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Some drivers don't realize how vital tires are to road safety until they have a tire-related mishap. You can avoid any such hazardous experience by noticing the early signs of worn-out tires and quickly replacing them. Your local CDJR dealer can promptly install new tires, restoring your car's traction, handling, braking, and overall performance and safety to optimal levels. more Your Tread Depths Are Diminished Tire treads must have a certain level of depth to displace water and maintain full traction on all road surfaces. Tires typically start with about 10/32 of 11/32 of an inch in tread depth. This gradually diminishes and tires eventually become unsafe once their tread voids near 2/32 of an inch in depth. When your tires are a year or two old, start measuring the tread depths during your monthly air pressure checks. You can use a tread depth gauge for this. Alternatively, a simple penny coin will suffice. Insert the coin into the shallowest part of the treads; if all of Lincoln's head is visible, your treads have reached 2/32 of an inch in depth and those tires need to go. You Sense Reduced Tire Traction Losing traction on the road, even momentarily, is a very disconcerting sensation. Never ignore any such experience. Even if your tires appear in great condition, they shouldn't ever be losing traction; all it sometimes takes is a slight skid at an inopportune moment to cause an accident. Your Tires Are Losing Air Pressure It's unwise to allow your tires to become over or underinflated, which would put you at risk of skids and blowouts. Once a month, use a tire pressure gauge to measure the PSI in each tire. If any of your tires are inexplicably losing pressure, ask a trusted technician to take a look. The tire might have a puncture or some other hidden problem. Your Tires Are Somehow Damaged Most damage to tire rubber weakens the tire perilously. If you find any strange bulges, deep gashes, embedded objects, large cracks, or spreading webs of cracks, consider replacing the tire right away. At the very least, have a damaged tire inspected by a professional. Your Tires Are Getting Too Old Most tires last between four and six years, and you'll rarely find a tire warranty that lasts beyond six years. If you've had your current set of tires for half a decade, it's probably best to have them replaced with newer, firmer, safer tires. One way to extend the lifespan of your tires is with regular rotations, which combats uneven tire wear. Visit Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Ram of Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo, MI, to have your tires rotated and inspected by experienced technicians. If we find any faults in your tires, we'll let you know, and can quickly install a new set.

To buy OEM or not; that's the question many car owners like you ask whenever they need to replace a faulty component. While there are some arguments for aftermarket parts, primarily their lower cost, it's essential to weigh the long-term benefits of OEM parts that your nearest CDJR dealer can provide. more 1. Guaranteed Quality Genuine parts and those installed in your car when it left the factory are identical. They have been crafted from high-quality materials and extensively checked for quality. And, of course, they have been put through the same tests that gave you the high-performance machine you're driving today. On the other hand, aftermarket parts can be unpredictable, as they come from various manufacturers, each using different materials, testing methods, and specifications. This uncertainty is not something you want to gamble with when it comes to your car's safety and performance on the road. 2. Compatibility Genuine parts are built to the exact technical specifications of the original parts. Just plug them in, and they work as expected. No need to worry about whether they will fit or cause problems later on. In contrast, non-genuine parts are made to fit as many vehicles as possible. Therefore, they may have a less precise fit. The technicians may need to bend, modify, or force these parts into place, potentially compromising other systems. 3. Reliability You're spending your hard-earned money on a replacement part, so it should work, right? You don't want to be second-guessing whether it'll fail the moment you hit a bump or pothole. That's why you should opt for genuine parts. They have been tested, bashed, and thrown through everything to make sure they'll keep working with your car for years. 4. Cost-Effectiveness When you buy genuine parts, you are not just getting something that works; you're also getting something that lasts. They'll hit their estimated lifespan and keep your car running smoothly. Aftermarket parts may wear out faster, break down sooner, and leave you spending more time and money in the long run. Plus, your vehicle will also be shielded from the risks of ill-fitting parts that could wreak havoc and lead to some seriously expensive repairs. 5. Warranty All genuine parts come with a warranty that covers material or manufacturing defects. If any issue arises, you will receive a free replacement or repair. Conversely, non-genuine parts often come with little to no coverage, which means you'll be stuck footing the bill if something goes wrong. Want to experience the benefits of genuine parts? Contact Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Ram of Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo, MI. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you find the exact part you need to keep your car running at its best.

