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How to make a Car Emergency Kit Being prepared can help alleviate some of the stress in emergency situations. That's why we recommend you have an emergency kit stashed in your car to help you be prepared should the worst happen. Check out these lists of items to include in your emergency kit! more Read More: What should I pack in the car for my road trip? Items to include in Car Emergency Kit There are a few types of kits you can make and stash in your car to help you be prepared. One is more geared toward car issues that could arise, like a flat tire or getting stuck in a snowy ditch, while the other is geared toward first aid and personal safety items! Items to include for car-related issues include: LED flashlights/headlamps Emergency radio Reflective emergency blanket/vest Duct tape Fleece blankets Tarp Paracord/rope Extra batteries Multi-purpose tool Work gloves Collapsible bag or backpack Jumper cables Flares or reflective triangles Pepper spray Whistle Winter clothes (seasonal – can be removed in warm months) Shovel (seasonal – can be removed in warm months) Items to include in a Personal Emergency Kit It is also a good idea to have an emergency kit that includes personal items that can help if any people in your car become injured. Items for a personal emergency kit include: Personal medications Aspirin or ibuprofen Antibiotic ointment Bandages in a variety of sizes and shapes Gauze pads in a variety of sizes Hand sanitizer Latex (or nonlatex) gloves Toilet paper Baby wipes Feminine protection Non-perishable food items Bottles of water Walking shoes Having these items stored in your vehicle, organized in a container in your trunk or in the rear seat for easy access can help you in the event of an accident or emergency. Before any long-distance trips, you should also bring your vehicle in for a service appointment to make sure it is running smoothly. For all your automotive needs, come to Palmen Motors today!

Snacks and drinks to pack for a road trip When you are preparing for a road trip, it can be helpful to plan ahead to pack some healthy snacks and drinks to have on-hand in the car. This can help cut down on the number of stops you need to make so that you can reach your destination sooner. Check out these snack and drink ideas to pack for a road trip! more Read More: What do the dashboard lights in my car mean? Road trip snack ideas We recommend storing a cooler in the car with you so that you can keep your snacks fresh at all times. Great options for snacks include: Fruit: when you are craving something sweet, having apples, clementines, grapes or berries on hand can cure it! Make sure to pre-wash and cut them if necessary to make it easier to grab! Veggies: prepping some celery, cucumbers, carrots, snap peas, cherry tomatoes or broccoli can make it easier to grab when you want something crunchy. You can also pack single-serve packets of ranch or hummus if you don't like your veggies raw. Proteins: To keep you feeling full for longer, grabbing protein-packed options like yogurt, cheese, jerky, almonds, or energy bars are all great options. Drinks to pack include water (bonus points if you bring a refillable bottle!), juices with low sugar and no artificial flavors, or coffee drinks for when you need a caffeine boost. Car games for road trips Check out these fun car games to help you pass the time! For all of your automotive needs, come to Palmen Motors today!

2019 Ram 1500 Design Updates and New Features The 2019 Ram 1500 is all-new and better than ever. Updates to the design, safety, performance, and technology make the new Ram 1500 more advanced, powerful, and intuitive than ever before. Let's take a closer look at the design updates on the all-new 2019 Ram 1500! more Read More: What do the dashboard lights in my car mean? 2019 Ram 1500 Exterior and Interior Design Updates The Ram 1500 uses the highest-quality materials possible to make the truck more luxurious and comfortable than ever. A new front fascia has a chiseled Ram's head logo and "RAM" grille design. This grille is housed between twin bi-functional projector headlamps and fog lamps that create the all-new fully adaptive LED Front-Lighting System. The cab length of the Ram 1500 is increased by four inches, and it is lighter, longer, and wider overall. Inside the Ram 1500, a reimagined center console has more storage configurations and the first-ever 12-inch fully configurable touch-screen display in a Ram model. The second row features slide reclining seats, a true flat-load floor that has in-floor storage bins and under-seat storage to maximize every inch of space in the cabin. 2019 Ram 1500 Performance and Safety Updates The 2019 Ram 1500 has significant improvements in fuel efficiency and offers a new generation of the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission that helps give you a responsive ride. The Ram 1500 has an eTorque mild hybrid system available on its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engines. This eTorque system adds up to 90 pound-feet of torque to the V6 engine and 130 pound-feet of torque to the V8. The 2019 Ram 1500 has more than 100 safety and security features, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Go and Hold, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Ready Alert Braking, Trailer-sway Damping Control, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park, and Hill-start Assist. Drivers interested in learning more about the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 can contact a member of the Palmen Motors sales team! Check out our current Ram inventory here!

