It’s easy to overlook the tires on your car. As long as you’re safely reaching your destinations, there’s not much to worry about, right? But there are signs you can watch for that signal your tires may be due for replacement. And when it’s time for new tires, your local Chrysler dealership can help.

Your Treads Are Worn
When your tires are overly worn, it’s time for a new set of tires. One way to test the depth of your treads is the penny test. Simply place a penny in the tread grooves of your tires with Lincoln’s head pointing toward the inner part of your tire. If you can still see over the top of Lincoln’s head, that’s a sign that your treads have worn enough that a replacement set of tires is in order.
Tread wear bars are another way of gauging the depth of your treads. Tread bars are raised sections of rubber that are embedded in the grooves of your tire. When the tread bars become even with the surface of your treads, it’s time to seek out a new set of tires.
Your Tire Pressure Is on the Decline
It’s normal for tires to deflate over time, but if your tires are consistently losing pressure or deflating without warning, it may be time to replace them. A steady decline in your tire pressure may signal that you have a slow leak in one of your tires. An inexpensive tire gauge is a great way of keeping an eye on the pressure of your tires.
Your Tires Have Cracks or Bulges
There are several physical signs that your tires need to be replaced, either because of age or wear and tear. Cracks in the rubber of your tires develop as a result of sunlight, heat, or the salt and chemicals applied to roads to melt ice and snow. Because they can cause your tires to lose air and eventually fail, cracks are a sign that you need to replace your tires.
Bulges or blisters that appear on the walls of your tires are another concern. These can develop if you’ve hit a curb or a pothole, and they can put your tire at risk of potential rupture. If you spot cracks or bulges in your tires, you’ll want to schedule a service appointment and have your tires evaluated soon.
Your Tires Are Old
If you’ve had your tires for a while, it’s probably time for a fresh set even if your treads aren’t overly worn. Most tires only last three to five years.
The tires on your vehicle are an essential safety component. When it’s time to schedule a tire service, call Devils Lake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
The weight and pressures of a vehicle on its tires aren’t distributed in a perfectly even manner. As a result, car tires always begin to wear down unevenly, which can cause various problems unless the tires are rotated once or twice a year. Let’s look in detail at the many reasons to have regular tire rotation around at your local Chrysler dealership.

Greater Tire Longevity
Uneven tire wear can be significant. It’s possible for the front or back tires to wear down 50% faster than the others. This rapidly leads to one or two tires that are far more worn down and susceptible to damage.
When one or two tires become too worn out to safely use, you usually need to replace all four. Regular rotation keeps your tires wearing down at a more even rate, thereby helping all four tires last in good shape for a lot longer.
Considerable Savings on New Tires
If you can keep each new set of tires lasting a year or two longer with regular rotation, then you’ll save a good deal of money on the cost of new tires. This might well amount to thousands of dollars over the lifespan of your car.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
When tires become uneven, they generate more vibrations, which puts greater stress on the suspension. The unevenness also makes the wheels unequal in size, which puts further strain on the suspension and any other connected car parts.
In this way, uneven tires cause harm to connected components and lead to more frequent problems and repair jobs. Rotation helps protect not only your tires, but also your suspension, wheel axles, and your wallet.
Increased Road Safety
When tires wear unevenly, one or two of the tires become weaker with thinner treads. This makes them more susceptible to damage, losing traction, and blowouts.
While you’re on the road, all it takes is one tire to fail for an accident to ensue. By spreading wear and tear more evenly across all four tires, rotation reduces this risk and keeps you and your passengers safer.
Better Handling and Smoothness
Uneven tires generate more road noise and vibrations. Handling also steadily worsens as tires become unbalanced in size. So if you want to keep your car smoother, quieter, and easier to drive, make sure you don’t miss a scheduled rotation at your local dealership.
How Your Chrysler Dealer May Rotate Your Tires
There are a variety of rotation patterns for tires, depending largely on whether the vehicle has front-wheel, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. Your technician might swap your tires in a rearward cross, forward cross, or X-cross pattern. Or they may do a simple front-to-back swap.
Have your car’s tires rotated today at Devils Lake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We’re a local family-owned and operated dealership that’s been helping out the region’s drivers for an entire century, since 1923.
These days, most modern cars only need to have an oil change once or twice a year. However, the type of oil you have in your engine has a huge impact on car performance and the frequency of your oil service intervals at your Chrysler dealer.

