Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria

If you’re considering the new 2019 Chrysler 300, you’ll need to decide which trim level is right for you. There are five trim levels on this year’s model release. Each offers a new set of features and there are a handful of exterior changes between the trims. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine which trim level is right for you.

2019_chrysler_300

The base trim level for the 2019 Chrysler 300 is the Touring trim. In regards to power, it has a capable 3.6-liter V-6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission with variable valve timing. Automatic projector beam headlights are standard. If you’re looking for driver assistance safety features you’ll need to opt for a higher trim level. Entertainment is readily available on the Touring trim. Features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM are standard inclusions on the 300’s uConnect system.

Touring L

The next trim level on the 300 is the Touring L. The Touring L has many of the same standard features Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes the best way to stay safe on the road is to practice proper safe driving habits. No matter how many years you’ve been drweatheriving, it’s always good to review some of the best habits. Before you hit the road for your next trip, make sure you’re familiar with these top safe driving practices.

Know the Weather Forecast

Weather can have one of the biggest impacts on road conditions. It can also severely affect your visibility. Before you head out on the road, make sure you know if the forecast is calling for rain, fog, ice, snow, or any other hazardous conditions. If you have the possibility of facing severe weather, it’s always better to postpone your plans and stay off the road than risk driving through dangerous conditions.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Even if you’re a safe driver and you always pay attention to what’s going on around you, it won’t do you any good if you have an accident because a tire blew out or your brakes failed. Routine maintenance not only keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently, but it also improves your safety. At least once a month you should go through your vehicle and check the battery, tire pressure, oil level, windshield wipers, wiper fluid, air filter, belts, hoses, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant.

Stay Focused

Changing the radio station, checking directions, talking to passengers, looking at a text message, and taking a phone call can all take your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel. These dangerous distractions also cause you to lose focus. Fortunately, vehicles like the Dodge Charger come with features to help keep your focus on the road. This includes an infotainment system that comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to get directions, make calls, and send and receive texts while still keeping your eyes on the road.

Look Past the Car Ahead of You

While it’s always good to watch what the car in front of you is doing, you should also scan multiple car lengths ahead of that car. By looking to the right and left of the car ahead of you, you’ll be able to quickly process upcoming road conditions, stoplights, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other important information. Plus, it’s possible you might see a dangerous situation before the vehicle ahead of you, which means you’ll have more time to slow down.

Watch Your Speed

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed was a contributing factor in 27 percent of accidents in 2016. When you speed, you have less time to react to situations happening on the road in front of you. If you often find yourself driving above the speed limit, leave earlier to allow yourself more time to get to your destination, use cruise control whenever possible, and make sure you always pay attention to how fast you’re actually going.

No matter what type of car you drive, safe driving is always important. Keep these safe driving tips in mind the next time you get behind the wheel, so you can avoid costly and dangerous accidents or breakdowns and enjoy the adventures of the open road.

Image via Flickr by State Farm/Under use by CC BY 2.0

 

JeepWhen you’re interested in riding around in style, you’ll find several excellent options available. If you have it narrowed down to the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, or Jeep Wrangler, you might be having a hard time deciding which one is right for you. Learn about the stylish and luxurious features you can find on these three vehicles so you can pick the one that meets your needs.

Jeep Wrangler

When sporty style is the appearance you’re going for, you can’t beat the classic good looks of the Jeep Wrangler. On the exterior, you’ll find iconic style that includes round headlamps, removable top and doors, a seven-slot grille, and flat fender flares. You’ll also discover contemporary touches, such as the available LED headlights and heated side mirrors. Read the rest of this entry »

streetLocated just south of Washington, D.C. and on the Potomac River, Alexandria, Virginia, is a beautiful city known for its architecture and museums. If you’re planning a visit to Alexandria, you’ll find four distinct neighborhoods that each offer something different to enjoy. Learn more about the neighborhoods of Alexandria so you can take in the best the area has to offer.

Old Town

Old Town is in the heart of Alexandria and where the city first started to grow. As you stroll down the red brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets, you’ll have an opportunity to explore some of the Read the rest of this entry »

off-roadingWhile Alexandria, Virginia, offers plenty of exciting things to see and do, sometimes you just want to get away for a while. That’s when you should consider checking out some of the off-road trails in the area. When you’re interested in spending some time in nature, make plans to head to one of these top off-roading destinations near Alexandria.

Lee Ranger District

The Lee Ranger District in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests has several off-road trails worth exploring. One of the most popular is the Read the rest of this entry »

chrome_jeepWhen you see a good-looking car or truck passing by, often the first thing that catches your eye is the chrome detailing. Most car manufacturers, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, use it on their models to one extent or another. It shines in contrast to the paintwork and adds a touch of class to any vehicle.

