Block Heaters for Diesel Ram Trucks: Do You Need One in Washington?

If you own a new Jeep, Ram, or Dodge vehicle, you may have access to one of the most convenient features available on any modern vehicle today. Remote start allows you to start your engine from virtually anywhere using your key fob or the Uconnect smartphone app. Here is everything Sunnyside and Yakima Valley CDJR owners need to know about remote start from our team at Speck CDJR. Why Remote Start Matters in the Yakima Valley Summer Heat Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and Sunnyside regularly experience summer temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A vehicle parked in the sun can reach interior temperatures of 140 to 160 degrees during peak summer heat. Remote starting your Jeep, Ram, or Dodge 10 to 15 minutes before you get in allows the AC to cool the interior to a comfortable temperature before you ever open the door. Winter Cold Eastern Washington winters bring freezing temperatures that make cold vehicle interiors genuinely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Remote starting your vehicle before departure allows the heater to warm the cabin and begin defrosting your windshield. A pre-warmed engine also reduces cold start wear on internal components during frigid Yakima Valley winter mornings. How Does Remote Start Work? When you activate remote start, a signal is sent to your vehicle's body control module instructing it to start the engine. Your vehicle checks several safety conditions before allowing the engine to start remotely. All doors must be closed and locked, the hood must be fully closed, and the transmission must be in Park. Your engine then runs at idle for a preset period while your climate control activates based on your last settings. Remote Start Safety Features The transmission must be in Park before remote start will activate All doors must be closed and the vehicle must be locked before remote start is available If someone opens a door during a remote start session the engine shuts down automatically Pressing the brake pedal during remote start shuts the engine off unless a valid key is present The engine automatically shuts off after the preset run time if you do not enter and drive Using Remote Start With Your Key Fob Press the lock button once on your key fob to ensure your vehicle is locked. Then press and hold the remote start button marked with a circular arrow symbol for approximately two seconds. Your vehicle's lights will flash and the engine will begin running. Standard key fob remote start typically works within a range of approximately 100 to 300 feet depending on your specific vehicle and any obstructions. Using Remote Start With the Uconnect App The Uconnect app provides significantly more capability than the standard key fob including virtually unlimited remote start range from anywhere with a cellular signal. Here is how to get set up and use remote start through the Uconnect app: Step 1: Download the Uconnect App Download the free Uconnect app from the App Store on iPhone or Google Play Store on Android. Step 2: Create Your Account and Add Your Vehicle Create a free Uconnect account and add your vehicle by entering your VIN or scanning the QR code in your owner information packet. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the vehicle registration and pairing process. Step 3: Activate Your Connected Services Subscription Remote start through the Uconnect app requires an active connected services subscription. New vehicle purchases typically include a trial period at no additional cost. Contact our team at Speck CDJR for current subscription pricing and options for your specific vehicle. Step 4: Remote Start Your Vehicle Open the Uconnect app and tap the Remote Start button on the home screen. Confirm the activation and the app sends the start command to your vehicle through the cellular network. You will receive a confirmation notification within a few seconds confirming your vehicle has started successfully. Step 5: Enter and Drive Enter your vehicle normally and press the brake pedal with your key fob or phone present. Your vehicle seamlessly transitions from remote start mode to normal driving mode without any interruption. Uconnect App Remote Start Tips Set a Comfortable Pre-Drive Temperature Always set your climate control to your preferred temperature before exiting your vehicle each day. Your Jeep, Ram, or Dodge will use those settings automatically during the next remote start session. Use the Scheduled Start Feature Many Uconnect vehicles support a scheduled remote start that automatically starts your vehicle at a preset time each morning. Set a scheduled start for 15 minutes before your typical departure time during summer and winter months. Check Your Vehicle Status Before Remote Starting Verify that all doors are closed and the vehicle is locked before attempting a remote start. A door or hood that is ajar will prevent remote start from activating regardless of how many times you attempt it. Which Models Have Remote Start? Remote start is available on a wide range of Jeep, Ram, and Dodge models at Speck CDJR. Here is a general overview: Jeep: Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Gladiator, and Compass on select trims Ram: Ram 1500, Ram 2500 HD, and Ram 3500 HD on select trims Dodge: Dodge Durango and Dodge Hornet on select trims Always verify remote start availability on your specific trim level with our team at Speck CDJR before purchasing. Remote start availability varies by trim and may require a specific technology or convenience package. Get Help Setting Up Remote Start at Speck CDJR Have questions about setting up remote start or the Uconnect app on your Jeep, Ram, or Dodge? Our team at Speck CDJR in Sunnyside is here to help you get the most out of every feature in your new vehicle. Here is how to reach us: Online: Visit our website and submit an inquiry or schedule a technology walkthrough By Phone: Call our sales or service team directly Walk-In: Stop by during business hours for a complete remote start setup walkthrough We want every Speck CDJR customer to feel completely comfortable with every feature in their new vehicle. Stop by Speck CDJR in Sunnyside today and let our team walk you through the complete Uconnect remote start setup process.

