Cool Cars…No Boundaries is all about having fun, interviewing interesting people, and driving some very cool cars and trucks! But today, we make a shift- from cool cars to cold cars. Today you’ll learn car maintenance tips for winters in Northwest Indiana.

In the last publication, you learned 11 simple tips for winter car care.  This cold weather preparedness checklist was  intended to help families make sure their car, suv, or truck was ready to survive the frozen tundra that is Northwest Indiana. If you haven’t read it, you may want to read it now. It offers a great winter maintenance list

Cold Car…No Boundaries: Holiday Series

• 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care
• Car maintenance tips for winters in Valpo & Northwest Indiana
• Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat; from infant car seats to boosters.

 

Even the best vehicles need basic maintenance by a certified technician. Today, you’ll learn what types of maintenance is specific to our Northwest Indiana winters.

Learning what to have maintained will instill confidence that you’re receiving the most value from your service department or garage. More importantly, it will give you the confidence your car, suv, or truck  can be counted on to go the distance.

Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Winter

To learn how to get your car, suv or truck ready for another brutal Northwest Indiana winter, I checked in with the pros with the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent group that tests and certifies the competence of auto technicians.

Car maintenance tips for winters in Northwest Indiana

According to the ASE website,  “Regular, routine maintenance can help improve your gasoline mileage, reduce pollution, and catch minor problems before they become big headaches,” says Tony Molla, vice president of communications at ASE. ASE offers these car care tips to give you peace of mind during fall and winter driving:

• Before you do anything else, read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules.
• Get engine performance and driveability problems — hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc. — corrected at a reputable repair shop that employs ASE-certified repair professionals. Cold weather makes existing problems worse.
• Replace dirty filters, such as air, fuel, and PCV. A poorly running engine is less efficient and burns more gasoline.
• As the temperature drops below freezing, add a bottle of fuel deicer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Keeping the gas tank filled also helps prevent moisture from forming.
• Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual — more often if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips. A poll of ASE Master Auto Technicians revealed that regular oil and filter changes is one of the most frequently neglected services, yet one that is essential to protect your engine.
• 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. Do-It-Yourselfers: Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses also should be checked regularly by a professional technician.
• The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
• Replace old blades regularly. 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 during the winter months. And don’t forget to always carry an ice scraper.
• Have your battery checked. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. However, most motorists can perform routine care: Wear eye protection and protective rubber gloves. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; retighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly. A word of caution: Removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles, so always check your owner’s manual first. Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid.
• Inspect all lights and bulbs. Replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag. Clouded lenses can be refinished by many service outlets or by using a DIY kit found in major auto parts outlets.
• Exhaust fumes inside your vehicle’s cabin can be deadly. Have the exhaust system examined for leaks and problems while the vehicle is on a lift. The trunk and floorboards should also be inspected for small holes.
• Worn tires are dangerous 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, letting the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget to check your spare, and be sure the jack is in good working condition. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels makes your engine work harder and thus use excess gasoline.
• Have your brakes checked periodically for safety and to prevent costly repairs that can be caused by neglect.
• The transmission is often neglected until a major failure. Routine checks and fluid changes at prescribed intervals can prevent very costly repairs down the line.
• Always carry an emergency kit with you: extra gloves, boots and blankets; flares; a small shovel and sand or kitty litter; tire chains; a flashlight and extra batteries; and a cell phone and extra car charger. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.

Special thanks to Joe Luciano at Griegers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram in Valparaiso for helping provide direction and information to this blog.  You may recall meeting Joe in our last blog,  11 simple tips for winter car care. 

Automotive Repair near me!?!?

I asked Joe Luciano if he had any advise for folks that break down on a trip and need to find a good repair shop or service center. Its always stressful to make your decision based on searching, “car service near me”.

Secrets to finding a good service department when on a trip.

Joe Luciano recommends looking at the service department’s website to see the credentials of the technicians and how long they have been with the automotive service center or garage. Awards, such as the J.D. Powers – Customer First Award for Excellence is always a good sign.

According to Joe Luciano, the turnover of mechanics at a  garage or service departments can speak volumes about their integrity.

