The Chrysler Pacifica – The Perfect Family Car

A growing family means you need the perfect vehicle for school runs, carpooling, family vacations and more. Enter the Chrysler Pacifica. Since 2017, this award-winning vehicle has been receiving rave reviews and changing the way the country looks at minivans. As the new school semester approaches, we’re here to tell you why the Pacifica was and still is the perfect choice for the family on the go.

1. Hands-free side sliding doors

You thought it was cool when they put in the sensors that meant you could open the trunk with just a wave of your foot. Well, the Pacifica lets you do the same with the sliding doors. So, as you’re loading the kids, as well as their bags, lunches, their friends and even the dog into the van, it’s all hands free.

2. Comfort all the way

Every row of seats in the back offers comfort and space, not like many vans where the third row is more cramped. Now everyone in the family can sit comfortably and securely. What’s more, the second-row seat can be tipped forward, even when there is a child-seat installed. The Pacifica knows the struggle is real, and now brings you the answers.

3. More latch anchors

Boost passenger capacity for carpooling days by using the LATCH anchors, which come for up to five seating positions --- two sets in both the second and third rows, and an additional eighth seat that clicks in between the second-row captain’s chairs.

4. UConnect

Chrysler’s Uconnect Theater, the car is also a portable fun center designed to keep kids busy and/or entertained. The touchscreen displays come with games and apps, and parents can keep control of content and even listen in from the main infotainment system. HDMI ports are available in each screen, and every row also comes with USB ports. It’s truly a car for modern “charging” times.

5. There’s a Hybrid version

No, this is not a typo. The Pacifica was the first ever minivan to come in a hybrid model; a plug-in hybrid. It’s the perfect gas saver, allowing you to run all your daily errands without using a drop of fossil fuel. For longer trips, use up the power first and it’ll switch seamlessly over to gas for the rest. This vehicle really has your back, and is your wallet’s friend!

We know! Minivans have been uncool for years, and family’s have often begrudgingly traded in their beloved sedans and sports cars in exchange for a spacious family alternative. With the Pacifica, however, you’re not getting any “ordinary” minivan. Check out your nearest dealer for great deals on the new jewel in Chrysler’s crown.

Readying the Car for the College bound

It’s an emotional time for many as they prepare for the end of their kids’ final summer at home from high school. This time they’re off to college, and that means they’re not just out for the day, they’re gone for the semester or even the entire school year. We understand it’s hard to lose them, but it’s important that we get them as ready as possible to face the challenges ahead, starting with prepping the car.

First, make sure they have their insurance, license and registration.

They haven’t been driving long, and may forget this otherwise basic requirement of drivers. Remind them to keep them in the glove compartment at all times, and store them in a way they can’t get wet or damaged.

Second, take the car to the dealership for a checkup.

They may have enjoyed using the car over the summer break, and that may have taken a toll on the car’s engine, tires, fluid levels and more. Before you let them drive off to college in that car, get the experts to perform a full check on it and get everything up to scratch. If nothing else, it’ll help give you peace of mind.

Third, instill a maintenance/cleaning schedule.

While the car is getting checked, ask the dealership to help furnish your son/daughter with the basic maintenance information that they need for the car model they’re driving. An expert mechanic there can instruct him/her on what to do weekly, monthly and annually to keep everything in working order. Furthermore, you can remind them of a proper daily and weekly cleaning schedule --- empty the trash every day, vacuum every week, take a trip to the car wash every two weeks. You know best, so make sure they do, too!

Fourth and finally, do some research into the local facilities at their college destination.

Your local dealership is always the best place to get car issues resolved, but if your child is away at college with the car, and has a serious problem, they may not be able to get the car back. In that case, you should scout out the area by looking online for reputable outlets for car repair, maintenance and other services like washing/detailing the car. Try to find an approved center that specializes in the brand/marque that you’re driving.

