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Dodge cars deliver high horsepower, precision handling, smooth shifting, and powerful braking. As with any automobile, optimizing these performance factors takes diligent routine maintenance. When you schedule Dodge performance maintenance with our experienced technicians, we'll ensure your Dodge stays in wonderful shape for its maximum possible lifespan. Here are some of the most important upkeep services your muscle car requires. more Dodge Performance Maintenance: Keeping Your Muscle Car Running Strong Frequent Oil Changes Without routine oil changes, your engine will rapidly experience trouble. Motor oil keeps the engine's many moving parts well lubricated and also cleans debris away into the filter. It's advisable to have your oil changed twice a year, if not more frequently. Many drivers check their oil every month to ensure it's still usable. Fluid Checks and Flushes Every fluid in your car serves an essential function, and no fluid should be allowed to deteriorate, lessen in volume, or leak. It's wise to regularly check the condition of your coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, differential fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Have each fluid flushed in accordance with the recommended intervals in your owner's manual. Regular Brake Inspections Every six months, have your brakes thoroughly inspected by a trusted technician. This involves examining the fluid and fluid lines, brake pads, rotors, and calipers, removing the wheels, and disassembling the brakes to carefully inspect each part for signs of wear and tear. Tire Rotations and Alignments Your tires are also key to performance, providing precise control of your speed. Tires need to be rotated at least once a year, a procedure that counteracts uneven tire wear. At the same time, have your wheel alignment checked; misaligned wheels should be quickly set straight to avoid a negative impact on handling. Air Filter Replacements The air filter can hinder engine performance if allowed to clog up. Make sure to replace your engine air filter and also your cabin air filter, at least once per year. Battery Tests and Changes Many elements of your Dodge depend on reliable electricity from the battery, not least the engine's spark plugs and starter. Car batteries tend to last from three to five years. Have yours checked and tested once a year, and replaced as soon as it starts to falter. Belt and Hose Inspections The many belts and hoses throughout your car include the serpentine belt, timing belt, radiator hoses, fuel hoses, heater hoses, and more. Make sure to have each belt and hose examined at least once a year for cracks or fraying. Visit Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Anderson, IN, today to have your Dodge serviced by qualified professionals. Our local family-run dealership has been providing top-notch cars and maintenance services to the region's drivers for decades.

To preserve the powerful performance of your RAM, it's vital to change the oil when needed. However, the recommended RAM oil change schedule can vary depending on several factors, such as whether you have a diesel or gasoline engine. Your local dealership will be able to carry out any oil changes as well as provide a personalized schedule for your RAM. more RAM Oil Change Schedule: Diesel vs. Gasoline Engines Gasoline Engines How often you change your oil in a gasoline engine depends largely on your driving habits. For regular use, an oil change will only be required after 7500–10,000 miles, or 12 months if sooner. However, if you tow regularly, spend a lot of time with your engine idling, frequently traverse mountainous terrain, or if the climate conditions are particularly hot or cold, oil changes may be required from 3000 to 7500 miles, or every six months if sooner. The more frequently your RAM is exposed to challenging conditions, the more often you will need an oil change. Vehicles that are in particularly hot or cold climates or that tow regularly are likely to be closer to the lower end of the scale. Diesel Engines Engines that use diesel can typically last longer between oil changes than their gasoline counterparts. Under regular driving conditions, you might be able to drive up to 15,000 miles or 12 months before the oil needs to be changed. However, similar to gasoline engines, if you idle regularly, drive in extreme temperatures, or tow regularly you might need to change the oil more frequently. This could mean that oil changes are required every 5000 to 7000 miles, or every six months if sooner. Key Differences Between Gasoline and Diesel Engines Although oil performs a similar role in both gasoline and diesel engines, there are some key differences in how the engines operate. Diesel engines typically operate with lower RPMs but higher pressure, which in turn produces more soot. This contaminates the oil, which is why diesel oil usually contains more detergents to keep the oil clean. In contrast, gasoline engines typically run at higher temperatures and higher RPMs. This raises the temperature of the oil, causing it to degrade more quickly. Although engine oil needs to be changed more frequently in a gasoline engine, the filters don't normally need to be changed as often as in a diesel engine. RAM Oil Change Indicator Many RAM trucks have an oil change indicator which tracks the quality of the oil. When oil levels are low or dirty, a service light will flash up to warn the driver. Although this system is useful, it shouldn't be relied upon entirely. Oil should always be checked manually at periodic intervals and taken for regular maintenance services. If you have any questions about changing the oil in your gasoline or diesel engine, we can help. Get in touch with our friendly team here at Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Anderson, IN, today for advice you can trust.

