One of the best and iconic things to do in the summertime is a great road trip. Enjoying time with family and friends with music, games, and conversations that create memories. To ensure a fun time, it’s always best to be prepared. Forgetting something important when you’re in the middle of nowhere or far away from home can be extremely frustrating. We’ve created a list of things to do and pack before you take off for your adventure. 

1. Take Care of Your Vehicle

We’ve listed this as number one because the vehicle is the root of your road trip! It’s going to get you from A to B, while carrying your friends and family, so it’s important to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly and safely. This includes checking fluids, lights, spare tire, and making sure tire tread is healthy. Browse tires online or schedule your appointment, our expert mechanics would be more than happy to ensure your vehicle is road trip ready!

2. Have a Travel Plan

No, you don’t need to mark that 10:02am will be the first bathroom stop. The best way to plan your road trip isn’t with more numbers, but a rough estimate. Delays are to be expected on any long distance trip, and adjustments may have to be made. Make room for any adjustments. Accidents, traffic jams, closed roads, hotel closures, and even extra stops for snacks or sight-seeing are all typical incidents you can run into. Have a plan, but have fun too!

3. Keep Passengers Entertained

Whether you have kids in the back or your best friends behind you, it is always important to keep them entertained. Keeping your mind occupied makes the trip go by faster – time flies when you’re having fun! Of course, it can be easy if you’re vehicle has integrated features such as entertainment screens.

Crank up the tunes! Make sure you have plenty on your playlist, or a designated DJ. Looking at your phone to change songs should never be done while driving. When creating your playlist, consider all those coming with you and choose songs that you know will get everyone in the mood for adventure. There are plenty of fun road trip games you can play with your passengers as well. Check out this awesome article from Thought Catalog, it’s full of great games ideas!

Are you trying to figure out where you want to go?
Here are some great road trip ideas in our beautiful state of Washington!

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.

Tags: Road Trip
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The 2020 model year reintroduces the redesigned Jeep Gladiator. In 1963, the Gladiator was introduced as a tough full-size pickup, nicknamed a “beautiful brute”. The named was eventually dropped in 1971.

In 2020, the legendary Jeep Gladiator offers four different trim levels. They all share the same engine power, with a 3.6-Liter V-6 24V VVT w/ ESS under the hood. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual, or an optional 8-speed automatic 850RE transmission.

• Sport
• Sport S
• Overland
• Rubicon

Jeep Gladiator Payload and Towing

This Gladiator can haul! The Sport and Sport S models can carry a payload of 1,600lbs*; the Overland can haul 1,140lbs*, and the Rubicon model carries up to 1,190lbs.*. However, the towing capacity depends on the trim level.

• Sport and Sport S can tow up to 7,650 lbs.
• Overland can haul up to 6,000 lbs.
• Rubicon model is capable of towing up to 7,000lbs.

Gladiator Exterior Colors and Highlights

The exterior of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is all Jeep, and all truck. The iconic Jeep design is shown through the classic seven-slot grill, and comes in many different color options to match your style!

The Gladiator’s interior was designed to be an up-to-date modern style, but with tribute to Jeep history. The instrument panel’s simple yet functional design was an ode to some 1941 & 1957 Jeep models, especially the classic Willys MB. This Jeep’s back seat was designed with plenty of functionality, more than that of other Jeep models. The seat cushions lift up for extra cargo space, as well as fold down for even more room. And in classic Jeep fashion, you can remove the door as well as the roof!

Gladiator Safety Features

Jeep’s 2020 Gladiator is a powerhouse of safety, including:

• The integrated Advanced Multistage Air Bags deploy depending on force of impact to prevent air bag injury and to create extra security.
• Electronic Roll Mitigation will release brake pressure and lessen the amount of torque being applied to the engine to prevent a potential roll over.
• Electronic Stability Control keeps the vehicle stable in a situation where needed, such as rugged terrain or a quick, defensive maneuver.
• Rear Back-Up Camera is effective where mirrors are not. Presents a camera display on the main touchscreen to provide a view behind the Jeep when in reverse.

