Winter Driving Tips

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The weather may be less than the usual in terms of winter driving with a lack of snow and ice on the ground but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared in case. New York weather has the tendency to change when least expected. Having a vehicle ready for such changes can mean the difference between being to work on time or getting the whole family to the destination without any incidents. Here is some tips on how to be ready for winter driving.

*Check your tires:
A major things to be sure is ready for the ice and snow. Tires are keeping you on the road and ensuring your have grip when most needed. Check over the tires to see how mean the summer was on them and to see if any of the tread has been lost. Also make sure that the tire is properly inflated.

*Windshield:
There is nothing worse than being caught in a snowstorm with broken wiper blades or lack of wiper fluid. Ensure that the fluid is filled to maximum as there will be a lot used to clean up the mess of snow and dirt that always ends up on the windshield. Be sure that the wiper blades are functioning properly and are properly wiping away the grime. If not, now is the best time to pick up some new ones.

*Lights:
This is something to help both you and the other drivers. Headlights should be cleaned and providing plenty of light to see through any flurries. This will also make sure that if someone is having a tough time seeing on the road, they’ll be able to make out your headlights on the road ahead and can avoid a collision. Headlights and taillights should be bright and clean for the winter.

*Be aware:
There’s only so much that technology can do to help protect us on the road. At some point, it does fall on the driver to be ready for the random things that can occur. They are the ones to be on the look out for black ice or to know how to properly steer during a spin-out. A driver who is going to be out during bad weather must be aware of how to handle driving emergencies when they happen.

As always, there are plenty more that we didn’t get to that can be done to better a vehicle in preparation of the winter weather. These are simply ones that are very common and most drivers don’t take handle until after they become a problem. Follow these tips and you’ll find yourself being proactive and having much better chances to have good travel during the winter.

To schedule your vehicle for a complete check-up, contact our service department at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

Chrysler Improves CNG Tank with Human Lung Design

The next development in Chrysler engineering? Is it a new engine? No, it’s not. Maybe the follow-up to the Uconnect? Nope, not that either. Could it be another redesign for a Jeep vehicle? Not at all. The next step in the Chrysler development is the human lung.

With that setup and segway out of the way, let me explain. Chrysler is looking for ways to improve on the current gasoline model of compressed natural gas. For that, the engineers turned to the human lung for reference in making an improvement.

Current tanks are too big and awkward to fit into a vehicle. Typically the tank takes up room in the cargo space. By going with the design of the human lung, Chrysler thinks they’ve solved the problem of space. Like a lung, the new tank will use expanding sacks similar to how alveloi work in a lung. This leads to the tank no longer needing to be cylindrical in shape like traditional tanks.

Chrysler currently offers CNG in the Ram 2500, but if this new technology works as well as they hope, it’s very possible to see more.

For more information on the Ram 2500, or other Chrysler products, contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. Whether you’re looking for a new or used car or just need to schedule an appointment for a check-up, we are always ready to help.

Mopar’s Wireless Charging Nominated for Best Technology of the Year

Last year, AOL Autos Technology of the Year Award named the Chrysler Uconnect as the winner. This year, Chrysler is getting a second chance at claiming the gold.

This year Mopar introduced an industry-first of including wireless charging technology for portable devices. That technology is now among six finalists up for the AOL Autos Technology of the Year Award.

The award is to honor and bring attention to the companies who raised the bar the highest in automotive tech. The final judgement will be decided by a expert team of judges from numerous tech blogs including AOL Autos, Autoblog, Engadget TechCrunch, and others.

Mopar’s wireless charging is currently available for the 2013 Dodge Dart. The power bin for the system rests below the center stack and in front of the center console. When the car is started, the driver can place their smart device in the bin and let the magic happen. A specialty phone case is required to make it work, however, but that is included in the feature.

Mopar’s wireless charging system is currently available for $199 plus installation. For more information on getting this amazing service installed in to your vehicle, contact our service department at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

Chrysler Offers One-Year Sirius Subscription on 2014 Models

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Sirius Radio and Chrysler have teamed up to give drivers of Chrysler’s newest models access to satellite radio.

Market Watch is reporting that buyers of new 2014 models of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram will be receiving an added bonus on top of the purchase. Sirius radio will extend to them a one year subscription just for buying. This is not some limited subscription either, this is full access to their suite of programming including their premium channels.

Even though it comes with the car, the one year subscription to Sirius that comes with 2014 models is able to leave the vehicle. So at home, in the office, walking to work with the headphones on, each of these will grant continued access to the bargain.

