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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that temperatures are dropping! And nothing is worse than getting into a chilly car no matter what day of the week or where you’re headed. This week, we have some tips for you to stay toasty warm in your CJDR this holiday season! Check them out below! Drive it, don’t idle it. Many drivers don’t know that driving their vehicle will actually warm it up faster than letting it idle for a long period of time in your driveway. When you push start and hit the road, your engine is working hard which then turns that energy into heat which will warm up your cabin making you toasty warm faster! Wait 10 seconds and go. Most newer vehicles these days are equipped with stop-start technology which means your vehicle will turn off when it comes to a full and complete stop. Why is this so important? Well, not only does this feature save you fuel, in the long run, it’s better for the environment. And don’t worry - those 10 seconds are not enough time for your engine to cool down. So, you’ll leave toasty warm! Got a garage? Park in there! If you are lucky enough to have a garage, put it to good use. Parking your vehicle inside your garage will give you a jump start on warming up your vehicle. And if you have leather seats, you won’t have to think about how cold your bottom is when you’re driving down the road. Another added bonus, you won’t have to clean off your vehicle from snow or ice! Block heaters, not remote starters. Remote starters are very convenient additions to your vehicle, but did you know that block heaters can do the same job without burning as much fuel? Engine block heaters can cost as low as $30 and can even be set on a timer to warm up your ride while you’re getting ready for the day! Schedule Your Service Today: https://www.zapponechryslerjeepdodge.com/serviceappmt.aspx

Hey, y'all spooky guys and gals! Can you believe this is the final week of October! Speaking of, Halloween is just days away and we want to ensure that you and your family are having a safe, healthy, and fun time this weekend. How can we help? Well, below you’ll find a few ways that will make trick-or-treating and the weekend go by much more smoothly! We encourage you to share these tips with your littles so they know how to stay safe, too! Put them to good use and if you’re in need of further safety information, we encourage you to visit the CDC’s website at your convenience! And if you’re ready to upgrade to a new CJDR vehicle, head into Zappone CJDR Granville today! Virtual Costume Parties - Today’s age offers plenty of technology to a wide variety of audiences which means you can use them to your advantage this Halloween weekend! We recommend setting a time with friends and family that you all can join and enjoy the time together! And don’t forget to pass out the virtual candy! Make Masks A Costume Prop - We know that it might be difficult to get your kiddos to wear those masks but if you make it part of their costume, you might have a winning way to stay safe this weekend. Some great options are surgeons, superheroes, or even evil characters! Be sure to double line with an approved mask! Spooky Movie Night Things definitely look a lot different this year so maybe it’s time to switch up those traditions! Like having a spooky movie night instead of heading out to trick or treat! Of course, we recommend some fan-favorite age-appropriate movies like Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, or Hocus Pocus! Did we say that one twice?! Outdoor Community Events - If your community is having a few outdoor events, we encourage you to attend but be safe and mindful of you and your family while in attendance. Be sure to pack your masks and extras in case. Hand sanitizer is also a must-have these days. Always choose events where physical distancing and one-way walkthroughs are enforced. As always, remind your children of potential dangers when out and about and to always be on alert. Stay Spooky In A New CJDR: https://www.zapponechryslerjeepdodge.com/searchnew.aspx

