SEVEN MUST-SEE FEATURES ON THE ALL-NEW 2015 JEEP® RENEGADE

The All-New 2015 Jeep_® Renegade is writing the book on style and performance for a small SUV. Designed with all the capability you’ve come to expect from the Jeep brand, the Jeep Renegade is an all-purpose vehicle that’s both city-friendly and equipped for off-road performance.
We built the Jeep Renegade from the ground up with iconic Jeep styling and capability, as well as impressive, class-exclusive features that make the most capable small SUV^* ever one of the most exciting to drive. Throw away your maps and prepare to chart new courses; here are seven must-see features that set the Jeep Renegade apart.

1. Meet any challenge: The Jeep Renegade is designed for any road — or off-road — conditions, and built to perform. The class-exclusive available Select-Terrain Dial^† with Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud settings, as well as an additional Rock setting on Jeep Renegade Trailhawk® models, lends added control and capability when you’re navigating the elements.

2. Let in the sun: The open road is best experienced in the open air and sunshine. If you’re looking for freedom, look no further than the class-exclusive available My Sky® open-air roof^†. The secure panels are fully lockable when in place, and can be removed and stored flat in a height-adjustable rear cargo area, giving you the ability to adjust as the weather changes. The My Sky® dual-panel roof is just one of the reasons the All-New 2015 Jeep Renegade was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Interiors for 2015.

3. Shift into convenience: The All-New 2015 Jeep Renegade features a class-exclusive available nine-speed automatic transmission^† that allows you to focus on the road ahead and enjoy the scenery, while also providing remarkable efficiency and virtually unnoticeable shifts between gears. A vinyl shift knob adds style and comfort when driving.

4. See the light: When you’re exploring new trails, you’re bound to encounter unexpected conditions and challenges. With class-exclusive available cornering fog lamps^†, you’ll be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Halogen cornering fog lamps — standard on Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk models — help improve visibility during heavy fog, rain or snow. Flip on the lights and start your adventure.

View Our New 2015 Jeep Renegade Inventory

5. Legendary off-road performance: The All-New 2015 Jeep_® Renegade Trailhawk proudly wears the Trail Rated® badge, and is part of a Jeep brand tradition of legendary off-road performance. The Jeep Renegade is ready to go off the beaten path with best-in-class 4×4 capability^† and two available systems: Jeep Active Drive on Sport, Latitude and Limited models, and Jeep Active Drive Low on Trailhawk models. Both systems feature a rear axle disconnect system that seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive to help increase efficiency and on- and off-road performance.

6. Stay connected: However far you venture, you’ll always stay connected to your favorite entertainment with the available Uconnect® 6.5 System. SiriusXM® Premier offers more than 160 channels of your favorite music and talk radio, and integrated Uconnect® Voice Command and Bluetooth® offers hands-free calling and voice texting** for an added level of connectedness. The vivid 6.5-inch touchscreen display makes controlling your entertainment convenient when you’re on the move. And available GPS navigation is perfect for adventurers who are mapping trails on the go and forging new roads. Additional features include AM/FM radio, Aux/USB Media Hub with iPod® mobile device integration, and speed-adjusted volume.

7. Comfortable, spacious interior: The All-New 2015 Jeep_® Renegade is a small SUV with a big interior. For added convenience, particularly on the long treks into the wilderness, the best-in-class interior volume^† offers comfort and storage, with over 118 cubic feet of space, including over 50 cubic feet of best-in-class rear cargo space with seats folded down^‡. And to keep passengers and drivers warm on those cool mountain mornings, the Jeep Renegade features an available heated steering wheel and available dual-zone automatic climate control.

Whether your next adventure is in the city or under the stars, the All-New 2015 Jeep_® Renegade combines classic Jeep brand styling, 4×4 capability, efficiency and open-air freedom. The possibilities are endless in an award-winning SUV that’s redefining versatility and performance for a new generation of adventure-seekers with dynamic, energetic personalities


The Jeep Blog

All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 | Advanced Aerodynamics & Nine-Speed Transmission Lead to Higher Fuel Economy

Nine speeds. 2.4 liters. Exceptional aerodynamics. Add it all up and what do you get? Up to 36 highway miles per gallon* and the All-New 2015 Chrysler 200.

