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A car's radiator has a vital role. It's responsible for removing the heat from the engine to protect vital components from damage. Heat is absorbed by the liquid coolant and is transferred to the radiator, where it's cooled. This cooling process starts as soon as your engine temperature goes over 180F. Although the radiator is designed for a hot, pressurized environment, it can get damaged. In Sallisaw, OK, your Chrysler dealer can help when you need a radiator repair. Damaged Radiator Cap The radiator cap is on the top of the radiator. It has two functions to control the pressure in the cooling system and to prevent coolant from escaping. The cap maintains a high pressure in the system to allow the coolant to move faster. If the pressure in the system rises too high, the cap will open and release the excess pressure. When the pressure has returned to normal, the cap will close again. Wear and tear can damage the seals around the base of the cap. It's also possible for the cap to jam and either prevent pressure from escaping or allow the pressure to escape. If the seals fail, coolant can leak out from the cap. You can check for a possible leak by examining the cap. If there are white streaks, this shows a previous coolant leak. Our technicians can test the cap, and we'll replace it with a new one if it's damaged. Rising Engine Temperature The temperature gauge on your dash should hover around 195 - 200F. This temperature might sound high, but it's a normal safe operating temperature. The needle sits around the mid-point of the gauge. The temperature can read higher than this, especially if you're driving on a hot day. A temperature gauge that climbs higher or that approaches the redline means something is wrong. When your car's temperature rises above 180F coolant is released into your engine. This liquid absorbs engine heat and transports it to the radiator for cooling. This process will continue until the temperature in the engine drops below 180F. A coolant leak, blocked radiator fins, or sludge in the radiator can prevent the cooling system from working properly. If you see your engine temperature rising, call our service department immediately. Our technicians will find the source of the problem. more Blocked Radiator When hot coolant is pumped into the radiator, it flows into a series of thin tubes. The tubes help with the cooling process, as they provide a greater surface for the air to blow over. These thin tubes can be easily damaged by any debris that blows in through the grille. Damage to the tubes can block them, and prevent the coolant from being cooled. This will cause the engine temperature to rise. We can't repair the damaged tubes, but we can replace your radiator. To protect your car from overheating, call our service department ASAP at Blue Ribbon CDJR.

When it comes to your car, you want to make sure that you're doing everything you can to keep it in top condition. One way to do that is by getting new tires. Here are six benefits of getting tires at your Chrysler dealer. 1. Better Fuel Economy After buying tires, you'll use less gas, and your vehicle will drive better. Tires with worn or uneven tread require the engine to work harder, which requires more fuel. With better fuel economy, you'll save money in the long run and won't hurt the environment by using more gas than you need. 2. Driving Is Safer Tires are an essential part of your car's overall safety, so it's important to ensure that they're always in good condition. During extreme temperature changes like extreme heat and cold, tires can crack or become warped. Having proper replacement tires ensures that your car can ride smoothly in any condition, keeping you and your passengers safe. The benefits of buying tires are that you'll have better traction and control of your vehicle, lowering you lower your risk of a flat tire, blowout, or accident. Replacement tires also ensure better handling in challenging road conditions like snow and rain. When the tread on your tires is too thin, that's when you're at the most risk of sliding on wet roads or even damaging your wheel rims. more 3. Newer Tires Are Better for Your Car When it comes to regular maintenance, one of the most important things is to replace tires when necessary. Not only does this keep your car moving safely, but tires in great condition are also less of a burden on your car. Worn tires can create problems for your engine, and other parts will work harder. Stable tires help keep other car components in good condition. Your car's suspension system and brakes will last longer and perform better. If you're looking for a way to improve your car's overall longevity, getting replacement tires is an excellent place to start. 4.  Tire Lifespan With regular tire rotations, not only will your car handle better, but your tires will last longer. Most experts recommend rotating your tires every six months or sooner if you drive a lot. If you stick to the maintenance schedule and keep the proper inflation, you'll extend the life of your tires, and you'll save on gas. If the tread has worn down on your current tires, you can be sure it's time to replace them. If your tires are losing pressure frequently, that's another sign that it's also time to shop for tires. 5. Lots of Variety Our dealership has a great selection of tires for your car. We have a wide variety and will help you find the right ones for your vehicle. You'll find many different styles and manufacturers, which means you can choose the best ones for your car. As you can see, tires make a big difference in the performance of your car. If you're looking to buy excellent quality tires that will last, visit us at Blue Ribbon CDJR today! We have all types available, so we're sure to find what you need.

