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The Jeep® brand continues its expansion with the 2009 Jeep Patriot’s combination of fun, freedom, utility and best-in-class Jeep 4x4 capability.

The 2009 Jeep Patriot combines the packaging and interior flexibility of a sport-utility vehicle with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup. Safety features, such as standard side-curtain air bags and standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), add to Jeep Patriot’s tremendous value.

For 2009, Jeep Patriot features an all-new redesigned instrument panel, center console with split lid for added storage space and door trim panels. The all-new instrument panel features a smoother look while chrome accents brighten the new round heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) vents, shift bezel, door spears and cluster rings. The all-new center console and door trim panels feature padded armrests for added comfort. New LED-illuminated cup holders make it easier to place beverages in the right spot at night.

To reduce noise and give the 2009 Jeep Patriot a quieter ride, engine compartment and interior floor insulation has been added. Tuning improvements to the engine exhaust also have been made.

Suspension tuning for on-road packages has been revised, giving the 2009 Jeep Patriot a more comfortable, smoother ride.

Innovative technology affords Jeep Patriot more capability than any other vehicle in its class. Jeep Patriot is available in three drive configurations: front-wheel drive, Freedom Drive I™ (a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode) and the Freedom Drive II™ Off-Road Package (a full-time, active 4x4 system with low range that provides true Jeep 4x4 Trail Rated® capability).

Freedom Drive I features a lockable center coupling, which gives Jeep Patriot drivers the ability to handle rough weather conditions and low-traction surfaces. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that makes the 2009 Jeep Patriot a Trail Rated 4x4, creating the most capable vehicle in the crowded compact SUV class. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package includes a second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle with low ratio (CVT2L), 17-inch all-terrain outlined white letter (OWL) tires (Limited models only) and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps (Sport “E” only), trailer tow wiring harness and manual seat height adjuster (Sport “E” only). The available Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is recommended for off-road situations that include grades, occasional wheel lift and moderate rock or log climbing.

The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot sits one inch higher than non-Trail Rated versions and meets Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance. The Off-Road Package’s 17-inch wheels and OWL tires contribute to the Trail Rated Patriot’s 9 inches of ground clearance, 29.6-degree approach angle, 34.2-degree departure angle and 23.3-degree breakover angle. Trail Rated Jeep Patriot models also have additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents to support 19-inch water fording capability. The Jeep Patriot’s body and chassis were developed and tested over numerous rugged off-road terrains to meet the requirements of the Jeep enthusiast.

All 2009 Jeep Patriot models include standard brake traction control, driver-controlled three-mode ESP, Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection.

The Sebring is a mainstream mid-size family sedan that has been offered by Chrysler since the mid-'90s.

The second generation was launched in 2007 and features updated styling that brings the car in line with other modern Chryslers.

The Sebring can be configured to suit various tastes and budgets. Three trim lines and three engines are offered.

All three trims (LX, Touring and Limited) come standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. It's good for 24 miles per gallon in the city, 32 on the highway.

The Touring is available with a flex-fuel gas-ethanol V6, displacing 2.7 liters and rated at 189 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. Mileage is 22 mpg city, 29 highway.

The top-of-the-line Limited comes equipped with a 3.5-liter high-output V6 with 235 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, good for 19 city mpg and 28 highway mpg.

No manual transmission is offered on the Sebring. The LX and Touring have a four-speed automatic while the Limited comes with Chrysler's six-speed AutoStick, which offers clutchless manumatic shifting if the driver is in a sporty mood.

The Limited is also available with a sure-footed all-wheel-drive system that has traction control and an Electronic Stability Program.

Other highlights of the Limited include leather seats with turtle accents, and a six-speaker 276-watt Boston Acoustics stereo system.

Available on the Touring and Limited is Chrysler's MyGIG infotainment system which incorporates a voice-activated navigation system, DVD playback and a 20-gigabyte hard drive with integrated USB port for storing photos and music.

MileOne Automotive Launches MileOneService.com; Integrates Online Service Scheduling

MileOne has announced the official release of the first, service only website and the integration of online service scheduling into nearly all-Maryland and Pennsylvania dealership websites.

Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) October 1, 2008 -- Today, MileOne Automotive is pleased to announce the first ever service-only website by an automotive retail dealership group.  The new site features service specials, educational service videos, vehicle maintenance tips for new and used cars, and will help customers better understand the care required to maintain and extend the life of their vehicles.  From both MileOneService.com and individual dealership new and used car websites, customers will also be able to schedule confirmed service appointments, monitor the progress of their service and eventually pay for their visit directly through the website, allowing them to expedite their servicing visits.

"We know our customers want to do business with us on their terms and as an automotive group, we have been very diligent about giving our customers the ability to find,  research, watch videos and buy new and used cars through our websites,  but it was time we provided the same services for our most loyal customers - our service customers.   We believe this site, which will continue to expand, will change the way customers service with our dealerships and increase their awareness of proper car and truck maintenance," says David Metter, Chief Marketing Officer for MileOne Automotive.

MileOne Automotive is known as a technology leader in the automotive retail space and with their service site, they have once again stepped out in front of the competition with resources to add value to their customer experience. Future plans for the site include full customer portals, where users can access personalized coupons and maintenance tips based on their vehicle servicing and purchase history, discussion forums to answer their servicing questions, customer video reviews and the latest recall information with an RSS feed.  Their goal is to revolutionize the way customers think about vehicle maintenance and service with a proactive approach to taking care of their car or truck and MileOneService.com is the engine for creating this transformation.

