Chrysler Fiat Just Made 2016 Models More Intriguing
Uconnect is the infotainment system used in select Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Vehicles. The system has recently been updated, it now offers much more than it had previously. Some of the more minor updates include increased accuracy with voice recognition, better calculations of navigation routes, the playing of songs searched for, easier interaction with applications as well as noise software to give hands free calling better clarity and quality. Among these changes, come much more exciting changes that will not only make driving easier, but it will keep the driver less distracted. These more major changes include:
- Do Not Disturb– when a driver turns this function on, all incoming texts and phone calls will be blocked from their phone and redirected. The user has the option to send it straight to voicemail or to set up an automated reply text message. The user has the option of choosing between a default reply or a customized reply. To enable this function, the user can either press the Do Not Disturb button on the 8.4 inch touch screen or they can use voice activation. This is a great function for anyone who is easily distracted, for anyone who has trouble putting their phone down or for parents who want to make sure their kids are not texting and driving.
- Drag and Drop– do you have a variety of useless buttons on your main screen? With this new update, you can customize the screen so you can have access to any of the buttons you want, you just need to drag and drop to the main screen!
- Siri Eyes Free– taking your eyes off the road for any amount of time is dangerous. Uconnect now works so you have no reason to look away from the road ahead. With the voice activation feature, the driver can send text messages, play music, set reminders, place phone calls and access navigation directions. Keep your eyes on the road, get Siri hands free.
- SiriusXM Tune Start– this is more of a convenience than an answer to correct distracted driving. When flipping through your favorite XM radio stations, the driver now has the option to start the current song playing to the very beginning and listen to it from start to finish. So if your favorite song comes on, you won’t have to settle for the last verse anymore!
All of these new updates are only available in select 2016 models with an 8.4 inch screen. The models include the Chrysler 300 as well as the Chrysler 200, the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Dodge Viper, the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Ram 1500, Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab models.
The new Uconnect has one additional update that is only included in the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger. The system in these vehicles will allow for a digital user guide through the 8.4 inch screen. The displayed information is vehicle specific and it will be updated frequently as per the ability to update the digital information on the fly.
Don’t Let The Bad Guys Win
Just last week there were 5 vehicles stolen in the Albany area. Make sure you are taking every precaution so that your vehicle is not stolen.
- Your doors should always be locked, even when driving.
- Never leave your keys behind in the car after you have parked it. Convenience is not worth the time and money of a stolen car.
- Do not walk away from your car while it is still running.
- Put all valuables in the glove compartment or the trunk so they can’t be seen by someone walking by your car.
- Don’t leave your title in the car. If you do, hide it in a place where only you know where it is.
- Know your destination and how to get there, avoid traveling through high crime areas.
- Have an anti-theft system installed in your vehicle.
- Thieves are more active once the sun goes down so make sure you are keeping your car in a well-lit place at night.
- Be aware of your surroundings especially when in areas like parking lots, parking garages and gas stations.
- Etch your VIN number into the windows, thieves will not want to take a car if they have to replace all the windows.
- If parked on an incline, make sure the car is in park or if it is kept in gear, turn the wheels towards to curb so it cannot be towed.
- If you do have the misfortune of being approached by a carjacker, do not fight them, do not resist them. Cars can be replaced, you can’t.
There are three types of carjackers to look out for-
- Professionals: these people know what they are doing. They are looking for high-performance cars as well as a common car that will have cheap parts to replace. They will most likely bring any stolen cars to chop shops or they may even export it to a different country. The chances of recovering it once stolen is not very high.
- Joy-Riders: these ones are looking for the more luxury, high-performance car. They are commonly recovered but many times they have a lot of damage to them.
- Bump and Rob- If someone rear ends you, make sure you take your keys out of the ignition before getting out to check for damage. Thieves will sometimes tap your car on purpose so they can hop in your driver’s seat and drive away while your standing outside the vehicle investigating the damage.
The current incidents occurred in Rotterdam, NY where every victim admitted to leaving their keys in their car while it was parked. Car theft is a real thing so make sure to always keep these tips in mind if you possess a car.
The Dangers of Summer Driving
Summer time means throwing caution to the wind and not having a care in the world, right? Wrong. Just because the snow has cleared and the ice has melted does not mean driver’s can be less attentive to driving conditions. Summer has it’s own set of driving hazards that driver’s need to be weary of. Patrol hours and patrol routes are significantly increased in the summer months because of the amount of accidents that occur. So what measures should you be taking to avoid any collisions?
Summer driving can be dangerous for a number of reasons including increased rainfall, potholes, increased road construction, cars overheating and inexperienced drivers.
