As the weather is currently nicer than ever, it is extremely important to get out there and visit some of the most natural locations this summer. Because the sun is out and the skies are blue, getting out into nature with your family and friends is a wonderful way to spend the next few months as opposed to being cooped up indoors for days on end. In this article, we’ll go over some of the top RV destinations in the United States that you can check out while the weather is still fantastic.

1. Durango RV Resort

Located in Red Bluff, CA, Durango RV Resort is a quality park located on the Sacramento River. Every site in the park comes with electricity, WiFi connectivity, and cable television. Once you park, it will be easy for you to get around and visit all fo the natural landmarks and locations including visiting the incredible Durango and Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad for a scenic trip through the canyons that can take you all the way through to Colorado. But if you aren’t looking to take an entire trip like that, there is still plenty of hiking through the mountains in the area.

2. Horsethief Lake Campground

Next up and going eastbound, we find ourselves at Horsethief Lake Campground in the famous Black Hills National Forest. This campground is particularly large and has 36 campsites all over the entire location. This is the closest campground to the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial and is a popular campground to go to, especially during the summer. In addition to checking our Mount Rushmore, there are miles and miles of forest hiking trekking as well as animal spotting you can do using binoculars in the area.

3. Zion River Resort

Next up, we find ourselves in the midwestern states as we get into Utah. While it does not have the natural grandiosity as some of the previous stops in this list, it does have a quaint enjoyment that derives from access to a wide variety of activities like horseback riding, camping, and restaurants. Did we forget its actually located only a few minutes from Zion National Park? Well, forget what we said about it not having the same natural grandiosity. It probably has the most grandiosity in this case. Canyoneering in the great mountains is another way you can spend an afternoon after you have parked your RV at the Zion River Resort.

4. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina

If you are looking to take a little bit of a breather from all the immense nature that these RV parks have to offer, we don’t blame you. There is quite a bit of it and it can get a little overwhelming to go out trekking in a huge forest or inside of a canyon every day. If this is the case, then you should definitely consider checking out and staying at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina. Located in the heart of Newport Beach, park your RV in this luxury RV resort and check out the waterfront in Orange County, one of the nicest counties in the United States. Several beaches abound in this location including Balboa Island, Huntington Beach Pier, and Corona del Mar State Beach so don’t forget to wear your swimming costume. Thanks to the sheer amount of people that visit this fun location every year, there are a number of events and activities to do including a bustling arts scene as well as museums and other kid-friendly locations that are perfect for your young ones.

5. Tiger Run Resort

Going back east towards Colorado, we find ourselves at the world-renown Tiger Run Resort. While It is a popular place to go to during the winter thanks to its proximity to Colorado’s Breckenridge Ski Resort, coming here during the summertime can also be well worth the trip. Some of the summer activities include golfing, horseback riding, fishing, and biking. If you are up for a leisurely stop, be sure to check out Tiger Run Resort as it has everything you could need in a location that is built for those that need to take a break from all the natural wilderness and city activities. Sightseeing and hiking is still an option, however, so don’t forget to bring your hiking boots.

If you are planning to do a road trip this summer, you’ll definitely want to consider visiting some of this country’s top state parks. But don’t forget to plan out your vehicle maintenance schedule and needs. IF you have any questions about this, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 651-419-4868. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

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Cleaning your car seems easy enough…right? While anyone can toss soap in a bucket and wash a vehicle, there’s much more to the process to do properly. If you’re going to spend any amount of time cleaning your vehicle, it’s best to do it right. And the experts at House Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Red Wing have created a quick guide of our best car-cleaning tips. Continue reading to learn more about, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

When Is the Best Time to Wash Your Car

In life, timing is everything, and washing your car is no different. For starters, don’t wash your vehicle in direct sunlight or when the surface is hot. While some pros contend it’s bad for your vehicle’s finish, it definitely makes the job exponentially harder.

The direct sunlight and hot surface will cause the soap to dry up much quicker, which will increase the likelihood of unsightly water spots. You may also notice ugly swirls on your vehicle after washing. If you absolutely must wash your vehicle in the sun, make sure to try to keep the surface cool with sprays of water.

Miss a Spot? Don’t Use a Dry Towel

One of the worst feelings is to spend a quality hour washing your vehicle only to discover you have missed a spot. It’s far too easy to grab a towel and simply remove the spot. However, when you do, you risk scratching your paint job. You should also avoid using a squeegee to dry the vehicle’s surface because it can drag dirt across your paint creating scratches.