I agree. If  a car dealership can’t take care of their employees, they won’t  care about the customer’s experience.

 C’mon man! 200 years?

Joe proudly boasts of the credentials of the Griegers’ technicians and how long they’ve all worked together as a team. The Griegers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram service department has over 200 years of combined experience working together at Griegers….and all of the Grieger’s journeyman technicians are FCA Master Certified. Wait. Did he say 200 years? Really!

Of course Joe is  a little biased toward Griegers, but he has a right to be proud. Joe started with Griegers nearly 27 years ago.  For Joe Luciano, Griegers is family…. You might even say he grew-up with Griegers.

Useful Links:

1. Have Fun!  Griegers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram:  Home Page.
2. Griegers Motors Service & Parts
3. Griegers Motors wins 3 consequative “Customer 1st Awards from J.D. Powers”.
4. Make an appointment for winter maintenance.

Thanks you spending time with us as we look at Car maintenance tips for winters in Northwest Indiana. We hope it helps you and your family have a wonderful and safe Holiday season.  In our next 2 Holiday issues, you’ll look at winter-driving tips and secrets to choosing & installing a baby car seat.

Written & Produced by Jim Jano Janesheski

JANO, LLC

More Reading:

 Cool Car….No Boundaries. Your Blog for Fun things to do in Northwest Indiana.

• Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat. From infant car seats to boosters.
• Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Car maintenance tips for winters in Northwest Indiana: Cold Cars…No Boundaries
• 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care: Cold Car…No Boundaries?
• 5 ways to have fun with a Jeep… even if you don’t have one.
• What is the Jeep Wave and why it’s so big in Valparaiso?
• Jon Costas Says Goodbye: A Drive Down Memory Lane in a Jeep.
• 15 best day trips from Northwest Indiana: Cool “daycations” by Car.
• Best things to do in Valpo… secrets to a Summer to Remember in the downtown!
• Valpo’s Top Music Venues
• Valpo’s best bands, musicians and sound: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• The Valpo live music scene: Cool Car… No Boundaries
• Top 21 things to do in Northwest Indiana in 2019: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Top 11 tips for a remarkable Holly Days: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Valpo Museum Ambitious Exhibit Revealed: Cool Ram Truck…No Boundaries
• 5 Tips to live entertainment in Valpo: Cool Jeep…No Boundaries
• 11 Fun tips for your most remarkable Popcorn Festival: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• 3 Fun Things to do in Northwest Indiana: Cool Car… No Boundaries

Tags: car maintenance tips for winter, Griegers, Griegers Motors, service, Valparaiso, Valpo, winter car maintenance checklist, winter car service
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“Just keep it fun and help people discover the best things to do in Northwest Indiana.” This is the only thing my sponsor, Griegers Motors, ever requested from this blog. So when Griegers-Valpo asked me to cover family safety and car maintenance tips for winter, I gladly made the shift. In today’s Cool Cars…No Boundaries, you’ll learn 11 simple tips for winter car care.

Family Matters!

Throughout the holiday season, Cool Cars…No Boundaries looks at family safety. You’ll discover the secrets to safe holiday travel that includes which tires are best for Northwest Indiana, vehicle maintenance tips for winter, and winter-driving tips. You’ll even see a blog that covers how to choose and install an infant car seat.

Cold Car…No Boundaries: Holiday Series

• 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care
• Car maintenance tips for winters in Valpo & Northwest Indiana
• Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat; from infant car seats to boosters.

I think you’ll agree Northwest Indiana winters are brutal, unpredictable, and even dangerous. The best way to be safe is to be proactive. With a little help from our sponsor, Griegers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, you’ll discover smart snow tips for cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Even the Best Safety Technology in Today’s Cars and Trucks are Secondary to This!

Today’s cars, SUVs, and trucks have technology and safety features that can save lives. But even the best technology is secondary to the ability to avoid accidents or breaking down all together. Not even the Chrysler Pacifica, Griegers top rated 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick, is exempt from some simple cold weather preparedness.

