The LX Platform Takes Center Stage at Spring Fest

Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger

Dodge was in Irvine, California last weekend for the LX Spring Fest 9, showing off the LX, LC, and LD platforms.

In a video for Dodge’s YouTube channel, Steve Magnante gave a tour of the Dodge models and explained the distinction of LX. Rear-wheel drive vehicles from the 2005 model year were called the LX cars. The Dodge Charger also has rear-wheel drive, but it is different enough to earn its own distinction as part of the LD series. The Dodge Challenger R/T is a two-door vehicle and is four-inches shorter than the other four-door counterparts, so it is distinguished as an LC series.

All of these vehicles come with the HEMI engine and rear-wheel drive, tying them all together under the Dodge brand and as varieties on a platform.

Check out the full video explanation below.

Want to learn more about the HEMI engine and all available Mopar parts? Contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can also download our mobile app to schedule a time to be seen in our quality service department. Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter to see our monthly parts and service specials.

Spring Vehicle Maintenance Check-List

ID-10085780One of the first things I heard when I moved out to New York concerned the weather.  I was told “Don’t like the weather?  Just wait.”  It wasn’t too clear to someone who came from a region with four discernible seasons, but after a few years I get it.  Spring is coming, and it can’t figure out if that means warm or cold.  What that means for you, as an auto owner, is that it’s time to make sure your vehicle is in working order.

Pat Dougherty, the VP of Sales at Mopar, put together a list that drivers need to have checked out as the weather warms up.  “Vehicles need to be in shape for the summer travel season.  Preventive maintenance keeps vehicles on the road longer and save customers money in the long run.”

Here are the parts that need checking:

  • Engine, Belts, Hoses, & Fuel Filter:

Replacing belts and hoses on a regular basis helps to avoid a breakdown or engine damage.  Replacing the fuel filter will make sure that your engine is running properly and will maximize your fuel economy.

  • Tires:

Check the air pressure for all of your tires.  That includes the spare.  If the pressure is off, that can lead to premature ware.  That, in turn, leads to decreasing your fuel mileage.

  • Brakes:

Brakes are used frequently throughout a single day.  Every time the brakes are applied, a thin layer of the pad disintegrates.  Make sure you inspect and replace those pads to ensure proper performance.

  • Oil:

Make sure your engine oil level is checked often and changed and refilled on a regular basis.  If the oil is dirty or too low, you can experience engine problems.  Not something you want happening to you in New York summers.

  • Air Filter:

Replacing a dirty filter will help protect your engine from airborne contaminants.  The car will get better air flow.  That helps decrease on fuel consumption.

  • Fluid Levels:

Dirty fluids have an impact on the performance of your vehicle and can lead to breakdowns.  Make sure you’re checking that everything is filled to the proper levels and on a regular interval.

  • Battery:

It’s been a rough winter and that meant some rough cold-morning starts.  Make sure there’s no corroded terminals or cracks on the case.  It’s never fun to have a battery fail in the middle of the city.

  • Shocks & Struts:

A rough winter also hurts the city streets, filling them with numerous pot-holes.  Make sure you have a smoother ride by seeing if those bumps caused any damage.

  • Wiper Blades:

Spring brings with it plenty of storms.  Don’t get caught in the rain with broken wipers.  You never want to have to fight to see through a downpour.

  • Headlamps, Tail Lamps, Turn Signals, & Hazard Lights:

Always make sure your lights are in proper working order to avoid two things, accidents and the cops pulling you over for a citation.

Bring your vehicle into our service department and we’ll give it the look over to ensure it’s ready to face the on-coming weather.  Best to get it out of the way before your vehicle develops problems on a road-side and your great vacation out of state has turned into a few hours waiting for the tow truck.

Schedule an appointment online at our website or contact us at 888-425-7294.  Like Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for a full list of our special monthly offers.

Image courtesy of Surachai / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Beat the Gas Price Increase With These Helpful Tips!

ID-100109424Bad news for drivers out there; gas prices are on the rise.  Hopefully it won’t be long before they go down again, but it’s best to prepare just in case.  To that end, we’re here to help you with some tips on what you can do to keep your costs down.  You don’t have the power to make the numbers with dollar signs next to them go down, but you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your vehicle.

PRNewswire has put together a good list, courtesy of the Car Care Council, of what you should be doing to help ease the pain you feel when reaching for your wallet at the pump.

  • Reduce your gas mileage by 4 percent by keeping your car tuned.
  • By keeping your tired inflated to the right amount can improve the gas mileage by 3.3 percent
  • Make sure to replace dirty or clogged air filters and improve the gas mileage by 10 percent

Other means you can take to improve your gas mileage is by observing these tips while you’re driving:

  • Take a look at the speed limit.  When you’re above 50 mph, your gas mileage goes down fast.  For every 5 mph over 50 you go, that’s an additional 25 cents per gallon for gas.
  • Don’t idle your car.  You only need a minute or two to heat up your car.
  • Don’t do any quick starts or stops.  In the city this can lower the gas mileage by 33 percent and 5 percent when you’re in the city.
  • Bunch trips together.  It’s better to make a lengthier trip than multiple shorter ones.
  • Check to make sure you don’t have extra weight in your car.  Empty out unnecessary things from your trunk and back seat.  The added weight can be causing you to need more gas than you normally would.

