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Your RAM truck is tough and hardy, but it requires regular maintenance to maintain its top performance. RAM maintenance is performed by RAM-trained technicians who are experts at servicing your vehicle. They can identify minor issues quickly so they can be repaired before they become serious problems. As your RAM dealer, we want to tell you about some of the maintenance we provide. Let’s look at some examples of RAM Maintenance available at your local dealer. more Brake Servicing Your RAM's brakes are designed to stop your vehicle almost instantly, giving you complete control over your speed at all times. The braking system relies on force and pressure to stop your vehicle, and this generates heat. The combination of force, pressure, and heat gradually causes wear and tear on brake components, and your brakes will work less efficiently. Brake service is a critical part of RAM maintenance, and corrects these issues. Our expert technicians check every brake system component and can repair any damage they find. They test the system to ensure it's working correctly, and the brakes work as speedily as they're designed to. The system is also tested for leaks, as a low fluid level can cause brake failure. We then drain and replace the brake fluid, and you'll be able to drive with peace of mind again. Wiper Blade Replacement The wiper blades are made from high-quality rubber to provide the flexibility and rigidity needed to clean the windshield. Rubber is the perfect medium for blades, as it cleans without damaging or scratching the glass. Unfortunately, older blades lose this flexibility and can crack after constant exposure to UV rays and other environmental factors. Cracked blades can break, and missing pieces can leave mud, dirt, and other debris on the screen, restricting your view. Replacing the blades is quick, and the new blades will keep your windshield clean. We'll also check the wiper arms to ensure they move freely and easily and the washing jets to make sure they're clean and pump water onto the screen whenever required. Alternator Replacement The alternator is a mini generator that supplies the electricity most of your vehicle systems require. It's powered by the crankshaft and spins at high speed to produce electricity. This power is transmitted to the systems through a network of cables and wires. An alternator will work efficiently for at least eight years before old and worn parts cause it to slow down. When an alternator slows down, it produces less electricity than it once did. This isn't usually noticeable at the beginning, as an alternator usually produces more power than your vehicle requires. The slowdown is irreversible, and the reduced electricity supply will cause issues ranging from dim headlights to failing accessories. We'll test the alternator and install a new one if necessary. Whether you have a RAM truck or a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ford, Kia, Nissan, Mazda, or any other make or model of vehicle, Auffenberg Dealer Group in Shiloh, IL, is ready to keep you running just like the first day you drove it home. Book your next maintenance today by contacting us.

As a Nissan driver, you value the long-term performance and safety of your vehicle. This is why it's so important to choose OEM parts for all structural and cosmetic repairs to your Nissan. These parts, installed by trained professionals here at your local Nissan dealer, are crucial for the long-term performance of your vehicle. Learn why OEM parts are crucial for your Nissan’s performance, and how our service center can help keep you on the road. more Manufactured From High-Quality Materials One way to keep your Nissan running like new is to ensure you're using the highest-quality parts available to you. Unlike aftermarket parts, our authentic parts are made from the same high-quality materials as were the parts in your original vehicle. By choosing our high-quality and original parts, you are ensuring your vehicle performs to your expectations as a Nissan driver. Made To Be a Perfect Fit Original Nissan parts have also been designed to fit into your particular vehicle perfectly. This is because our parts are manufactured with your specific vehicle's model, year, and trim level in mind, so they're guaranteed to fit into your car more precisely than are aftermarket options. What's more, this accuracy means installation is a breeze for our team of professionals, which saves you time at the service desk! Designed for Durability Our authentic Nissan parts are also renowned for their durability, which means they last longer than imitation parts. In fact, drivers who opt for original parts find that their Nissans last longer than those who opt for aftermarket options. By choosing original parts, you're choosing longer-lasting repairs, replacements, and upgrades. Held to the Highest of Safety Standards As a Nissan driver, we know you value the safety of you and your passengers. Unlike imitation or knock-off parts, original parts from Nissan undergo rigorous safety testing from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). By choosing our original parts over aftermarket options, you're making the safer choice for you and your passengers. Installed by Trained Professionals at Your Local Nissan Dealer Authentic Nissan parts are installed by our team of trained service professionals here at the dealership. Our maintenance professionals undergo extensive and ongoing training directly from the manufacturer, have access to the most accurate diagnostic technology, and use top-notch Nissan-approved tools when installing your parts. This means you'll be receiving the quickest, most accurate service available to you as a Nissan owner. By choosing original Nissan parts for repairs and upgrades, you're ensuring your vehicle consists of only the highest quality, most durable, and safest parts on the market. When it's time for you to make structural repairs or cosmetic upgrades to your Nissan, Speak with our team of professionals at Auffenberg Dealer Group in Shiloh, IL!

