnect touchscreen system with built-in navigation to get yourself back into traffic with ease. It also connects with the Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa, which allows you to send driving instructions and other requests to your vehicle simply by asking Alexa.
Using Uconnect on your phone also allows you to start your vehicle from up to 328 feet away! All of this, paired with a front-facing off-road camera to keep an extra eye out for obstacles, gives you a ride that keeps you connected with the outside world while you’re on the road.
Come to Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
If you’re looking for the ultimate off-road vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler 4×4 might be right for you. Built from the ground up to handle any terrain you want to tackle, its features make it ideal for going off the beaten path and driving somewhere new.
At Longmont Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, you are welcome to come in and test drive a Jeep Wrangler 4×4 today to see if it’s the right fit for you. We don’t just sell cars. We provide a car buying experience. Come to Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Longmont, CO today and let us show you how easy the car-buying experience can be.
Ramp Up Spring in a Jeep Renegade
Our Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram team is starting to show all the signs of Spring Fever. We are making vacation plans. We’re dreaming about road trips. We’ve started thinking about long weekends away!
If you’re feeling that urge to get out and about, we want you to know there is no better vehicle to start adventuring in this spring than the Jeep Renegade. With capabilities that count, features that make driving fun, and safety innovations that save lives, there’s no better time to plan than right now!
Capabilities
The Jeep Renegade is engineered to get you where you want to go! Choose between two legendary available Jeep 4×4 systems. The first, Jeep Active Drive, is a fully automatic, single-speed Power Transfer Unit. The second, a Trailhawk exclusive Jeep Active Drive Low, includes a 4-Low mode with a crawl ratio of 21:1. Both provide the power and traction you need to conquer the toughest terrain.
Consider the available Selec-Terrain Traction Control that puts choice at your fingertips. This system lets you choose between snow, sand, or mud to give you the performance values you’d expect in a Jeep. Our exclusive rock mode and hill descent control are standard only on Trailhawk models.
Does boating, canoeing, camping, or riding ATVs sound like fun on a pretty day? Load up your toys and take off! Unlike other vehicles its size, the Jeep Renegade offers a factory-available Trailer Tow Package on 4×4 models that provides you with a maximum towing capacity of 2000 pounds and comes with a four-pin wiring harness and Class III receiver hitch.
If off-roading is your favorite pastime, you’ll want to ask your sales team member about the Renegade Trailhawk. The Trailhawk model proudly wears a Trail Rated badge, an enviable honor awarded to only the most capable vehicles in the brand.
The Trailhawk passed several grueling endurance tests to achieve this honor. The Trailhawk excels in areas of traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance.
Features
The Renegade is ready for fun, sporting a modern style full of creature comforts. Available amenities provide space and organization we all crave.
40/20/40 Split-Folding Rear Seats give you versatility for passengers and storage, folding flat when you need maximum space allowance. The adjustable cargo floor can be moved up or down to ease loading and unloading. Plus, for extra-long cargo, the front-passenger seat can fold forward. You don’t have to leave anything behind!
Withstand those brisk winter mornings with available heated front seats and an available heated steering wheel to help keep you toasty on frosty days. Heated exterior mirrors ensure you’ll have clear visibility by keeping ice, frost, and fog at bay.
Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control keeps you and your front seat passenger happy by allowing you both to set your preferred micro-climates. Are you always cold, but your passenger is never cool enough? With this feature, you can both travel in comfort!
No matter where your adventures take you, you have to stay connected. Jeep provides the smartphone connectivity you need with the Uconnect 4C NAV system, which puts all your favorite apps, navigation tools, and contacts at your fingertips.
Safety
Your safety is priority one. Jeep offers over 70 standard and available safety and security features to bolster your confidence and bring you peace of mind. Safety features include:
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection. When a vehicle enters your blind spot, we alert you. Keep your eyes on the road ahead without concern about what’s coming up from behind. Trust us to let you know when the path is clear.
- Rear Cross Path Detection. Sensors on your back bumper tell you when traffic is approaching from either side. The perfect co-pilot when you’re in reverse, this system gives you the details you need to make the best decisions!
- Adaptive Cruise Control. Set your preferred cruising speed and distance you’d like to keep between your vehicle and the traffic ahead. Our system will maintain both.
These are only a few of the many safety features available on the Renegade. Be sure to talk to your sales team member about safety features that make a real difference in the way you feel behind the wheel.
About Us
Our Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram team is excited about how the Jeep Renegade is making the outdoors and adventuring more accessible. Let us show you all the features that help get you wherever you want to go!
