Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Auto Service Contracts for New Cars


When you buy a new car, the paperwork process in the finance office can be lengthy, due to the loan documents. Part of what your Melloy Dodge finance manager will review with you in this process will be optional auto service contracts that are available on your vehicle.

Auto service contracts typically extend coverage for certain systems in your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.  While some car buyers might think of a service contract as a warranty, they are separate things. The warranty is what comes with the new vehicle purchase, while a service contract may be purchased at any time. 


The included Dodge warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 mile basic coverage and 5 years or 60,000 mile limited powertrain coverage. Ram trucks offer 3 years or 36,000 mile basic warranty and 5 years or 100,000 miles limited powertrain coverage. Should a vehicle have a problem with the windshield washer fluid pump after the basic coverage period, for example, the repair of that item no longer falls under the standard warranty, but might be covered under the service contract.

Service contracts are optional, and for many buyers, provide peace of mind, particularly since today’s vehicles have so many computerized systems. Whether you decide to purchase a service contract or not will make no difference on your ability to get financing on the vehicle. 

The cost of the service contract Is based on the vehicle’s make, model, coverage and length of the contract. Most service contracts do require a deductible to be paid, and should specify if that deductible is per visit or per repair.

Any exclusions should be spelled out clearly. For example, items that typically need regular parts or maintenance like brakes and clutches are usually not covered, nor are scratches or damage caused by use other than “normal wear and tear”.

Your Melloy Dodge finance manager can answer your questions about service contracts, and help you consider whether to add this optional product when you purchase your vehicle. 

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Summer Clearance Sale: Ram Trucks

As we post this in late July, the selection of Ram trucks on the Melloy Dodge lot has never been bigger!

Currently, our new truck inventory shows nearly 250 Ram trucks—the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 models are the most popular, but we also have a number of Ram 3500 (great for heavy towing needs), Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 trucks for commercial use available.

On top of that huge selection, summertime means clearance! As we approach the turning point for the next model year vehicles, we’re always anxious to clear our inventory. For example, a 2018 Ram 1500 Tradesman regular cab, 4x2 truck, normally priced at $32,650 can now be purchased for as low as $21,400 with all qualifying rebates and incentives.

While many customers look to RAM for its powerful towing capacity and best-in-class features, others look for a reasonably priced workhorse. Whatever you’re looking for, Melloy Dodge can find the truck for you—whether it’s a new Ram, or shop our used vehicle lot for certified preowned options, or other makes priced to sell.

Melloy Dodge also offers Albuquerque’s only Certified Ram Experts, a designation that indicates that sales person has extensive knowledge about the features in the trucks, in order to help our customers find the best truck for their needs. If we can help you find the right truck at the right price, call or visit Melloy Dodge at 9621 Coors Blvd. NW in Albuquerque, or online at MelloyDodge.com.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Tire Size and Speedometers


Your speedometer provides valuable information as you drive a vehicle, much more than just avoiding a traffic ticket. Knowing your accurate speed helps you measure your velocity as you enter curves, and helps give the driver a gauge for the distance it will take to stop at higher speeds.

Speedometers are calibrated to ensure that the torque created by the magnetic field is accurately reflecting the speed of the vehicle. One important part of that calibration involves the diameter of the tires.

When an axle makes a complete 360 turn, the tire connected to that axle makes a revolution. However a tire with a larger diameter will travel more distance than a different tire that has a smaller diameter. For example, a tire with a diameter of 20 inches could cover about 63 inches of ground as it makes one revolution, while a larger tire with a 30 inch diameter might cover about 94 inches.

Your vehicle’s service manual will recommend the proper size of tire for your car, truck or SUV. Be cautious about changing that tire size. Always consult with a qualified service advisor about the size and type of tire suitable for your vehicle. If any changes to tire size are made, it’s a good idea to have the vehicle serviced and the speedometer tested to be sure it is correctly calibrated.

For any questions about vehicle service, contact the Melloy Dodge Service Department, located at the Melloy Dodge dealership, 9621 Coors Blvd. NW in Albuquerque. The service department can service all makes and models, and will be sure to follow manufacturer protocols.