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As a car owner, there are many ongoing car maintenance tasks you have to keep track of to maintain the performance of your vehicle. From rotating your tires to replacing windshield wipers, your CDJR dealer makes it easy to follow your vehicle's recommended service schedule. Four Benefits of Regularly Scheduled Car Maintenance at Your CDJR Dealer 1. Longer Vehicle Lifespan Routine maintenance is the best way to ensure your vehicle is operational for as long as possible. You can generally count on your CDJR vehicle to last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles, but your car can be on the road even longer if you take care of your essential vehicle components. Maintaining the engine, transmission, and battery of your vehicle can help you avoid devastating damage that causes your vehicle to retire prematurely. 2. Better Fuel Efficiency You can maintain the fuel economy of your vehicle with routine maintenance. When your engine is clogged up with old motor oil or your fuel filter is dirty, your car ends up burning through more fuel. Similarly, tires with low treads make your vehicle work harder to accelerate, which can reduce the fuel efficiency of your car. With routine service, you can ensure every element of your car is primed to make the most out of every ounce of fuel. 3. Enhance Safety Routine maintenance can also ensure your safety on the road. Your vehicle's most essential safety feature is your brakes, which should be checked as part of regular maintenance at least twice a year. When your brake pads and brake fluid are in good condition, your vehicle has more stopping power, and this can help you avoid collisions on the road. 4. Update Software Most of today's CDJR vehicles come with advanced safety technology and connectivity technology. Visiting your dealer for routine maintenance can ensure your vehicle software is updated to the latest version for the best performance. Should You Schedule Express Lane Service? If you're in a hurry, then you may want to schedule your next service appointment at your dealership's Express Lane. This is a dedicated service lane at your dealership's service department that is specially equipped to streamline your vehicle's most essential routine maintenance tasks, such as tire rotations, brake inspections, oil changes, battery checks, and more. Routine vehicle maintenance can help your car last longer, burn fuel more efficiently, and maintain safe performance on the road. Book your next service appointment at Charbonneau Chrysler Center in Dickinson, ND.

Getting an oil change from your RAM dealer is one of the ways to keep your engine running smoothly. Oil usually breaks down and loses its lubricating properties after miles of circulating through your engine. If you don't change it on time, you risk exposing your engine to premature damage. How Often Should Your CDJR Vehicle Get an Oil Change? Modern Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles take the guesswork out of oil service intervals with their advanced oil life indicator system. This system continuously monitors your driving style to calculate the optimal oil service intervals. The system flashes an alert and an "oil is due" message on the dashboard to let you know it's time to change your oil. more Factors like stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, and hauling heavy loads can impact oil life. The indicator considers these factors to give you an accurate service interval each time. Even if you don't get an alert, MOPAR recommends you don't exceed 10,000 miles between oil services. Check your owner's manual to learn the specific recommendations for your CDJR model. Why Should You Adhere to Timely Oil Services? Keep the Engine Clean Fresh oil doesn't just lubricate the many moving components in the engine. It also collects carbon deposits and dirt from the system. As oil passes through the oil filter, the contaminants get trapped by the filter. The clean oil recirculates through the engine to maintain optimal operating efficiency. Maintain Engine Performance As oil breaks down, it loses its lubricating properties, which increases friction in the engine. This can cause poor performance and overheating. Changing the oil regularly ensures optimal engine lubrication and enhances overall performance. Prevent Component Wear Lack of lubrication causes metal-on-metal contact between moving engine components. As the parts grind against each other, they wear down prematurely, forcing you to replace them frequently. Timely oil services prevent component wear by maintaining optimal lubrication in the engine. Improve Fuel Economy If your fuel economy is decreasing, it may be due to degraded oil. Old oil reduces engine performance, which usually leads to poor fuel economy. Changing your oil will restore peak engine efficiency and improve your vehicle's gas mileage. Why Should You Schedule an Oil Service at Your RAM Dealer? We recommend changing your oil at your local dealership. Our factory-trained technicians know the right oil type and quantity for your specific CDJR model. They will properly reset your oil life indicator system to ensure accurate readings for your next service interval. We also use genuine MOPAR oil filters designed for your specific engine to provide maximum protection. An oil service may seem like a minor maintenance task, but it's important if you want to maintain your vehicle's performance. Contact Charbonneau Chrysler Center in Dickinson, MD to schedule an oil service for your CDJR vehicle.

