Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria

Blog / Alexandria Chrysler Dealer

The Mechanics Guide to Choosing the Right Oil

oil
Choosing the right kind of oil is something that is usually left up to the service station to decide. Follow these mechanic's tips to arm yourself with knowledge about choosing the right automotive oil for your vehicle. Viscosity is an important indicator of the best oil for different operating conditions. The lower the number, the less it will thicken in the cold, so different oils should be used depending on if you're in Minnesota or Death Valley. Once you have the right viscosity determined, you can begin shopping for oil. Note that it is recommended that once you choose a type of oil, that you stick with it moving forward to maintain the best performance. Let's explore the different types of oil that are available for consideration. 

Conventional Oil

This is the most common type of automotive oil used at dealerships, and it is the least expensive at the automotive store. It's generally quite basic, offering little in the way of additives, and is best for car owners who are fastidious about frequent oil changes.

Premium Conventional Oil

This is the standard new car oil and is available in common viscosities that best respond to most climate variations. With this type of oil, it is important to have the oil changed every 4,000 miles or four months to keep your car operating smoothly.

Full Synthetic Oil

Full synthetic oil is designed for high-tech engines and has some advantages over conventional oils. Synthetic oils are designed to be more effective at resisting breakdown, withstanding high temperatures, and flowing at cold temperatures, which reduces engine wear during start-ups on frigid mornings. Synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil and can cost two to four times as much as the traditional option. That said, it can extend the life of the oil and reduces the need for oil changes to only once or twice per year. Some car manuals indicate a requirement for synthetic oils, but older cars can also benefit from synthetics as they can prevent sludge buildup that often plagues older vehicles.

Synthetic Blend Oil

Comprised of premium conventional oil mixed with a dose of synthetic oil, a synthetic blend is designed to provide for somewhat heavier loads and associated higher engine temperatures. Their formulation makes them somewhat less volatile, meaning they evaporate less and reduce oil loss. The additional protection they provide make them popular with larger trucks and SUVs, and their cost is just a few cents more than conventional oil.

High Mileage Oil

An option for a rapidly increasing segment of the market, high mileage oil is specially formulated for cars with over 75,000 miles. These oils were formulated specifically to respond to specific needs of aging engines. Regular oil changes are important to protecting and extending the life of an engine, and the choices of oils seem nearly limitless. Before you choose an oil, be sure to consult your car manual for instructions on the optimal oil to use in your particular vehicle. Image via Flickr by Jonesemyr/Under use by CC BY-ND 2.0
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3 Car Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape

Car maintenance is essential for keeping your Chrysler in great condition. Your car manual contains the details of the scheduled services we perform to ensure your car is working perfectly. As your Chrysler dealer, we'd like to give you some maintenance tips that will help in between your services. Advice From Your Chrysler Dealer: 3 Car Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle Check Your Tires Regularly Good tires are essential, as they enable you to drive safely. If your tires are well maintained, they allow you to drive, corner, and brake with ease. Although modern tires are stronger and safer than ever before, they will still wear out eventually. The rubber reacts to environmental conditions, the road surface, and even sunlight and gradually becomes less elastic. more Sharp objects on the surface, like glass or nails, can damage a tire. When you're driving, the tire heats up, and its internal pressure increases. A small amount of damage to the tire could cause a puncture or even a blowout. We advise inspecting your tires regularly and checking the tire pressure. These steps are easy to perform but will help you to spot any problem we need to repair. Familiarise Yourself With the Warning Lights Your Chrysler has a variety of warning lights, and each has an important part to play in your car's health. The warning lights are connected to sensors in your car that monitor all its vital components. These sensors can detect even the smallest change in a component and provide a warning when a problem is just starting. Early detection of a problem can prevent it from getting worse. Each of these lights will light up when your engine starts and then go off. If any light continues to shine, it's essential to know what the warning light signifies. One of the most important lights is the check engine light. This light responds to a variety of issues with the engine and its associated components. If you can easily identify a warning light and inform us, we can fix it and prevent any damage. Watch Out for Leaks Your Chrysler contains a variety of fluids, including coolant, transmission fluid, oil, water, and fuel. If your car is healthy, the only liquid you should see underneath it is water vented from the AC system. If you regularly check your car, you'll notice a leak almost instantly. If you spot a leaking fluid, our technicians will identify it and fix the source of the leak. If you drive and your car is leaking any fluid, you could damage vital components. If you'd like more tips on maintaining your car, come and see us today at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria.