A faulty ignition coil is more than just an annoyance; bad coils can rob your engine of power, reduce fuel efficiency, make it harder to start in the morning, and even cause further damage and costly repairs. With all this in mind, if you notice the following indications of a malfunctioning coil, head to your local CDJR dealer without delay to have it repaired or replaced. more Reduced Acceleration Inside each engine cylinder, the coil is responsible for the powerful voltage that allows the spark plug to ignite the fuel. If one or two coils fail, their corresponding cylinders will no longer be able to generate as much power and your car will accelerate more slowly. Shaking, Sputtering Engine When spark plugs fail to spark properly due to bad coils, your engine will cough and shudder, showing clear signs of struggle. This misfiring will usually become most evident when you're either accelerating or idling. Hard Engine Starts First thing in the morning, when your engine is cold, a strong surge of electricity is required to get it started. With one or more bad coils failing to deliver this voltage, your car may become slow to start or refuse to start at all. Sudden Stalling One of the most disruptive symptoms of a faulty coil is stalling. While slowing down or idling at traffic lights, your engine could suddenly switch off. After stalling, the engine could then hesitate or refuse to restart. Backfiring and Exhaust Smoke Misfiring interferes with the combustion process, allowing fuel to build up inside the combustion chambers instead of burning away. This unburned fuel can then start to leak back into the exhaust system, sometimes igniting as it does so, which causes loud backfiring. The unburned fuel will eventually escape from the tailpipe in the form of black smoke. Plummeting Gas Mileage As a failing coil saps power from the engine, you'll notice your gas mileage decreasing as well. This will increase your monthly gas expenditure. Blinking Check Engine Light As a faulty coil is a serious engine issue, you'll soon see the check engine light come to life on the dashboard. This warning light could be triggered by a number of different problems; it's best to have a trusted technician take a look. Have a Bad Coil Repaired or Replaced at Your CDJR Dealership Faulty coils can sometimes be cleaned or repaired, but more frequently, they need to be replaced. Our skillful technicians can resolve this issue in no time, restoring your car's engine performance to optimal levels once more. Visit Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Ram of Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo, MI, to have your car's ignition system repaired today. We're a locally trusted dealership providing a convenient one-stop shop for all your automotive needs, whatever they may be.

Regular maintenance is essential for your vehicle. As time passes, parts wear out, fluid degrade, and damage can occur. All these situations can reduce your vehicle's performance and result in further damage. As your CDJR dealer, we want to give you some examples of the types of CDJR maintenance we provide. more Air Filter Replacement Your engine requires large quantities of air for combustion. This air passes through the radiator grille and enters the engine air filter. This filter traps dirt and other debris and allows only clean air to enter your engine. As time passes, the filter will become clogged with dirt, and this restricts your engine's air supply. Efficient combustion requires 14x more air than fuel, and the lack of air will turn your engine fuel-rich. A fuel-rich engine uses more fuel, increases pollution, and increases wear and tear on engine components. You'll hear strange noises from the engine, and your check engine light will illuminate. We can replace your air filter in minutes, and engine performance will return to normal. Alternator Repair The alternator is a mini generator that supplies power to all your vehicle's systems. It's a robust component with few moving parts and will generally work effectively for at least eight years. Despite its durability, individual components like bearings, the stator, or the rectifier can wear out or become damaged. Worn bearings, for example, cause the alternator to slow down, and this reduces the amount of electricity it can supply. A damaged alternator will produce less electricity than it should, and the reduced electricity supply will affect all your vehicle's systems. As the electricity supply drops, random electrical issues will become common, and starting problems can develop. Our technicians will examine your alternator and repair it if possible. If the alternator is failing, we can install a new one for you. Damaged Radiator Hoses The radiator is responsible for controlling your engine temperature. Coolant is pumped through the engine and absorbs heat. The heat is then transported to the radiator, where the heat is removed by heat exchange. Two toughened rubber hoses connect the radiator to the cooling system, and these hoses can withstand the effects of temperatures over 300 F. Despite their strength, the rubber hoses will naturally become less flexible over time. The lack of flexibility can cause cracks to appear. As the hoses flex due to coolant movement, the cracks will deepen and leak. A coolant leak will cause your engine temperature to rise rapidly and potentially overheat. We can replace damaged hoses very quickly and then refill your coolant. Book your next service today. Contact our service department at Ziegler CDR of Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo, MI.