Discovering this formula for increased fuel economy was no accident. Our engineers reevaluated everything on the outgoing Chrysler 200 model, from the transmission to aerodynamics, looking for — and finding — a number of ways to deliver better mpg for the All-New 2015 Chrysler 200.

Class-Exclusive Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission

The All-New Chrysler 200 is the only car in its class to offer a nine-speed automatic transmission†. The addition of more gear ratios optimizes both fuel economy and performance by precisely matching the gear state to the most efficient engine operating condition. As an added bonus, the high-tech transmission dispenses power smoothly for elevated refinement. Such performance is made possible because the ratio steps between its gears are smaller than those of other transmissions.

If you are looking for more horsepower, then the available best-in-class 295 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar® V-6 engine is equally impressive with an EPA-estimated 32 highway mpg‡. Also worth noting: the nine-speed transmission comes standard in every All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 that rolls off the line, no matter which engine you choose.

Advanced Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics contribute more to a car than a sharp-looking profile; they also can play a significant role with regard to the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Click to View Our All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 Inventory

- Blog.Chrysler

All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 | Named Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS

We’ve known all along that the All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 is a great vehicle. Now we have the independent ratings to prove that it’s among the safest on the road.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 a 2014 Top Safety Pick+, its highest rating. “The 200 aced the challenging small overlap front test with a good rating in every measurement category,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. “Chrysler should also be commended for offering forward collision warning with autonomous braking on this mainstream midsize car. Our research shows that these systems are effective in preventing some kinds of crashes from happening altogether.”

Click to View Our All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 Inventory

IIHS testing simulates a number of potential collisions, including a side impact with a large SUV or pickup truck, front moderate-offset impact, roof-crush consistent with a rollover, a rear collision capable of inducing whiplash, a new small-offset frontal impact and new crash prevention evaluation. In the small overlap test, IIHS notes that “the driver’s space was maintained well, and injury measures recorded on the dummy indicated a low risk of any significant injuries in a real-world crash of this severity.”

The All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 is a showcase of advanced safety and security technology, offering a comprehensive array of driver warning and assist systems and state-of-the-art occupant restraints, and that’s not all: “With a standard nine-speed transmission, innovative available all-wheel-drive system and 60 safety and security features, the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for the new 200 is the icing on the cake for customers, giving them added peace of mind,” said Al Gardner, President and CEO — Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

Experience the All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 in person by visiting Laurel Chrysler today.

by Forward Look | Chrysler Blog

5 Tire Tips You Didn't Know

Some of the best advice we’ve ever heard: Invest in what goes between you and the ground. That means good shoes, a good mattress and good tires. People often neglect their tires or just don’t pay too much attention to them in general. It’s important to check your tires’ PSI once per month and have them rotated every 5,000 miles.  

Here are a handful of tire tips from caranddriver.com we bet you didn’t know :

1. Skinny tires, much taller and narrower than the norm, are coming back. BMW’s i3 electric/plug-in hybrid, which relies on minimal rolling resistance to achieve acceptable driving range, is leading the charge. The i3’s Bridgestone Ecopia EP500 tires have aspect ratios ranging from 55 to 70 (narrow tread, tall outside diameter) to reduce energy loss as the tire rolls into and out of its footprint. This shape also reduces the car’s frontal area and aerodynamic drag. To compensate for a reduced air cavity and a smaller-than-normal footprint, Bridgestone uses an elevated inflation pressure to deliver the desired acceleration, braking, and cornering traction.

2. In the strictly theoretical sense, increasing just the width of a tire does nothing to improve acceleration or braking traction. A wider tire will have a shorter contact patch, which is precisely what you don’t want when the goal is maximum longitudinal grip. Jamie McNutt, the replacement-tire development manager at Bridgestone Americas, says that a longer, not wider, contact patch helps you climb faster to maximum braking grip.

