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Your radiator's job is to maintain your engine's temperature at its most efficient level. Your car's engine runs hot due to the heat from the combustion chamber and numerous constantly moving parts. A sustained high temperature can cause serious damage to your engine. Your radiator and its components can suffer wear and damage, and when you need a radiator repair, your Jacksonville car dealership can fix or replace it. Top Signs Your Car Needs Radiator Repair Engine Temperature Is Too High Your engine normally runs hot, and a hot environment or the stop-start of a city gridlock can temporarily increase the heat. When your engine gets too hot, the thermostat will open and release coolant to reduce the temperature. Coolant flows through the cooling system and absorbs your engine's heat. The hot coolant then enters the radiator where it's cooled and then recycled back to the coolant reservoir to begin the process again. more The temperature gauge on your dash monitors the heat in your engine. If your engine temperature climbs higher than it reasonably should, this is a sign that something is wrong. Possible causes are a faulty thermostat, blocked radiator fins, or a coolant leak. To prevent damage to your engine, if the gauge continues to climb, call our service department immediately. Faulty Radiator Cap The radiator cap sits on top of your radiator, and its purpose is to maintain a high pressure in the cooling system and to prevent coolant from escaping. If the pressure in the cooling system rises too high, the radiator cap will open slightly and expel off the excess pressure. When the system pressure returns to normal, the cap will close again. Like all the parts in the radiator, the cap is designed to work in great heat and under high pressure. Due to the environment, the seals around the radiator cap can fail. If the seal is damaged, coolant can leak out. This leak will reduce the pressure in the system and make it more difficult to control your engine's temperature. Radiator Rust It's easy to check for rust, as you just need to open the hood and look over your radiator. The cooling system is a closed one, and your engine is protected from the elements by the hood. If there is rust on the radiator, it can only come from a leak in the system itself. The high pressure and temperature in the engine can cause wear and tear on the components and this can lead to a leak. Coolant is highly pressurized, and if there is a break in the system the coolant will spray around your engine. The heat in the engine will quickly dry out the liquid, but any metal part it lands on will slowly begin to rust. Schedule Radiator Repair at Our Jacksonville Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM Dealership Steam pouring from the engine is a very vivid sign of an overheated engine. To prevent this, if your radiator seems to be straining, call the Service Department at DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM or schedule repairs online today.

Choosing a mechanic can be a lengthy and stressful process. Our cars need repairs and regular maintenance like a tire rotation or a brake inspection. This means you need an honest, reliable mechanic that does quality work. You also need them to have the appropriate tools and technology your vehicle needs. You can get all of this and more at our car dealership in Jacksonville, FL. Check out these benefits for getting a tire rotation with us! 1. Certified Technicians The service center at your dealership is staffed with trained and certified technicians who are experienced at working with your make and model. These technicians produce quality work and aim to ensure your car drives as nicely as it did the first day you bought it. more 2. OEM Parts You won't receive any aftermarket parts when you receive repairs at the dealership. Instead, we provide authentic Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, so you know that your vehicle is getting the best service and parts available, as well as a price match guarantee. An additional benefit to getting service at the dealership is that we carry many parts on hand. This means that you won't have to wait while we ship parts in for many repairs. 3. Hours We have early bird hours so that we can work around your work schedule. Additionally, we also offer Saturday service to ensure we are available for those who need it. As a result, you will never be left in a lurch wasting your lunch break trying to get to the shop and back without being late for work. 4. Vehicles While our certified technicians care for your car, you will not be stuck waiting. We offer a shuttle service and rental vehicles, so you can still run errands or pick the kids up after school. We care about our customers and their experience here. 5. Amenities If you are prepared to wait while our technicians rotate your tires, or you use our quick lube service, then you can enjoy the lobby. We have free Wi-Fi, so you can connect your devices while you wait. Additionally, we have Spanish-speaking personnel for those who need it. You can also ask about service contracts for your car. We want to ensure every customer gets the best care possible. 6. Great Quality You will find trained and certified technicians in our service department. You will also find state-of-the-art technology and specialized tools designed to diagnose issues and make repairs accurate and reliable. Additionally, we carry popular tire brands to ensure that you have the best quality tires on your vehicle. We care about the quality care you receive. This means you get the best care, the best parts, and the best service. Schedule a Tire Rotation in Jacksonville at Our Car Dealership Our customers are the most important part of our business. We want to ensure that you are taken care of and that the repairs and maintenance on your vehicle are always the best that they can be. Contact us at DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Jacksonville to schedule an appointment with our service department today.