The Yakima Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the entire Pacific Northwest. From apple and hop orchards to wine grapes and asparagus fields, Yakima Valley farmers haul heavier loads than almost any other drivers in Eastern Washington. A reliable and capable truck is not a luxury for a Yakima Valley farmer. It is an absolute daily necessity that affects productivity and safety every single harvest season. Here is how Yakima Valley farmers use Ram trucks during harvest season and why Speck CDJR in Sunnyside is the preferred Ram dealer for agricultural buyers across Benton and Yakima Counties. The Yakima Valley: One of the Hardest Working Truck Markets in Washington Yakima Valley and Benton County agriculture puts trucks through conditions most urban drivers never encounter. Here is a snapshot of the agricultural work that defines harvest season truck use in our region: Apple and pear harvests run from late summer through fall requiring constant equipment and bin hauling Hop harvest in Yakima County is one of the most intensive harvest operations in North America Wine grape harvest across Benton County and the Horse Heaven Hills runs from late August through October Hay and grain operations demand serious payload and towing capability throughout the growing season Livestock operations across Benton and Yakima Counties require reliable year-round trailer towing What Yakima Valley Farmers Actually Haul Fruit Bins and Harvest Equipment A standard apple or pear harvest bin weighs approximately 1,000 pounds when fully loaded with fresh fruit. Most fruit growers haul multiple bins per load throughout the harvest day using their pickup and a flatbed or bin trailer. The weight and frequency of these loads demand a truck with genuine payload and towing capability rather than just on-paper numbers. Livestock and Trailers A loaded two-horse trailer weighs approximately 6,000 to 8,000 lbs and a loaded stock trailer with cattle can easily exceed 15,000 to 20,000 lbs. These towing demands are exactly what the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 with the available Cummins diesel engine are specifically designed to handle every single day. Feed, Grain, and Irrigation Equipment Hauling bulk feed, grain, and irrigation supplies to and from Yakima Valley farms is a year-round necessity that puts constant payload demands on any farm truck. A ton of feed or grain in the truck bed is a common load for Yakima Valley farmers on any given working day throughout the year. Vineyard and Hop Yard Equipment Moving vineyard spray rigs, hop harvest machinery, and agricultural equipment across Benton County wine country puts significant stress on truck suspensions and drivetrains. The rough field access roads across the Horse Heaven Hills and Rattlesnake Hills are demanding on any farm truck throughout the harvest season. Which Ram Trucks Do Yakima Valley Farmers Choose? Small Orchard and Vineyard Operations Smaller family operations with lighter daily hauling needs often find the Ram 1500 with the available 5.7L Hemi V8 or Hurricane twin-turbo I6 meets their everyday farm truck requirements. The Ram 1500 handles moderate bin hauling, equipment transport, and supply runs efficiently. Mid-Size and Large Farming Operations Mid-size to large Yakima Valley farming operations almost universally choose the Ram 2500 as their primary farm and harvest truck. The Ram 2500's higher payload rating, stronger frame, and available Cummins diesel engine provide the sustained capability that serious agricultural operations demand throughout a long and demanding harvest season. Heavy Commercial Agricultural Operations The largest commercial farming operations often run Ram 3500 trucks with the available Cummins High Output diesel and dual rear wheel configuration. The Ram 3500 dually provides maximum payload and towing stability for the heaviest agricultural hauling tasks including loaded gooseneck equipment trailers across Eastern Washington. Why Ram Trucks Are the Preferred Choice for Yakima Valley Farmers Cummins Diesel Reliability The available 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel has earned a legendary reputation for durability and longevity among agricultural users. Yakima Valley farmers who run Ram trucks with the Cummins diesel regularly report reaching 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. In a farming operation where truck downtime during harvest season directly costs money, that legendary diesel reliability matters enormously. Best-in-Class Towing and Payload The Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 consistently earn best-in-class or near-best-in-class towing and payload ratings in the heavy-duty segment. For Yakima Valley farmers who regularly operate at or near maximum limits during harvest season, these numbers represent the actual margin of safety that keeps farm operations running smoothly. Interior Quality and Comfort Ram trucks offer a genuinely premium interior that rewards hard-working Yakima Valley farmers with a comfortable place to spend long harvest season days. The available multifunction center console with a fold-flat work surface is especially popular among agricultural users who manage farm operations from their truck cab. Harvest Season Maintenance: Keeping Your Ram Ready A farm truck that breaks down during harvest season is a serious and costly problem for any Yakima Valley operation. Here is how to keep your Ram truck ready for the demands of harvest season hauling: Pre-Harvest Inspection Schedule a comprehensive pre-harvest inspection at Speck CDJR in Sunnyside before the critical harvest window opens. Have your oil, filters, belts, hoses, brakes, tires, and trailer hitch inspected before harvest begins. Our certified Ram technicians understand the specific demands of agricultural use and identify developing issues