Whether you’re just traveling around Valpo, or over the river and through the woods to Grandmas house in Crown Point, Hobart, or Chesterton, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready for winter.  In the next few publications of Cool Cars…No Boundaries,  you’ll discover how to look after your car or truck in winter conditions while keeping your family safe.

Valparaiso’s Winter Wonderland: Salted Streets, Icy roads, Freezing Temperatures and Heavy Snow.

How can you make sure your car, SUV, or truck is prepared for winter? To answer this, I turned to a panel of experts at Griegers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram.

Brad Hallal is a huge family guy that has done it all at Griegers…. service writer,  sales manager, marketing, and now GM.

We also turned to Griegers’ long time service manager, Joe Luciano.  If you haven’t met Joe, you’re missing out. Joe is the real deal. Joe started his career at Griegers 20 years ago and worked his way through the ranks. He is a big reason why Griegers Motors has won 3 consecutive J.D Powers-Customer First Awards.

With the help of our cracker jack experts… here are 11 simple car care tips that can go a long way toward making sure your car stays in great shape all winter long.

11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care: Cold Car…No Boundaries

Lighting
One issue with winter driving is it gets dark early, especially when you live in Valpo, where we set the clocks back. You’ll want to make sure all of your vehicle’s lights are in excellent shape, providing the brightest possible illumination.  If a bulb is out, fix it before winter starts. If you’re not sure–or like me and not sure how–stop by and ask Joe Luciano at Griegers.

Battery
The cold is tough on a battery and it is harder for a battery to operate in cold weather than it is in warm weather. A battery that’s weak during the summer can die in the winter. This always seems to happen when your car has been parked outside for a while and you are far from home. Ughhh!

Brad Hallal recommends you have a volt test performed on your battery before winter starts. If it is bad, replace it before it’s too late. Getting stranded with your family in the middle of nowhere is not a good situation.

Coolant
Coolant–or as I call it,  antifreeze–is critical to your car’s health. It keeps the engine from freezing in cold temperatures. Before it gets cold, make sure your car isn’t low on coolant. Joe Luciano also recommends having your vehicle’s engine checked to be certain you don’t have issues that can that cause antifreeze to leak.

He recommends a 50/50 mix of coolant and water in the radiators he maintains, which usually results in a lower engine freezing point compared to radiators with coolant-only. Although Griegers in Valparaiso is best known for servicing Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, Griegers Motors maintains most brands. I’ve had Griegers Motors maintain my prized 1990 VW convertible. I’ve even bought my tires from Griegers. Joe is good!

Gasoline and Washer Fluid
These two liquids should be full during the winter. You should try to keep your gas tank full. A full tank will prevent water from freezing inside your fuel pump.

UGGGHHH!   Have you ever run out of windshield fluid on the highway. Maybe you’ve pulled over and thrown snow on the windshield. Not good!

A full windshield-washer reservoir is smart. Nothing can be as unsafe as driving at highway speeds during a snowstorm.

I love when Griegers tops me off during service visits. A nice touch. Thanks Joe!

Tires
According to Brad Hallal, a dedicated Jeeper, “All-wheel drive is cool, fun, and nothing beats it during accelaration, but when you’re braking and turning, you need good tires.”

Brad recommends considering winter tires, or snow tires, in areas like Valparaiso, Chesterton and Crown Point, where the temperature routinely drops below 45 degrees.

Joe’s experience in working with so many makes and models has given him plenty of expertise in helping his customers select the right tires.  Griegers has become a large volume tire outlet and is one of Valparaiso’s best choices for buying new tires.

I think price is important to everyone; it’s because people trust Joe.

Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is critical to you families safety–especially as the temperatures get colder. Tire pressure can drop as fast as the temperature. It is not uncommon for one pound per square inch to drop every 10°F.

Driving around with low tire pressure can wear your tires out fast…or worse. It can make your car drive poorly.

Defroster and Climate Control
Another winter car safety tip is to check your car’s window defroster and its climate control system to make sure both items are still working properly.

The climate control system will keep your family warm and toasty while keeping your windows from fogging up.

Your vehicles defroster will keep your windows from icing up. This is an important safety mechanism that needs to be working properly.

