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.

January is National Blood Donor Month and this year, Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is partnering with United Blood Services and Yelp to raise awareness for the need of blood donations in the community. Donors who give blood in January can enter to win a 12-month lease for a 2013 Dodge Dart, courtesy of Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. The winner will be announced during the designated “Yelp Grand Finale Blood Drive” celebration on Thursday, Jan. 31.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with such respected organizations while helping the community at its most crucial time of need,” said General Manager of Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Don Hamrick. “Both United Blood Services and the Yelp community have been great partners.”

United Blood Services will hold more than 60 blood drives at various locations throughout the Las Vegas valley in January. A wrapped promotional Dodge Dart will be on site at well-attended blood drives throughout the month. Donors are encouraged to spread the word via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #bloodhero. For a full list of drive times and locations, view the schedule here. Schedule an appointment online or by calling 877-UBS-HERO.

“Many people are unaware that this time of year is a critical time for blood donations,” said Danny Cervantes, regional donor recruitment director for United Blood Services. “The incentive to win a Dodge Dart is an exciting element of the promotion and we’re proud to be partnering with Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and Yelp for this initiative.”

 For the full list of official raffle rules, please contact United Blood Services at 702-228-4483.

 For more information, or to contact Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, please call 702-457-1061 or visit VegasDCJ.com.

When thinking of the legacy of the Dodge brand, one word should come to mind: muscle.  At Chapman Dodge, that legacy lives on in the throwback Dodge Challenger and the oft-updated Dodge Charger.

The Dodge Challenger was introduced in its present form in 1970, and it has since been the quintessential “pony car.”  Sporting a massive engine and the low, flat, two-door body befitting of its heritage, the present day Challenger features several trim packages with 4-speed and 5-speed automatic transmissions as well as a 6-speed manual option.  The common thread between every iteration of the Challenger is power: the smallest engine available is a 3.6-liter V6, ranging up to the legendary 392 cubic inch (6.4L) HEMI V8.

Edmunds clocked the 6.4-liter SRT-8 at 12.6 seconds in the quarter-mile, while the base Challenger’s V6 engine manages 27 miles-per-gallon fuel efficiency on the highway.  The Dodge Challenger truly offers everything that a muscle car aficionado desires.

The history of the Dodge Charger is somewhat more complex than that of its pony car counterpart.  The Charger moniker has been used to describe everything from two-door pony cars to the current four-door sedan that deftly masters the challenge of blending performance and comfort together.

Mated to the same engine options as those present in the Challenger, the Charger’s spacious interior received substantial redesigns from previous models to tame its substantial power.  The Charger takes just enough from its muscle car lineage to satisfy your inner gearhead while simultaneously appealing to the mature sensibilities of the 21st Century driver.

Derived from the same Mercedes platform at the Chrysler 300, Edmunds describes the new Dodge Charger as a muscle car that the entire family can enjoy.  Style, performance, and drivability from the track to the city streets – the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger are ready to light up Las Vegas (or anywhere else their driver takes them).

The refreshed 2013 Ram 1500 has more power and better off-roading, towing and hauling capabilities to fit your needs. Here are some of the new and improved features:

Air Suspension This feature reduces drag by automatically lowering the truck when it reaches highway speeds and levels when you pull a trailer or load the bed. You can also choose between two off-road positions that will give you the most ground clearance. The air springs let you raise and lower your truck at each of the four corners of the suspension.

Electric Power Steering Provides a smoother off-roading experience by eliminating the belt-driven hydraulic pump and compensating for drift that is caused by uneven road conditions. It is controlled by a computer and is much quieter than a hydraulic system.

Hemi^® V8 This engine provides enough power for all of your hauling and towing needs. It automatically shuts down four of the eight cylinders at cruising speed to improve fuel efficiency. Visit Las Vegas Dodge Ram for more information and options.

Eight-Speed Transmission This is the only light-duty truck in the United States that has an eight-speed transmission. It improves efficiency and provides great acceleration even in low gears.

Center Stack w/ Uconnect^® The 8.4-inch touch screen gives access to features such as emergency assistance, voice texting, real-time vehicle performance stats, WiFi and a Bing^TM search engine. It also includes Bluetooth^® connectivity.

Console It has been redesigned to include built-in AUX/USB ports and an SD card slot so you can connect your portable devices while in your vehicle. Not to mention more storage for your needs.

Rambox^® This cargo management system is lockable, drainable and even has lights so you can see in the dark. It is located on one side of the bed and can be accessed with remote keyless entry for added convenience.

Aero-Dynamics The new Ram 1500 is even more aerodynamic with a redesigned front bumper, flexible air dam and wheel-to-wheel tubular side step. It’s new Active Grill shutters open and close depending on the powertrain’s cooling needs and reduce drag by closing at highway speeds.

Visit Chapman Dodge to drive away with the revitalized Ram 1500.

