The Importance of Keeping Your Car’s Tires Aligned and Balanced

One major cause of accidents, and financial distress, is not maintaining your vehicle properly. When it comes to driving, your vehicle’s tires are one of the most important parts to maintain. If you are looking to save money and increase your car’s safety, then you should consider regular tire balancing as well as alignment checkups at DCH Millburn Audi.

One of the biggest reasons that you should make sure your vehicle’s tires are aligned is safety. Misaligned tires can cause a number of problems including pulling to one side, less control over your vehicle, and an increased rate of wear on your tires’ tread. Not only is this dangerous, but you will have to replace your tires much more frequently if the alignment is off, which will put a big hole in your wallet. Another thing to consider is that misaligned tires will negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Balancing your vehicle’s tires is also very important. Think about everything your tires encounter on a day-to-day basis. Whether it is potholes, sticks or rocks, your tires go through a beating every day. Sometimes, certain tires will wear more than others, creating an imbalance in your vehicle. The result is often a slight shaking of the car, which will get worse with speed.

Even the slightest imbalance can cause big problems, which is why it is important to take your car into the shop and have its tires balanced every so often. The result is that no one tire will be worn to an exaggerated amount, and wear will occur more evenly on all four tires.

If you need your tires balanced, aligned or both, then don’t hesitate to contact the DCH Millburn Audi service department for friendly assistance. You won’t regret it and your car will thank you by running better than ever!

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Pricing for Audi Q3 Revealed Before Upcoming Release

Yet another reason to get excited about the luxury automaker’s upcoming CUV

As true enthusiasts, our team at DCH Millburn Audi gets excited for the release of any little detail. Recently, an Audi announced pricing and other details of the upcoming 2015 Q3 luxury CUV.

The newest Q3 CUV was revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January of this year, and fans have had a hard time waiting for its release. Recently, we were given a taste of what to expect with some exciting new pricing information. The new Q3 will come in at a starting price of $32,500* excluding transportation, taxes, and title for its base trim. Included with this price will be a powerful 2.0-liter TFSI® turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower under the pedal. The more advanced Premium Plus quattro edition will come in at $34,600* excluding transportation, taxes, and title.

The base Premium Plus trim will come with heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, LED lights and many other exciting features. The Prestige trim boasts MMI Navigation Plus, power tailgate, an advanced audio system from Bose®, and others. Other available features include a Sport package and a Driver Assistance Package.

There is quite a buzz surrounding the upcoming 2015 Q3 CUV, so be one of the first of your friends to test drive one of the exciting new luxury models. Contact us at DCH Millburn Audi today to schedule a test drive and see our other new Audi inventory while you’re here.

*Transportation charge is $925.00
 
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10 Must-See U.S. Monuments and Memorials

Although just a baby in comparison to many countries of the world, the United States is full of rich history. There are countless sites and landmarks that capture so many of America’s important dates and great leaders. Drawing inspiration from the Travel Channel and LA Times, here are 10 must-see U.S. monuments and memorials that we at DCH Millburn Audi recommend visiting at least once.

1. Fort McHenry

This star-shaped military base was home to the American flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the “Star Spangled Banner” after the 1814 Battle of Baltimore. Maryland visitors can take a self-guided tour or observe daily flag changes on this historic site.

2. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Located in beautiful Montana, this site memorializes the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn where Lt. Col. George A. Custer and 263 soldiers died while fighting several thousand Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. Today, it has become one of Montana’s most popular tourist attractions.

3. MLK Jr. Memorial

Honoring historic Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., this memorial was revealed in 2011 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Made of solid granite, the memorial symbolizes his legacy promoting freedom and equality.

4. Governors Island

For 200 years, Governors Island served as a military base and major command headquarters for the U.S. Army and later the U.S. Coast Guard. Located in New York, the island became a national monument in 2003 and offers tours open to the public.

5. 9/11 Memorial

Built where the Twin Towers once stood, the 9/11 Memorial remembers the lives lost on that tragic day. Anyone in New York can visit the site and observe the bronze parapets that are inscribed with 2,983 names honoring the individuals lost in the attack.

6. Devils Tower National Monument

Created by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, Devils Tower was America’s first official national monument. This awe-inspiring rock formation was a sacred site for many Native American tribes in the area. Today, climbers from around the world travel to Wyoming to scale this massive feature.

7. Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington is the final resting place for more than 300,000 active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces. Tourists can visit to see the endless rows of white marble headstones of the America’s bravest soldiers, honoring their great service to this country.

8. Statue of Liberty

It’s no surprise that this monument is one of the most visited attractions in the nation. Symbolizing freedom and democracy, Lady Liberty stands tall in New York and is once again open to tourists.

9. Mount Rushmore

Commemorating four of the nation’s greatest presidents, this South Dakota memorial attracts nearly three million people each year. Visitors come face to face with this massive site carved entirely out of the land’s natural granite.

