How To Tell If Your Fuel Filter Is Clogged

Fuel: your automobile runs on it, obviously, but it’s not the only thing that gets into your car. Contaminants, dirt, and the odd thing make their way into your fuel, which goes all throughout the car.

If there’s no fuel getting to your engine, the vehicle won’t go. So how do you prevent this problem? Read on.

The fuel filter will collect all manner of contaminants. Remember how you get your gas from the gas station? Well that gas is also stored in giant tanks underground. These tanks corrode and get dirty‚ just like your gas tank can. Dirt, rust, and other contaminants go from the gas station;s tank to your vehicle’s, and it’s the fuel filter’s job to prevent that stuff from reaching your fuel injection system and engine.

You can tell that you may need a new fuel filter by looking for a few basic signs. When you hit the gas, your vehicle does one of the following:

• Shudders
• Sputters
• Hesitates
• Lacks Power
• Stalls

When your fuel filter gets clogged, not enough gas gets to your engine, which causes a loss of power, or could even result in a vehicle stall.

In addition, your vehicle may be underperforming because the fuel filter is getting dirty or clogged without showing obvious signs of distress. For older vehicles, manufacturers may recommend changing your fuel filter every 12,000 miles, but that number may varies widely. Depending on your environment and driving habits, you may have to change your filter sooner than the recommended interval. Some are designed for extended service and there is no maintenance interval for fuel filter replacement. Check your Chilton subscription for maintenance intervals as well as tests, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and technical service bulletins.

You can also remove your fuel filter to see how it looks. You’ll need a few tools like wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers‚ although, again, your specific needs will vary based on your vehicle. Fuel filters are attached to the fuel line in various ways. Check your Chilton subscription for instructions for your vehicle.

Filters are fairly inexpensive, starting at around $15, and some cost much more than that. Consult your owner’s manual for information about the specific fuel filter you need.

When you remove the fuel filter, you’ll see what sort of fuel spills out. Gasoline should be relatively clear, with a bluish hue. If the fuel in the filter is brown or more opaque, that’s a sure sign you should change it.

If you’re handy, changing your fuel filter is an easy, inexpensive project to do at home. It usually requires few tools and only a little time. Consult your Chilton subscription for the fuel filter maintenance interval and fuel filter replacement procedure.

How to Refill the Coolant without a Bleed Tool

Draining and refilling the coolant is one of the easier maintenance tasks you can do on most vehicles. In addition to saving money, doing your own maintenance is a way to monitor the health of your vehicle.

Why Perform a Regular Coolant Flush and Refill?

Coolant loses effectiveness over time, so it’s important to periodically drain and refill the cooling system. In addition, as coolant becomes dirty, and rust and particles can eventually degrade cooling system components, such as the engine and water pump.

Bleeding Air from the Cooling System

If you drain the system and then pour coolant in, there is still air trapped within the hoses and components that hold coolant. That air must be removed. You’ll need to bleed out the air and then top off the coolant to the proper level.
Some car manufacturer refill procedures use a special tool that automatically fills the cooling system and bleeds any excess air. In most cases, if you don’t have the special tool, you can still fill the cooling system and bleed it manually. In rare cases, vehicles need to be serviced with specialized cooling system equipment, due to the complexity of the cooling system. Air will become trapped in the cooling system, and cause the engine to overheat! Check the service information before you attempt the procedure.

How to Refill the Coolant System Manually

Caution
Do not work on the coolant system when the system is hot and under pressure: Coolant can cause serious burns. Do not remove the radiator cap, cylinder block drain plugs, or loosen the radiator draincock, when the engine is hot.

1. Tighten the radiator draincock.

2. Tighten the cylinder block drain plug(s).

3. Fill the cooling system with the manufacturer-specified antifreeze. You can find the correct specification in your Chilton DIY subscription or in your owner’s manual. Because specifications change occasionally, such as with new technology, it’s a good idea to check the technical service bulletins in your ChiltonDIY subscription too.
4. Fill the radiator to the top and install the radiator cap. Add sufficient coolant to the overflow tank to raise the level to the FULL mark. Check your Chilton DIY specifications or the owner’s manual for the coolant amount including the overflow tank.

5. Run the engine with both the radiator cap and reservoir/overflow tank cap in place. Turn on the heat with the blower on high. When the engine reaches normal operating temperature, shut the engine off and allow it to cool.
6. Top off the coolant level to the reserve/overflow tank as necessary to bring it to the FULL mark. Only add coolant when the engine is cold. The coolant level in a warm engine will be higher due to thermal expansion – that is, hot coolant expands and so the coolant level will appear to be higher.
7. Repeat the procedure and recheck the cooling system level.

