MotorTrend Truck Of The Year: RAM Back To Back

We are thrilled to announce that once again the Dodge RAM is MotorTrend Truck of the year! This impressive truck has won two years in a row. The winner for 2019, the Ram 1500, and the 2020 winner, the Ram Heavy Duty!

Our 2020 Ram comes with a new EcoDiesel engine. It is also riding on a new high-strength steel platform and is available in regular, crew, and "mega" cabs. This pick-up truck now makes travel and hauling an even smoother experience. Ram trucks are not only fan favorites but are also top safety picks. The 2020 Ram Heavy Duty brings more to the table. It is sure to be a sought-after commodity on sales lots across the country this year.

If you can't take our word for how amazing this even better 2020 model is, just take a glance at what Motor Trend had to say.

If you are in the market for a 2019 Ram, the Ram 1500 is another great option! It was named MotorTrend Truck of the Year 2019 for a reason. The 1500 dominated the field with a lead in categories such as highway, towing and hauling, off-road, interior, and functionality.

Here at our Albuquerque dealership, our team has the best Dodge inventory around.  Our impressive line of trucks is perfect for the family or heavy-duty work, however, any Dodge model will get the job done! Visit our website to get prequalified and to take a peek at our impressive inventory.

Things To Look For When Test Driving A Used Car

Purchasing a new vehicle isn’t always the best choice for everyone. Used cars can be a great option if you’re looking to save, however, there are a few additional steps you need to take to ensure you are making the right purchase. Test driving a used car is a great way to help you find the best bang for your buck while making sure you are investing in the right vehicle. Keeping a few things in mind while you test drive is always a good idea. Here are a few tips to remember from the car experts at Melloy Dodge.

#1 Open Each Door & Look for Imperfections
You should always open each door and look for any imperfections on a vehicle before you test drive it. We also suggest opening the trunk to ensure that everything opens correctly and there is no damage to the interior as well as the working parts. Any slight damage could potentially get worse over time and lead to significant repair costs.

#2 Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Never be afraid to ask the owner or car dealership questions about the vehicle. If you feel like something is off, or have questions about a feature, it is better to know before you proceed with any type of purchase.

#3 Check Out All of the Buttons
Testing out all the buttons is crucial when purchasing a used car. Issues with door locks or windows could be associated with electrical issues which is fairly costly to repair. Radio troubles may be related to troubles with the dashboard, which is also not an easy fix. Ensuring that all of the buttons for the radio, mirrors, and windows are working properly is essential in helping you avoid any hidden surprises in the future.

#4 Pay Attention to the Brakes & Transmission
Testing the brakes is critical when test driving a vehicle. The brakes may need to be replaced if they vibrate or make any type of squealing or grinding sound. Paying attention to the transmission is also important. If the transmission feels like it is shifting late, slipping, or jerking, that should be a giant red flag. Transmissions are extremely expensive to repair and oftentimes may be more costly than the used vehicle itself.

#5 Mechanical Issues 
Mechanical issues can be one of the most common problems with used vehicles. Whether it is trouble with a hose, belt, faulty wipers, or issues with the steering wheel, it is imperative to make sure all mechanical components are working properly. If you are unsure how to inspect these things correctly, we suggest taking the vehicle to a licensed mechanic.

Thoroughly inspecting a vehicle before a purchase is vital to making the most informed decision. Feel free to reach out to the experts at Melloy Dodge with any questions. Don’t forget to check out our great selection of used vehicles!

When Is The Appropriate Time To Use 4-Wheel Drive?

Kick it into 4X4! 4-wheel drive is a vehicle feature that is especially helpful during the winter months, and while driving on unpaved roads. It is the capability of a vehicle to provide torque to all four tires at the same time. This contrasts with rear-wheel drive, for example, where only the rear wheels are powered. There are times when 4WD is useful and times when you should not use it. It is crucial to know the difference, as it may negatively impact your vehicle if used incorrectly. Here are a few situations where you would want to put your 4X4 to good use and when you should avoid using it.

First, you should understand when you shouldn't use 4WD. It is unnecessary any time you're driving on flat, dry roads. In fact, doing so can damage your drivetrain. Instead, stick to using it during inclement weather. 4-wheel drive is especially useful during winter when there is ice, snow, and sleet on the roads.

When it comes to 4WD, there are different settings. Four-high, and four-low. Four-high is most useful when driving on rougher terrain maid of loose gravel, mud, or sand. When facing serious snow or mud, deep sand, or even crossing water/climbing rocks at low speeds, four-low will serve you best. Imagine commercials where people drive their vehicles off-road. While tread remains the same, there is more power behind the wheels.

Many vehicles have automatic four-wheel drive or AWD. Drivers don't need to manually set 4WD because AWD detects traction of your tires, such as when it's slippery in Winter, and shifts into 4WD if they are slipping. All-time AWD works all the time but doesn't have the same torque as four-low. For many people, AWD is all they need. However, it's important that you still drive reasonably as it cannot improve traction. This means slowing down in inclement weather. For that same reason, you should ensure that your tires have proper tread for the road conditions.

As you can see, 4-wheel drive has more to understand that one may think. Whether you are driving home on a snowy day from work or off-roading in the mountains, it is important to recognize when you should be using this feature and how to use it. For more information, or to have your 4-wheel drive serviced, reach out the experts at Melloy Dodge!