The qualifications for being part of this new deal is that it will be limited to the 2014 models that come with the Uconnect system.

For more details on the offer, contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. We have all the 2014 models from the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram family. If you’re looking to get your current vehicle check-out in time for winter driving, then contact our service department to schedule a time to come in. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more news and monthly specials.

Mysterious Mopar ’14 Dodge Challenger Teased for SEMA

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Chrysler loves to make a big splash at SEMA and they love to have their engineers at Mopar be the ones to make it happen. Being as cloy as a mischievous child with a crush, the auto maker has released a sneak peek of what they refer to as the Mopar ‘14 vehicle.

The picture looks to be the back end of a Dodge Challenger decked out all in white save for a blue stripe stretching across the side and up the trunk. The Mopar logo appears on the stripe right next to the gas tank.

Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, put out a statement to accompany the photo. “Our new Mopar ’14 will instantly resonate with enthusiasts,” He said. “This limited-edition ride is for muscle-car fans who love high octane and customizable performance.”

The full reveal for what exactly Mopar is doing to the Dodge Challenger will be at the SEMA show in Las Vegas at the beginning of November. Chrysler will also be having a plethora of other vehicles they’ve already teased at being shown off as well. For the auto enthusiast, the SEMA show always brings out the best in Mopar.

If you’re looking to upgrade your current vehicle, then contact our parts department at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  Make sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more news and special offers.

Chrysler is Developing New “Hurricane” Engine

I hate hearing the word “hurricane” living in New York, not after the last storm. It’s nice to see however the word being used for something so promising.

Chrysler is developing an engine known as code-named “Hurricane” due out in 2016. Details are scarce at the moment, but AutoNews.com is reporting that it is planned as a retooling of the base 2.0-liter I-4 engine. Thanks to looking into some documents from Chrysler, they believe the engine’s cylinder head is proving to be engineering challenge. “The new head, according to Chrysler documents,‘is an engineering challenge which uses many new technologies to achieve excellent fuel economy.’”

When Auto News asked Chrysler’s reps for a comment, the company declined to say anything.

The I-4 was recently reworked for use in current models of Chrysler products, the Dodge Dart and the upcoming 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The aim in the reworking was for better fuel economy and performance, which would also be the goal of the 2016 “Hurricane” engine.

If your current vehicle is in need of maintenance then contact the service department at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  The dealership operates in the Bayside Queens area of New York with top-notch customer service and will work to make sure you vehicle is working and ready for the upcoming fall weather.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more news and special monthly offers!

Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge Text Messaging Service

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Attention Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Customers.  We are pleased to announce that we can now communicate with you via text messaging!

By opting into our text program, our Service Department can notify you when your vehicle is ready for pick up after being serviced, remind you of necessary maintenance and service for your vehicle, or advise you of important recalls. Utilizing text messaging not only gives you real time notifications, but means you have one less phone call to worry about.

To opt in to this feature, text “Subscribe 43692 ” to 30629. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Up to 10 msgs/month. Text STOP to 30629 to cancel. Text HELP to 30629 for info.

Also, next time you visit our Service Department, be sure to add your cell phone number to your customer record for future text messages.

If you have any questions about our text program, give us a call at 718-229-8700 or email us atkatiem@baysidecjd.com.

*Click here to read our privacy policy.

Image courtesy of sippakorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mopar’s Fall Auto Maintenance Check List

ID-100109424Just because the weather can’t figure out its mind concerning the temperature doesn’t mean it is not a good time to start getting prepared for colder weather.  After such a scorching summer, it’s a good time to start the preparations for a chilly fall and winter.  Mopar has put out their fall check-list for drivers to make sure they’re ready.  Here it is:

1) Brakes.

Always an important thing to take proper care of.  Last thing anyone needs is to lose control of one of the most vital parts of a vehicle.  Traveling during the summer can wear down the layers on the brake pads leaving them dangerously thin.  Now is the time to make sure they’re ready for the difficult conditions that come with slick roads.

2) Tires

Speaking of dealing with slick roads, tires are extremely important to look into before the fall season.  Check for any edge wear, center wear, or shoulder wear to see if you have any trouble spots on your car.  It’s also a good time to check to make sure the air pressure in all the tires is at the proper levels.  Make sure your spare is also good to go.

3) Battery

The extreme New York heat can have severe effects on a battery.  It shortens the life and is a principle reason for a car dying in the middle of winter, at the worst possible time no less.  Give the battery a look over to see if there’s any cracks in the case.