The right oil for your make and model will be detailed in your owner’s manual. Your vehicle manufacturer recommends the best type and grade of oil to enhance the performance of your engine, protect your engine components, and shield your engine from corrosion. The mechanics at your dealership can also make engine oil recommendations based on your driving habits, road conditions, and the weather.
Conventional vs Synthetic Oil
In general, most modern engines use semi-synthetic or fully synthetic oil. However, there are still many engines that are compatible with conventional oil, which some drivers might choose because this type of oil is less expensive. It’s important to understand the difference between oil types, so you can ensure the right oil is being used for your engine.
Conventional Oil
Conventional oil comes from the ground. Refined from crude oil, conventional oil has a flexible viscosity because of its different molecule sizes. While conventional oil will act as a lubricant for your engine that can protect components from excessive wear and tear, conventional oil is vulnerable to oxidation, breaks down faster, and performs poorly at high temperatures.
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil comes from a lab, which means it is engineered to meet precise performance standards. The molecules found in synthetic oil are all the same size, which makes factors such as lubrication, temperature stability, and viscosity much more reliable than conventional oil. Synthetic oil can be specially formulated to perform in very hot or very cold conditions. Both synthetic and semi-synthetic oils last much longer than conventional oils.
The Express Lane at Your Chrysler Dealer
If you’re tight on time, but your vehicle still needs oil service, you can schedule an appointment at the dedicated Express Lane at your dealership. The Express Lane can finish your oil service quickly so you can get back on the road as soon as possible. Part of your express oil service will include replacing the oil filter and air filter in your vehicle.
The Express Lane at your dealership can also perform other essential services, such as tire rotations, tire wear assessments, brake inspections, fluid checks, battery tests, wiper blade replacements, exterior bulb replacements, and chassis lube. You can also schedule a state inspection service or a multipoint checkup for your vehicle.
Changing the oil in your vehicle can prolong the life of your engine and ensure your car is in optimal performance condition. Schedule your service appointment at Devils Lake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today.
When you’re financing a car, you don’t have to worry about paying the full purchase price immediately, which is a very attractive proposition. As your Chrysler dealer, we want to tell you about some of the reasons to choose us when you’re looking at car financing.

Helpful Tools
Arranging financing can appear complex and potentially stressful. We understand this, so we’ve worked hard to make the process as easy as possible. We have several tools on our website that enable you to cut through much of the complexity and allow you to focus more on your new car. Two of these handy tools are our pre-approved credit application and our payment calculator.
Pre-approval is a simple four-step process where you complete the online form with your details, current employment, and other information. Once you’ve submitted the form, one of our team will contact you ASAP to guide you through the process. Our online payment calculator allows you to work out your monthly installments in the comfort of your own home, putting you another step closer to the car of your dreams.
Credit Score
Our finance team is very knowledgeable, and we have options for you if you have good credit, average credit, or credit that just needs to be improved. If you have good credit, we can offer you the lowest possible APR, generous repayment terms, and competitive rates if you’re interested in one of our pre-owned vehicles.
If you have average credit, we have a network of lenders we’ll reach out to and secure you a great deal. If your credit needs some improvement, we can help. Our team can find you a deal that’s affordable and allows you to rebuild your credit simultaneously. You’ll be able to get the car you want and increase your credit score every month too.
Convenience
When you approach a bank for finance, the process can seem time-consuming, stressful, and opaque. You submit your application, and you usually have to wait for a decision. You’re usually very limited on the terms you can choose, and your repayments are often already fixed if the bank offers you the loan.
We believe the process should be much simpler. Our finance team is with you every step of the way. We submit your application to a pool of lenders, which reduces your need to shop around. We’re very transparent when we arrange finance, and we can negotiate affordable repayment terms and monthly installments. Once we have all your options available, it’s a quick process for you to choose the option that works best for you.
If you’d like more information or are ready to apply for finance, contact us today at Devils Lake CDJR.
Does Your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM Need a Transmission Repair From Your Jeep Dealer?
For vehicle owners, few issues can be as concerning as transmission problems. Transmission issues are some of the most expensive to fix, so recognizing when you might need a transmission repair from your Jeep dealer is crucial because the faster you deal with an issue, the more likely it is to stay small and prevent expensive repairs (or even replacement) later on.