Both items are crucial to maintaining comfort and safety throughout the winter.

Survival Kit
Another car maintenance tips for winter is actually a winter preparedness tip; put together a car survival kit.  If you travel outside Northwest Indiana, this is a smart way to be ready for an emergency.  Your kids count on you to protect them, and this shows them you are ready for anything.

Brad Hallal recommends a first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, blanket, and a cellphone charger that works in your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.

 

Replace Your Windshield Wipers at the First Sign of Snow.
Seeing is believing. If you’ve ever had a windshield wiper go bad on a winter trip, you’ll know how stressful it is. Your family’s inside and you can’t see the road. Don’t wait until this happens to you. Replace them when you suspect they are getting old, or stop by and let Joe Luciano have a look.  He can have them replaced in no time at all.

Take Your Car in for Winter Maintenance.
Get a flush and fill, have your antifreeze checked, and make sure your brakes are in good condition before you head out for holiday travel. Make certain you have the battery checked.

My tip? Stop by the Griegers Express Lane for a fast oil change and more. The keyword is “more”. Ask Joe Luciano to look the car over while its there. With his team of certified technicians, Saturday service hours, and full selection of Good Year tires, confidence can come with an oil change!

Keep It Cool!

Protect your car’s cool looks with a layer of wax. Just a little wax creates a barrier against road salt, grime, snow, sleet, and lackluster appearance. Consider a high-pressure car wash after winter storms. Make sure you hit the hard-to-reach areas.

So there you have it… 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care: Cold Car…No Boundaries. Maybe it’s not my typical blog that explores the coolest, funnest things to do in Northwest Indiana. I often say, with a cool car…..getting there is half the fun. But when you live in Northwest Indiana and a blizzard hits, just getting there is fun!

Written & Produced by Jim Jano Janesheski

JANO, LLC

More Reading:

 Cool Car….No Boundaries. Your Blog for Fun things to do in Northwest Indiana.

• Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat. From infant car seats to boosters.
• Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Car maintenance tips for winters in Northwest Indiana: Cold Cars…No Boundaries
• 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care: Cold Car…No Boundaries?
• 5 ways to have fun with a Jeep… even if you don’t have one.
• What is the Jeep Wave and why it’s so big in Valparaiso?
• Jon Costas Says Goodbye: A Drive Down Memory Lane in a Jeep.
• 15 best day trips from Northwest Indiana: Cool “daycations” by Car.
• Best things to do in Valpo… secrets to a Summer to Remember in the downtown!
• Valpo’s Top Music Venues
• Valpo’s best bands, musicians and sound: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• The Valpo live music scene: Cool Car… No Boundaries
• Top 21 things to do in Northwest Indiana in 2019: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Top 11 tips for a remarkable Holly Days: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Valpo Museum Ambitious Exhibit Revealed: Cool Ram Truck…No Boundaries
• 5 Tips to live entertainment in Valpo: Cool Jeep…No Boundaries
• 11 Fun tips for your most remarkable Popcorn Festival: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• 3 Fun Things to do in Northwest Indiana: Cool Car… No Boundaries

 

Tags: Chrysler, family, Griegers, Jeep, maintenance, safety, service, winter
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At Grieger Motors, your friendly and reliable car dealer in Michigan City, we want you to have your vehicle ready for winter long before the first Artic blast arrives. So, here are some things to check as summer winds down. Read the rest of this entry »

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At Grieger Motors, your Michigan City Jeep dealer, we know it’s always a good idea to know the warning signs that tell you your brakes are not working properly, and here are four sounds and sensations indicating it’s time to bring your vehicle to Griegers for brake service.

Read the rest of this entry »

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What is the Jeep Wave…

Valparaiso is a friendly town. Just walk around the Square on a sunny afternoon and count the amount of people that say hello or smile. If you park a few blocks from where you are going, add 20 minutes to your walk… someone will likely engage you in a little chat. Call it a Valpo thing, but we have a thing for the outdoors, fun and friendliness.  Lately, a new wave has taken Valparaiso by storm.  It’s called the Jeep wave. Today, you’ll learn what the Jeep Wave is and why it is so big in Valparaiso.

