Giving Back

Several days before Hurricane Sandy arrived on our East Coast, knowledgeable, well-equipped weather experts warned everyone that it could be one of the worst storms we've experienced, but even with a week's notice, there was devastation that could not be avoided, including destruction of roadways, subway systems, offices, homes, hospitals, schools, and churches. The storm was going to do it's damage, so who is ready to clean up after this kind of wreckage? Who has the energy, manpower, and know how to take it on? 

The American Red Cross (+AmericanRedCross) has been ready for natural disasters, the effects of war, terror and many other damage causing occurrences, for over 100 years. 

"Clara Barton and a circle of her acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881. Barton first heard of the Swiss-inspired global Red Cross network while visiting Europe following the Civil War. Returning home, she campaigned for an American Red Cross and for ratification of the Geneva Convention protecting the war-injured, which the United States ratified in 1882.

Barton led the Red Cross for 23 years, during which time we conducted our first domestic and overseas disaster relief efforts, aided the United States military during the Spanish-American War, and campaigned successfully for the inclusion of peacetime relief work as part of the global Red Cross network–the so-called “American Amendment” that initially met with some resistance in Europe." (Excerpt from the American Red Cross Website)

So when the effects of Sandy were setting in for hundreds of thousands of families on the east coast, Dan Kirk (our General Manager) did not stutter when he said, "Let's donate to the American Red Cross."

We received a letter this week explaining where our contribution was put to use: 

"Across the Eastern Seaboard, the Red Cross Mobilized to meet the challenge of Sandy as the threat from the storm grew. Shelters hosted people seeking safety as power failed and communities flooded. Meals gave residents nourishment and comfort, while Red Cross workers alleviated fears. We coordinated with our partners to ensure relief was at hand as Sandy made landfall, and we remained on the scene as the storm passed and the extent of damage was revealed."

We want to thank The Red Cross and all of their employees and volunteers for helping so many people during these very difficult times. They not only provide the tangible things needed but they also lend the emotional support that makes all the difference.

When your tires tire...

When you buy a brand new car, you get brand new tires on that car. They have a tread of usually between 10/32 and 15/32 of an inch. Within a couple years (depending how much you drive the car), those tires will need to be replaced. You can use a tread depth gauge to get the exact depth of your tires tread. Tread can be different on each tire so it's a good idea to get the depth of each tire.

Tire depth gauges are smaller than a pen. You can purchase them at any car parts store, or you can stop in to our for a free assessment of your tires.

We keep many tires in stock: Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear,  Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Nexen, Uniroyal, and Yokahama. When you purchase similar tires to the ones that came on your vehicle, road hazard protection is included. This means that if you hit something on the road that damages your tire, we will fix or replace the tire for free.

Replacement tires can cost anywhere from $79.95/tire to $339.95/tire depending on your vehicle. Because tires can be a costly replacement for your vehicle, we always give you an A, B and C option for their budget and driving needs.

• The C option is a good tire, it will definitely be a good fit for your vehicle, but might not last as long as the better or best options. 
• The B option is the better option; it will have a longer warranty and will last longer than the C option. 
• The A option is the "best" tire recommendation for your vehicle, it is likely the most costly option, but will have a longer warranty and mileage expectancy.

Most new tires on the road are either "all-weather" or "winter" tires. Winter tires are not meant to be used all-year-round, but are better for winter driving because the rubber formula is compounded differently and is more flexible in colder weather. If you do some heavy winter driving, you might want to get winter tires, otherwise, for everyday driving, "all-weather" tires will work just  fine.

Tires should be replaces at 3/32 of an inch tread left. If your tire tread is less than  the 3/32, you should not be driving on it. Tires cannot do their job with less than 3/32 tread.

Rotating Tires regularly (every other oil change) will increase the life of your tires by 30 %.

Is it a myth that the condition of your tires will effect your gas mileage? No - under inflated tires can have a negative impact on your gas mileage, so keep them filled to the appropriate weight depending on your tire. Your car's manual should have a chart for your tire pressure.

You can get tire options and pricing for your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram vehicle(s) on our website.

Demonstrators - A Win - Win

What is a Demonstrator?

Demonstrators are brand new model year vehicles that managers drive. Why would they want to do that? What are the benefits to the dealership?

• If a manager drives a car they know more about the car. Managers can do their job better if they know what they are selling. 
• Demo cars can be driven until they have 5,000 miles on them, so a manager gets to drive many vehicles rather than being committed to one over period of time. They can get to know more than one make/model so they can become more knowledgeable about each one and appreciate their differences.
• Driving their own makes/models wherever they go in the community can increase exposure to the dealership. It's a great way to show interest in their product and talk to others about their features and benefits.
• When I run work-related errands during a work day, I often drive one of our cars from the lot. It makes for great conversation and it give me a personal experience in that particular vehicle. The last car I drove was the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I love the four-door convenience. The drive was really smooth. One thing I learned was that the electronic window opener is on the dash of the car rather than on the door...different than any other car I've driven.

• Technology changes so fast, driving demos allows a manager to be exposed to all the latest bells and whistles.
• Many times, the dealership gets positive word-of-mouth when they sell a demonstrator vehicle; buyers like to talk about their experience and the great price.

How do they benefit the buyer?

• The first 5,000 miles put on a new car are often called "wearing in" miles. Once a car reaches 5,000 miles it will be much more comfortable to drive. 
• If there were any problems out of the factory, they would have been found by the manager and the maintenance crew is near by to perform regular maintenance in a timely fashion. 
• Experienced buyers buy demos because they know they get a sweet deal and still get the new car experience. Demos here now are priced $7000 under MSRP. 
• Demos are usually mid-range or high-end models, so the buyer gets more extras for less investment. 
• The original factory warranty is still valid. Out the door, demo buyers get a great deal and piece of mind.

 We rotate through demonstrators pretty regularly. We have several on the lot now. The end of the year is the best time to pick up a car and save.

Go Gollings! Where it's about the deal!