Hints and Tips

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW CAN HURT YOU.
Your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® vehicle is a complex machine. Beneath its sculpted exterior, thousands of parts work in tandem to deliver world-class performance. Maintaining such a level of quality requires that you become as familiar as possible with some of your vehicle's most important parts. This Hints and Tips section will help get you started.



BRAKES

HOW LONG SHOULD MY BRAKES LAST?

Despite what well-meaning friends may tell you, brake wear is unique to every driver depending on:
  • Your driving habits
  • The condition of your overall braking system
  • The quality and composition of your brake components
Brakes wear a little every time they are applied so stop and go traffic, aggressive driving habits and a heavily loaded vehicle will require replacement much sooner than single passenger, long highway commutes.

It's a commonly held belief that the signs of brake system issues are readily noticeable to the driver. A pulsing brake pedal, a high-pitched squeal or worse yet, harsh grinding sounds are certainly indicators that your brake system requires maintenance – but by the time you experience any of these conditions, it may be too late for minor repairs. Regular inspection and maintenance by your Mopar® Service Experts can resolve discreet issues within your braking system (dragging, seized calipers, worn pads, etc.) before they lead to larger issues – impacting both the safety of your vehicle and the significance of the repair.

Softer pads (organic) offer better stopping power but at the expense of wear. Ceramic pads, on the other hand, have a much longer lifespan but give up a little stopping power. Economical brake components typically have a shorter life span than better quality products designed specifically for your vehicle. Ask you Mopar Service Expert about the options to learn which brakes are right for you.

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FILTERS

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHECK MY AIR FILTER?

If you use your vehicle in dusty or off-road conditions, you should check your air filter every time you get an oil change. It's a good idea to change it on a regular basis because that can improve your mileage by up to 10% and increase the life of your engine. When you bring your vehicle to our Mopar® Service Lane for an oil change, we'll check your air filter as one of our many courtesy checkups. If it needs to be replaced, we can do it right here!

I NEED TO REPLACE MY AIR FILTER. WHICH ONE SHOULD I USE?

There are many brands of filters out there. I know it can be confusing, but I would use the air filter that was designed and engineered for your vehicle. If you're driving a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT®, Mopar air filters are the best option. They're designed to achieve high, virtually unrestricted airflow while maintaining filtration levels critical to ensuring long engine life. However, if you're driving another make, we have you covered with either our Mopar-branded air filters or our Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar air filters, which offer excellent value and performance. Both are available in our parts department. Also, no matter what make or model vehicle you drive, we can check and replace your air filter right here in our Mopar Service Lane.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY FUEL FILTER?

Fuel filter replacement and application vary by brand and model so we recommend consulting your owner's manual for full details or see your service advisor for the proper replacement interval for your vehicle. If your fuel filter does need to be replaced, our parts department probably has it in stock and we can replace it right here!

DOES IT MATTER WHICH BRAND OF FUEL FILTER I USE?

The quality of gasoline products today far exceeds that of years past, but a good fuel filter is still necessary to trap any contaminants before they reach the engine. Mopar fuel filters maximize dirt retention to ensure trouble-free motoring. We know diesels, and Mopar offers 5.9L and 6.7L diesel fuel filters that capture water and prevent it from contaminating the injector pump and fuel injectors. Bring your vehicle into a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® dealer, and we can install one for you if you need it.

WHAT DOES A CABIN AIR FILTER DO?

Cabin air filters keep airborne contaminants and irritants out of the vehicle's cabin. Mopar Cabin Air Filters trap a wide variety of contaminants, including dust, mold, pollen, smoke, allergens and even odors. Furthermore, they offer advanced charcoal filtration technology for allergy-sensitive vehicle owners bothered by airborne pollen and dust. If you need your cabin air filter checked or replaced, we can do it right here in our Mopar Service Lane. We're sure to have the right cabin air filter in our parts department at your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® dealer. Stop by, and we'll take care of it for you.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY CABIN AIR FILTER?

For optimal performance, your cabin air filter should be replaced every 12 months or 18,000 km. By the way, we check and replace cabin air filters in our Mopar Service Lane. Our parts department is sure to have the cabin air filter you need in stock. So bring your vehicle into a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® dealer so we can take care of that for you.

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BATTERIES

HOW CAN I TELL WHEN TO REPLACE MY BATTERY?

Here are the most common signs that a battery replacement is needed:
  • Your starter motor is slow to turn over
  • Your battery light stays illuminated while your engine is running
  • Your battery loses power fast in cold or extended starts
  • Your headlights dim when the engine idles

WHAT TYPE OF BATTERY IS BEST FOR REPLACEMENT?