Turbochargers – Pump It Up

By Jim Marotta

 

A naturally aspirated automobile engine uses the downward stroke of a piston to create an area of low pressure in order to draw air into the cylinder through the intake valves. Because the pressure in the atmosphere is no more than 14.7 psi, there is a limit to the amount of airflow entering the combustion chamber.

A turbocharged engine uses a radial fan pump driven by the engine’s exhaust that consists of a turbine and a compressor on a shared shaft. The turbine converts exhaust gases exiting the engine into rotational force, which is used to drive a compressor which draws in ambient air and pumps it at high pressure into the intake manifold to improve the engine’s volumetric efficiency. This results in a greater mass of air entering the cylinders on each intake stroke.

There are four main components to a turbocharger: the housing, the impeller/turbine wheels, the center hub and the bypass.

 

The size and shape of the housings fitted around the impeller and turbine dictate the performance characteristics of the overall turbocharger. This allows the designer of the engine system to tailor the compromises between performance, response, and efficiency to application or preference.

The impeller and turbine wheel sizes also dictate the amount of air or exhaust that can be flowed through the system. Generally, the larger the turbine and compressor wheels, the larger the flow capacity. The shape, curvature and number of blades on the wheels allow infinite variability in design to tailor a turbocharger to a given engine.

 

The center hub connects the compressor impeller and turbine and uses a bearing lubricated by a constant supply of pressurized engine oil. While the engine oil cools some systems, the preferred method is to use engine coolant to keep the lubricating oil cooler, avoiding possible oil coking from the extreme heat found in the turbine.

Turbos use a bypass or wastegate to prevent over-pressurizing the system. At a specific boost pressure, a bypass feeds part of the exhaust gas flow around the turbine. The wastegate which opens or closes the bypass is usually operated by a spring-loaded diaphragm in response to the boost pressure.

There are several tips to maintaining and servicing turbochargers:

• Engineers design turbochargers to last the lifetime of the engine. They normally do not require any special maintenance; however observe strict adherence to the engine manufacturer’s service instructions. Ninety percent of all turbocharger failures are due to either foreign bodies entering into the turbine or the compressor, dirt in the oil, inadequate oil supply, or high exhaust gas temperatures.

• The most important maintenance factor is clean oil. Since turbochargers can be easily damaged by dirty or ineffective oil, most manufacturers recommend more frequent oil changes for turbocharged engines. The use of synthetic oils, which tend to flow more readily when cold and do not break down as quickly as conventional oils, is also a common practice.

• Since the turbocharger generates heat when running, many automakers recommend letting the engine idle before shutting off the engine if the turbocharger was used shortly before stopping. Most manufacturers specify a 10-second period of idling before switching off, for a couple of reasons: (1) to ensure the turbocharger is running at its idle speed, and (2) to prevent damage to the bearings when the oil supply is cut off. Idling lets the turbo rotating assembly cool from the lower exhaust gas temperatures, and ensures that oil is supplied to the turbocharger while the turbine housing and exhaust manifold are still very hot; otherwise coking of the lubricating oil trapped in the unit may occur when the heat soaks into the bearings, causing rapid bearing wear and failure when the car is restarted. Even small particles of burnt oil will accumulate, lead to choking the oil supply, and failure.

• The easiest way to diagnose a weak turbocharger is to observe the turbo boost. If the turbocharger does not show normal boost at full throttle (typically 9 to 14 psi), the system needs further diagnosis. One common but overlooked condition is excessive exhaust backpressure (often due to a clogged catalytic converter) which can prevent the turbo from developing its normal boost pressure.

Planning to service or repair your vehicle? Chilton can help! Access procedures, specifications, tips, and more at http://www.ChiltonDIY.com/.

A muscle car enthusiast and drag racer, Jim Marotta is a freelance automotive writer with more than 20 years experience in the automotive industry.

Coast to Coast: The History of Transcontinental Travel, Part 5: The Future of Travel

Undoubtedly, the transcontinental record posted last year will not stand for long, as there are probably teams of people right now plotting their strategy to traverse the country in less time. They will certainly achieve this with new routes, higher speeds, and/or better luck. Throughout the history of transcontinental travel, the limitations on closing the time gap was technology and the infrastructure: Wagons, trains, motorcycles, and cars traveled across everything from the barren wastelands of the Southwest to pristine asphalt freshly laid west.