There is a wide range of financing alternatives for customers in search of a new automobile. Of course you can pay cash, but for many if not most that choice involves factors such as the annual percentage rate and a “cash back” incentive. Cash back is a popular enticement that dealerships offer in order to encourage people to buy a new vehicle. While these offers seem like a good deal, potential buyers should weigh other factors to determine if the cash-back incentive makes the most financial sense. Here are a few common options explained:

Cash-Back Program:
Cash-back incentives typically are offered by the car manufacturer as a cash-back reward for people who buy a new car. For example, a consumer goes to buy a new 2012 Dodge Avenger SE V6 from Nevada Dodge dealer, and agrees to a financing plan they will then receive a $1000 ‘cash-back’ incentive to use as part of the cars down payment. Ultimately the cash back in conjunction with whatever discounts will allow the cars price tag to come down thousands of dollars for the consumer.

APR:
A new car is a major purchase, and few people pay cash for it. Most consumers obtain a loan to buy a new car or finance the purchase through the manufacturer or a financing department. A car loan, like any loan, comes with interest rates, known as an annual percentage rate, or APR. For example a consumer could get a 2012 Dodge Caliber for an APR of 0% for up to a 60-month lease.

Low APR or Cash Back?
Some car manufacturers offer a combination of cash back and a low interest rate. Some of these offers are either/or, meaning the consumer may choose either the cash-back reward or the low interest rate, while others offer both cash back and low interest.

Calculation:
If a new Dodge Vegas consumer is faced with the decision of purchasing a new car with a cash-back incentive or a low APR, they must perform a few calculations. There are several automobile websites that offer calculators that help with this task. For example, if you’re offered $5,000 cash back or a 1.0 percent APR on a 48-month loan for purchase of $24,230—with no trade-in or cash down—you’ll save $13 per month by choosing the low financing over the cash-back offer.

Cash Purchase vs Low APR:
Another option for Las Vegas car buyers is to skip financing altogether and pay for a car in cash. Buying a car in with cash saves you money in the long run as you don’t have to pay interest, but it also takes a lot of money out of your pocket. As long as you aren’t taking money out of your emergency funds or selling other assets to purchase the car, buying a car with cash is often a good option.

Chapman Las Vegas Dodge Chrysler Jeep General Manager Don Hamrick says “Regardless of if you go with our cash back incentives or a low APR, you can be assured you’re getting a quality vehicle at a quality price. Our goal is to work with the customer to ensure their not only happy with their vehicle but also with their financing choices.”

For more information on any of the vehicle deals in this article as well as many others, come by Chapman Las Vegas Dodge Chrysler Jeep.

Strong sales have put automakers in the power seat this summer, which means consumers will likely see sparser deals than in previous years. Still, there are a few bright spots for buyers. Cheap and more widely available credit has led to favorable financing deals, and high vehicle-resale values have helped dealerships push cheap leases. Plus, there are still a few cash deals. Here is where drivers in the market for a new car can still find bargains:

Leases. “Right now, we’re seeing the most attractive leases across the board that we’ve seen in a number of years,” says Alec Gutierrez, a senior market analyst at auto-pricing publisher Kelley Blue Book. Leasing payments often factor in a vehicle’s expected resale price, and used-car values have been rising, he says. That encourages manufacturers to drop lease prices, even to the point where they beat financing deals for buyers.

Consider: A 2012 Dodge Challenger SXT For Only $249 a month on a 36 Month Lease, 10k miles/year, $999 Down, is available now at your Las Vegas Dodge dealer.

Low-rate financing. Consumers who want to hang on to a vehicle for more than a few years may find that financing is still the better deal, Caldwell says. “There are lots of 0% offers, because credit is cheap,” she says.

Consider: Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep has seven models for as low as $199 per month with 0% APR for 36 months. Also right now at Las Vegas Dodge is offering pre-approved financing if you make at least $350 per month.

Big vehicles. Larger SUVs and trucks typically have the biggest cash rebates, and this year is no exception, says Jesse Toprak, the vice president of market intelligence at TrueCar, an auto-pricing website. Those categories don’t typically do well when gasoline prices are high and face increased competition from new crossovers that mix size and efficiency, he says.

Bigger vehicles account for the bulk of autos with cash incentives of $1,500 or more right now, for example the Jeep Liberty has a $3,500 enticement.

Model redesigns. If price is more important to you than style, look for a car that is set to be redesigned in its next model year, Merrihew says. Incentives typically are better than on recently redesigned models because the look isn’t as fresh. There often is more room to negotiate, too. “The downside is, it will look like yesterday’s news pretty quickly,” he says.

Consider: Las Vegas Jeep has great deals on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler since the 2013 model has just hit showroom floors. The MSRP on a 2012 Jeep Wrangler is $24,575 but with a $1000 cash bonus and $843 drop in price, one can be yours for only $22,732.