When purchasing a car, the choice of seat material is an important consideration. You will often have to choose between cloth and leather upholstery. Luckily, SUVs like the 2021 Dodge Durango offer both options.Â
Leather may seem tempting, but is it worth the investment? Here are some reasons why you should choose this premium upholstery.
Leather seats are harder to stain and easier to clean
Leather is more resistant to liquid and dirt stains than cloth. It also has a smooth, less porous surface, which makes it easier to clean.
Leather is comfortable
Leather is soft and smooth to the touch, and it provides natural cushioning. If you’re planning on going for extended trips or have lengthy daily commutes, an upholstery upgrade is worthwhile.
Leather harbours fewer allergens
If you are allergic to dust, dirt, or pollen, leather is the ideal material for your seats. This is because fewer particles stick to its surface, and those that do are easy to wipe or vacuum away. This helps to minimize seasonal congestion.Â
Your vehicle will have a higher resale value
Leather is a premium material, and it is in high demand for second-hand cars. As long as you maintain the surface, you recoup more of your investment upon resale.
To see the leather interior of a 2021 Dodge Durango for yourself, contact our Calgary dealership today.
Hands-free features attached to vehicle media centres have different capabilities. Some simply allow for Bluetooth-powered calls and texting on a smart device, while others will enable you to completely control the infotainment system (and more) using your voice.Â
The 2021 Dodge Durango, for example, features an advanced hands-free system that lets you do almost anything - from making calls to updating your shopping list to interacting with the navigation app.Â
The new Durango uses the Uconnect 5 interface, which allows you to connect two phones via Bluetooth. You can manage input from both and interact with them over the vehicle's voice-activated system.
The Uconnect also has a built-in Alexa function. Once activated, you can speak directly to the interface and issue commands to which it will respond. In addition to navigation address input and music selection, you can use it to perform basic tasks - such as unlocking the doors or starting the SUV with your voice.Â
The 2021 Dodge Durango’s entertainment system also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This element makes it possible to interact with smartphone apps from your device using the voice controls.Â
To learn more about the hands-free features on the 2021 Dodge Durango and other vehicles, contact our Calgary dealership today.
Lane departure warning is a safety tool that helps drivers stay between the lines when they are on the road. It is typically part of a suite of sensor-powered features that are available on most modern vehicles, including the 2021 Dodge Durango.Â
The system uses a camera mounted on the rearview mirror to keep an eye on the road ahead. The sensor looks for yellow or white lane markings and sends a signal through the onboard computer when the driver crosses these lines.Â
On the new Durango, you get an alert when you start drifting out of your lane, and the system intervenes to correct the steering if you fail to respond.Â
Here is a closer look at what these safety tools do:
Lane Departure Warning
This provides audio and visual feedback if the vehicle gets too close to or crosses lane markings. If you activate your turn signal, the system sees it a planned change and will not issue a warning.Â
Lane Keep Assist
This system takes the protection a step further. It gently turns the steering wheel or applies the brakes to keep the vehicle within its lane when it detects that you are crossing road lines without activating your signal.Â
To learn more about Lane Departure Warning and other sensor-powered features on the 2021 Dodge Durango, contact our Calgary dealership today.Â
An instrument cluster display is a screen with different indicators and gauges that provides useful driver information. This data can keep you updated on vehicle performance, but it can also alert you of any issues that may arise. Â
Vehicles like the 2021 Dodge Durango have customisable displays. However, the most common components that you will see on the dashboard include the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, oil pressure gauge, and turn signal indicator.Â
On many cars, there are needle-driven gauges, though other vehicles have digital displays. Some combine the traditional and modern. The Durango offers a full-colour screen with several customisable elements.Â
If you look at the Dodge Durango, you will see a variety of readings and icons on the in-cluster display that go beyond the basics. For example, you get fuel economy data, engine performance specifications, and warnings about gas levels, tire pressure, and other factors. This system also offers turn-by-turn navigation directions so that you can plan for upcoming manoeuvre without having to glance at the centre-mounted interface.
The Durango, and many other members of the Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and RAM lineups, provide additional vehicle data and settings on the centre Uconnect console. To learn more about the customisable in-cluster displays, contact our Calgary dealership today.
The 2018 Dodge Durango is an example of a highly capable SUV that can function as a transporter or a utility vehicle (for tasks like hauling). What factors make this auto ideal for towing?Â
Engine Size
Engine size does matter when it comes to towing, and the figure that best illustrates hauling power is torque. Here is a look at the 2018 Dodge Durango's different options:Â
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Engine: Towing Max / Torque 3.6L Pentastar V6: 2,812 kg / 260 lb.-ft 5.7L HEMI V8: 3,265 kg / 390 lb.-ft 6.4L SRT HEMI V8: 3,946 kg / 470 lb.-ft
Fuel Economy
Though larger engines can pull more, they also use gas at a faster rate. The best strategy for auto shoppers, then, is to find a vehicle that meets their towing capacity needs, but does not exceed them. For many recreational users, the 2,812 kg maximum offered by the Durango's Pentastar V6 will be sufficient. If you select this option, you get a fuel economy rating of 9.6 L/100 km (highway).
Other Considerations
Other factors - Â including axle ratio, suspension, transmission, and overall vehicle weight rating - affect towing prowess, too. The hitch receiver also matters. For example, Durango models have a Class IV unit, which is for heavy-duty hauling.Â
To learn more about towing features on the used Dodge Durango, contact our Calgary dealership today.