Do you want to know how often you should replace your car air filter? If so, you've come to the right place. Keep in mind that the frequency with which you should change your engine air filter depends on your driving habits and the weather in Jacksonville, FL. Continue reading to learn more about when to replace your engine's air filter. When Should You Replace Your Car Air Filter? Warning Signs to Look Out For Most automakers recommend changing your air filter every 15,000 miles, but you should double-check with your vehicle's owner's manual. Remember that every vehicle is different. more You may need to change your engine air filter more frequently if you drive around a lot of construction in your region, or if you occasionally drive on gravel roads or over sand. If you're still unsure about how often you should change your engine air filter, keep an eye out for the following warning signs: Increasing amounts of dust gathering on your vehicle's surfaces Unpleasant scents that persist When the air conditioner or heater is operating, the airflow is reduced Fuel economy has been reduced Spark plugs that are filthy Unusual engine noises The check engine light comes on Air filter is clogged Horsepower has been reduced The exhaust emitted a black, sooty smoke or a fire When starting the car, there is a strong odor of gasoline What Happens If I Don't Replace the Filter? A filter prevents dirt, dust, and other impurities from entering the engine. As a result, it should come as no surprise that the filter becomes too dusty and blocked to function properly over time. Failing to replace the filter can have the following effects on vehicle performance: Acceleration is slow Spark plugs that aren't working properly Vehicle emits a thick plume of black smoke from its exhaust The engine light illuminates Gas mileage has decreased on highways in your area Is It Expensive to Get an Air Filter Replaced in Jacksonville, FL? The cost of changing your car's air filter should not be prohibitively high because it is a relatively basic routine maintenance procedure. It should not take more than an hour to replace the air filter if it is located in a convenient location. It should only take roughly 20 minutes for pros to complete. It simply depends on your vehicle's year, manufacture, and model. Air filters are the backbone of all cars since they allow the engine to function smoothly. Air filters don't last forever and do need to be replaced at every 15,000 miles on average. Some tell-tale signs that your air filter is in need of replacing are dust gathering, bad odors, and reduced air conditioning flow. It is a bad idea to avoid getting an air filter replacement since your car will inevitably suffer. Get a New Car Air Filter at Our Jacksonville Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM Dealership If you're looking to get your air filter replaced, contact a team member at DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. They can replace your air filter quickly and efficiently at an affordable price - get in touch to schedule today!

