The Dodge Streamlines the Journey Lineup for 2016 | Prescott Brothers, Inc

For 2016, the Dodge Journey lineup has been streamlined from seven models to five. The SE model replaces AVP as the entry-level model, providing customers with standard features like 17-inch wheels and keyless Enter 'n Go with push-button start.

The 2016 Dodge Journey also is now available in two versions of the Crossroad. The Journey Crossroad offers a rugged, one-of-a-kind look for an attractive price, while the Crossroad Plus builds on the distinctive exterior look with standard leather seats, the class-leading 8.4-inch Uconnect system, sport mesh seat inserts and many popular interior appointments.

The Journey SE, SXT, Crossroad and Crossroad Plus are powered by a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque, linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. The available award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers an impressive 283 horsepower.

Integrated center stack bezels are sculpted, and designers softened the radius to make more room for the driver's knees. The cushioned center console armrest lifts to reveal a larger center storage bin with a 12-volt outlet and USB port where owners can hook up their MP3/iPod charging connections and hide them out of sight.

The 2016 Journey's chassis architecture delivers a confidence-inspiring driving experience coupled with precise steering for maximum control. Strong torsional stiffness in the steering column intermediate shaft isolator, in conjunction with Journey's rear suspension geometry, delivers precise steering feel and a connected steering response.

Dodge Journey offers all-wheel-drive capability, perfect for drivers who want some extra grip for a more performance feel, or who appreciate the extra traction Journey's all-wheel-drive system provides.

Base model estimated mpg: 19/26

Come visit Prescott Brothers, Inc. in Mendota to test drive a Dodge Journey today. 

Source: http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/tabs/autoinfo/dodge-journey/article_31d056fe-a64b-55da-960e-e3ee21360f0e.html

Getting Your Christmas Tree Home | Prescott Brothers, Inc.

Every year you envision a picture perfect Christmas tree in the corner of your living room. Here are some tips to get the tree from purchase point to home safely.

1. Be Prepared

Before you head out to the tree lot, make sure you have the following ingredients to maximize your holiday cheer, which is directly proportionate to how many pine needles stab your arms.

• Work gloves
• An old blanket or tarp
• Rachet-style tie-downs

2. The Perfect Tree (for Hauling)

Sure, that nine foot fir looks fantastic on the lot, and it may even fit inside your living room with a bit of trimming, but will it fit on the roof of your SUV? Can you lift it on your own back at home? Be sure that you’re picking out a tree that is not only free of bare spots, but will also realistically fit on top of your vehicle without extending too far past the bumper. Even if the family falls in love with a giant, they’re probably going to disappear when it’s time to strap it to the car, so make sure you can handle it.

3. The Right Roof for the Job

For hauling your evergreen a great distance, you’re going to want to have a roof rack to help anchor the tree on the top of the car. If you don’t have a roof rack, bribe a your truck-owning friend with promises of eggnog back home.

4. Keep it Under Wraps

Most Christmas trees will come netted (if you buy them from a lot, anyway; they tend not to come netted in nature), so be sure to leave them that way so that carrying it is more manageable.

5. Cover up Your Car

To avoid paint scratches, lay your tarp or blanket out on the roof of the car before mounting the tree up there. Spread it out to cover the entire top to also protect from pieces that fly off in transport. If you’re hauling in the back of your SUV or minivan, lay down a blanket or tarp to protect your interior from sap stains. Doesn’t your car look cozy?

6. Stump Forward

As This Old House points out, you’ll want to have the stump facing the front of the vehicle to help avoid damage to the branches. The best way to transport a tree is to cover it completely to keep the wind from drying it out, so if you have a second tarp handy, roll the tree up in it before hauling it onto the roof.

7. Tie it Down

If your tree is indeed going on the roof, The Globe and Mail recommends against bungee cords, instead recommending ratchet-style tie-downs. Before you leave the lot, make sure to give the tree a firm tug to ensure that it’s not going anywhere. Tie a piece of orange ribbon on the end of the tree if it is hanging out past the bumper.

8. Take it Slow

Once you get driving, take it slow and put on your hazard lights. Highways are not your friend when you have a potential eight feet of flying, piney, green death on top of your vehicle. Back at home, wrap the tree in the tarp laid on the roof to keep needles from getting all over the house. From there, we’ll leave you with some tips on caring for your Christmas tree through the season.

http://thenewswheel.com/tips-transport-christmas-tree-holiday-season/

Winter is Looming | Prescott Brothers, Inc.