Winter is right around the corner and making sure your vehicle is ready for whatever is thrown at you is extremely important. Yes, we highly suggest stopping in for a tune-up to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape, but this week we are talking about other ways to get your vehicle ready for winter. Below you will find our list of must-have accessories in your vehicles for those what-if moments. So take a peek below and start filling your trunk with the items you’ll need most! And as always, if you need assistance with your vehicle, please schedule an appointment today and the pros here at Zappone CJDR Granville would be happy to help! Must-Have Winter Accessories: Ice scraper and snow brush With winter right around the corner, it’s crucial to have a sturdy ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle. Whether you’re leaving work, the mall, the grocery store, etc, snow can obstruct your view, and just using your wipers to clear your view can be dangerous for other drivers when the snow flies off at them. Small/Collapsible shovel Keeping a small or collapsible shovel in your truck can be a lifesaver if you find your vehicle stuck in the snow or if you have to clear a path to drive Gloves, hats, scarves, etc. You have the snow brush and shovel, but now you need to actually use them. Having extra gloves will be a lifesaver when you have to brush off your vehicle, pump gas, or even change a tire! Blanket Doesn’t everybody have extra blankets lying around at home? Just me? Well, if you have an extra blanket, throw it in your trunk in case you find yourself in an accident having to stand outside, or experience a breakdown in colder temperatures. Emergency flares or reflectors Finding yourself stuck in the snow? Ensure other vehicles can see you with emergency flares or reflectors Rock salt Stuck in the snow? Did ice form around your tires? Gain traction with rock salt, sand, or kitty litter! Spread the material near your tires and in your car’s path to get out of a slippery situation. First aid kit This is an all-year-round necessity, but it’s always good to replenish what you need in your first aid kit Whether your passenger has a small cut or you’re in an accident and need to be bandaged up, a first aid kit is crucial to this list Extra windshield washer fluid Make sure your windshield washer fluid has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing. Clearing your windshield with fluid will improve visibility in a winter storm. Flashlight We all know it gets dark very early during the winter months. Having a flashlight in your trunk is always a good idea. Whether you need it for maintenance purposes or even to feel safer when walking to and from your vehicle. Jumper cables Cold weather can affect a car’s battery. You can’t start your car if the battery’s dead, which means you won’t be able to use the car’s heater for warmth. Waiting for a jump start in the cold is not fun. You won’t have to wait as long if you have jumper cables with you. Cell phone charger It’s always important to keep your phone charged before hitting the road but with maps, music, and more, your battery can die quickly Keep your phone charged up in case you need to make a call for assistance or need your maps for directions Water and non-perishable snacks Breakdowns are never fun and sometimes happen in the worst place. This means if you find yourself stranded, waiting for a tow truck and it might be a while before you get help, having a snack to hold you over is always helpful Schedule Your Fall Service Now: https://www.zapponechryslerjeepdodge.com/parts-accessories.html

Summer is officially gone and it’s starting to feel like fall more than ever before. If you’re an early riser, you know those warm morning walks are a thing of the past. And if you need to hit the road to get to the gym or work,  the time to defrost your car has come. So what does this mean? It means right now is the time to check your tires PSI. Your PSI is something that is normally overlooked but is a huge game-changer when it comes to your safety, handling, and even your fuel economy. When temperatures drop, so does your tire’s pressure, which can lead to issues. And to help avoid any issues down the road, we’ve got all you need to know about getting your PSI right where it needs to be! So go ahead, take a peek below and if you need help with your PSI or tire replacement, feel free to schedule your appointment with the team here at Zappone CJDR Granville! Why it’s important to check your tire pressure… Your safety Longer lasting tires Improved handling and control Reduced risk of accidents and blowouts Better fuel economy Reduced carbon footprint Tips for Checking and Filling Your Tires When the temperature drops, we suggest checking your tire pressure. Outside temperatures can cause tire pressure to vary by as much as 1 psi per 10 degrees. What’s the right PSI level? The recommended PSI for your vehicle’s tires is determined by the vehicle’s manufacturer and the recommended tire size. You can find this information in your owner’s manual or on the placard inside of the door edge, glove box door, or fuel door. In most newer vehicles, your vehicle will alert you when your vehicle’s tires fall below the recommended PSI Do NOT use the max PSI that is printed on the tire sidewall. The pressure amount on the tire is normally the maximum allowed pressure. Over-inflation can lead to poor handling and comfort, overheating, and blowouts. How to properly inflate your tires. If you do not have an air pump at home, most gas stations have an air pump for you to use. Remove dust caps from the tires’ valve stems. Insert your tire gauge into the tire valve and leave it in for a few seconds When you remove it, the gauge will provide a PSI reading If the tire gauge’s recorded reading is higher than the manufacturer-recommended rating, press the gauge tip on the valve stem until you hear air leak out. Check the tire pressure again. If the reading is lower than recommended, you will need to fill the tire with air. When filling the tire, firmly press the air-hose into the valve, as you did with the tire gauge When you think you’ve added or let out enough air, check the pressure a few times with the gauge. Return the valve dust caps. Schedule Your Fall Service Appointment: https://www.zapponechryslerjeepdodge.com/serviceappmt.aspx