None of this makes the separation easier, but it should at least give you a little assurance that your child is safe on the road and ready for anything that could happen. It’s a scary world out there, let’s make sure our kids are ready for it.

Why you should stick to the dealership for your car needs

We are often told that the best think about a market system is that it gives us, the consumers, choice. This is certainly true, and will make our next message a little strange to hear. When it comes to car repair, however, you can’t beat the dealership. In this article, we’ll tell you the main reasons for this:

1. Market forces make the dealerships competitive

We are not advocating a monopoly. Competition out there means that dealerships are stronger than ever, offering high-quality services at affordable rates. The existence of competitors means you can be sure you aren’t being given a bad deal.

2. The dealership knows your car best

The dealership that sold you the car know it inside out. Because most dealerships specialize in a particular marque or manufacturer, the mechanics there have received dedicated training to perform maintenance and repairs on that specific vehicle. Ordinary mechanics may call themselves a “Jack of all trades” but they are also, commonly, masters of none. Your dealership has the tools, the right parts, and, more importantly, the know-how.

3. The dealership knows you

Going back to the dealership means you build a closer working relationship with them. They know you, they know your car, and how you use it. Over time you can build a rapport with the staff there, and enjoy even more benefits and gain more direct access to services and advice. Customer loyalty has many advantages.

4. Peace of mind

A dealership comes with a brand name, and thus a higher standard to maintain. Should a dealership wish to continue displaying certain marques, accreditations and certifications of standards, then they have to do everything properly and by the book. This means you won’t have to worry about a mechanic cutting corners, using the wrong parts to save time, or being unable to get hold of the skills needed to get the job done right.

5. Comprehensive services

A dealership isn’t just a sales floor like in the past. Dealers now offer comprehensive services to their customers, including car finance, repairs, washing/detailing and more. The local dealership is truly a one-stop shop for your auto needs. All of this means less stress for you.

Shed your previous notions of what a car dealership is like, and come see for yourself. Check out what’s in your local area that matches your car type, and start enjoying the benefits today.

Reasons you should lease your next Chrysler

 

You may believe that leasing seems a strange option when it comes to a car for everyday use. “Isn’t it cheaper just to buy it if you’re going to use it all the time?” The game has changed when it comes to car leases, it’s no longer a day-to-day deal. For some, leasing may be a better option than buying. Sure, some will always want to buy, and that’ll work for them, but below are the best reasons we can give you to consider leasing instead.

1. Your car is a depreciating asset

As soon as you drive a car off the lot, it has lost a good deal of its monetary value. If you plan to have the car just for a year or two before switching, why buy? If you lease for up to three years, you can be sure that any issues with the car (if any) are covered by the warranty agreement, something that you won’t have if you buy in the long term.

2. Spread the cost

If you have a good income, but not a lot of savings, then a lease is a good option because you can pay smaller, regular amounts instead of larger lump sums. Spreading the cost into monthly payments makes it easier to manage.

3. Always have the latest models

Once your lease cycle is up, you can trade the car in for the latest model. This means you can stay at the forefront of new technology and features without adding more stress to your bank balance. What’s more, always being in a new car is a great confidence booster.

4. Less paperwork

Leasing is easier than buying. It presents a whole new dynamic to dealerships, who can now win repeat business in a faster turnaround time than they could with car sales. This means the process is made simpler, too.

5. Fewer maintenance problems

Because you have the latest models, loaded with the newest gear and newest parts, then the risk of experiencing a breakdown is much lower. This is another saving in the long run as you can avoid being hit by expensive repair bills.

If any of this sounds like it would benefit you in particular then consider leasing your next car instead of buying. It might just be the smartest decision you ever make.

Post Summer Car Maintenance

Thermometer readings are dropping, the sunscreen is being put away, the phrase “back to school” is emerging more and more wherever you look. All of this can only mean one thing --- the summer is ending. If the heat is not your friend, you may be heaving a sigh of relief, but don’t think that your problems are done. Another member of your family that has experienced a great deal during the sweltering summer months is your car. Here are some important maintenance tips to check on after the summer is done.

