This year, the coliseum is re-opening its doors.
On November 22, director Ridley Scott is serving up Gladiator 2, the long-awaited follow-up to 2000’s Best Picture winner Gladiator. With Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal set to star, we’ll see if the historical epic resonates with audiences the same way its predecessor did nearly a quarter century ago. But in the meantime, we’re treated to the year’s most anticipated Gladiator sequel: the new and improved 2024 Jeep Gladiator.
Putting on a Show
There are tons off-road-centric, mid-size trucks on the market, but the Jeep Gladiator has developed a reputation based on its uniqueness. Its singular four-wheel drive system and suspension are designed to thrive on off-road conditions. It’s one of the only pickups to offer a six-speed manual transmission. To top it off, it boasts a 7,700-pound tow rating and 1,725-pound payload, despite still being powered by its modest but reliable 285-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine.
The new Gladiator is essentially its seven-slot sibling, the Jeep Wrangler, with a pickup truck bed slapped on top. Much like the recently refreshed Wrangler, the Gladiator has undergone some cosmetic surgery to its exterior, emerging with a fuller, rounder grille. New wheel designs and a windshield-integrated antenna complete the Gladiator’s new look.
Are You Not Entertained?
The versatile 2024 Gladiator features a removable roof, removable doors, and a fold-down windshield. For the first time, the Gladiator comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, offered standard even with the base Sport trim. You also have the option to move up to the Rubicon and Mojave trims – and that’s where things start getting really fun.
The Rubicon trim has been tried and tested with the Wrangler, and it remains the preferred choice for rock-crawling and uneven off-road trails. The desert-themed Mojave, however, is newly exclusive to the Gladiator. An homage to the sand-strewn surfaces Roman combatants once risked life and limb on, the Mojave can easily traverse and absorb bumps and dunes, accepting each would-be blow before casually moving on to the next challenge. Much like the year’s other big blockbuster, Dune Part 2, the Gladiator Mojave proves it has desert power to spare.
With an Off-Road+ mode, 12-way adjustable seats, and improved safety features, the Gladiator Mojave guarantees the most comfortable, well-rounded off-road experience you can find. Its Fox suspension is equipped to combat a wide variety of rough terrain. Oh, and if you needed one more selling point on the Mojave: can we interest you in orange tow hooks?
Age of Legends
The age of gladiatorial combat is (thankfully) behind us, preserved exclusively by cinematic experiences. However, the age of the Jeep Gladiator is alive and thriving. Here at Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, you can check out our full roster of new and used Jeep vehicles, from off-road warriors like the Gladiator and Wrangler to world-class SUVs like the 2024 Compass and 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Much like the combatants of old, each Jeep we sell is battle-tested and ready to take on whatever challenges life puts in front of you.
Your Spring Checklist: Five Things to Address First
Spring is finally here, and it’s a literal breath of fresh air in more ways than one. At long last, it’s time to leave the familiar confines of home behind and embark on outdoor adventures. Of course, before you can do so, you need to make sure your vehicle is in a proper state to get you to your various spring destinations.
Courtesy of Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, here’s a convenient checklist of what components need inspecting before you can safely put your vehicle back on the road. Though they’re listed by approximate order of importance, make no mistake that each is vital to your vehicle’s short and long-term health.
1. Battery
Your battery runs a greater risk of depletion during colder months, and we endured a long, cold winter here in Seneca. Therefore, the first thing you want to do when the weather warms up is make sure your battery is still humming capably. Although the average car battery lasts between four and five years, it drains at a much higher rate in extreme cold and heat. That makes spring the logical time for a battery diagnosis, to see if it needs replacing before the summer arrives and temperatures start to soar.
2. Fluids
As surely as you spent the winter throwing back hot cider, your vehicle was guzzling through its own fluids. Consider an oil change if you haven’t done so since last summer, changing your oil’s viscosity to a heavier weight for the warmer weather ahead. Keep your engine oil full to keep your engine protected and functioning normally. Refill your brake fluid, steering fluid, and coolant accordingly. Lastly, top off the windshield fluid: if not empty, it’s probably nearly spent from combatting sleet, salt, and other winter build up.
