You are viewing all posts for categories: maintenance & service

2027 Ram Dakota: Power and Practicality for Rural Michigan

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The 2027 Ram Dakota is the midsize truck built for buyers who need genuine capability without full-size bulk — ideal for hauling farm equipment, towing a boat to the reservoir, or handling the daily grind of trades work and family life. Ram is returning this nameplate as a purpose-built midsize pickup positioned between compact trucks and the full-size Ram 1500, targeting rural and suburban buyers who want real towing muscle, a comfortable family cabin, and driver-assist technology in a more manageable footprint.

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2026 RAM 1500 RHO Crew Cab 4x4: Built for Michigan's Toughest Days

Silver Ram pickup truck driving fast on a desert dune and spraying a cloud of sand into the air.

The 2026 Ram 1500 RHO Crew Cab 4x4 5'7" Box is the performance-focused full-size truck built for buyers who need serious capability without sacrificing comfort. Powered by the Hurricane 3.0L I-6 twin-turbo engine producing 540 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, this truck is purpose-built for hauling, towing, and tackling southern Michigan's rolling farmland. The in-stock unit at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton is priced at $83,829 MSRP in Bright White Clearcoat.

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Is Professional Auto Repair Better Than Doing It Yourself?

Mechanic standing next to a lifted silver Jeep Wrangler holding a diagnostic tablet during a wheel alignment. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

Professional auto repair is better than DIY repair for modern vehicles because certified service departments possess factory diagnostic computers, brand-specific special tools, and technical service bulletins that eliminate diagnostic guesswork. While basic maintenance like replacing wiper blades or cabin air filters is manageable at home, professional technicians complete complex mechanical, electrical, and safety repairs significantly faster and protect vehicle warranties with factory-backed parts.

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What Servicing the DEF System in Your RAM Heavy Duty Truck Really Means

3D diagram of a truck chassis displaying Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system components and labels. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

What Does the 'Service DEF System' Message Mean on a Ram Truck?

When the Service DEF System light or notification illuminates on your Ram Heavy Duty truck dashboard, it means the powertrain control module has detected an operational fault in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) emissions hardware or fluid monitoring network. Unlike a simple low-fluid reminder, this warning signifies a mechanical or electronic failure

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What Should My Trailer Brake Setting Be? A Service Director's Advice on Safe Towing

White RAM pickup truck towing a heavy utility trailer down a rural country road past green farm fields. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

What Should My Trailer Brake Setting Be? A Service Director's Advice on Safe Towing

Your trailer brake setting should typically start between a 4.0 gain and 6.0 gain on a standard 1-to-10 scale, or at a mid-range output level on your brake controller interface. The exact setting must be calibrated with your trailer fully loaded by performing test stops at 20–25 mph on a level, paved surface, adjusting output until the trailer slows smoothly without locking its wheels or pushing your tow vehicle. Heavier payloads demand higher gain output,

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2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Ford Explorer Comparison

Dark grey Jeep SUV towing a silver and blue motorboat along a winding rural road in the countryside. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the overall winner in this midsize SUV comparison because it delivers superior utility, stronger performance, and significantly more usable cargo capacity than the 2026 Ford Explorer. With a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 lbs compared to the Explorer's 5,000 lbs, up to 324 hp, and about 38 cu ft of rear cargo volume behind the second row versus just about 16 cu ft in the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee offers far greater practical versatility for everyday driving and outdoor hauling.

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Understanding the 2026 RAM 1500 Instrument Cluster Electrical Recall

Red distressed rubber stamp with the word RECALL in bold capital letters, tilted on a white background.

A safety recall has been issued addressing an electrical issue in certain 2025 and 2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. On affected trucks, the digital instrument cluster may fail to illuminate or can experience a sudden software crash. This prevents the display of safety-critical driver information such as vehicle speed, warning lights, and gear selection. Because a blank screen prevents you from monitoring your speed and critical vehicle alerts, driving with a malfunctioning cluster increases the risk of an accident.

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Comparing the Core Jeep Powertrains for Michigan Drivers

AI generated: A dynamic, low-angle tracking shot of a new Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Jeep Compass driving in tandem through the gently rolling rural terrain of Lenawee County, Michigan, on a bright June afternoon. The setting is a two-lane country road bordered by vast, fertile green cornfields and w

Comparing the Core Jeep Powertrains for Michigan Drivers

Selecting the right engine for a new vehicle often feels like a balancing act between immediate power and long-term efficiency. In our local community, where a single day might involve hauling gear through the rural fields of Onsted or navigating the slushy winter roads of Lenawee County, that choice carries even more weight. The modern Jeep lineup has moved away from the one-size-fits-all approach of the past, offering specialized powerplants like the 2.0L Turbo and the 3.6L Pentastar V6.

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Unlock Your RAM Diesel’s 250,000-Mile Secret: Pro Tips from a Service Insider

AI generated: Cinematic shot of a heavy-duty RAM 2500 diesel truck parked inside a high-tech, sun-lit service bay in rural Michigan, low-angle perspective emphasizing the vehicle's massive chrome grille and rugged silhouette, polished concrete floors reflecting the bright morning light, professional

Today, we're interviewing David Farhina, our Service Advisor at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton. David is uniquely qualified to answer your questions and provide expert insights on this topic. He understands the unique demands placed on heavy-duty trucks in our community and is here to help you navigate the maintenance protocols required to keep your powertrain running strong for the long haul.

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How to Spot Unsafe Tire Damage Before It Puts Your Family at Risk

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Today, we're interviewing Brandon Delaney, our Service Advisor at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton. With 1 year of experience, Brandon is uniquely qualified to answer your questions and provide expert insights on this topic. In this interview, Brandon breaks down the critical safety standards for tire repairs, the technical differences between temporary fixes and permanent solutions, and how to maintain the structural integrity of your vehicle's connection to the road.

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