Do you know how much work ignition coils do in your car’s engine? These impressive pieces of machinery transform relatively little power from the battery into massive jolts of 25,000 volts or more, allowing the spark plugs to fire hundreds of times per minute. If any of your ignition coils run into trouble, you'll soon experience the following vehicle problems. You can have a faulty ignition coil promptly repaired or replaced at your nearest Dodge dealership. more Misfiring Spark Plugs If an ignition coil fails to deliver the expected burst of electricity, the corresponding spark plug will misfire. This interrupts the combustion process inside the engine's cylinders. As a result, your engine might start to cough and sputter while shaking erratically. Rough Idling When a bad ignition coil causes misfiring, it's often easiest to notice when the car slows down or pauses in idle. Rather than purring patiently, the struggling engine will vibrate and cough noisily. If the problem isn't fixed, it might even stall. Backfiring Engine Misfiring spark plugs fail to ignite all of the fuel that's pumped into the combustion chamber. This may lead to an excess of fuel, which can suddenly ignite at the wrong moment, such as when the cylinder is opening. This often causes loud backfiring and smoke in the exhaust fumes. Diminishing Power When failing ignition coils interrupt the combustion process, the engine will struggle to generate as much power as usual. You're likely to notice this when you're trying to accelerate or maintain high speeds on the highway. Plummeting Gas Mileage An engine without all cylinders firing consistently is far less efficient. For this reason, malfunctioning ignition coils will usually cause the vehicle's gas mileage to worsen, resulting in the need for more frequent gas stops. Engine Slow to Start Without a reliably strong supply of electricity delivered to the spark plugs, a car's engine may also struggle to turn over when you turn the key or press the ignition button. This can be particularly bad on colder mornings when car engines are naturally more resistant to starting up. Clean or Replace Bad Coils at Your Dodge Dealership Ignition coils can be harmed in a variety of ways. If a coil is fouled, a technician might be able to clean it. More often, a damaged coil will need to be replaced. The underlying cause will also need to be identified and repaired; this might be a faulty spark plug, bad wiring, an overly rich fuel-air mixture, or excessive vibrations and heat. Whatever your ignition coil problem, have it promptly repaired today at Charbonneau Chrysler Center. For over 50 years, we've been diligently serving the drivers of Dickinson and Southwest North Dakota with their ignition coil issues and so much more. Be sure to stop by and take advantage of our excellent service team no matter what car problem you may experience.

Your vehicle is a valuable investment that deserves proper care and attention. Regular car maintenance is the key to years of reliable and enjoyable driving. Here's some advice from your local Jeep dealer about how to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. 7 Car Maintenance Tips from Your Jeep Dealer Regular Oil Changes A fundamental aspect of ensuring your vehicle's engine has clean and well-lubricated parts is regular oil changes. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram (CDJR) vehicles, like any other, require clean and properly circulated oil to prevent engine wear and tear. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil change intervals, typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, to keep your engine performing optimally. more Tire Maintenance Proper tire maintenance is essential not only for your vehicle's performance but also for your safety. Regularly check tire pressure, alignment, and tread depth to ensure even wear and better fuel efficiency. Rotate your tires as recommended to extend their lifespan and save on replacement costs. Brake System Checks Your vehicle's braking system is a critical safety component. Regular brake inspections are necessary to detect and address any issues early on. If you notice squealing, grinding, or reduced braking performance, it's crucial to have your brakes checked promptly. Replace brake pads and service the brake system as needed, so you can be sure that your vehicle will stop safely when you need it to. Fluid Levels and Quality A variety of fluids play vital roles in your vehicle's operation, such as coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Regularly check fluid levels and quality, and top them off or replace them as necessary. Proper fluid maintenance prevents overheating, corrosion, and costly repairs. Air Filter Replacement A clean air filter is essential for maintaining optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. Regularly replace air filters so you can ensure the engine receives clean air for combustion. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended replacement intervals. Battery Health A dead battery can leave you stranded, so monitor your vehicle's battery health. Check for signs of corrosion on the battery terminals and ensure they are clean and secure. If your battery is more than a few years old, consider having it tested or replaced to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Regular Inspections Scheduled maintenance and inspections by qualified technicians are essential for identifying potential issues before they become major problems. These inspections can include checking the suspension, exhaust system, and electrical components, ensuring that your vehicle remains reliable and safe. Call us today, go on our website, or come in person to schedule your maintenance appointment at Charbonneau Chrysler Center here in Dickinson, ND. Our experienced technicians are dedicated to keeping your CDJR vehicle in peak condition. Your vehicle deserves nothing less than the best care, and we're here to provide it.

