When you're shopping for a family-friendly vehicle, you have quite a few options available to you. However, some of the best models are the Dodge Durango and the Chrysler Pacifica. Both were named “Best Family Cars for 2019,” thanks to the appealing features and spacious cabins. Room for a Crew Both the 2019 Durango and 2019 Pacifica have three rows of seating with space for everyone in your family. The Pacifica comes standard with seating for seven with an available second-row bench that takes it up to eight. The Durango SRT trim level has captain's chairs in the second row as standard, which takes the seating capacity to six. If you don't need as much space for passengers, you can also add the Lightweight Performance package to the SRT model, which removes the third row to maximize cargo space. more Appealing Safety Features When you're traveling with precious cargo, it's important to make sure everyone is safe. Both vehicles come standard with a long list of high-end safety features designed to give you peace of mind as you transport your family. The Pacifica features a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and anti-lock brakes. You can also get the Advanced SafetyTec package, which adds front parking sensors, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a large driver information display, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, an automated parking system, and a top-down parking camera. Standard safety features on the Durango SRT include rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, a rearview camera, and plenty of airbags throughout the seating area. An optional Technology Group package adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, and a forward-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking. Impressive Performance If performance is high on your list of priorities, the Durango won't disappoint. In fact, it's one of the only family-friendly models you'll find with so much power beneath the hood. The SRT trim level comes standard with a 6.4-liter V-8 engine that puts out 470 pound-feet of torque and 475 horsepower. Along with the powerful engine, this model includes an adaptive high-performance suspension, performance-tuned steering, upgraded Brembo brakes, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. For buyers who don't care quite as much about what's beneath the hood, the Pacifica is a solid choice. This minivan has a capable 3.6-liter V-6 unit that makes 262 pound-feet of torque and 287 horsepower. It works with a nine-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth shifting. A hybrid model is also available for those who want to save on fuel. Advanced Technology It's easy for your family to stay connected and entertained. The Durango SRT has an 8.4-inch touch screen, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, a premium nine-speaker Alpine sound system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, dual charging USB ports, navigation, and satellite radio. A rear-seat entertainment system is also available as an upgrade. The Pacifica has smartphone integration, a 7-inch touch screen, a six-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth connectivity. Take one of these impressive family vehicles for a test drive at Thornton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We have plenty of options to choose from that will fit into your budget and give you the features you want. Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original
Rotating your Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Charger, Jeep Cherokee, or RAM tires involves switching the front and rear tires to different positions. When you get a regular tire rotation at your Chrysler dealer, it will help maintain even weight distribution and minimize uneven tread wear across all four tires, extending the life of your tires and saving you money. more Irregular Wear on a Front Tire If one side of your front tire has less tread than the other, it's a sign of irregular wear. Don't ignore irregular wear. A timely rotation can help to prevent severe wear. However, if the wear is already severe, replacing the tire is best. Uneven Wear Between Front Tires If you notice that the wear of your vehicle's front tires is uneven, with one tire being more worn than the other, ask your technician to swap your tires. If the wear is extreme, having your technician inspect the tire is highly recommended to see if a replacement is necessary to ensure your safety on the road. Uneven Wear Between Front and Rear Tires Another sign that your tires need switching is when the front tires are wearing down faster or seem more worn than the rear tires on your vehicle. Ask your technician to swap the front and rear tires as soon as possible to ensure all four tires wear more evenly. Vibrations Through the Steering Wheel Feeling vibrations through your steering wheel when driving at speeds over 45 miles an hour could be a sign of uneven tread wear. Ask your technician to switch your vehicle's tires, but to be safe, get them balanced as well. Loss of Air Pressure If one tire loses air slowly yet faster than the others, it could mean it bears more of your vehicle's weight than the other tires. In this case, asking your technician to take a closer look, rotate, and balance your tires would be a good idea to prevent tire damage. Recommended Rotation Intervals To avoid uneven tread wear and prolong the life of your tires, rotate them regularly. Typically, tires are repositioned 5,000 to 8,000 miles or when you take your vehicle for an oil change. However, different models have their own rotation guidelines based on time or mileage. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended rotation intervals, or speak to your technician for more information.Pay attention to the warning signs to avoid further damage to your tires that could result in you having to replace the entire set. Regularly swapping your tires will improve your vehicle's performance with the added advantage of saving you money. Stop at Thornton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today, and the certified technicians will rotate your vehicle's tires to ensure even tread wear, longer tire life, and safety on the road.