3. Tires
Just as batteries are more susceptible to drainage during colder months, your tires stand a greater chance of deflation. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, your tires could lose a full PSI. If you swapped out for winter tires last year (and bravo if you did), now is the time to make the switch back to summer tires. If you’re rolling with the same tires, make sure to measure your air pressure pronto. Look for your tires’ recommended PSI levels on the sticker inside your driver’s door and inflate accordingly.
4. HVAC System
If you had the heat in your car running continuously throughout the winter, that means the same system that controls your air conditioning hasn’t been taking time off. Make sure you have cool air coming out of your vents before temperatures really start simmering. Refill your coolant until it reaches its appropriate levels. Lastly, replace your cabin air filter, as it’s likely accumulated a good deal of dust, dirt and debris during the winter.
5. Wiper Blades
Your windshield is often working overtime to maintain visibility during the winter. Between snow, ice, frost, and salt, there’s more than enough to keep your blades occupied. As the rainy spring season approaches, take this time to install a set of well-functioning, seasonally appropriate blades. Storms can develop quickly, and there’s no telling where you might be on the road. Thus, maintaining visibility is a must.
Checkmate
If you’ve checked off all five items from your list, congratulations! Your vehicle is officially spring-certified. And if you need help with any part of your checklist, fear not: Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has you covered. Simply schedule your service today and let our team of professional service technicians handle your tire rotation, oil change, or any other maintenance your vehicle requires.
This Easter, hop on down to Northpointe; we’ll make sure you have the means to get to the various adventures that await you this spring and beyond.
When we think of a vehicle having versatility, we normally mean that it performs exceptionally on various terrain, or it offers a variety of tech features. We rarely mean that a vehicle arrives boasting different engines, door configurations, and both electric and gas-powered architectures. But that’s exactly what Dodge is proposing with its relaunched Charger line.
The eighth-generation Charger was revealed this week, having traded out its old Hemi V-8’s and superchargers for electric motors and all-wheel drive performance. But Dodge’s ambitions stretch beyond that, with plans to introduce a gas powertrain, four-door option, and more to the Charger in 2025. In other words, don’t call the legendary muscle car dead; call it evolved.
Muscle Memory
The Charger has spent the past year in a transitional stage. When the seventh generation ended in 2023, it took the Hemi V-8 with it. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait long to see what the next wave would look like, as three next-generation Chargers are primed to be released over the next two years. Let’s explore all three, starting with the Charger Daytona – the moniker all electric powertrain Chargers will use moving forward.
Dodge Charger Daytona (Late 2024)
The first of the revamped Chargers is an EV that is expected to become available later in 2024. The Daytona was first revealed back in the summer of 2022 as a concept. To our pleasant surprise, the production model is extremely faithful to the concept we were shown over 18 months ago. Now, the first-ever EV muscle car is ready to do work.
The Charger Daytona will come in both R/T and Scat Pack trims. Both trims feature a 400-volt architecture and a battery with 93.9 kWh of capacity. With an electric motor on both the front and rear axles, the Charger Daytona will debut with standard all-wheel drive. The coupe-like two-door Daytona will be the first available, with four-door alternatives to follow next year.
Dodge Charger Banshee (2025)
The Banshee is a high-performance variant of the Daytona, set to arrive sometime in 2025. If you were wondering what happened to some of the Daytona’s more eye-opening equipment from its initial concept, Dodge was saving it for their top-spec performance model. Upping the 400-volt Daytona, the Banshee will feature 800-volt architecture and two-speed transmission.
In many ways, the Banshee is the resurrected, electrified version of the Hellcat. Now that the Hellcat has been retired along with its Hemi V-8, the Banshee can showcase what a high-performance, electric muscle car is capable of. The Daytona may be the first-ever EV muscle car, but the Banshee will be the first to take flight.
