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Your car air filter acts as a barrier between the outside air and your engine. It traps dirt, dead bugs, and other debris and prevents them from entering your engine. This debris could cause damage to your engine, and it would interfere with the combustion process. As the filter collects this debris, it will get blocked. Your local Chrysler dealer can replace your filter, and these are a few signs that it needs to be replaced. Signs You Need a New Car Air Filter from Your Chrysler Dealer Sputtering Engine Fresh air from the filter should mix with the fuel in the combustion chamber. Far more air than fuel is required for combustion, and the perfect ratio is 14 parts air to 1 part fuel. The spark plugs will ignite this flammable mixture, and your car will move. This process works perfectly when there's sufficient clean air. A dirty filter will block most of the air that should enter the chamber, and this will create a fuel-rich environment. When there is little air, combustion becomes more difficult. Spark plugs require air to ignite the mixture, and the dense, fuel-filled atmosphere will make combustion very inefficient. The sputtering sounds you'll hear are caused by the plugs trying to ignite the mix. You may also experience stalling when you take your foot off the gas pedal. Once we replace the filter, these problems will clear up. more Reduced Power When you speed up, more fuel is dumped into the combustion chamber. To balance this extra fuel, even more, clean air is needed. Without this air, the fast-moving pistons will begin to slow down as there isn't enough air for correct compression. As compression reduces, your engine will start to struggle. There will always be air in your engine for compression, but the reduced airflow will mean a power reduction. Your engine will use more fuel to compensate, but much of this fuel will be wasted. The unused fuel will be forced out through your exhaust. You'll experience reduced engine power as your engine tries to provide power but is inhibited by the lack of air. Black Smoke From the Exhaust The excess fuel that cant be burnt in the combustion chamber is forced out of the exhaust. This unburnt fuel deposits carbon in the engine as it leaves. On the way through the exhaust, the fuel passes through the catalytic convertor. The converter's job is to remove dangerous chemicals from fuel residue, but it's not designed to deal with large amounts of unburnt fuel. The convertor will clean some of the outgoing fuel, but most of the fuel will exit the exhaust as black smoke. This smoke is filled with dangerous carbon monoxide. Some of the unburnt fuel will create sparks and even small flames as it comes into contact with the hot exhaust. Call us today at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria. Our service technicians will speedily fit a new air filter, and you'll notice an immediate improvement in your engine.

Getting your tires rotated is an essential element of preserving the function and performance of your vehicle. Without this service being performed, your car will be less responsive and harder to brake or accelerate as easily. Use this guide to learn about the many benefits of tire rotation services from your Chrysler dealer. 1. Prevents Uneven Wear As you drive on the road, your tires will begin to wear down over time. Did you know that the front tires and back tires wear differently, and if left alone will eventually become lopsided? Rotating your tires will ensure that all of your tires experience the same amount of wear and age together. The unsafe alternative is that one or two tires take the brunt of the wear and tear. This could lead to poor vehicle performance as well as danger from reduced friction. Uneven or non-uniform tread can also affect your acceleration and braking, so be sure to have your tires rotated for optimal vehicle performance and safety. more 2. Reduces Bouncing If your vehicle seems to bounce on its suspension, this may be an indicator of tread cupping as a result of uneven tire wear. Tread cupping is also often called scalloped tires, and it refers to a type of wear that looks like the tire tread has been scooped out in different places along with the tire. Rotating your tires to reduce significant wear can prevent this tread cupping that leads to a bouncing motion. This will create a smoother ride and do less damage to the vehicle over time. 3. Safer Driving Cars that have their tires rotated frequently are likely to be safer to operate on the roads. This is because they have balanced traction, rather than uneven traction. Balanced traction makes it easier to control the vehicle with the brakes and accelerator. 4. Longer Vehicle Lifespan Not only is rotating your tires great for the lifespan of the tires as it distributes rather than concentrates wear and tear, but it is also great for the other parts of your car. Well-maintained tires have a positive effect on the nearby or interacting parts like wheels, axles, suspension, and even brakes. 5. Save Money On Replacements With longer-lasting parts due to frequent rotation, replacements aren't as often necessary. Repairs can be much more affordable than replacements, and preventative actions like rotating your tires can end up saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars on expensive new tire installation. Extend the lifespan of your car parts so that you don't have to stress about expensive replacement parts. If your brakes aren't stopping you on a dime like they used to, or you are experiencing tread cupping and a bouncing motion as you drive, rotating your tires could be the solution. Let experts find the solution for you by taking your car in for an inspection. Visit Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Alexandria today to reap the many benefits of a quality rotation.

