Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Things to Consider When Buying Your Teenager's First Car



Christmas is just around the corner, and you may be thinking about buying your teenager that most coveted of teenage possessions—their first car.  There are many factors to consider when shopping for a teen’s vehicle, and at Melloy Dodge, we can help! Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Keep your teenager safe.  Keep in mind that teenagers are still new to driving.  They are still getting used to driving without guidance, and need a car that will keep them safe.  Search for vehicles with the safest crash test ratings.  Although your teen may be the safest driver at their school, the reality is that accidents happen every day, and you want your teen to be as well protected as possible.

Don’t break the bank on your teen’s first car.  When it comes to new drivers, safety should be a higher priority than having the most expensive car in the school parking lot.  According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, 83% of parents who bought a vehicle for their teenager bought it used.  At Melloy Dodge, we have a wide variety of certified pre-owned vehicles at affordable prices to keep your teenager safe.  A certified pre-owned vehicle has passed a 125-point inspection to make sure it meets our high standards.  Come see our inventory to find the safest car for your teenager.

Consider insurance rates and fuel expenses.  If you will be supplying the insurance and gas for your teenager’s car, you may not want to get a high-horsepower model.  Look for a vehicle that is durable, reliable, and has good gas mileage.


Independence and responsibility are important characteristics for teens to acquire, and a vehicle of their own can be an effective teaching tool. If you’re thinking about surprising your teen this Christmas, come take a look at our inventory at Melloy Dodge, and find the right match for your teen. And if you’re not quite ready to take that big step, we’ll be here when you are.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Dodge Models Offer Safer Winter Driving



Is your vehicle winter-safe? Most of New Mexico may not get as much snow as other parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune to ice or other slippery conditions. Plus, there are many rural roads in our gorgeous, wide-open state where salt trucks rarely, if ever, cast their helpful payload.

Several Dodge models from Melloy Dodge in Albuquerque are equipped to better handle slippery winter driving conditions than many of our competitors, helping to keep you and your family safe while driving in the Albuquerque Metro Area this winter.

Dodge Charger SE and SXT are All-Wheel-Drive, and come standard with All Speed Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control.

All-Speed Traction Control detects and manages wheel slippage by automatically applying brake pressure to the slipping wheel to send torque to the wheels with the most traction. – Dodge

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)* senses the difference between the driver's intended path and the actual path the vehicle is traveling. It then applies selective braking and may reduce engine throttle to help guide the vehicle back onto its intended path. – Dodge

Dodge Journey SE, SXT, Crossroad, Crossroad Plus, Limited, R/T are equipped with All-Wheel-Drive, and come standard with the Electronic Stability Control above, and Electronic Roll Mitigation.

Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)** uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to reduce the potential for wheel lift during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. – Dodge

Dodge Durango SXT, SXT Plus, Limited, R/T, Citadel are equipped with All-Wheel-Drive, and come standard with the above Electronic Stability Control, and 4-Wheel Traction Control.

Four-Wheel Traction Control detects and manages wheel slippage by automatically applying brake pressure to the slipping wheel. It then works with the four-wheel-drive system to send torque to the wheels with the most traction. – Dodge

With features like All-Wheel-Drive, All-Speed Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and Four-Wheel Traction Control, you can count on these in Dodge cars, crossovers, and SUVs from Melloy Dodge to get you and your family to your destination in safety and comfort this winter.


*Always drive carefully, consistent with conditions. Always wear your seat belt and obey traffic laws. No system, no matter how sophisticated, can repeal the laws of physics or overcome careless driving actions. Performance is limited by available traction, which snow, ice, and other conditions can affect. When the ESC warning lamp flashes, the driver needs to use less throttle and adapt speed and driving behavior to prevailing road conditions. –Dodge

**Always drive carefully, consistent with conditions. Always wear your seat belt and obey traffic laws. ERM reduces the potential for wheel lift, but it cannot prevent rollover conditions due to other factors, such as hazardous road conditions, leaving the roadway, or striking objects or other vehicles.—Dodge

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Quick Tips for Getting the Most from Your New Dodge



Aside from a home, a new vehicle is usually the most expensive investment you’ll make. Protect your investment in your new Dodge from Melloy Dodge by adhering to a few basic principles.

One of the most important aspects in vehicle maintenance is changing your oil regularly. The old rule of thumb was to change it every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. Engine technology has advanced significantly since that rule was laid out, and products like synthetic oil have had an effect, too. Follow the recommendations listed in the owner’s manual of your new Dodge as to how often your engine’s oil needs changing. When the time comes, stop by Melloy Dodge’s Express Lane Oil Change center for quick, reliable service.

Keeping your Dodge clean inside and out will help prolong the life of its interior and exterior surfaces. Dirt is abrasive, and wear down your paint like sandpaper when something brushes it across the surface. Additionally, some soils in New Mexico have a corrosive quality to them, so don’t let mud sit on your vehicle too long, even the underside. Worn paint can lead to rust. Just as dirt and grit can wear down your paint, it can have the same effect on the materials of your car’s interior. Vacuum your vehicle every two weeks, or more often if necessary.

Check your tire pressure often. Under-inflated tires are unsafe, and also reduce gas mileage. Tires that are over-inflated are dangerous to drive on, also, as they are more likely to rupture. Your Dodge owner’s manual states proper tire pressure for your vehicle. Have your tires rotated at the intervals recommended in your owner’s manual to maximize the life of your tires, because let’s face it, tires are expensive.


Following these few items will help maintain the great condition of your new Dodge, and get the most out of your money in this big investment.