The Best Way to Use Your Vehicle’s A/C

 

Summers in New Mexico can be hot. Your car or truck’s air conditioning system is vital in keeping your vehicle bearable while you drive. Here are some tips to keep your vehicle’s A/C in working order and help keep you cool while you drive.

·         Prevent heat from building up inside, whenever you can. Park in the shade or use a reflective window shade inside the windshield. 

·         Ventilate the car by lowering a window while you’re parked. As you start driving, lower the windows for a bit to let the hot air escape and make it easier for your A/C to begin to cool the interior.

·         Turn on and shut down the A/C properly. When you reach your destination, turn the A/C off before turning off the engine. When you start the engine, switch the air conditioner to it’s low setting first, then increasing the blower’s speed and adjusting the temperature control.

·         Use the recirculation feature. Once the A/C has cooled the interior air, switch it to recirculation mode. Otherwise, it will pull in the hot outside air and have to work harder to cool it, over and over while you drive.

·         Maintenance is important. The vehicle’s air filter plays a role in the A/C’s efficiency so be sure to follow your car’s maintenance schedule and replace the filter when needed. The service technicians at Melloy Dodge’s Service Department will also advise if the filter needs to be replaced; our hot and dusty climate may require a replacement even before the manufacturer’s recommendation. Over time, the refrigerant inside the A/C may also need to be recharged. For best outcomes, do that at a certified repair shop for your vehicle’s manufacturer.

At Melloy Dodge, we know that keeping your cool while driving is important. To keep your A/C in it’s best working order, visit the Express Lane at Melloy Dodge, 9621 Coors Blvd NW in Albuquerque. It’s a no-appointment service center, perfect for routine automotive maintenance. For more complex service work, on any make or model, schedule service online or by calling our Service Department at 505-302-2131.

2023 Ram ProMaster Redesigned Van

 Ram offers a number of commercial full-sized vans that make great options for many business owners. For 2023, you’ll find all the power and convenience, as well as some new front-end styling and optional features.

The ProMaster’s 2023 model year will offer a third option with a higher roof as well as an option for a roll-up rear door, making access even easier. The higher roof, called the “super high configuration” is available on the 13-foot ProMaster and offers the most cargo volume and headroom in the segment. A park-assist feature will make parallel and perpendicular parking easier.

On the front, new headlights are 29% brighter and offer 15% more range than the previous standard headlights. Optional LED lights offer even more illumination and range. The front fascia of the van has been updated and buyers will enjoy a modular bumper with a built-in step that will make cleaning the windshield or changing wiper blades more convenient.

On the exterior, new color options include a Ceramic Gray or Spitfire Orange paint; newly optional wheels are available in silver and black.

In the last year, Ram also improved the safety features on the Promaster vans. Upgrades include a 360-degree camera system, lane-keeping assist features, and adaptive cruise control. Expect 276-hp and a 9-speed automatic transmission on the 2023 ProMaster, which is expected to be available in third quarter of 2022. Pricing isn’t set yet but we expect similar prices to the 2022 models. For example, the 2022 ProMaster 1500 cargo van with the standard roof and 118-inch wheelbase started at just $38,320 MSRP.

Melloy Dodge on Coors in Albuquerque is one of the Southwest’s largest Ram truck and ProMaster dealerships. Our fleet and commercial salesdepartment can help any business owner find the right configuration for their needs. Contact our commercial sales team at 505-559-4165.

2022 Ram 1500 TRX Sandblast Edition

 If you’re a fan of off-roading and do it in the Ram 1500 TRX version, you have a new color option to choose from. Perfect for those who loved playing in the sandbox, the new high performance Ram 1500 has a Sandblast Edition.

The 702-hp special edition truck includes the already well-equipped TRX fitted with a Level 2 Equipment Group. But then it’s cloaked in a new Mojave Sand exterior paint color as well as new graphics, unique 18-inch beadlock capable wheels in black. You’ll also find a panoramic sunroof, tie-down for your cargo, a bed step, sprayed-in bedliner, and a cab-mounted brake light.