Every time you hit the road, your tires take a beating. Over time tires become old and worn and can't provide the necessary traction to be used safely on the road. Tire failure can occur; you could lose control of your car or get stranded next to the road. Below are ways to tell when it's time to get new tires at your Chrysler dealer. Advice From Your Chrysler dealer: Is It Time to Get New Tires for Your Chrysler? Tire Age As you know, tires get old, and the rubber dries out and cracks. Tire manufacturers recommend replacing your vehicle's tires every six to ten years. You can check your tire brand's replacement specifications to determine if your tires are old and need replacing. If you can't remember when you last replaced your tires, ask your Chrysler technician to inspect your car's tires to see if you need a new set. more Tire Tread Depth Check your tires regularly to see how much tread is left on each tire. The tire tread depth should never be lower than 5.32 inches to give you the traction you need, especially if you drive on wet and slippery road surfaces. To determine the tread depth, use a tread depth gauge. If you don't have a tread depth gauge handy, the old penny test will roughly give you an idea of how much tread is still left. Insert a penny head down into the groove. If you can't see the head, the tread is good. If you see the head, it's time to replace your tires. Uneven Tread Wear While checking the tread depth, look to see if the treads on all four tires are worn evenly. If one side is worn and thinner than the other, it's due to incorrect tire pressure or misaligned tires. That is why it's essential to inflate your tires to the correct PSI and have your tires rotated regularly. If the tread is uneven, ask your Chrysler technician to check if you need to replace your tires. Indicator Wear Bars Indicator wear bars are flat rubber bars built into tires to warn you when the tread is worn. The indicator wear bars are perpendicular to the tread direction and are barely visible when the tires are new. As tires wear down, the indicator wear bars become more visible. When you can see one or two indicator wear bars on a tire, visit your dealership for a tire replacement. Blisters and Bulges Over time and with use, the tire's surface weakens, and that is when blisters or bulges form. The area on the outer surface where the tire developed a weak spot will bulge out. The weak spots could cause blowouts. To ensure your safety, get your tires replaced at your dealership as soon as possible when you notice blisters or bulges. Sidewall Cuts and Cracks When you check the tread on your tires, inspect the sidewalls for cuts and cracks. Visible damage to the sidewalls of your tires could lead to leaks or, even worse, cause a blowout. If the damage looks severe, and the cuts and cracks are easily visible, rather be safe than sorry and ask your Chrysler technician to inspect your tires to determine if a tire replacement is necessary. If you want to know if your car needs a new set of tires, visit Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria today. One of our qualified technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle's tires to determine if you need a replacement. We stock a selection of top-quality brand tires and perform expert installations.

