Regular RAM maintenance and oil changes at your local RAM dealership can help reduce wear and fix minor troubles promptly to keep your truck in top condition. Let’s explore the various service benefits.
Importance of Regular RAM Maintenance Checks
Regular car maintenance helps prevent small issues from turning into headaches. Common services include things like lubrication, fluid checks and changes, replacement of parts, wheel alignment, and tire rotation, all of which come with a suite of benefits.
Enhanced Vehicle Safety
Scheduled maintenance plays a crucial role in maintaining your vehicle’s safety. For instance, regular tire services and maintenance can prevent a worn tire from blowing while you’re driving, reducing the risk of accidents. Checking the fluid levels, including the engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid, to name a few, is essential for ensuring the vehicle’s normal operation, increasing its responsiveness to your commands.
Increased Vehicle Lifespan
During routine maintenance, our trained technicians can spot any signs of wear and tend to any parts that need to be repaired or replaced. Spotting and fixing any minor issues as soon as possible is key to preventing major damage and costly repairs of the powertrain and drivetrain components. Having your new truck serviced regularly is also a warranty requirement, as the automaker won’t cover the parts if the vehicle isn’t maintained properly.
Performance Optimization
Routine services help keep your RAM truck running smoothly by preventing the wear and tear of vital components. The result is optimal engine performance, better fuel economy, and an enhanced overall driving experience. RAM recommends an appropriate maintenance schedule for each truck in their lineup. To determine it, consult your owner’s manual or ask our experts.
Importance of Scheduling Oil Change Services at Your RAM Dealership
Engine oil plays a crucial role in keeping the engine running smoothly and prolonging its lifespan. Having the oil checked and changed regularly, usually every 5,000 miles, comes with multiple advantages.
Reduced Engine Wear
Oil helps remove dust and fuel residues that accumulate in the engine with normal use, keeping the engine clean. It also lubricates the engine components, reducing friction, and, as it circulates, it prevents the engine from overheating.
All these functions enhance the engine efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Regular oil checks can prevent low levels from damaging the powertrain. Dirty oil can also fail to fulfill its functions, which could damage the engine.
Corrosion Prevention
The worst enemies of engines are water, moisture, and oxygen, as they can corrode the engine’s metal parts. Engine oil prevents water from getting into the engine and contains substances that prevent oxidation, effectively preventing the corrosive action of rust.
Ready to discover more? Whether you are in North Texas, Decatur, Dallas, or right here in Bowie, give our Service Department a call or easily schedule service online in just minutes, and our team of technicians is ready to perform all the RAM oil and maintenance services you need. Don’t forget to check out our lineup of RAM trucks – such as the 2500 Tradesman – and test drive one at Kory Hooks Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Bowie, TX today!
You’ve decided on the vehicle you want, but do you want to buy or lease it? Leasing vs buying is one of the oldest decisions for a driver to make. They’re both good options. As your CDJR dealership, we’d like to give you some advice on these two options that may help to make your choice clearer.
Leasing vs Buying: Advice From Your CDJR Dealership
Is Ownership Important?
If you buy the vehicle, it becomes your property. You have the title deed, and it’s an asset of yours. You can choose to sell it, trade it, gift it, or donate it when you want a new vehicle. You can also use it as surety for a loan if you choose.
If you lease the vehicle, it’s not yours. At the end of the lease term, you have the option to buy it or take out a lease on another vehicle.
Your Monthly Cost
If you buy a vehicle on finance, your monthly payments are usually higher than the cost of a lease. You also have to pay its maintenance, servicing, and other vehicle-related costs. On the positive side, you’ll pay off the finance and those monthly costs will disappear.
Leasing a car is cheaper, as there is no down payment and monthly lease costs are lower, as we saw above. In addition, servicing and maintenance are usually included in your lease contract, so your only other cost is gas. In the long term, continuing to lease is more expensive than buying on finance, as your monthly payments will never end.
Your Monthly Mileage
When you buy, you can drive your vehicle as far and as frequently as you want to. The only downside of wracking up mileage is more frequent servicing to replace accumulated wear and tear. A high odometer reading will also decrease your vehicle’s value if you decide to sell or trade it.
A lease, on the other hand, comes with a mileage restriction. Your lease contract specifies your maximum monthly or yearly mileage allowance. If you exceed this allowance, you must pay for the excess miles you drove.
Customizing Your Vehicle
If you own your vehicle, you can customize it as much as your billfold can afford. You could wrap it to provide additional protection against the sun’s rays or other environmental factors or install a more powerful stereo system, for example.
