Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Get Ready for Spring: Vehicle Maintenance


Spring is here, which means now is a good time to have maintenance done on your vehicle, especially if you are planning trips in the near future. Our service center at Melloy Dodge will make sure that your vehicle is maintained and checked for potential problems. Always check our website for service specials to save money too.

Regular Maintenance

You should bring your vehicle in regularly for oil changes, transmission flushes and fluid changes, coolant flushes and changes and other general maintenance that is recommended by the manufacturer. If you are not sure when your vehicle's next maintenance is due, contact us with the year, make, model and the VIN number. You can find the VIN number on the windshield or on the driver's door tag.

Additional Maintenance

While it's a good idea to do a little extra maintenance all the time, it is especially important before you take a long trip. Depending on what your regular maintenance schedule recommends, additional maintenance may include:

  • Checking and topping off all fluids;
  • Checking for oil, fluid, coolant and transmission fluid leaks;
  • Checking tires for tread wear;
  • Balance and rotate tires;
  • Checking the alignment;
  • Checking the brakes, including brake lines, calipers and rotors; and
  • Checking the steering and suspension.


If you have noticed the engine light come on and go off, you should also have that checked. If the engine light is on and stays on, you will definitely need the codes pulled and have the problem rectified.

Detailing

Maintenance doesn't just include mechanical maintenance. Your vehicle's paint also needs maintenance. Be sure to wash your vehicle thoroughly and then wax it with a good quality wax. You should also clean your vehicle's rims, especially if they are aluminum. Be sure to use the proper cleaner on them so as not to damage them.
Visit Melloy Dodge

Visit our service center at Melloy Dodge to have your vehicle properly maintained. If you've had maintenance recently and just need the basics, try our Express Lane Oil Change Service.

Friday, March 16, 2018

Shopping for Car Insurance for Your Teen


For teenagers, learning how to drive is an exciting time, but for parents, it means expensive car insurance rates. Adding a teen to your existing insurance policy can raise your rates substantially, and for a teen to purchase a policy on their own, the expenses are even higher. Fortunately, there are discounts and options available to save you money. Melloy Dodge has put together this guide to help you get your teen on the road safely!

Encourage your teen to study hard. Many car insurance companies offer discounts to families with students who’s grades average B or higher. A high GPA, honor roll status and or scores ranking in the top 20% on their standardized tests can mean a discount of up to 20%!

Enroll your teen in a driving class. Compared to every other age group, teens are more likely to be involved in a car accident, so it’s a good idea to teach them how to drive carefully from the start. Some car insurance providers offer coupons for safe driving courses to help teens improve their skills behind the wheel.

Take advantage of the “student away discount”. When your teen turns 18 and goes away for college, if their school is at least 100 miles away, many insurance companies offer discounts for temporarily removing them from your policy.

Car insurance rates vary widely, but by looking into these and other money-saving options, you can affordably insure your teen. If you’re looking for a safe and reliable vehicle for your teen driver, visit Melloy Dodge. We offer the best deals on new Dodge and RAMs, as well as a variety of newer used vehicles.