Off-Roading With Your Jeep: The Do’s and Don’ts
Jeep has long been popular for the company’s selection of vehicles that boast off-road features and capabilities. However, all of the bells and whistles a vehicle possesses mean nothing if the driver does not use them appropriately. There are several tips to remember in order to ensure the adventure remains enjoyable.
Obey the rules
Parks and other public locations typically post rules for the location. Follow the regulations to ensure the safety of your crew and the safety of others. Resist the urge to go off-roading on private property unless first obtaining permission.
Expect the unexpected-
Remember Murphy’s law: anything that can go wrong will. Prepare for dilemmas by packing a heavy-duty jack, a shovel, a tow strap, traction mats, and maybe a winch. Do not forget a blanket, flashlight, water, and snacks in case of emergencies. Do not go off-roading before filling up the gas tank.
Know the vehicle
Before off-roading, it’s important to know what gears to use for different terrain types. Knowing when to use AWD, 4WD, or lock the differentials also crucial when off-roading. Familiarize yourself with removing the doors and windshield. Check all of the fluid levels and the tire pressure before going on backroads. In some instances, decreasing tire pressure prevents vehicles from getting stuck.
Stay connected
Bring a fully charged smartphone, which comes in handy, should an emergency arise. Also, pack the phone charger.
Off-road with a friend
Bringing a companion enhances the fun of the adventure. In the event of a flat tire, getting stuck, or other problems, an extra person is great for helping with the problem.
Formulate a plan
Know the terrain before embarking on the adventure. When planning on off-roading at a park, get a map or talk to a ranger. Learn about popular sites to see, along with locations to avoid. Find out if the destination has cellphone reception or if you need other forms of communication. When on-site, get out and survey the trail ahead and determine the best route to take. Lastly, check for obstacles or hazards.
Avoid water
Some standing water sites might appear shallow but have the potential to swallow the entire front end of the vehicle. Sticky silt also often lies at the bottom of chronically wet locations making it reasonably easy to get stuck.
Safe Winter Driving Tips
If you’ve read my blog about how to winterize your car, you are well prepared to set up your car for the winter. But what about you as the driver? What are some precautions you can take before driving in the wintry weather? Read on to find out:
Promote Visibility
Winter weather comes with a vast reduction in visibility. You want to be as visible to other vehicles as possible, especially during winter weather events. You always want to have your lights on when driving in wintry conditions. Half of fatalities happen at night or right at dawn or dusk. That shows that when you are unable to see other cars properly, you are at a higher risk for an accident. Keep your headlights clean and clear by wiping any snow or ice off before driving.
Know Your Brakes
When driving in the ice or snow, you always want to pump your breaks rather than slam hard on them. You must know how your brakes respond to the ice and snow before setting out on dangerous roads. If your brakes are extremely touchy, it won’t take much to pump them. If they require more effort, know that before hitting the roads.
Don’t Rely Completely on All Wheel Drive
Unfortunately, many drivers falsely believe that their all-wheel drive vehicle is enough to get them through any winter driving event. While all-wheel drive does help by giving the driver increased control during turning, there are plenty of things all-wheel drive does not prevent. Even with all-wheel drive, you need to make your car as visible as possible and use your breaks correctly in order to avoid an accident.
Leave plenty of Room to Stop
When driving in the wintry conditions, you want to give even more space for braking than normal. You will have to contend with ice, snow, black ice, soft and hard packed snow.
According to Motorwise, it takes ten times the usual distance to stop when you’re driving in the snow. You will want to give yourself that much room if not more.
Inevitably, you will have to drive at some point during winter conditions. By following the above tips, you will give yourself the best possible chance of arriving at your destination safely! Be sure you and your car are highly visible, know how your brakes work, don’t be reliant on all wheel drive and leave plenty of room to stop.
How to Winterize Your Car
Whether you like it or not, winter is right around the corner. That means you need to prepare your house and your vehicles for the upcoming weather. What are some tips for winterizing your car?
Stock Your Car with Emergency Supplies
Your car should be stocked with emergency supplies all year round, but especially in the winter. You never know when your car will break down or weather will prevent you from driving any further. If that were to happen, you want to be prepared, so stock your car with supplies. You will want to have a set of jumper cables, two flashlights, blankets, a first aid kit, a folding shovel, and extra water. Depending on the makeup of your family, you may want to add baby supplies as well.
Consider Snow Tires
Do you live somewhere that tends to be snow covered all winter? If so, you want to invest in snow tires. Snow-tires are created from a different type of rubber. This softer rubber lets the tired have more flexibility in the cold air. In addition, snow tires are designed with very specific patterns that allow the tires to grip into snow and ice.
Replace and Refill Fluids
When winter hits, you want all of the fluids in your car to be full. So while it is still Fall, go ahead and check the levels and then fill everything. The coolant in your car is necessary to keep your radiator from freezing with the low temperatures. You will want to check your oil as well and make sure it is full. Some mechanics do recommend switching to a thinner oil over the winter.
Lastly, you will want to check and fill your windshield washer fluid. You will need that to keep a clear and clean windshield. If you have any questions, refer to your car’s user manual or ask your mechanic.
Whether you love the winter or hate it, your car needs your attention in the colder months. Stock your car up with emergency supplies in the case that you get stranded in a blizzard. Consider putting snow tires on your car so you are better equipped to handle the icy and slippery roads. Lastly, make sure all your cars’ fluids are full. This includes coolant, windshield washer fluid, and oil.
About Alexis Khazzam
Alexis Khazzam is a dedicated entrepreneur based in Peoria, IL. He is the owner of Junction Ventures, AppsCo and Alpha Jeep & Motorsports.
Recognized both nationally and internationally a leading customization shop, Alexis Khazzam and the Alpha Jeep team provide unparalleled services. Their work has been featured at the 2015 F1 Grand Prix showcase in Montreal, Canada, as well as at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Some of their work has also been featured on the cover of Forza Magazine and the subject of a full article in Truckin’s annual “Ultimate Parts Guide” issue.
Alexis Khazzam passion for customizing his own vehicles was what initiated his car customization business. Over time, his weekend passion grew into a budding small business, and now Khazzam and the Alpha Jeep team are customizing Jeep vehicles, high-performance and luxury cars throughout central Illinois and the Midwest.
Alpha Jeep and Motorsports officially opened its doors in 2013. As a licensed Quadratec- and ARIES-sponsored dealer, the Alpha Jeep team performs many different Jeep customizations. Whether it’s upgrading your engine or installing bull bars or modular bumpers for your Wrangler, they are the best place to do the job. They also customize domestic and import vehicles of all makes and models. As a licensed dealer of APR products, they promise the highest quality products will be used to upgrade your vehicle’s ECU, motor, suspension, exterior lighting or interior style.
Today, Alexis Khazzam prides his business on their exclusive and interpersonal nature of customer service. The Alpha Jeep team goes above and beyond for every client, meeting with you personally and working with you on every step on the customization process. Their small size allows them to truly focus on your vehicle.
Apart from Alpha Jeep and Motorsports, Alexis Khazzam is also the owner of Junction City Shopping Center and AppsCo. Junction City Shopping Center opened in 1956 and is still based in Peoria, IL today. Junction City offers shoppers a collection of locally owned, premier retail boutiques in one beautiful and convenient setting. Another one of Alexis Khazzam’s business ventures is AppsCo, a not-for-profit organization providing a fully integrated business learning experience for public school students. AppsCo is a software application doubling as a learning tool to give students hands-on business experience and, potentially, a paycheck.
