Steps for the Best Fuel Economy from your Car
Steps for the Best Fuel Economy from your Car
Gas prices vary from city to city and are generally unpredictable through the year. You certainly will not able to control these prices, but you can take several steps to get better fuel economy from your car. These steps are applicable for all cars, whether they are SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, or pickup trucks. Sometimes these methods help to increase the vehicle’s life as well.
Methods for Best Fuel Economy:
- Drive at a Steady Pace: Sudden acceleration or deceleration can have a negative impact on your vehicle’s mileage. When you look to drive aggressively, fuel consumption is invariably on the higher side. The best way for you to get a healthy mileage is to drive at a constant speed.
- Drive in the Correct Gear: There is no need to worry about the gears while driving an automatic vehicle where gearshifts do not have to be controlled. However, a lot of people drive using stick shift, and it is here that knowledge of gears comes in. If you are driving at a speed which is higher than what is ideal for that gear, your car will end up consuming more fuel than usual.
- Plan Trips Well: Do you need to go to multiple destinations on a single day? If yes, then remember to add all destinations to the map and check for the best route. This will ensure that you do not have to go back and forth on this trip and reduce your weekly fuel costs.
- Driving in the Heat: Heat is helpful for your car as it warms up fast and moves through warm air in an aerodynamic fashion. It is always a good idea to first remove the warm air while travelling through town and then use the air conditioner, as this helps cool the vehicle faster. Always remember to look for a shaded spot to park your vehicle.
- Driving in the Cold: Cold conditions have the potential to reduce your fuel economy by at least 20%, especially if you make several short trips. Slow moving traffic on snowy roads, reduced tire pressure, and variations in cold weather could make your vehicle burn more fuel than usual. It is a good idea to park the vehicle indoors to keep the engine warm. Start the vehicle and wait up to a minute before leaving, as it would help the engine heat up and perform well. Always remember to change vehicle engine oil before the cold season, to prevent it from become viscous. Keep a check on tire pressure as well.
- Drive with Minimal Cargo- A high amount of cargo will always add weight to your vehicle, which means that more fuel will have to be burnt to move it. Never make use of the air conditioner or a heater or air conditioner in an idle car, as this can waste almost half a gallon of gas in an hour. Also remember not to start or shut off the vehicle too often, as this will wear out the car starter.
New 2021 Jeep Cherokee: Taking The Legend One Step Further
For anyone who is fond of off-roading, this is one of the most well-known SUVs in the market. Its proper off-road capabilities are further complimented by great styling and many trims on offer. Despite the brand being old, its refinement and capability still make a strong statement in the US auto market.
Trim Levels to Choose From
Not too many changes have been made for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee models since a complete change is expected in 2022. Jeep offers a total of ten trims for the Cherokee, namely:
- Laredo X
- Laredo E
- 80th Anniversary
- Limited
- Trailhawk
- Overland
- Summit
- High Altitude
- SRT
- Trackhawk
The 80th Anniversary trim gets all the driver-assistance features from the Limited trim level, along with tungsten-colored interior accents, leather upholstery, 80th Anniversary badging, and 18-inch wheels. Laredo X is a new trim in this lineup, with remote start, power liftgate, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, 8.4 inch infotainment display, and in-dash navigation.
Exterior Attachments
Signature Jeep grille will greet individuals from the front. However, there are slight differences in the grille designs among the trims. The shape clearly hasn’t been changed much over the years, though cues have become longer. While wide fenders and bellowing exhausts are visible on the SRT models, red tow hooks and blacked out hoods are seen on the Trailhawks.
Powertrain and Performance
The Following Engines are on Offer in the 2021 Jeep Cherokee:
- The 3.6-liter V6 is the base engine here, generating 295 hp of power. It is the most popular among buyers and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. One can drive either in Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations. This engine is standard on all variants except Trackhawk and SRT.
- 7 liter V8 that produces 360 hp of power and is standard AWD. Paired to 8-speed automatic, but with better towing capacity than V6.