August is just a couple of days away, and it seems like summer is escaping us! Before we know it the kids will be back to school, so now is the time to get your family road trip if you haven’t done so yet. We know packing up the car can be difficult and forgetting things is not unheard of. So this week we want to help you with your packing list, but you won’t find your toothbrush in the list below. In fact, our list for your road trip safety kit so you can have peace of mind when you hit the road, even if you run into issues down the road. So go ahead, take a peek and get your safety kit ready before you hit the road. And if you find your CJDR needs service before you hit the road, leave it to the professionals here at Zappone CJDR Granville and schedule your service appointment online now! What to Pack in You Kit: First aid (For more minor accidents) Band-Aids Hand sanitizer. Antiseptic. Antibiotic ointment. Bug spray. Aspirin (or similar). Cotton balls. Gauze pads. Tweezers. Bandana. Ace bandage. * This one might be best kept inside the vehicle in a place like the glove compartment* Fire extinguisher (For more serious accidents) Choose a smaller one that is easy to store Jumper cables. Rain ponchos. Flashlight and extra batteries. Scent-free baby wipes. Drinking water and non-perishable snacks. Multipurpose tool. Cell Phone Charger Weather based items: Ice scraper. Cat litter for slick roads. Small battery-powered fan. Blankets and/or warm clothing. Fluids to keep in your car: Oil Antifreeze Brake fluids Now that you’ve got all the information you need to hit the road safely, it’s important to ask yourself if your vehicle is in shape to get you where you want to go, or if it’s time for an upgrade. If you want to join the CJDR family, stop into Zappone CJDR Granville and allow our team to help you find the perfect CJDR for your family! Find The Perfect CJDR For Your Next Road Trip! >> https://www.zapponechryslerjeepdodge.com/searchnew.aspx

Have an itch to get out and explore all that the great state of New York has to offer this summer? We thought you might, and perhaps behind the wheel of a brand new CJDR? If so, you’ve come to the right blog at the right dealer! This week, we have five-day trips that will make your summer worthwhile. Whether you choose to spend the night and explore a little more or just head out for the day, these destinations offer plenty of outdoor exploring, beautiful views, and plenty of options for anyone that may be along for the ride. So, buckle up, set up the GPS, and let’s hit the road! Oh, and don’t forget to stop in to see our team for a test drive in your brand new ride before you leave for your adventure! We hope to see you soon! Cooperstown - For the families or group that has a love for the game, Cooperstown is the destination for all sport fanatics, curious travelers, and nature lovers. Located on the beautiful Otsego Lake, this town is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Catch a game, do a little shopping, and even spend a little time at the picturesque lake - this little town has everything you’re looking for! Ausable Chasm - From beautiful scenery on the hiking trail to white water rafting, Ausable Chasm is known as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. With gorgeous waterfalls that run into Lake Champlain, the Chasm is a majestic sandstone gorge with beautiful views when the sun goes down and you’ll be able to see the natural formations by moonlight! Adirondack Park Region - Escape city life for a while and enjoy glacial lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and the beautiful wilderness that the ADKs have to offer. Just a little over two hours from Albany, the Adirondack Park offers hiking, canoeing, and more! The perfect camping place for a summer weekend road trip is waiting for you here! Hunter Mountain - Adventure through Hunter Mountain and get a rush of adrenaline with activities like soaring 600 feet above the ground on Northern America’s longest and highest canopy tour. Or take a scenic Skyride to the 3,200-foot summit for a calm afternoon. Maybe ATVing, fly-fishing, or disc golf is more your style. Either way, it’s all available at Hunter Mountain! Buttermilk Falls State Park - If your family loves the great outdoors and exploring, Buttermilk Falls State Park is the right place for you to hit! Right outside of Syracuse, you’ll find gorgeous falls, hiking trails, natural pools, playing fields, and extensive wetland areas to explore. Stay the night or spend the day, this area has plenty to keep you busy! Hit The Road In A New CJDR!