3. Wider tire treads do, however, increase cornering grip. Again, though, tire engineers are always working with multiple variables. See our first point about the modern Corvette, which uses skinnier tires than its predecessor yet increases its roadholding with a stickier compound. To maximize traction in all directions, tire engineers aim for an even pressure distribution throughout the contact patch.

4. Static electricity build-up is an old concern that has returned to haunt modern tires. An inadequately grounded vehicle is an issue during refueling and when occupants slide out of the car’s interior. Modern tire compounds have become less conductive as manufacturers have greatly reduced the amount of carbon black in rubber compounds to cut weight and rolling resistance.

5. A run-flat tire can roll for more than 100 miles after it loses pressure. Tire manufacturers typically claim that a deflated run-flat can cover 50 miles at 50 mph, but if you slow down, you can stretch that distance much farther. Lee Willard, a product development engineer at Michelin, says the range roughly doubles if you drop your speed to 40 mph. Slow down more, and the range continues to grow. It’s all about reducing the amount of heat generated in the tire.

For the full list of tips head over to Car and Driver’s Blog: http://bit.ly/1IKbyxg

Top 10 Excuses People Used When Being Pulled Over

“Well gosh officer, I didn’t see the speed limit sign!” – the most common excuse police hear when pulling drivers over, according to an article from Cars.com about a survey done by Insurance.com. The comparison pooled licensed drivers 18 an older. More than a fifth of the drivers polled said when they gave an excuse to the officer that pulled them over they said they couldn’t see the sign that told them not to do something.

There were 10 other popular answers given among drivers polled. They are listed with their percentages below:

1. I couldn’t see the sign telling me not to do it :20.4%
2. I’m lost and unfamiliar with the roads: 15.6%
3. I didn’t know it was broken: 12.4%
4. Everyone else was doing it: 6.4%
5. I’m having in emergency situation in my car (for instance spilled a hot drink on your lap): 5.4%
6. I missed my turn/exit: 4.8%
7. I had to go to the bathroom: 5.6%
8. I didn’t do anything dangerous: 4.2%
9. I was on my way to an emergency (for example, to help someone who was ill or injured): 4.0%
10. My GPS said it was the right thing to do: 2.2%
11. I’m just helping out; I wasn’t even supposed to be driving (for example, your friend is intoxicated): 2.0%

To read the full article from Cars.com, click the link : http://bit.ly/15XAT5U

Driving in The Rain: 3 Tips to Stay Safe

Getting caught in a rainstorm while driving can be a scary thing. You’re not only worried about yourself but those driving around you as well. Defensive driving techniques should always be applied to the road, but even more so when driving in the rain. There are around 707,000 automobile crashes each year due to rain, resulting in approximately 3,300 deaths and 330,200 injuries.

Statefarm has offered a few tips for driving safely in the rain:

1. Turn on those headlights. It’s the law in all states to turn headlights on when visibility is low, and many states also require having the headlights on when the windshield wipers are in use. Praeter says that well-working wipers and relatively new (not threadbare) tires also are must-haves when driving in rain.

2. Beware of hydroplaning. That’s the technical term for what occurs when your tires are getting more traction on the layer of water on the road than on the road itself—the result is that your car begins to slide uncontrollably. It’s easy enough to hydroplane: All you need is one-twelfth of an inch of rain on the road and a speed of more than 35 miles per hour. If you start to hydroplane, let off the accelerator slowly and steer straight until you regain control.

3. Turn off cruise control. Ironically, on rain- or snow-slick surfaces, cruise control may cause you to lose control. You might think it’ll help you stay at one steady speed, but if you hydroplane while you’re in cruise control, your car will actually go faster.

Read the full article from Statefarm here: https://learningcenter.statefarm.com/auto/safety/5-tips-for-driving-safely-in-the-rain/

How Much Auto Insurance is Enough?