Dodge Charger Sixpack (2025)
The Charger is exclusively electric in year one with the Daytona, but it won’t remain that way for long. Dodge is set to reintroduce its gas powertrains to the new Charger lineup in 2025, starting with the Charger Sixpack. This time around, they’ll be powered by Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engines. Already used with Jeep vehicles such as the Wagoneer, the two engines produce either 420 or 550 horsepower. The Sixpack will be available with both two and four doors.
Ready, Set, Charge!
Here at Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new-look Charger and its forthcoming array of variants. In the meantime, there’s always something new to explore on our lot. Check out our extensive inventory of new and used vehicles, such as the timeless Jeep Grand Cherokee or the super-powered Ram 3500.
While there’s always a chance the Charger might be biting off more than it can chew, we can’t fault it for trying to do too much. After all, we’re built the exact same way here at Northpointe, the most daring – and most trusted – dealership in Seneca.
A Guide to Organizing Your Car’s Paperwork
As this snowy winter gradually recedes from Seneca’s view, we’re gearing up for one of the season’s traditions: spring cleaning. More than just dusting ledges or scrubbing sinks, spring cleaning is a chance to take stock: a tactical decluttering of both your physical environment and mental realm, as you gear up to tackle the coming year.
Organizing your mind starts with organizing your surroundings – including your automobile’s documentation. Like with every facet of modern life, owning a vehicle comes with extensive paperwork. It can be daunting to keep everything in order – but at Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we specialize in simplifying your car-related minutiae. Here’s what you’ll need to keep on file as we plunge into 2024.
What You’ll Need
License & Registration: If you’ve ever been stopped (or at least seen a film), you’re aware of the necessity of having your driver’s license and car registration with you while driving. Ensure your registration is current; if it’s nearing expiry, initiate the renewal procedure. Once renewed, it ought to be signed and stored away somewhere in your vehicle, such as the glove compartment, beneath a rear seat, or under the dashboard. Hopefully, your driving license is already securely stored in your purse or wallet – if it isn’t, we’d suggest sorting that out before you start spring cleaning!
Insurance Proof: Owning car insurance is legally required for all licensed drivers. It’s another document to have at your disposal in case you’re pulled over. It’s also necessary in the event of an accident, enabling you to swap insurance details with the other party involved. At minimum, keep a snapshot of your insurance card saved to your smartphone.
Vehicle Title: Unlike your registration and insurance cards, your title requires more security than your glove compartment can provide. This document is your exclusive proof of vehicle ownership, making it highly valuable. Deposit your title in a secure and easy-to-remember spot, such as a home safe.
Service & Maintenance Records: Although keeping a record of your auto’s service and repair history isn’t obligatory, it’s certainly prudent. For one, it’s a surefire way to keep track of your maintenance schedule, so that you’ll always be prepared when the next service is required. Maybe more importantly, keeping thorough records of your car’s history will come in handy when the time comes to sell and you start dealing with prospective buyers.
Putting It All Together
While your registration and insurance should be held within your vehicle, we recommend merging all other documents. A secure location in your house is perfect, offering regular access to your paperwork. This involves the title and service records, along with any other relevant documents, like warranty and emissions test papers. If needed, classify and arrange appropriately; for example, cluster your insurance payments together. Make sure you have ample storage to house everything, clearing shelves and drawers of irrelevant or outdated papers.
In the current digital age, creating duplicates of every document is crucial. Produce hard copies of your paperwork if that suits you, but also think about uploading your files to cloud storage. By digitizing, you’re making sure your data can be easily reached – even when you’re struggling to find their physical counterparts.
The Final Step
After initiating spring tidying by gathering and arranging all crucial paperwork, you’ll discover your choices for the remainder of the year have significantly broadened. If you decide, you now have all the necessary documents to evaluate your trade and sell your present vehicle.