Rugged yet luxurious and with a unique, compact design, the 2024 Jeep Compass is a crossover SUV that delivers reliable performance and impressive versatility. more Off-Road Capabilities Ready for off-road trails, this edition comes with standard four-wheel drive, allowing the vehicle to easily tackle harsh terrains without breaking a sweat. Also standard, the Selec-Terrain Management system lets you switch between multiple driving modes at a moment's notice with the push of a button. For even more ruggedness, you can opt for the Trailhawk trim, which comes equipped with extra skid plates, a specialized suspension for off-roading, and other features that enhance versatility even more. Comforts and Luxuries Inside the Compass's cabin, standard features include a split-folding 60/40 rear seat, a rear window defroster, and power front windows, while highlights like dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a heated steering wheel are all available. Depending on the trim level, you can also opt for either premium cloth, vinyl, or leather seating fabrics. Designed for Adventure This SUV's stylish design is complemented by standard automatic headlamps, heated side mirrors, and tinted glass, while LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, and a windshield wiper de-icer are available for times when the weather's rough. When the sun's out, the optional dual-pane panoramic sunroof provides immersive views for passengers in both rows, and the hands-free liftgate, also optional, allows you to access the cargo area with a simple motion of the foot. Next-Level Technology Staying connected to the outside world while in the cabin is made easy with Uconnect 5, a standard all-in-one infotainment system that comes with both Apple and Android wireless compatibility. For smartphones and laptops, there are also multiple charging features that come standard, including USB ports and 12-volt outlets. The available Alpine audio system is also impressive with its nine speakers, and opting for Jeep Connected services allows you to remotely find and start the vehicle using the Jeep App. Adaptive Safety Systems This SUV is also well-equipped with a suite of standard driver-assist features that includes adaptive systems like Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Drowsy Driver Detection, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path Detection, and Active Lane Management, as well as Hill Start Assist and the ParkView Rear Back Up Camera. Come experience new adventures in this stylish compact SUV today and schedule your test drive by contacting us at Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Anderson, IN.

It's sometimes easy to forget the importance of the battery in our cars until they stop working. Without a fully functioning battery, your vehicle's electrical accessories will rapidly fail along with the engine's starter and even the spark plugs and the engine itself. With all this in mind, here are some of the most common early indications that a new car battery is required. You can quickly pick one up at your local RAM dealership. more Your Starter Clicks But Won't Start When settling behind the wheel one day, if you turn the key or press the starter button but all you hear is a quiet clicking, then your battery may be dead. If a worn-out battery can't deliver a powerful enough surge of voltage, the starter can't start and the spark plugs can't fire. Unless you can easily jump-start your car, this might leave you stranded somewhere inconvenient. Fortunately, when a battery is dying, you should notice it getting harder and harder to start your car long before the starter fails altogether. This gives you time to rectify the problem. Your Headlights Lose Brightness One dangerous result of a failing battery is headlights starting to flicker and fade. This may leave you without proper visibility after dark. Your Electrical Accessories Falter Without a strong battery, all the other electrical accessories in your car will also stop working properly. This would include your stereo, cabin lights, air-con, heated seats, dashboard displays, phone charger, and more. Your Battery Looks Corroded Over time, the terminals at the top of a car battery can sometimes begin to corrode. This corrosion is often white or green in color and can prevent the battery from conducting electricity. Your Battery Looks Misshapen Car batteries should have perfectly flat and straight sides. If your battery's casing ever develops a bulge or becomes in any way warped out of shape, you'll need to have it replaced. Your Battery Emits a Bad Smell If a battery becomes so misshapen or damaged that it cracks open, you may smell the battery acid leaking out. This highly corrosive substance smells strongly of sulfur or rotten eggs. Your Technician Suggests a New Battery While periodically inspecting and testing your vehicle's electrical system, the technicians at your local dealership are likely to notice any signs of a failing or aging battery. They can then let you know how much longer your battery is likely to last or replace it at once if needed. Have your battery tested and replaced today by qualified technicians at Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We're a local family-owned and run dealership dedicated to providing the region's best vehicles and customer service.

