2021
Auto Advice For St. Paul Consumers
Most drivers wait for their battery to die before they decide to replace it. But then they are left stranded and with a major inconvenience to deal with. Instead of leaving your Jeep’s reliable operation up to chance, have our service experts at St. Paul Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Alberta provide the battery maintenance your vehicle needs to ensure its optimal performance.Here are three signs that your battery is due for replacement:
1. Your battery is old.
As batteries age, they grow weaker over time. Most car batteries will last from three to five years, so it’s best to replace them before they quit.
2. Your battery’s performance is fading.
If your headlights dim when you turn on your Jeep or the engine cranks when you activate the ignition, your battery could be nearing its end.
3. Your battery is corroded.
If your battery is showing signs of corrosion or the connections are faulty, it’s time to consider a replacement.
Unsure if your Jeep requires a new battery? Our technicians can complete a visual inspection, test your battery’s performance and recommend a replacement for your make and model, should it be required.
Don’t be left stranded! Contact St. Paul Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in St. Paul, Alberta, to speak with a Service Advisor about your SUV’s maintenance needs.
Jeep Shock and Strut Maintenance in Elk Point
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(Posted on Oct 15, 2021 at 12:59PM by Michelle Bogle)
Fall has arrived in Alberta and winter and its harsh conditions are on the way. Make sure your Jeep’s shocks and struts are in tip-top condition before the bad weather hits.Here are five warning signs that your shocks and struts need a tune-up from St. Paul Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram’s Service Department:
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1. Reduced Stopping Ability
When your shocks or struts wear, your Jeep will bounce up and down, making it difficult to brake. If your vehicle is taking longer than usual to stop or it is nose-diving when you do, it’s time to book an inspection.
2. Decreased Cornering Control
If you notice increased body roll when cornering, it could be a sign that your shocks or struts need tuning. Body roll can affect your ability to steer, so it’s advisable to have your vehicle's suspension system inspected.
3. Rougher Ride
No one likes a rough ride – especially a bouncy one – and it can impact your ability to control your Jeep. To see how your shocks and struts are functioning, push down firmly on the front or rear of your car. If it moves up and down more than once or twice, this could mean your suspension needs inspecting.
4. Tire Wear
When struts or shocks are worn, your tires will wear out faster. If you notice vibrations at higher speeds, look for cupping on your tires, which is a type of scalloped wear pattern. Cupping happens when your car bounces up and down, leaving indented scuff marks on the tires – and it means your suspension needs inspecting.
5. Hydroplaning
Worn shocks and struts can affect the way your wheels engage with the road, especially when they are slick. If your Jeep is sliding or hydroplaning, get your suspension inspected.
When your shocks or struts wear, your Jeep will bounce up and down, making it difficult to brake. If your vehicle is taking longer than usual to stop or it is nose-diving when you do, it’s time to book an inspection.
2. Decreased Cornering Control
If you notice increased body roll when cornering, it could be a sign that your shocks or struts need tuning. Body roll can affect your ability to steer, so it’s advisable to have your vehicle's suspension system inspected.
3. Rougher Ride
No one likes a rough ride – especially a bouncy one – and it can impact your ability to control your Jeep. To see how your shocks and struts are functioning, push down firmly on the front or rear of your car. If it moves up and down more than once or twice, this could mean your suspension needs inspecting.
4. Tire Wear
When struts or shocks are worn, your tires will wear out faster. If you notice vibrations at higher speeds, look for cupping on your tires, which is a type of scalloped wear pattern. Cupping happens when your car bounces up and down, leaving indented scuff marks on the tires – and it means your suspension needs inspecting.
5. Hydroplaning
Worn shocks and struts can affect the way your wheels engage with the road, especially when they are slick. If your Jeep is sliding or hydroplaning, get your suspension inspected.
To learn more, contact our service experts at St. Paul Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in AB.
Whether you drive a Jeep Cherokee, Compass or Wrangler, you should follow your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedules as outlined in your owner’s guide. Not only will this keep your Jeep operating in optimal condition, but it will ensure a positive ownership experience too. At St. Paul Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Alberta, we’re here for all your service and maintenance needs – including oil changes.Regular oil changes are important because they protect your engine from requiring an expensive repair or worse – a full replacement due to failure. Here are four warning signs to look for when it comes to keeping your Jeep’s engine in excellent condition:
1. Check engine light – If this light is activated on your dash, it could mean you need a simple oil change or that your engine requires an inspection.
2. Low oil level – A low oil level can harm your engine and its components. Frequently check your Jeep’s oil levels using the dipstick to assess whether you need to top up the oil.
3. Black oil – When checking the oil level, pay attention to the colouring too. If it’s black, that could mean there are contaminants in the oil, which could filter into your engine.
4. Loud noises – If your oil is old and contaminated, it will cause your engine parts and components to rub together, creating friction and loud sounds.
If you are experiencing any of the above warning signs, don’t wait for the situation to deteriorate. Contact our Service Department at St. Paul Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Alberta to schedule an oil change appointment today.