It's important to regularly change the oil in your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM to keep the engine performing at its peak and extend its lifespan. Fresh engine oil acts as a lubricant to minimize friction between the moving components and reduce heat and wear. Below are indicators to help you determine when to take your vehicle to your CDJR dealer for an oil change. more Oil Life Monitor Notification Most modern CDJR vehicles have an Oil Life Monitor that notifies drivers when it's time to replace the oil. This useful feature helps you stay on top of oil replacements, ensuring your engine remains well-lubricated and protected. After each oil replacement, the technician will reset the Oil Life Monitor. Mileage and Month Indicators It is generally advised to replace the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or at least twice a year. The recommended oil replacement intervals for your vehicle's specific make and model are in your owner's manual. Driving Habits and Road Conditions Your driving habits and road conditions play a major role in how often your CDJR vehicle needs new oil. If you often drive in heavy traffic, on dusty, rough, or mountainous roads, or tow heavy loads, you will have to replace your vehicle's oil more frequently. Additionally, extreme hot or cold weather conditions also affect how often your vehicle will need new oil. Talk to us to help determine the best oil replacement schedule based on your driving habits and conditions. Old and Contaminated Oil The color of engine oil is initially amber, but as it circulates through the system, it gets dirty and contaminated, leading to a loss of its protective and lubricating properties. This will increase friction between the moving components and reduce the engine's lifespan. Check the color and consistency of your engine oil monthly. If the oil appears dark and dirty, or you notice it has a thicker consistency, it's time to replace the oil. The Oil or Check Engine Light Is On Ensuring your vehicle has the correct amount of oil is crucial for optimal and efficient engine function. If the oil level is low, the dashboard light indicating the need for an oil replacement will illuminate. It's important to address this warning immediately. If the check engine light comes on, it indicates a problem that could potentially cause severe damage to your engine. To maintain the optimal engine performance, prolong your vehicle's lifespan, reduce repair costs, and avoid unnecessary breakdowns, keep an eye on the Oil Life Monitor and follow the oil replacement intervals specified in your vehicle's owner's manual. Contact Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Ram of Kalamazoo, MI, today to schedule an oil replacement service. Our team of certified technicians will ensure your CDJR engine runs at its best.

Common types of CDJR service include oil changes, brake inspections, and tire care, and you'll find all of these services and more at your local CDJR dealer. We do a lot more than sell cars and take your old car off your hands—we aim to make your car last as long as possible while remaining in fantastic condition. 5 Services Offered by Your CDJR Dealer 1. Full Annual CDJR Service Every driver should, at the very least, get a full service, also known as an annual service, every 12 months. During the service, our technicians will inspect your vehicle and check everything from the engine to the brakes. Typically, our technicians will check around 80 different components of your vehicle during this service to find out if there's anything that needs to be fixed or tweaked. It's a little less extensive than a major service, which you should get every two years. 2. General Automotive Repair If we find something broken during your annual service, then we have the means to fix it. We stock parts that we can use to replace broken components in your vehicle, and our technicians have the knowledge required to take on any job, big or small. 3. Preventative Car Maintenance One way to prevent breakdowns is getting preventative maintenance on all the components of your car that require it. Tweaks here and there that keep different systems in the car running as they should help boost your car's longevity and stop you from needing expensive repairs in the future. One form of preventative maintenance you should get regularly is a tune-up, which is where we'll replace parts that easily develop wear and tear, such as spark plug wires, your PCV valve, and your oxygen sensor. We'll also replace filters such as the air and oil filters. 4. Fluid Checks and Changes Whether it's the motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, or even the windshield wiper fluid, we'll check your fluid levels and top off your fluid levels if necessary. If any of the fluids in your car are contaminated, then we'll drain them and fill up your car with fresh fluids. Your motor oil is typically the first fluid you'll think of when it comes to maintaining your vehicle, as it needs to be changed once or twice a year, depending on your car's model and how much you drive. 5. Engine Diagnostic Sometimes you'll notice that your check engine light is on, and you have no idea why because your car seems to be fine. You can bring your car to us for an engine diagnostic so we can solve the mystery of what's wrong with your vehicle. Once we identify the problem, which shouldn't take very long, we can get to work on fixing it. Visit Zeigler Chrysler Dodge RAM of Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo, MI today. We can provide all of the services above and any others that your car needs.