Once we assist you with your old auto, peruse our vast assortment of new and used vehicles until you spot your perfect replacement. Immerse yourself in the new 2024 Ram 1500, or discover off-road liberty in a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. So finish up your cleaning and hit the road this spring in a new ride from Northpointe, your mind reoriented and the journey ahead full of possibilities.
Jeep’s Electric Future is Imminent
The Recon and Wagoneer S aren’t Jeep’s first dives into the alternate energy space. The brand has been offering plug-in hybrid versions of its most popular models for years, and the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the best-selling plug-in hybrid in both North America and Europe. But the Recon and Wagoneer S herald Jeep’s first all-electric endeavors, and their arrival is nearly upon us.
Here at Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’re expecting the new Recon and Wagoneer S EVs to start arriving at dealerships some time in 2024. As anticipation continues to mount, here’s everything we currently know about both new electric vehicles.
Charge Me Mama, Like a Wagoneer
Following Stellantis’s surprising update on eight new electric vehicles last week, new images of the upcoming Wagoneer S EV leaked on the internet. We already knew the Wagoneer S would only be available in all-electric form, but now we have a few additional details on the premium, midsize SUV.
The electric Wagoneer’s size will be comparable to the current two-row Grand Cherokee, and includes an ultramodern, LED-lit grille. Jeep insists the “S” in Wagoneer S stands for speed, as it’s able to jump from zero to 60 in under four seconds. Roughly 400 miles of range is expected, and as much as 600 horsepower.
Early images of the Wagoneer’s interior reveal a typically luxurious cabin. Multicolored, ambient lighting creates a soothing atmosphere while you drive. The screen-heavy dashboard includes dual central touchscreens in addition to a passenger-facing touchscreen. The Wagoneer S also boasts a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. It’s everything you’ve come to expect from an SUV made by Jeep… minus the gas tank.
Engage in a Recon Mission
Of the two EVs, the Recon better fits the “traditional” Jeep mold. The Recon is modeled after the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid (the Recon name having been previously used for a Wrangler variant). While the Wagoneer S EV is priming itself as the option for the everyday man or woman, this boxy SUV is ready to prove that EVs can excel off-road.
Certain important details, such as EPA-estimated range, have yet to be disclosed. We do know the Recon includes removable doors and a power-folding rooftop – an open invitation for nature to join in on all your electric adventuring. It comes with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system, and features off-road tires, e-locker axle technology, and under-body protection.
Send Gas to the Past
Jeep’s says their ultimate goal is becoming the global leader in electrified SUVs. By 2030, they expect the entirety of its North American and European sales to come from EVs. Although they still months away from their U.S. debuts, it already feels like the Recon and Wagoneer S EVs are just the first steps of a much larger plan.
You can follow in Jeep’s green footsteps by making the switch to electric. As we await Jeep’s newest EV offerings, explore the electrified versions of Jeep classics, including the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe hybrids. Also consider plug-in hybrids from Jeep’s corporate siblings, such as the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica or 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T.
Here at Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’re charged up for what 2024 is preparing to deliver. See for yourself how a new or used Jeep could reshape your year when you pay us a visit at Venango County’s most trusted dealership.
Understanding Tire Rotation and Balance
Let’s be real: the last time someone recommended you get your tires rotated or balanced, did you think you were getting scammed? It’s understandable. Because so many dealerships and manufacturers do such a poor job of explaining what tire rotation involves, drivers are left to suspect it’s just a generic add-on to your service estimate.
In reality, rotating and balancing your tires regularly is the most surefire way to increase your tires’ lifespan. Courtesy of the engineering experts here at Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, here’s why you should make tire rotation and balance a regular part of your maintenance routine.
What Exactly Is Tire Rotation and Balance?
Tire rotation is actually quite a simple process. It involves moving your tires from one area of your car to another. Typical tire rotation follows the same pattern: with front-wheel-drive cars, front tires typically get shifted straight back, while the rear tires are moved to opposite sides on the front. The opposite applies for rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, in which the rear tires are moved straight forward, while the front wheels are moved to opposite sides of the rear.
