Blog

Alfa Romeos are built for drivers who simply love driving. These race-inspired, stunning luxury cars handle beautifully with responsive and seamless gear shifting. You can maintain this optimal driving experience and minimize wear for the full lifespan of your car with routine transmission care at your Alfa Romeo dealership. Keep Your Shifting Smooth and Precise An Alfa Romeo gearbox is a work of fine craftsmanship, delivering instant, effortless gear shifts at precisely the right moment. If you love your car and daily driving experience, why jeopardize that with insufficient transmission maintenance? Keep up with routine servicing, and your car will keep outperforming almost every other vehicle on the road. Avoid Slipping, Hesitating, and Sticking Gears Imagine sudden delays to your shifting while the engine revs erratically. Or worse, picture gears slipping and changing on their own or refusing to shift at all. When a transmission is neglected for long enough, these are the hazardous faults that inevitably develop. Save Significant Expense on Repairs The cost of regular transmission upkeep is nothing compared to the expense of repairs it helps to avoid. As with any important car part, preventative maintenance will save your transmission from the most serious and pricey repair work down the road. Optimize Your Car's Fuel Efficiency When the transmission is well-lubricated and performing at its best, it sends the engine's power efficiently to the wheels. This maximizes the miles you travel for each gallon of gas, maxing out your car's gas mileage. Minimize the Risk of Fluid Leaks Over time, slight wear and tear in a transmission's torque converter seal, pan gasket, fluid lines, or drain plug can threaten to cause a leak. Such a leak could be catastrophic for your gearbox. During a transmission inspection, our technicians will make sure that every component and seal is firm and as unlikely to leak as possible. Prevent Your Gearbox From Overheating With so many gears working under great pressure inside a transmission, there's always a risk of excessive friction, leading to overheating. Regular gearbox care ensures the transmission fluid is fresh enough to minimize friction. How Often To Book Professional Transmission Care Transmission fluid typically only needs to be flushed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles; you should check the ideal interval in your owner's manual. For optimal maintenance, it's important to have your transmission and its fluid checked much more frequently than this. Visit Criswell Alfa Romeo in Germantown, MD, today to schedule a suitable service schedule for you and your car. Since 2012, our family owned and operated dealership has been providing the region's luxury car drivers with exceptional vehicles and customer care.

Trying to decide between the Stelvio and the Tonale? These two are among the highest-rated vehicles you'll find at our Alfa Romeo dealership. To help you out, we've broken down how they compare in terms of performance, efficiency, space, and even tech. Engine and Transmission The Stelvio's turbo-four punches out 280 horsepower, 306 lb-ft of torque, and winds out to 149 mph. All of it funnels through a buttery-slick ZF gearbox to all four wheels. Specs aside, the real reason to buy the Stelvio is that it drives like Alfa meant it. The same chassis as the Giulia gives it poise in corners and just the right amount of edge. Its steering is light and full of life, making it more like a sports sedan. The smaller Tonale offers two engine choices. One is a 268-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged gas-only engine paired with a nine-speed automatic. The other is a 285-horsepower plug-in hybrid that combines a 1.3-liter turbo with a 15.5 kWh battery and a six-speed auto. Pick either, and you're getting sharp steering and lively handling. Fuel Efficiency The Tonale hybrid gives you 33 miles of all-electric range, then switches over to the gas engine for a combined 29 mpg, with up to 360 miles of total range. Charging this plug-in hybrid at home takes about two and a half hours on a 240-volt outlet or around eight hours using a standard outlet. Go for the gas-only Tonale, and the EPA says you're looking at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. On the flip side, EPA estimates for the 2025 Stelvio come in at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Space and Creature Comforts The Stelvio rides on a wheelbase that's seven inches longer and stands three inches taller than the Tonale, giving it the upper hand in headroom and road presence. But the Tonale makes smarter use of space, with 23 cubic feet of cargo room compared to the Stelvio's 18.5 and a roomier backseat offering (38 inches of legroom vs. 32 in the Stelvio). Inside, the Stelvio comes with standard leather upholstery, while the Tonale is dressed with premium cloth. The Stelvio features an 8.8-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver display. The Tonale counters with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and the same 12.3-inch digital cluster. Both offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Stelvio and the Tonale each bring something unique to the table. The best way to find your fit is to get behind the wheel of both. Reach out to Criswell Alfa Romeo in Germantown, MD, and set up your test drive.