Step inside the Sandblast Edition of the Ram 1500 TRX to find accent stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel for more leg room, a cool badge on the center console, and features you’ll appreciate like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and automatic emergency braking with detection for pedestrians.

The 1500’s TRX Sandblast Edition sales begin this summer. To make sure you get yours before they’re gone, contact a Melloy Dodge salesperson today to get yours ordered! Melloy Dodge is a leading dealership for Ram trucks and lifted trucks across the Southwest. We can help you find the new Ram 1500 you want, and also carry a great selection of pre-owned trucks from all major manufacturers.

If you’re a fan of off-roading and do it in the Ram 1500 TRX version, you have a new color option to choose from. Perfect for those who loved playing in the sandbox, the new high performance Ram 1500 has a Sandblast Edition.

The 702-hp special edition truck includes the already well-equipped TRX fitted with a Level 2 Equipment Group. But then it’s cloaked in a new Mojave Sand exterior paint color as well as new graphics, unique 18-inch beadlock capable wheels in black. You’ll also find a panoramic sunroof, tie-down for your cargo, a bed step, sprayed-in bedliner, and a cab-mounted brake light.

Step inside the Sandblast Edition of the Ram 1500 TRX to find accent stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel for more leg room, a cool badge on the center console, and features you’ll appreciate like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and automatic emergency braking with detection for pedestrians.

The 1500’s TRX Sandblast Edition sales begin this summer. To make sure you get yours before they’re gone, contact a Melloy Dodge salesperson today to get yours ordered! Melloy Dodge is a leading dealership for Ram trucks and lifted trucks across the Southwest. We can help you find the new Ram 1500 you want, and also carry a great selection of pre-owned trucks from all major manufacturers.

Photo courtesy: MotorAuthority.com

Dodge Hornet in Albuquerque

 It’s a few months down the road, but Dodge is preparing to return the Hornet to its lineup of vehicles in the US market. A report published in the Detroit News and confirmed by Dodge’s CEO says the Hornet will be revealed in August 2022. It’s thought that the Hornet will come equipped with Dodge’s latest Uconnect T infotainment system and offered as a 256 hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

 It’s unclear for now whether a traditional gas engine or hybrid model will be available as well as an electric. The crossover SUV-styled vehicle is expected to be a four-door model, perfect for families or as an entry-level vehicle. It’s expected price point is thought to be around $30,000. 

The Hornet appears to share architecture with manufacturer Stellantis’ Alfa Romeo Tonale. If the Hornet follows the Tonale closely, it would be an all-wheel drive, with an option for the plug-in hybrid model.

 The Hornet would be below the full-size Dodge Durango SUV and be similar to models such as the Kia Seltos or Mazda CX-30. If Hornet aligns with the Durango trim packages, we might see the value based SXT model, the sportier GT and R/T trims, or even the more luxurious Citadel trim. That means there will be a new Dodge Hornet available in many price points!

 A lot in yet to be determined about the Dodge Hornet but when it comes to Albuquerque, you’ll be able to find it at Melloy Dodge on Coors. We’ve been serving the transportation needs of New Mexicans for more than 60 years! If you’re interested in a 2024 Dodge Hornet, be sure to connect with a new car representative at Melloy Dodge, who will keep you up-to-date on the Hornet’s options, cost, and expected arrival date.

(Image courtesy of MotorTrend, April 28, 2022)

Spring Cleaning: Car Care Tips for Spring

 Warm spring weather may mean more driving and time spent in your car. Get it ready for summer vacation with these spring cleaning tips.

     ·     Tidy up the interior, removing any trash. Remove the floor mats and shake vigorously, then                     vacuum them really well.

• Vacuum the rest of the interior, using a narrow tool in the crevices to get out small rocks, crumbs and lint.

• Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the dashboard, cup holders, the ventilation areas, armrests, and other surfaces.

• Sort through the console and discard unneeded items. You may want to add a small packet of tissues, extra sunglasses, a pack of gum, or other convenience items you need while driving.

