Blog

It's not always easy to know when you need a new car battery. And when the time comes, it can be costly and inconvenient if you wait too long. So, how do you know when your car needs a new battery at your Chrysler dealer? Here are several symptoms to be on the lookout for: Signs You Need a New Car Battery at Your Chrysler Dealer in Silver Spring, MD Engine Is Slow to Start The components within your battery will wear down with time, becoming less efficient. When this occurs, it takes longer for the battery to build a charge for the starter, and you'll have to wait a few extra seconds for the engine to start up. A sluggish beginning is generally the sign of impending battery failure. If you notice this happening, you should head to your local dealer for a battery replacement. more Dim Lights As your battery weakens, you'll notice that the lights on your Chrysler will become dim. This develops because the electrical system in your vehicle draws less power from the battery than usual and it has to work harder, which can cause the brightness of the headlights and dashboard lights to lower slightly. If you notice that any of your Chrysler's lights are particularly dim, it may be time for a new battery. Foul Smell One particularly noticeable symptom of a damaged or failing battery is the release of gas. If you notice the smell of rotten eggs, especially when you raise the hood, you may have a leaking battery. As soon as you notice this, get your vehicle to your local dealer for a replacement battery. Misshapen Battery Extreme heat and cold weather can cause a battery case to expand and fracture. If your battery isn't in its typical rectangular shape, it's probably broken, and you have to have this replaced as soon as possible at your local dealer. The Connectors Are Corroded Have you noticed a white, ash-like substance on the metal portions of your battery? If so, then it's likely you've got a corrosion problem. Corroded terminal connections (the positive and negative metal connections found at the top of the battery) can cause voltage problems and difficulty starting your car. Battery Is Old Car batteries generally last between two and seven years. If you've been driving on the same car battery for more than five years, it's probably time to replace it. It's good practice to change your vehicle's battery every five years or sooner, as this will help avoid being stranded due to a dead battery in an inconvenient location or at an inopportune time. Clicking Sound The vehicle will often only make a sharp clicking sound if the engine does not turn at all, alerting you to a lack of available power. If your car won't start and all you hear is a clicking noise, chances are your battery is either wholly or almost dead. Get Battery Replacement in Maryland at Our Silver Spring Car Dealership We hope you've learned the importance of having a reliable car battery, and if your Chrysler needs one or more replacement batteries, we want to be there for you. Call DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring today so that we can help keep your vehicle running smoothly! Schedule an appointment here.

Some drivers believe that they only need to see a mechanic when there is a problem with their vehicle. But this isn't always true and having your regular engine diagnostic at the Chrysler dealer at least once a year can prevent many problems later on. Let's have a look at why this type of service is so important and what impact it will have on your car's condition. Top Reasons to Get an Engine Diagnostic 1. You Haven't Been for a Long Time or Your Vehicle Has Changed No matter how well you maintain your car and how little you drive, it's always a good idea to see a professional mechanic on a regular basis. If you haven't been to the dealership for over a year, it's likely time for your next diagnostic appointment. Similarly, people who commute long distances regularly might not realize that they need to have their engine checked out more often than once a year because it is being used so extensively. more Another reason why you might need to see your mechanic more frequently is if you're noticing any changes to the function of your car. For example, you might have observed a decrease in your gas mileage, strange noises that weren't there before, or a loss of power. Such issues are usually symptoms of a problem with the engine, so your best course of action is to visit your dealer and get them to have a look. 2. You're Concerned about the Safety and Durability of Your Car Driving with an engine that isn't working optimally can be unsafe and, in the most extreme cases, lead to dangerous accidents. In fact, several hundred thousand incidents are caused due to faulty car parts every year, and almost all of them could have been prevented through proper vehicle maintenance. For this reason, having the engine tested regularly is always a good idea. Similarly, the durability of your vehicle might also be affected if you drive with a damaged engine. Small problems that could be easily fixed if caught early on often develop into bigger issues and start affecting other parts of your vehicle. If you're looking to keep your car in good condition, you should have all parts, including the engine, serviced regularly. 3. You're Hoping to Sell Your Vehicle Later On Aside from the fact that a well-maintained vehicle is usually in better shape, a great service history can also increase the value of your car. Potential buyers will be pleased to see that you have made an effort to keep your engine in optimal condition, especially if you always go to a high-quality, professional mechanic for your repairs. This could significantly increase the amount you'll be offered for your car when the time comes to sell it and upgrade. Get an Engine Diagnostic in Silver Spring, MD Today Getting a regular diagnostic test for your engine is a good idea because it allows your car to run optimally, increases safety on the road, and keeps the value of your vehicle intact. Get in touch with us today at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring to speak to our highly qualified technicians and book your appointment.