Have you left the house, hopped in your car, turned the key, and only got a ‘click' in response? Or have you been driving and, suddenly, your headlights started to dim? It may not be due to a bad battery, but a failing alternator. Here are six signs that'll tell you it's time to bring your car to a car dealer in Jacksonville, FL for alternator repair. 6 Signs It's Time to Take Your Car in for an Alternator Repair in Jacksonville, FL 1. Battery Light The quickest way to know that your alternator needs repair are the warning lights. Different cars have different ways of telling you something's wrong, so you'll want to check your vehicle's owner's manual for indicators. If you're seeing a warning light while you're driving, find out what it means, and if it's a battery light you may have a serious issue with your alternator. more 2. Squealing or Grinding Noises When you're driving, do you hear your belt squealing? Or a metallic grinding? Sometimes the serpentine belt wears down and doesn't have the grip to turn the alternator, sometimes bearings in the alternator bend or break. If the alternator can't spin properly, it can't output electricity, but it can output a lot of noise. If you're hearing strange sounds coming from any part of your car, it's wise to bring your vehicle in for service. 3. Dim Lights The alternator generates electricity and keeps the battery charged as the car runs and the belt spins. If the alternator isn't working properly, it may not be able to provide enough charge to the battery to keep up with the demands of the vehicle. Usually, the headlights will start to dim, and then may brighten when you increase RPMs by accelerating. If this is happening to your car or truck, your alternator isn't operating correctly. 4. Electrical Issues Dimming lights are easier to see at night, but what about during the day? Sluggish electric windows, struggling power seats, or a radio turning itself off are all indicators of a lack of electricity. If your car is running, and you're seeing any of these issues, then your car isn't generating enough power. 5. Engine Stalling A stalling engine may be the scariest symptom of a bad alternator. Thankfully, it's usually prefaced with several of the above signs. If the alternator is unable to keep up with the demands of the battery, you'll see your car weakening before it turns off entirely. You'll need to charge the battery before the car will run again, but eventually the vehicle will run out of power unless you fix the alternator. 6. Dead Battery There are many reasons a battery could fail. Perhaps the battery isn't holding a charge, or maybe a cable is loose, but if you've charged or replaced your battery several times, then it may not be the battery that's bad. A bad alternator can ruin a good battery, and you may end up spending hundreds of dollars fixing the symptom rather than the cause. Schedule Alternator Service in Jacksonville Online Like any part of the car, an alternator will go bad over time and will require maintenance. If you're seeing signs that your alternator is going bad, and you're looking for a repair shop in Jacksonville, schedule an appointment with DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM.

Your local Jacksonville, FL car dealership will be happy to help you get your vehicle fixed up when you need a brake repair. However, first you need to know how to recognize when your brakes are faulty. Don't worry, as we'll teach you how to do that now. 4 Signs You Need a Brake Repair 1. There's a High-Pitched Metallic Screeching Noise If your vehicle seems to be making a high-pitched, metallic screeching noise, then you likely need a brake pad replacement. You may also need to get your rotors replaced, as this noise can indicate glazed rotors. more 2. There's a Burning Aroma A burning aroma that crops up after a period of frequent braking indicates that your braking system is overheating. You need to pull over to let your vehicle cool down for about 30 minutes. Visit your dealership once the vehicle is cool. 3. There's a Problem Braking Correctly If your brakes have become less responsive than usual, then you shouldn't be driving while your brakes are in this condition. Stop by your local dealer, as you're going to endanger yourself and other motorists if you keep driving. If your brakes are more responsive, then they may have become oversensitive, and that's not good either. You'll need to get this issue dealt with quickly. 4. There's a Pool of Fluid Near Your Vehicle If there's a pool of fluid near your vehicle, then you probably have a fluid leak. It could be brake fluid, so inspect the pool closely. If the puddle looks like it's less-slimy motor oil, then it's most likely brake fluid. Reasons to Visit Your Jacksonville, FL Dealership for Your Repair 1. We Employ Expert Technicians Our technicians are experts, so will be able to provide your vehicle with the best care in the area. Your vehicle deserves only the greatest service around, and we're happy to provide it. 2. We Work Quickly Dealerships work faster than regular auto repair shops. We're able to make sure somebody is free to take on your case as soon as you visit. You might be waiting hours for a consult at a regular auto repair shop, so coming to us will be more convenient. 3. We Have Amenities Minor repairs shouldn't take too long, so feel free to stay at the dealership while you wait for the repair to take place. We have amenities for you to enjoy while you're here. There's coffee and tea, and we have a place for you to sit. You won't find amenities like this at a regular auto repair shop. 4. We Keep Records We keep detailed records of the repairs we make for our loyal customers, so we'll be able to check your current issue against your previous issues to pick out patterns in your vehicle's fault history. This will help us discover if there's something larger at play in your vehicle that's causing frequent faults. Service Your Brakes in Jacksonville, FL Today Does your vehicle need its brakes fixed? Come by DARCARS Orange Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. We'll get you back up and running in no time. Schedule an appointment for brake service and repairs.