When you lease a vehicle, you can’t make any modifications at all. You’re also required to return the vehicle in the same condition you received it. Normal wear and tear are allowed, but carpet stains, slight dents, and other damage that can result from driving will all be charged to you when the lease expires.
As you can see, the choice between leasing and buying depends on your requirements and lifestyle. If you’d like more advice to help you decide, visit us today at Kory Hooks CDJR in Bowie, TX.
At Kory Hooks CDJR, we want to help you maintain the health and extend the longevity of your car. Something like an oil change is one of the most basic and yet most essential things you can do to ensure your vehicle’s engine stays in good shape. When you come in to our Chrysler Dealer MOPAR service center to change your oil, we throw in extra perks to keep both you and your car happy.
A Custom CDJR Oil Change
We use the right oil for your car, which depends on make, model, and year. Our MOPAR service center is stocked with the highest quality conventional, high mileage, full synthetic, and synthetic blend options. And our expert technicians know just the right oil for your vehicle, even taking things like your daily driving conditions into consideration.
Oil Filter Replacement
When you change your car’s oil with us, we also replace your oil filter. This aids in halting needless damage to your precious engine due to things like dirt accumulation. Old filters can get clogged with dirt and cause serious issues. We help prevent this. We are also sure to dispose of all old oil filters properly in a way that does not hurt the environment.
Chrysler Dealer Free Inspection
We throw in a free inspection when you come in to change your oil too. We’ll check your headlights, taillights, and brake lights. Plus, we’ll take a look at your vehicle’s air filters, belts, hoses, skid plates, undercarriage, steering, and cabin filters. Another thing we do is perform a suspension test. All of these measures help you stay in-the-know about your car’s health and take preventative action if needed.
Additionally, we fill up your car’s tires with air to the right pressure to ensure you get the best mileage on the road, and we refill your windshield wiper fluid too. These small components of our deluxe engine oil maintenance package can make a real difference for you on the road. If your tires are starting to wear down, we’ll also let you know to help keep you safe on the road.
Fluid Level Test
We don’t forget to check your fluid levels when you come in to change your car’s oil either. This includes power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. Topping them off can give your car a major performance boost and prevent problems down the road. If we detect in fluid leaks, we can also make recommendations about how to address those.
Schedule a service appointment to change your vehicle’s oil with Kory Hooks CDJR today! Our service technicians are ready to give you and your car much-deserved all-star treatment and help you rest assured on the road!
Transmission problems have an undeserved reputation for being expensive and taking a long time to fix. In the vast majority of cases, our skilled technicians can repair the problem quickly and inexpensively if they start work when the problem first appears. As your Dodge dealer, we’d like you to know some signs you need to visit us for a transmission repair.
Signs You Need a Transmission Repair at Your Dodge Dealer
Shaking or Shuddering
When you have an automatic transmission, the transmission computer controls the shifting of the gears. As you step on the accelerator, the engine produces more power, and the transmission shifts to allow the wheels to move faster. When you decelerate, the transmission once again downshifts. These movements should happen quickly and smoothly.
If you feel a slight shaking or shuddering from the transmission as it shifts, it’s time to visit our service department right away. Shaking or shuddering are signs that something is wrong in the transmission and needs to be fixed. Very often, this situation is caused by low transmission fluid, and we can quickly solve it by checking for any fluid leaks and then refilling the transmission. If the issue is caused by worn or damaged components, we can fix that too.
Transmission Won’t Shift
A transmission that suddenly won’t shift is a major stress, as your Dodge won’t be able to move. The engine will continue to run, but if the transmission isn’t working, the energy it produces is wasted. Shifting failure can be caused by a failure of the shifter, the shifter cable, or the transmission valve body. It can also be caused by a transmission fluid leak.
Our technicians will need to examine your transmission to find the source of the trouble. Fortunately, there are always signs before the transmission simply refuses to shift. These signs include strange sounds when the gears shift, or odd vibrations from the transmission. If you experience any strange behavior from the transmission, visit us ASAP so we can investigate and fix it.
Gear Slipping
When your transmission computer shifts gears, the transmission should remain in the new gear until the computer shifts it again. Gear slipping occurs when a gear shifts position without warning or instructions from the computer. If this happens, the transmission will usually shift to the previous gear. Since the shift change occurs unexpectedly, gears and gear teeth can get damaged.
Gear slipping can be caused by worn or damaged gear teeth, low hydraulic pressure in the transmission, or an error with the transmission computer. Our technicians will need to investigate. Once we’ve identified the cause, we can repair it.