before they become costly breakdowns. Oil and Fluid Service Change your engine oil with the correct specification before harvest season and monitor your oil life closely during the demanding harvest period. Heavy towing, high ambient temperatures, and dusty conditions all accelerate oil breakdown beyond normal intervals. Our service team at Speck CDJR can advise on the correct interval for your specific harvest season use pattern. Tire Inspection Inspect all four truck tires before harvest season for adequate tread depth and correct inflation. Underinflated or worn tires carrying heavy harvest loads on rough field access roads are a serious safety concern for any Yakima Valley farming operation. Cooling System Service Eastern Washington harvest season temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit creating extreme demands on your cooling system during heavy towing. Have your coolant concentration and cooling system checked before harvest season to prevent overheating during the most demanding days of the agricultural year. Come See Us at Speck CDJR in Sunnyside Ready to find the right Ram truck for your Yakima Valley harvest season hauling needs? Speck CDJR in Sunnyside is located at the heart of Yakima Valley agriculture and our team understands the real demands of Eastern Washington farm truck ownership. Here is how to get started: Online: Browse our current Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 inventory on our website By Phone: Call our sales team directly to discuss your specific agricultural hauling needs Walk-In: Stop by during business hours and our team will be ready to help We serve Sunnyside, Grandview, Prosser, Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and the entire Yakima Valley agricultural community. Come see us at Speck CDJR in Sunnyside today and find the perfect Ram truck for your harvest season hauling needs.

With a holiday just around the corner, we want to make sure all of our guests are aware of our current Ram dealership hours — including any upcoming closures. Whether you're searching for a Ram dealer open near me or planning to drop your truck off for service, we never want you to make the drive out only to find us closed. Here's everything you need to know about our Ram dealer location, hours, and holiday schedule. Where to Find Us — Ram Dealer Location Speck CDJR is your local Ram dealership serving Sunnyside, Prosser, Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and the greater Yakima Valley. We're conveniently located right in Sunnyside, WA — just a short drive from anywhere in the Tri-Cities area. 📍 Address: 125 E Allen Rd, Sunnyside, WA 📞 Phone: Call us to speak with a team member directly 🌐 Website: Browse inventory and schedule service anytime at SpeckCDJR.com Our Regular Ram Dealer Hours Sales: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed Service: Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM- 4:30PM Hours may vary — contact us or check our website to confirm current availability. Holiday Hours — When We Are Closed Planning a visit around an upcoming holiday? Here's a full breakdown of our closures so you can plan your trip accordingly: Sales & Service — Closed: Fourth of July Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day New Year's Day Easter Sunday Service Department — Also Closed: Memorial Day Labor Day Our sales team will still be available on Memorial Day and Labor Day — stop by and we'll be happy to help you find your next Ram truck or SUV. Shop & Schedule Online — Even When We're Closed Just because our Ram dealership doors are closed doesn't mean your truck search has to stop. Our website is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — packed with tools to help you find, build, and schedule from the comfort of your home. Build Your Payment Online On every vehicle listing on our website, you'll find a "Customize Your Payments" button that lets you build your own deal in real time — no dealership visit required. Here's how it works: Browse our current Ram truck and SUV inventory online Click "Customize Your Payments" on any vehicle listing Enter your down payment amount Add your trade-in information Choose between leasing and financing Watch your estimated monthly payment update instantly Whether it's Thanksgiving evening, Christmas morning, or New Year's Day, you can shop our full Ram inventory and build a payment that works for your budget — all from your phone or computer. By the time our doors open, you'll already know exactly what you want and what it's going to cost. No pressure, no surprises. Schedule a Service Appointment Online Need to get your Ram truck in for an oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, or any other service? You don't have to wait until we're open to get on our schedule. Our online service scheduler is available around the clock — simply visit our website, select your preferred date and time, and our certified Ram service technicians will be ready for you when you arrive. Scheduling online is fast, easy, and means one less thing to worry about over the holiday. Whether you're due for routine maintenance or have a specific concern, our team is here to help keep your Ram running at its best. We'll See You Soon We're grateful for every customer who makes the drive out to Speck CDJR in Sunnyside, and we want every visit to be worth your time. If you're ever unsure of our current Ram dealer hours, check our website or give us a call before heading out. And if the holiday has us closed when the urge to shop strikes — our "Customize Your Payments" tool and online service scheduler are always ready when you are. From all of us at Speck CDJR — thank you for choosing us as your local Ram dealership in the Yakima Valley. We look forward to seeing you soon! Hours and Directions The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.