The very nature of the automobile and railroad industry may change the environment of future attempts, as technology and the imagination of engineers and scientists endeavor to create safe, faster, and better travel. Autonomous vehicles, magnetic levitating (Maglev) bullet trains, and commercial airplanes complete with auto pilot, are the future. Imagine riding in a car that is capable of sensing its environment and navigating without human input; what’s more, imagine being surrounded by like vehicles. Perhaps the highways of the near future will be dominated by such cars and trucks that can run at high speeds for long durations in close formations, hampered neither by traffic, speed laws, or fuel constraints.

For example, the 2016 Mercedes S-Class has options for autonomous steering, lane maintaining functions, acceleration/braking, parking, accident avoidance, and driver fatigue detection, in both city traffic and highway speeds of up to 124 mph. With adaptive cruise control (monitors distances to adjacent vehicles in the same lane, adjusting the speed with the flow of traffic) it has the earmarks of a completely autonomous vehicle.

Not to be outdone by Mercedes, Audi and BMW have done extensive research on self-driving cars, but nothing like what Google has been working on. Sebastian Thrun is head of Google’s Self-Driving Car project at Google X (its experimental branch). Working on legislation passed in four states and Washington D.C. to allow driverless cars, Thrun’s team, along with Toyota, modified a Prius with driverless technology. In May 2012, it was the first such car to obtain a license for an autonomous car.

By 2020, Google plans to offer its version of a driverless car (it has no pedals nor a steering wheel) to the public. As of September 2015, Google’s fleet of experimental prototypes have traveled nearly 1.3 million miles of public roads (with only 14 minor traffic accidents).

Highways of the Future

Imagine a highway not dotted with road signs or streetlights, but brightly lit and well annotated. The lines on the road itself glows, and the road signs appear on a monitor inside the cabin of your car (or not at all; the car’s computer knows where it is and where it is going so you don’t have to). Sounds a little far fetched, but right now there are about three miles of Highway N329 outside of Amsterdam that use glowing green paint to mark the lanes. Developed by Daan Roosegaarde, the paint glows indefinitely, and he has big ideas to make it able to change colors depending on road conditions.

In Sandpoint, Idaho, Solar Roadways, owned by Scott and Julie Brusaw, has developed interconnected road panels to form a “smart” highway. Harnessing the power everywhere there are roads, can power lights, signs, and even electric cars using the roads themselves. In addition to the potential to power nearby homes, businesses, and electric vehicles, the panels also have heating elements for convenient snow and ice removal, as well as LEDs that can make road signage.

Take the Train

For years, countries like Japan and England/France have utilized high-speed rail in their countries. Japan’s Shinkansen line is the world’s busiest high-speed line, carrying nearly 151 million passengers a year between Tokyo and Osaka, while China’s high-speed system ferries over 370 million annually. Though they travel at approximately 150mph, this is by conventional railway trains (steel rails and a wheeled trains), but the future is Maglev train systems that travel on superconducting magnets that not only drive the train forward at incredible speeds but keep it planted on the tracks. In 2009, the Maglev Technological Practicality Evaluation Committee under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism deemed the SCMaglev system ready for commercial operation. In 2003, the Maglev train with three passenger cars (unoccupied) set the land speed record for railed vehicles at 361.0 mph. Completed systems will be online by 2027 in Japan, and at that rate, one could travel from New York to Los Angeles in 6.7 hours.

Beyond the Wheel

With cars communicating with each other along the highways, dangers ahead can be shared among the cars on the road. The speeds can increase, the distance between cars can decrease, and accidents can become nearly a thing of the past. As many automakers have shown, a computer is much quicker than any human in detecting a situation, deciding on what course of action to take, and taking that action. A deer crossing the road can be detected by a computer in pitch black darkness hundreds of feet away and a solution formatted long before the deer knows there’s a car approaching.

Production cars today are capable of sub-200 mph speeds; now imagine those speeds with the confidence of a well-engineered road and a computer at the helm, the time it would take to travel from New York to Los Angeles would be just over 12 hours.

The Transcontinental Record?

It is hard to say what the future holds, but one thing is clear: As long as there is a record on the books, someone, somewhere will try to break it. After all, when the first person set foot on this continent, negotiating a path to the other side was made impossible only by his or her own limitations.

The quickest way from the East to the West Coast was via Clipper ship around The Horn, taking about 150 days. By land, that time was nearly six months. Today, it is five hours by plane and, now, only 28 hours by car.