Jeep Gladiator Interior Highlights

There are so many more great features the Gladiator offers., but below are some of our favorites:

• Touch Display: Depending on the choice of model, the touch display comes in a size of either 5.0 inch, 7.0 inch, or a large optional 8.4 inch display on the Rubicon trim. Google Android Auto® or Apple CarPlay® are standard on the Overland & Rubicon trims, and an option for the Sport S.
• Alpine® Premium Audio System: Optional on the Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon, the Alpine Audio System provides quality sound for the Jeep Gladiator.
• Leather Seating: Available on the Overland & Rubicon models.
• Bluetooth Wireless Speaker: This Optional feature is perfect for any adventure! With a special built-in storage space for this device in the 2020 Gladiator, it’s easy to take anywhere and charges during the drive. The speaker is water resistant for 3 feet, up to 30 minutes.

As Speck Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram receives more 2020 Gladiators in the future, be sure to check out our selection!

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.

Tags: 2020, Gladiator, Jeep, Jeep Dealer, Jeep Dealer Near Me, Speck Chrysler, Speck Dealership, Speck Jeep
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Tires have been a part of car history as long as we can remember. Obviously, we’ve come a very long way since the wheel was invented. As time went on, the original wheel – which was made of solid wood – was covered with leather, and eventually rubber to soften the ride.

Mr. Charles Goodyear, created the vulcanization process, which is heating rubber with sulfur to make the rubber a firmer material, making it perfect for tires. At this point, they were made of solid rubber.

Robert W. Thomson is credited for creating the first air-filled tire, and even had the design patented as well. But, in 1888, John Dunlop claimed the invention of the pneumatic, air-filled tire and with no knowledge of Thomson’s work. The pneumatic tire eventually became a commercial hit.

Since then, different types of tires have been invented to do a variety of jobs. You can learn more about bias ply, radial tires, and more here: https://www.continentaltire.com/content/history-passenger-tire

Here are some great and interesting facts about the invention that has helped us moved forward:

• Airplane tires are filled with Nitrogen. When a plane hits the runway, there’s a large amount of friction, pressure, and heat that builds within the tire. If the tire was filled with oxygen, the oxygen will react with all of this and the tire could pop. Nitrogen takes much more energy to react, and keeps hold when in different pressures and temperatures.

• Lego produces about 318 million tires a year, which is actually more than any other tire manufacturer.
  
  
• You can check when your tire was made! Each tire in the US has an identification number, just like the VIN on a vehicle, but this one is a TIN. Find it on the sidewall, after the letter “DOT”. The last four numbers will tell you which week (01-53) of what year your tire was made if it was made in the year 2000 or later.

• The rubber tires are made of is initially white. Carbon black is added to reduce hotspots and increase the strength and durability. Prior to this, zinc oxide was once added to early tires, making them turn white.

• You can order tires online on  https://www.speckcdjr.com/tire-finder.html. Our Service Experts here at Speck Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM will get you taken care of with your tire needs!

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Did you know the 2019 RAM 1500 is the winner of Truck Trend’s 2019 Pick-Up of the Year? Out of so many great options out there, the battle was a close one. The scoring of these trucks is based off of many different factors.

Here’s a breakdown of how much weight each category has on the final score:
15% — Tow and Haul
This category measures how the truck performs & reacts when given maximum payload and a class-specific weighted trailer.

15% — Highway Performance
How does the steering feel? How does the vehicle handle when moving at high speeds? These are the types of things that are judged in the category of highway performance.

15% — Offroad Performance
This is one is pretty self-explanatory – can this truck handle the off-road? This is the evaluation of tire performance, traction aids, four-wheel-drive system, and all that is off the road.

15% — Functionality
The test of functionality includes the easy-to-use technology, passing power, and more. How easy does the integrated tech make your daily drive?

20% — Empirical Data
Empirical Data is all the numbers. From braking power, loaded/unloaded acceleration, fuel economy, MSRP, and more. This particular category holds the most weight in the competition because this data is truly what makes the truck worth the dollars you pay. Which we must mention again – The RAM 1500’s got it in the bag.

10% — Exterior
Basically: Are you driving in style? This also includes any extra features to your truck to make it, well, extra.