Your auto insurance plan is a collection of policies that cover various things in the event of an auto accident. It’s illegal to drive without auto insurance and the bare minimum you must hold is a liability insurance policy.

Wall Street Journal has laid out other various policies and what is covered under each one. Some drivers may need more insurance than others so it’s incredibly important to review your policy before choosing one.

• Liability coverage – These policies help cover liability and expenses when you’re at fault in an accident. The money will go to the people you hit, but it won’t cover the people in your car.

• Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) – This policy pays for the medical expenses of people injured in a crash in which you’re at fault. You’ll often see BIL policies described as a “20/50” policy or a “100/300” policy. These numbers describe the maximum dollar amount the policy will pay for a single person’s injuries and the maximum for all the injuries sustained by all the occupants of the other car. For example, a 20/50 policy will pay a maximum of $20,000 for a single person’s injuries, and up to $50,000 total for the injuries of everyone in the car you hit.

• Property Damage Liability – This policy pays for damage done to the other car if you’re at fault in an accident. Property liability is sometimes referred to alongside BIL as a third number, so a 20/50/10 liability package will cover up to $10,000 for damages to the other car.

The following policies cover you and your card in an accident:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – This covers your and your passengers’ medical expenses after an accident. If you lose time at work because of your injuries, this policy may also cover lost wages.

To see the other types of policies including uninsured motorist, collision and comprehensive coverage, check out this link: http://guides.wsj.com/personal-finance/insurance/how-much-car-insurance-do-you-need/  

6 Summer Tuneup Tips

It may feel like summer is winding down but there are still another 2 months of this glorious season left. You should paying extra special attention to your car as we enter the hottest part of the summer. Fluids tend to drain more quickly and engines are known to overheat easier.

Bankrate has provided 6 tune up tips for you car this season. All you have to do is remember the acronym SUMMER.

S: Scrub the battery

Long drives and hot weather can put a strain on your car battery. To keep your battery healthy, sprinkle some baking soda onto the battery terminals, and then lightly spray with water. Let the mixture sit for an hour, and then wipe it off with a wet sponge.

U: Use a sunshade

When you park in direct sun, not only does your car's interior heat up, you are putting strain on the dashboard and upholstery, which can accelerate wear. Use a sunshade to protect your car interior and lengthen its lifespan.

M: Maintain proper fluid levels

All fluids are important to your car's operation, but antifreeze, also known as coolant, should be your top priority. A low coolant level can cause your car to overheat. Check your antifreeze level and add more if it's low. Do not open the coolant tank lid while the engine is hot.

M: Make sure tire pressure is correct

Check your tire pressure regularly and before any long trips. Inflate tires to the recommended pressure listed in your owner's manual for the number of passengers and the amount of cargo you'll be carrying. Proper tire pressure will help prevent a blowout and can improve your fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent.

E: Expect an emergency

Like a good Boy Scout, you should be prepared for an emergency. Make an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, roadside flares or reflective triangles, a flashlight, old towels or paper towels, a first-aid kit, nonperishable snacks and water.

R: Replace your wiper blades

Summer means the dry season for many areas, but storms can occur unexpectedly. Make a note to remind yourself to replace wiper blades every six months or sooner if they are unusually squeaky or you notice decreased visibility.

For the full article from Bankrate please follow the link: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/auto/summer-car-tuneup-tips-1.aspx

5 Tips to Prevent Hot Car Deaths

It’s a tragedy that’s in the news too often: a young child is left in the car for a short period of time and they pass away from heat stroke. These senseless deaths can easily be prevented and are often caused by a brief moment of negligence.

From law enforcement officers to celebrities, everyone is doing their part to spread awareness about leaving your loved ones in a car on a hot day. Whether it’s your pet or your child, “don’t leave for a minute with your loved ones in it.”

Here are 5 tips from the Today Show to prevent hot car deaths:

1. Look before you lock. Open the backdoor and look in the backseat to assure that everyone is out of the car (even if you think you are childless).

2. Keep something you need in the backseat. Put your cell phone, briefcase, computer, lunch, ID badge, left shoe, or anything essential to your daily routine beside your child.

