How Much is My Key Replacement?

New keys are nice for every day use, i.e. less scratching, easier to lock and unlock doors, convenience of remote start, and opening the trunk, but the replacement of these keys has become more expensive and time consuming. Here's the run down:

Unchipped Keys
The keys pictured are the least expensive options, but they can only be purchased for cars that did not originally have a chip embedded in the key. Most keys made after the year 2000 required a chipped key (see below).

The top key is $8.00. The next option is $12.00.

*To get any key at Golling's you must show proof of ownership of the vehicle the key will start. The service or parts adviser will ask you for your title, driver's license and registration before they key is made.


Chipped Keys
The key on the left is the least expensive replacement option for cars with "chipped" keys. A chipped key is a key with a chip in it that connects to the vehicle. This key does not have remote applications like lock and unlock. This key is $60. All chipped keys need to be programmed to work with the individual car they will start, so the car must be on sight for these keys to be made. The charge to have the key programmed is $45. So the total cost for this replacement key is $105. 

To get any key at Golling's you must show proof of ownership of the vehicle the key will start. The service or parts adviser will ask you for your title, driver's license and registration before they key is made. 




*Don't forget this important tip: Your car MUST be with you at the dealership to have the key programmed. The service technicians cannot program a key for your car if the car is not on site, so if you do not have one working key, the car must be towed to the dealership for they key to be made.



The key on the right is the next option. It has remote lock and unlock and trunk open buttons. Its is $160 to purchase and $45 to program ($205). It also comes in a 5 button size, that has more remote options such as remote start and remote convertible top control (for the Chrysler 200 Convertible). All the the keys with remote controls have "Panic" button, which creates a loud noise from you car so that you can find your car in a busy parking lot or so your car can be identified in case of an emergency.

If your vehicle came with this key variation, you have the option of getting the chipped key above if you do not want the remote.

To get any key at Golling's you must show proof of ownership of the vehicle the key will start. The service or parts adviser will ask you for your title, driver's license and registration before they key is made. 

*Don't forget this important tip: Your car MUST be with you at the dealership to have the key programmed. The service technicians cannot program a key for your car if the car is not on site, so if you do not have one working key, the car must be towed to the dealership for they key to be made.Towing charges vary depending on the tow service being used, the car and the location of the car.

The next key option hides the metal part of the key. The base model will have remote unlock, lock and trunk open buttons. The other buttons can be used for other remote features, such as remote start and remote side door open and close features for minivans. This key's "fobik" (the black remote control) is $160. The metal key that fits inside is $28 AND, you guessed it, the programming cost is $45.

If your vehicle came with this key, you have one other option. You can purchase a comparable chipped key without the remote for $36.85. With the programming fee, this options is $81.85.



To get any key made at Golling's you must show proof of ownership of the vehicle. The service or parts adviser will ask you for your title, driver's license and registration before the key is made.




The last variation is called a proximity key.This model allows for the driver to operate the vehicle without using the key, as long as the key is on his/her person. This key's fobik is $160. The metal key is again $28 and the programming (ah, yes) is $45. There are six available buttons for remote features.

If your vehicle came with this variation, there are no other options. If you need a replacement, this is the one you need to buy.

*Don't forget this important tip: Your car MUST be with you at the dealership to have the key programmed. The service technicians cannot program a key for your car if the car is not on site, so if you do not have one working key, the car must be towed to the dealership for the key to be made.

The batteries for the fobiks are $3.00. They usually last 4-5 years.They keep the remote functions operation. If they battery dies, you can temporarily use the key to open the vehicle. Even fobik that appear not to have a metal key, have one inside. There is an unlock latch on the fobik that will release the key if it is needed.

This chart sums up all the key variations, their costs and what is needed for a duplicate key to be made:

Golling's carries all these options daily. Call the Parts Department if you have any questions: 937-276-8060.

*If you purchase a "non-OEM" key and bring it to Golling's to be programmed and cut, we will take every precaution to cut the key correctly, but we cannot guarantee the work. Sometimes the materials used to make the key do not cut well. The cost to cut a key is $13.50. The programming fee is $45.

