Schedule preventative maintenance. How would you like to be sitting in rush hour traffic on Highway 40 when all of a sudden your AC dies? To avoid sweating all the way to work this summer, give your car a little TLC, including a cooling system flush and general once over. Not sure how to do this? Contact Royal Gate Automotive, your St. Louis car dealer, with convenient weekend service hours.

Find that shady spot. The coveted shady parking spot can mean the difference between burning your thighs on your leather car seats and, well, not doing that. With your windows rolled up and the sun overhead, your car’s interior can quickly overheat. So go ahead — walk an extra block to find a prime shady spot. It’s worth it!

Crank that AC. It’s no surprise that turning on your car’s AC will cool it down, but do you know when to use it and when to roll down the windows? Studies show that having your window’s rolled down on the highway created greater drag (and uses more fuel) than if you simply used the AC. Here’s a rule of thumb to stay cool: roll the windows down while driving in the city and turn the AC on when driving the highway!

 Staying cool during the summer can be a full-time job. While it might seem like common sense, following all three of these tips can help you (and your car) fight the high temperatures this summer.  For more news and helpful advice from our St. Louis car dealership, stay tuned!

The Durango premiered in 1998 as a mid-size, truck-based SUV. With a towing capacity of up to 8,950 lbs and room for up to eight passengers, the Durango quickly made a name for itself as a top SUV choice. In the new millennium, Dodge engineers started focusing on interior upgrades, including a dual-zone climate control system and upgraded speakers for 2001.

By the Durango’s second-generation vehicle in 2004, an exterior makeover — including a redesigned grille, hood and headlamps — gave this SUV the same powerful look we recognize now. But 2008 would be the last model year Durango the public would see for a few years when its assembly plant was shut down.

The 2011 model year Durango was unveiled on August 16, 2010 and featured two engines. Like the commercials have said, the Durango was doing some serious work during its break. It hit the gym, hit the books and got a new look. Now, the Durango is one of the most popular and powerful full-size SUVs built right here in the United States.

Want to test some of that power yourself? Our St. Louis Dodge dealership has plenty of 2012 Dodge Durangos on the lot ready to roll. Come take a test drive!

The Wrangler Unlimited Altitude will be very similar to its brother, the Unlimited Sahara, including the body colored hardtop and plenty of interior gadgetry. What makes the vehicle jaw-dropping is its option for all-black paint or all-black trim. Other vehicle color options include Deep Cherry Red, Black, Bright White or Bright Silver Metallic.

Like its fellow Wrangler models, the Unlimited Altitude will feature a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 285 horsepower. But unlike its fellow Wrangler models, there will only be 4,500 Wrangler Unlimited Altitude editions available for sale. That means you better get yours soon!

For more information on the latest Wrangler model, or any other St. Louis Jeep, visit our dealerships in Ellisville, MO or Columbia, IL. 

Use your signal. It seems like common sense to signal in traffic, but often times people can forget this basic rule when stuck in rush hour. Using your signal can help alert those behind you to your movements so that they don’t have to suddenly slam on their brakes, causing even more congestion. Think of it as a way to accumulate some good traffic karma.

Back off the bumper. Think tailgating the guy in front of you will make him move any faster? Think again. Tailgating can be the cause of road rage in many drivers, so it’s best to keep your distance.

Relax. White-knuckling the steering wheel and swearing won’t help anybody. Find a good audio book or podcast to listen to during your drive so you can relax and maybe even enjoy the drive.

Your daily commute doesn’t have to be your favorite time of day, but with these three tips, hopefully it can become a bit more tolerable. Don’t forget to stay tuned for more helpful news and tips from Royal Gate Automotive — your trusted St. Louis Chrysler dealer.

2.0L (160 hp) Tigershark™. Combined with the all-new six-speed manual transmission, the Tigershark engine delivers 36 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg combined. That’s not too shabby for a car that doesn’t skimp on the power!

1.4L MultiAir® Intercooled Turbo. With 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the second engine option for the Dart delivers 27 mpg City, 39 mpg highway.

2.4L (184 hp) Tigershark™ MultiAir®. With more power than its engine brethren, this is one engine that defines performance and efficiency. Boasting 36 mpg on the highway, you can have the best of both worlds.

St. Louis Dodge fans can also look forward to the Dodge Dart Aero model, expected to achieve 41 mpg on the highway. For more Dodge news and updates, stay tuned to the Royal Gate Automotive blog! 

The inaugural first generation Chrysler 300 was named for its own horsepower, and emerged in 1955 as the fastest car of its time.  She was so fast — getting to 60 mph in just 9.8 seconds — their 300 was used as a stock car for NASCAR. 

Chrysler’s initial luxury car went on to see many changes over the next 50+ years.  All of these alterations went on to create the car that we are familiar with today.  After a 20-year hiatus, the Chrysler 300 was back with vengeance in 1999.