10. Lincoln Memorial

Here is where tourists can remember one of America’s brave leaders. The 16th president sits inside a marble temple, gazing upon our nation’s Capitol. Visitors can read the words of the Gettysburg Address inscribed inside this enormous memorial.

Need a vehicle for your next cross-country road trip? Browse DCH Millburn Audi inventory online today.

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Audi Named Best Luxury Brand for the Third Year in a Row by Strategic Vision

Here at DCH Millburn Audi, we take pride in showing off our extensive luxury inventory. Recently, Audi’s hard work paid off as the automaker was named the Best Luxury Brand in Strategic Vision’s Total Quality IndexTM (TQI) study for the third year in a row.

The TQI study is one of the most extensive studies designed to monitor how much overall enjoyment, comfort and quality vehicles provide drivers. It covers an array of experiences such as the vehicle’s reliability, how fun they are to drive, and any known issues customers have had.

We are especially proud to announce that three Audi models topped their respective categories in the study as well: the Q5 (Near-Luxury category), Q7 (Luxury CUV category), and A5 Coupe (Premium Coupe category).

If you are looking for the highest quality luxury experience possible, then stop by our dealership at DCH Millburn Audi and take a look at our many exciting new Audi models. We have a little something for everyone, so contact us to schedule a test drive today.

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Caring for your Car Battery in Hot Weather

Many car drivers experience problems with their car battery during the winter. Damp, cold weather can wreak havoc with this critical car part. Many an early morning has been made more stressful by a car battery that doesn’t want to work. However, the warmer summer months are not entirely plain sailing when it comes to your car battery, with the sun and hot temperatures posing challenges. Here are some tips on caring for your car battery during the summer from DCH Millburn Audi.

Excess heat

The excess heat of summer can cause problems for the car battery. If the car is left in the sun for a long period of time or out on the road, the internal temperature can soar. The excess heat can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, which can damage the internal parts of the battery. If the components fail, the battery could eventually stop working entirely, which could be disastrous for you.

Checking the battery and electrical system

Before the summer starts, ask your service department to check the battery and electrical system. An expert eye may identify problems before they become too serious. While you may need to spend a bit of cash up front, you could easily discover that this is a good investment in the long run. As a general rule, if your car battery is more than three years old, you should have it fully tested to see how much more life there is in it.

Additional Battery Pressure

Even if the battery checks out, it is important to look after it during the summer months to ensure that it works at maximum efficiency. Ensure that you check your battery on a regular basis, and certainly before every long journey. Add distilled water as necessary and make sure that you carry additional distilled water for long journeys. Remember that the battery may be under additional pressure on long journeys. Idling in traffic, air conditioning, and the use of electronic devices such as GPS systems or portable DVD players can all place additional demands on your battery.

Battery Cleanliness

It is also important to keep the battery clean. Excess dust or dirt on the battery can become a conductor which, in turn, can drain battery power. Accumulated corrosion on the battery terminals may insulate the battery and inhibit the flow of current. Both these things can add additional pressure to the battery. You can easily clean the battery and terminals with an old toothbrush. Always clean the battery before the car heats up. Contact the DCH Millburn Audi service department for more information.

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Audi Made a World Cup Scoreboard out of A8 Sedans

Audi made a special scoreboard for the World Cup, and it is, hands down, the most stunning scoreboard we’ve ever seen. Normally, scoreboards use LEDs or LCDs to form numbers, but Audi decided to do something a little different. Our favorite brand took 42 shipping containers filled with 28 Audi A8 sedans and created a giant scoreboard lit up by Audi headlights and brake lights.

At DCH Millburn Audi, we have two main reactions to this news. One: this scoreboard may be so impressive that reading the score during a World Cup game would distract us from the actual game. Two: where can we get one, as soon as possible?

Audi ingenuity is one of the best things about every Audi vehicle on our lot, and we’re not surprised Audi extends its creativity beyond car design to projects like this one. Contact us or stop by today to learn more about Audi and test drive your own Audi A8 sedan, outside of its shipping container of course.

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Audi A5 and Q7 Earn 2014 Best Retained Value® Awards

Audi offers luxury that lasts, and that’s never been more evident than in the just-announced 2014 Best Retained Value® Awards. The 2014 Audi A5 won in the Luxury Midsize Convertible segment, while the 2014 Audi Q7 earned the top spot among Luxury Large SUVs.

The Best Retained Value Awards are given to the brands and models with the highest projected private party residual value five years after launch. While you may not be thinking of selling when shopping for a new vehicle, resale value is actually an extremely important quality to look for in your purchase. High resale value means you can earn more when you trade in the vehicle, and also offers peace of mind when you take the vehicle out on the road.

At DCH Millburn Audi, we’re proud to offer the award-winning A5 and Q7 along with other top Audi models. We also have a wide selection of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles if you’re looking for a quality used vehicle. Visit us today to learn more.

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Ask a Technician: Does the summer sun damage my paint job?