What do you think about the new keys? Your comments are welcome and appreciated. Just click "no comments" below to share your thoughts.

Engines have more features for fuel economy, peformance and safety

What do all the three letter abbreviations mean? VVT, MDS, HEMI?

What is the difference between a 3.6L and a 5.7L?

Here's your crash course:

What is the Cam? The cam is the device that holds and operates the valves. It makes the valves move.
What does a spark plug do? The spark plug lights the fuel.

What does VVT stand for? Variable Valve Timing - If your engine has this feature your valves will rotate in use, improving the fuel efficiency and wear and tear on the motor. The valves are for intake and exhaust. They let fuel and air in and out.

The pistons compress fuel and air. They are held by the cylinders

MDS: Multi-Displacement System: with larger engines, this technology allows the engine to use less cylinders when all cylinders are not needed. This systems increases the life of engine and allows it to be more efficient.



1.4L, 3.6L, 6.1L
What does the "L" stand for?  The L behind the number designation is for Liters which is the measurement of inches cubed. So it means that this engine has 3.6 Liters of available space, when the pistons, are down for air and fuel (combustion). There are many sizes of motors. Here is a list of current motor sizes for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles:






1.4 Liter Dodge Dart
2.0 Liter Dodge Dart, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot
2.4 Liter Dodge Dart, Dodge Journey, Chrysler 200, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot
3.6 Liter V6 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 200, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Journey, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan
3.6 Liter V6 Ram 1500, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300
4.7 Liter Flex Fuel V8 Ram 1500, Chrysler 300
5.7 Liter V8 (HEMI) Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Ram 1500 - 3500, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300
6.1 Liter V8 (HEMI) is still in some vehicles but is no longer built. It has been replaced with the 6.4L
6.4 Liter V8 (HEMI) SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee, SRT Dodge Challenger, SRT Dodge Charger, and SRT Chrysler 300
6.7 Liter Cummins Diesel - Ram 4500-5500

We will get into Horsepower more but just so you know the basics: horsepower is the amount of weight that can be pulled and how far it can be pulled in a certain amount of time. One horsepower equates to being able to 330 pounds of material 100 feet in 1 minute.

A simple definition of torque is what keeps an engine going. So horsepower is what powers take off and torque is what powers continued motion. Check back for a blog post on Torque also.

If you would like to see a blog about a particular engine-related topic submit a comment by clicking the “no comments” link below.

You can check out all of our engine options on our website : http://www.gollingsarenadodge.net 

Also comment if I missed anything...and enjoy the engine photos!

What is a HEMI, Anyway?

HEMI Nation

HEMI is the short name given to engines built with a Hemispherical Combustion Chamber. The HEMI was invented by Chrysler in 1951. There have been 3 major designs.

All hemis have 8 valves but what makes them different is that each cylinder has two spark plugs. The increased cross air flow improves the efficiency of the engine.

HEMI engines have either 5.7, 6.1 or 6.4 liters (one customized Charger was built with a 7.0L engine). They deliver better gas mileage, increased torque and more horsepower than there non-hemispherical counterparts.

The HEMI isn't exclusive to trucks and sports cars. It is also available in Jeep models, and Chrysler 300s. We have a nice variety on the lot.

To comment on this blog post, click the "no comments" link.

How can I save money buying a new car?

Special programs are savings opportunities that many car buyers don't know about.

Here is a list of Chrysler Special Programs that very well could save you money on your next vehicle purchase:

Honoring those who serve

This special offer is for those who've risked their lives defending us. If you're Active, Active Reserved, Retired Military or Retire Military Reserve you're eligible for up to $500 in bonus cash under our Military Incentive program. The offer applies to 2012 model year vehicle purchases and leases on all new vehicles (excludes SRT models, Viper and FIAT® Abarth).

Stationed Overseas?