If you enjoy adventures that take you off the beaten track, the rugged 2019 Jeep Wrangler is a vehicle that will get you through pretty much any terrain. The Wrangler is renowned for its legendary off-road capability, and it now offers higher levels of comfort and technology to make any journey a pleasure. Here are some of the features that will ignite your passion for adventure. more Exterior Features The Wrangler's design is unmistakable with its round headlamps that flank the distinctive seven-slot grille, reminiscent of the Willys Jeep of the 1940s. Offered in Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Rubicon, and MOAB trim levels, you can opt for two or four doors, depending on the model, both with a variety of removable roofs available. To make your adventure a truly open-air experience, you can remove the doors and fold the windshield flat. Sport trim has skid plates, tow hooks, and black fenders, while the Sport S gets 17-inch alloy wheels. The Rubicon is designed specifically for off-roading and features unique styling with a steel front bumper, red tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and a vented hood with power dome. Sahara trim only comes with the four-door body, and offers 18-inch wheels and color-keyed fenders. MOAB is also only available with four doors and adds LED lighting, unique black trim and fenders, rock rails, and black wheels with off-road tires. Power and Performance The base engine is a 285 horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 delivering 260 pound-feet of torque via a six-speed manual or the available eight-speed automatic transmission. You can choose a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque exclusively through the eight-speed automatic. With the correct equipment, the Wrangler can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Awesome Off-Road Ability The 2019 Wrangler maintains Jeep's reputation for being able to go anywhere your adventure takes you. The Command-Trac AWD system is standard and features "shift-on-the-fly" to switch seamlessly between two-and four-wheel drive. MOAB models have Selec-Trac, which switches automatically between two- and all-wheel drive as the conditions dictate. On slippery surfaces, the power is sent to the wheels with the most grip. To get you through the roughest terrain, the Rubicon features Roc-Trac which has a 4-to-1 low gear ratio. Heavy-duty axles, locking front and rear differentials, electronic front sway bar disconnect, and higher ground and fender clearance add to the off-road capability which allows the Rubicon to wear the deserved Trail Rated badge. Ready for Bad Weather The Wrangler isn't just a fair-weather vehicle and, when bad weather closes in, you'll be ready. The start button has been weatherproofed for reliability, and all knobs, switches, and buttons are durability tested. If it gets cold outside, heated door mirrors keep your view clear, while the available heated steering wheel and front seats, and dual-zone climate control keep you cozy. At the end of your adventure, you can just remove the carpets and hose out the interior as the one-way drain valves let the water drain away. To see all of these awesome features and more, contact Darcars Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a demonstration of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler.

