Auto Advice For St. Paul Consumers
Jeep Power Steering Maintenance in Two Hills
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(Posted on Oct 20, 2021 at 11:30PM by Michelle Bogle)
Many modern SUVs and trucks feature power steering, which is a system that eases parking maneuvers and low-speed driving, especially in heavier vehicles. However, components can wear out over time, which can impact handling.If you suspect you might have an issue with your Jeep’s power steering, here are some tips from St. Paul Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Alberta to help diagnosis the problem:
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1. Check the power steering fluid level
A lack of fluid will make it harder to complete turns. If you regularly have to top up the power steering fluid, it could indicate a leak.
2. Inspect the hoses and lines around the power steering pump
The power steering system is comprised of a pump and numerous seals and hoses. If there are leaks or breaks in the seals, it will impact the performance of the system.
3. Check for loose belts
A loud, screeching sound from the pump is a tell-tale sign of a loose belt in the power steering system. To test for this, activate the Jeep’s engine and turn the steering wheel.
A lack of fluid will make it harder to complete turns. If you regularly have to top up the power steering fluid, it could indicate a leak.
2. Inspect the hoses and lines around the power steering pump
The power steering system is comprised of a pump and numerous seals and hoses. If there are leaks or breaks in the seals, it will impact the performance of the system.
3. Check for loose belts
A loud, screeching sound from the pump is a tell-tale sign of a loose belt in the power steering system. To test for this, activate the Jeep’s engine and turn the steering wheel.
Unaddressed power steering issues not only impact your Jeep’s handling but your safety as well. If you have concerns about your vehicle, call our Service Department at St. Paul Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to book your maintenance appointment today. Our expert technicians will give your SUV the attention it deserves.
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.
St. Paul Dodge offers a variety of new Ram trucks to our customers - many of which boast a body-on-frame design that allows them to adapt to changing conditions in Lloydminster and beyond. Let's examine what this configuration is and how it impacts your driving. Traditionally, pick-up trucks have a body-on-frame design. This means that the chassis is separate from the rest of the components, so it can better handle the bumps and ruts common in off-road driving or on job sites.Â
Essentially, having a separate frame allows the truck to flex when needed so that the wheels retain contact with the surface - even if it is bumpy and uneven. This allows for more refined responses,  especially when paired with features like shift-on-the-fly 4x4 and automatically-lowering air suspension systems (both of which improve aerodynamics, efficiency, and handling). These can help the steering feel more precise and maximize the body-on-frame configuration.Â
Contact our dealership today if you would like to learn more about the design, components, and features of RAM trucks. We can help you schedule a test drive so that you can experience the handling for yourself - and we will also offer exclusive financing and promotional opportunities.Â
![<a href="https://stpauldodge.com/inventory#/?&orderBy=5&asc=1&t=0&filter=[New%2CJEEP%2CGrand%20Cherokee%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C]"><img src="/images/upload/2021_September_/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee_Overland_seating.jpg"alt="Front seat of Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit with leather seats and steering wheel"/></a>](https://stpauldodge.com/images/upload/2021_September_/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee_Overland_seating.jpg)
You will find a number of vehicles with leather seats at St. Paul Dodge. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, for example, has cowhide upholstery, as does the 2021 RAM 1500 Limited. Leather seats provide a durable and easy-to-clean surface that offers an atmosphere of luxury. However, you need to properly care for the material to ensure that it lasts and adds the expected value to your car.Â
The first step is to vacuum the seats clean regularly. Pebbles or other debris can scratch the leather. You should pay special attention to creases and corners when cleaning.Â
If there are spots or stains, you can use a specialized leather cleaner, which you spray on and rub into the upholstery with a soft-bristled brush. You then let the formula sit for a while before wiping it using a dry cloth.Â
If you live in a dry climate or run your heater often during the winter, you may wish to use a leather conditioner to keep the upholstery soft and pliable so that it doesn't crack. You apply the substance and let it sit for four hours before removing any excess with a cloth.
Contact our dealership to learn more about vehicles we offer that have leather seats - and discover a superior cabin experience.Â
What is RAM's Part-Time 4x4 System in Vermilion, AB?
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(Posted on Sep 16, 2021 at 07:03PM by Josh Lew)
New RAM trucks come with either a RWD or a 4x4 drivetrain. The two options provide different benefits as far as traction, towing, and fuel economy. The AWD models have a unique part-time, shift-on-the-fly system that brings the best of both worlds to Vermilion owners. 2021 RAMs, including the 1500, 2500, and 3500, offer a part-time four-wheel drive. This system allows the vehicle to switch seamlessly between 4WD and RWD using a front-axle disconnect component. If just two wheels are receiving torque, the fuel economy improves slightly. You can also get better towing performance, but only on roads with good traction.Â
How does the part-time 4x4 work? It uses a transfer case to switch driving modes. It is a shift-on-the-fly system, so you can change between RWD and 4WD while moving at speeds of up to 88 km/h. It relies on an electrical, mechanical motor with a vacuum line that ensures a smooth transition.Â
Front and rear stabilizer bars (standard on 4x4 models) and an available anti-spin differential also assist with traction and steering in slippery or otherwise challenging conditions.Â
If you have questions about the mechanics or capabilities of RAM's shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system, contact our dealership today.Â
What Is Jeep's Quadra Lift Air Suspension System in Lloydminster, AB?