You may be eligible for even more savings. Have your dream vehicle waiting for you.
Visit http://www.encs.com/default.aspx for more info.
View Rules

Bringing you more ways to get you where you want to be

Designed to help customers with permanent disabilities enter, exit and/or operate a new vehicle, Chrysler's Automobility Program can help you do the things you love to do in life. Our goal is to assist in lessening the burden of the financial cost of modifying your vehicle.
Chrysler Group will give you a cash reimbursement, of up to $1000, to reduce the cost of installing adaptive driver or passenger equipment on your new vehicle.
For more information visit http://www.chryslerautomobility.com

Learn More

(800) 255-9877
Hotline Hours
8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET Mon - Fri
(855) 409-0475

rebates@chrysler.com
AUTOMOBILITY PROGRAM HEADQUARTERS
P.O. Box 5080
Troy, MI 48007-5080


Conquest Program -This program offers current owners or lessees of Volkswagen vehicles (excluding Volkswagen Routan) a $1000 rebate applied toward the retail purchase or lease* of eligible Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. (For complete details and a list of eligible vehicles call Golling's New Car Sales department at 937-276-5056 or visit our website) The Volkswagen does not have to be traded to be eligible for the conquest program. 

National Association of Realtors Program- This program offers eligible employees, family members and members of the National Association of Realtors a $500 cash allowance to be applied toward the retail purchase or lease of an 2012 Chrysler 200, 300 or Town & Country. Members of the National Association of Realtors are also eligible for On-The-Job 2-year No Charge Lube-Oil-Filter. (For complete details and a list of eligible vehicles call Golling's New Car Sales Department at 937-276-5056 or visit our website)

United Services Automobile Association (USAA) Program - This program offers eligible consumers a cash allowance certificate of $500 or $1000 to be applied toward the retail purchase or lease of an eligible vehicle. The certificate will be delivered to eligible USAA members electronically via USAA's onlye car shopping service. Only one certificate will be allowed per each eligible vehicle. The customer may redeem this certificate at any authorized Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership. Eligible vehicles must be delivered during the program period.  (For complete details and a list of eligible vehicles call Golling's New Car Sales Department at 937-276-5056 or visit our website)

FFA (Formerly Future Farmers of America) Member Program - This program offers eligible FFA members and alumni a $500 cash allowance applied to retail purchase or lease of an eligible vehicle.  FFA members and paying alumni must show proof of membership to be eligible. (For complete details and a list of eligible vehicles call Golling's New Car Sales Department at 937-276-5056 or visit our website)

We also have special programs for certain geographical areas, small business owners, employees, and family members of employees.  Contact Golling's New Car Sales Department at 937-276-5056 or visit our website for more information.

Do you have a suggestion for a special program? Please share your ideas.

How do loans and leases differ?

Is it better to lease or buy? 

When you take out a loan, all of the money used to pay it off applies to your eventual ownership of the vehicle. The initial down payment and principal on the loan cover the total cost of the purchase.

Lease payments, however, apply only to the use of the vehicle. The total sum of payments covers the vehicle's depreciation over the time you drive it and is usually less than the outright price of the vehicle.

When is ownership transferred?

When paid in full, a loan terminates and you assume ownership. Your bank sends you the title that had been held while the loan maintained an outstanding balance.

When a lease period ends you forfeit the vehicle to the lessor, unless the lessor offers to sell the vehicle afterwards. During the entire lease period the lessor maintains ownership and simply allows you to use the car. Ownership is only transferred if you chose to buy the vehicle after the lease terminates.

How are monthly lease rates determined?

In formulating a monthly payment structure, a lessor is primarily concerned with the extent to which the vehicle will depreciate throughout the lease and the cost of borrowing money to finance the car during that period.

Three key elements:

• First, the adjusted capitalized cost is determined. This figure represents the real purchase price after elements such as the down payment, incentive discount and trade-in credit are deducted from the capitalized (actual) cost, while any fees or charges (e.g. destination) are added.

• Second, the residual value, or estimated value of the vehicle at the end of the lease, is determined and then subtracted from the adjusted capitalized cost to yield a depreciation figure. The residual value depends on the length of the agreement, expected mileage and make/model of the vehicle.

• Finally, a lessor assesses the money factor, a number that correlates with the cost of borrowing money during the lease period.

While these terms may seem unfamiliar, the Federal Reserve Board now requires dealers to publicize all leases' down payment amounts, lengths, residual values and interest rates.