What will the record be in another 10 years? Twenty? And will it have been made by a human driving a car or a car driving the human? If it is the latter, will it still be a record?

Whether it’s coast to coast or just around town,  count on Chilton for vital data to keep your vehicle in top shape. Access your ChiltonDIY subscription for service and repair information, troubleshooting, and full-text technical service bulletins (TSBs) and Recalls.

Preventing Automotive Problems Caused by Old Man Winter

Most of us have experienced driving in cold weather and our share of breakdowns. Usually a breakdown is due to the neglect of our vehicle; I’m just as guilty as the next guy. We’re busy people! Things we neglect that can cause us to have problems, especially in the winter months:

• Battery
• Antifreeze
• Engine oil
• Window washer fluid
• Wiper blades
• Tires

Here are 6 simple things we can do to help save us from a winter breakdown:

1. Load test the battery. Check and clean the battery connections.
2. Check the condition, strength, and level of the antifreeze. Replace if needed.

3. Check the engine oil condition and level. Replace the engine oil and filter if needed.

4. Refill the window washer bottle and check the spray operation.

5. Inspect and replace the wiper blades as needed.

6. Inspect the tires for tread wear and pressure; rotate if needed.

 

Refer to Chilton’s online repair manuals to help keep your vehicle in top shape. Check out ChiltonDIY for repair procedures, maintenance intervals, wiring diagrams, technical service bulletins, Recalls, and more.

Logo Evolution: A Brief History of a Few Ever-Changing Car Logos

Trapped in a moment of time, such as we are, it would appear that everything around us is as it has always been. The Hollywood Sign, for example, is a seemingly timeless icon that stands for not only a city but a whole industry known worldwide. Those nine 50-foot-tall letters have been perched on Mount Lee above Tinseltown since 1923, but as enduring as they appear, they have changed drastically over the years. Originally, they said “Hollywoodland” because it was used as a real estate advertisement. The letters were covered in 4,000 lightbulbs. The H was completely destroyed by Albert Kothe, who ran into it with his car while drunk (ironically, he was the sign’s caretaker). Most of the sign fell to pieces in the 1970s and was completely replaced in 1978. The letters of the new version, though they sit on the foundations of the original, are only 45 feet tall and made of metal, not wood.

See, many changes can take place over the course of nearly 100 years while the original concept still remains. Given enough time, this is true for car logos as well. The Peugeot lion, Porsche’s stallion, Alfa Romeo’s snake, the BMW propeller, the shields of Buick, and the rings of Audi, to name a few, have all seen alterations, either from changes in the company, changes in the design, or changes in how society perceives the company.

Here are a few examples:

Buick
The current tri-shields of Buick is a relatively recent incarnation of the company’s logo. Started in 1899 by David Buick and named Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company, Buick is currently the oldest active American car maker. David Buick, at first, wasn’t interested in making cars at all, instead, he wanted to build ship engines. In 1903, Buick incorporated his company, and his chief engineer Walter Marr began building cars. Buick himself quickly ran the company into the ground as was forced out by his partner William Durant in 1906. Buick died penniless in 1929.

Early Buick logos were just a variations of the word “Buick” set in a cursive script. In the 1930s a researcher in GM’s styling department, Ralph Pew, discovered a Scottish crest for the Buik family and decided it should be used as a grille decoration. In the 1940s, the shield gained a series of flourishes, and in 1959, it was divided into three shields, each representing the three models Buick offered at the time: LeSabre, Invicta, and Electra. In 1975, the logo became a hawk named Happy, which lasted too long well into 1990 when the tri-shield emblem returned.

Cadillac
Turn-of-the-century car manufacturers were an incestuous lot. All related, their careers ebbed and flowed from one company to another. When we hear of Henry Ford, we can only think of the Model T and today’s best-selling trucks. However, by 1902, Ford had two companies in his wake and was on to his third. The first, the Detroit Automobile Company, went bankrupt in only two years, and he left his second venture, Henry Ford Company, after just a single year. The investors in Ford’s second company attempted to liquidate the assets, but an engineer named Henry M. Leland convinced them to keep the company solvent. They named the continued venture Cadillac in 1902 after Antoine Laumet de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, the founder of Detroit in 1701. Cadillac Automobile Company used the regal appearing de la Mothe coat of arms as its logo.

Interestingly, Laumet was never part of the de la Mothe family and he cobbled together this coat of arms from several different ones. He left France under dubious circumstances and arrived in the New World with a whole new identity around 1694.