You can still remember the day you drove your dream Volkswagen away from the O’Fallon, IL, dealership years ago. Suddenly you’re noticing that it doesn’t start as easily as it once did. The good news is, the problem may be as simple as a need for a new battery! Discover when it's time to upgrade to a new car battery. more 3 Signs Your Volkswagen Needs a New Car Battery A typical car battery can last three to five years, with some lasting 10 years under ideal conditions. The battery's longevity often depends on care and maintenance, but other factors can affect it. If your car battery is over three years old, keep an out for the three signs of replacement to reduce the potential danger and damage to your engine and vehicle. 1. Slow Start or Minimal Power Most people know a car can start slower in the colder months, especially when temperatures drop below 20 degrees. However, if your Jetta starts slowly in the summer, especially if the issue begins suddenly, it can signal a draining or bad battery. You should bring your vehicle to your local Volkswagen dealership for a battery test and service. A slow start is not the only warning of poor battery performance or the need for a replacement. Reduced power in other systems in your car can also sometimes mark a draining battery. Sometimes, for example, a car starts fine, but your headlights are dim or your radio doesn't work. 2. Odd Smells Old, damaged, or worn batteries can also have an odd odor. A new battery shouldn't have a smell, even when connected to the engine. Over time, the battery's casing might wear down and crack, allowing gases to vent. The smell is unpleasant, often of rotten eggs. Unfortunately, the odor could mean sulfuric acid leaked from the battery, potentially harming other engine components. 3. Swollen Unit The last clue that an old battery needs replacement is visual. A swollen unit or battery case is an undeniable sign of a damaged battery. The swelling is indicative of chemical reactions that occur during the aging process. You cannot repair a swollen battery. The only option is to replace it. Your Volkswagen Dealer Can Help Our dealer group is more than capable of handling your battery replacement needs. When you schedule a service with us, our talented and qualified team of technicians will assess your Jetta and its battery and offer quick repairs to get you back on the road. A bad car battery interrupts your schedule by limiting power, producing odd smells, or inhibiting your ability to get where you need to go. Contact Auffenberg Dealer Group at 1130 Auffenberg Avenue, Shiloh, IL, to schedule a battery test or order a replacement for your make and model.

There are many reasons you might visit your Mazda dealer, and one of them is that you need a brake repair. Even well-maintained cars can develop brake issues occasionally, but as long as you know the signs that something's wrong, you can head to the dealer to get the problem fixed as early as possible. Let’s explore five signs that you need brake repair from your local Mazda dealership. more 1. Your Brakes Perform Badly If your brakes are performing badly, then there's definitely something wrong with the braking system. You could have an issue with your brake pads, rotors, or something more serious. When the brakes perform badly, they may be completely non-responsive, or you might just notice it's taking a few seconds longer to stop than usual. Both problems require an urgent visit to the dealer. 2. Your Car Pulls to One Side When your car pulls to the side while you're braking, it means there's a problem with the brakes on one side of the car. It may be something simple, such as unevenly worn-down brake linings. It could also be something such as a jammed caliper piston that's blocking your brakes from engaging on one side. 3. Your Brake Pedal Is Vibrating When your rotors are warped, or when your car is out of alignment, you might notice some feedback when you apply the brakes. This comes in the form of your brake pedal vibrating or pulsating when you use it. This will happen during normal braking, so it's not the same thing as the vibrating that happens when you have ABS brakes and have to make a sudden stop. 4. Your Brake Pedal Feels Different Paying attention to how your brake pedal normally feels is important. This is because when your brakes are having issues, your brake pedal might feel different. Although there's usually resistance when you step on the brake pedal, this might change when the braking system is faulty. The pedal could fully sink to the floor with a complete lack of resistance, or instead, it could feel soft and spongy like you've stepped on something squishy instead of the brake pedal. 5. You Hear Squealing or Screeching Brake pads wear down over time and need to be replaced when they get too thin. You'll know that they're too thin when you start hearing a high-pitched screeching noise while braking because this means the brake pad wear indicator is exposed and is now scratching against your metal rotors. Come in for a brake pad replacement as soon as possible, because if you don't, then your brake pads will keep wearing away and start causing problems. Come to Auffenberg Dealer Group in Shiloh, IL when your brakes need to be fixed. Our factory-trained and certified technicians will get you back on the road fast and running just like the day you first drove home.