The alternator is a vital part of your car's charging system. It's attached to the alternator pulley, and this pulley spins as the serpentine belt runs at high speed through several systems in your engine. As the pulley spins, your alternator generates electricity to power your car's electrical system and recharges your battery. An alternator has a lifespan of approximately 8 years, and when you need an alternator repair your Chrysler dealer can fix it for you Blown Fuse Sometimes the alternator can appear to have failed, but it's actually in good condition but has stopped working. The electrical systems in your car depend on fuses to operate, and the alternator is no exception. If the alternator fuse blows, the alternator will stop working and your battery will start to run down immediately. Our technicians can quickly replace the bad fuse, and if there is no other problem with your alternator, you'll be on the road again in minutes. Belt Issue The crankshaft turns as your car moves, and the alternator or serpentine belt links the crankshaft to many different pulleys. Each pulley connects to a different part that requires power, including the alternator, the AC compressor, and the power steering pump. The turning of the crankshaft causes the serpentine belt to move at a high speed and spin each of the pulleys. The serpentine belt is very tough and made from reinforced rubber but over time it can start to wear. If the belt snaps, it will cut off power to all the components connected to it and they will all stop working. more Stalling Problem The alternator supplies all the electrical power in your car while it's moving, and this includes supplying electricity to the spark plugs so they can fire. A weakening alternator will produce less power than your car's system demands. Your car's computer has a safety program to allow for power allocation to critical systems if your car has less power than it requires. This safety feature ensures that while your CD player, for example, may not work your spark plugs will. If your alternator is in really bad condition, it may be unable to supply enough power to your spark plugs. Without power, the spark plugs won't work and your car will just stop and won't be able to move. Hot Metal Smell A hot metal smell coming from your engine can be a sign that your alternator is failing. When an alternator gets older, it can't supply enough electricity for your electrical systems, and it will strain to produce more power to satisfy the demand. As the alternator tries and fails to produce more power, it will heat up and give off a burning metal smell. This is a sure sign that your alternator needs to be replaced. A failing alternator will always show signs that something is wrong. If you experience any problem with your alternator, call us right away at Blue Ribbon CDJR.

Have you ever tried to start your car only to be met by stony silence? You may need to replace your battery. You need a new car battery at least every three years, but sometimes you'll need one sooner. The signs below will show up when it's time to replace your battery, so stop by your Sallisaw, OK dealer when you spot them. 1. Your Battery Is Old You should replace your battery shortly after it reaches three years old. This will help issues from occurring with it. Make a note of the date you get your battery; it's a good idea to set a reminder on your phone that'll alert you two years and 11 months after the date you get your new battery. The reminder should tell you to replace your battery within a month. 2. Your Headlights Get Dimmer Several things can make your headlights grow dimmer, but your battery is one of them. Your battery might not have enough power left in it to keep your headlights switched on at full capacity. Dimming headlights can also be a sign of a faulty alternator or aging lightbulbs, so make sure your technician checks for these things, too. 3. Your Heater Motor Slows Your heater/blower motor is the component that circulates warm and cold air through your vehicle. If this part starts whirring or whining, then it's a sign there's a problem with it. However, if it slows down for no apparent reason, then it could be a battery issue instead. Other electrical components in your vehicle may slow down at the same time, so watch out for this. more 4. Your Car Needs Frequent Jumpstarts You should only need a jumpstart occasionally, such as when you leave your lights on all night by accident. You shouldn't need these little boosts every day. That's a sign your battery is on its last legs and is getting ready to stop working entirely, so it's time to replace it before that happens. 5. Your Engine Takes A While Turning Over It's natural to know how quickly your car usually starts, and that's why it's so noticeable when it takes as little as a few extra seconds to switch on. You should check your battery when your engine starts taking longer to turn over. 6. Your Car Won't Start If your car won't start, then you need to determine whether the problem is with your battery or your alternator. Jumpstart the car, and if it switches off again, then your alternator is faulty. If it stays on, then your battery is the problem. If jumpstarting your car does nothing at all, then it could be your alternator, your battery, or something else. Get your vehicle checked out, and replace your battery if needed. Come to Blue Ribbon Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram if you've noticed any of the signs described above. Replacing your battery is a simple process, so we'll do it for you in good time.