In last month’s Cool Car…No Boundaries video interview, Jon Costas experienced the Jeep wave while driving a Jeep Wrangler through a roundabout. The hilarious segment left everyone in Valpo asking, what is the Jeep wave?

…why the Jeep wave is so big in Valparaiso

The Jeep wave isn’t exclusive to Valpo… and neither is a warm smile. But spend an afternoon in Valparaiso, and you might think otherwise.

In some towns, it is common to look down, mind your own business and make tracks to your destination. In these towns, you avoid eye contact at any cost.

In Valpo, getting there is half the fun. Maybe that’s why we see so many Jeep Wrangler convertibles. Valparaiso folk love community. We cherish our events, our venues, and our outdoor dining. We smile at strangers. We say hello to everyone and we take it personally when we don’t get a warm response back.

Al fresco dining vs. al fresco driving

In June’s edition of  Cool Car…No Boundaries, we challenged Chef Carlos of Don Quijote to pick which was better, a sunny day in a Jeep Wrangler convertible, or al fresco dining in downtown Valpo. Carlos was Valpo’s first restaurant to offer outdoor dining. Carlos is also good friends with Griegers Motors owner, Dave Rodgers.

We had lots of fun comparing the two…  we asked Carlos to come back and help us discover what the Jeep Wave is and why it’s so big in Valparaiso.

This time, Carlos brought some help, he invited his friends from the Downtown Valpo Restaurant Group. If you thought we had fun in June’s Cool Cars…No Boundaries, wait til you see what happens when these three characters get together with a convertible Jeep on a perfect summer day!

No one could have ever expected what would happen when the Chefs from Radius, Sage and Don Quijote were given a Jeep and told to discover the Jeep Wave!

Revealing the mystery behind the Jeep wave

There seems to be a lot of mysteries behind the origins of the Jeep wave. Was it a WWII thing?  What does it mean and how do you do it?

Today, we reveal to you the mystery behind the Jeep wave and why it’s so big in Valpo.

The mystique behind the Jeep…freedom, the beach, and now Valpo.

Driving a Jeep has always been cool. The mystique behind the Jeep has made it synonymous  with America, freedom, adventure, the beach, and now Valparaiso?

Just look at our downtown and you’ll see every type of Jeep imaginable, especially the convertibles. Next time your dining al fresco on a gorgeous summer night, count how many Jeeps line Lincolnway or cruise the Square. The only thing more popular than a jeep is a friendly smile. So why does Valpo love Jeep so much?

Perhaps it’s Valpo’s pride in America. The Jeep is often described as the secret weapon that helped Americans win WWII and saved the world from Hitler and fascism.

Maybe its because the Jeep convertible is the ultimate beach vehicle. In Valpo, we love going to the beach almost as much as outdoor dining…almost!

The ultimate in Cool, like Steve McQueen

I’ll never forget when my Dad and his buddy traveled to the west coast with nothing more than a Jeep, a pair of Ray Bans, and a sleeping bag. To this day, I remember my dad as a real-life Steve McQueen. He was the coolest…and the Jeep was his ride.

My dad always said that every red-blooded American should own a Jeep before they die. The Jeep embodies the American dream. Even back as a kid, I always remember everyone would wave when we drove by.

Today, the Jeep is bigger than ever, and so is the Jeep wave.

How to do the Jeep Wave.

 

The history of the Jeep Wave

No one exactly knows where the wave started but online discussion has led to the following possibilities. After WWII, the majority of early Jeep (CJ) owners were veterans. Here is one theory. The WWII veterans had been through hell and back, and anyone that fought in the war had a brotherhood worthy of the wave.

The next theory of the origins of the Jeep Wave is that Jeep owners believe the Jeep’s coolness differentiates it from all other vehicles. It represents a sporty lifestyle that separates its owners from everyone else. Owning one is membership to a brotherhood of Jeep owners.

Chef Joe Gaal from Sage has the best theories… or maybe I just like them better because we had so much fun driving around Valpo on a gorgeous day while Joe shared his adventures as a Jeeper. If you didn’t see our video above, do so. Joe is a trip!