1. Fluid Levels

We all know that water evaporates as it reaches boiling point, but how do we forget that other fluids essential to our car can also evaporate more rapidly in the summer heat? Lift the hood and take a look – check the levels of coolant and battery fluid. The battery is especially important because the water in the mixture evaporates and can expose the lead plates, which come winter will mean you don’t even have enough juice to get started.

2. Battery life

While you’re checking the fluid levels of your battery, look at the terminals as well for corrosion. Your long summer road trip will have brought extra vibration to the battery which can impact its life. If anything looks amiss, have the dealership mechanics check it for you, and get the issue dealt with quickly before it gets worse.

3. Tire Tread

Higher temperatures outside mean greater air pressure inside your tires, forcing them to ride on less of the tire’s total surface area. The heat also makes your tires dry out, which exacerbates strains on them further. You may follow a regular annual schedule for tire checks and changes, but consider moving that schedule up after a strenuous hot summer.

4. Steering and Braking --- The Works

Extreme heat negatively impacts a lot in your car, not just the fluid levels and tire tread. Pay close attention while driving and see if the steering or braking feels off in any way. If it does, you should take in to your dealership to get it checked and put right. It’s not only the ice and snow that affects your cars “mood” but also the summer’s high temperatures.

5. Oil Change

Maintaining proper engine lubrication through the summer is challenge, and many overlook the extra needs of the car’s engine during that time. Many of the newest oil products mean you don’t need to switch viscosity between the seasons, which is convenient, but the problem of keeping up with regular oil changes hasn’t gone anywhere. However recently you did a check and/or change of your oil before or during the summer, check it again as the season winds down.

Follow these tips and stay safe this fall. Don’t forget, if you are uncertain of any maintenance problems, take your car to the dealership and let the experts look.

T.O.T.S.: BRINGING THIS BABY HOME

Are your kids ready for some new movies this summer? Thanks to our friends at Walt Disney Studios we bring you: 

T.O.T.S.: BRINGING THIS BABY HOME

Available on Disney DVD August 13th

Includes Seven 22-minute Episodes!

We were provided a copy in exchange for this review.

Synopsis:          Join best friends Pip and Freddy, delivery birds for the Tiny Ones Transport Service (T.O.T.S.), as they take cute and cuddly baby animals to their forever families, including a big batch of bouncing baby bunnies, a baby panda who’s almost TOO adorable, a trip to the ocean with one whale of a baby, and much more!

Plus, with 6 music videos and so many baby animals that are too cute to count, these hilarious adventures really deliver!

Cast:                  Vanessa Williams as Captain Beakman, Megan Hilty as K.C. the koala, Jet Jurgensmeyer as Pip the penguin, and Christian J. Simon as Freddy the flamingo.

Creator/Co-Executive

Producer:                            Travis Braun (“Vampirina”)

Executive Producer:       Victor Cook ("Mickey Mouse Clubhouse")

Co-Executive

Producer/Supervising

Director:                              Chris Gilligan ("Goldie & Bear")

Release Date:                    August 13, 2019

Release Format:               DVD

Episodes:                            You've Gotta Be Kitten Me/Whale, Hello There

Panda Excess/A Stinky Situation

Cheetah Chase/Training Daze

Nursery Schooling/Bunny Bunanza

The Purrfect Little Helper/The Colorful Chameleon

Stripe Out/A Splashy Delivery

Night Flight/Slippery When Wet

Ratings:                                TV-Y (US); G (Canada)

Aspect Ratio:                     1.78:1 Widescreen (Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions)

Audio:                                   English 2.0 Dolby

Subtitles:                            English SDH, French & Spanish

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:

For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2

I am SOOOOO excited to share this movie release to you!  I loved the first one and already saw the second one in the theater.  