• Check the trunk. If there are boxes or heavy items you’ve been meaning to get rid of, now’s the time. Extra weight in your vehicle cuts down on fuel efficiency, so your miles per gallon could be less than you could be getting. Organize necessary items into a small box so they stay tidy.

• Wash the exterior and dry with a chamois or microfiber cloth to avoid water spots.

• Wash the tires and apply a protectant. This is also a good time to check the tread and make sure your tires still have some life to them. To do that, insert a quarter into the tread with Washington’s head pointed inward toward the wheel. If the top of his head is still covered by tire tread, your tires are okay. If his head is not covered, it’s time for new tires. Be sure to check multiple places on each tire.

 If you find your vehicle needing tires or if it’s time for an oil change or other service, see the service professionals at Melloy Dodge on Coors Blvd. in Albuquerque. Our Express Lane offers no-appointment, drive-in service. Our full Service Department is available for more extensive automotive repairs. Both service all makes and models.

 And if you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade to a new Dodge orRam, or if you’re looking for a preowned car, truck, or SUV, shop our online inventory. You can purchase online, even have your vehicle delivered to you. For any questions, please contact Melloy Dodge, serving New Mexican’s automotive needs for more than 60 years.

Diesel Truck Maintenance Tips

A diesel truck is a powerful piece of equipment, and with today’s Hemi engines, the Ram trucks sold today should be on the road for many, many years to come – if properly maintained.

A HEMI engine usually has cylinders that have a domed head (instead of the traditional flat head) and a hemispherical combustion chamber. This design can provide more engine power than a conventional engine because of a higher compression ratio that augments the combustion process.

The most importance maintenance points for a diesel engine include these points:

• Check your coolant. Over time, coolant can become more acidic and over time, that can damage other parts in the cooling system such as the radiator. Have the coolant checked and flushed on the schedule recommended in your driver’s manuals.

·         Change the oil. The oil cools, protects and lubricates all the moving parts in the diesel engine. If the oil level gets too low or if it’s dirty, it will impact the engine and could lead to mechanical issues. Most diesels are recommended to have an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or every six months, especially important if you tow. Again, read your owner’s manuals.

·         Check the air filter and fuel filter. In New Mexico’s dusty climate, keeping the air filter clean is important. When you have your diesel truck serviced at the Melloy Dodge Express Lane in Albuquerque, we’ll keep you updated on when the filter has been blown to remove loose dirt and when it’s time to replace it. Fuel filters should also be checked and replaced on the recommended schedule. Typically, that’s around the 15,000 mile mark, but if you tow frequently or drive in very dusty conditions, it may be better to do around the 10,000 mile mark.

 Melloy Dodge Express Lane offers no-appointment oil changes and routine maintenance. For money-saving coupons on diesel oil changes, as well as conventional or synthetic oil changes for other vehicles, visit our Savings page on our website. Any make or model, we’ll help keep you on the road, safely and cost-efficiently.

Ram's Upcoming Electric 1500

 

Stellanis, manufacturer of Dodge and Ram vehicles, has begun to tease the automotive market about the upcoming 2024 Ram 1500 electric vehicle (EV). There’s no overall image of the truck yet but the teaser shots preview a much more modern design versus today’s internal-combustion Ram currently on the market.

 

Ram 1500’s EV model is being developed on a dedicated EV platform called the STLA Frame. That’s one of Stellantis’ four modular designs, designes for body-on-frame vehicles like pickups, larger SUVs, and some commercial vans. It’s expected to have up to 500 miles of range.

 

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares says the Ram 1500 EV will be built to outperform other competitors on range. Towing capacity and payload are also expected to outperform other full-size models.

 

Ram has launched a portal for consumers to provide input to designers of the new truck, helping shape the concept of the Ram and inspire the design outcome of the electric 1500. Drivers can find that program, Ram Revolution, here.