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Get to Know the 2022 Chrysler 300

The 2022 Chrysler 300 is a powerful, large-sized sedan that offers an outstanding driving experience in a modern American touring car. The 2022 300 is available in a number of trims with a whole host of extra features. Get to Know the 2022 Chrysler 300 Models The 2022 300 is available in four trim levels. Those trims comprise the 300 Touring, the 300 Touring L, the 300S V6, and the 300S V8. All models feature powerful engines and a slick eight-speed automatic transmission. The 300S V8 features a more advanced eight-speed transmission to optimize engine performance. more Engine Options The standard engine is a V6 that produces 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine will get you from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The 2022 300S V6 engine has been tuned to turn out 300 horsepower. The 300s V8 comes with a V8 that produces a whopping 363 horsepower. Fuel Economy The powerful 2022 300 offers excellent fuel economy. The powerful V6 engines offer 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The massive V8 Hemi engine delivers 16 mpg around town and 25 mpg on the open road. Safety and Security The 2022 300 offers smart and intuitive safety features, including full-speed collision control with active braking and adaptive cruise control. All models except the base model feature Chrysler's driver-assistance technologies as standard. Those features are available on the base model as options. The 2022 300 was awarded a four-star safety rating by the NHTSA. Driving Experience The 2022 300 offers drivers an outstanding touring car with sensational suspension and accurate steering. Rear-wheel drive is rare in this segment but is highly preferred by driving enthusiasts. All-wheel drive is optional with the 292-horsepower V6 engine. The stiffer suspension and larger wheels available on the 300S models give a firmer ride that is sensational for taking curves on the open road at high speed. Passengers and Cargo The 2022 300 offers a humongous cabin that provides outstanding comfort for five adult passengers. The vehicle offers one of the largest cabin spaces in the class. The rear trunk offers 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space that can be expanded via the 60/40 split seats as required. Infotainment The 2022 300 comes with the Chrysler Uconnect intuitive infotainment system. The system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. SiriusXM satellite radio and in-dash navigation are optional. If you are looking for a luxury touring-car-styled sedan, the Chrysler 300 has a number of options to suit your budget and the driving pleasure you are looking for. You deserve the sensational customer experience offered by Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria. Get in touch with Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria today to arrange your private consultation.

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Get to Know the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica

Get ready for fun, entertainment, and safety for the whole family. The long-awaited 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is here. This minivan will make road trips, vacations, and outings double the fun with a fraction of the stress. Here at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria in Alexandria, VA we'd love to tell you just a bit about what makes this minivan the most awarded and celebrated in its class. Basics About This Year's Pacifica The Inside Besides the room offered by three seating rows, the Pacifica offers Stow 'n Go Seating and Storage. You can fold the back seats into the floor for added room. You can also make use of the easy-access in-floor bins. There are over 240 different seating arrangements and configurations. This means you can finagle just about any cargo into your ride. For those tough messes and spills, the minivan comes with a Stow 'n Vac integrated vacuum. The second-row Easy Tilt Seating mechanism offers access to the third row with minimal hassle. With the lift of a lever, the seat will tilt forward for quick entry and exit. The cabin has active noise cancellation technology so you can enjoy a peaceful, quiet ride without hearing the road. more The Outside The expertly sculpted and unique body of this minivan will catch your eye immediately. The front grille features accents made of platinum chrome for an elegant look. The liftgate and sliding doors have hands-free powering options. You can simply move your foot beneath the door to access it. There is a panoramic sunroof that features dual panes and has a sunshade as well. New/Unique Features of the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Emphasis on Safety The Chrysler Pacifica boasts more security specs than others of its class. The Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning gives audio and visual indicators of danger. It also includes Active Braking technology. The Adaptive Cruise Control has Stop and Go power. This will keep your vehicle a safe distance behind the car in front of you. There is also a Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking system on your side. The LaneSense Lane Departure Warning works together with the Lane Keep Assistant to keep you safe. They will ensure you don't go over the line in either direction. The Blind Spot Monitoring System is great for highway lane changes. It will alert you with a light on the side-view mirror when it's not safe to cross over. Luxury Technology With the new and improved air filtration system, you and your loved ones are protected from 85% of all air particulates. These include aerosols, smoke, sand, dust, and moisture. The 360-degree Surround View Camera keeps you aware of your surroundings at all times regardless of blind spots. This camera offers rear and top views as well. The Park Assist system includes three different modes: Front, Parallel, and Perpendicular. The Front system allows you to see the distance between the front of your car and any obstacle ahead. The Parallel and Perpendicular modes help guide your vehicle into those tough parking spaces. The brakes can also be automatically applied if needed. This year's best minivan has so many great features to make your traveling life easier. The Pacifica is a car you can trust to keep your loved ones safe and happy no matter where you go. If you are ready to upgrade your ride and want the best for your family, we would love to help you. Come see us here at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria in Alexandria, VA to discover your new favorite ride!