Here’s a simple checklist to make sure you are ready for the colder weather, so you can stay on the road and off the side of it.

Check:

√ Lights – Check headlights, taillights, turn signals, reverse lights, and horn.

√ Antifreeze/Coolant – Check the level with simple test strips.

√ Tire Wear – Check not just if the tread has worn down, but also for any sign of uneven wear. It may mean a suspension or alignment problem.

√ Tire Pressure – Check for the proper pressures in your owner’s manual or door placard (not the numbers on the side wall). Don’t forget to check your spare tire too! For every 10ºF of outside temperature change, you will lose 1-2 pounds of air pressure!

√ Leaks – Check under the hood and where you park your car for any signs of leaks. These should be repaired as soon as you notice them.

√ Battery – If you are having trouble starting your car, the problem may be the battery—have it checked.

√ Brakes – Does your brake pedal seem a little soft? Is stopping your vehicle taking longer than it should? Have your brake fluid and brake system checked by a professional. Now is the time—not when it is too late!

√ Oil Change – Make sure you change your oil every 3000-5000 miles. Check the maintenance section of the owner’s manual. Be sure to get a good quality, name-brand oil and oil filter. Check your oil once per month. If it looks dark brown, change it.

√ Air Filter – Change air filters every 12,000 miles or every six months. It’s easy to do it yourself! Be sure to get a quality name-brand filter. This will give you better fuel economy and performance.

√ Tune-up – If your gas mileage seems like less than it was and your car is running rough, now is the time to have a check-up. We recommend using platinum-tipped spark plugs.
Change:

√ Winter Wiper Blades – The protective sleeve will help keep the blade on your windshield.

√ Winter Washer Fluid – De-icer washer fluid will make your life easier on those real bad days. It has a yellowish color, different from the usual blue stuff.

√ Snow Tires – Even if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, winter tires are your safest way to travel in bad weather. They are designed for cold weather driving. All-season tires are just that, for all seasons—in average weather, or when the snow is deep and the roads are slippery.

Carry:

Carry these items in your trunk in a box or duffel bag.

√ Jumper cables and a self-contained battery—the safest choice!

√ Flashlight with new batteries

√ Tire-inflation product

√ First-aid kit

√ LED light source and safety triangle

√ Protein bars—in case you are stuck and waiting for help

√ Bottled water

√ Snow brush with ice scraper—get the best one you can find

√ Blanket for every passenger

√ Cell phone charging cable

√ Paper towels

√ Glass cleaner

√ Extra washer fluid

√ Work gloves

√ Basic tools

Clean:

√ Clean and wax your vehicle at least once a week!

√ Include windshields, back window, side windows, headlights, and taillights.

√ Make sure to clean wiper blades and snow from the top and hood of your car.

The secret to a safe winter: See and be seen!

Source: http://parade.com/234897/laurenfix/your-winter-driving-safety-checklist/

For National Fall Car Care Month in October Here are Some Fun Facts to Think About during Your Next Service Visit | Prescott Brothers Inc.

Five Fun Facts About Vehicle Maintenance

Even if you're serious about maintaining your automobile, you'll enjoy these five fun facts about car maintenance.While there are many things you need to do to keep your car running smoothly, these are a few of the tasks associated with basic automobile maintenance:

• Changing the oil and replacing the oil filter
• Rotating and replacing tires
• Checking and replacing wiper blades
• Checking fluid levels
• Checking and replacing brake pads and rotors

While many of these tasks don't seem very exciting, you might be surprised by the following little-known facts about them.

Almost 900 Million Oil Changes Each Year

In 2007, drivers in the United States registered over 254 million passenger vehicles. On average, Americans drive their passenger cars and trucks just over 10,000 miles per year, and they get an oil change every 3,000 miles. That translates to nearly 900 million oil changes!

Different models of cars and trucks take different amounts of oil, but most engines require 5 to 7 quarts. That means that in one year, Americans use at least 1.1 billion gallons of oil in their vehicles. Much of this oil is reused and recycled.