4) Wiper Blades

Take it from someone who was once caught in a blizzard with broken wiper blades, it’s not fun.  Make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to do and that’s keeping the road visible.

5) Shocks & Struts

Not usually something that most drivers consider when readying their vehicle for fall driving.  With chillier weather also comes the dreaded potholes and they can do a number on the ill-prepared motorist.

6) Engine Oil

This is something regardless of the approaching fall season that should always be checked into.  Make sure you’re meeting your regular intervals of oil changes to make sure that it doesn’t negatively impact your vehicle during colder weather.  Low or dirty fluids can wreak havoc on your engine.

7) Fluid Levels

Again, something that should always be taken care of.  Make certain the fluids on things such as power-steering , transmission, brake, windshield fluid are at factory recommend levels.  It’s also a good time to check on the anti-freeze levels.

8) Engine Belts & Hose

These are supposed to be replaced at regular intervals, so just make sure you’re doing that and if it is that time, then there is no better time than now to do it.

9) Air Filter

Having bad air flow can lead to negative consequences on your engine and even on the amount of gas your engine is consuming on a trip.  Having a new filter will do wonders for your gas mileage and help your engine last longer.

10) Headlamps and Tail lamps

With the fall season approaching, so are longer nights.  During the tail end of the year, you’ll find yourself driving much more during darker portions and for that reason it’s good to make sure that other drivers can see you easily.  Give both the front and the back lamps a good look at to make sure they are functioning properly and optimally.

There you have it, a good start to ensuring your car is ready for whatever weather the final part of the year will bring.  If you need any help with any of this maintenance, make sure to contact the service department at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  We’ll make sure your car is ready for the weather.

Image courtesy of markuso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mopar “Top Eliminator” Chooses Winner!

Mopar’s 2013 “Top Eliminator” program has chosen New JerseSay what you will about Mopar fans, but one thing that is completely undeniable is their loyalty to the brand.  It’s about showing off that love and loyalty by displaying just how well equipped your ride is.  That’s what Mopar loves to see, their fine work in the hands of fans and so the parts maker put together the “Top Eliminator” program to see the best of the best.

This year’s contest took place at the same place where Chrysler was already making a giant splash by showing off a new concept Ram truck, the Woodward Dream Cruise.

The winner comes from the east coast, a New Jersey resident Bill Mann and his 1970 Dodge Charger.  And what a unique Charger it is with a white-over-Plum exterior.

The other Mopar pick from this year’s contest was Miles Watsko and his 1964 Plymouth Savoy that was held at Midwest Mopars In the Park held in June.

By being a winner, both Mann and Watsko get more than just bragging rights to the rest of the Mopar community.  They also get to be showcased as part of the Woodward Dream Cruise happening this weekend in Detroit.

To read more into the inspiration and work that Mann put into his Dodge Charger, Mopar Muscle Magazine has an extensive breakdown that is a fascinating looking into the work of a gear head on his vehicle.

If you’re interested in sprucing up your current ride, contact our parts and service department at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge and see what we can do to help give your vehicle a unique flavor.

Could the New Diesel Engine Be in Other Chrysler Vehicles?

2014-Ram-1500-Diesel-engine“I just want to say one word to you. Just one word. Are you listening? Plastics.” Or in the case of Chrysler with concern to their upcoming Ram and Grand Cherokee, the word would be “diesel.”

It was a move that many saw coming, mostly because the people in question wanted it very badly to happen. With the upcoming 2014 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler Group will be making drivers quite happy with the additional option of a diesel engine to choose from.

Chrysler is expecting them to be quite popular. Raffaele DeVivo, the president of VM Motori North America thinks that 30 percent of 1500 buyers will take the optional 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine.

That’s what Chrysler wants to see, demand for the diesel. If they see enough demand, in fact, they are looking to keep expending that engine for use in other vehicles.

“Wherever there is a (Chrysler 3.6-liter) Pentastar, there could be a VM 3.0 liter diesel – Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Jeep Wrangler, the minivans,” says DeVivo.

What do you think? Are you planning on purchasing a the optional diesel engine for either the 2014 Ram 1500 or Jeep Grand Cherokee? Would you want to see the engine offered in other Chrysler products?

Interested in Mopar parts for your vehicle?  Visit Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge online.  We have our new and pre-owned inventory available for viewing.  For visitors in need of auto repair and service, schedule a time to come in with our high-quality service department.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more auto news and for our monthly parts and service specials.