High performance is one of the reasons you chose an Alfa Romeo, and regular maintenance ensures its systems always provide peak performance. As your Alfa Romeo dealership, we want to tell you about a few of the many services we offer that can keep your vehicle in perfect condition. Alternator Replacement The alternator is a mini generator that produces electricity for your Alfa Romeo's systems. It spins at high speed, creating magnetic energy, which is converted to AC and then to the required DC. It also recharges the battery to ensure it's always fully charged. Alternators are relatively long-lived and are usually replaced after eight years. As an alternator gets older, it slows down and produces less electricity than it once did. This slowdown is irreversible, and as the alternator produces less power, your vehicle's systems will be affected. Slow accessories, random electrical faults, and dim headlights are all potential signs of a failing alternator. We'll test your alternator and install a new one if required. more Coolant Leak Coolant is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle as it can absorb heat. The cooling system is high-pressurized, and the coolant moves through the engine at high speed, absorbing heat as it travels. The heat is transported to the radiator, where it's removed by heat exchange. Removing heat is vital, as an excessively high temperature in the engine causes seals and valves to crack and leak and damages many other engine components. Time, heat, and pressure will cause parts to wear out. A worn radiator cap, cracked radiator hoses, or a damaged radiator are some of the issues that can cause a leak. As coolant is lost, the pressure inside the cooling system drops, and the remaining coolant slows down. As a result, the engine temperature will climb steadily. Our technicians will fix the leak and then refill the coolant. Tire Balancing A tire's center of balance should be located at the bead, which is the tire section that surrounds the hub. As time passes, tire balance can change due to driving over rough terrain, hitting a pothole, worn shocks, or other issues. If a tire is incorrectly balanced, some of its sections will suffer more friction than others, causing a tire to wear out faster than necessary. We correct this problem by attaching each tire to our computerized balancing machine, which spins the tire to mimic driving. The computer will identify any issues, and we'll add weights to the tire to compensate and restore its balance. If you'd like to learn more about our services or book a service, contact us at Criswell Alfa Romeo in Germantown, MD.

An Alfa Romeo is built for precision, power, and style—and proper maintenance ensures it stays that way. Our dealership offers specialized services designed to protect your vehicle’s performance and keep it in peak condition. more Brake System Service Your Alfa Romeo’s brakes are engineered for quick, responsive stopping power, which is essential for both performance and safety. Over time, brake pads wear down, fluid can absorb moisture, and rotors may develop uneven surfaces. If you hear squealing noises, feel vibrations, or notice longer stopping distances, it’s time to have your brakes inspected. Our certified technicians will check pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure your braking system is sharp and reliable. Oil and Filter Change Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, reducing friction, keeping components clean, and preventing overheating. High-performance engines like Alfa Romeo’s demand high-quality oil that can withstand intense driving conditions. As oil breaks down over time, it loses its protective qualities and allows contaminants to build up. Routine oil and filter changes at the recommended intervals keep your engine smooth, efficient, and ready to perform at its peak. Transmission Service Your transmission channels the engine’s power to the wheels with seamless precision. Over time, transmission fluid breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating gears, which can lead to slipping, hard shifts, or delayed engagement. Our team can inspect the transmission, flush old fluid, and replace it with fresh fluid designed for Alfa Romeo vehicles. This service helps maintain smooth acceleration and long-term reliability. If you'd like to learn more about our services or book a service, contact us at Chriswell Alfa Romeo in Germantown, MD.

The responsive, powerful engine, nimble handling, and driver-centric interior make the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale a great option in the luxury compact SUV segment. A unique, sharply styled exterior helps it stand out, and a choice between a gas-powered or hybrid engine lets you select your ideal level of efficiency. What Makes the Tonale Such a Great Small SUV? Powerful Performance Originally offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, the 2025 Tonale now comes with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in its base configuration. A nine-speed automatic transmission controls the power, and all-wheel drive is standard. The sport suspension and electric power steering create a sporty, responsive driving experience that keeps you engaged and offers endless fun on twisty roads. The Tonale Hybrid features a 1.3-liter inline-four plug-in hybrid powertrain that makes 285 hp and 347 lb-ft. This option comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and a combined gas fuel economy rating of 29 mpg. With gas and electricity combined, you'll enjoy an efficiency rating of 77 mpge. Exquisite Style The 2025 Tonale is a sight to behold with uniquely sculpted front fascia, a Dark Miron V Scudetto grille, and 18-inch black diamond-cut wheels with black and white Alfa Romeo center wheel caps. LED Trilobe headlamps illuminate your path and include an automatic dusk sensor. LED front fog lights are standard to improve visibility in inclement weather. A chrome "Tonale" badge, LED Trilobe tail lights, a body-colored rear spoiler, and matte-black rear bumper caps complete the sophisticated look. Inside, you'll be greeted by a black headliner, vinyl door trim and instrument panel, and aluminum pedals. A leather sport steering wheel is standard, and the sport cloth seats feature Biscotto stitching. Luxurious Interior Eight-way power-adjustable heated front seats with four-way power lumbar support are standard in the 2025 Tonale for exceptional comfort. The center console includes an armrest, and an overhead console provides extra storage. The 60/40 rear seats include a ski pass-through, and back-seat passengers will enjoy 38 inches of legroom. Dual-zone temperature control lets the driver and front passenger select their own temperature settings, and rear air vents ensure comfort for everyone else. A 10.25-inch touchscreen delivers the Uconnect 5 infotainment system and features navigation, integrated voice command, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There's also a standard wireless charging pad to help keep your smartphone battery full. The luxurious 2025 Tonale is the perfect solution for drivers who need the space of an SUV without sacrificing a fun experience behind the wheel. When you're ready to test its handling for yourself and check out all the upscale features this ride has to offer, visit us at Criswell Alfa Romeo in Germantown, MD!