Is it time to slip behind the wheel of a new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or RAM vehicle? This is a very exciting time and we couldn’t be happier to help you dive into your search, but before you do that it might be helpful to take a peek at some of our tips below. Shopping for a new vehicle can be stressful, but here at Zappone Granville, we want to help make your experience simpler than ever before. That means we want to help you get in, out, and on the road behind the wheel of your new vehicle quickly and stress-free! That’s why below we have a couple of helpful tips you should keep in your back pocket if you’ll be searching for a new vehicle anytime soon! Before you schedule a test drive with a potential vehicle there is a lot you should think about. However, if you’re thinking “wait, what should I be considering?” Don’t stress it, we’ve got all you need below! Once you’re ready to schedule a test drive or stop in Zappone CJDR Granville! Bring proof of insurance and your license: This might seem obvious but you generally need proof of license and insurance before you’re allowed to take the vehicle out on the road. Making sure you have this information makes the process run smoother. Don’t be afraid to ask the dealer for their documentation of ownership and the vehicle papers. Ask for the records: If you’re considering a used vehicle, it’s important to know everything about the vehicle’s past life. That includes things as small as maintenance reports to bigger things like accident reports, and everything in between. The more you know, the less you’ll be surprised if something isn’t working properly. Do your research: You might love the way a vehicle looks, but you could hate it the second you get inside and see what it offers. To save yourself a trip, do some research about the vehicle, its trim levels, features that it offers, etc. Then when you’re test driving the vehicle you can test these features out, ask about them, or even notice if they aren’t working properly. Test Everything: Regardless if you buy used or new, there is always a possibility of features not working properly. A test drive is not just about driving the vehicle is about learning the features, deciding if it’s comfortable, making sure everything is working. Assure yourself that the vehicle is worth the investment. If you find issues, be sure to point them out and even ask about a price reduction. Test drive multiple vehicles: It’s not a bad idea to test drive more than one vehicle, it is a way for you to compare similar vehicles and see what other vehicles offer that yours might not. It also allows you to have options if your dream ride wasn’t what you expected. Find Your NEW Ride Here!

We know you have a lot on your list this spring season but one thing we hope you’ve done is allergy-proof your life. If you’ve completed this for everywhere but your vehicle, we are here to help you with that this May before we head into the summer season. Below, you will find an easy four step guide on how to allergy-proof your CJDR with ease this month. If you’re in need of a little assistance and TLC from our service advisors, we encourage you to schedule your appointment at the link below and hurry on in to see our team this May! Change Out Air Filters Air filters are sometimes the most forgotten thing in a vehicle. While air filters are the barrier between you and the pollen inside your cabin, it is crucial to swap out your air filters at the start of each season for plenty of reasons. We recommend changing at the beginning of the spring season and checking back again towards the end to ensure smart, clean breathing when you’re inside your vehicle. Clean Those Carpets Your vehicle’s carpeting is known to be a home for allergens, dirt, dust, and all things nasty. The first way to allergy-proof your ride is to make sure your carpeting (and seating) is clean and dry. If you want to go the extra step, invest in all-season floor mats to make this process easier or to keep allergens from building up in your vehicle’s carpeting. Keep Your Windows Closed Pollen season is here and that means you’ll be sneezing in no time! Let’s cut back on those sneeze attacks by keeping our windows closed tight when pollen is at its peak. We also recommend using only the recirculating cycle if or when you need to use your air conditioner in order to avoid pollen from entering your vehicle's cabin. Avoid Irritants Many drivers think cleaning their vehicle with strong fragrance products or adding a new air freshener to their vehicle will make all those bad smells go away. And in some cases, they will. But those fragrances can add irritation and could make those allergies worse. So, avoid all that and choose something that will not irritate your nasal membranes. Schedule Service Today!