Always Use Soap Designed for Vehicles

You’ve made an investment in your vehicle. Don’t disrespect your investment by using Palmolive, Dawn, or some other detergent not designed for car washing. These detergents are very harsh and can slice through layers of wax. These soaps can even dig into your vehicle’s protective clear coat.

Instead, it’s best to choose a type of soap specifically designed to clean your vehicle without having adverse paint affects. These soaps are usually a lot milder than general abrasive soaps you may find around your home.

Start with a Thorough Pre-Rinse

Every good car wash should start with a thorough pre-rinse. The pre-rinse is a strategy you can use to wash off debris and loosen dirt. In addition, the pre-rinse can be a key way to cool your vehicle down, especially if it has been sitting in the sun with a hot surface.

Wash Your Wheels First

Many experts suggest you should start with the dirtiest, grossest part of your vehicle first: the wheels. It’s best to have a specific bucket for your wheels because they will end up with significant deposits of oil and grime. There are a range of different products you can use for cleaning your tires and wheels. Make sure the product you select is designed for the type of wheels or rims you have on your vehicle. Failure to pay attention to this key consideration could result in damage.

Use Three Buckets When You Wash

For the best car wash, you should always use at least three buckets.

1. One bucket should be used exclusively for your tires. You should also have a separate set of cleaning materials for your tires.
2. One bucket should be for clean soapy water,
3. The third bucket should be used solely for rinsing your mitt or sponge off.

If you choose to use a single bucket, you will contaminate the clean water with particles of dirt that may potentially damage your paint job.

Use a Soft Sponge or Sheepskin Mitt

You have no shortage of options when it comes to materials you can use to clean the exterior of your vehicle. Undoubtedly, the best option is to use either a sheepskin mitt or a soft sponge to gently remove dirt and wash the exterior of your vehicle. You should avoid using sponges or towels that have been used for other purposes. These previously-used cleaners can transmit chemicals and particles onto your vehicle’s body and possibly damage your paint or even result in scratches. In either case, when you start washing your vehicle, always start at the top and work your way down.

Clean and Protect Your Exterior

While washing your car is key to removing debris, a real detail involves protecting your paint and other exterior components. There are a range of different types of protectants, including paint sealants, car wax, or even ceramic coatings. Many people choose to clean their glass with a glass cleaner.

Consider Using a Clay Bar

Using a clay bar on your vehicle instead of just hand waxing is a critical step you can take to protect the exterior health of your vehicle. The auto detailing clay bar is an engineered resin compound that can remove contaminants from the exterior of your vehicle, including metal, glass, and paint. These contaminants can pierce paint finishes, metal, and glass. They can remain stuck on your vehicle through car washes, rain, and polishing. The only way to truly remove these pollutants is with a clay bar. You should use the clay bar two times a year to deliver an extensive and in-depth cleaning of the outside.

Use a Chamois or Micro Fiber Towel to Dry Your Vehicle

To dry your vehicle after you’ve washed it, many people use the chamois. However, some believe the chamois is too abrasive and may lead to more scratches. Because of this, a growing number of people opt to use soft, microfiber towels. Regardless of what you use, you should never let your car air dry. In addition to being lazy, letting your vehicle air dry will leave watermarks on the finish.

Contact House CDJR of Red Wing

When it comes to keeping your vehicle in tip-top condition, the experts at House CDJR of Red Wing are your best friends. We offer a state-of-the-art service facility as well as a full auto service detail center to ensure your vehicle looks as well as it performs.

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Buying a car is often a necessity, and it’s a big decision for most, regardless of their budget size. When deciding on whether to buy a new car or invest in a used one, there are several factors to contemplate. Consider all your options and make an informed decision after weighing the pros and cons of each option.

New Cars Offer the Most Safety Options

Driving is a part of life for many people. It’s a necessity for some to commute to and from work, and if you live in a rural or country area, you need to drive to purchase food and other supplies, as well as for medical appointments and entertainment. But, it’s also dangerous, with an estimated 20 to 50 million car accidents across the globe annually. To safeguard yourself and your family, you want the latest technology available to keep everyone safe on the road. These options can vary, but may include:

• Automated emergency braking
• Blindspot monitor
• Automatic high beams
• Forward-collision warning
• Lane departure warning

While these are often available with new vehicles, many are available on some older models.

Get the Latest Technology with a New Vehicle

Similar to the safety features, if you’re looking for something with all the bells and whistles, the best way to go is with a new vehicle. Whether you’re looking for the latest towing tech for a new, full-size SUV, wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, or park-assist, look for the latest models. Additionally, buying brand new lets you upgrade for even more tech features, an option you won’t get buying used. So, if you don’t mind paying the extra costs, most dealerships can work with you to completely customize your new ride. Add-ons consumers can consider different colors, interior materials, such as leather seats instead of standard cloth.