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(Posted on Sep 13, 2021 at 08:29PM by Josh Lew)
Some Jeep models come with the Quadra Lift Air Suspension System. This component is different from the standard leaf design, and it does not rely on regular coil springs. Here is a closer look at how the air suspension system works and what it brings to Lloydminster drivers.
The Quadra Lift system is available in the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and Summit, as well as other premium and off-road models in the automaker's stable. It relies on air springs, which can move the vehicle up and down by as much as 104 mm by altering the pressure. The change happens automatically, and it can increase ground clearance when needed and enhance efficiency by lowering the stance while on the highway.Â
Since the system adjusts automatically, it provides the best clearance and aerodynamics for the given situation. It can also lower the SUV to make it easier to get in and out and load cargo. The components overall are slightly heavier, so they decrease fuel economy, but the difference is negligible.Â
If you would like to find an auto with Jeep's Quadra Lift Air Suspension, contact our Alberta dealership today. We also have a service centre if you need to perform maintenance on an existing vehicle's system.
How RAM Trucks Provide a Quiet Ride in St. Paul, AB
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(Posted on Sep 1, 2021 at 02:34AM by Josh Lew)
![<a href="https://stpauldodge.com/inventory#/?&orderBy=5&asc=1&t=0&filter=[New%2CRAM%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C]"><img src="/images/upload/August_2021/ram_noise_cancelling.jpg"alt="Illustration of RAM 1500 noise cancellation system"/></a>](https://stpauldodge.com/images/upload/August_2021/ram_noise_cancelling.jpg)
RAM trucks rely on multiple systems to provide a quiet ride for the driver and their passengers. These elements work together to reduce road noise and dampen the loud sounds that are common at job sites. RAM vehicles have both active and passive noise reduction systems. The windshield, for example, has acoustic glass with an extra layer that dampens road sounds when you are on the street. Furthermore, the hood is sculpted to direct the air over the truck rather than at the wipers.Â
RAM trucks also come with an Active Noise Cancellation system. This unique feature is similar to the technology used to make high-end over-the-ear headphones.Â
There are four microphones in the cabin to detect and define unwanted noises. The system then broadcasts the opposite sound over the truck's speakers. The result is that it literally cancels out the drone of the road or wind or the clanging of a job site.Â
Finally, available air suspension not only helps create a smoother ride for passengers it also limits the sounds that occur when the car goes over cracks and bumps on the road.Â
If you would like to experience this unique set of features, contact our St. Paul dealership today to schedule a test drive.Â
Which Auto Filters Need Replacement in Lloydminster, AB?
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(Posted on Sep 1, 2021 at 01:56AM by Josh Lew)
Auto systems require regular maintenance. After all, most owners are aware of the need to change their vehicles' oil every 5,000 - 10,000 km. They also know to check different fluids, measure tire pressure, and replace other simple components, such as windshield wipers. Fewer people, however, are aware of the need to change filters. There are three such items on every vehicle that should be replaced regularly. Owners can do so themselves or head to our service centre to get the job done.Â
The engine filter keeps road debris and dust from entering the motor. Replacement times can vary by vehicle. On average, you need a new one every 50,000 km or so. If the powertrain components get dirty, it can reduce efficiency and hurt performance.Â
All vehicles also require an oil filter. It keeps impurities from getting into the engine, where they can cause damage, reduce efficiency, and shorter the life of the motor. You need to replace this item every time you change the lubricant.Â
Finally, the cabin air filter keeps impurities from getting inside the vehicle. Replacement times can vary depending on where you drive. You typically need to change it once per year or every 25,000 km.Â
If you need advice about your car's filters, contact our service centre for an appointment today. We will happily assist you with the replacement process.
Common Diesel Engine Problems That Vermilion Truck Owners Need to Know About
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(Posted on Aug 17, 2021 at 07:52PM by Josh Lew)
![<a href="https://stpauldodge.com/inventory#/?&orderBy=5&asc=1&t=0&filter=[New%2CRAM%2C1500%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C%2C]"><img src="/images/upload/August_2021/ram_1500_towing_diesel.jpg"alt="A RAM 1500 pulling a speedboat on a trailer out of the water at a landing"/></a>](https://stpauldodge.com/images/upload/August_2021/ram_1500_towing_diesel.jpg)
In many ways, diesel engines are easier to maintain than their gas peers (which is why Ram fans prefer them). However, these motors do experience occasional issues, and it is important to recognize problems early so that a trained technician can handle them before they get worse. Here are two of the most common issues for diesel engines.Â
Overheating
Overheating is the most common issue faced by diesel engines. It can lead to worse problems, such as distorted cylinder heads and pistons or a damaged crankshaft. Luckily, all pickups have a gauge that will warn you when the engine gets too hot.Â
Oil Leakage
Old gaskets and seals can crack or peel away and allow lubricant to spill out. Many oil leaks are slow, so you may not notice them until it's too late. This issue not only affects the working of the engine, but it can also pollute the environment and pose a fire risk. You can check your levels regularly using the onboard computer or a dipstick and visit a service centre when it gets low without explanation.Â
Regular maintenance and early inspections when you suspect a problem can keep your diesel engine in perfect shape. Contact our service centre today if you need assistance with your pickup truck.Â
