Mopar Announces Checklist for Fall Car Care

Practice Preventive Maintenance

AUBURN HILLS, MI--Sept. 6, 2012:

Ten items to check on your vehicle before the cold-weather driving season
Mopar services Chrysler, Jeep�, Dodge, Ram, SRT and Fiat Vehicles
With Magneti Marelli partnership, Mopar also services competitive makes including GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia vehicles
Mopar now offers full menu of all-season, winter and performance tires
Interactive maintenance guide available at Mopar Service

After the hot-summer driving season, fall is the time for motorists to get their vehicles into shape for the winter.

"Preventive maintenance is critical for keeping vehicles operating at optimum levels," said Tricia Hecker, Head of Marketing at Mopar, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand. "Motorists who proactively keep their vehicles in top condition will save a lot of time and money down the road."

Following is Mopar's Fall Car-care Checklist:

Brakes: Summer travel gives brake pads a heavy workout, resulting in the removal of thin layers. Now is the time to check pads, shoes, rotors, drums, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake hardware and the parking brake for wear and tear.

Tires: Closely inspect the tread and sidewall areas of tires for uneven or irregular wear. In addition, excessive edge wear, center wear and shoulder wear can act as an indicator for other trouble spots on the vehicle. It's also important to ensure correct air pressure at all times in order to prevent premature wear and support fuel economy. Be sure to check the spare as well. If replacements are needed, Mopar offers a complete lineup of tires and winter tires from most tire manufacturers. Tire rebates are available at Tire Rebates

Battery: Summer heat does the most damage to battery life and is often cause for failure in the winter. Check for corroded terminals and a bulging or cracked case. Test and replace battery if necessary. Battery rebates are available at Parts Rebates

Wiper Blades: Severe winter driving conditions make it difficult to see the road. Mopar's lineup of wiper blades includes Beam Blades, which provide superior all-weather performance and aid driving visibility. Wiper blades feature a skin coating that seals the aerodynamic spoiler in order to protect it from winter weather. Mopar Beam Blades eliminate exposed parts and are constructed to resist snow and ice clogging.

Shocks and Struts: For motorists located in cold and snowy climates, fall and winter means potholes. Shocks and struts are the most overlooked service parts on a vehicle, but they affect ride control and comfort and can also affect a number of related parts. Mopar shocks and struts optimize vehicle handling, tire life and keep vehicles riding smooth.

Engine Oil: Ensure engine oil has the correct viscosity in order to endure cold weather. Engine oil should be changed or replenished at factory-recommended intervals. Low or dirty fluids affect how an engine and its components perform and could potentially cause engine damage under extreme conditions.

Fluid Levels: All vehicle fluids and lubricants should be checked and changed at factory-recommended intervals. Key fluids include antifreeze/coolant level and concentration, as well as power steering, brake, transmission and windshield washer fluids.

Engine Belts and Hoses: Replace belts and hoses at recommended intervals. Quality-tested Mopar belts and hoses offer precision fit, optimal service life and original-equipment performance.

Air Filter: The air filter is designed to protect an engine from airborne contaminants. Poor air flow to the engine inhibits performance and generates greater fuel consumption. A new air filter allows clean, unrestricted air flow into the engine and helps ensure proper performance for a longer life.

Headlamps and Taillamps: Shorter periods of daylight in the fall and winter mean more nighttime driving and increased usage of headlamps and taillamps. Inspect and test all lamps to ensure proper function and alignment.

Maintenance coupons are available at Chrysler Jeep Dodge Service Specials

Mopar-First Features

Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

Vehicle-information apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format
Wi-Fi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
Wireless charging: first to introduce in-vehicle wireless charging for portable devices
Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to market with a new interactive vehicle tracking device that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on pre-set parameters
2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car
Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers
Brand-specific customer care telephone lines: first to offer Sunday service hours for customers
WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network