Dodge And RAM Rank as Top Domestic Brands in Highest New Car Quality

J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Survey began 34 years ago, and for the first time, it has listed a Detroit based domestic automaker as number one among new car quality owners who reported fewer problems within the first 90 days of ownership. The Detroit based automaker featured seven brands that out-performed the industry’s overall average score of fewer problems per 100 vehicles.

Dodge’s parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automotive, has worked diligently over the years making pointed efforts toward improved performance that customers can feel when they get behind the wheel.

Domestic based vehicles are making a comeback with today’s new-vehicle owners. J.D. Power‘s annual quality survey plays a huge part in the decision making and research that new vehicle owners use before making a purchase. Melloy Dodge looks forward to serving you and answering all your questions! Visit us today to take a look at all our models of Dodge and RAM and ask for a test drive and feel the difference for yourself.

Read more about our No.1 High-Quality ranking here:

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2020/06/24/detroit-carmakers-have-their-best-showing-ever-jd-powers-initial-quality-study/3245484001/

https://www.thedrive.com/news/34336/dodge-and-kia-tie-for-highest-initial-quality-tesla-ranked-dead-last-j-d-power-VM study

Returning To The Road

Stay-at-home orders have had a big impact on a lot of different things for each us, but one thing is for sure, our vehicles haven’t been used as much, if at all, during this time. Our experts at Melloy Dodge have come up with a few key items for you to do at home to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape to get you safely to your destinations.

If you've parked your car outside, with one side facing the sun for long periods of time during the day, tire sidewall damage may occur. Check your vehicle's tires for signs of cracking or heavy oxidation as well as changes in tire pressure. If your unsure about the importance of your tire’s PSI, check out our other blog the importance of tire pressure.

Vehicles were meant to be driven. Driving distributes oil, grease, and other fluids that your vehicle needs to 'stay healthy'. So, even if you're not driving your vehicle, wear and tear can still occur. Dodge and RAM have colored all user-serviceable fluids yellow, making it easy to check fluids yourself!

Another important item to check is your windshield wipers and the fluid. Our state experiences both rain and wind, often at the same time, and as monsoon season approaches, you want to make sure your line of sight is never in jeopardy. You should turn them on in conjunction with your windshield wiper fluid. You can also check your fluid level by taking a look under your hood- your windshield wiper fluid is often held in a see-through white container with blue fluid. If your unable to locate this item, one of our skilled technicians at Melloy Dodge’s express lane will be able to assist you.

If your vehicle has sat for several months, it’s also recommended that you check your oil. Sometimes when a vehicle hasn’t been used in several months, a leak that may not have been noticed before will have had a chance to drain any liquid, so be sure to check under your car for spots that weren’t there before it was parked. Checking your oil should be done while the vehicle is off and has not been run within several hours. Under the hood you’ll see a yellow handle located on a side of the engine, pull it out, clean the dipstick with a clean paper towel, reinsert it all the way down and you should be able to see where the oil line is in conjunction with the “Max” line located on the end of your metal dipstick. If your oil is far below your “max” line, you should top off your oil with the oil type which is printed on the top of the oil refill cap, also located in yellow, on the engine. Be sure to bring your vehicle by our express lane so one of our technicians can help you with any questions you have about your loss of oil or your oil change.

The Importance of Proper Tire Pressure

Here at Melloy Dodge, we encourage every customer to check their tire pressure monthly. It can be easy to forget the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure. Performing these simple at-home check-ups on your vehicles can help reduce the likelihood of a flat tire or blowout and maintain ideal vehicle handling. It is a good idea to check your tire pressure once a month and to follow your manufacturer’s PSI recommendation.

What is PSI? Tire pressure refers to the pounds per square inch (PSI) that is the recommended amount of air pressure needed for your vehicle to operate safely. Melloy Dodge asks you to check your owner's manual for towing and hauling tire pressure recommendations. Always remember to check your tire pressure when the vehicle is cold for an accurate reading. When your vehicle’s tires are not properly kept inflated, you risk uneven wear, decreased fuel economy and negatively affecting your vehicle’s handling and stopping. According to fueleconomy.gov, under inflated tires can reduce your fuel economy by .2% for every 1psi your tire is low. With properly Inflated tires, you can improve your vehicle’s gas mileage by up to 6%. Melloy Dodge’s skilled technicians can detect low tire inflation by the uneven wear of tread on your tires. The best way to check your tire PSI at home is with a pressure gauge.

Pressure gauges are little enough to store in your center console or glove compartment for easy and quick access. They are handheld and give instant results. The most common place to find your manufacture’s recommended tire psi is on the tire label commonly located on the outside edge of your driver door near your vehicle’s identification tag. It’s as easy as 1-2-3: uncap each tire, push your gauge into the valve stem, and read the results.

The importance of tire pressure checks is easily overlooked and understandably easy to forget, until it’s time to replace your expensive tires. Monthly checks will help keep your mobile asset in efficiently working order. For your convenience, we offer tire pressure checks with your multipoint inspection through our express lane. Remember, the little things can make a big impact, and tires make a big impact on the bank account. The experts here at Melloy Dodge Service Department are always available to answer your questions and ready to assist you with all of your vehicle needs.

New Mexico Summer Road Trip Ideas (While Social Distancing)

New Mexico has some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the United States. This summer, you can plan exciting road trips to stunning landscapes in the heart of the American Southwest, while staying safe and practicing social distancing. Here are a few destinations the team at Melloy Dodge recommends you visit this summer.

Located on the outskirts of Albuquerque, Cibola National Forest covers more than 1.6 million acres of pristine mountains, canyons, and other breathtaking terrains. From mountain biking and hiking, this national forest offers lots of fun recreational activities for outdoor lovers. If open, you can even ride the Sandia Peak Tramway and enjoy panoramic aerial views of Cibola National Forest, which is conveniently accessible from Interstate 25 and Interstate 40. Visit Melloy Dodge before your next mountain trip to have a lift kit installed on your off-roading vehicle!

You'll also find lots of great natural attractions near New Mexico's capital. Covering more than 1.5 million acres, Santa Fe National Forest is home to some of the most beautiful mountains in the American Southwest region. Rising more than 13,000 feet above sea level, Truchas Peak is one of the park's top attractions. Santa Fe National Forest is divided into multiple districts, so you'll need a few days to explore all of its wonderful areas. Some of the largest districts include the Coyote Ranger, Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger, and Jemez Ranger. Before your trip, don’t forget to visit Melloy Dodge, where we have the available accessories to help you upgrade your vehicle.

Although a little farther out, one-stop you will not want to miss is White Sand National Park. White Sands is like no place else and is definitely a sight to see. Located at the heart of the Tularosa Basin, White Sands engulfs 275 square miles of desert. Not only are the rolling crystal white sands here unique, but so are the plants and animals you come across.

A summer road trip in New Mexico should also include some urban exploration of Santa Fe. Visit the San Miguel Chapel and Palace of the Governors to learn about the city's early Spanish history. The capital is also home to intriguing Pueblo structures that were built by native inhabitants. Additionally, the trendy Santa Fe Historic District is known for its vibrant Southwestern cuisine and native-inspired arts.

As you can see, there are many beautiful stops around the state to enjoy this summer. Visit Melloy Dodge to find a reliable vehicle for fun road trips near Albuquerque. From the powerful Charger sedan to the family-friendly Grand Caravan minivan, we have a large inventory of used and new models that will be perfect for you or your family. Reach out to us today!