2019 Jeep Cherokee Design Updates and New Features The Jeep Cherokee is all-new for the 2019 model year and features plenty of updates inside and out to make it more functional and capable than ever before. Let's check out some of the updates and new features on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee! more Read More: What colors does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee come in? 2019 Jeep Cherokee Design The exterior design of the Jeep Cherokee features sculpted lines that maximize efficiency and aerodynamics. Newly designed daytime running lamps are available with signature LED lighting and are complemented by the signature seven-slot grille. New wheel options include premium 19-inch wheels on Cherokee Overland trims, and enhanced four-wheel-drive systems make the Cherokee more capable than ever before. Inside the Cherokee, a functional-yet-refined interior is spacious and comfortable for passengers. More cargo volume is available as well as more convenient storage options, and an available dual-pane sunroof keeps the cabin feeling bright and open. The Uconnect® system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and gives drivers the choice between a 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreen display with pinch and zoom capabilities. 2019 Jeep Cherokee Engine Options and Performance Capabilities The 2019 Cherokee offers an all-new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that reaches 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine features stop-start technology in order to optimize its fuel efficiency. An enhanced nine-speed automatic transmission is available with this engine to match its sporty, responsive performance. Two other engine options are available. The first is a 3.2-liter Pentastar® V6 engine that produces 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque and offers best-in-class towing capability at 4,500 pounds. The last engine option is a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine with stop-start technology that gets up to 180 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The Cherokee comes equipped with the Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system that offers five different modes: Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud, and Rock. Drivers looking for more information about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee can contact us at Palmen Motors today! Those looking to get behind the wheel can set up a test drive online for their favorite Jeep model!

What do car dashboard lights mean? When any of the dashboard lights in your car turn on, it probably leads you to feel concerned and frustrated, especially if you don't know what the icon that is lit up means. While it can depend on your vehicle's make and model, for the most part the icons have the same general meaning across the board. Let's take a closer look at what some of these specific icons mean! more View Our Inventory Warning Symbols Some of the icons are very serious, so you should get your vehicle checked out immediately if they light up on your dashboard. These icons are typically red and indicate an emergency issue that affects how your vehicle runs. Yellow lights typically indicate a service or repair issue that needs to be addressed soon, and green or blue lights tell you that a specific system in your vehicle is operating. Check out this helpful video to see some of the most common lights and what they mean! For all of your automotive needs, come to Palmen Motors!

Free carwash and air top off with Service Appointment at Palmen Motors Drivers in the Kenosha area looking to get their vehicle serviced should take advantage of the special offer available at Palmen Motors! Drivers that bring their vehicle in for a service appointment can get a free carwash and free air top off in their tires! more View Our Inventory Schedule a Service Appointment at Palmen Motors The service department at Palmen Motors offers everything from standard vehicle upkeep to major repairs. The service team uses only quality licensed parts that are approved and issued by the automaker to ensure that new parts will work just as well as the originals, and they install them with accuracy and efficiency. If you would prefer to install parts yourself, we also sell parts and can order a specific part for you if we don’t have it in stock. The team of service professionals at Palmen Motors is friendly and knowledgeable about a wide variety of makes and models. Services offered at Palmen Motors include lube, oil and filter change, front end alignment, coolant flush, tire balance, tire rotation, and more. The team can also handle repairs like muffler or exhaust repair, brake replacement and more. Drivers that bring in their vehicle for any service can take advantage of getting a free car wash and air top off in their tires here at Palmen Motors! You can schedule an appointment online here, by phone at 877-479-0953 or in person at the dealership, located at 5431 75th Street in Kenosha. We hope to see you soon here at Palmen Motors!

How does a backup camera work? Most vehicles today are equipped with a rear vision camera, or offer one as a feature that drivers can upgrade to. Backup cameras can be very helpful if you learn how to use them correctly because they can act as another set of eyes at the back of your vehicle to help you see your surroundings better. Check out this helpful video to learn more about how your backup camera works! more View Our New Inventory For all of your automotive needs, come to Palmen Motors today!