10% — Interior
Comfy seats? Check. Extra room for cargo? Check. Is the leather extra leathery? Yes. This category tests all these things, including instrumentation, appearances, technology, and more.

Wanna know what the RAM and its competition scored? Check it out here!

We invite everyone from the area to take a look at these wonderful trucks! We happily serve the Yakima, Sunnyside, Grandview, Prosser, Richland, Kennewick and Pasco area with our RAM prowess. Join us today at Speck Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM in Grandview to get into Truck Trend’s 2019 Pick-Up of the Year!

Check out our selection of new RAMs here!!!

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Use your Jeep to explore what’s out there, beyond the pavement!

We’ve listed a few great places around the area to take advantage of the outdoors, off the road! Jeeping is a way of life.

Naches Trail (Moderate)
Greenwater, WA
Over 12 miles long, this trail is easy for most 4×4 vehicles and anyone who may be new to going off the road. This trail is full of history and even connects to the Pacific Crest Trail, which connects Mexico to Canada. You’ll find this easy-jeeping area right after you pass through Greenwater on WA-210.

Bethel Ridge (Easy)
Naches, WA
If you are trying to reach a gorgeous view, this is the ideal spot for you. Once you make it to the top you can see Rimrock Lake, and if on a clear day, Mt. Adams! This is one of the highest trails in Washington state.

Yakima Rim Trail (Moderate)
Selah, WA
Another with a great view, this route is a great place to go. The Yakima Canyon offers fields of flowers and wildlife including bighorn sheep, pelicans, and more. You must have a Discovery Pass to use this trail.

Ahtanum Ridge (Easy)
Yakima, WA
Just south of Yakima, this trail is a part of the Green Dot routes, which are special routes under an agreement to limit the use of motorized vehicles to conserve wildlife and the geographical environment. You must be considerate not to stray off this trail.

Green Dot trails are a great resource to finding all the places you can bring your Jeep on a real adventure – they’ve been pre-approved to take on your 4 x 4!

Juniper Dunes (Moderate – Tough, fun!)
Pasco, WA
Experience the dunes just 7 miles outside of Pasco! You must have a high-clearance 4×4 to make it through the Wilderness Trail, to the gate. This is definitely worth checking out!

Take your new Jeep on a journey this summer and explore the world around you!
Here are a few wonderful resources to finding your next Jeeping trail:
http://nwjeepn.com/WAtrails.htm

https://www.alltrails.com/us/washington/off-road-driving

Be sure to check out our amazing selection of Jeeps! Wranglers, Cherokees, Renegades, and more here at Speck Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Grandview.

Tags: Grandview, Jeep, Jeeping, Off Road, Speck, Trails, Washington, Yakima
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Have you ever wondered where we get some of these crazy terms in the car industry? Here’s a bit of history that may give you some insight as to how these terms came to be.

Car:
“Car” is a word derived from Celtic origin – originally karros, and seen in many other languages including  Anglo-French (carre), Latin (carrum). When railroads were a popular form of transportation between 1831 to the first decade of the 20^th century, “cars” were referred to the railroad train. “Car” eventually evolved into regular vocabulary as automobiles became more popular.

Vehicle:
First recorded in the 1600’s, vehicle derives from Latin vehiculum, which is defined as “means of transport, carriage, conveyance”.  Vehicle was used in many different contexts throughout history, including in early medicine – “a medium in which a drug or medicine is administered”.

Transmission:
Also found as early as the 1600’s, originating from transmissionem in Latin, transmission is defined as “conveyance from one place to another” and “to send over or across”. The transmission in automobiles is what regulates and sends power from the engine to the axle.

Horsepower:
This word was coined by Scottish Engineer James Watts to compare the power of draft horses to the output of power from steam engines, and eventually was used in comparison with piston engines, electric motors, and more. During this time, the definition of horsepower was established as the power needed to lift and move 33,000lbs one foot in one minute – which is about 1.5 times the power of a strong draft horse.

Soup:
Have you ever heard of a “souped-up” engine? Going hand in hand with horsepower, soup was slang term in the 1920’s for medicines injected into horses to make them run faster. Nowadays, we soup up our engines to make them as fast as we want.