You don’t need to rotate your tires excessively – the recommended interval is 5,000 to 8,000 miles – but requesting a tire rotation in addition to your regular oil changes is a safe habit to get into. If you notice a decrease in tire pressure or abnormal vibrations when you steer, these could be indicators that your tires are ready to relocate. Thankfully, you can schedule your service appointment with us at any time.
Okay, I Know What Tire Rotation Is… But Why Is It Important?
So just why is it so crucial for your vehicle to play musical tires like this? Tire rotation prevents uneven tire wear caused by the front of your car being heavier than the rear. By balancing the tread on your tires, you can enjoy a smoother ride without any vibrations. Additionally, this provides better traction on slippery or narrow roads, improving your overall safety while driving.
On the other hand, an uneven tread on your tires can lead to faster wear and deflation, ultimately reducing fuel efficiency. That’s why tire rotation is vital not only for preserving the health of your tires but also for your engine’s well-being. If the air pressure in your tires is consistently measuring low, it may be time to explore our Tire Finder.
So, Then What’s Tire Balancing?
When balancing, mechanics use a machine to confirm that the weight of the tire and wheel are balanced. If imbalanced, they attach small lead weights to the rim of the wheel until a perfect equilibrium is reached.
Balancing your tires is directly tied to rotating them, as both processes follow the same recommended intervals. If you do decide to rotate and balance your tires with every oil change, many garages will offer them as a complimentary add-on.
Find Your Perfect Balance Today
Stop into Northpointe today, where we’re working around the clock to provide you with the highest level of service possible. Our vast inventory is filled with a ride range of new and used vehicles, from the new Ram 1500 to the 2024 Jeep Compass. We’re all about giving you a wide array of choices here at Northpointe. After all, the key to life is finding your perfect balance.
Five Little-Known Jeep Facts
The experience of owning a Jeep goes far beyond what you encounter on the open road. When you become a Jeep driver, you’re indoctrinated into a close-knit community of off-road devotees. Taylor Swift can have her “Swifties” – the Jeep Club is the one you want membership in this winter.
With nearly one million new vehicles sold annually, the popularity of Jeep endures year after year. Yet after 80 years, some aspects of the Jeep brand’s history are still shrouded in mystery. At Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we bring light to the unknown with five obscure Jeep facts.
The Origins of Its Name Are Unclear
It’s easy enough to deduce where Ford, the brainchild of founder Henry Ford, came from. Ditto Buick, Chevrolet, and so forth. But the origins of “Jeep” remain curiously obscure. The most common theory is that it was the phonetic pronunciation of “GP,” meaning “General Purpose.” This label applied to World War II vehicles with no specific use. It’s entirely plausible that soldiers started referring to these vehicles in this manner, and it simply caught on.
But then it’s just as possible that Jeep is named after a 1930’s Popeye comic strip character. Eugene the Jeep was Popeye’s magical pet who could go anywhere and do anything; perhaps soldiers associated the same freedom of movement with the off-road, all-terrain vehicle? Regardless of how Jeep became Jeep, the name stuck and certainly isn’t going anywhere!
They Were Used as Train Cars in WWII
Jeep was founded in 1941, right as America was preparing to enter World War II. As they were considered “General Purpose” vehicles during wartime, you can view this infantile version of the Jeep in two ways: a generic vehicle with no established purpose or identity, or an adaptable vehicle capable of undertaking a variety of tasks.
The military must have recognized the latter, because during the War, Jeeps were amongst their most widely used vehicles. Jeep was even the recipient of a Purple Heart for the role they played in the war. It helped that Jeeps proved to be traversable on railroad tracks, which enabled the assembly of “Jeep trains.” This railway-converted trail of Jeeps could pull up to 10 tons, which helped keep supply lines moving. Jeeps were able to swiftly shift between railway and traditional wheels, and that versatility made them a huge boon to the war effort.