Car, truck, and SUV owners in Illinois know a thing or two about adventure. From our daily commutes to wild off-road excursions, having the right tire is key to getting the best out of your Jeep. But, how do you know when it's time for new tires? Let's explore some of the tell-tale signs that it's time to visit your local Auffenberg auto dealer location for a tire inspection. more Tread Wear If a tire's tread wear is visibly down to the level of the bars in its grooves, it's definitely time for replacement tires. Tire tread can be checked in multiple ways, from using a tire tread gauge, to the "penny test", a time-tested and quick way of finding out where the life your tires stands. In the penny test, you put a penny, Abe’s head down, into your tire tread. If you can still see the top of Abe’s head, it’s time to change your tires! Traction Issues Are you feeling like your Jeep is skidding or hydroplaning more than it has in the past? Were you the last one to get out of the mud pit? Suddenly having issues with maintaining control in inclement weather? This is a classic sign that it's time for a tire inspection. It’s also a sign of how poor tire tread can be a major safety hazard you should not ignore. Damage While some tire issues are easy to identify with the naked eye and some common sense, others can be a bit less conspicuous without the right knowledge. This is why it's always best to trust the professionals when it comes to tire damage, even when you think it might not be a big deal. What are the Benefits of Replacing Your Tires? This may seem like a no-brainer after the above signs and symptoms, but there are many benefits to having your tires replaced. Some of them include the safety of the driver and all passengers, improved fuel efficiency, and overall better performance of the vehicle. Why Should Auffenberg Be Your Jeep Dealer? At Auffenberg Dealer Group, we understand the importance of having the right tires for your adventures, as well as everyday use. Our award-winning service department has been helping the St. Louis Metro East area since 1942, and we are staffed by automotive experts who specialize in Jeep, that can recommend the perfect tires for your driving style and any terrain you might encounter. From the all-terrain options for off-road lovers, to highway tires for the commuters, our prices are competitive and our expert installers can help make sure you're getting the best value for your investment, and whether you have great credit or could use some improvement, our financing team is ready to help you get behind the wheel of your very own car, truck, or SUV. Don't wait until it's too late! Schedule a tire inspection at Auffenberg Dealer Group in Shiloh, IL and we can help you get your Jeep on the road safely, quickly, and confidently.

Most people know it's important to change their engine oil regularly, but many people don't know how often the oil should be changed. Once upon a time the common wisdom was every 3,000 miles but those days are long gone. Still many “quick change” oil places and independent garages still stick to that concept, which leads to you spending money you don’t need to spend. If you're not sure whether you should bring your car in to your local dealer in Shiloh, IL, for an oil change, read on. more Is Your Car Due for an Oil Change at Your Local Shiloh Dealer? As a general rule, you should have your engine oil replaced every 6,000 miles. However, if you don't drive your car much, you should come in at least twice a year to have your oil replaced. In addition, if you see the oil light (which looks like an oil can) on your dash light up, get in for service quickly. It could mean you need an oil change, or that you have a bigger problem with the system. Having your oil changed regularly is vital to your car’s health. One of the biggest dangers to cars over time is dirty oil. As it runs, your engine oil picks up dirt and other debris as part of its job lubricating the engine. This, however, results in a sludge-like consistency which does not effectively lubricate your engine, and it can cause a wide range of problems. When Is More Frequent Service Required? While many people can go 6,000 miles between oil replacements, there are some cases that demand more frequent service. For example, if you rarely drive over five miles, you should have your engine oil replaced more frequently. You also should come in for service sooner if most of your driving occurs in stop-and-go traffic. You also should schedule an appointment now if your oil level is low. If you notice a leak or check your oil and it is low, it can be an indicator of other issues that you should quickly get diagnosed and fixed. What Are the Benefits of Changing Your Oil? One of the most compelling benefits of changing your oil regularly is that boosts your fuel economy. When debris isn't circulating through your engine, it can operate efficiently. This leads to better gas mileage, saving you precious time at the pump. Getting new engine oil regularly is also beneficial in that it protects your engine. The dirtier your oil is, the more your engine is exposed to sludge build-up, friction, and excessive wear and tear. Keeping your oil fresh can delay expensive engine issues that require major repairs. It can also help ensure your motor will take you where you need to go for hundreds of thousands of miles. You also should have your oil replaced regularly because clean oil helps keep your engine cool. Excessive friction caused by dirty oil circulating can result in your engine overheating. If exposed to prolonged excessive heat, your engine can become irreparably damaged. Your owners’ manual should have guidelines for how often your oil needs to be changed. Otherwise, if your oil is in good condition, you should bring it in every six months or 6,000 miles. If you can't remember the last time your engine oil was replaced, drop us a line now at Auffenberg Dealer Group in Shiloh, IL.

