Posts Tagged ‘Jeep’

Starting your Jeep in Cold Weather

Friday, January 30th, 2009

This time of year, Jeep vehicles around Monmouth Junction get cold. The cold weather can cause some serious problems for your Jeep, particularly when it comes to starting up. Understanding why this is and knowing what to do when it happens can help make sure you get on the road safely and on time this winter.

One of the reasons that a cold engine in your Jeep may have trouble starting has to do with your Jeep’s oil. You see, the cold weather causes your oil to become thicker. Just like any other liquid, oil changes consistency when it gets cold. This problem can be compounded if you have oil that’s not the right weight for your vehicle and climate. If you have an oil that isn’t the right weigh, it can make it difficult for the oil to circulate in your system. One way to overcome this is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for oil weight. Another option is to use synthetic oil, which doesn’t get thicker in cold weather.

Your Jeep’s battery may also cause problems with starting your Jeep in cold weather. All batteries tend to lose some of their capacity in the cold, and the battery can, eventually, stop giving enough of a charge to start your car. That’s why part of the process of winterizing your car should involve having your battery tested.

A look at the 2008 Jeep Commander

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Of all of the Jeep vehicles near Monmouth Junction, the 2008 Jeep Commander is probably one of the most impressive. The Commander combines the best qualities of the midsize SUV with the off road capability that Jeep is famous for. Whether you’re driving on the trail or around town, the Commander is an excellent choice.

The 2008 Jeep Commander uses a 4.7 liter V8 engine that’s more powerful than the previous version of the Jeep Commander. It weighs in at an amazing 305 horsepower. Interestingly enough, the more powerful engine actually gets slightly better fuel economy, as well. This vehicle uses Jeep’s Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control systems. The base engine for the 2008 Jeep Commander is a V6, while you can also opt with a top of the line V8 at 5.7 liters.

Inside the Jeep Commander you’ll find seats for seven passengers. The third row seat features a 50/50 split fold flat. The MyGIG system from Chrysler is optional, and it features not only navigation system that’s based on a hard drive, but also has the ability to play MP3 and other digital music files. You can also get Sirius Backseat TV, offering family entertainment for the rear seat.

The Family Jeep

Monday, January 26th, 2009

The Jeep brand doesn’t usually bring to mind words like “comfort” and “family.” While Jeep vehicles are known for their quality, they’re not known for being able to cart kids around from one event to the next. Jeep, by design, is rugged and meant to be rough around the edges.

Still, Jeep has several vehicles that don’t necessarily fit this stereotype. In fact, there are at least three Jeeps that a family would be more than comfortable with.

Take, for example, the Jeep Commander. This is a high-end Jeep SUV. The Commander is full of premium features. On this vehicle you’ll find chrome accents, leather and wood trim, three rows of seats, 15 different cargo and seating configurations, and all sorts of optional gadgets and luxury items. The Commander is great for a family.

Another good Jeep for a family is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has plenty of off-road capability, but you won’t think about it once you’re sitting inside. It has comfortable seating, with plenty of room, and is fine for town driving.

There’s even a crossover SUV in the Jeep Family. The Jeep Compass is much bigger on the inside than you’d think, and it gets amazing gas mileage. It gets 23 miles per gallon in the city, and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. Unlike other Jeeps, the Compass isn’t even available in a 4×4 version.

If you’re looking for a new Jeep near Avenel, consider one of these vehicles today.

Electric Jeeps for Sale Soon

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

The Detroit auto show this year introduced consumers to two new extended range electric Jeep concept vehicles. The first of these is the new Jeep Patriot, and the other is a modified Jeep Wrangler.

These extended range Jeep vehicles are a part of the overall strategy of Chrysler to provide extended range electric vehicle throughout its various brand lineups. It is expected that these will be the first part of a series of five released to occur during 2009.

The fact that the Jeep Wrangler is being offered as a plug-in hybrid demonstrates the believe on the part of Chrysler that Jeep owners are environmentally conscious, and can help to give the company a seriously competitive advantage. An electric version of the ultimate iconic Jeep would be very appealing to Jeep owners.

The Jeep Wrangler EV will be a two-wheel drive. It’s expected that the company will continue to look at options in hopes of developing a four-wheel drive version with in-wheel electric motors, allowing each wheel to be controlled separately.

If you want to know more about jeeps for sale near Avenel, come and see your Jeep dealer today. It will be a while before the Jeep EV is available, so come get the best Jeep you can in the meantime.

The Military Jeep J8

Monday, January 19th, 2009

While Jeep has become a commercial success due in large part to its ability to get the driver just about anywhere she wants to go, it can be easy to forget that Jeep was, and is, first and foremost a military vehicle. Today’s military-grade Jeep is the Jeep J8.

The Jeep J8 is based on the Wrangler Unlimited frame. The frame is reinforced to make this jeep even sturdier and to allow it to carry larger loads, whether that is military equipment or personnel.

The military Jeep J8 comes as a two-door with a pickup bed or a four-door multipurpose vehicle. There are a number of vehicle body options, allowing either a left or a right hand drive. There are all sorts of configurations and options, too.

Some of the kinds of things you’ll see on the military Jeep that you won’t see on a civilian version of the vehicle might include things like armor plating, a metal hard top, and even mounting brackets for a .50 caliber machine gun.