Gyms near Kenosha WI 2018 Many people have New Year's Resolutions to get in better shape or take control of their health, and we are here to tell you that's great!! If you are struggling to do so at home, joining a gym can give you access to more of the tools and resources you need to stay on track. Many gyms give you access to personal trainers or group classes in addition to having a plethora of equipment to help you reach your goals. Check out these local gyms around Kenosha! more Check out other community events here! Local Gyms around Kenosha WI Atlas Gym 2 Location: 3415 80th Street, Kenosha Hours: Monday – Friday: 4am to 9pm; Saturday: 6:30am to 6pm; Sunday: 6:30am to 3pm Amenities: Atlas Gym 2 offers month-to-month members so there is no commitment, has a friendly and clean atmosphere, plenty of equipment for weightlifting and cargo, and personal training. Body Dynamics Fitness Center Location: 4211 Green Bay Road, Kenosha Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5am to 10pm; Friday: 5am to 9pm; Saturday: 7am to 5pm; Sunday: 8am to 3pm Amenities: Body Dynamics Fitness Center's motto is "We Treat You Like A Member Not A Number". It offers personal training, bootcamp and seasonal classes like spin, Zumba, or kickboxing, and training and nutrition specialists. Snap Fitness Location: 5506 75th Street, Kenosha Hours: 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Amenities: Offers a seven-day free trial for you to test out the atmosphere, is open 24 hours a day so that you can find the time that best fits your schedule, and has a full set of equipment to allow you to reach your goals! Jazzercise Kenosha Fitness Center Location: 6521 Green Bay Road Suite 1, Kenosha Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 5:25am to 11:30am, 4pm to 8pm; Tuesday/Thursday: 5:25am to 10:30am, 4pm to 8pm; Saturday: 6:30am to 11:30am; Sunday: 7:45am to 10:30am Amenities: Jazzercise provides a pulse-pounding, beat-pumping program that gets you fast results while having fun! Folks looking for a community that works together to get results should check out Jazzercise! Harbor Park CrossFit Location: 3417 14th Ave, Kenosha Hours: Monday – Friday: 5:30am to 8:30pm; Saturday - Sunday: 8am to 11am Amenities: The goal at Harbor Park CrossFit is to provide a safe, energetic, and stress-free environment. A variety of programs are available, including running club, Pilates, CrossFit, and individualized goals sessions with a coach. Kenosha YMCA Location: 7101 53rd Street, Kenosha Hours: Monday – Friday: 5am to 9pm; Saturday: 6am to 5pm; Sunday: 9am to 5pm Amenities: The YMCA offers a family-friendly atmosphere so that you can get the whole family involved in a healthy lifestyle! If offers a full-equipment workout room, group classes, and personal training. We wish you a happy and healthy new year!

The cold, snowy days of winter have arrived. That means ice-covered roadways and freezing mornings. But have no fear! Even the coldest of days are no match for a Dodge. Every Dodge is built with the power and capability to tackle snowy roads with confidence, all while keeping passengers inside the cabin comfortable. Here are some of the best Dodge models for navigating the winter Wisconsin landscape this season. more What Dodge vehicles perform the best in snow? Dodge Journey Bitter winds and snow-covered roadways are no match for the powerful Dodge Journey. It's available with a 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive or a 283-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 under the hood with standard all-wheel drive. Traction and stability control, antilock brakes and a rear-view camera are all standard. Choose from five- and seven-passenger seating configurations and plenty of high-end features, including standard heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone manual climate control, roof rails and much more. Dodge RAM Trucks Winter here you come. Dodge RAM pickup trucks come in a variety of configurations, including an available Snow Chief Package. This equips the RAM 2500 or 3500 with an anti-spin differential, OWL 18" tires, a higher-amp alternator and much more for easy snow plowing. Even without the optional packages, the Dodge RAM pickup is built with everything you need to tackle winter head-on. The precision suspension and smooth ride tackle even the roughest road conditions with ease while keeping you and your passengers comfortable and warm inside the cabin. Dodge Durango There's nothing quite like a winter adventure. Whether you're plowing snow or are taking a weekend road trip to the ski resort, the Dodge Durango is ready to rise to meet the challenge. It has the capability to handle any task, including up to 8,600 pounds of towing power with models equipped with a 6.4-liter V8. Inside the cabin is a generous array of high-tech features, including heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, three-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a six-speaker sound system. Choose from configurations with two- and three-rows of seating. Are you ready to take a closer look at any of these powerful models? We invite you to take a test drive at Palmen Motors! Our award-winning team of experts can answer any questions you might have an and help you find the perfect vehicle. Stop by and see us today. Read More: Do I need to warm my car up in the winter?