The First Auto Tires Were Like Bike Tires

Decades ago, drivers had to replace their tires far more frequently than we do today. These days, it's not uncommon to get 50,000 miles or more on a single set of auto tires, but this longevity is due to the advanced technology and materials used to produce modern tires. Radial belts, synthetic and natural rubber components, and body plies, or layers, give today's tires a long lifespan.When inventor Philip Strauss designed the first tire in 1911, the structure of tires was very different. These tires were closer in design to bicycle tires, featuring an inner tube that was inflated to provide a firm base for the outer rubber shell.

Windshield Wipers Were Invented by a Woman


Next time you're driving in a rainstorm, you can thank Mary Anderson, who invented windshield wipers in 1903. Anderson was visiting New York City and noticed that the streetcar driver had to keep his window open in a sleet storm in order to reach his arm out of the car and manually clean his windshield with a squeegee. Anderson received a patent for the windshield wiper, but she couldn't sell the invention to the auto companies, who claimed that the device did not have commercial value. After Anderson's patent ran out in 1920, windshield wipers eventually became a standard feature on automobiles.Today, changing windshield wipers is an important part of automotive maintenance. Wiper blades come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and some are even heated to help keep your windshield clean in icy conditions.

Your Car Uses Six Primary Fluids

Think you can get away with just changing your oil? Think again! Believe it or not, you car actually uses six different fluids:

• Motor oil
• Coolant
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Windshield washer fluid

It's important to replenish and change these fluids according to the car's maintenance schedule, and it's also imperative that you properly dispose of the old fluids. Many of these substances are hazardous to people and animals.

Antilock Brakes Were Invented Over 50 Years Ago

Even though they are a fairly recent safety feature on most passenger cars, antilock brakes have actually been around for half a century. The British company, Road Research Laboratories, created an anti-skid braking system in 1958. The system, called "Maxaret," was used in production in 1966 on the Jensen FF Sports Sedan.

Initially, Maxaret and other antilock braking systems were simply too expensive for automakers, but advances in computerized braking now make it possible to get antilock brakes on almost any new car.
Final Words

While auto maintenance may not be the most scintillating topic of conversation for most people, it's something all vehicle owners have to perform. Next time you're in the waiting room of the car garage, you can entertain the other auto owners with these fun facts about car maintenance.

Source: http://cars.lovetoknow.com/Fun_Facts_About_Car_Maintenance

Time to Check Your Roadside Emergency Kit | Prescott Brothers Inc.

September is National Preparedness Month, it is time to think about your car. From a flat tire to an accident, are you prepared for a roadside emergency?  

When it comes to commuting or traveling any lengthy distance, a roadside emergency kit can mean the difference between getting back on the road or being stuck for a long period of time. A roadside emergency kit is the one item that every vehicle should have; yet most of us never carry any of the basic items to help you get back on the road quickly and safely.

A fully stocked roadside emergency kit could include:

• 12-foot Jumper Cables
• Four 15-minute Roadside Flares or Triangle Reflector
• Two Quarts of Oil
• Gallon of Antifreeze
• First Aid Kit (including an assortment of bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic cream, instant ice and heat compresses, scissors and aspirin)
• Blanket
• Extra Fuses
• Flashlight and Extra Batteries
• Flat Head Screwdrivers
• Phillips Head Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Vise Grips
• Adjustable Wrench
• Tire Inflator (such as a Fix-A-Flat)
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Rags
• Roll of Paper Towels
• Roll of Duct Tape
• Spray Bottle with Washer Fluid
• Pocketknife
• Ice Scraper
• Pen and Paper
• Help Sign
• Granola or Energy Bars
• Bottled Water
• Heavy-Duty Nylon Bag (to carry it all in)

A basic version can take up a minimal amount of truck space:

• Two Roadside Flares or Triangle Reflector 
• Quart of Oil
• Small First Aid Kit
• Extra Fuses
• Flashlight
• Multipurpose (tool commonly containing pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, bottle opener, screwdrivers, files and an awl)
• Tire Inflator
• Rags
• Pocket Knife
• Pen and Paper
• Help Sign 

Before you actually use your kit in an emergency situation, take some time to familiarize yourself with the items you've collected and how to use them properly. Also remember that the most important item is your own good judgment - stopping to change a tire in the high-speed lane is only an accident waiting to happen.

Unfortunately, there isn't "one tool for all roadside emergency needs." But with a little planning and a smidgen of trunk space, an emergency roadside kit can often save the day.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-create-your-own-roadside-emergency-kit.html

Fall and Winter Driving are just around the Corner | Prescott Brothers Inc.

