Category Archives: New Sedans

Is your car feeling the heat? Don’t forget to show some love to your cooling system!

overheated

Summer temps are rising! Do you know what symptoms your car will show when the cooling system is sick? Cooling system failures are a leading cause of vehicle breakdowns, especially during those summer trips. If you notice the vehicle is overheating, leaks, has a sweet smell of antifreeze, or you find yourself constantly adding coolant, your car could be on the road to failure. Do you check your engine coolant regularly? If not, remind yourself that an engine cooling system that doesn’t receive regular maintenance will fail. The cooling system’s job is to take heat away from the engine components and move it to the air outside the car. Your antifreeze temperature can be well over 200 degrees, and if that heat remains inside the engine, things are going to start going wrong. Terribly wrong.

You coolant level should be checked at the reservoir and a 50/50 mix of the correct antifreeze and distilled water should be added if necessary. Just remember to never open it while it’s hot! A visual inspection of the hoses, belts, and radiator will help identify cooling system problems before they become to big to handle. Radiator leaks, bulging hoses, or frayed/cracked belts are clues that the cooling system is in need of a little TLC. Also if your car makes a strange hissing sound or smells like hot antifreeze, it’s probably time to have a mechanic take a look before you find yourself stranded on the side of a road somewhere.

Nothing ruins a summer vacation like a complete engine failure, so keep an eye out for cooling system problems. If your vehicle is in need of service, it’s easy to contact Deryck or Mike in the Service Department at Woody’s. Call us at 660-646-3455 x24 or check out the service page at www.wowwoodys.com | http://www.wowwoodys.com/service-center

Are you low on brake fluid? How do you know?

How do you check to see if your car has enough brake fluid? You’re going to need to open and inspect your car’s Master Cylinder. When you step on the brakes, fluid moves from this assembly into the brake lines. When you release the brakes, the fluid moves from the lines back into the master cylinder. This may sound intimidating, but it’s really very simple, as long as you follow a couple guidelines to keep everything clean and free of contaminates.

There are 2 kinds of fluid reservoirs that you may encounter when checking the brake fluid. The first type is a little plastic bottle on top of the master cylinder. To open this type, just open the cap.

enter image description here

The other type is the metal type, with a lid thats held in place by a metal bar or retaining clamp across the top. Just use a flat screwdriver and pry the clamp off the top. It should just flip to the side of the master cylinder.

enter image description here

Don’t let any dirt or junk fall into the chambers when take the lid off. If you see lots of dirt, grime, or dust around the master cylinder, wipe around the lid before you remove it.

If you have the removable lid, there are 2 diaphragm cups that move up and down as the fluid moves into and out of the cylinder. If your fluid level is low, or if the cups are in the lower position, push them back up with a clean finger before you put the lid back on.

The brake fluid should be up to the “full” line on the cylinder or within 1/2″ of the top of each chamber. If not, get the correct brake fluid for your vehicle and add some.

After you’re done inspecting and adding any fluid, close the lid as quickly as possible to avoid any oxygen or water vapor from the air contaminating the fluid.

Grab a flashlight and check under and around the master cylinder. If it’s been leaking, you’ll see evidence of it. Most master cylinders seal pretty well, so if you’re low on fluid you may have a leak somewhere else. It’s a good idea to check your master cylinder every couple months, especially if was low on fluid the last time you checked it.

Then And Now! Chrysler’s 300

Today, I’m taking it backwards. We recently had our annual car show here in town and I got to see a 1962 Chrysler 300! Boy, was it easy on the eyes! Good news is they still are today! You could really tell that Chrysler paid as much attention to detail in the 300 then as they do now. With great frame work, design and luxury, the 300 has really stood the test of time!

1962 Chrysler 300
Still a larger sedan, still equipped with unique headlamps and more! Chrysler really did create the ultimate luxury vehicle when they designed then 300, then and now!

2014 Chrysler 300
Come see some today at Woody’s Automotive Group!

 

 

Woodys Weekly Update #34

This week Woodys Automotive Group traveled out to the county fair! We messed around with some typical farm animals : cows, chickens, pigs, etc! Check out the weekly update which we also filmed from the fair! It is pretty great and a lot of fun to film!