The Seven-Slot Grille Once Had 13 Slots
Jeep is famously associated with its iconic seven-slot grille. But it took some dwindling for the engineers to settle on that number. The original 1940 Jeep’s grille had 13 slots – perhaps a nod to the original number of United States colonies? Whatever the reason, it didn’t take long for the designers to start removing slots. By 1943 the Jeep was down to nine slots, and the now-customary seven-slot grille was established by the end of the war in 1945.
The Color of Jeep is Trash
That’s not a knock – it’s just very literal! The Anvil Jeep color was directly inspired by a trash can in the Jeep design studio. The color proved so popular that it was later used for the Jeep Wrangler JK. Use this fact for inspiration the next time someone calls your work trashy.
It’s More Than a Vehicle Brand – It’s a Family Sport
In 1953, a man named Mark A. Smith organized the first Jeep trek across the Rubicon Trail. This became a tradition, eventually dubbed Jeep Jamborees. Fast-forward to today, where the spiritual successor to these Jamborees exists in the form of Jeeping, a modern term that involves using Jeeps for off-road sport.
Jeeping is a way for the whole family to explore the outdoors. By traveling along cliff sides, up and down steep inclines, and across off-road trails, you’ll experience the full power and capability of your Jeep – while being able to stop for some family photo ops along the way.
Jump Into a Jeep Today
Now that you know more than you ever have about Jeep, only one thing’s keeping you from becoming an official expert: the keys to the ignition. Pay us a visit at Northpointe today and we’ll help change that. With our vast selection of new and used Jeeps, from the new Gladiator to the groundbreaking 2024 Wrangler, we’ll have you on your way to your next great outdoor adventure.
The Chrysler 300 Reaches the End of the Line
The Chrysler 300 series has rolled off the assembly line for the last time in its storied history.
Like its corporate siblings the Dodge Charger and Challenger, the Chrysler 300 is being discontinued after the 2023 model year. Moving forward, Chrysler and its parent company Stellantis are focusing their efforts on their continued pursuit towards total electrification.
Although the Charger and Challenger have the potential to return with new electric variants, every indication from Chrysler is that the 300 series has genuinely reached the end of its epic line. Courtesy of Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, here’s a look back at the 300 series’s origins, why it’s ending now, and what’s next for Chrysler.
The History of the 300
Chrysler introduced their 300 series way back in 1955 with the debut of the C-300 (retroactively called the 300A). In its early years, the 300 was famously referred to as the “letter series,” where each new model was assigned a subsequent letter. The 300B got revamped into the 300C, which then saw a redesign as the 300D, and so forth.
The initial set of 300 cars came equipped with a muscular 5.4-liter Hemi engine boasting an impressive 300 horsepower, establishing it as the top performer among American vehicles of its time. The letter series eventually wrapped up in 1965 with the 300L, which boasted an improved horsepower of 360.
Another powerful version of the luxurious 300 model, known as the Hurst 300, emerged in 1970, albeit with a limited production of just 485 units. However, it wouldn’t be until many decades later that a true renaissance of the 300 would take place.
In 1999, Chrysler unleashed the 300M, which got its name from a scrapped redesign from 1966. This new ride was a luxurious full-size car equipped with a V6 engine, and it stayed in production until 2004. Then, in 2005, the 300 as we know it now finally made its grand entrance as both a sedan and a station wagon. The first generation of this revamped 300 lineup lasted from 2005 to 2010. When 2011 rolled around, the second generation bid adieu to the station wagon option and focused exclusively on the four-door sedan, bringing us to where we are today.
One Last Ride
The very last limited edition of the 300 series, known as the 300C, made its debut in 2022. Production of the current-generation 300 model officially comes to an end next week on New Year’s Eve, but the final 300C successfully completed its assembly on December 8th at Chrysler’s Brampton Ontario Assembly Plant.
The last vehicle to roll out of the factory was a Velvet Red 2023 Chrysler 300C with the iconic 6.4-liter Hemi engine. With 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, it’s a fitting farewell to a line of vehicles that was defined by power and swagger.