For most people, the decision to opt for larger wheels is based on esthetics. Bigger (19 or 20-inch) units tend to look more appealing than smaller ones, which may appear disproportionate (especially on a full-size vehicle like the Dodge Durango.)Â
The 2018 Durango, for example, owes its attractive appearance - at least in part - to its 20-inch wheels. However, there are other advantages to switching to larger tires.Â
More traction
Larger wheels have more overall surface area, which means better contact with the road. This can significantly improve the traction and grip on the pavement, especially when it is wet or icy.Â
Better handling around corners and curves
Again, since larger wheels translate to more contact with the ground, a stiffer sidewall, and a wider tread, 20-inchers perform better around corners and on curvy roads.
Better braking
The improved contact with the ground also increases stopping effectiveness. Paired with high-quality brakes, this can dramatically reduce the distance it takes to slow down. The 2018 Dodge Durango includes massive Brembo units, which increase power and help you take full advantage of the larger tire surface area.
To see the 2018 Dodge Durango for yourself and to discuss wheel options with us, contact our Calgary dealership today.
The axle ratio is a measure of how much torque gets channeled from your engine to the tires. It is usually represented by a number denoting how many driveshaft turns are required to make one complete revolution.Â
For example, if you were using the 2018 Dodge Durango with AWD, the ratio would be 3.45:1. This means the driveshaft has to make 3.45 turns for the axle to perform one complete revolution.
Why is this figure important?Â
It is vital if you expect to tow or haul heavy loads with your vehicle. A high axle ratio means more torque to the axles, and therefore, greater towing capacity. Depending on the engine, this trait may reduce speed and increase fuel use.
Most vehicles give you several options to choose based on your needs. The 2018 Dodge Durango, for example, has axle ratios of 3.45 (V6 AWD), 3.27 (V6 RWD), 3.09 (V8), and 3.70 (SRT).Â
You could select the higher ratios if you expected to do a lot of off-road travel or heavy towing. If you don't need it, however, and preferred to preserve your fuel economy, you can choose a lower figure.
To inquire about the Dodge Durango and its axle ratio options, contact our Calgary dealership today.
Dual exhaust systems are associated with performance vehicles. Though these components can bring additional power, some are not authentic. Cars may have a single pipe for airflow, but use a Y-split near the back bumper to make it appear like it has two.Â
Legitimate dual exhaust systems allow the engine to breathe better by letting the gasses out of the cylinders faster, which, in turn, speeds up the combustion cycle. The auto typically has a catalytic converter and wider-than-normal tailpipes to prevent pressure from building up in any part of the powertrain. This helps to maximize performance and maintain a consistent power-band.Â
A well-engineered dual exhaust system can increase both efficiency and horsepower. Performance vehicles like the Dodge Challenger and Charger offer this type of feature; but, more unexpectedly, you can also find it on premium trims of some sedans, including the Chrysler 300. These rides are no longer intended solely for everyday commutes. They instead promise exceptional outputs, branding them ideal for work and play alike.Â
To find out which cars, SUVs, and trucks have the best dual exhaust systems, contact our Calgary, AB dealership today - and don't forget to schedule a test-drive in one of our available Dodge or Chrysler models as well.
Synthetic oil uses an artificial blend of chemicals to achieve the same lubricative properties as regular crude. The mixture usually includes altered petroleum products and other raw ingredients to optimize vehicle performance - something that proves crucial for those on Alberta work-sites. If their new RAM trucks fail to deliver seamless power, then all operations could be interrupted.Â
Here is why the synthetic option can be better than the regular variety for your next oil change - and why 1500, 2500, and 3500 drivers may find it invaluable on the job.Â
It doesn’t need to be changed as frequently.
You need to replace standard motor oil every 5,000-8,000 km (on average). This is because the lubricative properties break down, and the liquid can turn into sludge. Synthetic options, however, are resistant to this process, so they can last for 10,000-15,000 km - or even longer - without harming your engine.Â
Regular oil breaks down easily at higher temperatures.
If you leave your engine running (such as on a job site) or drive in warm conditions, synthetic lubrication will continue working, but crude could stop providing protection.Â
Synthetic products can also improve performance because of their superior lubricative properties. When it is time for an oil change, contact our Calgary service centre to discuss your options.
Tire pressure is vital for the safety and performance of your vehicle - ensuring that acceleration is controlled, deceleration is immediate, and stability is maintained on sharp corners. You can find the recommended readings for your truck in pounds per square inch (PSI) in your owner’s manual. Typically, these are on the inside of the driver’s door or on stickers in your glove compartment; and they help you understand the precise ratios you should follow to achieve a smooth ride. Â
Furthermore, RAM trucks are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), which will alert you if the PSI is too high or low.Â
Here is why proper inflation is vital.
Better Performance
Maintaining your tires at the correct pressure improves their performance and makes them last longer. Under-inflated wheels can decrease power and make control more difficult.
Increased Safety
Improperly inflated tires may provide inadequate or uneven grip, making both brakes and steering dangerously slow to respond.
Better Fuel Economy
Maintaining optimal pressure is one of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy. An under or over-inflated tire has greater rolling resistance, which can reduce your efficiency by up to 5%.
For an inspection of your current tires or information about a new set contact our Calgary service centre today. Don't hesitate to schedule a test-drive in one of our available RAM trucks as well.