 

Melloy Dodge on Coors in Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest selling Ram truck dealership. Whether you’re looking for a Ram 1500, 2500 or heavy duty truck, see our team of certified sales professionals. And if you’re planning to wait to purchase the Ram 1500 EV, be sure to contact us well before the 2024 model year launch. We expect a wait list for the electric Ram 1500 truck.

Oil Viscosity During Warmer Weather

Should your oil viscosity be changed as we head into warmer months? In central New Mexico, our summer temperatures can reach above 100 degrees. As the temperature rises, the viscosity of liquids decreases rapidly. When those liquids like motor oil are then heated, they flow more easily.

Your engine’s oil needs to be thick enough to seal any tiny gaps in your engine and to properly lubricate the metal-against-metal surfaces. However, the oil also has to be thin enough to move easily and circulate where your engine needs it the most. If it’s too thin, the oil can wear down which affects its cooling efficiency.

Today’s synthetic oils offer a more consistent viscosity over a wider range of temperatures, but they're also significantly more costly, and sometimes are not compatible with certain older engines. Synthetic blends combine both natural (or organic) and synthetic oils, and offer many of the benefits of the pricier full synthetic oils, but without the higher cost.

Premium conventional oils are higher quality natural offerings with elevated levels of protection and are required by some cars today. Overall, your vehicle’s type of oil and viscosity largely depend on the climate where you drive, compatibility with your vehicle, and your budget.

How do you know your vehicle’s oil viscosity? Oil viscosity is measured using two numbers followed by a letter. With 10W-40 as an example, the first number (10) references the oil's thickness at cold temperatures (0º Fahrenheit is the baseline), and the second number (40) signifies the oil's thickness at high temperatures (212º Fahrenheit.) While the first number is more important if it’s winter and you live in New Mexico’s cold, snowy regions, the latter is more important once your car is warmed up and traveling the highways. Warm weather calls for thicker oils since they start at a higher viscosity and don’t become too thin when the engine heats up further. More demanding driving such as towing a trailer should require a heavier weight oil.

The single most important source of information regarding your engine oil's specifications and warm weather needs is your car's owner's manual; read it carefully and maintain your engine’s needs according to its specifications. The Service Department is here to help at Melloy Dodge on Coors in Albuquerque, where we service all makes and models. Our No-Appointment Express Lane can handle oil changes for conventional and synthetic oil. If you have any questions about your vehicle, we’re here to help.

Tire Life 101

 

Tires are vital for your vehicle’s safety, and they need to be evaluated for potential problems or the need to replace them. But how do you know when it’s time to replace the tires?

The rule of thumb used to be that the life of tires was 10 years. The 6 year mark is now the recommendation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, in New Mexico’s hot sun, it’s likely that the 5-6 year mark is the better time.

Every tire has a Tire Date Code on the sidewall with a Tire Identification Number. When you look at the sidewall, you’ll see a series of numbers, up to 13 of them, followed by DOT (for Department of Transportation).

Of those numbers:

·         The first 2 to 3 indicate the manufacturer’s plant code.

·         The next set of numbers are the tire size or type code. This is helpful to know if you want to call various tire stores to compare prices.

·         The last 4 numbers are what you really need – these are the manufacturing date. These indicate the week and year the tire was made; for example, a tire with the last 4 numbers of 1221 means it was manufactured in the 12^th week of 2021.

The age of the tires is one important factor; the depth of the tire tread is also important. Depending on how many miles you drive and how you drive, you may need new tires even before the NHTSA’s recommended 6 year mark.

Tires that become too worn are susceptible to blow-outs. To get an idea of your tire’s tread depth, use a quarter! Just insert it upside-down into the treat groove so that Washington’s head goes in first. If the top of his head is covered by tread at multiple points around the tire, the tread has some life left.

If the top of his head is visible at any point around the diameter of the tire, it’s time to replace the tire.

The Melloy Dodge ExpressLane is available for no-appointment checks of your tires to check the wear and pressure. Tire rotation is another important point to prolong the life of the tire. If we can help with your new tires for any make or model, stop and see us at Melloy Dodge on Coors in Albuquerque or use our online scheduling tool.