It's best to stick with your manufacturer's recommended battery replacement or an Original Equipment Manufacturer battery. OEM parts are specifically designed for your vehicle and offer a seamless transition. Also, OEM batteries usually include a limited warranty upon purchase. Some replacement batteries are designed specifically for extreme temperatures, so choose a battery that best suits your driving habits and climate. To determine if it's time for replacement or if you're unsure which battery will best suit your needs, see your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® dealer. They're sure to have the right battery for your vehicle in their parts department and they can install it right there.

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TIRES

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE MY WHEELS ALIGNED BY THE MOPAR® SERVICE EXPERTS?

Your vehicle's steering and suspension are calibrated for optimal performance to maximize fuel economy and safety while at the same time minimizing wear and tear on your vehicles components. Even without nudging curbs, or hitting potholes, the simple rigors of everyday driving can cause these systems to fall out of calibration – in the best case causing premature wear of steering and suspension component as well as your tires, and in the worst case making your vehicle unpredictable and unsafe as you travel down the road.

If you are experiencing any of the following, you may have an alignment issue and should book an appointment with your local Mopar Service Experts for an alignment inspection to properly diagnose the problem:
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Drifting
  • Vibrations felt through the steering wheel
  • Steering wheel not centered, even though your car is driving straight.

WHY SHOULD I PURCHASE WINTER TIRES?

In temperatures below 7° Celsius, you need winter tires.

At precisely 7° Celsius the superior adhesion of winter tires begins to make a difference, regardless of road or weather conditions. With their specifically formulated rubber compounds, winter tires reduce vehicle stopping distances by up to 25% – performance that can make the difference between a close call and calling for a tow.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING TIRES?

Look for tires that are equivalent to the originals in size, quality and performance. Refer to your original tire for proper size or check your owner's manual. Failure to use manufacturer recommended replacement tires might adversely affect the safety, handling and ride of your Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT®, Jeep® or Ram vehicle. Also, you should be aware that replacing original tires with a different size might result in false speedometer and odometer readings. Your Mopar dealer has the right tires for your vehicle in stock at very competitive prices.

If you have any questions regarding tire specifications or capability, contact your dealer before you buy new ones.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY TIRES ROTATED?

Rotating your tires based on the schedule presented in your owner's manual is very important. The front tires on your vehicle wear differently and more quickly than the rear tires – especially if it is a front wheel drive. Rotating tires from front to rear several times during their life cycle will:

  • Help to equalize tread wear
  • Provide an opportunity to inspect your tires for any damage
  • Ensure that you maximize the life of all 4 tires

There are several different acceptable methods for rotating your tires based on the set-up of your vehicle:

  • Staggered wheels (front and rear tires are different sizes)
  • Unidirectional tires (tires are specific to one side of the car)
  • Asymmetrical tires (tread pattern changes from inside to outside of the tires)

Your Mopar Service Expert can determine the proper tire rotation for your vehicle.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY TIRES ROTATED?

Rotating your tires based on the schedule presented in your owner's manual is very important. The front tires on your vehicle wear differently and more quickly than the rear tires – especially if it is a front wheel drive. Rotating tires from front to rear several times during their life cycle will:

  • Help to equalize tread wear
  • Provide an opportunity to inspect your tires for any damage
  • Ensure that you maximize the life of all 4 tires

There are several different acceptable methods for rotating your tires based on the set-up of your vehicle:

  • Staggered wheels (front and rear tires are different sizes)
  • Unidirectional tires (tires are specific to one side of the car)
  • Asymmetrical tires (tread pattern changes from inside to outside of the tires)

Your Mopar Service Expert can determine the proper tire rotation for your vehicle.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHECK MY TIRE PRESSURE?

Typically tire pressure should be checked at least once a month as tires that are not properly inflated can compromise both the handling and safety of your vehicle.

WHAT IF MY TIRE PRESSURE IS TOO HIGH?

If your tire pressure is too high, your tires are overinflated and have less contact with the road. This gives you less grip, traction and power, and increases your effective stopping distance. Over-inflation also increases tire wear in the centre portion of the tread and exposes your tires to damage from objects on the road and potholes. Your ride won't be nearly as comfortable either because your tires will be "bouncing" on the road.

WHAT IF MY TIRE PRESSURE IS TOO LOW?

If your tires are underinflated, too much of your tire is in contact with the road. This makes your tire hot and may result in overheating. In the worst case scenario, this may cause tire failure. Under-inflation also increases tire wear on the tread at the edges and decreases your fuel economy.