Fast-forward to 2005 and beyond to discover the tenth generation Chrysler 300 at our St. Louis Chrysler dealership.  The luxury vehicle has gone back to her roots, sporting a 6.4-liter “Hemi” V8 in the 300 SRT 8 for a throaty 470 horsepower engine.  She is, once again, desirable and the most affordable luxury vehicle in its class.

It’s hard to improve perfection, but Chrysler seems to do it again and again with the 300.  From a basic NASCAR stock car to a luxury family sedan, the 300 never fails to get it right.  Come see what excellence looks like at our St. Louis Chrysler dealership in Columbia, IL or Ellisville, MO.

Judge the space. Being parked in is a frustrating experience. Before you even attempt a parking job, assess the potential spot for spacing. If you think your Jeep will just barely fit, do the nice thing and don’t try. If you leave an inch between your bumper and the other guy’s fender, you’ll both have a fun time trying to get out.

Align your vehicle. Not sure where to even begin? Pull alongside (or parallel to) the vehicle directly in front of your open parking spot. But don’t get too close! Two or three feet away will give you enough space to maneuver without sideswiping the car.

Take it slow. The slower you turn into your spot, the easier it will be. Here’s a secret maneuver tip: if you turn your wheel slightly while you still have your foot on the brake, it will make it easier to get into your spot once you’re actually in motion.

These tips might not make you a pro, but you may just find yourself with a prime parking spot the next time you are downtown. For more helpful tips from Royal Gate Automotive, a trusted St. Louis car dealership with two convenient locations, stay tuned!

Every color of the rainbow. Well, almost. For all of you who are sick of losing your car in the parking lot or trying to describe just which shade of silver your vehicle is, the Dodge Dart is for you. With twelve exterior color options, including “Header Orange” and “Citrus Peel,” your car will always stand out.

Five times the options. Not all Darts were created alike. With five different models: the SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T, you can pick which features mean the most to you. Looking for the sportiest ride with the most technology? Try the R/T. Looking for something on a budget but with all the efficiency you need? Try the SE.

150 Mopar® accessories. Just like your last Dodge, the Dart has enough options to make your head spin, thanks to Mopar. Need a dog bed to make the next road trip comfortable for Buddy? Or want to trick out your wheels? It’s all up to you.

Whether it’s a graduation gift for your college kid or a new ride for yourself, the Dart offers enough options for you to make it unique to you. To learn more about the Dart—or any of our other vehicles—visit our St. Louis Dodge dealership in Columbia, IL or Ellisville, MO.

In 1966, the Charger made its debut to the masses in hopes of appealing to the younger generation. At 203.6 inches long, the Charger was nearly two feet longer than its competitor, the Ford Mustang, but still boasted some of the aesthetic qualities we love today. While it didn’t necessarily make a splash right off the bat at St. Louis Dodge dealerships, it was established as a premium muscle car.

The second generation Charger, introduced in 1968 is the one we all recognize as “General Lee” on The Dukes of Hazzard. Some might even call this the best-looking Charger of all time, but that’s a point of contention we’ll leave up to the fans.

In the mid 1970s, the Charger saw a different look with a formal roofline that dropped abruptly down to a deck lid. This wasn’t the time that Dodge fans remember fondly, however, as the Charger of the 70s was less muscle and more car.

After an all-new fifth generation Charger was available from 1982-1987, there wouldn’t be another available until 2006. Enter the Dodge Charger we know and love today. With plenty of power, a stylish but classic look with premium features, this is a vehicle that St. Louis Dodge enthusiasts have come to love. To see what all the fuss is about, visit our dealership in Ellisville, MO or Columbia, IL.

Schedule a tune-up. If you plan on putting more than 500 miles roundtrip on your Jeep, you should consider taking your vehicle in for a tune-up. If you’re overdue for a tire rotation or oil change, schedule that maintenance now so your vehicle will be ready to go the distance. You and your family can travel with peace of mind knowing your Jeep is performing at 100%!

Bring the creature comforts. If you drive a Jeep, space shouldn’t be a concern for your next road trip. That means you can (and should) consider bringing along all the little extras that will make hours in the car more comfortable. Consider some Mopar accessories to trick out your ride or simply bring along a cooler of your favorite beverages.

Map it out. Many Jeep models come with built-in GPS systems these days, making it easier than ever to get from point A to point B. If you’re still riding in style with your 1994 Jeep Wrangler, you might want to plan ahead with plenty of maps or your own GPS system, like a TomTom or your smartphone.

No matter your destination or vehicle, these tips can help make your next trip a bit more enjoyable. Looking to upgrade before your vacation? Stop by our St. Louis Jeep dealership, Royal Gate Automotive, in Ellisville, MO or Columbia, IL.