Your Chrysler will provide you with a smooth, reliable ride for many years to come if you keep up on regular maintenance. Part of that maintenance includes ensuring you have a clean car air filter. The air filter has the important job of filtering out dangerous particles before they reach the engine. Knowing the signs that it's time to change your air filter means you can head to your local Chrysler dealer to get it replaced before there's further damage. It Looks Dirty Your air filter should be relatively easy to access once you open the hood so make a point to check it once every month or two. New air filters are light in color and get darker over time. Once it's quite dark, or if you can see caked-on grime it's too clogged to do its job effectively so it's time to get a new one. Your Exhaust Smoke Is Dark If you start noticing dark smoke or strange sounds coming from your exhaust pipe it typically means your air filter isn't working properly and should be changed. When the proper amount of air isn't able to pass through the air filter it can mean that your fuel isn't able to burn as well as it should. Your Exhaust Smoke Is Smelly Smelling gas when you start your engine can also mean that fuel isn't burning the way it should be. Fuel that isn't being utilized within the vehicle efficiently will often be pushed out through the exhaust. Getting a new air filter should solve the issue. more There's a Lack of Power When Driving When your air filter is clogged it can cause your vehicle to become less efficient. So, if you notice your vehicle doesn't seem to have as much power as it once did your air filter is the first thing you should check. Your Engine Light Has Come On When the check engine light comes on it can mean a variety of things. Often it means that your air filter is clogged and there's a buildup of carbon that is starting to affect the engine. Luckily, changing your air filter as soon as possible is a simple, inexpensive fix that can save your engine from incurring more damage. The Mechanic at Your Chrysler Dealer Tells You It's Time As part of regular maintenance, your mechanic should be inspecting your air filter and all the other parts under your hood to make sure they are clean and in good condition. Certain types of air filters can be cleaned, but often replacement is the best option. Your mechanic should be able to tell if your air filter needs changing by inspecting it or testing it using a special tool. The Blue Ribbon Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram service department offers the latest specialized technology and precise analysis from our fully trained auto technicians. We want to help you keep your vehicle running as smoothly as possible for a very long time. Contact us at Blue Ribbon Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Sallisaw, OK today to find out more about our vehicles or to schedule maintenance for your car. image via jeep.com

Do you own a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM vehicle? Is your car AC not working as well as it should be? You are not alone. There are many reasons why your car's AC may stop blowing cold air during the summer months. Here are six signs that indicate you should bring your vehicle to your Chrysler dealer in Sallisaw, OK to have the car AC checked immediately: 1) You Are Only Able To Cool the Car Down When It Is in Motion If you notice that the car has to be in motion for the AC to work, this is a sign your vehicle may need a recharge. 2) Odd Noises Are Coming From the AC Compressor If you notice odd sounds coming from the vehicle's AC compressor, such as grinding or squealing noises, this is a sign that your car needs to be checked out by your dealer in Sallisaw for further analysis. Even though these sounds may not be heard when the vehicle is in motion, this does not mean there is no damage to the car's AC compressor. 3) You Notice Green Slime or Foam On or Around Your Car's AC Compressor If you notice green slime coming from your vehicle's air conditioning system when it should be clean, this could be a sign that mold and bacteria are growing around the AC compressor. This is not something that can be easily taken care of. Your car will need to be checked by a professional for any damage to the AC compressor and other related parts before you notice further issues with your vehicle's cooling system. more 4) The Air Filtration System Is Not Working If you notice an increase in allergies since the last time you turned on your AC, this could be a sign that mold and other particles are accumulating in the air filtration system. If this is the case, bring your car to your dealer in Sallisaw so it can be checked for damage. 5) You Notice Discoloration or Corrosion Around Your Car's AC Condenser If you notice discoloration or pitting on the car's AC condenser, this is a sign that corrosion has started to build up in the part. If not cleaned and checked for damage immediately, your car will likely have problems with its cooling system until it is adequately taken care of. 6) You Hear a Whistling Sound When You Turn On the Car's AC If your car makes a whistling sound when you turn on the AC, this is a sign that there is an issue with the thermal expansion valve. If not correctly checked, this part could become corroded or damaged and cause more problems with your cooling system in the future. We at Blue Ribbon Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram want to make sure that your car is functioning correctly. The last thing you need on a hot day is an AC unit not working properly! That's why our team of experts will diagnose the problem and fix it so that you can be back in air conditioning bliss before long. Call Blue Ribbon Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram today for more information, or come into one of our showrooms any time.   image via jeep.com