Your battery is one of the most important components in your Chrysler, as it provides the energy that starts the engine. Over time, your battery can become worn out or damaged. When this happens, it's time to visit your Chrysler dealership for a replacement. These are a few signs that it's time to get a new car battery. Signs You Need To Get a New Car Battery From Your Chrysler Dealership Check Battery Light The battery-shaped warning light on your dash lights up in response to any problem in the electrical system. Your Chrysler has numerous sensors that monitor all your engine's functions. These receive instructions from your car's computer and report on the health and condition of the component they're connected to. more If a sensor detects a fault in the electrical system, a message will be sent to your car's computer. The computer will log the problem and illuminate the check battery light. If this light comes on, it's important to visit our service department ASAP. Our Chrysler-trained technicians will identify the error code and use it to trace and repair the cause of the problem. Damaged Alternator The alternator creates electricity for your car's systems by converting mechanical energy from the crankshaft into DC power for your car. The alternator is also responsible for recharging your battery. The alternator starts recharging the battery at full power for ten minutes, then switches to recharging at 10% to prevent damage to the alternator and the battery. If your alternator is damaged, it may not switch to recharging at a reduced rate. In this situation, the excessive recharging rate will damage your battery. The electrolyte solution in the battery can start to boil, and you'll smell a rotten egg stench. This smell is caused by the breakdown of the sulfuric acid that releases hydrogen, which then forms hydrogen sulfide. We can fix this by replacing your alternator. Bloated Battery Case Your battery contains chemicals, copper plates, and an electrolyte solution, among other things. A tough plastic casing protects the battery contents from contamination. The battery casing is usually rectangular, but square batteries are also possible. If you look at your battery case and it bulging or distorted, this is a sign that your battery is failing. The distortions are caused by internal pressure inside the battery. This pressure can build up due to extreme hot or cold external temperatures. These temperatures affect the electrolyte solution, which will expand and force the battery casing outwards. At the same time, these pressures damage the battery's internal structure. We can't repair a bulging battery, but we can replace it for you. If you have a battery problem, call us today at Charbonneau Chrysler Center, and we'll fix it for you.

Most drivers don't spend a lot of time thinking about their car's headlights. Some components break down a lot easier and require more maintenance at the Chrysler dealer to keep them in good shape. However, you will need new headlights at some point during your car's life, so it's good to know the signs that yours are preparing to burn out. When Will You Need to Visit the Chrysler Dealer to Replace Your Headlights? Nobody can predict exactly when you'll need to visit a dealer for a new set of headlights, but you can estimate that you'll need to replace the bulbs in your headlights after about six years. After six years, the headlights just won't be as bright anymore, so you should replace them before they get too dim to use safely. more Your headlights could potentially last longer if they don't get much use. After all, not everyone drives a lot in the dark or in other low-visibility conditions. Your best bet is to monitor how bright they are and watch for signs that they're starting to get dimmer. Once they start dimming, you can head to the dealer to replace them. Your dealer will also periodically check your exterior lights during routine service and replace them if necessary. How to Tell When You'll Need New Headlights Soon The Headlights Have Dimmed All bulbs get dimmer with age, but the dimming isn't always significant. You might not notice the dimming until the lights become too dull to properly illuminate the path ahead of you. When that happens, you should head right to the dealer before you need to use your headlights again. They could be even dimmer next time, or they could stop working entirely. The Headlights Have Started Flickering Bulbs sometimes flicker when they're getting close to the end of their life. You may not even notice significant dimming before they start doing this. Even a small amount of flickering should alarm you, so get your car over to the dealer ASAP. The Headlights Have Become Hazy It's not unusual for headlights to get hazy when they don't have a lot of life left in them. However, it's also not unusual for the headlight casing to trap dirt and debris, leading to haziness from your headlights. If you notice any haziness, then visit the dealer. Your dealer can determine what the problem is and either replace your headlights or clean the casing with a strong cleaning solution to clear away any debris and dirt. Come to Charbonneau Chrysler Centre when you need to get your headlights replaced. Be sure to stop by for routine service on the components in your car that need a little more TLC to stay in great shape, too.