How to Increase Your Miles/Gallon

 

In the spring of 2022, we’re seeing dramatic increases in the price of gasoline. That’s making it more costly to fill your gas tank. But there are ways you can increase your gas mileage to stretch that tank of gas a bit more.

• ·       Check your tire pressure each month. It should be at the recommended PSI found in your owner’s manual. If your tires are really worn, replace them to improve your gas mileage and to keep you safe while driving.
• ·       Take it easy on the accelerator. When you speed, brake quickly, or accelerate rapidly, it can affect your gas mileage between 15 and 30 percent. Driving at slower speeds can improve fuel economy between 7 and 14 percent.
• ·       Let your cruise control handle the highway driving. Maintaining constant speed improves gas mileage.
• ·       Make sure the spark plugs are firing properly, the air flow sensor is in good condition, the alignment is correct, and the air filter is not dirty. A trip to Melloy Dodge’s service department will identify issues that may be impacting your overall gas mileage.
• ·       Combine short trips into one.
• ·       Lighten up. If you carry lots of items in your car or truck that aren’t vital, take them out. For every 100 pounds in weight, you’ll use an extra three to five cents more per gallon, according to FuelEconomy.gov.

 

Rising fuel prices mean we all can work to get more miles per gallon. That means carpooling may be helpful or sharing trips with your neighbors to the grocery store or other frequently visited spots. At Melloy Dodge in Albuquerque, we hope you’ll keep your vehicle in top shape by visiting our Express Lane or Service Department. And if you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient vehicle, shop our new and used car selection at 9621 Coors Blvd. NW in Albuquerque.

Get Your Dodge Hellcat Now

 

It’s reported that the Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcat models (you know, the ones with the red keys and supercharged horsepower) will not be produced past 2023. The decision comes as Dodge, like all other vehicle manufacturers, gears up for increased production of electric vehicles.

That means that if your dream is to drive a Dodge Charger or Challenger Hellcat edition, you should get in line now! At Melloy Dodge in Coors, we have helped many car buyers customize their Hellcat since its debut in the 2015 model year. The supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 can deliver up between 702 to 840 horsepower.

Even the Dodge Durango SUV has an SRT Hellcat edition. Dodge does plan to bring an electric muscle car to the market, rumored to possibly be the Barracuda, likely in 2024. The Hellcat production will have ended by then, leaving a gap for car buyers who dream of speed, power, and superb handling.

So, if you’re planning on being behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger or Challenger Hellcat models, time is of the essence. Contact Melloy Dodge in Albuquerque to get an order placed soon!

Free Gas for a Year at Melloy Dodge

 

During the month of March 2022, Melloy Dodge on Coors is offering a free gas for a year promotion. The offer is good on certain Ram 1500 DT trucks and on new Lifted Trucks!

To get the free deal requires the purchase of the vehicle at MSRP and in lieu of other rebates or discounts that may be available on the truck. The deal is calculated at 12,000 miles per year, with the cost of fuel at $3.12/gallon for regular unleaded. That price was set on 2/26/22 after researching 10 local gas stations in the Albuquerque metro area. Five stations were at $3.12/gallon; the average of all was $3.13/gallon.

An average of 17 mpg was estimated for the Ram 1500s at their combined city/highway average. Actual mpg will vary based on tire size, driving habits, lift, upfit, and driving conditions.

As an example, Ram 1500 with stock # 28197 has an mpg from the manufacturer of 15 city / 21 Highway or 17 MPG combined city/highway. 12,000 miles per year divided by 17 MPG = 705.9 gallons times $3.12 price per gallon = $2,202.41 back to customer for estimated gas usage.

The funds will be paid to the buyer once the truck is funded from the lender and paid via check or gift card. The offer may not be combined with other discounts from the dealership or the manufacturer. It may be altered or discontinued at any time. It is valid between 3/2-3/31/2022 and does not apply to previous purchases. All vehicle sales are on approved credit, plus tax, title, license and dealer transfer fee. See dealer for details.