No one wants to hear that their car is having transmission problems. These can be some of the worst issues that can cause your car to stop running and transmission repairs can get expensive. When it comes to Chryslers, it's important that you know signs that your car is having problems with the transmission so you can have it repaired by your Chrysler dealer here at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria. 1. Delayed Shifts or Missing Gears One of the biggest indications that you're having problems with your transmission is if your gear system isn't working correctly. If your transmission is slow to engage or shift gears, you may have low transmission fluid. This can be caused by contamination, a leak from water intrusion, or lack of maintenance. This can make your car engine overheat, damaging your internal transmission parts and causing them not to engage. more 2. Leaking Transmission Fluid If you see a red fluid underneath your vehicle, your transmission fluid is probably leaking from a seal, gasket, or one of the lines. This is dangerous for the transmission and other hot surfaces of your vehicle. Some transmission fluids may not be red, so it's important to see a professional mechanic whenever you notice fluids leaking underneath your vehicle. 3. Slipping Transmission If your transmission is slipping, you may not have low transmission fluid, water or particle buildup, or internal wear and tear on your transmission components. If your engine is revving high, your transmission's clutches or other parts may have worn out or gone bad and need immediate attention. 4. Unusual Noises Humming, clicking, and buzzing noises are usually an indication of damage to your planetary gears, a bad bearing, or some other internal issue. Buzzing noises could be caused by a transmission fluid leak or a bad internal seal or sealing surface. 5. A Burning Smell A burning smell is a positive indication that your transmission fluid is either running low or leaking. Catching the leak quickly or topping up your transmission fluid immediately may allow you to save your transmission before it is permanently damaged. Regularly checking your transmission dipstick will allow you to monitor your fluid before it comes to this condition. 6. Unpowered Car If your car won't power on and your battery and engine are healthy, your internal transmission could be having issues. In order to rule out your transmission, you will want to have a diagnostic test ran on your vehicle by a professional to get the right codes and rule out transmission issues. Transmission issues make themselves apparent in many ways. If you are experiencing any shifting or powering issues, leaking fluids, unusual noises, or a burning smell underneath your hood, these are big indications that your car's transmission may be damaged and in need of repair. If your Chrysler is exhibiting any of these symptoms, contact us at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria today so we can schedule a service appointment and fix the issue for you.

Your car's radiator is essential in preventing your car from overheating. Hot coolant passes through the radiator, where thin fins direct the heat out the engine and the coolant then recirculates through the engine. In time, influenced by driving conditions, you may need a radiator repair. Here in Alexandria, VA your Chrysler dealer is available to help. Engine Temperature Is Constantly Too High Lack of coolant, constricted airflow through the cooling system or clogged hoses are all possible causes of your engine running too hot. To operate correctly, the coolant passes through your engine and absorbs the heat generated as your car's engine works. If this hot coolant is not cooled, it will pass back into the system and continue to absorb more heat. If you are driving, and you see that your engine temperature continues to climb, you need to pull over and stop your car immediately. Permanent damage to the engine can occur if it continues to run hot. more Pool of Coolant Coolant is a sweet-smelling liquid that is usually bright green, although pink and yellow are also possible colors. If you notice a pool of this liquid under your car, this is a sure sign that your engine is in trouble. Without coolant, your engine block may crack or your head gasket may blow. Neither option is good, as both are expensive to repair. Thermostat Failure The thermostat controls the flow of coolant into the radiator when the temperature hits a predetermined limit. If the thermostat fails, coolant will not be released into your engine, and the temperature will rise. Rust on the Radiator A leak in one of the hoses, or a leak in your radiator can cause hot coolant to squirt onto the hot engine. When this liquid is burnt off, it leaves behind discolored patches on the radiator that may start to rust. As your car engine is never exposed to the elements, any sign of rust in your engine can only be caused by some liquid in the engine spraying out. Damaged Radiator Hoses In time, the radiator hoses may become brittle and crack. If this occurs, coolant will leak out and your engine temperature will rise. Damaged hoses are one of the first things our technicians will check for, and easily replace if they are the only source of the problem. Cracks in the Radiator Extreme winter temperatures can cause cracks in your radiator due to the freezing and expansion of fluid in the unit. These cracks will start as hairline ones, and then grow bigger over time, damaging the radiator even more. To prevent serious damage to your car, if you experience any of these signs, call our service department immediately at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria. Our certified experts and cutting-edge equipment can repair any possible issue your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or Ram may experience.