- 4 liter V8 with 475 hp of maximum power
- 2 liter supercharged Hellcat with 707 hp of power
Interior Attachments
The midsize 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUV offers wonderful competition in its segment, especially in terms of a roomy cabin. Nappa leather upholstery is available in top trims such as Limited, and the ones above it. Ventilated seats help individuals feel comfortable in all types of weather.
An 8.4 inch infotainment system with in-dash navigation is available. The Laredo X trim gets a nine-speaker stereo, along with a panoramic sunroof as well. Several smart infotainment features are present all over the cabin.
Now, a third row is not present in the Jeep Cherokee. Other features here include:
- Speed sensitive volume control
- Gloss black interiors
- 3-zone climate control
- Android Auto/Apple Car Play (optional)
- Integrated, voice-activated Navigation System
In terms of competition, the strongest competitors to the 2021 Jeep Cherokee are the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango.
Level of safety
The new 2021 Jeep Cherokee comes with a whole lot of convenient advanced safety features, which include:
- Stability control
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Brake Drying
- Emergency braking preparation
- Forward Collision Warning
- Post collision Safety Systems
- Remote anti-theft alarm systems
Safety of passengers here remains high on all types of terrains.
Do I need a Wheel Alignment with New Tires?
Do I need a Wheel Alignment with New Tires?
Taking care of your vehicle is vital to keep it functioning and durable for a long period of time. Every part plays a significant role in maintaining the quality of your vehicle. Among all, vehicle tires are the most crucial part. It is essential to keep checking the tread depth and replace them at regular intervals to keep the balance.
When you are buying new tires, you need to keep in mind plenty of things. One of the imperative things that you cannot skip while buying new tires is the need for an alignment. So, does your vehicle need an alignment with the tire or not? Let’s figure it out.
What is a Wheel Alignment?
It refers to the adjustment of the suspension that connects your vehicle to the tire. It simply adjusts the wheel’s angle for a safer and durable ride. A wheel alignment will always assure that the tires are meeting the proper angle of the road.
Do you Need an Alignment with your New Tire?
It is one of the common queries everyone has in their mind before buying a new tire. Though a wheel alignment is not necessary with a new tire, it can make a great addition to the vehicle system. It will make sure the tires are aligned in the perfect angle while driving on the road.
If you did not get the alignment right with the new tire, there are chances you might experience a rough ride. There have been instances where the lack of alignment led to uneven tire wear that decrease the tire life. Going for a cheap tire to save the cost won’t be a smart option, as you need to change them every now and then.
How Frequently do you Need an Alignment?
There are many conceptions regarding the alignment, but there is a general rule of thumb that states you must change the alignment once in a year. However, checking your owner’s manual and getting a clear idea regarding which alignment would be a much better option.
In case you drive in extreme condition or prefer off-roading, you might need alignment every now and then, particularly when you start to experience-:
- Vehicle veering from side to side
- Flopping noise while driving
- Jarring of vehicle whenever hitting a pothole
Why are Wheel Alignments Important?
It is quite natural to have this question if you have been asked to get alignment with a new tire. Basically, the alignment will help you in saving a lot more money than you might have spent on repairing your vehicle.
As mentioned earlier, misaligned tires can bring you trouble and lead to shortening the tire life. Another major drawback of misalignment is the decrease in gas mileage, at least by 10%; it would help if you never compromised on your wheel alignment.
Wheel Alignment Equals to a Better Driving Experience
Your tires need to be aligned with the road angle to provide you with a safer and comfortable ride. Never think of skipping the alignment part whenever you are getting a new tire. Not just a single tire, you must align all the four tires whenever necessary. There’s nothing compared to a comfortable and fulfilling ride, and that can be made possible with the proper wheel alignment on time.
How Often Should You Rotate Car Tires?
How Often Should You Rotate Car Tires?
Do you want to know how frequently you will need rotating your tires? Getting proactive about your vehicle’s wellbeing and security is excellent, this is what most of us should be aware of. Rotation of tires is significant to keeping up the tires’ exhibition abilities and, the best part is that it’s saving you some money.