Happy Spring, CJDR fam! Can you believe March is already coming to an end and we’re heading straight for April?! It’s hard to believe but we’re excited for warmer temperatures and sunshine. And we know you’re probably thinking about springtime adventures and road trips. But before we get there, it’s important to treat your vehicle to some specific services, for example, your air filters. When was the last time you swapped them out or checked to ensure they’re healthy and clean? It’s probably been a while and if you can’t remember, it’s probably time to swap them out! And we want to dive deep in all things air filters on this week’s blog and when you’re ready to change them, our team will be right here waiting to assist you and all of your vehicle needs! The Purpose of Filters The answer is pretty easy, your vehicle air filter keeps debris, dirt, leaves, and other particles out of your engine so that it can operate at peak efficiency. Filters are often composed of pleated paper or cardboard material and are either rectangular or cylinder in shape. Neglecting to change your air filters can lead to: Decreased engine power Poor acceleration Poor engine health Higher RPMs leading to more wear on your engine The Benefits of Changing Filters It’s been known that when you change your air filter, your fuel mileage can increase upwards to 14% for more modern cars. Changing your filters can prolong the life of your vehicle since these trapped dirt, debris, and other particles can lead to costly repairs on your engine. Keep a close eye on your filters and consider changing them every time you have an oil change. How To Know When To Change Filters should be changed around every 15,000 to 60,000 miles depending on the make of your vehicle. If you find yourself traveling dusty or dirty roads more often, your filters will likely need to be replaced more often. Keep an eye on these tops signs to ensure when to swap: Your vehicle is having issues with acceleration Your RPMs are higher than normal A visual inspection of your filter shows it to be dirty Schedule Service Here At Zappone!

You + Our Team + This Blog = Best Car Buying Experience Ever! We know you’re ready to upgrade your ride this season and what better way to start that process than by getting some tips to enjoy the easiest car buying experience. Below you’ll find tips to ensure that this process goes smoothly from start to finish. Get pre-approved, find your car, value your trade, and let us wave goodbye when you drive off the lot! Get Pre-Approved: getting a pre-approved auto loan before stopping in to see our team will speed up the buying process and keep you from waiting long periods of time while we’re dealing with the bank. Also, we recommend getting pre-approved before even starting your vehicle search, so you will have a better idea of your budget and what types of models you can afford. Know The Value of Your Trade: planning to trade in your old vehicle? Do a little research before stopping in. Not only is this beneficial for you, knowing your vehicle’s trade value can help you negotiate the deal and in some situations, can get you a lower payment. There are many tools available to you to use for research and find your vehicle’s trade value. A trade appraisal will also work as a starting point when it comes time to discuss your trade. Personal Identification: the paperwork process can be a pain in the butt and we recommend bringing in the right items on the first purchase visit in order to ensure a quick, pain-free process. Be sure to bring in your driver’s license, proof of insurance, current registration, and the title to your trade (if you are trading in a vehicle.) These are all necessary in order to get you out the door with your new car and if you end up forgetting any, the process can be held up. Review Your Dea l: before you sign on the dotted line, you need to know what you are paying for, how much, and for how long. If you are going to be shelling out cash, you should know exactly what you are paying for. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before signing on the line and if you don’t understand something - it is your salesman's job to explain all of those nitty-gritty details. Don’t be afraid to ask! Take a Test Drive: we sure hope no one would ever purchase a vehicle without taking a test drive but if that’s the case, let us recommend taking one! A test drive is the most important thing to do before buying. This is a big investment and if you are not 100 percent happy, it’ll be a waste of time and money on your end! Even if you have to test drive the vehicle a few times and ask a million questions, it is better that you get everything you want than just agreeing to something you think you will like. Find Your Next CJDR Here!