Are There Unusual Noises?
One of the primary signs that your transmission may be in distress is unexpected noises. If you hear whining, clunking, or humming sounds when your vehicle is in neutral or while shifting gears, it’s a potential red flag. These noises can be indicative of worn-out parts or lack of transmission fluid.
Are Your Gears Slipping?
Your vehicle should smoothly transition between gears. If you notice that your vehicle is unexpectedly changing gears without your input, or if it’s struggling to stay in gear, this could be symptomatic of a transmission problem. Gear slipping can result from worn or broken bands that help control the gear action.
Are You Experiencing Delayed or Rough Shifting?
If there’s a noticeable delay when shifting from park to drive or if your car jerks roughly when changing gears, these can be signs of transmission wear or low transmission fluid. A smooth transition is the hallmark of a healthy transmission, and any departure from this can warrant a closer look.
Have Warning Lights Come On?
Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that monitor the health of various components. If the transmission temperature or check engine light illuminates on your dashboard, it could be related to transmission issues. While these lights can indicate various problems, it’s essential not to ignore them. Again, if you catch a problem while it’s small, it could be a really cheap fix. If you let it go on, you could have very expensive issues down the line.
Are There Fluid Leaks or a Burning Smell?
Transmission fluid is quintessential for the lubrication and cooling of your transmission components. If you find reddish-brown pools or spots under your vehicle, it’s likely a transmission fluid leak. Additionally, if you detect a burnt odor while driving, it could be due to overheating of the transmission fluid due to friction. Either way, have the fluid checked by a professional.
Addressing transmission issues promptly ensures that you enjoy optimal performance in your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or RAM and avoid high-cost repairs. Contact us at Devils Lake Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM when you notice any of these signs, and we’ll keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Devils Lake, ND is the ideal place to be if you enjoy exciting outdoor activities. Get in a Dodge Hornet, Jeep Cherokee, or Ram 2500 and take a drive to experience the thrill of hooking trophy-size white bass, perch, pike, and walleye. Hike along the lake’s scenic wooded shores and hit them long and straight on the golf course.

1. Hook the Big One in Devils Lake
Anglers from far and wide swear that Devils Lake offers the best fishing in the Midwest. With hundreds of miles of shoreline, the lake boasts more lawn-chair fishing for white bass, perch, pike, and walleye than others in the country. In spring and summer, the water teems with jumbo perch averaging nearly five pounds, and it’s not unheard of to hook 10-pound whoppers.
Walleye comes in all sizes, from ones for the dinner table to wall-hanger trophies, especially in fall, and white bass bite all year long from the banks or the middle of the lake. Grahams Island State Park at 152 South Duncan Road in Devils Lake offers outstanding water access and has a large boat ramp, tackle shop, fish cleaning station, and gas. The park also hosts numerous regional and national fishing tournaments throughout the year.
Ice Fishing
In winter, thousands of ice anglers descend on Devils Lake, one of the country’s top ice fishing spots. The main attractions are the lake’s trophy-size pike, perch, and walleye. Many anglers hire local fishing guides who know their stuff on the ice and provide on-ice transportation, shelters, fish-finding electronics, and excellent fishing tips.
2. Explore Grahams Island State Park on Foot
Put on your hiking boots to explore the densely wooded shores of Devils Lake in the beautiful Grahams Island State Park. Follow the Sivert Thompson Loop for 1.6 miles through the scenic ash and oak woodlands for spectacular views over the sparkling Devils Lake and watch the waterfowl on the water’s edge.
The short 0.5-mile North Campground Loop cuts through the woods, allowing hikers to catch glimpses of North Dakota’s wildlife between the trees. During winter, the trails are perfect for snow-shoeing, and skiers can enjoy the three-mile Cross Country Ski Trail, which is groomed weekly.
3. Tee Off at Creel Bay Golf Course
Play a round of golf along the shores of Devils Lake at the Creel Bay Golf Course at 515 Country Club Road. The picturesque 18-hole golf course offers a thrilling challenge and boasts treelined fairways, a variety of water hazards, and tactically placed sand traps to keep the game interesting.
For those looking to hone their short game, there’s a chipping and putting green available, and the pro golf shop has a great selection of accessories at affordable prices. After a game, relax on the patio at the clubhouse and enjoy the far-flung view over the lake.
Have plenty of thrilling adventures outside all year long around Devils Lake. Add a stop at Devils Lake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to the fun and take one of the new 2023 SUVs for a spin around the block.
If the electronics in your car are slowing down or failing, you may have a problem with the underlying electrical supply. The alternator is responsible for delivering voltage to every electrical car part, including the battery, so any electrical problem may indicate a bad alternator. Here are seven signs that your alternator is faltering, any of which should prompt you to visit your closest Chrysler dealership for alternator repair.