WHAT IS MY CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE?

Your recommended tire pressure is located on a sticker in the driver's door jamb or fuel-filler door. This is the ideal pressure for the tires used on your specific model vehicle. The pressure indicated on your tire wall is the maximum allowable tire pressure, not the recommended pressure. If you are having problems with maintaining tire pressure or if you notice any unusual or uneven wear or damage to your tires, see your Mopar Service Experts as soon as possible.

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OIL

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY OIL CHANGED?

You should refer to your owner's manual for your proper oil change interval, and if you drive a 2008 or newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT®, the oil change indicator system will alert you when you need to change your oil. Vehicles built prior to 2008 follow a 3-month 5,000 km oil change interval. When you do need it changed, our Mopar® Service Lane can get it done in 30 minutes or less! Plus we do lots of courtesy checkups and top off fluids with every oil change. It doesn't matter what make or model your vehicle is. We do them all!

HOW DOES THE OIL CHANGE INDICATOR SYSTEM ALERT YOU?

Depending how your vehicle is equipped, the oil change indicator system can display various messages (change oil soon / change oil now) and will indicate the percentage of oil life remaining.

A fixed oil change indicator system was first introduced in the 2008 model year and is similar to the new variable oil change indicator system introduced for the 2013 model year. Advancements in engine design, engine oil formulation, and vehicle electronics allow for the extension of engine oil change intervals. These advancements reduce the environmental impact of oil changes and help reduce ownership and maintenance costs.

The new system utilizes a fully variable metrage algorithm and monitors driving habits, hardware differences and environmental conditions continuously compared to the previous system that did not adjust the oil drain interval beyond 5,600 kilometres. Also, the new system supports, "Percent Oil Life Remaining" dash display along with the "Change Oil Soon" and "Change Oil Now" dash display features.

When it's time for an oil change, our Mopar Express Lane can do it in 30 minutes or less and we do a whole list of courtesy checkups with every oil change.

WHAT KIND OF OIL SHOULD I USE

There are 3 kinds of engine oil: regular, blended and synthetic, and there are many viscosities like 10w40 or 20w50 for example. My best advice is to refer to your owner's manual for the proper viscosity and type. By the way, no matter what make or model your vehicle is, we can take care of changing the oil right here in our Mopar Service Lane and we do it in 30 minutes or less! Plus, we do a whole list of courtesy checkups with every oil change. Bring your vehicle into any Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® dealer, and we'll take care of it for you.

CAN REGULAR OIL CHANGES IMPROVE MY GAS MILEAGE?

Absolutely. Engine oil filters suspend dirt, metal particles and sludge, allowing only clean oil to circulate through the engine. Clean oil also contributes to better fuel economy. Mopar filters are designed using FCA US LLC engineering specifications, which mean they help maintain peak engine efficiency and performance. Also, no matter what make or model your vehicle is, we can change the oil right here in our Mopar Service Lane. Your Mopar dealer has the right Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar oil filter and we do an extensive courtesy checkup with every oil change.

VISIT THE MOPAR EXPRESS LANE
(https://www.mopar.com/en-ca/services/express-lane.html)

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FLUIDS

HOW DO I CHECK MY FLUIDS, AND WHAT FLUIDS SHOULD I CHECK?

All vehicles are a little bit different. You should refer to your owners' manual for the proper way to check your fluids. The following fluids should be checked regularly:
  • Brake fluid
  • Coolant
  • Differential fluid
  • Power Ssteering fluid
  • Transmission fluid
  • Windshield fluid
  • Engine oil
By the way, we check and fill all of these fluids during the courtesy checkup we do with every oil change in our Mopar® Service Lane. It doesn't matter what make or model your vehicle is. We do them all and we do it in 30 minutes or less! See a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® dealer, and we'll take care of it for you.

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SHOCKS AND STRUTS

IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE MY VEHICLE RIDES AS SMOOTHLY AS IT ONCE DID. IS IT TIME TO REPLACE MY SHOCKS?

It probably is. Huge bumps and potholes can seriously affect your shocks and struts after a while. They're also the most overlooked service parts on a vehicle, but they affect ride control and comfort and can also affect a number of related parts. We can check your shocks and struts at your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram and FIAT® dealer and we can replace them if needed. I would suggest using only Mopar® shocks and struts. We have them in stock in our parts department. Mopar shocks and struts are the original equipment on your vehicle and they optimize vehicle handling and tire life. They'll also keep your vehicle riding smoothly.

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WINDSHIELD WIPERS

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY WIPERS NEED TO BE REPLACED?