The first logo for Cadillac was trademarked in 1906 and consisted of de la Mothe’s crown which represented the ancient Counts of France, the six merlettes (some say ducks) that stood for the Holy Trinity, and some color elements of the shield. For the next 90 years, the elements of the logo remained relatively unchanged, just presented in a variety of ways.

The current logo is a streamlined and watered-down version of the original. The crown, its points and the ducks—ahem, merlettes—are gone. Left is a colorful pallette of boxes in a shield reminiscent of the Autobots from the Transformers.

Mazda
In the 1920s, there was a cork shortage in Japan because of World War I, so Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. started to process a cork substitute from the bark of the Abemaki tree. Since Japan would soon be able to get real cork, the company fell on hard times and needed to be rescued from bankruptcy. In 1927, Jujiro Matsuda joined the company and persuaded diversification, branching out into the tool making industry as well as producing three-wheeled trucks. During World War II, the company produced war material. The name Mazda was adopted after World War II and applied to every car the company ever made, but the company’s name had been Toyo Kogyo until 1984 when it formally switched to Mazda, a name that either came from Jujiro Matsuda himself or was a reference to Ahura Mazda, an Asian god of wisdom.

Early logos were just the Mazda name in a simple script. In 1936, the logo changed to the triple-M, which harkened to Hiroshima city’s emblem (Mazda’s hometown), the Ms standing for Mazda Motor Manufacturing. A major change occurred in 1991 when it introduced the diamond inside an oval, representing wings, the sun and circle of light. The folks at Renault complained that it too closely resembled its own logo, so Mazda altered if somewhat the following year. Five years later, Rei Yoshimara completely re-stylized the logo to its current incarnation. Dubbed the “owl” logo, the M was designed to look like outstretched wings. Many see a tulip instead.

Ferrari
Prancing animals are a common theme among automakers, especially horses, considering early automobiles were marketed to replace the horse. There is no more famous prancing animal than the rearing stallion of Ferrari.

The Cavallino Rampante, the prancing horse’s official name, was the symbol of Count Francesco Baracca, a wealthy pilot who became a household name during World War I. After 34 successful engagements during the war, Baracca and his Spad VII was shot down on June 19, 1918. On the sides of every plane he flew during the war was painted a large prancing horse that he felt provided him good luck.

Enzo Ferrari formed Scuderia Ferrari, which means Ferrari stable, in 1929 in Modena, Italy. He initially prepared Alfa Romeo racing cars for various amateur drivers. When Alfa Romeo discontinued its racing team, Ferrari took over. However, in 1938, Alfa Romeo brought its racing team in-house again and hired Ferrari as the manager. Scuderia Ferrari was in hiatus.

The first Ferrari-badged car was the 1947 125S and was only made because Ferrari wanted to fund his racing efforts. That logo was the black prancing stallion over a field of yellow. Enzo Ferrari explains its introduction in his own words:

“The horse was painted on the fuselage of the fighter plane of Francesco Baracca — a heroic airman of the first World War. In ’23, I met Count Enrico Baracca, the hero’s father, and then his mother, Countess Paulina, who said to me one day, ‘Ferrari, put my son’s prancing horse on your cars. It will bring you good luck.’ The horse was, and still is, black, and I added the canary yellow background which is the colour of Modena.”

The yellow background represents Modena, Enzo Ferrari’s birthplace and the colors of the Italian flag span the top of early renditions. Coincidentally, the very same horse is used on the Ducati motorcycles. Ducati engineer Fabio Taglioni’s father was one of Count Baracca’s fellow airmen in the 91st Air Squad during World War I.

Servicing or repairing your vehicle? Subscribe to ChiltonDIY for critical information, such as repair procedures, maintenance intervals, specifications, diagnostics, and technical service bulletins.

Where’s the Dipstick?

For newer vehicles, particularly German makes, manufacturers are increasingly ditching the transmission dipstick in favor of electronic oil level monitoring. Others may employ a fluid level plug hole on the bottom of the pan.

In other cases, such as the 2009 Suzuki Equator, the transmission oil dipstick exists but it’s not easy to find! First, it is not a traditional dipstick, sticking out where you can see it. It is a plug with a mounting bolt — you’d never know it is there. Often the owner’s manual will show the location of the dipstick, if one exists.

Today’s vehicles have longer maintenance intervals, and the emphasis is on keeping the system sealed to avoid the damage that debris, the wrong oil, and even air and moisture can wreak. In exchange, with electronic oil level monitoring, issues may arise when varnishing reduces the effectiveness of an in-sump sensor, for example.

