Jeep Upgrades & Accessories to Elevate Your Summer
Whether they are rocking the city or riding the rocks, Jeep owners master the trail with style and attitude. They know that getting “there” is only half the battle. If the vehicle doesn’t make it back, the trip is not a success. Taking steps to ensure a safe return starts with common sense and a few accessories.
A winch is arguably the first line of defense toward a successful return home. It can be used to get out of a rut, a rollover, or to tow home a debilitated friend. Winches can be front or rear mounted, rigged with wire cable or synthetic line, and are rated up to 15,000 pounds of pulling power. Some are manually operated at the base or they may be equipped for wireless operation.
Tires with tall, reinforced sidewalls and a toothy tread will help minimize pinching a hole in the tire when bouncing off of rocks and slippage on steep terrain. High profile tires can be deflated for better traction as necessary. It is a good idea to bring along a portable air compressor to re-inflate the tires after reaching less formidable ground.
Lift Kits, simply put, will provide more ground clearance and make water crossings less wet. A complete kit includes everything necessary to offer a safe and stable 2 or 4 inch lift, including coil springs, shocks, alignment cams, stabilizer bars, and linking hardware. Installing a lift increases clearance, but also changes breakover, approach, and departure angles.
Rocker steps or rock sliders are tube type bumpers that are mounted along the body sidewall. They keep the body from sustaining damage from rocks or stumps and double as steps.
A skid plate will protect the undercarriage from bouncing directly off of rocks. This protects the oil pan, gas tank, and transfer case from punctures and damage from debris.
Side mirrors are an absolute must, but they don’t always fare so well when the road gets narrow. Quick release side mirrors fold away and pop back out where they belong.
The relationship between wheelbase and driver is imperative to safe off-roading. Always take a minute to get familiar with how the Jeep handles before heading too far off the beaten path.
Why People Love Their Jeeps
As Jeep sales continue to rise, more and more people are becoming a part of a new culture where average Americans and outdoor enthusiasts merge into a group called Jeepers.
Customizations
People love the ability to customize their Jeeps. Owners customize their Jeeps not only for style, but for ability as well. One way to look at Jeeps is as a Mr. Potato Head. Owners can have their Jeep look one way in the morning and a totally different way at night with the addition and removal of customizations. For example, maybe the morning is still chilly, so you leave the hardtop on. But by the afternoon, it is warm and sunny, you may remove your roof completely.
The Ability to go off road
The primary concern for a Jeep, even in “stock” form, is to be off-road capable. The entire vehicle and suspension is built around that one goal. Jeeps have more ground-clearance than cars and even some trucks. While most cars are built to be driven on the road, the Jeep is and may have a few add-ons to lightly go off-road, the vehicle manufacturer’s primary concern is it being a street vehicle. Off-roading is a second thought.
The Ability to join the Jeep Community
Once you purchase a Jeep, you also gain a new fraternity of friends. Between those you meet around town who are also driving a Jeep, or those you’ll meet at Jeep events, message boards or chat rooms. The Jeep community is enthusiastic about their love of Jeeps. There are Jeep weeks at the beach, Jeep groups on Facebook and even Jeep conventions. Owning a Jeep instantly makes you part of a community.
The Ability to Drive in Any Weather
Jeeps are made to withstand the harshest of weather. From rain to mud to snow, a Jeeper can count on their vehicle to get them where they need to go.
Jeepers are popping up everywhere. It begs the question, “what is so great about a Jeep?” Most Jeepers would respond by telling you about the available customizations, ability to go off road, ability to be a part of a community and the ability to drive in all sorts of weather without concern.
Common Tire Myths
Many of us rely on our four tires every single day. We use our cars to go to work, to the gym, to run errands and pick up kids. We assume we are safe with the tires below us. However, many myths surround tires and their upkeep and if you believe these myths, you could end up doing extreme damage to your car.
When Replacing Two Tires, They both go on the Front
This is a very common tire myth. According to Popular Mechanic, rear tires provide stability, and without stability, steering or braking on a wet or even damp surface might cause a spin. This can be not only very scary, but also very dangerous! If you have new tires up front, they will easily disperse water while the half-worn rears will go surfing: The water will literally lift the worn rear tires off the road. So what do you do when you need to replace two tires? The tires with the most tread should always go on the rear.
All Cars come with Spare Tires
This used to be the standard, but not anymore. For both space-saving reasons and fuel efficiency, approximately one in three new cars don’t come with a spare tire in the trunk. Instead, you’ll get a “temporary mobility kit” with a tire sealant and a tire inflator or run-flat tires.
Tires should be rotated once a year
Tire rotation should occur every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, which should coincide with your car’s oil changes. Most people drive more than 5,000 miles in a year, meaning you should have your tires rotated more than once a year.
You Should Never continue Driving on a Flat Tire
Run-flat tires, which allow you to keep driving even after a puncture in your tire, are becoming more and more popular. This allows the drive to drive to a shop instead of waiting on the side of the road for help. Run-flat tires can be driven at speeds up to 50 miles per hour, although they are not meant for long term use.
Considering you rely on your tires to carry you and your precious cargo daily, you should be sure to put the proper maintenance and care into those tires. Remember that new tires should go on the back, tires need rotated every 5,000 miles and that you may drive on your run-flat tires. By dispelling these common tire myths, your car and its cargo will thank you!
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.