If your wiper blades become damaged or worn, they can be a safety hazard. They impair your visibility and consequently reduce your reaction time in the event of an accident. Yet, wiper blades deteriorate so gradually, it is often difficult to notice but here are some signs you can look out for.

Inspect your windshield for these signs:
  • Oil-like film
  • Missed sections
  • Blades lifting off the windshield
  • Beading after the blade passes
  • Blades chattering across the glass

And inspect your wipers for these signs:
  • Cracked, split or slashed rubber
  • Worn, ragged edges
  • Road grime, chemical-causing film or other contamination
  • Torn rubber pulling away from the blade
  • Bent or cracked wiper arm or wiper blade
  • Lost flexibility in rubber

If you see these signs, it's time to replace your wipers. By the way, when you bring your vehicle into our Mopar® Service Lane, checking wipers is one of the many courtesy checks we do with every oil change, and if they need to be replaced, we can do it right on the spot! Or, if you'd rather replace them yourself, our parts department has the blades your vehicle needs.

HOW DO I REPLACE MY WIPER BLADES?

If your wipers need to be replaced, we can certainly do that in our Mopar Service Lane or if you'd rather do them yourself, our parts department has the blades your vehicle needs.

Once you have your wiper blades, simply do the following:
  • Gently lift the wiper arm and rotate the blade at the pivot
  • Pinch the release tab on the wiper blade and slide the blade assembly out from the hook and out of the wiper arm
  • Slide on a replacement blade of the same length
  • Gently push until locking tab clicks into place

I HAVE HEARD A LOT ABOUT MOPAR® BEAM WIPER BLADES?

Mopar® Flat Wiper Blades are aerodynamically designed with a built-in spoiler to distribute pressure evenly across your windshield - even at high speeds, which reduces streaking and smearing. The streamlined profile also reduces noise and vibration. The all-season rubber formulation stays flexible in cold weather and has a bonded protective coating that resists wear.

Plus, there's an innovative wear indicator that changes colour over time so you know when to install a new set. Customers often tell me that once they've experienced the difference, they wonder why they ever drove without them. They're available at the Mopar® parts counter, or your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® dealer can install them for you.
VISIT THE MOPAR® EXPRESS LANE >


HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY WIPER BLADES?

Looking after your wiper blades is a great idea, and it's really simple to do.

Wipe off any buildup of road grime, chemicals and salt from the rubber edges of the blade with a sponge or a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. Every time you clean your windshield, remember to quickly clean your wiper blades too.

Another added benefit of looking after your blades is that it gives you an opportunity to inspect them. By the way, that's just one of the many things we do during the courtesy checkup with every oil change in our Mopar Service Lane. If you need new blades, we can install them on the spot!

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BELTS

DO I EVER NEED TO REPLACE MY DRIVE BELT?

Yes, you will definitely need to replace it. You should check your owners' manual for the recommended interval. In today's vehicles, a single drive belt provides power to many engine components. Replacing it at the recommended interval can prevent a breakdown or serious engine damage. Quality-tested Mopar® belts offer precision fit, optimal service life and original-equipment performance. When it's time to replace your drive belt, or if you see it's damaged, see your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® dealer. We're sure to have the belt you need in our parts department.

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HOSES

WILL I HAVE TO REPLACE MY HOSES?

You will need to replace them eventually. Check your owners' manual for the recommended interval. In today's vehicles, hoses carry vital fluids under high pressure. Replacing them at the recommended interval can prevent a breakdown or serious engine damage. Quality-tested Mopar® hoses offer precision fit, optimal service life and original-equipment performance. When it's time to replace your hoses, or if you see any damage or leaking, see your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® dealer. We're sure to have the hose you need in our parts department.

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STEERING

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHECK MY POWER STEERING FLUID?

The power steering fluid should only be checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. If you're hearing noises, or if you're having any problems with your steering, bring your vehicle into your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® dealer as soon as possible.

MY STEERING IS MAKING NOISES AND FEELS FUNNY. WHY IS IT DOING THAT?

Generally, if your steering is growling, or buzzing, it could be because your power steering fluid is low. If it's squealing, your drive belt is probably slipping on the power steering unit. If it's moaning when you turn the steering wheel, your power steering pump may be about to fail. If the steering wheel feels loose, it may indicate worn parts. If it feels wobbly or it's pulling, it could be because your tire pressure is low or your suspension is out of alignment. And finally, if it feels heavy, you may have lost your power steering assist. If you're experiencing any problems with your steering, see your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® dealer as soon as possible.

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