While these military Jeeps aren’t for sale, you will find plenty of Jeeps for sale near Monmouth Junction. Stop in to your dealer today and see what they have to offer to you.

Jeep Safety: Off Road

Friday, January 16th, 2009

If you want to take your Denville area Jeep vehicle off road, chances are you’re going to do some preparation. You’re going to make sure you have the equipment you need, from tires to a winch to the right shocks.

In addition to preparing your vehicle, you need to prepare your mind. You want to have a safe off road experience, so there are some things you should plan for before you hit the trail. In addition to the on-road safety tips we talked about last time, here are some safety ideas you need to keep in mind specifically for when you take your Jeep off road:

  • Make sure you have a solid and quality rollcage.
  • Get a fire extinguisher and secure it to the Jeep at all times.
  • Don’t try to drive through questionably difficult terrain. If it’s doubtful, don’t chance it.
  • Know the path. Know what’s ahead, or what’s at the top of a hill before you proceed.
  • Keep focused. When you drive on ground that’s not stable, you can easily be thrown off course.
  • Take it slow. Watch your speed. You’ll be much safer if you keep it down.

Follow just these few tips and you can help avoid a large majority of the causes of Jeep off road accidents.

Jeep Safety: On Road

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

One of the areas that Jeep gets criticized in by other people is the issue of safety. There are those naysayers who, every time they see Jeep vehicles near Monmouth Junction, they assume that it’s a rollover accident waiting to happen.

The good news here is that Jeeps are as safe as other vehicles. Any SUV, for example, can experience a rollover. The key is maintaining good safety practices when you’re driving your Jeep, both on and off the road.

Here are some things that you ought to keep in mind to keep your Jeep safe when you’re on pavement:

  • Maintain a reasonable speed when you’re on the road. Don’t go too fast, especially when the weather is bad. The Jeep is build to take you where you want to go, but not necessarily to do it In a hurry.
  • Be careful when making sharp turns. Rollover accidents, whether they involve a Jeep or not, are most often due to quick turns or panicked turns.
  • Be alert. Pay attention to when you’re driving. Inattention is one of the leading causes of all car accidents.
  • Know your Jeep vehicle’s limits, and respect those limits.
  • Avoid braking hard in bad weather. The good news here is that anti-lock brakes minimize the risk of this happening today.

Jeep winter Survival Tips

Monday, January 12th, 2009

Just because winter has already begun doesn’t mean that it’s too late to get your Denville area Jeep ready for the harsh weather. If you haven’t yet taken the time to go over your vehicle to get ready for snow and ice, here are some things you should do today:

  • Check your hoses to make sure there are no bulges, cracks or anything else. Heat cycling in the cold weather is rough on the rubber that makes up those hoses, so make sure they’re in top shape to start with. Take a look at accessory drive belts, too.
  • Spray your tailgate, lift gate, rubber door and your hood seals with a quality silicone-based spray. if moisture gets in there and freezes, you’re going to have problems getting in.
  • Lubricate your door and tailgate locks with a graphite based lock lubricant. This also will help you from getting frozen out of your vehicle.
  • Make sure any electrical connectors that might be exposed to the elements, such as those on lights, your winch or even an electric fan have dielectric grease applied to stave off corrosion.
  • Use the winter-grade windshield fluid, draining the stuff you used during the summer.

Starting your Jeep in the Cold

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Here in the Northern U.S., winters can be harsh for your vehicle. This inclement weather can cause many problems, not the least of which is getting your cold Jeep to start.

If you’re driving a new Jeep near Monmouth Junction, chances are you might not have any problems. Still, it’s worth understanding what it is that can cause starting problems in cold weather, as well as knowing what to do about it.

A cold Jeep, like other vehicles,may have trouble starting for a number of reasons. First of all, the cold weather causes your oil to become thicker. Like any other liquid, oil changes consistency when it gets cold. If you have an oil that isn’t the right weigh, it can make it difficult for the oil to circulate in your system. One way to overcome this is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for oil weight. Another optoin is to use synthetic oil, which doesn’t get thicker in cold weather.

In addition, you might have problems starting your car in the winter because of the battery. Batteries tend to lose some of their capacity in the cold, and the battery can, eventually, stop giving enough of a charge to start your car. For this reason, one of the most important things you can do when you’re preparing your car for winter is to have your battery tested. If it’s near the end of its life, replacing it may mean the difference between your car starting in winter or not.

Keeping an Eye on your Jeep Windshield

Friday, January 2nd, 2009

We know that you want your Jeep vehicles near Denville to be in the best shape they can be. One of the most important things to consider when it comes to your Jeep’s safety is your car window.

A cracked or damaged car window can be terribly dangerous. A damaged window or windshield that goes unfixed will stop functioning safely within just a couple of months. The “safety” glass used in your windows and your windshield can become a hazard if you don’t care for it properly.

To understand what can happen, you need to know a little bit about your car’s glass. The safety glass in your car helps to prevent a vehicle occupant from being jettisoned when there’s a crash. In addition, it’s designed so that, in the event of an accident, the windshield will shatter into small pieces. This makes it unlikely that the glass will then cause large cuts on the body during an accident.

Once there’s a crack in the windshield, however, there is a problem. Safety glass uses a laminate substance to bond the glass. After a few months of exposure to the elements, that laminate no longer adheres to the glass and it tends to lose its flexibility.

If you’ve got a windshield crack in your Jeep, make sure to get it looked at today.