What factors determine the purchase price at the end of a lease?

Most leases rely exclusively on the residual value in determining the end of term purchase price. These closed-end deals require you to pay the fixed residual amount regardless of the actual market price.

Open-end leases work differently in that the actual market value helps determine the purchase price. As a customer you are responsible for any difference between the residual and actual value when buying outright.

Tips for Winter Driving

Safey Tips for Winter Driving

This article was contributed by The Trotwood Chamber of Commerce

The potential for bad weather this time of year brings with it an increased threat of vehicle accidents. This is the most dangerous time of the year. Inclement weather is a major factor in many of the serious accidents that occur each year.

It is important to be alert at all times when driving, but it is even more important during this time of the year. The days are shorter reducing the amount of sunlight. There is an increase in the amount of rain. Snow storms can come up suddenly and cold weather can cause icy conditions. The possibility of fog and sun glare also increases, making driving much more difficult and dangerous. We have little control over the weather, but we can adjust the way we drive, be alert and apply good driving sense.

The following is a list of safe driving tips that we can follow. Read through each area carefully and incorporate these into your winter driving behavior:

DRIVE DEFENSIVELY

 Be Alert and focused

 Be prepared for possible hazards like potholes and animals

 Obey all traffic laws

 Error on the side of caution

 Anticipate the action of other drivers and pedestrians

 Always be alert at stop signs and traffic lights

 Stay informed on the weather conditions

 Maintain a wide distance behind the vehicle in front of you

 Avoid distractions

 Never drive if suffering from a lack of sleep

 Keep the windows cracked to allow fresh air to enter the vehicle

 Leave yourself a way out at all times

 Keep your vehicle in good repair at all times

 Do not drive while impaired in any way

 Eliminate distractions as much as possible

USE COMMON SENSE

 Adjust your time schedule for bad weather

 Slow down

 Anticipate increased stopping distance on cold, icy, snow covered and wet roads

 Pump the brakes if a sudden stop is required

 Remember the bridges and shaded areas will maintain ice and frost longer and also freeze quicker

 Use your low headlight beams when driving in snow to reduce the amount of reflected light

 Keep the inside windows clean and free of fog

 Try to avoid skids, however, if you do skid remember to:

 Take your foot off of the accelerator

 Do not apply the brakes

 Keep the wheels turned in the direction of the skid

 Straighten your wheels slowly as you come out of the skid

 Gently slow down

 Inspect your vehicle regularly

 Make sure the tires are in good condition with adequate tread

 Use headlights in inclement weather in the daytime

 Check battery on a periodic basis

 If necessary pull over in severe weather conditions until the weather conditions improve

BE READY FOR ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS

SUB-FREEZING WEATHER

 Wear a complete set of outdoor winter clothing, including good boots and face mask

 Check the vehicle’s heater

 Use freeze resistant wiper blades

 Maintain proper tire pressure

 Get an engine block heater if your vehicle will set outside

 Have a set of good gloves, face mask, hat, ear muffs and wool blanket available

 Have a cellular phone available in case of an emergency

 Have other safety supplies available such as: 

• Warning devices
• Small snow shovel
• Ice scraper
• Flashlight
• Booster cables
• Small bag of sand
• Towing chain or cable
• Traction mats
• First Aid kit
• Jack 
• Lug wrench

RAIN

 Always use your windshield wipers

 Coat your windshield with a rain clearing solution

 Slow down especially on curves and keep an extra space between the vehicle in front of you

 Avoid sudden moves and emergency stops if possible

 Be aware of the possibility of hydroplaning in heavy rain

 Drive slowly through puddles with gentle pressure on brakes to keep brake lines from getting wet

SNOW AND ICE

 Always accelerate slowly and smoothly

 Avoid sudden turns that might cause a skid

 Be alert to black ice that forms on bridges and in shaded areas

 Drive on fresh snow where possible if you suspect ice in the tracks left by vehicles before you

 Pay attention to road warning signs

 Drive slowly

 When braking start early, let off accelerator slowly and apply the brakes gently

 Never brake and try to steer at the same time

 When going down a hill gently apply the brakes to maintain a slower more controlled descent

 When climbing a hill keep plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Do not accelerate on the incline if possible.