Torque:
Meaning “rotating force”, the term torque was originally derived from Latin torquere, which means “to twist, turn”.  This word has been used outside of automobiles for a long time as both a verb, adjective, and noun – some recordings as early as the 1500’s.

Learn more here!

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The 2019 Jeep Wrangler is a true legend when it comes to SUVs. No boundaries, no limits, always ready for adventure. Take a look at these quick specifications to help you figure out which trim level is right for you.

One of the best parts about the Wrangler is that you can customize it to life your lifestyle, including the color!
Granite Crystal Metallic
Bright White
Sting-Gray
Mojito (Green)
Firecracker Red
HellaYella (Yellow)
Black
Punk’n Metallic (Orange)
Ocean Blue
Billet Silver Metallic

Be sure to take a look at our 2019 Jeep Selection!

Trim levels (4-door):
SPORT – SPORT S – SAHARA – RUBICON — MOAB

Engine:
3.6L V6 24V VVT Engine UPG w/ ESS (Engine Stop-Start)
OPTIONAL 2.0L I4 DOHC Turbo eTorque Engine

Transmission:
6-speed Manual OR 8-speed automatic option (Sport → Rubicon)
8-Speed Automatic (Moab)

Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs

No matter the trim levels, you can find great features in any 2019 Wrangler you choose:
Electronic Roll Mitigation
ParkView ® Rear Back-Up Camera
Integrated Voice Command with Bluetooth
USB/AUX inputs
Hydraulic Assist Brake Booster (Provides consistent braking power)
Tire Pressure Monitoring Display
Traction Control

Love the basics but need a bit more? Check out all the goodies that you could get with your 2019 Wrangler:
[S] = STANDARD [O] = OPTIONAL
Remote Keyless Entry – [S] on Sport S → ALL
Remote Start System (Not Available with Manual Transmission) – [O] on Sport S → ALL
Engine Block Heater – [O] on ALL
Command-Trac Part-Time 4WD System – [S]  on Sport → Sahara
4:1 Rock-Trac HD Part Time 4WD System – [S]  on Rubicon Only
2.72:1 Selec-Trac Full-Time 4WD System – [O] on Sahara, [S] on Moab
Alpine® 9-Speaker Audio System – [O] on Sport S → Rubicon, [S] on Moab
Uconnect® 3 with 5-Inch Display – [S] on Sport & Sport S
Uconnect® 4 with 7-Inch Display – [O] on Sport S, [S] on Sahara & Rubicon
Uconnect® 4C NAV with 8.4-Inch Display – [O] on Sahara & Rubicon, [S] on Moab

For a full comparison, go to the Jeep site!

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The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica is a luxurious, entertaining, and extremely functional van – ready to take on whatever adventures the day may bring you.

Winner of the Cars.com 2019 Family Car of the Year Award

Available Trims:

L – LX – Touring Plus – Touring L – Touring L Plus — Limited

Engine:
L – 3.6L V6 24V VVT Engine
LX & ON – 3.6L V6 24V VVT Engine with ESS

Transmission:
 9 – Speed Auto Transmission

Gas Mileage: 18 City/28 Highway
Tow Capacity: 3600lbs

Standard Features You’ll Find on All Trims:
3^rd Row Fold-In-Floor 60/40 Bench Seat
Active Noise Cancellation
7-inch Touch Display
USB Media Hub
Locking Glove Box
Rear Air Conditioner with Heater
Integrated Voice Command with Bluetooth

Extra features:
[A] = Available to Add [S] = Comes Standard
• 2^nd & 3^rd row Stow N’ Go Seating – ([S] LX & ON)
• Ventilated Front Seats – ([S] Limited)
• 13 Alpine® Speakers – ([A] Touring L, [S] Touring L Plus & Limited)
• 20 Speaker Harman Kardon® Group – ([A] Touring L Plus & Limited)
• 4G LTE Wifi Hotspot – ([A] Touring Plus & Touring L, [S] Touring L Plus and Limited)
• Bluray/DVD Player – [A] Touring Plus, [S] Touring L Plus & Limited)
• GPS Navigation – ([A] Touring Plus & Touring L, [S] Touring L Plus & Limited)

Check out our selection of Pacificas!