Your Engine Is Misfiring and Stalling
A car’s alternator and battery both need to deliver a consistent flow of voltage to the engine’s ignition coils, which allow the spark plugs to ignite the fuel inside the combustion chambers. If a bad alternator causes this flow of electricity to dry up, the spark plugs will start misfiring. This will cause your engine to sputter and struggle, and eventually, your car will stall.
You Can’t Start Your Car in the Morning
When you turn your keys or press the engine starter in the morning, the battery needs to deliver a strong surge of electricity to get the engine going. If this fails to occur, then your battery has died for some reason.
One cause for a dead battery may be that your alternator is malfunctioning, and it failed to recharge the battery while you were last on the road. If you jump-start your car, you’ll quickly find out whether the alternator is bad. A faulty alternator won’t be able to keep the engine’s spark plugs going for long.
Your Headlight Brightness Is Fluctuating
When an alternator begins to falter, there’s often a period where the electrical supply fluctuates. This may cause your headlights to brighten and dim or even start flickering. The other lights inside and outside of your vehicle may experience the same issue.
Your Electrical Accessories Are Failing
A bad alternator won’t be able to power the other electrical accessories in your car either. Your infotainment system, stereo, heated seats, power windows, and other electronics will slow down and start to fail.
You Can Smell Burning Rubber
The drive belt that transmits the engine’s power to the alternator can sometimes slip loose. This will stop the alternator from working, and you might also smell a burning rubber smell from the drive belt running over pulleys in the wrong position.
Your Battery Warning Light Comes On
Whenever the electrical current running through your car fluctuates unexpectedly, the battery warning light on your dashboard is likely to come on. This light may be triggered by a fault with the battery, the alternator, or something else in the electrical system.
Your Chrysler Dealer Notices a Problem
It’s best to have your electronics periodically inspected and tested by an experienced technician at your local dealership. This preventative maintenance measure will help ensure that any nascent alternator problems are found and fixed early on.
Have your alternator tested and repaired today at Devils Lake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Our family-owned and operated dealership has been diligently serving the region’s drivers for a hundred years now, since 1923.
Named after the large body of water that sits right south of its city limits, Devils Lake, ND is a great gateway for those wanting to explore the state parks, cities, and recreation areas of North Dakota. Whether you are in for a challenging hike, a museum day, or a picnic with friends, here are three wonderful weekend getaways you should check out in your brand-new 2023 Jeep Renegade.

1. Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge
Covering an area of more than 32,000 acres, Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935 to provide habitat and breeding ground to the many migratory birds that pass through this region every year. Sitting on the banks of the Souris River, this photogenic nature reserve features expansive woodlands, grass hills, floodplains, and 9,600-acre Lake Darling.
Getting from Devils Lake to Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge takes a little under two and a half hours driving 145 miles west via U.S. Route 2. Although this place is primarily dedicated to the preservation of local and migratory wildlife, it also offers visitors a myriad of recreational facilities. Some of the activities you can enjoy here include fishing, boating, birdwatching, hiking, and selective hunting.
2. Fargo
If you are thinking of taking your family on an urban escape, visiting the city of Fargo is a great idea. As the most populous urban area in North Dakota, Fargo is an important cultural, historical, and industrial hub in the region. Located approximately 165 miles southeast of Devils Lake, Fargo can be reached in less than two and a half hours via U.S. Route 2 and I-29.
With a population of nearly 260,000 in its metropolitan area, Fargo sits on the banks of the Red River and is home to several tourist attractions that make it a great place to spend the weekend with your family. Some of the main spots you should check out while exploring this city include Riverfront Park, Woodlawn Park, Hjemkomst Center, Red River Zoo, Bonanzaville, Broadway Square, and the Plains Art Museum.
3. Turtle Mountain State Forest
Boasting more than 7,500 acres of sprawling grasslands, pristine forests, and wetlands, Turtle Mountain State Forest is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend escape. Located approximately 115 miles northwest of Devils Lake, this nature reserve can be reached in less than two hours by car via U.S. Route 2 and ND-60. This state forest features a campground, several nature trails, a scenic overlook, and recreation areas.
If you are thinking of buying a new set of wheels to hit the road and explore North Dakota with your family, we’ve got you! Call us at Devils Lake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today, schedule a visit to our showroom, and find the perfect model for your needs.
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Nothing is more fundamentally important to your road safety than the brake system, so know the signs that your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or RAM vehicle needs a brake repair. This is how you save yourself from a potential accident; but it can also prevent further damage and costly repairs, too. If you notice the issues explained below, head to your Chrysler dealer for a repair right away.