Buy a New Car for Fewer Repairs

Possibly one of the best reasons for buying a new car is to reduce repairs. With the right package, you can almost completely protect your vehicle for a few years from excess out-of-pocket expenses. If you were only talking about oil changes and minor repairs, such as a hole in a tire, it might not be that costly. However, most vehicle repairs can be very expensive, with many totals landing in the thousands after parts and labor charges. The majority of newer vehicles will have fewer repair costs, which means you may still save with a car that’s only a year or two old. When considering the various charges, remember that maintenance plays a significant role in these expenses. While you’ll know all previous repair work and maintenance with a new vehicle, the records for a used car or truck may be spotty.

Used Cars are Less Expensive

The overall selling point for some people is the price and anyway you look at it, new vehicles are expensive. If you can’t swing something off the assembly line, that’s okay. Many two and four-door sedans, trucks, and SUVs that are only a year or two old are easier on the bank account in several ways. You may be able to buy a used car outright, avoiding an auto loan and not worrying about interest charges, extended warranties, and additional monthly or quarterly insurance expenses. Another bonus with the used vehicle is depreciation. A new automobile starts to depreciate or lose value the second it leaves the dealership. That value will drop an estimated 30% in the first year.

You Get to Explore More Reviews & Ratings

Most people read reviews and check for safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Depending on how new the vehicle is, that information might not be available. Cars, SUVs, and trucks that are at least a year old will have reviews from drivers, consumer agencies, driving publications, and other interested organizations. These reports get more detailed as the vehicle ages and can provide a wealth of data to help you make an informed decision. For example, many include information about:

• Driving experience
• Interior design
• Exterior design
• Technology
• Safety
• Performance
• Reliability
• Overall value

A quick look at the vehicle’s overview from other drivers can make or break your decision.

Used Cars can be Less Stressful to Own

As high as owning a brand new car is, the entire process, from looking, applying for a loan, getting it insured, purchasing it, and most of all, keeping it safe, can be stressful. With a used car, even one that’s only a year or two old, you’re going to be upset about a little scratch or ding. But the model’s been on the market for over a year, and it should be relatively easy to get some touchup paint. When you have that car or truck off the assembly line, that protection mode you feel will be heightened. Luckily, as frustrating as these situations are, your dealership can help resolve these issues with little stress on your part.

Deciding on a new or used vehicle isn’t easy. Whether you choose a car that’s a few years old or something with zero miles on the odometer, your local dealership can help you get on the road again quickly with a car, truck, or SUV that meets your needs and falls within your budget.

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As the only part of your vehicle that makes contact with the road, your tires are the quintessential feature. And just like virtually every other part of your vehicle, it’s important to show your tires some love from time to time with regular tire maintenance, including tire rotations. At House Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Red Wing, MN, we offer complete automotive and tire services.

Our tire services are engineered to extend the life of your tires, improve safety, and save you money. Don’t hesitate to schedule a tire inspection and tire rotation today at House CDJR in Red Wing, MN. And in the meantime, continue reading to learn more about the tire rotation service.

What Is a Tire Rotation?

Rotating your tires is a strategic process of moving them from one position to another, such as moving your front tires to the rear. In many instances, the rotation will switch tire position from left to right or vice versa. In fact, there are multiple tire rotation patterns, and each manufacturer may suggest a different pattern for their vehicle. It’s important to follow the pattern specified by the manufacturer. Depending on the manufacturer’s suggested intervals, you should rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. For most vehicles, this means scheduling a tire rotation when the vehicle’s oil is changed.

3 Things That Should Happen During Tire Rotation

When you schedule a tire rotation, there are three different things that should be performed:

1. The air pressure should be checked and adjusted as needed.
2. Each wheel and tire is removed from the vehicle and meticulously put in a different position.
3. While the tires are off, the brakes should be inspected.

Why Are Tire Rotations Critical?

There a myriad of reasons why tire rotation is an essential component of tire care.

Promote More Even Wear

For starters, when you rotate your tires, you will promote more even wear across the set, which works to ensure you get the most from your tires. This is because each tire position will support a different amount of weight, which can lead to less or more wear on the tire. By rotating the tires on schedule, you will help distribute the wear and workload to promote even wear.

For instance, front wheels on vehicles that are front-wheel drive will take a more substantial fraction of the friction and torque required for braking, accelerating, and turning. The wheels upfront may also be under significantly more pressure due to the weight of the engine. And if your tires are new, it becomes even more important to rotate them by 5,000 miles because fresh, deep tire tread is much more likely to wear unevenly.