Engine problems usually develop slowly, but they will inevitably get worse. Most of these problems are caused by damaged components or lack of regular servicing. Fortunately, if you're close to Dickinson, ND, your Chrysler dealer can repair them for you. These are a few of the many different problems that we can fix. 3 Engine Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Chrysler Dealer Colored Exhaust Smoke Colored smoke is enjoyable if you're at a party, but it's not good if it's coming from your exhaust pipe. Regular exhaust smoke is wispy and almost invisible. Blue, black, or thick white exhaust smoke are all signs that your engine is in trouble. If the problem isn't identified and repaired timeously, your car can suffer serious damage. more Blue smoke is caused by oil leaking into the exhaust system. As your engine loses oil, the temperature will rise, and the lack of lubrication can cause engine components to seize up. Black smoke is usually caused by a failed catalytic converter. In addition, this smoke contains toxic chemicals. Thick white smoke means that antifreeze is leaking into the exhaust, and you could have a blown head gasket. We'll repair the cause of the problem and prevent additional damage to your engine. Leaking Radiator Cap The radiator cap is located on the top of your Chrysler's radiator. It's designed to maintain pressure in the cooling system and to prevent overheating. The cooling system operates at high speed and under high pressure. If the pressure in the cooling system rises too high, the cap will briefly open to expel the excess pressure. The cap screws securely into the radiator, and it has a tough seal to ensure the cooling system is kept airtight. In time, this seal can become worn due to heat and pressure, and coolant can leak out. Leaking coolant will drop the pressure in the cooling system. The loss of pressure slows down the cooling system, and your engine temperature will rise. We will fix this problem by replacing the seal. We'll also replace the cap if it's damaged. Fuel-Rich Engine It may seem surprising, but your engine requires more air than fuel for combustion. The air passes through the engine air filter, which removes dirt and other debris, and ensures that only clean air enters the engine. The filter will eventually become clogged with dirt, which prevents sufficient air from reaching your engine. The lack of air caused by a blocked filter will cause your engine to become fuel-rich. A fuel-rich engine leads to damaged spark plugs, misfiring, and stalling, and will cause potentially fatal engine damage over time. We can remedy this situation by replacing the filter, and the fuel-air ratio will return to normal. Don't risk engine damage. Visit our service department today at Charbonneau Chrysler Center, and we'll fix the problem for you.

Brakes are the most efficient and effective way to control your speed, allowing you to stop exactly when needed. If your brakes are damaged, you'll need to visit your Chrysler dealer for a brake repair. These are a few signs you have problems with your brakes. 3 Signs You Need a Brake Repair at Your Chrysler Dealer Pulling to One Side When you hit the brakes, the brake calipers positioned above the rotors close on either side of the rotors. The calipers contain brake pads that generate friction against the smooth rotors and bring your car to a stop. All of the calipers should engage at the same time for the brakes to work effectively. If your car pulls to one side when you brake, you have a brake problem. more A car pulls to one side because the brake on the opposite side has failed. This failure prevents the wheel from stopping, and your car will turn in the direction of the working brake. This failure could be caused by a damaged caliper that fails to close on the rotor or by a blockage in the brake hose. Our technicians will check the affected brake and repair the problem for you. Brake Fluid Leak Unlike many other fluids in your car, leaking brake fluid can be difficult to spot. The brake fluid is slightly yellow and looks similar to cooking oil. Brake fluid is essential for the braking system, as it generates the hydraulic pressure that forces the calipers against the rotors. A fluid leak will drop the pressure in the system and reduce the effectiveness of your brakes. A fluid leak can develop in several places, including rusted brake lines, worn brake hoses, or a leak in the brake fluid reservoir. One of the first signs you'll experience is a lack of resistance when you step on the brake pedal. The reduced resistance is caused by falling pressure in the braking system. We'll examine your braking system and find the source of the leak. Once the leak is sealed, we'll refill your brake fluid. Stiff Brake Pedal As we've seen, you should always feel resistance when you step on the brake pedal. Resistance will increase as you apply pressure, but it should never feel uncomfortable pressing down on the pedal. A stiff brake pedal means that the brake pedal booster has been damaged. The brake pedal booster uses a vacuum system to enable you to apply more pressure with less effort. if the vacuum system has been compromised, the booster won't work, and pressing the pedal will feel like a leg press exercise. We can replace a damaged booster to fix this problem. If you suspect a brake problem, call our service department ASAP at Charbonneau Chrysler Center.