However, if chrome is not cared for, it can become dull and pitted with grime and road contaminants. Before cleaning your chrome, it is best to know what type it is.

Types of Chrome

The chrome parts and detailing on your car could be either metal or plastic that has undergone a chromium-electroplating process. Going back to the 1970s and before, the chrome parts would all have been metal. However, as the process for plating chrome on plastic was developed, more manufacturers switched to this lighter and more cost-effective option. Read the rest of this entry »

We are in full holiday swing here at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge. Our show rooms have Christmas tunes playing, garland is hung and trees are up and decorated! You can’t help but be in the holiday spirit!

We have held two company parties, one for our managers held in the Maryland area and one for all of our employees held in Virginia. Last Saturday our employees enjoyed drinks, dinner, dancing and some even won door prizes! The DJ had everyone on the dance floor. You couldn’t help but have a good time!

We are open through the Holidays, except for Christmas Day. Come celebrate with us and get in the Christmas spirit!

Tip of the Day to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

As we all know, the holidays are upon us. This, of course, means that traveling for many. For those who may be traveling by car, we consulted with our certified technicians and here are some tips they provided: make sure your tires are inflated to spec. This is very important. What spec is will vary per car.  Additionally, make sure your windshield wipers are working up to code. You don’t know if you’ll get caught in rain, snow, or sleet. We hope everyone travels safely this holiday season!

Employee Sneak Peak

Employee

Bouba Diallo- Sales Consultant

Bouba has been with us for 19 years! Before becoming a sales consultant, he spent his time working as a restaurant manager. When he began looking for a new job, his cousin recommended he come work at Ourisman!

Bouba’s favorite part about the job is the environment. He loves the interaction with the customers and that each day is different. Bouba says the key is planning your day ahead of time and sticking with it while at work!

When Bouba is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family or watching European soccer. He is a big soccer fan!

If you have ever been a customer of Bouba’s, you know what a treat it is!

Community Shout Out 

This year, as in years past, Ourisman Automotive is delighted to contribute to Toys For Tots. Toys For Tots is an organization run by the US Marine Corps Reserves. The Marine Corps distributes toys to families and children who cannot afford to buy gifts for Christmas. We are happy to put a smile on children’s faces! https://www.toysfortots.org/

 

Image via Toys For Tots

wranglerFor true Jeep lovers, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK retains the styling and features that display its strength, power, and rugged off-road capabilities. Here are four reasons for loving the Wrangler JK.

  1. Capability

The Wrangler JK is powered by a fuel-efficient 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque to all for wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic transmission is also available. When smoothly cruising down the highway, you’ll get up to 21 mpg, but the torque of this engine also gives you superb low-speed crawling capability when the going gets tough.

On steep inclines, hill-start assist keeps the brakes applied for a couple of seconds as you move your foot from the brake to the accelerator. Hill-descent control helps to adjust speed and braking, allowing you to concentrate on negotiating obstacles when you’re traveling downhill. Read the rest of this entry »

gateAlexandria, named after John Alexander, an 18th-century Scottish landowner, was founded in 1749 and has a rich and varied history. It was one of the 10 busiest ports in America and an important tobacco trading post.

While the largest slave-trading company in the country was based here, Alexandria also was home to a large free black community. During the Civil War, the city operated as a supply center for Union troops. Here are four of Alexandria’s historic sites where you can trace the history of the city.

Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site

During the Civil War, a system of forts and batteries were constructed that were known as the Defenses of Washington. Fort Ward, named for the first naval officer of the Union to be killed in the Civil War, is the best-preserved of these fortifications, and some areas have been reconstructed and restored to their original condition.

You can visit the fort and museum, located in a 45-acre park, and learn about Alexandria as an occupied city, and its later importance for the rights of African-Americans. There are living history Read the rest of this entry »

Chrysler_minivanWhen you’ve got a young family, you need a vehicle that has the space to carry them and all their gear safely — and probably their friends and all their gear too. The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica is a spacious and versatile minivan that is the perfect family vehicle.

In 2018, the Pacifica was named a Best Buy by Consumer Digest, Cars.com named it 2018 Family Car of the Year, and the Insurance Industry for Highway Safety made it a Top Safety Pick when fitted with certain equipment. Here are four of its family-friendly features.

Interior Space

The Pacifica comes with standard seating for seven people, although you can opt for a second-row bench seat instead of the captain’s chairs, which increases the capacity to eight. Even with a full load of people, there are 32.3 cubic feet of room in the back for stowing some gear, too. You also get significant under-seat storage along with a variety of storage bins, map pockets, sliding drawers, and the ever-essential cup holders. Read the rest of this entry »