Alexandria, VA has a very deep connection to our nation’s history. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and many other famous citizens lived or visited here and left their imprint. We are very proud of our history and want to share with you some of our best museums.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
This famous apothecary once served both George Washington and Robert E. Lee and was a working family-owned business for 141 years. Shortly after it closed, it was transformed into a museum. Many of the original contents have been faithfully preserved, and the museum is very much a time capsule of life in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
The tour guides have a fascinating collection of lore regarding the history and practices of the business over the centuries. There is also a gift store filled with unique items. The Apothecary is located at 105 S Fairfax Street #107 and is open daily. Read the rest of this entry »
6 Big Signs Your Car Is Having Transmission Problems
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. Read the rest of this entry »
Which Jeep Will You Drive On Your Next Road Trip?
Whether you’re taking the family on a road trip to vacation at an amusement park, to go on a camping trip by the lake, or for an exiting-off-road adventure, Jeep has you covered. Check out these three Jeep models to help you decide which one you want for your next road trip.
Jeep Compass
One of the smaller Jeep SUVs, the Compass has a sporty look that makes it stand out among other compact SUVs. You have five trims to choose from so you can find the perfect Compass to fit your lifestyle. The Compass comes with a powerful engine and the option to choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Choose the all-wheel-drive system when you want to travel backcountry roads or tow a small boat or trailer.
With two rows of seats, five people ride in comfort. Depending on how you configure the seats, you can get a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Jeep’s Uconnect 4 infotainment system features an 8.4-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Driver-assist features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Read the rest of this entry »
4 Great Parks Near Alexandria, VA
Explore the meadows, woods, and wetlands filled with bird and animal life in the spectacular parks near Alexandria, VA. Hike, bike, and horseback ride down scenic trails, fish and paddle on the Potomac River, climb the cliffs of Mather Gorge and enjoy a peaceful picnic in the shade of the trees.
1. Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is the ultimate destination if you are an outdoor enthusiast who loves to hike, bike, horseback ride, fish, and paddle. Climb the impressive cliffs of Mather Gorge, whitewater kayak, and canoe down the rushing waters of the Potomac River, and watch as the water tumbles down the majestic Great Falls from one of the overlooks.
Discover the natural beauty and spot wildlife on 15 miles of multi-purpose trails, including the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail that cuts through the park and runs along the river. Be on the lookout for white-tailed deer, squirrels, and chipmunks. Red foxes live in the woods, beavers prefer the river above the falls, and if you are lucky enough to spot a coyote, please report it to the park staff. Read the rest of this entry »
Want to keep your vehicle in good working order? You should be on the lookout for these signs that it’s time to visit your Chrysler dealer for a new car battery.
Does Your Vehicle Need a New Car Battery?
1. Electrical Issues
There are several electrical components in your vehicle. For all of these components to work properly, your battery needs to be functional. If your battery is dying, then you might find issues like weak headlights, or the lights on your dash flickering on and off.
If you notice any of these signs, then it’s most likely that you need a new battery. Make sure to head to your dealer right away to keep all of your car’s electrical components in good working order. Read the rest of this entry »
Discover the Efficient 2021 RAM ProMaster City
The 2021 RAM ProMaster City is the compact, efficient small van we’ve all been waiting for. If your business operates in crowded cities, or just doesn’t need the superfluous capacity of a full-sized work van, then the ProMaster City is a sensible option that will save you money, thanks to its efficient drivetrain. In addition, it can be purchased with seating for up to five, making it an attractive option for a practical people carrier. Let’s take a closer look.
Overview
The ProMaster City has seen relatively few changes coming into 2021. Fog lamps are now available as an optional extra, and the Tradesman cargo van variant can now be had with aluminum wheels. The ProMaster is especially adept at weaving through narrow urban streets, with responsive handling and a short-geared transmission with fast gear changes that contribute to its speedy acceleration.
The ProMaster is at its heart a working van, and as such comes with hard-wearing plastic bumpers and plenty of tie-down points in the cargo bay, not to mention astonishing towing and cargo ratings for its size. The ProMaster has two main variants: the Tradesman cargo van and Wagon people carrier. Both can be upgraded to SLT trims, which adds styled wheel covers, a body-color bumper instead of the base black, and adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat. Read the rest of this entry »
With its rich history, gorgeous architecture, and comfortable, family-oriented atmosphere, Alexandria, VA is a wonderful city for family outings. There are many excellent kid-friendly activities to choose from. Read on to learn the best of them.
Waterfront Park
One of the city’s finest parks offers a fantastic fresh air space to explore with your children. There are many wide-open green spaces for frisbee and other games, a big playground for younger kids, and plenty of picnic tables with sweeping views of the water. The park is a cultural center, with frequent performances, live outdoor music, art exhibitions, and other entertaining features to come across on your wanders. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
5 Amazing Hiking Trails Near Alexandria, VA
Just seven miles from our nation’s capital, Alexandria, VA is best known for its rich history and architecture. However, visitors and natives alike shouldn’t discount the natural views and hiking trails in the area; whether you want to enjoy a run in the fresh air, take your furry friend for a walk, or explore nature for a day with the children, these trails won’t disappoint.
1. Huntley Meadows Park
This Park has trails for bikes, pets, and pedestrians with a boardwalk feature and visitor center. As you wind through the wetlands and trek the trails, photograph the abundant and diverse wildlife or explore with the family. This trail is easy and not more than 1.2 miles, so bring the little ones for a day of fun.
2. Dora Kelley Nature Park
Even locals are surprised by this hidden gem; with miles of paved trails, it’s a great spot to go for a run. Wander the trails, play in the creek, watch the turtles and frogs at the pond, and spend time in the picnic areas; the beauty and tranquility that hikers find here will be sure to put you in a state of ease. Read the rest of this entry »
The engine in your Dodge vehicle is a complicated piece of machinery. Thousands of different moving parts must all work in concert for your engine to perform properly. Quality engine oil from a Dodge oil change keeps those parts lubricated and prevents the deterioration of your vehicle’s critical components. At regular intervals, usually every 3,000 miles, an oil change at your local Alexandria, VA dealer will keep your engine running smoothly. Let’s review some reasons to routinely change your Dodge’s oil.
Time for a Dodge Oil Change at Your Alexandria, VA Dodge Dealer
Protecting Against Corrosion
Corrosion is your Dodge engine’s worst enemy. Moisture, dirt, and other corrosive particles from the elements break down your engine oil, rendering it less effective. Regular oil changes and clean oil protect your engine from this corrosion by coating the components and defending against excess wear and tear. Read the rest of this entry »