Visit us on Centennial Boulevard. Take a test drive. Play with the features. Then, let’s work together to get a Renegade in your driveway. You won’t regret it!
Jeep has a legend unlike any other vehicle out there. Mercedes gave us the first internal combustion engine, Ford used the assembly line to bring cars to the masses and Jeep brought about Four-Wheel-Drive. During the height of the Second World War, the Allied forces needed a machine that could tackle the war torn grounds of Europe and the jungle laid islands of the pacific. Out of this demand came the Willy’s Jeep, a 4X4 Army vehicle designed to handle any terrain. This futuristic development was later replicated by Land Rover, Toyota and Ford. With such an illustrious history, it only makes sense that the new Jeep Wrangler 4XE is also breaking new ground.
The Jeep Wrangler 4XE is a revolution in the Wrangler family. It is the first PHEV Jeep Wrangler. That means you get the benefits of a electric vehicle, the fuel efficiency of a hybrid and the peace of mind of the classic ICE. Let’s look at what makes the new 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4XE so impressive.
To begin, let’s look at the engine. The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4XE is powered by a 2.0 L 4 Cylinder Engine in conjunction with a 7.4 KW-Hr Electric Motor. This pairing produces an impressive 375 HP and 470 Lb-Ft of Torque. This design means you average 49 MPG and up to 370 Miles of Range. And don’t forget the 17.3 KW Lithium-Ion Battery which can get you 21 Miles on electric power alone.
Now, many of you may be wondering what happens if you put the vehicle in Electric Mode and you run out of juice. Simple, when the electric battery runs out of charge, the hybrid system kicks in by activated the ICE and the Electric Motor to keep you moving forward. That means you don’t need to worry about getting stranded even in the back country.
Speaking of which, did you know you can install a charging station at home? Charging stations currently come in three varieties, Level I, II and III (aka Fast Chargers). Level I is a simple grounded 120V AC outlet. These can usually be found in your garage and take around 12 Hours to charge the battery. Level II provides 240V of power, can be installed in your home and are the most common charging stations in US. These will charge your battery in 2 Hours. As for Level III Fast Chargers, the 2022 Jeep 4XE is not equipped to use a Level III. This is likely because Level Three Chargers produce 600V of power and with such a small battery it would likely damage it.
Now, if you are like me, you may be thinking, “Electrical equipment and water don’t usually mix, so how does the Jeep 4XE perform as an Off-Roader?” The answer is no different. All the electrical systems have been specially sealed to ensure water and dirt cannot short the electrical systems. With that, the Jeep Wrangler 4XE acts just like a Wrangler. 35” Stock Tires, 10.8” Ground Clearance, Selec-Trac Full-Time Active On-Demand Four-Wheel Drive System with both Front and Rear Locking Differentials. You are not limited by the hybrid system one bit.
When the Jeep Wrangler 4XE was initially released, I was skeptical about its ability to live up to the Jeep title. The Wrangler has always been an all-terrain, go-anywhere monster of the back country. And yet, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4XE surpasses all expectations. With the efficiency of a Plug In Hybrid and the capability of a Wrangler, getting lost in the wilderness can last even longer.
The luxury SUV market has been a small group of automakers for years. Cadillac, Lincoln, Land Rover and Mercedes have been the protectors of the good ol’ boys club. Until now. The new 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is set to uproot the status quo with luxury, technology and capabilities that will knock the socks off the competition.
Let’s begin with the luxury. The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is bursting with luxury features. For one, buttons and knobs have been replaced with touch screens everywhere. The driver gets to experience a Driver Information Digital Cluster with customizable settings. The 12” Infotainment Screen provides access to virtually every feature. An Articulated Lower Display provides direct access to the 14 Way Power Adjustable Seats and Massaging Options. And lastly, the passenger commands the 10” Passenger Interactive Display to either assist the driver or relax and watch movies from their Amazon Fire Stick.
That is not all for luxury, nor could I name everything in this post, but there are a few other notable mentions. Another notable feature is the Heated and Ventilated Seats in the first and second rows. You and your passengers will not have to suffer the temperature for long. Next, the Panoramic Sunroof and Third Row Moonroof provide ample lighting and appeal to your passengers. What about space? The third row is usually considered the dungeon of most SUVs, but with the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, it delights. The second row provides easy Push Button Access. Then the legroom reaches 36.6 CUFT which means taller passengers don’t have to feel abused. And lastly, the third row provides both USB-A and USB-C Charging Ports and a Power Reclining Function to enhance the experience.