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2

WITH OVER 90 MINUTES* OF MUST-HAVE, NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN VALUE ADDED CONTENT ALSO INCLUDING DELETED SCENES, AN INTERACTIVE MOTION COMIC AND MUCH MORE BE THE FIRST TO OWN IT ON DIGITAL AUGUST 13, 2019 4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAYTM AND DVD AUGUST 27, 2019 FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT ONE OF THE BEST-LOVED FILMS OF THE YEAR WITH A 90% AUDIENCE SCORE ON  ROTTEN TOMATOES

Universal City, California, July 18, 2019 – The perfect movie for everyone arrives home this summer with the irreverent yet heartfelt sequel to the blockbuster sensation in The Secret Life of Pets 2, debuting on Digital August 13, 2019 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand August 27, 2019.  From Illumination, the studio that brought you the original Despicable Me, Minions and Sing franchises, the highly anticipated follow up to the hit animated film led by a star-studded comedic cast reunites all of our favorite Pets and their growing families in a new chapter that explores the deep bond between them and the humans that love them. The 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital versions of the film are packed with more than 90 minutes* of bonus content only when you own, including two brand new, laugh-out-loud funny mini-movies - Super Gidget, featuring the film’s adorable Pomeranian Gidget and her best friend Max and Minion Scouts, starring everyone’s comical little helpers, the Minions. Additionally included are deleted scenes, DIY and drawing tutorials as well as a special interactive Captain Snowball Motion Comic allowing viewers to direct our boisterous bunny hero on his next move exclusive to the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray™ versions!  As the dog days of summer come to an end, join this endearing cast of four-legged friends for a quality movie night of family fun with the film that uniquely reminds us of why we love our own pets and what makes them so very special. The Secret Life of Pets 2 explores the emotional lives of our pets, the deep bond between them, the families that love them and answers the question: What are your pets really doing when you’re not at home? Terrier Max (Patton Oswalt) is coping with major life changes after Katie’s marriage and the arrival of a toddler, Liam. Meanwhile, Gidget (Jenny Slate) tries to rescue Max’s favorite toy from a cat-packed apartment with a little help from her feline friend, Chloe (Lake Bell), who has discovered the joys of catnip. And Snowball (Kevin Hart) believes, despite the other pets’ teasing, that he’s a superhero after his owner starts dressing him in superhero pajamas. But when Daisy (Tiffany Haddish), a fearless Shih Tzu, shows up to ask for Snowball’s help on a dangerous mission, he’ll have to summon the courage to become the hero he’s been pretending to be. The film features an all-star voice cast including Patton Oswalt (TV’s “A.P. Bio”), Kevin Hart (Ride Along Series), Eric Stonestreet (TV’s Modern Family), Jenny Slate (Despicable Me 3), Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip), Lake Bell (TV’s Children’s Hospital), Nick Kroll (Sing), Dana Carvey (Wayne’s World), Ellie Kemper (TV’s “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), Hannibal Buress (Neighbors series), Bobby Moynihan (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”) and Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones franchise) in his first ever role in an animated film as new farm dog, Rooster. BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAY™, DVD & DIGITAL Mini Movies Minion Scouts – When Margo, Agnes and Edith return from Badger Scout camp, three of the Minions are entranced by the girls’ merit badges. Their own attempt at scout camp results in attracting a bear, eating poison berries and eventually blowing up a dam, creating a massive flood. But, when they arrive back home, the girls share their badges, encouraging the rest of the Minions to try their hand at scouting. *DVD format includes over 75 minutes of bonus content   Super Gidget – When Max is kidnapped by an army of squirrels, Super Gidget is the only one who can save him. It turns out that Max’s captor is a flea with the power of mind control. Gidget must use her pluckiness, strength and smarts to save her one true love…until it turns out it was all just a dream. The Making of the Mini Movies – Every Illumination film is accompanied by mini movies that are a production all their own.  