Top Tips for Keeping Your Car Safe Through the Winter

Here in the southwest, the winter season can be harsh. Cold winds, dry air, and icy roads can make for a tough drive. Although we may not get inches upon inches of snow like the Midwest and northern parts of the country, there are still precautions that need to be taken when driving in winter conditions.

First, it is always a good idea to address any issues with engine performance as soon as your “check engine” light comes on. If you have been putting it off all summer, now is the time to take your vehicle in for a tune up. After all, the cold weather can make existing problems with your vehicle worse. Also, check your tire pressure. Fluctuations in tire pressure occur with changing temperatures. Be aware that your vehicle’s tire pressure may lower as temperatures drop.

Secondly, it is very important to make sure your windshield wiper blades are in good functioning condition. Snowflakes and icy rain can stick to your windshield making it difficult to see what is going on outside on the roads. Although windshield wipers should be replaced on a regular basis throughout the year, making sure you have fresh new wipers for wintery weather conditions is a must.

Thirdly, you must make sure your heater and defroster are in working condition. Driving with foggy windows is hazardous and driving in the cold is uncomfortable. Without a working defroster, you could be facing visibility issues when driving. Also, if you park your car outside overnight, you could wake up to a snow covered back window. Don’t forget to carry an ice scraper in case you need to give the defroster a head start!

Lastly, it is always a good idea to have a winter emergency kit in your car. Pack a blanket, gloves, boots, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and extra batteries in the trunk of your car in case you need to get out of a rut.

By keeping your car’s engine healthy and taking it for regular maintenance, oil changes, and tune-ups as needed, you will prevent any accidents or catastrophes from happening during your winter drives.

Reasons to Love the 2016 Big Horn RAM 1500

The 2016 Big Horn RAM 1500 is one powerful truck loaded with features that boost its efficiency. Not only is its classic design nice to look at, its strong build is fun to drive. The RAM 1500 is also one of the most advanced trucks on the road when it comes to durability. After decades of evolution and rigorous testing, the RAM 1500 has made vast improvements in safety and security.

The Big Horn RAM 1500 is known for its spacious Crew Cab but is also available with a Quad Cab®, and a Regular Cab. Along with the large amount of interior space, the exterior also has optional storage space. Most of the new 2016 RAM 1500 models have the all new RamBox® Cargo Management System option. This option includes a cargo bed extender/divider, cargo bed rails with four adjustable tie-down cleats, and new Cargo Box Lighting. With the RamBox Cargo Management System, finding secure storage space for tools, supplies, and other cargo is easy.

While it comes standard with a 5.7-Liter V8 HEMI® MDS VVT Engine for those who value power and performance, the Big Horn 4x4 RAM 1500 is also available with a 3.0-Liter V6 EcoDiesel Engine for those who value fuel economy. Both come with and 8-speed automatic transmission and anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes. In addition to all its mechanical features, this RAM is ready for rough terrain with its front and rear heavy duty shock absorbers that come standard in the Big Horn 4x4 model.

The 2016 Big Horn RAM 1500 is ready for adventure and ready to work. Visit our website at www.melloydodge.com to view our inventory and to find more reasons to love this truck.

The 2015 Dodge Charge SRT® Hellcat

Often referred to as the most powerful stock sedan ever, and the fastest stock sedan ever, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat serves as both a city-street vehicle, and a performance hotrod. It comes with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V8 engine and a TorqueFlite® 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers fuel-efficiency for street driving, and maximum performance on the track. The Charger SRT Hellcat can transition from a quiet family vehicle on the street to a track racing competitor with the switch of a key.

When you have the need for speed. Dodge has an answer: the red key. This car was built with street and racing technology and therefore comes with two key fobs – they don’t call it the SRT Hellcat for nothing! With the black key, the engine outputs are limited for city driving and family cruises down the road. With the red key, it can drive a quarter mile in 11 seconds flat and has a top track speed of 204 miles per hour, unleashing its full 707 horsepower.

Apart from its dual key feature, the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat was designed to customize your ride. The three different driving modes include street, sport, and track. For each driving mode, the transmission, traction, and suspension settings are customized to optimize performance. Street mode allows you to load up your family and friends and drive to an event in the city with a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. Sport mode gives you a more firm ride with quicker shifts to conquer those windy roads that curve up a mountain or through a canyon. Lastly, track mode is for when you are ready to experience the power of the Hellcat. This mode brings the maximum performance capabilities of the vehicle with the most aggressive suspension, transmission, steering, and traction settings to leave your competition in the dust.

The 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is the real deal – a family car in the city, and a race car on the track. With several features and customizations, this model was built to perform.