A vehicle’s tire is under a consistent condition to degrade, and in that capacity, you want to keep up an even wear. Weight, forceful driving, lopsided streets, and climate all play a factor into a tire getting degraded. This can’t be stopped; however, it tends to be overseen by rotating your tires from one corner of your vehicle to the next. It enables to even the wear out and keep a strong path of contact between the tire and the pavement, enabling a better grip.
Car owners should rotate their tires depending on the given guidelines found in the vehicle’s guidance and owner’s manual, or those that accompanied the tires themselves.
What is meant by tire rotation?
Rotating a tire demonstrates eliminating one wheel and trading it for another of your vehicle’s wheels. When you rotate your tires, they are moved in a specific example, contingent upon the kind of vehicle and sort of tires. To put it plainly, you are rotating the tires around the vehicle, yet not all around.
The most effective method to Rotate Tires:
When the workspace is prepared, it’s an ideal opportunity to get to the activity, yet it’s essential to comprehend that not all tires and vehicles are the equivalent. Tires can be part of directional and non-directional, and each sort of vehicle requires different rotational examples.
Here are the ways of rotating tires:
- You need to use a dead blow hammer. Particularly with aluminum, the wheels like to stall out on the cap of the rotor. It can occur because of consumption after some time or at times only how the wheel sits on the center point, yet it won’t fall off without a decent bit of power.
You need a dead blow hammer instead of a standard hammer or sledgehammer because you need to hit the wheel itself and prefer not to twist or break the metal.
- Be sure to utilize a force-torque and fix the fasteners to the producer force and in the correct star design. Don’t simply fix until you can’t any longer. At the point when you over force them, you stretch the strings on the studs and debilitate them, making them bound to break. Three out of four wheel-offs are brought about by over twisted fasteners as far as we can tell.
- Buy a string measure and check your tires for sporadic track wear. If the track is lopsided, it is an indication of an absence of turn or ill-advised arrangement.
- While the wheels are off, review your brake rotors, brake lines, brake cushions, and suspension parts.
- Don’t be the person who comes in for a review, and the wheels are installed back to front.
Ways to Drive Safely in the Winter
Ways to Drive Safely in the Winter
The holiday season is one time to enjoy hot chocolate and get cozy by fires during the evening and the night. There will never be a shortage in things to do during the winter season. To get many of these jobs done, you will need to travel by your vehicle. Make sure you adhere to the following guidelines to drive safely during this season, whether for long or short distances:
- Always be fresh and alert- It is very important to get rest after a long drive in any season, and more so in winter. Driver fatigue is responsible for many accidents; remember to focus a lot more than summer to drive in the snow.
- Plan in advance- Your vehicle must be in top shape to tackle difficult winter conditions. It would be a good idea to check the weather before leaving and know which roads are safe to drive on. Also remember to take a windshield scraper.
- Use a smartphone app- Map your road trip route after you install a road trip app on your phone
- Practice defensive driving- Winter roads and traffic jams can together create difficult conditions for road users. If you value your safety, let the aggressive and impatient drivers pass you at the intersection. This will allow you to control the traffic situation.
- Speed check- Remember to give yourself distance and speed margins to be able to react in time. Reckless driving at high speed can increase your chances of accidents, which may lead to serious injuries at times. It is pointless to complicate a situation where you know that your vehicle may struggle for grip.
- Practice safety- One of the most effective ways to increase safety is to always wear a seat belt in the vehicle. Encourage others in the vehicle to do the same.
- Keep distractions at bay- Did you know that sending or receiving a text message takes your attention away from the road for a full 5 seconds? At a speed of 60 mph, you will be able to cover as much distance as a football field in that much time. Do not forget that it’s not just you, but even other vehicles in that area will be travelling at roughly the same speed. If at all you need to call or text urgently, it is always better to pull over to the side. There is no limit to the harm that a distraction in the form of an SMS can cause.