3. Travel with a furry companion. Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When baby is in the seat, the stuffed animal rides shotgun. The furry passenger serves as a reminder that baby's in the back.

4. Always lock the doors. Even if the car is in the garage, keep the doors locked to prevent curious children from getting into the car.

5. Put the keys and fobs away. Kids might want to play with keys and be able to get into the car without parents knowledge.

Remember these 5 tips and you could possibly save a life. Be sure to check out the rest of the tips over at today.com: http://www.today.com/parents/7-tips-preventing-hot-car-related-deaths-children-t31551

The First 3 Steps to Sell Your Car

Unless you prepare on selling your car to a close friend or family member, you’ll have to put some time in planning on how to sell your car. If you want the most value out of you car, it’s not as easy as just looking up your car’s value and posting a craiglist ad.

Edmunds has compiled a list that covers everything from pricing to advertising to negotiating. Check out the easy-to-follow process below:

Step 1: Know the Market

Your first step is to check on-line classified ads to see how much other sellers are asking for your type of car. Keep in mind that dealers will have different prices than private party listings. The eBay.com classifieds and other Internet sites allow you to search with specific criteria. For example, select the year and trim level of your car and see how many similar cars are currently on the market. Take note of their condition, mileage, geographic location and selling price so you can list your car at a price that will sell it quickly.

Step 2: Price Your Car Competitively

There are always some exceptions to the rules of pricing, so you should follow your intuition. And be sure to leave a little wiggle room in your asking price. Ask for slightly more money than you are actually willing to accept. If you want to get $12,000 for the car, you should list the car at $13,500. People tend to negotiate in big chunks ($500-$1,000) rather than small increments ($100-$200). That way, when a person makes you a lower offer, it will be closer to your actual price, rather than below it.

You may have noticed how creative used-car dealers get in pricing cars. Their prices usually end in "995," as in $12,995. Are we not supposed to notice that the car basically costs $13,000? There is a lot of psychology in setting prices. A product that doesn't sell well at $20 might jump off the shelf at $19.95.

Step 3: Give Your Car Curb Appeal

Before you advertise your car for sale, make sure it looks clean and attractive. This goes beyond just taking it to the car wash. Here is a to-do list to help you turn your heap into a cream puff:

• Wash and vacuum the car and consider having it detailed.
• Make sure your car is both mechanically sound and free from dents, dings and scrapes.
• Consider making low-cost repairs yourself rather than selling it "as is."
• Shovel out all the junk from the inside of the car. That way, when a prospective buyer goes for a test-drive, they can visualize the car as theirs.
• Wipe the brake dust off the wheel covers and treat the tires with a tire gloss product.
• Thoroughly clean the windows (inside and out) and all the mirrored surfaces.
• Wipe down the dashboard and empty the ashtrays.
• Have all your maintenance records ready to show prospective buyers.
• If the car needs servicing or even a routine oil change, take care of that before putting it up for sale.
• Have your mechanic check out the car and issue a report about its condition. You can use this to motivate a buyer who is on the fence.
• Order a vehicle history report from Autocheck.com and show it to the buyer to prove the car's title is clean and the odometer reading is accurate.

To see the six remaining steps head over to edmunds.com where they lay out their list to help you get your car sold at it’s highest value: http://www.edmunds.com/sell-car/10-steps-to-selling-your-car.html

Avoid Blind Spots by Adjusting Your Mirrors Correctly

It’s happened to everyone. You’re attempting to make a lane change, you put on your blinker and you start to merge over, then a BLARING horn. Every car is susceptible to blind spots and it’s important to always check them before changing lanes.

Car technology today is doing everything it can to eliminate the blind the spot but it still has a little ways to go. You can avoid blind spot collisions by adjusting your mirrors in a way that gives you full view of everything going on next to and behind your car.  