Unresponsive Brake Pedal
If you notice that your brake pedal is less responsive or feels spongy, it’s a clear sign that something is amiss. An unresponsive brake pedal could indicate a leak in the braking system. The leak could be in the brake master cylinder or the brake lines, resulting in a reduction of hydraulic pressure, which makes the brake pedal feel soft.
Grinding or Squealing Noise
A grinding or squealing noise when you apply the brakes is not something to ignore. This noise usually signifies that the brake pads have worn down and are rubbing against the brake disc, causing the disturbing sound.
This metal-on-metal contact not only produces a harsh noise but also damages the brake discs over time. Ignore it long enough and you won’t just have the minor expense of replacing the pads but the major expense of replacing the rotors, as well.
Vehicle Pulling to One Side
If your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it could mean that the brake linings are wearing in an uneven way (regularly rotating your tires may help with this). You might also have some gunk in the brake fluid or even a stuck brake caliper. When a caliper sticks, the brake pad keeps making contact with the disc, causing the vehicle to pull to one side.
Uneven brake pad wearing can cause exacerbate uneven wear on the tires, too and, if left untreated, can lead to a significant reduction in vehicle handling reliability. Unfortunately, you’re likely to learn just how dangerous that can be at the worst possible moment.
Vibrations When Braking
Vibrations or pulsating through the brake pedal when braking often suggests that the brake discs have become warped due to excessive heat from aggressive braking. The uneven surface of the warped disc interacts with the brake pad and creates a pulsing sensation. This issue not only causes discomfort while driving but can also reduce braking efficiency.
These telltale signs all point to the need for a prompt check-up. Addressing these signs immediately can ensure your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or RAM vehicle remains safe and enjoyable to drive. Remember, the health of your brake system is a non-negotiable for your safety on the road. Always prioritize it, and come see us at Devils Lake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to keep your vehicle in good shape.
The community is once again planning a season of great activities here in Devils Lake, ND. There will be an art show, celebrations for Independence Day, and the 47th Annual Walleye Fishing Tournament. Here are some of the top local summer activities we’re looking forward to this year.

1. ArtFest
The Lake Region Heritage Center is hosting the Lake Regional Arts Festival this June. The entirety of the event is taking place from June 9th through June 16th. The night of the ninth will be for the artists’ reception. Then visitors can view the art from June 10th through the 16th.
The art will be on display at 502 4th Street NE. Make sure to come out and see what local artists have been working on over the past year.
2. July 4th Celebrations
July fourth celebrations will be happening in town on Sunday, July 2nd this year. There will be a parade through downtown starting at 10:00 am. This will be followed by a picnic at Roosevelt Park, where the community will spend most of the day together. The celebrations will conclude with fireworks in Ruger Park at the corner of 14th Avenue NE and 5th Avenue NE.
These celebrations are sponsored by Rotary, Kiwanis, and Devils Lake Rural Fire Department. Street parking may get tight in town. You’ll appreciate the rearview camera in your 2023 Jeep Renegade Limited to help you get in and out.
3. 47th Annual Chamber Walleye Fishing Tournament
This annual tournament is taking place on June 23rd at Grahams Island State Park. This is located at 152 S Duncan Road. The tournament is taking place from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
This year, the tournament will only be one day. There is the option to fish on Saturday the 24th in the event of bad weather. The first-place prize for the winner will be a minimum of $6,500 this year.
4. Community Vegetable Garden
The library is holding a summer event for the community vegetable garden at the Lake Region Public Library. On Sunday, June 11th at 2pm, they will be teaching participants about the vegetable garden strategies. Then, participants will be taking part in planting and taking care of it. This is a family-friendly get-together.
This event is the first for the library’s adult summer reading program. It will be taking place at 423 7th Street NE. Look for the southeast lawn at the library by the large sign.
It’s going to be another summer of great community events. Driving to these activities is always more fun when you have the comforts of a new car. Visit Devils Lake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram now to see our selection of new vehicles.
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