Winter is here and so are the cold temperatures. From below-freezing temperatures to wind chill advisories, 'tis the season for frigid days. On cold days like these should you warm your car up before you drive? Is it a positive thing or are you doing more harm than good? more Can warming up your car harm the engine? Everyone has a very different idea of what it means to "warm up" their car. For some it means to have the heater cranked on in an effort to warm up the vehicle's cabin and engine at the same time. For others, it means to let the vehicle idle in order to warm up the engine. There has been a common misconception today that drivers have to warm up their vehicle before they drive by letting it idle. This idea was popular when most vehicles used a carbureted engine, which did need some time to warm up before you could drive the vehicle. You can still find these engines on classic vehicles. Thirty years ago, if you didn't let your car with a carbureted engine under the hood idle for a few minutes the car could stall on you. Read More: Tips for driving in sleet or icy conditions Today, most vehicles on the road use an internal combustion engine. The best way to "warm up" a vehicle with this type of engine is by driving it. To do this, you can let the vehicle idle for about 30 seconds, then slowly start to drive. The last thing you want to do is rev a cold engine. With that said, will you harm your car, truck or SUV if you don't let it idle for 30 seconds? No. By the time you turn your car on, scrape some ice from the windshield and then get back behind the driver's seat and you will be ready to roll. Read More: 5 warning signs of a dying alternator Do you have another question for our team of experts about automotive maintenance? Let us know in the comments below! From all of us at Palmen Motors, thanks for reading!

Winter Driving Safety Tips Before you know it, the snow will be flying and many people need a refresher on how to drive in the snow to avoid accidents and increase their safety. Check out these tips to help you drive safely in the snow! more Read More: Tips for Driving in Sleet or Icy Conditions Driving Safety Tips for Winter Take your time accelerating. On snowy or icy roads, it can take your wheels longer to gain traction on the road to move you forward, so by accelerating slowly, you have a better chance of maintaining control of your vehicle. Brake with plenty of extra room. Similar to accelerating, it can be difficult for your wheels to maintain traction as you brake. Give yourself ample time to slow and come to a stop. A good rule of thumb to follow is that you should be able to see the tires of the vehicle in front of you when you reach a complete stop. Don't use cruise control when driving on slippery roads. It is safer to maintain complete control over your speed on slippery roads so that you have less of a chance of skidding or sliding around. Don't warm up your vehicle in an enclosed space. The fumes from your vehicle are dangerous, so you should only heat up your car in an open area. Get your vehicle checked out. The last thing you want is to break down when the temperature is below freezing. If you are in need of service, schedule a service appointment with Palmen Motors! Check the weather. Keeping an eye on the weather before a longer trip can help you plan around any major snowstorms so that you don't get stuck in one on the road. Follow these tips for safe winter driving! For all of your automotive needs, come to Palmen Motors!

Restaurants open on Thanksgiving 2017 Kenosha Thanksgiving is so close, and for many people it is a time to come together as a family and reflect on all that you are thankful for. For some, it includes a delicious homemade meal, and for others it is celebrated at local restaurants. Check out these places open and serving up your Thanksgiving favorites this year! more Read More: Shop the Lot at Palmen Motors! Restaurants open around Kenosha on Thanksgiving 2017 Boat House Pub & Eatery Location: 4917 7th Ave, Kenosha WI Hours: 11am to 2:30am House of Gerhard Location: 3927 75th Street, Kenosha WI Hours: Lunch – 11am to 2:30pm; Dinner – 4pm to 10pm Sazzy B Location: 5623 6th Ave, Kenosha WI Hours: 4pm to 12pm Let us know how you celebrate the thanksgiving holiday in the comments section of this post!