With its flowing lines and bold features, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is Italian automotive design at its finest. But there is far more to this dynamic mid-size SUV than its sporty good looks. The Stelvio delivers exhilarating power and crisp handling on demand. Inside the Stelvio's refined cabin, you'll find thoughtful features that elevate comfort and convenience everywhere you go. Explore SUV driving reimagined with an Italian flair in the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Italian Design That Moves You Engineered to Perform Whether you're powering through your to-do list or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is engineered to deliver peak performance wherever life takes you. The dynamic all-aluminum 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine produces a robust 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque for exciting capability whenever it's needed. With standard all-wheel drive, the Stelvio is built to take on life's challenges and answer the call when adventure beckons. Bold Italian Style The Alfa Romeo Stelvio commands attention anywhere it goes with its Italian design influences. The distinctive black V Scudetto front grille is framed by brilliant LED Adaptive Matrix Trilobe headlights to announce the Stelvio's arrival with head-turning style. The 19-inch 5-hole aluminum wheels, front Brembo brakes with silver calipers, and darkened dual exhaust tips add a racetrack-inspired look to the Stelvio's sporty exterior. Elegantly Appointed Interior The Alfa Romeo Stelvio's refined interior boasts luxuriously appointed details that create a relaxing and soothing environment. Supple leather seats pamper you with spa-like treatment, and the power-adjustable front seats feature built-in heating for extra coziness. To enhance cabin comfort for all occupants, the dual-zone climate control system maintains two separate temperature settings and offers front and rear HVAC vents. Connectivity on the Road Wherever your next destination lies, the Stelvio's technology-rich cabin will keep you connected and engaged while on the road. The advanced infotainment platform features a vivid 8.8" multi-touch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, hands-free phone and audio functions, and a vibrant eight-speaker sound system for enjoying your favorite content on the go. To keep your devices running, the Stelvio offers multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. Advanced Safety Technology From everyday driving around your neighborhood to epic family adventures, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio's advanced safety technologies keep a watchful eye on driving conditions around your SUV to keep you and your passengers safe. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control with full-stop technology, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist, and road sign recognition. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is SUV elegance infused with Italian design. Boasting innovative engineering and modern technology, the stylish Stelvio makes everyday driving memorable and exciting. To elevate the way you drive, connect with our experienced sales team at Criswell Alfa Romeo in Germantown, MD, and test drive the Stelvio today.

The Embodiment of Performance The engine block of the 2025 Giulia is made completely from aluminum for a heightened power to weight ratio, and it delivers turbocharged thrills with every drive. Its 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft of torque put tremendous power at the driver's command, and makes the Giulia the most powerful turbo engine in its class.  Rear-wheel drive is standard, but AWD is available for increased grip and extra confidence when you need it. The Giulia's top speed of 149 miles per hour is best only on a track, and it represents the best the class has to offer. The same is true of its 0-60 time, which is as low as 5.1 seconds in AWD models and 5.5 seconds in RWD Giulias. The DNA Drive Mode Selector tool tunes performance for heightened performance or efficiency depending on the driver, and a precisely tuned suspension delivers sharp cornering for additional thrills. The Soul of Style What could be better than Italian leather? Standard leather-trimmed and cloth seats and an ultra-refined interior are just the beginning of what the Giulia brings to the table. Aluminum paddle shifters come standard for precise shifting, and acoustic laminated glass and automated electrochromatic dimming exterior mirrors mean that the sounds of traffic and bright headlights behind needn't interfere with your enjoyment. A low stance, handsome profile, and aerodynamic lines show the world what the Giulia is all about. Inside, the largest Digital Cluster Display in its class offers critical information with style and class. The Tributo Italiano package adds upgrades to both performance and style, and even flies the flag of the Giulia's heritage by featuring the Tricolore Italian flag on the headrests and mirror caps. The Best of Technology Advanced navigation software and compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are just the start of the advanced technology inside the Giulia. Available Active Cruise Control systems pair perfectly with Traffic Jam and Highway Assist features to offer incredible autonomous lane centering and following distance correction to make highway miles simple and easy. The Giulia keeps connected thanks to advanced communications technology onboard. Available Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity ensures easy internet access for the driver and their companions, and an SOS Call function makes it easy to connect with emergency services when needed. Subscribe to Alfa Connected Services, and the Giulia will keep your phone apprised of fuel levels, tire pressures, and maintenance needs. The perfect combination of refinement and performance has a name: Giulia. Take one for a test drive today at Criswell Alfa Romeo in Germantown, MD.