SUN GLARE

 Keep the windshield free of dirt and grime

 Use the sun visor

 Have a good pair of sunglasses available to reduce the glare

 Reduce speed

 Try to avoid looking directly into the glare

FOG

 Gradually reduce your speed if you can not see in front of you

 Turn on your low beams

 Turn off the radio and listen carefully. Roll down the windows a crack.

 If necessary use your horn to let drivers know of your presence

 Don’t stop unless absolutely necessary

 Pull over to the side of the road if necessary and turn out lights and turn on flashers

WHAT TO DRIVE

In the past, driving a rear wheel drive vehicle would be a bad idea, but with Electronic Stability Control, rear wheel drive vehicles are much safer. When a tire starts to slide, the other tire moves to stabilize the car. So even the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Challenger and the Dodge Charger can be driven safely in cold and wet weather.

Many Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles are either standard 4-Wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Check out the Durango or the Journey in the Dodge Line-up or the Liberty, Patriot, Compass, or Grand Cherokee in the Jeep Line-up...all solid choices for cold and wet weather travel.

The Ram 1500 was built with Winter in mind. The transmission is equipped with a "Thermal Management System" that allows it to reach efficient operating temperature faster in cold weather than other trucks. Not to mention, Electric Power Steering for superior road handling.

The Dodge Dart is a front wheel drive vehicle and handles well in difficult road conditions. 

13 factors that go into the selling price of a new car

Why can't a dealer give a price for a car without having to visit the dealership?

What goes into pricing a vehicle?

Did you know that in the state of Ohio, there are laws restricting what car dealerships can advertise? There are many discounts you will never know about because NOT everyone is entitled to them. The best way to know for which incentives YOU qualify is to sit with a knowledgeable salesperson or finance manager. It's definitely worth your time. You don't want to pay more than you need to for your next new car.
 
1. MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The manufacturer selects the MSRP for each vehicle. Features and accessories that have been added at the factory will increase the MSRP.

2. The Car might look exactly the same and seem to have identical features as a different car, for a different price, but there are so many models, features, add-ons, and options that make prices very different even in the same model.  The first car I owned did not have cruise control. If I would have compared it to a car that had exactly the same features that did have cruise, the price would have been higher. There are hundreds of features on every car. The combinations are endless and can definitely effect MSRP.

3. Incentives are from the factory. They don't show on the buyer order but reduce the MSRP of a vehicle. Some dealers call incentives “dealer cash.”

4. Rebates/Cash Allowances – Are also from the factory; they reduce the MSRP of  a vehicle, are listed on the buyer's order and are taxable.

5. Your Credit/ your payment/your interest rate – take a look at our financing blog for more info. This won't change the actual price of the car, but over time, as interest is charged for a loan, depending on your interest rate, you are going to “pay” the bank for loaning you the money. This will definitely effect your monthly payment and your interest rate.

6. Active Military or those retired from the military with 20 years of service receive a discount.

7. Employees of Chrysler and those who have access to a “friends & family” discount are eligible for additional savings. 

8. Chrysler Supplier employees enjoy another 1% discount on top of other discounts for which they are eligible.

9. Loyal customers are often eligible for trade-in bonuses.  Right now, certain pre-owned Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models are in demand so we are giving more trade-in value for those models.

10. Target Direct Mailing Lists increase interest in certain markets, if you live in one of these targeted areas, you are eligible for even more savings.

11.Tax varies in each county, but it's the same as any other sales tax, so if you know how much your sales tax is where you live, you can calculate it. It's 7% in Montgomery County, Ohio.


12.Title fees are generally about $50. They include 30 day tags, lien fees and title processing.

13. Fees for most dealerships are about $250. These fees are controlled by the state. They are documentary fees charged for processing paperwork.

When you add it all up, every dealer is going to have a similar system. Take time to find the car you want and the deal that works best for you.
 
A good deal = the price/payment the buyer can comfortably afford + the price the dealer can offer.

Now what do you think about visiting the dealer? We would love to help you find your best deal.