5 Vehicle Manufacturer Recommendations:

1. Use the correct fluid – Non-recommended fluids can cause erratic shifts, slippage, abnormal wear, and eventual failure, due to fluid breakdown and sludge formation.
2. Cleanliness – Wipe the dipstick cap and fill tube clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease, and other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall into the tube, if not removed beforehand. Use a clean funnel when adding fluid.
3. Incorrect fluid level – A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid pressures to be low and develop slower than normal. If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causes the same conditions occurring with a low level. In either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxidation, and varnish buildup which interferes with valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can easily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful. (via Chrysler)
4. Transmission fluid additives, treatments or cleaning agents – may affect transmission operation and can result in damage to internal transmission components.
5. When to check – Your transmission is not designed to consume fluid. However, check the fluid level if the transmission is not working properly, (eg, if the transmission slips or shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.

Planning to service or repair your vehicle? Chilton can help! Access procedures, specifications, tips, and more at ChiltonDIY.com.

The World’s Most Expensive SUV

Are you looking for a new SUV? If you have deep pockets, you might want to check out this Bentley. The 2017 Bentley Bentayga is the world’s most expensive SUV. This front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 4 or 5 passenger, 4-door hatchback. The twin-turbocharged engine is powerful, the 8-speed automatic transmission has manual shifting mode and it goes very, very fast.

It starts at $229,1000 and the price can go up, based on the features you add. The 2017 Bentley Bentayga has a curb weight of 5,340 and 600 HP, a 6.0 L, V12 engine and it comes standard with a 3-year unlimited basic warranty. It boasts top records in performance and can go from zero to 60 in 4 seconds. It can go up to 187 miles per hour.

The W12 First Edition version starts at $297,400. You can expect the interior and exterior are going to look fantastic and there will be many great features for comfort and style. So now you can see why this is the world’s most expensive SUV. What do you think?

The World’s Biggest SUV

There are many reasons why some people choose to purchase an SUV. One of those reasons is for more space. When you need a lot of space for whatever your needs, you might consider the SportChassis P4XL. It’s the largest and best luxury sports utility vehicle available on the market today.

If you love the look and feel of the Hummer, but you don’t want to buy a Hummer, you may really want this alternative. The SportChassis P4XL is big, big, big. It has a 174-in wheelbase, 264-inch width from front to back, four 425/65R 22.5-in tires available in the off road package. It has a powerful 5-speed engine that takes you anywhere you need to go. The OEM four-wheel drive gives you power when and where you need it.

There are a variety of colors available, as well as a beautiful, luxury interior that has all the luxury features you want. The five-person seating means you can even bring your friends along wherever you go. There’s even a reclining rear sofa seat so they can travel along with you in style.

It also has some great upgradable options like the SportChassis seat cover set. Check it out for yourself and see why they SportChassis P4XL is the world’s biggest SUV and why it is also the best.

GROW YOUR BEST MOUSTACHE AND JOIN THE JEEP® BRAND FOR MOVEMBER

Is your moustache worthy of a seven-bar trim? This November, help raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues with the Movember Foundation and the Jeep_® brand. Those who grow ’em and show ’em may be entered for a chance to win a 2017 Jeep Renegade.

Entering is easy: simply take a picture of your new upper-lip accessory and share it on Twitter or Instagram using the #JeepStacheContest hashtag.* Creativity is key, so let’s see how clever you can get with your grooming.

You can also show your support by purchasing a Jeep ’stache by Carstache™ at the online Jeep Gear store or at your local Jeep dealer. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Movember Foundation. Easier yet, for each post using the hashtag #JeepStache, we’ll donate $1 to the Movember Foundation.

Since 2003, Movember ’staches have raised more than $650 million in support of programs to combat prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and physical inactivity. Help us fight for men’s health by proudly sporting your own Jeep ’stache this year.

Let’s see those whiskers. Find out more about how you can show off your facial hair for a good cause at jeep.com/movember.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 18 years or older who did not purchase any equipment for purposes of entering. Enter by: 11/30/16. For Official Rules, including prize descriptions, visit http://akamai.eprizecdn.net/chrysler/jeepmovember/rules.pdf. Void prohibited.

The post GROW YOUR BEST MOUSTACHE AND JOIN THE JEEP® BRAND FOR MOVEMBER appeared first on The Jeep Blog.