However, Chrysler and Stellantis have been moving away from eight-cylinder engines consistently over the past several years. Instead, they continue to march towards total sustainability in the form of electric and hybrid alternate energy sources.
“As we celebrate the last Hemi-powered 300C off the line with our Brampton team members,” said Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell, “we’re also excited to work together as Chrysler brand moves forward to a sustainable all-electric future as part of the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.”
The Future is Electric
For those keeping track at home, Chrysler is now down to a sole remaining vehicle: the plug-in hybrid Pacifica minivan. However, when the successor to the 300 is eventually revealed, we fully expect that to be an electric vehicle as well. Clearly, Chrysler is all-in on a green tomorrow.
You can become part of that electric future when you make the change to an EV today. Come in to Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and see for yourself why you belong behind the wheel of a Pacifica, a Dodge Hornet R/T, or Jeep Wrangler 4xe. The 300 series may now be in the rearview, but here at Northpointe, we’re just getting started.
A Guide to Purchasing Winter Tires
Although we’re now well into December here in Seneca, temperatures have thankfully held above freezing for the time being, and winter precipitation has been minimal. Unfortunately, the almanac is calling for potentially severe winter weather once the calendar flips into the new year. With that in mind, this is an ideal opportunity to purchase a set of snow tires for the conditions that await us.
Fortunately, Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep is here with everything you need to know about purchasing a set of winter tires. We’ll tell you what they are, what to look for, and just why they’re so necessary this time of year.
What’s the Difference Between Regular Tires and Winter Tires?
As you might have guessed, winter tires provide significantly more traction in ice, sleet, and snow. This is due to both the tire compound (i.e., rubber and silicone) and the tread patterns that allow for greater flexibility on slick surfaces. In fact, winter tires are designed to move water, as they melt the top layer of snow and ice when pressing down on it.
Conversely, regular (or “summer”) tires can freeze up during the winter months, leading to decreased performance, a higher chance of deflation, and other maladies that could lead you to a stop at our Service Department.
How Do I Know What Winter Tires Are Right for My Vehicle?
Choosing the right winter tire relies largely upon choosing the right size. Conventional wisdom tells you that wider tires equal better traction, but narrower winter tires are often more effectively able to cut through ice and snow to reach the ground. As always, when it comes to the exact size tires your vehicle requires, it’s best to consult your owner’s manual.
Perhaps the most important thing to look for when purchasing winter tires is the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. Think of this emblem as the highest boy scout badge a snow tire can achieve. When it’s stamped on your tires, you know you’re good to go in the snow.
Are Winter Tires Worth It?
Quite simply, yes. We know it can be frustrating to have to open your wallet due to seasonal conditions. But with the increased risk that summer tires take on in winter months, there’s no guarantee you won’t be in the market for a new set of tires come spring regardless.
Most important to remember is the adage “you can’t put a price on safety.” Holding off on buying winter tires is a gamble that puts both yourself and your loved ones at increased risk – and that’s not a gamble worth taking.
Don’t Skid into the New Year
Purchasing tires can seem like an ordeal regardless of the time of year, but the experience is made effortless with the tire professionals here at Northpointe. We’ll do everything we can to find you the right tire, ensuring that you soar – not skid – into 2024.
The Most Memorable Christmas Movie Cars
The holiday season is upon us once more, a time for hectic mall outings and stress-inducing family gatherings. Fortunately, it’s also the season to unwind by the fireplace, grab a glass of eggnog, and drift off during Hallmark Channel’s annual marathon of classic (and often not-so-classic) holiday films.
No holiday season would be complete without an annual re-watch of these movies, and many of these seasonal favorites have been made even more memorable by the iconic cars featured in them. Courtesy of Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, let’s dive into a handful of classic Christmas films and their now-famous vehicles.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
We begin with the godfather of Christmas movies (if not The Godfather of Christmas movies). We all know the story by now: down on his luck George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) misplaces a good chunk of cash, contemplates a premature exit, is saved by wing-chasing angel Clarence, and proceeds to learn not only is he not ruined, but is in fact the richest man in town.
