Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria

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 »

Christmas-paradeThe holidays are always an exciting time of year. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, there is just something magical about the holiday season. The city of Alexandria adds to the magic with several holiday events to help get you in the spirit.

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend

The 48th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade will take place on Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1. The parade showcases marching units of Scottish clans playing the bagpipes and Scottish drums along with dancers and re-enactment groups. The parade starts at St. Asaph and Wolfe Streets and ends at Market Square. Make sure to head to the Square for the end of the parade so you can listen to the massed band concert. Read the rest of this entry »

Ram_truckThe Ram 1500 is a popular full-size pickup truck that’s available in multiple configurations. The 2019 model received a complete redesign that includes the addition of a mild-hybrid system, extra space for the rear seat passengers, and a significant weight loss. Here are some reasons why Ram lovers should experience the all-new Ram 1500.

The Exterior Design

The 1500 comes in the Quad Cab or Crew Cab. Both configurations have room for up to six passengers, Read the rest of this entry »

Store_front The holidays are right around the corner, and whether you are someone who leaves your shopping to the last minute or you get it done early, you can find that special gift for almost anyone on your list in Alexandria, Virginia. Alexandria was named one of the best indie boutique scenes on the East Coast by Where Magazine, and it offers a wide variety of stores from small boutiques to large national chains. Here are our favorite downtown Alexandria shops for holiday gifts.

The Christmas Attic

The Christmas Attic is a 35-year old shop owned by a local Alexandria family. It is not only a great place to shop for Christmas gifts but also a must-see stop for any trip to Alexandria any time of year. The shop has two floors of items for every holiday and many unique, hard-to-find gifts. Stop into The Christmas Attic to find handblown glass, holiday village houses and collectibles, and a wide variety of ornaments.  Read the rest of this entry »

DodgeEvery year, Strategic Vision asks new car buyers what they liked most about their new vehicles within the first 90 days, along with what they didn’t like about the vehicles. The company then analyzes the results to come up with the best models — according to drivers in real-world situations — in several different categories. In 2018, they surveyed 42,000 people, and several Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles came out on top.

The 2018 Dodge Durango

For the fifth year in a row, the Dodge Durango came out on top in the midsize SUV segment. Owners loved the combination of utility, class-leading towing capabilities, and advanced technology. The aggressive styling of the Durango was another reason why drivers liked this SUV. This truck comes standard with an award-winning 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It has a best-in-class towing Read the rest of this entry »

oilChoosing 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.  Read the rest of this entry »