- Do not drive under the influence- Winter can be a time for several opportunities to drink, either at restaurants or at other peoples’ houses. If you plan to drink on a particular night, remember to not drive. Ensure that you know a designated driver for such an occasion. You may even stay over at another person’s home as well. Remember- you are not just putting your life in danger, but also the lives of other motorists.
- Get accident coverage- Remember to get in touch with your insurance agent and find out about accident coverage options to recover from unexpected occurrences. This will help give you peace of mind.
- Protect the car from theft- You could practice simple techniques such as storing valuables in the trunk and parking in known spots to prevent vehicle theft.
10 Best Tips to Prepare Your Car for Winter
Winter is here, and it is that time of the year again when we need to pay special attention to our vehicles. Once the temperature drops, you may experience a number of annoying issues, ranging from dead batteries to frozen fuel lines.
The following tips will prevent your vehicle from encountering such troubles:
- Battery checks– Vehicle batteries are said to lose roughly 50% of their charge when the temperature drops. Even battery age and poor maintenance can hinder their charging abilities. In case you get slow cranks or if cars take longer than usual to start, it is time to get the batteries checked.
- Change engine oil if necessary– Typical engine oil is very likely to gain viscosity when the temperature drops, but for it to be effective in lubricating the engine’s moving parts, it needs to be resistant to thickness. If the oil becomes too thick, the oil pump may be subjected to slow damage and it may become very difficult to crank up the engine. Use 5W engine oil for the best results.
- Check the tire grip- It is very important to check the tire treads to drive confidently on winter roads. If you put a penny into the tread, you should not be able to see Lincoln’s head. In case the head is visible, it is time for new rubber.
- Use winter-ready fluids– Many of the engine fluids contain a lot of water, which means you will need to switch them for the cold weather. For example, windshield washer fluid, which is effective in removal of sludge and road salt, is available in special winter formulations.
- Do not freeze the fuel line– Once outside temperatures fall below the freezing level and water vapor enters the fuel line, it’s a question of time before the line freezes. Although fixing this line does not cost much, it can certainly be bothersome. Solve the problem by adding a fuel additive and by keeping your fuel tank filled to the brim.
- Take time to warm up– Do not be in a rush to zoom off from your parking spot in winter unless it is an emergency. Start the vehicle and give it a few minutes to warm up; this helps belts and hoses to get warmed up for operation and also allows fluids to flow.
- Update wiper blades– In case your wiper blades have become old and are scratching the window surface, now’s the best time to replace them. Removal of precipitation from the windshield will soon be critical for visibility.
- Check headlights– Visibility goes down due to falling slow, to ensure that your car’s indicators, head lights and taillights are in good working condition. For better road visibility, consider fitting new high output lights.
- Snow kits – You could be stranded in a snowstorm any time during the winter. The best way to handle such a situation is keep an emergency kit handy. This should include water, a mobile phone charger, snack bars, matches, folding shovels, an ice scraper, and a snow brush.
- Get a trusted service center– Get your vehicle maintained by a professional service center. Remember to call these professionals in case you get stuck.
Can I change just one tire?
Can I change just one tire?
Yes, it is possible to change only one tire, but only when the other three tires have most of their treads intact. The reason four tires must be similar is because it will lend uniformity in handling and overall vehicle performance, which encompasses activities such as cornering, braking and accelerating. You wouldn’t want your tires to start skidding if you are accelerating in an emergency, would you?
When is it necessary to change a tire?
The tread depth is an easy determiner of whether your vehicle’s tire needs replacement or not. If it goes below the recommended level in your state, you are likely to face major problems in wet conditions, where the vehicle could start hydroplaning. The greater problem would be when your vehicle is unable to stop in time due to low tread depth.
If your tires haven’t been rotated for a really long time and you don’t remember when this was last done, it could lead to heavy damage on the front tires. These tires carry the weight of the car and are also responsible for steering it, which means that they may need to be replaced.
