How to Prolong the Life of Your Car

Vehicles are worth protecting as they are a substantial investment that requires a significant amount of money. It is crucial to shield them from unnecessary wear and tear, regardless of age, to keep them running smoothly. The following are three simple and effective tips even if your vehicle has covered over 100,000 miles: 

Wash It Often

Regularly washing your vehicle is worth the effort as it significantly contributes to a good appearance and condition. Neglecting this can lead to potential harm due to the accumulation of dirt and grit. The longer the dirt stays, the higher the risk of damaging the paint and affecting the functioning of other moving parts. To prevent this from happening, we recommend that you wash your vehicle at least once a month. This will help minimize dirt buildup and ensure your car stays visually appealing and functioning appropriately.

Keep Tires in Safe Condition 

Maintaining the appropriate tire pressure and conducting frequent checks are critical to the safety and durability of your vehicle. In fact, this preventative measure can even make the difference between life and death! To guarantee peak performance, inflate your tires according to the manufacturer's specifications and rotate them every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to avoid uneven wear. You'll also want to replace your tires once they have reached 40,000 to 60,000 miles, as worn-out treads can lead to dangerous driving conditions and damage your vehicle's suspension.

Change Your Oil as Needed

Regularly changing your vehicle's oil is essential for ensuring the health of its engine. Not regularly doing this basic maintenance service can result in significant issues down the line. A good rule of thumb is to set up an oil change appointment every time you get your tires rotated, as these services frequently coincide. By doing so, you can avoid an extra trip and maintain the optimal performance of your engine.

If you require guidance on how to properly maintain your car and extend its lifespan, our Melloy Dodge service team is eager to assist you. We aim to aid drivers in keeping their vehicles in excellent condition and guaranteeing secure driving experiences. You can contact us at 505-302-2131 or schedule an appointment on our website.

 

Tips to Make Car Buying Easy

 Your car-buying journey should be easy. At Melloy Dodge, we understand this and take pride in being the top Dodge dealer in New Mexico. As a trusted auto dealership, we strive to meet the individual needs of each of our valued customers. To make your purchase process seamless, here are some helpful tips: 

Do Initial Research 

Of course, we're here to help you find the vehicle of your dreams, but it always helps to know what you're looking for when you stop on the lot. To make your experience smoother, it's helpful to do some research beforehand. Decide which features you can't live without, reading reviews and ratings of the vehicles you are considering and narrowing down your favorites to 2-3. This process will save you time when you visit the dealership.

Know and Stick to Your Budget

To determine the total cost of a vehicle you can afford, consider all ownership expenses beyond just the monthly payment. These may include fuel costs, yearly maintenance, auto insurance, and emergency repairs. If you plan to trade in an older vehicle, factor in its value when calculating your budget.

Test Drive, Test Drive, Test Drive!

Understanding that each vehicle has a distinct driving experience and sensation is crucial. We recommend you refrain from using online providers that deliver the automobile to your location. Even if you have found a car at an affordable price, it's essential to test the controls, listen to the sound system, feel the AC, and evaluate the vehicle's exterior.

Cars are a significant investment, and proper preparation is crucial to avoid buyer's remorse. The process can be long and cumbersome, but with these tips, we hope they will help make the process easier. At Melloy Dodge in Albuquerque, New Mexico, our team dedicates themselves to ensuring our customers are satisfied. We're committed to working hard to serve you. Whether you prefer to visit us in person or get in touch by phone or email, we're here to answer any questions about our vehicles.

September Spotlight Model - 2023 Dodge Hornet

During the mid-2000s, Dodge unveiled a revolutionary concept car, the Dodge Hornet, which caught the eyes of many as a potential addition to the brand's fast-paced lineup. Although it differed significantly from the final version released this year, the Hornet was worth the attention it received. Unfortunately, production halted due to the 2008 financial crisis, and the Hornet name was shelved indefinitely. It was not until 2023 that Dodge announced its plans to release the fastest SUV in its class, the 2023 Dodge Hornet, which has been highly anticipated by car enthusiasts ever since. 

The Dodge Hornet September Spotlight Model brings impressive SUV horsepower and elegant styling yet again. Dodge brings four different versions of the Hornet to the market in 2023/2024, detailed below with engine specs:

1. Hornet GT: 268-hp, Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
2. Hornet GT Plus: 268-hp, Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
3. Hornet R/T PHEV: 288-hp, Turbocharged 1.3-liter Four-cylinder and Electric motor.
4. Hornet R/T Plus PHEV: 288-hp, Turbocharged 1.3-liter Four-cylinder and Electric motor.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet is a solid choice for those looking for the space and practicality of an SUV but want a little more bump in their step. In their extensive testing, Car and Driver suggested the "powertrain is good enough to motivate the Hornet to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds." The Hornet models have an average fuel efficiency of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the R/T electric motor has a range of 30 miles.

The interior design of the 2023 Dodge Hornet takes inspiration from the popular Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV. The vehicle boasts a spacious, comfortable interior, with a remarkable 10.3-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital gauge display screens. Leather seating options are available, with the standard choice being black and red stitching.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet comes in fun color options that please any eye. This includes 8 Ball, Gray Cray, Blue Steele, Blu Bayou, Hot Tamale Exterior Paint, Q Ball, and the recognizable Acapulco Gold color. Each Hornet also has a special hornet/bee badge on the side to indicate its uniqueness. 

 

Image from MoparInsiders

Overall, the 2023 Dodge Hornet offers an impressive blend of power, style, and family-friendliness for any vehicle in its class. The Hornet has something to offer if you're looking for an SUV or just something comfortable for the road. Take advantage of your chance to experience this new Dodge offering, as Melloy Dodge has models arriving weekly! Please browse our inventory or stop in for a test drive today!