Mike Zalowski, Service Director of Heritage Honda in Parkville and Towson, MD has been eagerly awaiting the launch of the site, "I have been in the automotive servicing business for 20 years and with Honda for 10 of those years and I have seen the industry change drastically on the sales side and lag behind in service when it comes to how our customers interact with our service teams.  Sure, we have top of the line diagnostics equipment and master trained technicians that can diagnose just about any vehicle issue, but until now we couldn't even allow our customers to truly schedule a confirmed service appointment online.  Some customers who used the site when it was in BETA have already raved about how user-friendly and easy it was to get the service information they needed and to then schedule the appropriate service appointment for anything from tire rotations, to express oil changes, to major services and even reserve their loaner car.  Our customers will love this new way to service with us. "

Go to www.mileonservice.com to learn how to take proper care of your car or truck, watch service maintenance videos, view great service specials, print coupons for discount service and schedule your appointment for service.  Scheduling is as easy as 1, 2, 3 by first picking your location, registering for your account and then selecting your advisor and date/time for your appointment.

About MileOne Automotive (www.mileone.com)
MileOne Automotive operates 65 retail automotive franchises representing 28 different brands and 9 collision centers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia with a focus on the Baltimore-Washington, Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton major metro areas.  MileOne.com allows customers to research new, used and fuel-efficient luxury, import and domestic cars and trucks, send information about vehicles to their mobile device, schedule service appointments, buy parts and accessories,  play automotive games, and download automotive wallpaper and mobile ring tones.  For more information or to find a quality MileOne dealership near you, please visit www.mileone.com.

Tailgating Tips From The Pros

From Jim Walczak

Here are the best tips from professional tailgaters on how to throw the perfect tailgate party yourself, as well as tips to help you become the ultimate tailgater:
Make a Tailgating Checklist

To ensure nothing gets left at home, make a list of things you need to take to the tailgate party. Be sure to put your game tickets on the list too!
Have a Tailgating Theme

Think up a creative theme for your tailgate. If it's Thanksgiving, bring a turkey. If it's Christmas, bring a tree. Or, base your theme and decorations on the opponent. For example, you might have Cajun food against the Saints, Philly cheese steaks against the Eagles, or fish against the Dolphins.
Dress for the Occasion

Dress appropriately for several hours outdoors -- and be prepared for drastic temperature changes. And don't forget to wear comfortable shoes.
Show Some Tailgating Team Spirit

Show your team spirit... Wear team colors. Tailgaters are usually the biggest and best fans! After all, to become the ultimate tailgater, you'll want to stir up some tailgater's envy!
Timing is Everything

Get there early. You'll want to arrive 3-4 hours before game time to beat the crowd and claim your turf. And, plan to stay late so as to not miss a moment of the post-game enthusiasm.
Location, Location, Location

Set up your tailgate party near a grassy area, or bring a roll of Astroturf to set up at the end of the row -- for a more comfortable atmosphere with lots of room to socialize. Parking at the end of a row can also give you more partying space.
Tailgating in Parking Lots

Serious tailgaters choose a parking lot that has a view of the stadium if on-site parking is not available. Since the stadium is your Mecca, you need to be able to see it so you can bow to it occasionally.
Mark Your Spot At The Tailgating Party

A flag or team pennant on a tall pole helps people locate the party and makes a statement of team spirit.
Seating Arrangements

Don't worry about bringing chairs for everyone. Those who want to sit will bring their own chairs.
Generating Power

Serious tailgaters bring a small generator for powering a TV, stereo system or electric space heater during cold weather games.
Timing the Eats

Make sure your food is ready 1 to 2 hours before game time, so you have enough time to eat, clean up and find your seat in the stadium.
Put out the Fire

If you're using a charcoal grill, bring along extra water to douse the embers and a plastic garbage bag to put the cold coals in.
Be Smokey's Best Friend

Make sure that you have some way of extinguishing and throwing away your hot coals. Whatever you do, dispose of firewood or charcoal briquettes properly. Some stadiums have a designated place for hot ashes, but do not dump them in the grass or in trash bins.
Garbage In, Garbage Out

Bring your own lawn-size trash bags, because there never seem to be enough garbage receptacles on hand.

See answer under Car Doctor.

Fall Car Care Tips

After summer's heat but before winter's chill, the months of autumn present an ideal time for car service and maintenance.

The following tips from the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) should give you a road map to fall car care. According to officials at ASE, "Cold weather will only make existing problems worse. A breakdown, while never pleasant, can be deadly in the winter."
First things first -- Read your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules.
Engine Performance -- Get engine drivability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at your MileOne dealer. Cold weather makes existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.).
Fuel -- Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that's kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming.
Oil -- Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual; more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.
Cooling System -- The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended.) D-I-Y-ers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.
Heater/Defroster -- The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
Windshield Wipers -- Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent -- you'll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.
Battery -- The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment.
Lights -- Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.
Exhaust System -- Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks.
Tires -- Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires "cool down" before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
Emergencies -- Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few "high-energy" snacks in your glove box.

 Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule. 

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