THE ALL-NEW 2017 JEEP® COMPASS DEBUTS AT THE LA AUTO SHOW

Jeep_® vehicles are built to perform on the scenic route and designed to make a big splash upon arrival, which made the LA Auto Show the perfect place to debut the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass. With best-in-class available 4×4 off-road capability¹ and a premium interior, the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass was the perfect fit for California’s intersection of adventure and style.

Off-road performance

In the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass, you’re free to explore new trails on the coast when you’re ready to get out of the city. For best-in-class available off-road capability¹, Compass offers two advanced, intelligent 4×4 systems. Jeep Active Drive is a full-time 4×4 system, and Jeep Active Drive Low is a full-time 4×4 system with 20:1 crawl ratio. Each system can send 100 percent of available torque to any one wheel. In addition, both Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low 4×4 systems include the Jeep Selec-Terrain^® system, providing up to five modes (Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud modes, plus exclusive Rock mode on the Trailhawk model) for optimal four-wheel-drive performance on- or off-road and in any weather condition.

The Trail Rated^® Jeep Compass Trailhawk

The All-New 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk was designed for those who seek adventure and prefer to venture off the beaten path, from coat to the coast. For even greater Trail Rated off-road capability, Selec-Terrain includes Selec-Speed Control with Hill-Descent Control on Trailhawk models. Additional features and highlights of the Trailhawk include standard Jeep Active Drive Low 4×4 20:1 crawl ratio; Selec-Terrain with Rock mode; increased ride height of almost one inch; skid plates; Jeep brand signature red front and rear tow hooks; unique fascias with a 30-degree approach angle, 24-degree breakover angle and 34-degree departure angle; Hill-Descent Control; aggressive 17-inch off-road tires; up to 19 inches of water-fording capability²; and up to 2,000 pounds towing capability when properly equipped.

City streets and on-road performance

When the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass returns from the trails along the Pacific Ocean, it’s ready to navigate the streets of Los Angeles in style with athletic on-road driving dynamics. The Compass features FCA’s “small wide architecture,” a fully independent suspension, Koni frequency damping front-and-rear-strut system, and precise electric power steering that combine to deliver an engaging and responsive ride. And when it comes to efficiency, the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass features the proven, efficient 2.4-liter Tigershark^® four-cylinder engine matched with a standard 6-speed manual or available 6- or 9-speed automatic transmission.

Authentic Jeep vehicle design with premium features and open-air freedom

From highways to coastal trails and downtown streets to back country roads, the topography of America is as varied as the people who call it home. For these diverse adventure seekers, the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass features a premium, sculptural design aesthetic. The legendary seven-slot grille features a fresh look, with each of the individual chrome slots in a Gloss Black field. An available dual-pane sunroof provides a large opening overhead, connecting drivers and passengers to the outdoors and open-air freedom. And while you’re out enjoying that open-air freedom, you’ll be able to reach your cargo with ease thanks to the available power liftgate.

Interior Design and Technology

Inside, the center console neatly integrates the functional features of the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass, including gear-shift selection, available Selec-Terrain controls, electronic parking brake, climate and volume control knobs, and easily accessible media charging and connectivity ports within the cubby bin.

Advanced technology delivers thorough use of the new infotainment systems. The 2017 Jeep Compass offers four new Uconnect^® systems (Uconnect 5.0, 7.0, 8.4 and 8.4NAV), delivering communication, entertainment and navigation features that drivers and passengers desire, including the full-color LED instrument cluster. And now, Apple CarPlay® and Android^TM Auto are available, so you can connect your iPhone® or Android mobile device for seamless integration of calls and texts³, as well as your favorite apps, maps, music and more.

The best for last — safety and security comes first

The All-New 2017 Jeep Compass offers more than 70 available active and passive safety and security features, including “safety cage” construction with more than 65 percent high-strength steel. Available features include Forward Collision Warning-Plus⁴, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus⁵, Blind Spot Monitoring⁵ with Rear Cross Path detection⁶ and ParkView^® rear backup camera⁶ with dynamic grid lines — plus seven standard airbags⁷.

The west coast has been fun — now it’s time to explore the country. Learn more about the open-air freedom of the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass at jeep.com/compass.

¹Based on the Compact SUV Segment and the Jeep Compass offering a low-range power transfer unit (PTU) with a 20:1 crawl ratio, low-range 4×4 capability.

²Water fording depth varies 19-30 inches depending on Trail Rated Jeep 4×4. Do not attempt water fording unless depth is known to be less than maximum capability. Check owner’s manual for details. Traversing water can cause damage not covered by the new vehicle warranty. Always off-road responsibly in approved areas.