What jeeps can jeep wave?

Is the Jeep Wave only for Wranglers? What jeeps can jeep wave? Who gets the jeep wave? Can only older Jeeps wave? To answer this, we turn to Griegers Motors Brad Hallal.  Long before Brad was the GM at Griegers, he was a Jeeper.

According to Brad Hallal, the Jeep wave was originally practiced by owners of the Jeep CJ, Wranglers and Wranglers Unlimited. Now it extends to all Jeeps, including the Jeep Cherokee, Renegade, Compass, and the newest, biggest Jeep ever, the Jeep Gladiator.

Jeeper Hall of Fame nomination goes to…

As a Butler University student, Brad had a passion for his Jeep, his guitar and his marketing classes. It was at Butler that he fell in love. Fortunately for Brad, the love of his life turned out to be the daughter of Dave Rodgers…  the owner of Griegers Motors and Valparaiso’s  Jeep dealership.

Brad ended up marrying the love of his life and is now raising a family of Jeepers while working for the family business.

Griegers is now the #1 volume Jeep and Ram dealer in the region while Butler was just named the No. 1 Midwest Regional University by U.S. News & World Report.

Just saying!

The cast of characters.

Chef Chris Pavlou is the charismatic owner of Radius. His restaurant’s name derives from being positioned at the Radius, or center, of everything going on in the Vale of Paradise. If you’re a “Jeeper” and love checking out the view of all the cool Jeeps that cruise the Square,  outdoor dining at Radius is must see entertainment.

Chef Joe Gaal might just be one of the most entertaining people you’ll ever meet. Joe is both owner and Chef at Sage in downtown Valpo. His outdoor dining can be experienced at both Central Park and on Lincolnway.

Chef Carlos Rivero is a living legend in Valparaiso. His don Quijote Restaurante set the standard as a unique culinary experience and was the city’s first to offer al fresco dining. Carlos is a Jeep owner and claims he has bought hundreds of cars from his good friend Dave Rodgers at Griegers Motors. Carlos would never exaggerate!

What is the Jeep Wave Owner Benefits

According to Brad Hallal at Griegers Motors in Valparaiso, the Jeep® Wave 2 is an exclusive membership program with some cool benefits and perks created to bring our customers special care packages with dedicated 24/7 support. When you purchase or lease an eligible Jeep,  your Griegers rep will enroll you in a 24-month Jeep Wave membership. Learn more: Jeep Wave benefits 

Jeep_® Wave membership benefits include exclusive owner support, maintenance services, VIP treatment at special events across the country, peace of mind with trip interruption protection, first-day rental coverage, access to an exclusive Savings Network that provides up to $500 in annual savings and a unique website. Contact Griegers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram for more information. Learn more.

Schedule your own Jeep Wave on a test drive at Griegers Motors in Valparaiso. To check out real-time inventory or start your home shopping experience, just check out this cool Jeep offering page.  For Griegers Certified Pre-Owned and used Jeeps, you’ll want to check this page out. Learn more.

More Reading:

 Cool Car….No Boundaries. Your Blog for Fun things to do in Northwest Indiana.

• Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat. From infant car seats to boosters.
• Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Car maintenance tips for winters in Northwest Indiana: Cold Cars…No Boundaries
• 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care: Cold Car…No Boundaries?
• 5 ways to have fun with a Jeep… even if you don’t have one.
• What is the Jeep Wave and why it’s so big in Valparaiso?
• Jon Costas Says Goodbye: A Drive Down Memory Lane in a Jeep.
• 15 best day trips from Northwest Indiana: Cool “daycations” by Car.
• Best things to do in Valpo… secrets to a Summer to Remember in the downtown!
• Valpo’s Top Music Venues
• Valpo’s best bands, musicians and sound: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• The Valpo live music scene: Cool Car… No Boundaries
• Top 21 things to do in Northwest Indiana in 2019: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Top 11 tips for a remarkable Holly Days: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Valpo Museum Ambitious Exhibit Revealed: Cool Ram Truck…No Boundaries
• 5 Tips to live entertainment in Valpo: Cool Jeep…No Boundaries
• 11 Fun tips for your most remarkable Popcorn Festival: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• 3 Fun Things to do in Northwest Indiana: Cool Car… No Boundaries

A special thanks to Joe, Chris, and Carlos for helping me discover what is the Jeep Wave and why is it so big in Valparaiso. It couldn’t have been more fun!