Rainfall With increase of rainfall comes an increase in flooding, road closures and hydroplaning. Hydroplaning in the snow can be as scary as skidding or fishtailing in the snow. When drivers in these situations start losing control of their vehicle, they panic and hit the brakes to try to bring the vehicle to a stop. Hitting the brakes is the worst thing you can do when you’re losing control. To avoid an accident the driver should tap the brakes lightly but they should be more focused on the steering wheel to keep the car from veering off the road.
Potholes They are formed in the winter but they get worse in the summer. The increased heat causes pressure on these potholes causing them to expand. While avoiding these potholes can save the vehicle from damage, it can be dangerous for the driver and the others around them if they swerve into a lane of traffic to miss the pothole. When dealing with potholes, it is best practice to travel at a decreased speed because the faster a vehicle is traveling, the more damage the pothole will do. Hitting one can result in a blown tire. To prevent a blown tire a driver should always check their tire pressure (the correct pressure is listed on the door frame or door panel of the driver’s side), they should also check their tire treads and make sure they have a spare for their vehicle. If a driver is not sure if their treads are still safe, they can stick a penny upside down in one of the treads. If they can see the hair on Lincoln’s head, they should invest in a new set of tires.
Road Construction With warmer weather, construction workers are able to get out and repair all of the problems the winter may have caused. Road construction is always going to cause a mess of traffic which can result in accidents. If a driver begins to get frustrated or if they’re not paying attention, they can easily cause an accident in traffic. Drivers should always obey the rules of the road, especially in traffic. They should try to remain calm and be patient with the other vehicles around them. Lastly, it is crucial that the driver move over as soon as possible when notice a lane closing, waiting until the last minute to cut in at the last minute will only create more traffic and put them at greater risk of an accident.
Overheating With the increase of outside temperature comes an increase in the use of air conditioning which can result in overheating. To prevent this from happening, it is important to get the recommended oil changes and to check the coolant levels, the radiator, the colling fan and the thermostat.
Inexperienced Drivers Summer is the time for new drivers, fresh out of school to get out on their own and explore. These teen drivers are excited to get on the road but with their lack of experience they tend to make mistakes that lead to accidents. Studies show that there is an increase of car crashes and fatalities in teens during the summer months. When driving around, drivers should always make sure they are aware of their surroundings and the drivers around them.
When driving around this summer whether it be to the grocery store or for a family vacation, check for vehicle recalls, be conscious of where the kids in your neighborhood are, never leave a child in the car and keep an emergency roadside kit.
The Goldstein Difference!
Are you in the market for a new car, truck or SUV? If so, let us explain why the Goldstein Auto Group should be your first and ONLY choice of dealership!
Lifetime Powertrain Warranty and Lifetime Car Washes!
With the purchase an ANY new car, truck or SUV you will get the Capital Districts ONLY Lifetime Limited Powertrain Warranty and Lifetime Car Washes at no additional charge to you! This is also good for hundreds of select pre-owned vehicles we have in stock. If you keep your vehicle for a long time, and hundreds of thousands of miles, this is simply a incentive which you can not overlook. Plus, it is included at no additional charge! In addition to the limited powertrain warranty, you get one exterior wash per week for as long as you own the vehicle. This amounts to over $700 in savings per year.
Free Popcorn / Hot Dogs / Refreshments to all!
In for service, car wash or vehicle purchase? No need to bring a lunch. Have a free hot dog or popcorn on us! No charge, no limit, no bull!
Goldstein Difference!
We take pride in our customers and your feedback. Our staff is made up of only the most qualified individuals to insure we get the job done right, and the first time.
Goldstein Auto Group X Mohawk Hudson Humane Society
Here at the Goldstein Auto Group, we are constantly trying to figure out ways to give back to the community. One of our biggest projects has been our ‘Empties For Animals’ program in conjunction with the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.
What Do We Do?
We have set up can and bottle drop-off locations at all 5 of our locations. These empties will get picked up by the Humane Society and turned into cash. All proceeds go directly to help out the animals in needs!
How Can You Help?
Stop by one of our 5 locations with your empty bottle’s and cans and leave them with us! Cant make it in? We will pick it up for you!
Here are our locations:
Big Al’s Auto Outlet- 968 New Loudon Rd. Latham, NY
Goldstein Chrysler / Jeep / Dodge / Ram– 613 New Loudon Rd. Latham, NY.
Goldstein Buick / GMC – 1671 Central Avenue. Albany, NY.
Goldstein Mitsubishi – 1673 Central Avenue. Albany, NY.
Goldstein Subaru– 1754 Central Avenue Albany, NY.
For more information, or to schedule a pick up, please fill out the contact form provided below!







