The Magnum Life » Hints & Tips

Do You Know What MERGE Means?

Larry Hendrick — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:29:25 +0000

Do you know what MERGE means? One of the hazards of driving 4000 miles each month is the other drivers. I’m serious, if I were alone on the highways, it would go much better. I realize that is unrealistic, but a man can dream. As I travel the State of Texas in my Dodge Magnum, I see all types of drivers … hot rodders, lil’ old ladies, and fresh, green teenagers.

They all have their shortcomings, but this is one of my biggest pet peeves when I am on cruise control. MERGE means something.

MERGE is a technical term meaning … Don’t Pull in front of me if you’re driving slower.

Let me know what your pet peeve is when behind the wheel. Surely I’m not the only one … can I?

Can you Jump Start a Dodge Magnum

Larry Hendrick — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 23:50:14 +0000

Recently, I discovered a heretofore, unknown problem to me. My 2007 Dodge Magnum battery died and the fun ensued.

If only the drivers door is unlocked, the rear hatch won’t open because it is on the same lock as the other three doors. If the battery is dead, unlocking the rear hatch is made much more difficult.

Watch and see.

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Have you discovered a faster, better way to accomplish the jump start? If so, I’d sure like to know. It was a long and hard experience when it happened.

The three great essentials to achieving anything worthwhile are; first, hard work, second, stick-ti-it-iveness, and third, common sense. — Thomas A. Edison

My 2 Most Important Sales Tips

Larry Hendrick — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 23:30:41 +0000

Over the last few years, I have worked with a lot of Distributor Sales Reps (DSR) and found that fundamentally they have problems with a couple of the basics of selling 101.

In this video, I give my two most important sales tips and look forward to what you can add to the discussion in the comments.

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What are your two most important sales tips for young or old salesmen? If you had to boil it all down to the simplest form, what is the bottom line.

A team is a group of people who may not be equal in experience, talent, or education, but in committment — Patricia Fripp

K&N Replacement Filter for the Magnum

Larry Hendrick — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 15:49:33 +0000

I bought my 2007 Dodge Magnum in March of 2007 with just over 19,000 miles on it. After eight months, the mileage is now just over 48,000 miles and I’m lovin’ it.

On November 1st, I installed a K&N replacement filter, removing and throwing away the paper one. It is an easy process on the Dodge, snapping off the cover, laying the filter in, re-snapping the cover. I didn’t expect the same change as doing a full on K&N kit install, but have been pleasantly surprised.

It does seem to breathe easier, but that is subjective. I haven’t documented any gas mileage increase, but I also installed new tires at the same time. I’ll have more on the tires later.

Is changing to the million mile high-flow air filter worth the $50? Time will tell … and I’ll keep you up to date.

Photo courtesy The Master Shake Signal

How Often Do You Change Your Oil?

Larry Hendrick — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:20:55 +0000

Me and my Dodge Magnum on Padre Island

How often do you really need to change your oil? Every 3000 miles? Every 4000 miles? A lot of controversy surrounds this topic and the discussion will continue.Most manufacturers include recommendations in the owners manual for the frequency of different maintenance items.

A video recently released by General Motors suggests every 9000 to 11,000 miles. Does that seem too far to you?

For years, I have adhered to a 4000-5000 mile schedule for my cars with great success. I have kept my eye on the condition of the oil, checking cleanliness and feel as the miles added up. After years of doing this, I came up with my own rule that works. I drive my cars over 200,000 miles without any major engine repairs needed.

Transmissions are my problem. The last two road cars have had their transmissions rebuilt twice each. The first seems to happen at about 135,000 miles with the second coming at around 190,000. The rebuilt tranny never lasts as long as the factory new build, which is reasonable, in a way.

What are your thought on changing your oil? How often do you do yours?