Snow day, snow day, who doesn’t love a snow day! Well, if you’re stuck digging your car out from under all of the snow, we can understand why you would dislike a snow day. But once you’re finally out from under the snow, you probably have places to be and we want to help get you there! This week we have a few tips and tricks to assist you in staying on top of your driving game! Check out all of those details below and when you’re ready to stop in to see our team for a TLC service appointment, schedule with our team below or online. We look forward to working with you and your vehicle - see you soon! Deal With Skids When skids happen, it’s important not to panic, stay calm, and don’t stab on the brakes. For a front-wheel skid, ease off the gas, in a moment or two, the wheels should regain traction. Then aim where you want to go as your traction returns. For rear skids, quickly turn the steering wheel in the same direction the rear is sliding. Ease off the gas and brakes. Steer back in the original direction when you regain traction. Constantly Assess Traction During a snowy/ icy drive, it’s important to continuously assess your traction situation. If your vehicle is equipped with ABS systems, traction-control systems, or stability-control systems, your vehicle is more likely to have a successful trip. But don’t rely strictly on these systems. It’s important to stay vigilant and cautious when on the road. Drive Smooth Be deliberate, gentle, and gradual. It’s important to drive smoothly and make no jerky movements that can cause an accident slip on the road. A good life hack is to pretend you’re driving with a hot cup of coffee in your lap and you don’t want to spill it. Look Ahead & Look Here When roads get more slippery, you should be looking farther down the road and anticipate what to do next. If there are turns, slow way down. When roads are wet, allow double the stopping distance and triple with snow, and even more with ice. Use extra caution and concentration. If you feel your vehicle beginning to slide, always look where you want your vehicle to go, not where it’s heading at the current moment. Schedule Your Service Today!

Are you planning on hosting or attending a few holiday celebrations this season?! We want to help you stay healthy while enjoying this time of year. Below is a list of a few ways to ensure you and your family’s safety while celebrating. These tips are directly from the CDC and we hope you’ll utilize them this holiday season. And as always, if you’re ready to upgrade into a brand new CJDR, hurry on by to see our team this holiday season and let us help you save big and upgrade into your dream CJDR during the Big Finish 2020 Event! But first, let’s talk about those safety tips! Attending a Winter Holiday Celebration Have conversations with the host ahead of time to understand expectations for celebrating together. Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, utensils, and condiment packets. Wear a mask indoors and outdoors. Avoid shouting or singing. Stay home if you are sick or have been near someone who thinks they may have or have been exposed to COVID-19. It’s okay if you decide to stay home and remain apart from others. Do what’s best for you. Hosting a Winter Holiday Celebration Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together. Limit the number of guests. Have a small, outdoor celebration with family and friends who live in your community, weather-permitting. Have extra unused masks available for your guests and encourage everyone to wear them inside and outside. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use. If celebrating indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible. You can use a window fan in one of the open windows to blow air out of the window. This will pull fresh air in through the other open windows. Have a separate space for guests to wash their hands or provide hand sanitizer. Keep background music volume low so guests don’t need to shout. Cancel your gathering if you or someone who lives with you is sick or has been near someone who thinks they have or has COVID-19. It’s okay if you decide to postpone or cancel your gathering. Do what’s best for you. Food and Beverages at Celebrations Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils. Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen. Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils. Use a touchless garbage can, if available. Food and Beverages at Celebrations Host a virtual celebration with family and friends. Gather virtually for a gift exchange or activity. Throw a virtual dance party! Enjoy the winter weather! Browse Our Inventory Today!