The Chrysler Pacifica has long been considered a great family vehicle. Named a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, families can trust this vehicle will keep their families safe. Check out a few of the best safety features you'll find on the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. more Parking Features The Pacifica comes with a few safety features that will assist you with safer parking. The ParkSense front and rear park assist feature is standard on all 2019 Pacifica trim levels and uses exterior cameras to identify front and rear obstacles. The rear cross-path detection feature assists with reversing. The same exterior cameras look both ways, alerting you when it is safe or unsafe to pull out of your parking spot or driveway. With the parallel and perpendicular parking assist feature, you no longer have to skip those parallel parking spaces. Effortlessly handle the most difficult of parking conditions with the assistance of the 2019 Pacifica. 360-Degree Surround View Camera The available 360-degree surround view camera feature gives you a complete view of the area directly surrounding you. With four exterior cameras, you can access each one individually to assist with reversing, parking, and turning. Full-speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica assists you not only when you are reversing and parking, but also when you are driving full-speed. If the possibility of a collision is detected, the feature will notify you both audibly and visually. If you do not take action, the feature will step in to apply the automated emergency brakes. This helps you come to a stop much sooner, either preventing the collision entirely or reducing its impact significantly. Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go Many vehicles have been equipped with cruise control for years. The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, however, is equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop and go. This advanced safety feature not only keeps you at your preferred set speed, but also monitors the speed of the vehicle in front of you. If they slow down or speed up, your cruise control feature adjusts so you can keep up with the constant flow of traffic. Blind-spot Monitoring With the blind-spot monitoring feature, you no longer have to worry about your vehicle's blind spots. Change lanes with confidence knowing that the Chrysler Pacifica is always keeping an eye out for you. If you attempt to change lanes and it is unsafe, the feature will display a warning symbol on your exterior mirror. LaneSense Lane Departure Warning With Lane-keep Assist The LaneSense lane departure warning with lane-keep assist feature monitors your driving. If you unintentionally begin to swerve into a different lane, the feature alerts you. If you do not take action, the system activates to gently glide you back into your lane. Keep the family safe on the road with the advanced safety features of this family-friendly vehicle. Come by Darcars CDJR of Silver Spring today to check out the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica.

Many parents would agree that the perfect family vehicle is one that is safe, comfortable, and offers entertainment to backseat children. Here are a few of the top reasons you might consider the 2019 Dodge Journey as your next family vehicle. more Comfortable Interior Comfort is an important interior feature for both the driver and passengers. Backseat children will enjoy the extra boost they get with the second-row integrated booster seat. Both second- and third-row seating can easily be accessed from either side of your Dodge Journey, making load-in and load-out easier than ever before. Claim your position in the driver's seat. The leather-trimmed seat comes with available six-way power adjustment with four-way lumbar support, a heated driver's seat, and a heated steering wheel. A tidy cabin is also a comfortable one. With in-floor storage compartments and fold-flat seats that can easily be dropped down, everything has a place. Reliable Performance Reliability is important when you rely on your family vehicle to get you to where you need to go. Choose from two engines which include a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or an award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The available all-wheel drive system will assist you in difficult weather conditions, adjusting power as needed to keep you safely on the road. The trailer sway control feature keeps you safely in your lane, even when towing at the 2019 Journey's maximum 2,500 pound limit. Bring along the family camper or boat for an adventure you will never forget. Entertaining Technology The technologies of the 2019 Journey will keep you and your passengers entertained on the longest, and shortest, of commutes. The Uconnect 3 driver infotainment system is standard on all trim levels. You can also upgrade to the available Uconnect 4 with NAV for customized music and turn-by-turn navigation. Upgrade to the available premium sound group for a concert-like music listening experience with six Infinity speakers and a 368-watt amplifier. The three-zone automatic climate control will keep you and your backseat passengers at the ideal temperature. Advanced Safety Every parent would agree that safety is the most important feature when choosing a family vehicle. With the many advanced safety features available on the 2019 Dodge Journey, you can rest easy knowing that it will keep you and your backseat passengers safe. Safety begins with the high-strength steel frame with carefully designed crumple zones. Parking is also safer than ever in the Journey with the ParkSense rear park assist and ParkView rear back up camera. The advanced braking system, which includes brake assist, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution, ensure that you are able to come to a complete stop when needed. The Dodge Journey also comes equipped with electronic stability control and electronic roll mitigation features. The comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and reliable performance make the Dodge Journey a great family vehicle. Come by Darcars CJDR of Silver Spring today with the family to check out the 2019 Dodge Journey for yourself.