Sunlight is dynamic. It keeps us warm, allows plants to grow, and can even be converted into electricity. Unfortunately, sunlight has an equally harmful side. As a result, the ultraviolet rays in sunlight, also known as UV rays, can burn unprotected skin. But did you know that UV rays can damage the paint on your car or truck, too? Allow the DCH Millburn Audi team to explain the havoc that the summer sun can wreak on your paint job, and also provide tips to prevent such adverse effects.

During the warm weather seasons, exposure to UV rays actually breaks down the molecules that give your vehicle’s paint its color and shine. Though modern automobile paint includes additives to resist these effects, the paint’s effectiveness only lasts for a limited time period. So, when a car spends much of its life entrenched in sunlight, its paint will gradually fade and become dull.

While sunlight is harmful, temperature can be a problem, as well. When a car sits out in the fierce midday sun, it gets hot and its body panels expand. Such expansion causes the paint to contract at a microscopic level, which may ultimately crack your car’s paint. Over time, the gradual effects of the sun’s heat diminish your car’s gleaming showroom finish.

As the sun is ubiquitous, it may seem as though sun damage is inescapable. However, it is possible to extend the life of your car’s paint job by following these tips.

Seek shade

Whenever possible, keep your ride out of sunlight. Park in a covered garage or use a car cover for an immediate solution. You may also park your car under the shade of a tree for a short period of time, but it is important to remember that tree sap and bird droppings can also damage your paint finish.

Wax

Modern vehicles are finished with a layer of “clear coat” over the actual paint color. This gives the paint its deep gloss and helps protect the pigment from UV rays, however it doesn’t last forever. Regular waxing provides additional protection for your car, filling in cracks that form as a result of sunlight exposure.

A simple way to see if your car needs waxing is by performing the water beading test. To perform this test, drip water onto your paint. If the water forms beads on the paint surface, your car is perfectly waxed. However, if the water spreads on the paint surface, your car is in need of a new wax job.

Have more questions? Contact the DCH Millburn Audi service department.

 

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Audi Magazine Now Available as an iTunes App

The award-winning Audi magazine has always delivered way more than just news and vehicle information. It covers everything from products and emerging technologies to the Audi lifestyle and the vision of Audi as one of the world’s top luxury brands. Click the link above to read the latest issue.

Now you can access this wealth of information from your smartphone with the new Audi magazine App available through iTunes. You can access exclusive insights about Audi innovations, from cutting-edge motorsports and technology to progressive design and automotive firsts, all from the palm of your hand.

Please contact us at DCH Millburn Audi if you have any questions about Audi Magazine or the new Audi Magazine App, or stop by with questions or to take a test drive in one of our new Audi vehicles.

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Ask a Technician: How Do My Tires Affect My Fuel Economy?

When you think of all the things that affect how much fuel your car uses, your tires may not sit at the top of the list. Most drivers assume that the way they drive has the biggest impact on fuel efficiency, but there are all sorts of variables that can actually affect this number. Car tires are an extremely important part of the gas mileage equation, which is hen you think of all the things that affect how much fuel your car uses, your tires may not sit at the top of the list. Most drivers assume that the way they drive has the biggest impact on fuel efficiency, but there are all sorts of variables that can actually affect this number. Car tires are an extremely important part of the gas mileage equation, which is why you need to make sure that your tires are fit for this purpose. Why do they make such a difference? Read on to find out more from DCH Millburn Audi.

The tires are a vital part of any car. It’s worth remembering that your tire rubber is literally the only thing that connects your car to the road. When you think of how many miles of driving this affects, it’s easy to understand how this part of the car can make such a difference. The car’s tires affect nearly every aspect of performance, from the speed you reach to the effectiveness with which your brakes can bring the car to a halt.

To get optimum fuel efficiency, the balance of the car’s weight against the road surface needs to be right. Your car’s manufacturer calculates the ideal pressure to inflate the tires, so that the tires make the most efficient contact with the road. It’s important that the tires grip the road’s surface, or the driver can’t control the vehicle, and the handling suffers. Too much grip, however, increases the friction, and that means that the car has to work harder to accelerate. In these cases, the driver may not notice much difference when he or she pushes the accelerator, but the car is actually using more fuel than it needs to. Over many miles, this leads to a relatively significant increase in fuel consumption.

Low pressure in your car’s tires magnifies the weight of the vehicle. Imagine the mass of the car pushing down on the tires, and you can easily see how this would slow the vehicle down. This wouldn’t make that much difference if it happened for a couple of miles, but if you drive your car with under-inflated tires for weeks at a time, you could see quite a significant drop in fuel efficiency. Similar problems occur when the tread on your tires wears out. Without the right depth of tread, the tires can’t grab the road’s surface, which means they can slip on the road. Once again, the engine must work harder to allow them to gain traction, further increasing the amount of fuel you use.

Make sure your tires are correctly inflated whenever you drive your car. Take time to check your tire pressure at least once a week. You can buy a small tire pressure monitor for use at home, or you can find larger machines at the service station. If you want to know the correct tire pressure for the make and model of your car, check the owner’s manual, or contact your dealer for more advice. It takes no time at all to check your tire pressure, but it could save you a lot of money in the long run.

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