Extend the Life of Your Tires & Save Money

While it may seem counterintuitive, rotating your tires can save you money. The front tires typically wear on the outside edges due to cornering. Your rear tires will simply follow the fronts, which means they will wear more evenly. If you were to leave your tires in place without rotating, the outside edges on the front tires will wear down much quicker than the rest. This means you’ll need to replace your tires much sooner.

Improve Your Vehicle’s Safety

Even tire wear promotes better balance and handling, which could provide you with the split-second stopping power required to avert an accident. If you’re in an emergency, tires that wear unevenly can be extremely more difficult to control, especially on wet roads. On the other hand, simple tire maintenance will help deliver more predictable handling, stability, and safer maneuvering over the entire life of your set of tires.

Maintaining Your Warranty

In addition to all of the previously-mentioned reasons to rotate your tires, the manufacturer of the tire may require rotations to keep the warranty intact. Manufacturers of tires understand that regular rotations are necessary to realize the full life of the tire. And the tire mileage warranty is typically set by the manufacturer based on an assumption of tire rotations. So if you fail to rotate your tires and experience premature wear, the manufacturer will be unable to honor the warranty of the tread.

Understanding Tire Wear

Front-Wheel-Drive Cars

Vehicles that are front-wheel-drive can wear differently based on the drivetrain and the location of the tires. In either case, these vehicles will usually have front tires that wear quicker than the rear tires. This is because the front tires are responsible for most of the work — delivering power to the road and steering the vehicle.

Front-Wheel-Drive Rotation Pattern

To rotate the tires on a vehicle with front-wheel drive, the rear tires will be moved to the front, and the front tires will be relocated to the back. However, when moving the rear to the front, they should be situated on opposite sides of the vehicle:

• The tires on the rear left should be moved to the front right; and
• The rear right tire should be moved to the front left.

Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Typically, the tires on rear-wheel-drive vehicles experience uneven wear because the front tires do the steering, while the back wheels send power to the pavement. These different functions produce different patterns of wear that make tire rotations essential.

Rear-Wheel Drive Rotation Pattern

When rotating tires on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, you should essentially do the exact opposite of a vehicle with front-wheel-drive. The tires in the back should be positioned in the front and remain on the same side. The tires in front should be moved to the rear; and

• The front right tire should be moved to the rear left
• The front left tire should be moved rear right

All-Wheel Drive Vehicle

Four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles may have substantial variations in tread depth, which can place a significant strain on the drivetrain. The rotation pattern on a four-wheel-drive auto is typically the same as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Schedule Your Tire Rotation at House CDJR

Regular tire rotations are a key preventative maintenance service you can perform to improve your safety and protect your wallet. Over the long term, the relatively low cost of intermittently rotating your tires will be a fraction of the money you’ll spend on purchasing a new set of tires because of premature wear.

Contact House Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today to schedule your tire rotation.

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Jeep has a reputation for providing rugged vehicles that are capable of handling anything that you throw at them. As you shop for a Jeep in Red Wing, MN, you want to know that it can handle the smooth terrain of the highway as well as any rough terrain that your travels take you on. Plus, we’ll introduce you to some of the hottest technology on the market.

The good news is that there are countless Jeeps available at House CDJR, allowing you to have your pick of different Jeeps. This allows you to have the kind of experience that you desire on the road without having to compromise in any way.

Consider the different models that are available

• Wrangler
• Cherokee
• Grand Cherokee
• Compass
• Renegade
• Gladiator

Each of these models has something unique to offer. The Wrangler allows you to take the doors off for some intense off-road adventures. The Cherokee and Grand Cherokee offer a luxurious drive for you and the family. The Compass is a stylish SUV that provides you with comfort on your drives. The Renegade is a bold SUV that has storage solutions for all of your cargo needs. Meanwhile, the Gladiator is an all-new option that combines the ruggedness of a Wrangler with the hauling capacity of a pickup truck.

In addition to each model, you also have to look at the various trim levels that coincide with each model. This ensures you can have control over some of the interior and exterior aesthetics. Some trim levels will provide you with more entertainment and safety features, too.

With six models and multiple trim levels for each, you start to have over 20 different Jeeps to choose from. Then, you have to consider the colors that are available, providing you with even more options.

Different packages are available within the Jeeps, allowing you to choose a Sports Appearance that can offer you larger aluminum wheels, roof rails, and all-season touring tires. You can also opt for a Safety & Security package that offers a security alarm and blind-spot detection. The impressive Uconnect 7.0 will also provide smartphone connectivity, dual-zone A/C, GPS input, extra USB ports, and much more.