Recognizing when the transmission is in disrepair is vital for any car owner who wants to stop minor transmission issues from becoming major ones. Knowing when to stop by the Jeep dealer for regular transmission service is also important, as regular service helps you catch small transmission issues before they start affecting how your car functions, or even prevent transmission issues altogether. more How Often Should You Get Maintenance on Your Transmission? How often you need to get your transmission checked out varies depending on your car's age, make, model, and other factors. As a general rule, however, you should at least start considering getting the transmission looked at once you've driven 30,000 miles. Some cars can go longer between checkups on the transmission, but it's best to get the transmission checked out sooner rather than later. Waiting too long before getting service can be damaging to your Jeep. When problems start showing up, then you know it's time for your transmission to get a checkup. Signs You Need Transmission Service: Gear Slipping or Failure When your transmission isn't in the best shape, you may have lots of different issues with your gears. You may have a lot of trouble switching between gears, or your gears might not switch at all. You might also notice your car slipping out of gear while you're driving, and that can be very dangerous. When your car slips out of gears during acceleration, it's annoying, and your car's performance feels sluggish. However, when your car slips out of gear during deceleration, it can be very dangerous, as your car may not slow down enough to keep you safe. You Hear Noises While Your Car Is in Neutral Your transmission system shouldn't make much noise under any circumstances when it's in good condition. However, if there are unusual noises occurring while you're in neutral, or even when you're shifting gears, then it can point to issues with the transmission system. Sometimes the problem won't be that serious, and the only thing wrong is that you need some more transmission fluid (though this unto itself can be an indicator of more serious issues such as a leak). However, noises can also indicate major issues, such as a broken solenoid. You Feel Your Car Kick and Shake When you change gears, your car shouldn't do anything major. You should feel the car accelerate or decelerate normally and smoothly. However, a transmission that's in disrepair may make the car shake and kick while you're switching gears. If you drive a car with a manual transmission, then you may notice a grinding while you're shifting from one gear to the next. Is it time to get your transmission checked out? Swing by Auffenberg Dealer Group in Shiloh, IL so our technicians can take a look.

Your ignition coil is an important electrical component that helps to convert the low-voltage current from your car battery into the spark that will ignite fuel running through your engine. When there's something wrong with an ignition coil, you'll notice a world of problems with your vehicle, including the inability to start your car. Learn some warning signs that your ignition coil might be going bad, and what to do to get it fixed. more 1. Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil: Check Engine Light The check engine light can switch on for a myriad of reasons, including problems with your ignition coils. Head to the dealer for an engine diagnostic when this light comes on, as you may start experiencing performance issues with your car without a prompt repair. 2. The Engine Starts Misfiring When an engine misfires, the car feels like it's jerking or sputtering when you're driving normally. The car might shake or feel like it's running roughly when you stop with a misfiring engine. 3. The Engine Won't Start Normally It may take a few attempts for you to get the engine started when you have a broken ignition coil. You may also notice that your engine starts, but the car feels jerky during start-up. The difficulty starting is caused by the spark plug not receiving the right voltage to create a spark and start the engine. If you drive a car that only has one ignition coil, then you may not be able to get your car started at all if this coil is broken. 4. The Engine Guzzles Gas When you have a broken ignition coil, your engine struggles to perform at its normal capacity. To try to remedy this, it consumes more fuel. This reduces your gas mileage. When your car guzzles gas, it can lead to your spark plugs sustaining some damage, and that can cause further performance issues with the vehicle. 5. The Car Doesn't Perform Well There are several other performance-related issues that can crop up when you have a bad ignition coil. These are generally quite noticeable. Your car might stall, for example, or you may feel as though the vehicle can't accelerate as quickly as it usually does. Overall, your car's performance could be described as sluggish. 6. The Car Backfires When your car doesn't burn up all the fuel it attempts to use, the fuel can travel through your exhaust system and detonate. This is known as your engine backfiring. When it happens, you'll hear a popping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. This backfiring is caused by your engine trying and failing to burn more fuel. If you notice any of these signs it’s imperative to get the issue diagnosed and fixed quickly. Come to Auffenberg Dealer Group in Shiloh, IL to replace any faulty parts of your car. Stop by for regular maintenance, too, to try to prevent issues with the ignition coils and other parts of your car.