The passing of Labor Day marks the time to gear up and be ready for fall and winter driving. Here are 10 practical tips to help get your car ready.

Check the brakes and tires. Inclement weather and associated road conditions and other hazards require good stopping power. That means good brakes and tires. If the tires have wear bars showing, say the experts, you need to replace the tires. Most good brake and tire shops will inspect the brakes and tires at no charge. Also check the tire pressure, as tire pressure drops when the outside temperatures plummet. Keep the pressure at levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Check the lights. Walk around the outside of the car and check the operation of all lights: headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights and emergency flashers. Replace all broken bulbs and those that have stopped working. Make sure all lights are clean. If you own an older vehicle with sealed-beam headlamps, you might want to pony up for halogen lamps for improved visibility and safer driving.

Replace wiper blades. The purpose of wiper blades is to completely clear the windshield. Cracked or worn blades won’t do an adequate job. Check the blade’s rubber to ensure it is flexible and operate the wipers to see that the blades clear the glass. Replace worn blades.

Make sure heater/defroster work. Driving with an improperly working heater isn’t fun or safe. Driving with fogged-up windows is an accident waiting to happen. Check front and rear window defrosters to ensure proper working condition. If necessary, have heater and defroster systems repaired.

Have the battery checked. A fully charged battery is necessary to start the car in cold weather. Have the battery and charging system inspected by a trained technician who can replace it if required. If you see signs of corrosion on the battery terminals or cable ends or if you spot loose connections, your battery needs attention.

Inspect under the hood. Looking under the hood will allow you to identify any obvious signs of wear or items that need replacing or fixing. Look for leaks, cracks or loose clamps in the cooling system and squeeze the hoses and replace any that are spongy-feeling or brittle. Inspect the underside of drive belts for fraying and replace as required. If you’ve noticed any engine noises, experienced sputtering or other engine problems, have a licensed mechanic thoroughly inspect the engine and make any necessary repairs.

Change oil and air filter. If the oil is dirty or you’re at your recommended oil change time, change the oil. Also check the air filter to ensure that it is clean enough to allow for proper operation. If you can’t see light through it when you hold it up to a 60-watt bulb, it’s time to replace the air filter.

Refill cooling system. Experts such as AAA recommend checking the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is too low, add a 50/50 solution of water and coolant to allow proper antifreeze capability. It may be necessary to refill the cooling system.

Check all fluid levels. This includes washer fluid, along with transmission, brake and power steering fluids. Make sure they are all at or above minimum safe levels and refill as necessary.

Get a good car wash/detail. It may sound crazy, spiffing up your car with an extra-special wash or even a detail, but when your vehicle is clean, it’s easier to spot any potential problems.

Make an appointment and let us take care of the checklist for you. Schedule Service Now

Source: http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1087781_10-practical-tips-to-get-your-car-ready-for-fall

School Zone Safety Tips | Prescott Brothers Inc of Mendota

Keeping Children Safe

Parents and caregivers who drive on campus and in neighborhoods near school can plan an important role in enhancing safety near schools by following safe driving practices. At arrival and dismissal times, drivers are often in a hurry and distracted which can lead to unsafe conditions for students and others walking, bicycling and driving in the area.

Drivers should always:

• Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits, both in school zones and in
  
  neighborhoods surrounding the school. 
• Comply with local school drop-off and pick-up procedures for the safety of all children accessing the school. 
• Avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks to let children out of the car. Double parking will block visibility for other children and other motorists. Visibility is further reduced during the rain and fog seasons when condensation forms on car windows. 
• Avoid loading or unloading children at locations across the street from the school. This forces youngsters to unnecessarily cross busy streets—often mid-block rather than at a crosswalk. 
• Prepare to stop for a school bus when overhead yellow lights are flashing. Drive with
  
  
  caution when you see yellow hazard warning lights are flashing on a moving or stopped bus. 
• Stop for a school bus with its red overhead lights flashing, regardless of the
  
  direction from which the driver is approaching. Drivers must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion and the red lights stop flashing, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed. 
• Watch for children walking or bicycling (both on the road and the sidewalk) in areas near a school. 
• Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. 
• Watch for children walking or biking to school when backing up (out of a driveway or leaving a garage).

Source: http://apps.saferoutesinfo.org/lawenforcement/resources/driving_tips.cfm