Follow these pieces of advice and you may find yourself more capable of weathering higher gas price periods.

If you’re in the Queens area and are in need of a tune-up, stop by Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  We offer monthly parts and service specials for you to take advantage of.  Make sure you like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more tips and monthly offers.

Image courtesy of markuso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Chrysler Proves Their All-Wheel Drive is the Best

2013-chrysler-300--glacier-edition(4)-600-001When you brag about the capabilities of your vehicle, there comes the time to stand up or shut up. Chrysler has been telling folks for a long time about the quality of their all-wheel drive for some time. They’re tired of just telling people, though, and are ready to prove that they aren’t pulling any legs.

So how do you prove such a thing? By taking your cars to the one of the snowiest cities in the country. That city is located in the upper peninsula of Michigan and is named Houghton. Chrysler brought with them the 2013 Dodge Charger and the new Chrysler 300 Glacier edition to run the gauntlet.

Drivers made sure that both vehicles were put to the test. What they found was that the vehicles handled beautifully under the severe road conditions. Even at high speeds, the cars were able to slalom on an snow covered road. Here’s the video they put out to show how well the cars handled themselves:

With the recent snow that New Yorks has been getting, you want to make sure that you get a vehicle capable of tackling all mother nature can throw at you. Contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge and let us know that you’re looking for the best in all-wheel-drive. We’ll work with you to help you get what you’re looking for. We love to say yes. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter as well for more news and monthly parts and service specials.

Mopar Gets Their Hands on the 2013 Dodge Dart

bg_dartmopar1Mopar has gotten their hands on the new 2013 Dodge Dart and is giving it their usual love.

At the Chicago Auto Show, Mopar will be unveiling just what they’ve done to the Dodge Dart to give it a little something extra. That extra includes enhancements to the performance of the machine including a lowered sport suspension, revised steering calibration, sport-tuned exhaust, ground-effects kit, and a premium brake kit with slotted rotors.

On the inside, the part maker is giving the driver’s seat customer leather. Also, in an industry-first, a wireless charger for smartphones.

“Our new Mopar ’13 Dart will turn hears and stand out from the crowd,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar. “For this special, limited-edition vehicle, we specifically kept the driver in mind as we added select Mopar parts and accessories.”

Availability for this new Dart will be extremely limited, with numbers being at only 500 models. Production begins in spring at the plant in Belvidere, Illinois.

You can shop for Mopar’s quality parts online at the Mopar E-Store online at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can also see our monthly parts and services specials available only at our dealership. Make sure you like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more Mopar news and monthly specials.

Fan Names Street After Mopar

ID-10022958What if you were given the chance to name your own street, what would you go with?  For one person in Florida it was the chance to show his car love.

Jeff Crane was contacted by his local Sheriff’s Office in Nassau County and made aware that the rural route numbers were being changed.  Since the end of his driveway was more than 300 feet from his home, it was his choice for the name of the street.  His first thought went to naming it after himself.  Sadly, Crane Drive was already taken.  With choice number one off the table, he went to his next favorite thing.

Jeff informed the office that he wanted to have it named Mopar Drive.  The response from the lady on the other side of the phone was simply a question if he liked NASCAR.  Jeff just answered back, “I don’t like NASCAR, but I love Mopar.”

The majority of vehicles that Jeff has driven in his life are a part of the Chrysler family.  At the moment, he’s got himself a 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD, a rare find.  His wife also has a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Interesting way of showing love and support for a company you love.  If you’re looking to show Mopar some love, you can go online to our website and shop on the Mopar E-Store.  Make sure you like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to see monthly parts and service specials available only at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

Mopar Wants to See Your Car

PhotoTabAre you proud of your vehicle?  Have you put any modifications into it that you find yourself unable not to tell friends and family about?  Time to share that joy and pride you feel with the rest of the world.  Mopar wants to see what you’ve made.

Mopar has launched an initiative to get car lovers to open up about their creations.  They’ve created a new Facebook tab dedicated for the show-offs.  Now gear-heads the world over have a place to share with the Mopar Nation.  All you have to do is submit the photo and that’s it.  From there, a photo will be chosen at random to be shown off.

Follow the link here to get started.

Seems like a perfect time to pay a visit to the Mopar E-Store, available on Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge’s website.  Give your ride a boost and see if you can get your vehicle featured on Mopar Nation.  Make sure you also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to see our monthly parts and service specials, only at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.