Getting an oil change whenever you need it is essential. It's one of the most important parts of your routine maintenance, and it's a service your Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, or Dodge dealer will be more than happy to perform for you as frequently as necessary. more How Often Does Your Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/RAM Need an Oil Change? Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM vehicles generally need oil replacements at least every 5,000 miles, though this can vary depending on the type of oil used in your vehicle. Specific models often use different oil, so you should check your manual and see what it says about how often you need an oil replacement for your model. How frequently you drive impacts how often you need to get your oil replaced, too. The average American drives between 10,000 and 15,000 miles per year, so you'll most likely need at least two oil and oil filter changes annually. Your dealer can help you create a service schedule to stay on top of oil replacements. There are also signs that can show up letting you know you need an oil replacement ASAP between scheduled service appointments. When to Head to the Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, and Dodge Dealer to Get Your Oil Replaced The Oil Quality Changes Fresh motor oil is a nice translucent amber shade. When it starts to get a little darker, then it's probably time for a top-up. If all of the oil is too dark to see through, then you need to get it changed. You'll also need a change if the oil texture is no longer smooth. For example, old, dirty motor oil often feels gritty between your fingers. The Engine Gets Noisier Because motor oil lubricates the parts of the engine, the engine can get louder when you have old, low-quality oil cycling through it. It might also make a knocking noise that tells you it's time to get that oil replaced as soon as you can. The Cabin Smells Like Motor Oil If you catch a subtle whiff of your oil in the cabin, then you need to head to the dealer as soon as possible. You might just need a top-off or an oil replacement, but there could also be a problem somewhere under the hood. The Gas Mileage Is Poor Take note of how quickly the fuel tank empties, because if you're stopping for gas more than usual, then it's time to visit the dealer. You might need an oil replacement, but lower gas mileage can be a sign of other issues, too. Visit Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM next time you need to get new oil for your vehicle. Our team is eager to help you out with all kinds of routine maintenance, including getting your oil replaced.

Your car Ac not working is the last thing you need on a hot day. The AC system consists of numerous components which require regular servicing to keep them in good condition. If you have an AC problem, your Chrysler dealer is here to help you. These are a few signs that you need to visit us for an AC repair. more Bad Smell From the AC An earthy, musty smell from your AC is a sign that mold or bacteria have infested the system. Bacteria and mold spores are drawn into the AC through the air intake vent. They will wait in the system until your AC isn't being used over late fall and winter. During your AC's downtime, the ducts experience little air movement, allowing bacteria and mold to grow in this dark, slightly moist space. These organisms produce a foul smell, and both can cause allergic reactions. Fortunately, removing bacteria and mold is a quick and easy process. We'll pump a powerful antibacterial and anti-mold solution into the AC system, then switch on the AC and allow the solution to circulate. Your AC will be bacteria and mold-free in no time. Electrical Problems Your AC components all require electricity. Supplying this electricity involves countless wires, switches, relays, and fuses. Electrical systems suffer wear and tear over time. The constant passage of electrical current will eventually weaken electrical wiring, and this can cause breakages. Relays and switches can fail for mechanical reasons, and fuses can blow due to electrical shorts. Depending on the affected parts of the system, your AC might deliver cool air, warm air, or no air at all. A blown compressor fuse will shut the AC system down completely. Damaged fan wiring will prevent the fan from working, and cold air won't blow into your cabin. Our technicians will examine the electrical system, identify any issues, and fix them for you. Water Leak If you spot damp patches on the floor of the front passenger compartment, you could have an AC problem. During the cooling process, the water in the warmer outside air is removed. Once this is complete, the dry air is chilled and pumped into your cabin. The water that is removed collects in the evaporator heater box just below the evaporator coil. Bacteria can also lurk around the evaporator coil. Given time, the bacteria will expand and block the drain line. The drain line drains water from the heater box and allows it to drop onto the ground. When the drain line is blocked, the heater box will fill with water and excess water will drip onto the passenger side carpet. We'll fix this problem by cleaning the bacteria blockage and replacing the drain hose. An AC problem doesn't have to ruin your day. Call the experts at Ed Martin CDJR.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