Before you decide to embark on a trip, it is always a good idea to inspect the condition of your tires and change them if necessary. An alignment check is an absolute must, even if you got it done a couple of months ago.
Purchase in pairs
As mentioned earlier, you will not be purchasing only one tire in 99% of the cases. You will find that most tire shops sell you pairs of tires for safety purposes. This may be necessary if warranties are applicable only on two tires and not one. If three tires are already in bad condition, then ensure that you purchase all four and do not try to save money on the last one.
Some people think that in a FWD (Front Wheel Drive) vehicle, it is a good idea to install the new tires at the back instead of the front; with FWD you should put the new tires at the front. However, the minority argues the above point by stating that while front wheel skids can be controlled, it is virtually impossible to control a rear wheel slide, unless you are well trained to do so.
Do not purchase secondhand tires
You might be lured by secondhand tire shops on the Internet which sell used tires at very low rates. Although they might seem tempting, buying them would simply mean that you are compromising on the safety and performance of your vehicle. They will not last even half as long as new tires, even if they aren’t very old. You will also see a noticeable difference in its diameter as compared to the new tires, with the former tires being thinner.
Why did one tire wear out faster?
If you are thinking about replacing just the one tire, it’s a good idea to find out why this tire got worn out the fastest amongst them all. If this has not happened due to weather conditions or due to very large potholes you may have bigger problems a few years down the road.
Top 5 Things To Do In Nashville, TN
This Is Why You Should Love Nashville
Nashville is the capital of Tennessee, and its southern food and range of country music are famous all over the world. However, the city has a lot more to offer than just its tunes. It also has a large number of colleges and universities and can mostly be explored on foot. Nashville is a great central point to access the rest of the Tennessee state.
Read on to know more about things to do here as per a descending order of rank:
- Listening Room Cafe – This place was started by Chris Blair, a singer/songwriter who was looking for a space to match the atmosphere and sound richly cultivated by Nashville artists. It is a great place for family members and friends to enjoy wonderful music together. Smoked meats and apple crisps here are to die for, and the café is in the process of coming up with a new ‘Fall’ menu.
- Country Music Hall of Fame– It is one of the world’s largest museums to preserve American vernacular music. You will find more than 2.5 million artifacts belonging to country musicians over the years in this place. If you are truly a country music fan, you can spend countless hours going through information about all the possible musicians in this genre. Photographs, instruments, gold records, costumes, cars, and other memorabilia can be found here. If you wish, you can add the RCA tour to this trip.
- Lane Motor Museum– A massive collection of European vehicles can be seen here. In fact, this museum boasts of having the largest number of European cars in the United States. The cars are kept in a space which was formerly part of a bakery. Most of the cars were manufactured from the 1950’s to the 1970’s, though some of them from the 2000’s can also be found. All cars in this museum are in working condition. People who are car enthusiasts in this part of the US should definitely visit this place, but you don’t have to be a car-lover to enjoy it. Vehicles here are periodically rotated, which means that you could be in for surprises sometimes.
- Hot Chicken– The best food experience in Nashville is not at a fine dining restaurant or at a famous café, but having famous Nashville hot chicken at different restaurants. Eating hot chicken is often recognized as a way of life here. Prince’s Hot Chicken is the place where it was already made, but there are a number of restaurants dishing out this yummy delicacy today.
- Gallery of Iconic Guitars– A music lover would simply fall in love with this place that has several types of string instruments. You can even sit down and play an old 1930’s guitar here. The gallery has an excellent collection of mandolins, guitars, and other stringed instruments. The guides here are knowledgeable, fair and pretty engaging. Each legendary instrument comes with a story, and that can be read in detail here.
Nashville gets plenty of tourists every year, who usually begin with their journeys with sightseeing tours. The entertainment community here is really diverse, and spoils you with several options. The summer weather is excellent for adventure.
And as always, make sure you visit Rhythm Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT to view our new and used inventory or if you need service, schedule yours today if you’re in the Madison, TN area!