Compare trim levels anhd more on Chrysler’s site here!

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Get the right vehicle to get the job done. RAM’s commercial line is ready to help.  With Chassis Cabs, the RAM ProMaster Van, and our RAM trucks – there’s no job too tough.

View the commercial line-up here!

We are focusing on the RAM Chassis Cabs, and highlighting the awesome work that these vehicles do.

Chassis Cabs – 3500/4500/5500
Comes in Crew or Regular Cab with Single or Dual Rear Wheels.
Available with Tradesman, SLT, or Laramie, *depending on the cab style.

Engine options:
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
6.4L Hemi V8 Engine with Fuel Saver Technology

52-gallon fuel tank

Transmission Options:
66RFE 6-speed automatic transmission
AISIN AS66RC/AS69RC 6-speed automatic
G56 6-speed manual transmission

3500:
Wheelbase range: 143.5” – 172.4”
4500/5500:
Wheelbase range: 144.5” – 204.5”

When properly equipped, maximum tow capacity is 18,680 lbs.

Available specifications, configurations, and add-ons include:
• Ambulance Prep Group (all trims): Consists of 220-Amp alternator, which charges the battery while the engine is running. Also includes an Upfitter Electronic Module which gives a more secure place for extra electronics within the vehicle.
• Cold Weather Group (all trims): Includes Engine Block Heater to warm up the engine and oil for easier start up and Winter front grille cover to keep the engine warm.

Heated Seats and Steering Wheel (option SLT only)
Rear Back-Up Camera
Cruise Control
Tire Pressure Monitoring Display
Ventilated Front Seats (option Tradesman & SLT only)
8.4” Touch Display (option SLT and standard Laramie)

Quick facts
Based on a conventional cab, the new 2019 Chassis Cab provides a rear frame strength of up to 50,000 PSI.

Additionally, the 2019 Chassis Cab also has a Best-In-Class 10,000 mile oil change interval for engines, and 12,000 mile oil change interval for diesel.

Build yours here!

View our great selection of RAM’s online and visit Speck Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for more information about how we can provide for your business.

Tags: Chrysler, Commercial, Cummins, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Speck, Trucks, Turbo, Workplace
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We love cars. Obviously. So we decided to compile a list of some great Washington State classic car shows and swap meets where you can enjoy yourself around our favorite subject: automobiles.

Tri-Cities Annual Swap Meet – Kennewick
May 4, 2019

Clover Park Technical College 27th Annual Car & Bike Show -Lakewood
May 9, 2019

White River High School Motorsports Club Car Show – Buckley
May 18, 2019

Cruizin’ Harrington – Harrington
May 18, 2019

Moses Lake Classic Car Club Car & Bike Show – Moses Lake
May 24^th & 25^th, 2019

13th Annual Big Rock Classic Car and Cycle Show – Duvall
June 1, 2019

Rakers Annual Car Show – Port Townsend
June 15th, 2019

Summer Cruise-Ins – Auburn
June 20^th, 2019

Cruizin’ Together Car Show – Tacoma
June 29, 2019

Washington State Hot Rod Hall of Fame Car Show – Issaquah
June 30 2019

4th of July Car Show – Auburn
July 4, 2019

Washington State Hot Rod Hall of Fame Car Show – Issaquah
July 7,2019

Bombs Away Car Show – Tacoma
July 13^th, 2019

All Pontiac GMC show – Tacoma
July 20, 2019

Vietnam Veterans 9th Annual Car Show – Bellingham
July 21, 2019

Lake City Summer Festival Car Show – Seattle
August 3, 2019

Goodguys 18th Great Northwest Nationals – Spokane
August 9-11^th, 2019

Don’t forget to take a look at our Model Showroom! Drive home tomorrow’s classics — today!

Tags: Car Show, Car Shows, Cars, Classic, Classic Car Show, Local Car Shows, Local Events, State, Summer Events, Washington
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