Written & Produced by Jim Jano Janesheski

JANO, LLC

 

Tags: don quijote, Grieger's, Jeep, Radius, Ram, Sage, Valparaiso, Valpo, wave
Posted in Community, COOL CAR...NO BOUNDARIES | No Comments »

This video will make you laugh, cry, and discover the drive of Mayor Jon Costas

Content:

• Video: Jon Costas says good bye: A drive down memory lane in a Jeep.
• Article: Jon Costas 
• Music: The Gong Show Blues, by Jon Costas and the Conservadellics
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: Parallels with the Valparaiso revival 
• Schedule: Mayor Costas Farewell Celebration. Downtown’s Central Park party includes live music, food and more!
• Past Mayors in Valparaiso history

Cool Mayor…No Boundaries

Costas had an attitude

Making everything old…new again.

A revival is defined as a reawakening of something, or to something coming back to health, life, or popularity. A spiritual awakening. Synonyms include restoration, revitalization, awakening, rejuvenation, stimulation, and rebirth. 

The Jeep Wave… 

For our special interview, “Jon Costas says goodbye: A drive down memory lane in a Jeep”, Brad Hallal from Griegers Motors spent a considerable amount of time looking through his Griegers inventory before selecting the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as the featured vehicle for the Mayor Costas interview. As seen from the humorous roundabout scene in the interview, Jon Costas is good friends with Brad’s father-in-law and Griegers Motors owner, Dave Rodgers. 

Family is significant at Griegers, and both the Costas and Rodgers families are close. But the vehicle also needed to represent Valparaiso’s 16 years of progress under the Mayor. Here is why Hallal chose the Jeep Wrangler to represent Valparaiso’s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram dealership.

Selecting the Jeep Wrangler. Nothing represents Valparaiso better. Here’s why… 

The Jeep Wrangler exemplifies Valparaiso in so many ways. The Jeep Wrangler has an All-American past. In the 1970s, the Jeep experienced a period of stagnation.  It later experienced a revival, and to this day sets standards of forward-thinking progress. Hmmm…nice call, Brad. 

The Jeep Wrangler also can’t be beat for summer fun. In June’s edition of Cool Cars...No Boundaries, Secrets to a Summer to Remember in Valpo,  we challenged Don Quijote’s head chef, Carlos Rivero, to pick his choice for summer fun, al fresco dining vs. al fresco driving. To discover our winner, check out June’s blog. Read more. 

The Jeep and Valpo offer diversity by choice. Sometimes it’s hard to choose with so many great options.  The Jeep comes in 2 doors and 4 doors, hard top or convertible. It offers affordable options, or you can choose a Jeep loaded. Valparaiso is also a city of great choices. Just look at the food options providing indoor or outdoor dining: Italian (Sage), Greek (Radius), Spanish (don Quijote), Japanese (Furin), Ricochet, Blue Point,  Pikk’s, etc. To learn about the numerous options, visit Griegers Jeep page, Jeep.com, or Downtown Valpo Restaurants. 

Valpo is a town that loves Jeep, especially the convertible Jeep Wrangler. Just drive downtown on a summer night and peep the variety of Jeeps. You’ll see old Jeeps, new Jeeps, Wranglers, Cherokees, Grand Cherokees, Compasses, Renegades.. and now the all-new Jeep Gladiator.

The Jeep Wrangler also shares with Valpo a friendly wave. In our interview video, Jon Costas experienced the Jeep wave. Valparaiso is a friendly town. Just try walking down Lincolnway and you’ll likely spend an hour getting from one place to another. Why? Everyone waves, and says hello. Maybe that’s why Valpo loves Jeep… we love to wave.

In next month’s Cool Cars…No Boundaries, we take a fun look at the Jeep Wave, what it means, how it originated and why the Jeep wave has caught Valpo by storm. 