If your gearbox is making strange noises and no longer shifting smoothly, you may be in need of transmission repair. As with any car trouble, it's best to catch and fix transmission problems as early as possible in order to avoid a more costly repair job down the road. The following early warning signs of a failing gearbox should prompt you to visit your local Chrysler dealership for repairs as soon as you can. more Grinding Sounds When bad transmission fluid stops lubricating the gears properly, you'll start to hear them grinding whenever you shift. If you ever hear grinding gears, check your fluid right away and have it refreshed before the problem worsens. Humming Sounds Modern transmissions may also start to emit humming or whining sounds when a problem arises. Humming might point to a low fluid, a clogged transmission line, a faulty torque converter, worn-out gears, or another problem inside the planetary gear system. A technician can help you diagnose it. Leaking Transmission Fluid It's possible for transmissions to spring a leak at one of the driveshaft seals, an axel seal, the pan gasket, or the torque pump. Excessive heat, debris from the road, or improper sealing might cause damage to these parts. If a leak occurs, you're likely to see a reddish liquid dripping under your car. It's best to have it repaired before driving more, as leaking transmission fluid can rapidly result in serious gearbox malfunctions. Dirty Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid naturally degrades over time. As the fluid degrades, it thickens and becomes contaminated with bits of debris. It also starts to burn and loses its ability to lubricate the gears. You can use the dipstick to check the condition of your transmission fluid at any time. If it ever looks dirty, or you notice a burning smell of the fluid burning, have it flushed and refreshed right away. Flush Transmission Fluid Frequently at Your Chrysler Dealer Transmission fluid should usually be flushed out and replaced every 30,000 miles, or every two years, whichever comes first. If you regularly drive in more strenuous conditions for your gearbox, such as heavy traffic or frequent short trips, you may need to flush it more often. Delayed Gear Shifting More serious gearbox issues may cause problems when shifting gears. You're likely to first notice a delay of a second or two while your malfunctioning gears try to find the new setting. Whenever gears stop shifting promptly and smoothly, take it to a technician before the problem worsens. Engine Revving While Shifting When a faulty gear set struggles to shift, your engine might also start revving unexpectedly. This sudden revving often means rounded-out gears have slipped, and the engine is trying to transmit power to the wheels that it's lost connection with. This is another potentially severe transmission problem that should be repaired without delay. Have your transmission examined and repaired by qualified professionals at Ed Martin Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. For decades, we've been serving the drivers of Indiana with great cars, great deals, and great customer service.

An engine is a very complex piece of engineering that requires regular servicing to operate efficiently. Time and damage can result in engine problems and even permanent damage. Your Jeep dealer can speedily repair any problems with your engine. These are a few signs your engine may need a repair. more Slow Starting When you hit the start button, you're used to your Jeep responding almost instantly. If you hit the button and hear your engine is struggling to start, there's a problem. A lack of electrical power usually causes slow starting. Your Jeep's battery sends an electrical charge to the solenoid in the starter motor. The solenoid powers the starter motor, which cranks your engine to life. An old or weak battery may not produce a large enough charge to power the solenoid, and you'll hear the engine laboring as it tries to crank. Starting problems could also be due to a worn alternator that isn't recharging the battery. Damaged or loose electrical connections can also prevent enough power from reaching the battery or the solenoid. We'll investigate the problem and fix it. Oil Leaks Oil is essential for your engine, as it lubricates and protects all the engine components. Many engine parts depend on friction to work effectively, and friction causes damage. The oil coats these components and prevents damage. Engine oil also contains vital additives that reduce rust and prevent blockages in the engine. An oil leak is usually easy to spot as its amber, although it darkens over time. Engine oil can also leak into your exhaust system, and you'll see blue smoke from the tailpipe. A lack of oil will cause engine damage as components grind against each other and can lock together. Our technicians can swiftly trace an oil leak and seal it. Damaged Sensors Your Jeep has numerous sensors inside the engine, and each connects to a vital component. These sensors relay information to your computer continually to enable it to make decisions. They also monitor the health and efficiency of the component they're connected to. Sensors can fail, and their failure can lead to serious trouble. Damaged sensors will send false information to your computer, and this can cause engine damage. A failing oxygen sensor, for example, could over or under-report the oxygen level in the exhaust smoke. Your computer adjusts the air content in the engine based on this sensor, and incorrect information can result in a fuel-lean or fuel-rich engine. We'll test the sensors and replace any damaged ones. Any problem in the engine gets worse if it's not fixed. Call our service department today at Ed Martin CDJR.