If you have a transmission problem, visit the experts at Kory Hooks CDJR in Bowie, TX. Your transmission will be working perfectly again in no time.
Does Your CDJR Vehicle Need a Radiator Repair?
Your Jeep’s radiator works continually to control your engine temperature. Your engine needs to be hot enough to work efficiently but not hot enough to cause damage. In time, your radiator can become damaged, and you’ll need to visit your Jeep dealer for a radiator repair. These are a few of the signs that your radiator has a problem.
Signs You Need a Radiator Repair at Your Jeep Dealer
Damaged Radiator Cap
The radiator cap’s most important function is to maintain high pressure in the cooling system. High pressure in the system is essential as the coolant must be able to move quickly to absorb and remove heat. Heat generates pressure, and if the pressure inside the system rises too high, the radiator cap temporarily opens to bleed off the excess pressure.
The cap is tightly screwed into the top of your radiator, and it has two seals that ensure that it has an airtight fit. Air in the cooling system will reduce the pressure and will create air bubbles that can block the hoses and tubes. Constant heat and pressure can damage the seals over time, and coolant can leak out. We’ll examine the radiator cap and replace any damaged seals to fix this problem.
Old Coolant
Coolant is a vital part of your cooling system, as it absorbs engine heat and transports it to the radiator where it’s dissipated by heat exchange. Like the other fluids in your Jeep, coolant needs to be changed regularly according to the service schedule in your car manual. On average, coolant should be changed every 30,000 miles or two years.
Older coolant becomes acidic and can damage the radiator, water pump, hoses, and other vital parts of the cooling system. In addition, it is thicker and slower, which reduces its ability to swiftly remove engine heat. If your coolant turns acidic, we can drain the system, flush it to remove any remaining debris, and refill it with fresh coolant.
Blocked Fins
The thin horizontal tubes on the face of your radiator are also known as fins. They provide a large surface area to speed up the heat removal process. When you’re driving, air enters the radiator via the grille and blows across the tubes to dissipate the heat in the coolant. Unfortunately, air isn’t the only thing that blows in. Leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris will enter through the grille and can clog the fins.
If your fins are clogged with debris, cooling becomes much less efficient, and this can cause your engine temperature to rise. If the engine gets hot enough, it can overheat and suffer extensive damage. We can fix this problem by clearing the debris, and your cooling system will work efficiently again.
If you have a problem with your radiator, call our service department right away at Kory Hooks CDJR, and we’ll fix it for you.
Has your driving experience become a little rougher and noisier recently? Have you sensed a reduction in tire traction on wet patches of the road? If you’re answering “yes,” or you’re experiencing any of the other issues outlined below, then it may be time to visit your local Chrysler dealership for a set of new tires.
Time for New Tires? Visit Your Chrysler Dealership
External Tire Damage
Clear signs of damage to tires should never be ignored. While inspecting your tires, always check for cuts, gashes, embedded objects, or excessive cracks in the sidewalls. Any of these problems can make a tire unsafe and should be brought to the attention of a trusted technician.
Bulges and blusters are another sign of potentially significant damage. A bulge on the outer layer of rubber often means that internal layers of rubber have ruptured or detached. This kind of internal damage almost always makes a tire dangerous to use.
Very Shallow Treads
The tread depths of a tire need to be deep enough to grip the road firmly. When brand new, tires tend to have a tread depth of about 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch. This wears away over time, and when the tread depths of your tires near 2/32 of an inch, you should consider having them replaced.
Mismatched Tire Size
For various reasons, tires can wear down unevenly. This problem is usually resolved with regular tire rotation. However, if your tires seem particularly unevenly worn, then your wheels have effectively become uneven in size, which can cause all kinds of safety and performance problems. You may need to have all four mismatched tires replaced.
Diminished Traction on Water
If you ever sense that your car has lessened traction while driving on wet road surfaces, trust your gut and ask a technician to take a look at your tires. Tires can lessen in traction for a variety of reasons, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Dropping Air Pressure
Concealed punctures, embedded objects, or dented wheel frames can sometimes cause a gradual leak of air from a tire. If you notice that the air pressure in a seemingly healthy tire is continually diminishing, have a technician take a closer look.
Excessively Aging Tires
Once tires pass a certain age, they should be considered unsafe to drive on. The expiry date of tires is usually considered to be six years after the manufacturing date. Certainly, tires should never be used for more than ten years.