August 17: Farewell Celebration

It’s only appropriate that the city celebrates its 16 years of progress with a celebration in Valparaiso’s downtown Central Park. On August 17th, Valpo came together to say farewell to its popular Mayor. The Griegers sponsored event included amazing cuisine, family activities, and, of course, a live performance with Jon Costas performing with some of the area’s best bands.

Pikk’s, Don Quijote, and Ricochet served at Mayor Costas’ August 17th Event

According to Valpo Events, it was a celebration of Valpo’s success with Mayor Costas, complete with carnival rides and a bounce house for the kids.  

Jon Costas and the Conservadellics.

Live entertainment by The Mega Beatles. It is members from The Crawpuppies and Chris and Lou.  

Past Mayors of Valparaiso

Name	Party	Term
Thomas J. Merrifield	D	1865-1868
Thomas G. Lytle	R	1868-1872
John N. Skinner	D	1872-1882
Thomas G. Lytle	R	1882-1886
Alvin D. Bartholomew	D	1886-1888
Thomas G. Lytle	R	1888-1892
Frank P. Jones	D	1892-1894
Col. I.C.B. Suman	R	1894-1898
Addison E. Woodhull	D	1898-1902
William F. Spooner	D	1902-1906
William H. Williams	R	1906-1910
William F. Spooner	D	1910-1914
Perry L. Sisson	–	1914-1922
Edgerton W. Agar	R	1922-1926
William F. Spooner	D	1926-1928
Louis F. Leetz	R	1928-1930
Harold J. Schenck	R	1930-1935
Charles L. Bartholomew	R	1935-1944
Garrett Conover	R	1944-1948
Elden Kuehl	D	1948-1952
John E. Wiggins	R	1952-1960
Donald E. Will	R	1960-1968
Bryce Billings	R	1968-1972
Elden Kuehl	D	1972-1984
David A. Butterfield	D	1984-2004
Jon Costas	R	2004-Present

More Reading:

 Cool Car….No Boundaries. Your Blog for Fun things to do in Northwest Indiana.

• Secrets to choosing & installing a car seat. From infant car seats to boosters.
• Winter-driving tips: How to keep your family safe in Northwest Indiana
• Car maintenance tips for winters in Northwest Indiana: Cold Cars…No Boundaries
• 11 Simple Tips for Winter Car Care: Cold Car…No Boundaries?
• 5 ways to have fun with a Jeep… even if you don’t have one.
• What is the Jeep Wave and why it’s so big in Valparaiso?
• Jon Costas Says Goodbye: A Drive Down Memory Lane in a Jeep.
• 15 best day trips from Northwest Indiana: Cool “daycations” by Car.
• Best things to do in Valpo… secrets to a Summer to Remember in the downtown!
• Valpo’s Top Music Venues
• Valpo’s best bands, musicians and sound: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• The Valpo live music scene: Cool Car… No Boundaries
• Top 21 things to do in Northwest Indiana in 2019: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Top 11 tips for a remarkable Holly Days: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• Valpo Museum Ambitious Exhibit Revealed: Cool Ram Truck…No Boundaries
• 5 Tips to live entertainment in Valpo: Cool Jeep…No Boundaries
• 11 Fun tips for your most remarkable Popcorn Festival: Cool Car…No Boundaries
• 3 Fun Things to do in Northwest Indiana: Cool Car… No Boundaries

So what is better than a day in a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited? A day in a Jeep when it’s with Mayor Jon Costas.

So what is better than a day in a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited? A day in a Jeep when it’s with Mayor Jon Costas. Valparaiso is a better place for knowing you, Jon Costas. Thanks for taking us for the ride.

Along with my sponsor, Griegers Motors, we hope you enjoyed this special edition of Cool Cars…No Boundaries, Jon Costas Says Goodbye: A Drive Down Memory Lane. 

 

Written by Jim Jano Janesheski,

JANO, LLC

 

 

Tags: central park, costas, event, Grieger's, Griegers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Jeep, jeep wave, jon, mayor, roundabout roads
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