Does your vehicle need aligned?

What are some of the reasons that your car may need an alignment? You’re a good driver, haven’t been in any accidents and try not to hit all those potholes on the way to work. If your car is out of alignment, it could be caused by good old-fashioned everyday driving. Your car’s suspension is made up of some highly calibrated components. As part of everyday driving, parts of your car’s suspension can become worn, and springs can lose their tension over time. Even something as small as bumping a curb can disrupt the adjustments, making your wheels sit at incorrect angles. An alignment will restore these angles to their correct measurements

hawkeye-special copy

If you’re wondering if your vehicle needs an alignment, there are a few indicators to look for:

  • Uneven tire wear. More wear on the outside of some tires can be a prime indicator of an alignment problem.
  • Your vehicle seems to drift to one side, even when you think you’re driving straight
  • Your steering wheel vibrates or “shimmies”
  • Your steering wheel isn’t centered, but you’re driving straight

Is it worth the expense to align your vehicle? The most visible benefit of an alignment is less wear on your tires. The average alignment can run somewhere around $90, versus a set of tires that can easily cost $400 or more. An alignment is a very cost-effective way stretch your tire’s life (and your wallet’s). A properly aligned tire will also have decreased resistance on the road, upping your MPG’s as well.

The Woody’s Automotive Group Service Department uses the high-tech Hunter Hawkeye Elite system to provide a fast, reliable alignment that’ll keep you out of the waiting room and back on the road. For all your automotive service needs, Woody’s services all makes and models- Contact Mike or Deryck today to schedule an appointment, or just ask a question!

http://www.wowwoodys.com/service-center

The Scat Package Makes a Huge Advance!

In honor of the 45th anniversary of the legendary “Scat Pack Club” that played a prominent role in Dodge heritage, Dodge and Mopar announced the introduction of new Scat Package performance stage kits for the 2014 Dodge Challenger, 2014 Dodge Charger and 2014 Dodge Dart at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

Scat Package 1, 2 and 3 kits will be made available for the 2014 Dodge Challenger, Charger and Dart, all at a cost-effective price, allowing enthusiasts to step up performance at their own pace. Each Scat Package kit includes a numbered hard badge associated with its performance stage, so enthusiasts can proudly display the emblem on their vehicle as a badge of honor.

Scat Package 1, 2 and 3 kits will be made available for the 2014 Dodge Challenger, Charger and Dart, all at a cost-effective price, allowing enthusiasts to step up performance at their own pace. Each Scat Package kit includes a numbered hard badge associated with its performance stage, so enthusiasts can proudly display the emblem on their vehicle as a badge of honor.

Scat Car Group!

 

Install today at WOODY’S AUTOMOTIVE GROUP!!

2.4L Tigershark Scat Packages

 Our 2.4L Tigershark engine already provides a bold and powerful driving experience in the 2014 Dodge Dart. The Tigershark Scat Packages take compact performance to the next level with three unique levels of performance upgrades. Completing the Scat Package offerings for Dodge at SEMA is the 2014 Dodge Dart GT, powered by a 184 horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with six-speed manual transmission.

 The Dodge Dart offering consists of three kits, with Scat Package 1 providing a shot in the arm of performance and handling improvements from Mopar through a cold-air intake, performance brake pads and a new short-throw shifter. The next-level, Scat Package 2 amps up horsepower by providing Dodge Dart owners with a no-nonsense customized engine calibration to work in harmony with a Mopar cat-back exhaust.

 At the top level, Scat Package 3 provides the ultimate package for those seeking optimal track times. Included is a Mopar big brake kit, including 13-inch vented rotors, four-piston front calipers and stainless steel lines to maintain optimum temperatures during extreme braking maneuvers. Also included is a performance suspension comprising of adjustable springs for ride height, adjustable dampening struts and front and rear sway bars. Mopar modifications extend beyond the Scat Package kits with the dual vented functional aluminum hood, which captures cool air for the Mopar cold-air intake and exhausts hot air to achieve optimal operating temperature. 