Some of the vibrant colors you can look forward to choosing from include Jetset Blue, Bikini Metallic, Colorado Red, Omaha Orange, and Glacier Metallic. It ensures you’re able to stand out on the road while infusing some of your personality into the exterior appearance of your Jeep.

With so many Jeeps available at House CDJR, you must ask yourself a few important questions:

• Do you plan on going off-roading?
• How many people do you want to comfortably sit?
• What luxury features are important to you?
• What kind of tech do you want?

Once you can answer these questions, it’s easier to navigate the inventory that we have available. We’ll introduce you to the different models and show you what you can expect. Additionally, we’ll take you on a test-drive so that you can see the performance for yourself. This ensures you know how the Jeep is going to handle, take turns, and provide you with countless features at your fingertips. After all, the Jeep you choose must meet your needs and put a smile on your face.

Constantly Changing Inventory

At House CDJR, we have a constantly changing inventory of Jeeps. This includes our selection of pre-owned Jeeps where you may be able to access different models and trim levels that are no longer on the market. We maintain our inventory online so that you can have a look to see what fits your interests as well as your budget.
Our sales team will be happy to show you just how many Jeeps we have at any given time. This allows you to have a significant amount of options, so you never have to feel as though you’re settling.

Between our new and pre-owned inventory, you can walk among hundreds of Jeeps. Let us show you a rugged Wrangler, an all-new Gladiator, or a posh Grand Cherokee. Whatever it is that you’re looking for, we’re sure to have it for you.

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Thinking About Buying a Jeep? Here are Some Things to Consider

A Jeep can be the ticket to all sorts of adventures on and off the road. When you’re in the Red Wing area, you can depend on House CDJR to show you around the dealership and help you choose a model that suits all of your needs. Before you visit, there are some things to consider when you’re thinking about buying a Jeep.

Which model will you choose?

There are quite a few Jeep models for you to choose from, each offering an impressive warranty and a great engine for performance. You can have a luxury SUV with plenty of room for passengers or you can opt for something sporty to spend all of your time on the off-road trails of Minnesota.

We’ll go over the different models so that you know more about what each one has to offer.

Wrangler

The Wrangler is a compact SUV that is ready for adventure with the ability to have a hard top or soft top. Additionally, it comes in two-door and four-door models.

Cherokee

The Cherokee is one of the most-awarded SUVs with a significant amount of performance as well as premium features to offer comfort for every trip.

Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee is a larger, more luxurious version of the Cherokee offering plenty of seating for passengers, which the ability to seat up to five.

Compass

The Compass is a stylish, small SUV that has a sporty appearance. It’s also capable of taking the rougher terrain roads with no problem.

Renegade

The Renegade is a sporty SUV that’s designed for life on the go. The seats fold flat, ensuring you have innovative storage solutions.

Gladiator

The Gladiator is the newest model and is a lot like a Wrangler, only it has a truck bed attached in the back for hauling more cargo.
With so many models, there may be a few that you have your eye on. The best way to settle it is to come in for a test drive. Someone from our sales team can talk to you about features and ensure that you can put the performance to the test.

Hard top or soft top?

If you’re considering a Jeep Wrangler, you have to make a few extra decisions, such as whether you want a hard top or a soft top. While you might think that it can be advantageous to get the hard top knowing that you can simply take it off, you also have to remember the weight and storage space.

It all comes down to what you’re going to do with your Wrangler. If you’ll be spending more time off road than on the road with it, you’ll likely want to have a soft top. This way, it offers the flexibility to take the top off entirely. However, if you plan on having more adventures on the road, a hard top may be more suitable as it will provide insulation during the winter while providing you with the ability to take doors off in the summer for some added breeze.

Which Trim Level Will Suit You?

Every Jeep model has plenty of trim levels for you to choose from. This allows you to stay within your budget while still getting the features that are important to you. Some trim levels will offer you enhanced entertainment features such as a premium audio system while others will focus on appearance, offering such things as perforated leather and innovative storage solutions.
Plus, you can choose vibrant or neutral colors for the exterior of your Jeep. This will ensure that you stand out as much as you want on the roads and off of them.

While you have plenty of things to consider, there’s no need to make decisions on your own. A trip to see us at House CDJR will ensure that you get the help that you need to decide on which Jeep is right for you. Regardless of whether you want a luxury SUV with all of the top safety features or you want a rough and rugged SUV for off-roading, the Jeep brand has you covered. We’ll ensure you get a good look at the many models waiting for you.

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