That was a lot of luxury items. It didn’t even scratch the surface, but part of luxury is the technology that makes it. It is difficult to talk about one without the other. Going back to the 12” Infotainment Screen, it provides the driver with access to everything such as:
- Four Zone Climate Control
- Interior Ambient Lighting
- Relax Mode
- 23- Speaker McIntosh Premium Audio System
- Interior Monitoring Camera
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay
- Navigation
- Active Safety Controls
The technology on the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is astonishing. Another example is Park Sense which will assist you in Parallel or Perpendicularly parking your Grand Wagoneer. Meaning, no longer do you have to worry about a space being too small or how to maneuver the wheel, the Grand Wagoneer makes parking a thing of the past.
When talking about a Jeep, you cannot avoid talking about capabilities. Jeeps are known for their rugged off-roading talents, so it is expected that the Jeep Grand Wagoneer would have some. It does. To begin the Grand Wagoneer boasts up to 10” of Ground Clearance. Next the Quad Lift Air Suspension can be raised or lowered to assist with off-roading terrain. Jeep also fitted this three-row SUV with its Quad Drive 4X4 System with Selec-Terrain Traction Management System to ensure it can handle anything the wilds can throw at it. And lastly, it comes equipped with a 6.4L V8 Engine producing 471 HP and 455 Lb-Ft of Torque. How is that for capabilities?
The all new 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is an engineering marvel. It serves as a Three-Row Full Size SUV, but comes with the luxury, technology and capabilities of some of its smaller elite competitors. With so much happening, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is equipped with something for everyone. Even your grouchy father-in-law will love the fighter pilot style Heads Up Display. Check one out today at Prestige Dodge!
We get asked this questions a lot…”What are the two capacities of the RAM Truck 1500, 2500, and 3500?”
Here are the RAM 1500 specs:
Here are the RAM 2500 specs:
Here are the RAM 3500 specs:
Come on by and take a RAM 1500, 2500, or 3500 for a test drive today to find out which one could best fit your needs!
The mythical off-road icon has become even more ability to handle the toughest paths — introducing the new 2017 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition.
Designed for improved off-road art with An updated front axle, increased stone railings and heavy-duty cast differential covers, the new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is equipped with even more protection for die-hard 4×4 fans who seek the most severe, rugged terrain. The newest 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition also appears every part of a four-wheel-drive icon, with new exterior and interior enhancements and one of a kind color options.
Dependent on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition ups the off-road ante with a front axle upgrade that has reinforced tubes and heavy-duty finish forgings, heavy-duty cast front and rear differential covers and enhanced off-road stone rails that are shortened to accommodate up to 35-inch tires.
Distinctive Design
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is one dominant 4×4 vehicle, and it also includes a toughened exterior appearance to coincide. A minimal Gloss Black grille with Low Gloss Granite Crystal inserts and headlamp rings, Low Gloss Black off-road bumpers and Jeep badge with a reddish base add competitive style. In addition, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition carries a distinctive half-inch lift, new 17-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal-painted aluminum wheels wrapped in 32-inch BF Goodrich KM off-road tires, optional body-color fender flares and a dual-vented Power Dome hood using a black-silhouette “Rubicon” decal on either side. Lastly, the winch-capable steel front bumper is equipped with removable end caps for climbing obstacles, while unique red tow hooks finish the rugged look.
Color Options
Covering the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition in mud is entertaining, sure. However, You may want to wash it off sometimes to reveal one of seven available colors on the four-wheel-drive icon: Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Firecracker Red, Gobi, Rhino and Granite Crystal.
Interior Highlights
Inside, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition comes with the bold design and style of black leather-trimmed heated front seats with red accent stitching and a “Rubicon” embroidered emblem, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Recon motif continues with black vinyl-wrapped front door armrests and console lid with black stitching, red accent pliers front and rear door pockets and the center console, and crimson accent-colored seatbelts. The passenger grab handle includes Midnight Star Black accents which are also found on the vent rings, steering wheel spokes and door pulls. A unique gauge cluster features exclusive Recon styling.
Final Touches
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is rounded out with touches and details such as all-weather slush mats using a red accent “Jeep” logo and red-accented axle locker and sway-bar disconnect switches. The Jeep Connectivity Group, Power Convenience Group, remote start* and automated temperature control are also standard.