Car and Driver has provided a nifty little infographic that shows you how your car’s mirrors should be adjusted:

For the full article from Car and Driver follow the link:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots

Use Science to Save Gas This Summer

Summer is a busy travel season. Everyone is going on vacation and taking road trips around the country. Gas prices also tend to peak in the summer which means we could be spending big bucks to get around.

Luckily, there are simple ways to cut down on the amount of fuel your cars are using. With a few simple tricks and tips provided by science, you’ll be able to look at your gas receipts without audibly gasping. Here are 3 ways science can save you gas this summer:

Use the Right Car for the Trip

Last year, I had an amazing time traveling around Montana and the vicinity, and I splurged on a one-way car rental to maximize the sightseeing. The rental car company first offered me an “upgrade” to a minivan, presumably because more space is supposed to be a good thing; however, if I hadn’t fought them for the economy car I had reserved, it would have cost me another $100 in fuel for the trip, money I would much rather spend on huckleberry ice cream and a national park pass. You might always default to the big SUV for your family, but if you can fit everything in a sedan, you’re better off. The lesson: use the most fuel-efficient car that will fit your stuff.

Slow Down

One of my favorite aspects of a road trip is taking in new scenery. When you’re flying down the road at 80 miles per hour, not only are you probably missing out on some surprising views—you’re also wasting fuel. Your car is optimized for somewhere around 55-60 miles per hour, and you can reduce efficiency by almost a third if you’re going 20 mph over. At today’s prices, driving 80 mph when the speed limit is 65 mph not only runs the risk of getting pulled over—it’s like raising the price of gas by almost $1 per gallon! Slow down and enjoy the trip.

Turn Off Cruise-Control (On Hills At Least)

On a long drive, you might be tempted to use the cruise control—but if you are driving through the rolling countryside, don’t. Not only does it allow you to pay less attention to driving, which is suboptimal for safety, the cruise control on most cars is a surefire way to waste fuel on anything but the flattest terrain because it tries to maintain a steady speed as tightly as possible. Instead, as a smart and attentive driver, you can maintain speed in a more efficient way.

Looking more tips on saving gas this summer. Here’s the full article from the Union of Concerned Scientists: http://blog.ucsusa.org/8-ways-science-can-save-gas-on-your-summer-road-trip-772

5 Reasons Your Check Engine Light May Be On

“Wait! How can my check engine light be on? I just went to the mechanic!”

There are many frustrations that come along with that little check engine light and sometimes it just never seems to turn off. Often times, the reason for that little light is an easy fix. Autozone has provided us with 5 reasons your check engine light may be on.

Your Oxygen (O2) Sensor needs replacing

Your oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust system.

What if I don't replace it?

Your engine will burn more fuel than needed.

You will experience loss of fuel economy (up to 40% if ignored)*

Faulty sensor(s) can cause damage to your spark plugs and catalytic converter

Gas cap is loose, damaged or missing

Your gas cap seals the fuel system and helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank. It also prevents gasoline fumes (hydrocarbons) from being released into the atmosphere while you aren't driving your car.

What if I don't replace it?

You can lose fuel through evaporation

You may make more trips to the gas pump

Catalytic Converter needs replacing

Your catalytic converter helps protect our environment by converting harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Damage usually occurs due to neglected maintenance.

What if I don't replace it?

Your vehicle will not pass an emissions test

You will experience reduced performance and fuel economy

Your car may run at a higher temperature

Mass Airflow Sensor needs replacing (MAF)

Your mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to determine how much fuel is needed to run your engine efficiently.

What if I don't replace it?

Faulty sensors can cause damage to spark plugs, O2 sensors or catalytic converter

You will experience reduced performance and fuel economy

Spark Plugs or Plug Wires need replacing

Your spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your vehicle. The spark plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs.

What if I don't replace it?

You will experience poor performance (reduced power, engine missing) and reduced fuel economy

Worn plugs and plug wires can cause clogged catalytic converter or damage to ignition coils and O2 sensors

Read the whole article here at Autozone.com: http://www.autozone.com/landing/page.jsp?name=top-five-reasons-check-engine-light