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Mopar® Announces Car-Care Checklist for Cold-weather Driving Season

• Ten items to check before winter
• Mopar® services Chrysler, Jeep_®, Dodge, Ram, SRT and Fiat vehicles
• With the addition of Magneti Marelli parts, Mopar also services competitive makes
• Mopar now offers full menu of all-season, winter and performance tires
• Mopar Service Clinic offers free vehicle inspections and dealership tours at select Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat dealerships

October 4, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Before winter settles in, fall is the time for owners to get their vehicles into shape.

"Now is the time to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter-driving season," said Jim Sassorossi, Head of Sales and Product Development at Mopar®, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand. "Preventative maintenance helps vehicles perform at optimum levels in a variety of conditions.

"With original-equipment Mopar parts, our factory-trained technicians provide full service to Chrysler, Jeep_®, Dodge, Ram, SRT and Fiat vehicles," Sassorossi added. "And with the addition of proven, quality-tested parts from Magneti Marelli, we also service all domestic and most import vehicles as well."

Mopar's Fall Car-Care Checklist

1: Brakes
Summer travel gives brake pads a heavy workout, resulting in the removal of thin layers. Now is the time to check pads, shoes, rotors, drums, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake hardware and the parking brake for wear and tear.

2: Tires
Closely inspect the tread and sidewall areas of tires for uneven or irregular wear. In addition, excessive edge wear, center wear and shoulder wear can act as an indicator for other trouble spots on your vehicle. It's also important to ensure correct air pressure at all times in order to prevent premature wear. Be sure to check the spare as well. If replacements are needed, Mopar offers a complete lineup of tires and winter tires from BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Michelin, Uniroyal and Yokohama brands.

3: Battery
Summer heat does the most damage to battery life and is why they often fail in the winter. Check for corroded terminals and a bulging or cracked case. Test and replace battery if necessary.

4: Wiper Blades
Winter driving conditions challenge your ability to see the road. Mopar's lineup of wiper blades now includes Beam Blades, which provide superior all-weather performance and aid driving visibility. The wiper blades boast a skin coating that seals the aerodynamic spoiler in order to protect it from winter weather. Mopar Beam Blades also are constructed to eliminate exposed parts and to resist snow- and ice-clogging.

5: Shocks and Struts
For motorists located in cold and snowy climates, fall and winter also usher in a dreaded time of year: pothole season. Shocks and struts are the most overlooked service parts on a vehicle, but they affect ride control and comfort and can also affect a number of related parts. Mopar shocks and struts optimize vehicle handling, tire life and keep vehicles riding smoothly.

6: Engine Oil
Ensure your engine oil has the correct viscosity in order to endure cold weather. Engine oil should be changed or replenished at recommended intervals. Low or dirty fluids affect how an engine and its components perform and could potentially cause engine damage under extreme conditions.

7: Fluid Levels
All vehicle fluids and lubricants should be checked and changed at factory-recommended intervals. Key fluids include antifreeze/coolant level and concentration, as well as power steering, brake, transmission and windshield washer fluids.

8: Engine Belts and Hoses
Replace belts and hoses at recommended intervals. Quality-tested Mopar belts and hoses offer precision fit, optimal service life and original-equipment performance.

9: Air Filter
The air filter is designed to protect your engine from airborne contaminants. Poor air flow to the engine inhibits performance and generates greater fuel consumption. A new air filter allows clean, unrestricted air flow into the engine and helps ensure proper performance for a longer life.

10: Headlamps and Taillamps
Days become shorter in the fall and winter, meaning more nighttime driving and increased usage of headlamps and taillamps. Inspect and test all lamps on your vehicle to ensure proper function and proper alignment.

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