Have your tires inspected, rotated, repaired, or replaced today at Kory Hooks Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We’re a full-service dealership providing the local drivers of Bowie and the surrounding region with top-notch cars and customer service.
A healthy battery is essential for your Chrysler, as it provides the initial electrical charge that starts your engine. As time passes, your battery will wear out and you’ll need a replacement. As your Chrysler dealer, we’d like you to know some signs that it’s time to visit us for a new car battery.
Time for a New Car Battery? Visit Your Chrysler Dealer Today
Swollen Battery
Most car batteries are rectangular, but square ones are also available. If you pop the hood and your battery looks swollen or distorted, you have a battery problem. The swelling is due to a buildup of hydrogen gas inside the case. Hydrogen gas is a byproduct of the battery’s chemical processes, and it forms as the sulfuric acid in the battery breaks down.
The swelling can also be caused by very hot or cold conditions. Extreme temperatures will cause the battery chemicals to expand. These chemicals can’t escape the battery, so internal pressure will distort the battery case. A distorted battery can’t be repaired, and its condition will quickly worsen. We can quickly replace a swollen battery with a new one.
Sulfur Smells
Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs. This dangerous and corrosive gas shouldn’t be present in your car. It’s formed when hydrogen gas escapes the battery and mixes with sulfur, which is present in your engine due to the presence of fuel. When these two chemicals combine, the resulting hydrogen sulfide will start to corrode the battery terminals and connectors.
Hydrogen gas will only escape the battery when sulfuric acid breaks down. Since sulfuric acid is essential for your battery to be able to store and supply electricity, the presence of hydrogen means that your battery is failing. The corrosion caused by hydrogen sulfide will simply hasten your battery’s failure. Our technicians will replace your battery to fix this problem.
Starting Difficulties
The battery provides the initial electrical charge that starts your engine. A charge is sent from the battery to the starter. This charge powers the starter, which then initiates the crank. When your engine cranks, the combustion process should start and combustion will keep your engine running until you switch it off.
Your Chrysler engine should start within seconds of pressing the start button. If the engine doesn’t start, you could have a worn-out battery. As a battery ages or suffers damage, its ability to retain and supply electrical charges decreases. A severely worn battery might not retain enough power to start your engine. We’ll test your battery and replace it if it’s failing.
A worn battery will always let you down when you need it the most. Call our service department today at Kory Hooks Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, and we’ll fix your battery problem.
Brakes are the unsung heroes of your vehicle. You don’t see them much, and they’re not flashy. They don’t require lots of fluid checks. But they’re always there, ensuring safety during every drive. Recognizing the signs you need brake repair from your Chrysler dealer will keep them that way.
Does Your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM Need a Brake Repair From Your Chrysler Dealer?
Do You Have a Soft or Mushy Brake Pedal?
A brake pedal that feels spongy or goes further to the floor than usual suggests there might be air in the brake lines or an issue with the master cylinder.
Are You Hearing Squealing or Screeching Sounds?
If you hear a high-pitched noise when you apply the brakes, it’s often a sign that the brake pads are wearing out. The sound is produced by a small metal shim known as an indicator, and it’s a deliberate feature designed to alert drivers that the pad material is almost gone.
Are There Grinding Noises?
This sound often indicates that the brake pads have completely worn down, and now you’ve got metal on metal contact between the caliper and the disc. This can damage the rotors if it’s not addressed promptly.
Do You Have Vibration in the Brake Pedal?
If you feel a vibration or pulsing sensation when you press the brake pedal, it could be due to warped rotors. Rotors can become warped if they’re exposed to extreme stress and heat for prolonged periods.
What Are the Warning Lights Telling You?
Modern vehicles come equipped with dashboard warning lights that illuminate if there’s a problem with the braking system. If the brake light comes on, it’s crucial to get it checked: don’t dismiss it.
Are You Pulling to One Side?
If your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM pulls to one side when you brake, it might indicate there’s uneven brake wear, a malfunctioning brake caliper, or you’ve got low brake fluid in one part of the brake system.
Is There a Burning Smell?
That burning smell after repeated hard braking is a good reason to pull over and let things cool down. Stop immediately in a safe location to allow the brakes to cool down, as continued driving could lead to brake failure. Once things are cool, continue, and if it keeps happening, contact us.
Is It Taking Longer to Stop?
If you notice that your vehicle takes longer to stop than usual, this could be a sign of worn-out brake pads or issues with the brake fluid.
Ensure the longevity of your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM and your own safety on the road: never compromise when it comes to having safe brakes. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, visit Kory Hooks CDJR today.
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