The Redesigned 2015 Chrysler 200!!!

Hey everyone, its been a minute since I last wrote a blog but today I’m get right down to business! The 2015 Chrysler 200 has got to be my favorite mid-sized sedan on the market right now!  A HUGE upgrade from its previous 2014 counterpart, this 2015 model packs a huge punch when it comes to new features, looks and safety! Plus, it comes in AWD!!Model C

Only taking 119 feet to stop when traveling at 60 mph, the 200 is now among the best-stopping mid-size sedans! 10 airbags included driver and passenger knee airbags! Rear Park View Camera with rear cross path detection is available! Especially important since automobiles are still the top leader for child death in the US! Adaptive cruise control with the ability to come to a complete stop, forward collision with auto-braking and park assist ( both parallel and perpendicular) is great step forward for Chrysler’s 200!

Important technology is all in the Uconnect system! The easiest system to use and quickest to learn, this will come equipped with Uconnect Access! Start your car from your phone, lock it, voice-to-text, and more! Never take your eye off the road. Also, equipped with 3 USB ports, two 12V DC adapters, and so much hidden storage, you won’t have the wires all over your vehicle! New Interior

Chrysler uses some interesting design features to maximize space inside the 200. The merging of the center stack on the dashboard and the center console between the seats is more effective here than in other cars where this trick has been employed (think Lincoln MKZ) largely due to the functionality of the shifter and location of the electronic parking brake button, both of which are quite intuitive.

The unusual packaging also creates a “bridge” over the footwell area, which functions as usable storage. There’s a clever pass-through for a charging cord and the two-section center console offers more space than most.

Equipped optionally with the leather-trimmed/vented sport seat option ($995), which adds leather interior appointments, heated and ventilated front seats and a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat. A heated steering wheel is optional on all but the base trim.

 Stop into Woody’s Automotive Group today! We have several and are ready for you to see them!

Woodys Weekly Update! Epidode 30!

So everything from World Cup soccer to Shakira. From nose picking to fruit popsicles. This weekly update has it all! It really is hilarious and probably one of the funniest videos we have made to date! So stop what you are doing and check it out right now!

How to tell if your fuel filter is dirty!

fuel filter

There are a few signs of a clogged fuel filter, here are few of the most common. Having difficulty starting the vehicle, vehicle not starting at all, frequent engine stalling, and erratic engine performance are all signs that your fuel filter is dirty. Thankfully for you they are easily replaced and not very costly. If you are experiencing issues with your vehicle and are unsure of whether or not it’s something as simple as the fuel filter, give the Woody’s Automotive Group Service Department a call 660-646-3455 ext. 28 and they will gladly answer any of your questions! As always, stay tuned for another Tech Tip next week!

The DO’s and DONT’s of Cruise Control!

All about Cruise Control!

enter image description here

Even though cruise control has been around a long time, there have been several advances in the last few years increasing driver comfort and convenience. The primary purpose of cruise control is to enable you to maintain a minimum speed of 25 mph or greater without holding down the accelerator.

When to NOT use your cruise control:
Cruise control can be dangerous when you CANNOT drive safely at a steady speed. Also, DO NOT use your cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic. Cruise control is also very dangerous on slippery/wet roads. On such roads, fast changes in the traction may cause excessive wheel slip, and you could lose control!!

HOW TO:
(ON/OFF): Press this button to turn the cruise control on and off.
(Res +): (Resume/Accelerate) Press this button to make the vehicle accelerate or resume a previously set speed. This button can be pressed to increase your set speed. Each time you press it, the vehicle should accelerate by 1 mph. When passing another vehicle, you can quickly accelerate by pressing the gas pedal. When you let off the pedal, your vehicle will slow back to the set speed.
(Set -): (Set/Coast) Press this button to set the speed or decrease the set speed. Each time you press this button, your speed will decrease by 1 mph.
(Cancel): Press this button to cancel the cruise control.
If you leave your cruise control on when you are not using it, you might accidentally hit a button and go into cruise mode when you do not want to. You could be startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise control turned off until you want to use it!