Chapman Las Vegas Dodge Chrysler Jeep Blog

An automobile service contract is similar to a warranty — they both promise to perform or pay for certain repairs or services to your car. However, unlike a warranty, a service contract typically costs extra. An auto service contract is more like an insurance policy that kicks in after your manufacturer’s warranty has expired. The contract pays for specific repairs and service, but you must pay a fee to acquire the coverage. Here are some tips for finding the service contract that is best for you.

Often, the coverage in a service contract is duplicated by a warranty that already covers your car. Before paying an excessive amount for a service contract, find out the exact terms of the contract and compare them carefully to all warranties that cover your car. The price of a service contract is usually based on the car’s make, model, condition, as well as the contract’s coverage and length. The length of the service contract is another important factor to consider. Most new cars don’t require many repairs during the first few years.

Las Vegas Dodge offers service contracts on many of their vehicles, such as 5000+ Maximum Care Coverage on new vehicles. This is ideal for drivers who seek the ultimate piece of mind for their vehicle. Maximum Care goes above and beyond your vehicle’s factory warranty by providing practically complete mechanical coverage for your vehicle. With coverage on 5000+ components, if it’s mechanical, it’s covered with Maximum Care. Every Maximum Care plan also includes the following benefits:

• $100 Deductible
• $35 First Day Rental
• Car Rental Allowance
• $100 Towing/ Roadside Assistance
• $1,000 Trip Interruption Protection

For drivers looking for more basic protection on selected major components, 800+ Added care plus coverage on new vehicles is the perfect choice. Added Care Plus covers 800+ components and provides an economical way to extend coverage beyond your vehicle’s original powertrain and basic component warranty. Every Added Care Plus plan also includes the following benefits:

• $100 Deductible
• $35 First Day Rental
• Car Rental Allowance
• $100 Towing/ Roadside Assistance
• $1,000 Trip Interruption Protection

For your convenience at the Dodge Service Center, they provide the ability to schedule your service online and provide coupons for service specials. Specials include oil change packages, diagnostic tests, flat tire repairs and even detailing. To take it a step further, if you ‘like’ the Chapman Facebook page, you can earn 5% off parts and labor while your vehicle is in for service.

For more information on service contracts offered, or to schedule your service online, visit Chapman Dodge.

In order to understand a customer’s part in a car warranty relationship at Las Vegas Dodge, it is vital to understand exactly what a warranty is. A new car warranty is an agreement between the car-maker and the consumer that outlines what you must do to keep your warranty in force. A warranty can be voided in part or whole. Although many people do not intentionally void their warranty, there are some commonalities that you should be careful of that can void a warranty. Here are five common errors that people make that void their car warranties:

Fluids – Use the proper fluids specified by the carmaker
Carmakers dump millions of dollars into research and development to determine the best fluids to put into their vehicles for maximum performance and longevity. Lack of proper lubrication can become a key cause for engine failure. It is important to use whatever fluid the carmaker specifies in your car to keep your warranty intact.

Receipts – Be sure to keep them all
Keep all receipts on any maintenance work done at facilities other than the dealership while your car is under warranty. Some people do not return to the dealer for service after buying a new vehicle. It’s okay to do so, as long as the service provider uses the specified fluids and original equipment quality filters.

Tires and Wheels – Don’t use non-conventional tire/wheel combinations or modify the suspension
Base vehicle designs are compromised by modifications such as certain rims and tires. These include conventional alignment angles, vehicle undercarriage components, and drivetrain components such as axle bearings, such compromise can result in steering, suspension, and drivetrain problems. In the event of a warranty claim related to these systems, the carmaker will scrutinize the modifications.

Performance Modifications – Don’t modify your car 
In such cases where the vehicle was under warranty and performance modifications are made, claims will be  denied and engine warranties will voided.

Towing - Don’t tow a trailer with a vehicle that is not designed to tow
In order to tow a trailer, a vehicle must have an increased cooling system capacity, auxiliary trans oil cooling, beefed up rear frame area to support the hitch receiver, beefed up suspension to handle the additional weight, heavy duty brakes to stop the increased load, and special wiring to power the trailer lighting. Typically, vehicles used for towing that are not properly equipped experience an overheated engine. If any of the car’s issues arise as a result of towing with a vehicle that is not designed for it, warranty claims will be denied.

For more information on car warranties, visit  Chapman Dodge

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is time-tested and has been a staple of American culture for over twenty years. It has become a legend due to its towing and 4×4 capabilities. Jeep’s 2014 Grand Cherokee is better than ever and available now at Jeep dealers in Vegas.