Get to know an employee: Tony
How To Winterize Your Automobile
Winter driving conditions can be hazardous due to factors such as snow and ice on the road. While it’s important that you are prepared for winter driving, it is also important that your car is up for the challenge. It is recommended that you winterize your car before the winter season to make sure your car can handle the winter road conditions.
1. INSTALL WINTER WIPERS
These come equipped with rubber that keeps ice from collecting on the blades. Just be sure to remove them when spring rolls around. As winter wipers are heavier than regular ones, keeping them on all the time increases the risk of burning the motor out too soon.
2. MOUNT WINTER TIRES
If you live in a place that experiences extreme cold winter temperatures, it is recommended that you install winter tires when winterizing your car. When the temperature consistently hovers around or below freezing, the rubber compounds in non-winter tires harden, decreasing the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires use special compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures, providing better traction.
You should definitely have snow tires installed with plenty of time to spare before extreme winter weather arrives. We say, if you can see your breath, it’s time to install winter tires.
If you plan to drive in snowy conditions, it is suggested that you keep chains handy and know how to install them. If you live somewhere where chains are required, keeping a set on hand is a must.
3. KEEP WASHER FLUID FULL
When driving in snow and ice, you may use a lot of washer fluid in an effort to keep your windshield clean. In order to properly winterize your car, maintain a nearly full washer fluid reservoir and consider keeping a spare bottle or two in the trunk.
4. PACK A WINTER SAFETY KIT
In the event of an emergency, you’ll be glad you kept supplies on hand. Here are some things to pack in your winter driving safety kit:
- Ice scraper
- Bag of sand and a shovel
- Cell phone
- Flares
- First aid kit
- Extra antifreeze
- Flashlight and batteries
- Car tool kit
- Jumper cables
- Warm clothing: Extra jacket, hat, socks, boots
- Non-perishable food and beverage items
- Pack of matches
5. SERVICE YOUR VEHICLE REGULARLY
Perhaps the most important precaution for safe winter driving – and one that many winterizing a car lists overlook – is servicing your vehicle. If you’re not doing it regularly, be sure to do it as soon as there’s a chill in the air.
Belts and hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables: these can go bad at any time of year, but if they go bad during the winter, you could be stranded in a very cold place for a very long time – and that could be dangerous.
When you get your vehicle serviced, be sure the technician checks the following:
- Battery and charging system
- Antifreeze and cooling system
Just because your battery works fine now doesn’t mean it will in sub-freezing temperatures. Cars can be harder to start in the winter and may need a powerful, high-performing battery. A good battery for winter driving will bear the 600 CCA (cold cranking amps) rating. It is recommended that your auto care provider can install a battery at or above 600 CCA for optimal winter performance.
As for the cooling system, it is recommended to maintain a ratio between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water. You can always use the well-known, green-colored antifreeze, but some engines also take a newer, longer-lasting coolant that may or may not be green in color. Ask your technician which is best for your engine. Also confirm the appropriate coolant to water ratio for your situation.
6. MAINTAIN PROPER TIRE PRESSURE
Every 10 degree change in ambient temperature could mean a gain or loss of 1 PSI. This means you should check pressure more regularly during winter and refill your tires as needed. Appropriate pressure for your tires can be found on the tire placard in the driver’s side door jamb or in your vehicle owner’s manual.
7. KEEP THE GAS TANK AT LEAST HALF FULL
Fill up often! Keeping gas in the tank is more important in winter than in summer. Why? For one thing, a full tank can help prevent gas line freeze ups. Not only that, but if you’re ever stranded, your engine may be the only thing to keep you warm until help arrives.
8. KEEP YOUR REAR-WINDOW DEFROSTER IN WORKING ORDER
Being unable to see behind you could create unsafe driving conditions. That’s why several states have laws stating that all your windows must be clear of condensation and debris. When winterizing your car, check your rear-window defroster before cold weather arrives to be sure it’s working properly.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU DRIVE
Before you get behind the wheel, it’s important to remove all snow and ice from the windshields, windows, tops, and sides of your vehicle – yes, all of it! There are two reasons for this: removing debris from all windows and the roof improves visibility, and prevents chunks of it from falling off and hitting other cars.
In addition, remember these things before getting behind the wheel in winter:
- Allow enough time to get where you need to go safely.
- Slow down!
- Allow more stopping distance. Snow and ice make it more difficult to stop. Allow more space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Watch the weather. Be aware of any trecherous weather that may be headed to your area.
If the roads are just too dangerous, don’t risk an accident!
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