Each film’s directing partners will explore how the mini movies were made. Deleted Scenes Wake Up – Max and Duke have a new morning routine with Liam. Duke Explores the Farm – Duke has a funny interaction with a goat. Snowball Karate – Snowball does his superhero warm up. Secret Confessions – Dogs gather to talk about their deepest secrets A Tapestry of a Tail: The Making Of – The plot of The Secret Life of Pets 2 involves multiple storylines ultimately coming together to create a larger than life tale. We talk with the filmmakers, editor and cast about the delicate dance of juggling multiple narratives in one movie. How to Draw – Hosted by Head of Story, Eric Favela, follow the step-by-step tutorial to learn to draw Max, Snowball and Chloe Frame by Frame: How to Make a Flip Book – In this DIY-style vignette, Head of Story Eric Favela will teach viewers about the essence of animation and how they can create their very own flip book animations at home. Character Pods – Get a closer look at your favorite characters of The Secret Life of Pets 2 with these delightful character pods that might just give away a few more pet secrets. Patton Oswalt – Max Kevin Hart – Snowball Eric Stonestreet – Duke Jenny Slate – Gidget Tiffany Haddish – Daisy Lake Bell – Chloe Nick Kroll – Sergei Dana Carvey – Pops Bobby Moynihan – Mel Harrison Ford – Rooster A Party Fit for a Pet – Using stop motion animation, this step-by-step guide teaches you everything you need to know to throw the very best party for your pet! Pops’ Puppy Training School with Kevin Hart – Join Kevin Hart as he shows off his dog training skills. Pets Yule Log – Sit back and relax in front of this exclusive The Secret Life of Pets 2 themed animated ‘Yule Log.’ Lyric Videos ‘Panda’ Lyric Video ‘It’s Gonna Be A Lovely Day (The Secret Life of Pets 2)’ Lyric Video EXCLUSIVE TO 4K ULTRA HD & BLU-RAY™ The Further Adventures of Captain Snowball (Interactive) – This animated ‘Motion Comic’ expands the world of our furry hero, Captain Snowball. Using a ‘superhero’ comic book style and custom animation, we discover more about the secret world of our caped crusader with a little help from our viewers. At key moments in the story, the viewer is presented with a choice: left, or right? Fight or flight? Their choice determines our hero’s next move! EXCLUSIVE TO 4K ULTRA HD & BLU-RAY™ & DIGITAL My Buddy and Me – We interview the Illumination cast and crew talking about The Secret Life of Pets 2 while holding (or trying to hold) their pets. Pets with Jobs: A Documentary – We find and profile animals with special jobs – a service dog that detects when its epileptic owner is about to have a seizure; ponies that provide comfort to children with cancer; police dogs that go the extra mile to catch the bad guys. Meet some of the many animals who make the world a better place every day! Relax the Cat: The Secret Life of Pets Massage – A professional pet masseuse shows the cast how to read signs of tension in their pet and use massage techniques to keep their furry babies relaxed and happy! Production Pets – It takes hundreds of people to make an animated movie and a lot of those people have pets that can’t wait for them to come home. This piece is dedicated to all those faithful companions. The Secret Life of Pets 2 will be available on 4K Ultra HD in a combo pack (4K Ultra HD+ Blu-rayTM + Digital Code). Bonus features on the 4K Ultra HD will all be delivered in stunning 4K resolution. 4K Ultra HD is the ultimate movie watching experience. 4K Ultra HD features the combination of 4K resolution for 4X sharper picture than HD, the color brilliance of High Dynamic Range (HDR) with immersive audio. The Secret Life of Pets 2 4K Ultra HD is available with HDR10+™, providing a premium HDR picture quality. HDR10+ transforms your movie watching experience with incredible brightness and contrast for each scene, delivering brighter brights and deepest darks. Blu-rayTM delivers a pristine HD picture and theater-quality surround sound. Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download. MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app that simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-rayTM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. MOVIES ANYWHERE is only available in the United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.com