Iconic Halloween Movie Cars
Halloween is on its way, why not take a look at some of the most memorable movie vehicles of all time? Warning, some of these may send you down memory lane to spooky seasons of your past.
The Oldsmobile Delta 88 from Evil Dead
This one-of-a-kind vehicle was used in almost all the franchises of the Evil Dead series. The Oldsmobile Delta 88 was what director, Sam Raimi, used to drive in high school.
This model was, by almost all accounts, not well designed, making the transition to horror movie star look easy. It was something remarkable, and people of all ages, who enjoy the Evil Dead series, remember it well to this day.
The ‘69 Dodge Charger from Death Proof
Few names are more synonymous with American muscle than the Dodge Charger. This car plays a large part in the 2007 movie, Death Proof. The main character is a stuntman named Mike. Mike uses the death proof nature of the stunt cars from his job to carry out his sinister intentions. This largely underrated hidden-gem is one of the ten films to be written and directed by Academy Award winner, Quinten Tarantino.
The 1941 Chevy COE from Jeepers Creepers
As the name of the film implies, the Creepers Truck is one of the stars of Jeepers Creepers (2001). This film takes a nice sibling road trip and turns it into something truly haunting.
The truck is so large in stature that is specifically designed to intimidate future victims. Fun fact, the license plate on the car in the movies reads, “BEATNGU.” This could either stand for “Beating You” or “Be Eating You”, either way, it’s bad news.
The Lincoln Continental Mark III from The Car
The Lincoln featured in this film is no ordinary one. It is a 1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III designed by famed Hollywood car customizer George Barris. This possessed car takes over a small desert town and terrorizes its inhabitants. Can the local sheriff save them? You know how to find out.
You may not be able to find any of the cars above at our dealership, but you can find a new Dodge Charger, used Jeep Wrangler, rugged Ram 1500, and much more. Stop by and see us today.
How to Carve a Premium Pumpkin Blog
Many people struggle when it comes to cutting the perfect pumpkin. We are here to help you place a premium pumpkin on your porch this Halloween season. Follow the steps below and watch the spooky homemade decoration glow.
Find the Right Pumpkin
If you want your pumpkin to last throughout the entirety of the Halloween season, you need to be careful in your pumpkin selection. Oftentimes, pumpkins are labeled as one of two things: “carving pumpkin” or “pie pumpkin.” As the name suggests, you are going to want to go with the carving pumpkin. Carving pumpkins are slightly thinner yet still sturdy. They also have fewer seeds, which makes for easier cleanup later on.
Prepare Your Workspace
Take some time to identify a spot in your home that you do not mind getting dirty. Layer your area with butcher paper, newspaper, paper towels, or something similar. This will make cleanup much easier once your pumpkin is complete.
Get Your Tools Ready
A ton of stores sell carving kits. You might want to purchase one of them or plan on using a few tools that you have in your kitchen like a 4-5 inches vegetable knife and a ladle. Also, you need to have a marker with you before you start the carving process.
Mark Your Pumpkin
Take a marker and draw your design on the pumpkin. This outline will give you an idea of where you need to carve on the pumpkin.
Cut the Stem
Cut a circle around the stem that is about five to six inches in diameter. Make sure you are cutting inward at a 45 degree angle. This will help you take the top on and off seamlessly and it will prevent the top from falling back into the pumpkin.
Remove the Insides
Remove the stem and start removing the seeds and the insides of the pumpkin.
Clean the Exterior
Clean the outer part of the pumpkin with a dry towel. This may seem trivial but it does make it much easier for you to carve.
Cut the Lines
Make straight cuts along the marked lines using a serrated knife. If you have kids, you should handle this step depending on their age.
Watch It Glow
Lastly, you need to install a light inside the pumpkin. Once you place it, close the stem and keep it out for display.
Roast the Seeds
If you want a little extra snack, clean the seeds. After they are clean, toss them in oil and your favorite spices. Then pop them in the oven at 300℉ for 45 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Looking for the ultimate treat this Halloween? View our new and used selection of vehicles and schedule your test drive today!
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