Jeep has never stopped improving the SUV and the 2014 model now has standard features such as: an MP3 player, steering wheel mounted audio controls, stability control technology, electronic brakeforce distribution, the most safety features in its class and all the best features Grand Cherokee owners have grown to love over the past 20 years. As a Las Vegas native I can attest that owning a Grand Cherokee in Vegas is a great idea because the vehicle is perfectly suited for the desert roads and urban highways.

The 2014 Grand Cherokee also improves on the legendary 4×4 and towing capabilities of the original Grand Cherokees. The 2014 Grand Cherokee delivers best in class 30 miles per gallon, best in class towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and is the most luxurious model to date.  Visit a Las Vegas Jeep dealer today for a test drive.

Innovative technological features make the Ram 1500 one of the most refined pickups on the road while elevating what is possible in a full-size pickup. Topping the list of what’s new is a new 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission.  The 2013 Ram 1500 will give the truck the best fuel economy and best tow rating of any V6 truck.

As for functionality, the 2013 Ram 1500 offers Regular, Quad and Crew Cab sizes. Regular cabs feature an 8-foot bed, while both the Quad and Crew Cab offer either a 5-ft 7-in or 6-ft 4-in bed, all of which can accommodate the Ram Box lockable side storage compartments and a removable bed cover. A spray-in bedliner is offered along with numerous tie-down and utility upgrades. Crew Cab models can now be equipped with a 6-ft 4-in bed.

Inside the pickup’s interior sets new standards in design and execution. Even the most basic models feature intricate door panels, comfortable and supportive seats and a sophisticated dash. On models equipped with the Torqueflite 8-speed transmission, a dash-mounted rotary gear selector replaces the console shifter to free up more space in the center console.

Visit a Las Vegas Ram  to see all of the technological advances in the Ram 1500, including the available UConnect infotainment system and configurable LCD information screens. The UConnect system uses an 8.4-inch display screen, wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, streaming Bluetooth and voice recognition controls for the phone, texting, music, radio mode and navigation. The new system is also fully upgradeable, allowing Ram owners to keep current with the newest technology even as their vehicle grows old. If the owner desires, the design can even accommodate navigation added to the non-navigation UConnect 8.4 system at a later date. Multi-media input access for USB, SD card and auxiliary inputs are provided, as well as an available CD player in the center console. The Ram 1500 can also be equipped with a 7-inch multi-information screen that displays data in both text and graph form covering everything from digital speed readout to specific vehicle status information such as fuel economy, trailer towing information, outside temperature and trip data.

Other tech-minded features of note include available Alpine audio, adjustable air, Keyless Enter n’ Go, ParkView rear backup camera, ParkSense rear backup warning sensors, 911 assist, SmartBeam automatic high beam control, rain-sensing wipers and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.

Standard safety equipment includes front side thorax airbags and full-length side curtain airbags, as well as electronic traction and stability control, trailer sway control, hill-start assist and automatic reverse pinch protection on the windows and sunroof. Rain Brake Support uses the brake pads to occasionally brush water away from the rotors helping to keep them dry and better able to stop the vehicle.

Entering the heavy winter months, it’s important to know how to prepare your car for a trip to the mountains and for cold weather in general. Here are a few tips:

1)   Keep up with routine maintenance

The best way to make sure your car is ready to drive in tough conditions is to make sure it is in good working order all year long. This is especially important for used car owners, because you don’t know how the previous owner maintained the car. Ask your used cars Vegas dealer to help you out if needed. Make sure to check the engine oil, brake fluid levels, battery, spark plug wires etc. frequently to ensure your car is driving properly. Regular maintenance will improve gas mileage, performance and the overall reliability of your vehicle.

2)   Check antifreeze level

Make sure your car’s 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze is full. This mixture is essential to protect your car during winter. It is a good idea to have your radiator system serviced if you plan to spend your winter in extremely cold weather.  Visit Chapman Dodge to make an appointment.

3)   Replace windshield wipers

Heavy precipitation, weather snow or rain, is guaranteed during the winter. Making sure your windshield wipers are in good shape will ensure a clear view of the road and improve your safety. Also make sure your windshield washer fluid is full so you can easily clean off dirt and muck that is kicked up from the road. Don’t worry… washer fluid doesn’t freeze!

4)   Prepare your tires

Check the tire pressure… chances are you will need to pump them up a bit because they lose some pressure as the temperature declines. If you are headed for a trip with possible snow or icy road conditions, it is a good idea to keep chains in your car (unless you have snow tires). You may not need to use them, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. See your Las Vegas Dodge dealer for help picking out the right chains.