In a movie packed with captivating cars from the 1940s, like Ernie’s taxicab and Burt’s police car, George naturally finds himself behind the wheel of a 1919 Dodge Brothers Touring. When an intoxicated George hits rock bottom by crashing the Touring into a tree on Christmas Eve, it sets in motion a series of events that eventually lead to his epiphany.
The actual Dodge featured in the film — which still sports its original studio ID badge — is currently owned by a couple in Colorado. Back in 2014, they put the Touring up for auction, but ultimately decided against selling it. Maybe, like George himself, they realized some things in life are simply too precious for a monetary value.
A Christmas Story (1983)
BB gun aficionado Ralphie may be the face of 1983’s classic A Christmas Story (which, as a period piece, is also set in the 1940’s), but real ones know the true soul of the movie is his turkey fiend of a father. Unfortunately, Old Man Parker’s 1937 Oldsmobile Six seems in perpetual need of maintenance. (Or, as its owner puts it, “That son of a b**** would freeze up in the middle of summer on the equator!”)
The Oldsmobile encounters a flat tire, leading to one of the episodically-sequenced film’s many iconic scenes, as Ralphie’s profanity-spewing, bolt-flinging attempt to help his father with the tire replacement goes disastrously. The incident is mostly forgotten one bar of soap later, but the Oldsmobile’s issues would presumably persist. If only Parker had won a time machine to visit Northpointe’s Service Department, instead of that gaudy leg lamp.
Die Hard (1988)
In truth, there’s nothing particularly exceptional about the 1988 Lincoln Town Car limousine that escorts John McClane from LAX to Nakatomi Plaza. (The driver, however, does wind up playing a crucial role). It just seemed like a good time to work in our annual reminder that Die Hard is a Christmas movie, end of discussion.
Christmas Vacation (1989)
You could argue that Clark Griswold’s 1988 Ford Taurus wagon is just as important a character to this holiday classic as any member of the extended Griswold family (save perhaps Cousin Eddie). It’s certainly the star of one of the film’s madcap intro, where Clark (Chevy Chase, notably not driving a Chevy) gets into it with some fellow roadsters on the way to the Christmas tree farm. During his ensuing bout of road rage, Clark doesn’t even realize he’s piloting the Taurus beneath a tractor trailer hauling gigantic pine logs across the highway.
Clark eventually navigates out from underneath the larger vehicle, though he does need to evade a snowplow afterwards for good measure. And the Griswolds do arrive at their destination, albeit via an aerial detour. The scene sets the tone for the entire movie, and it’s all made possible by some impressive vehicular choreography.
Home Alone (1990)
You can’t say that the Wet Bandits didn’t put work into their backstory. Marv (Daniel Stern), one half of the criminal duo alongside Joe Pesci’s Harry, is obsessed with leaving a calling card in the form of running water at each house they burglarize. To further their cover story, the pair drives around the neighborhood in a 1986 Dodge Ram Van christened “Oh-Kay Plumbing & Heating.”
One of the unsolved mysteries of Home Alone — aside from the current market value of the McCallister home itself — is how Harry and Marv are utilizing all that van space. Are they adding to their front’s legitimacy by traveling with actual plumbing and heating equipment? Is it stuffed with underutilized burglar tools? Whatever the case, the Wet Bandits were clearly ill-equipped to combat the squatter Kevin’s unhinged, DIY booby traps.
Step Into Christmas; Let’s Join Together
When it’s time to take a pause in your holiday movie marathon, consider making your way to Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. With our expansive inventory of new and used vehicles, you’re bound to find something to keep you in the holiday spirit year-round. Whether in the 2023 Dodge Durango or 2024 Jeep Compass, you’ll drive into the New Year feeling resolute indeed.
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