³Vehicle must be registered with Uconnect Access and fulfill minimum subscription requirements. Requires the use of a compatible smartphone that supports text messaging and Bluetooth®.

⁴This system is an alert system for the front of the vehicle. It is not a substitute for active driver involvement. The driver must remain aware of traffic conditions and be prepared to use brakes to avoid collisions.

⁵Always check visually for vehicles prior to changing lanes.

⁶Always check entire surroundings visually before backing up.

⁷Always sit properly in designated seating positions

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FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON, A VEHICLE FOR ANY SEASON

Winter has arrived again, bringing with it snowy adventures, family get-togethers and holiday parties. It’s a season that inspires thrill seekers to take to the outdoors in a vehicle versatile enough to navigate everything from a ski adventure in the mountains to a New Year’s celebration in the city — ‘tis the season for the All-New 2017 Jeep_® Grand Cherokee.

Off-road exploration in the All-New 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk®

Snow is a welcome sight for anyone who loves cold-weather exploration. Winter means ski trips, snowball fights and forts, and an excuse to set a new course on a powdery off-road adventure. The All-New 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, with rugged skid plates and the Quadra-drive® II 4×4 system for maximum torque, is designed to dominate the wintery trails. And with up to 68.3 cubic feet of space with the rear seat folded, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk ever is your partner during the coldest months, ready to carry all your winter sports gear to the highest peaks and snowiest locations.

Embrace the season in the All-New 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

When your off-road winter adventure returns to the city for a holiday party, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, the most luxurious vehicle in its class*, is one decorated, high-performing sleigh. Arrive in style with a supple leather-trimmed interior, and enjoy a Harman Kardon® Audio System with 19 high-performance speakers, and the CommandView® dual-pane sunroof as you navigate the brightly lit, festive city streets. No one will blame you if you take the surface streets and arrive a little late to the shindig.

Arrive safely at the family gathering in the All-New 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Finally, what would the holidays be without a family get-together? As you set off for Grandma’s house, chart a course that takes you off the beaten path, and take comfort knowing that the Jeep Grand Cherokee was designed to bring families together safely, with over 70 standard and available safety and security features, including seven airbags^†—multistage driver and front-passenger airbags, side-curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and a driver-side knee blocker airbag—helping to ensure that you and your passengers will stay secure. No matter how rough your family snowball fight gets, the Jeep Grand Cherokee will do its part to help keep you safe and secure, coming and going.

With so many off-road performance features, luxurious appointments and built-in safety and security features, the Jeep brand says let it snow. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed to do more than get you through the holidays — it’s a vehicle that will inspire you to enjoy the winter wonderland.

Get in the holiday spirit with the All-New 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and start planning your winter adventures at jeep.com.

*Based on 2016 Ward’s Middle/Sport Utility Vehicle segmentation. Excludes other FCA U.S. LLC vehicles.

†Always sit properly in designated seating positions with seat belts securely fastened at all times.

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THE NEW 2017 JEEP® WRANGLER WINTER EDITION LIGHTS THE NEW YEAR

The new 2017 Jeep_® Wrangler Winter Edition has arrived at the perfect time. With snow covering the trails and the city streets, and cold-weather adventure waiting, the Winter Edition of the award-winning Jeep Wrangler is ready to off-road into the holidays and beyond. And the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Winter Edition is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what the Jeep Wrangler has in store for the New Year.

In addition to the special-edition Willys Wheeler, 75^th Anniversary, Rubicon Hard Rock and new Winter Edition models, the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited roll out features and updates for the 2017 model year like new exterior colors and new available LED headlamps and fog lamps. If you love open-air freedom — even in the frigid air — here’s a bit of what you can expect from the Trail Rated® icon.

New Exterior Colors for 2017

The 2017 Jeep Wrangler two-door and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four-door will be available in a variety of new paint colors. New color options for 2017 will include Chief (shown above), Gobi, Xtreme Purple and Acid Yellow. Now you’ll have four more paint colors to completely cover in slush and mud in the coming year.

New Available LED Headlamps and Fog Lamps for 2017

New available LED headlamps and fog lamps on the 2017 Jeep Wrangler are designed to help enhance nighttime visibility and light the way on the trail for your next excursion. When it comes to performance, the new LED lights provide greater high-beam output and low-beam output. The LED headlamps and fog lamps come standard on the Sahara and Rubicon, and are optional on the Sport and Sport S.

New 2017 Jeep Wrangler Winter Edition

The New 2017 Jeep Wrangler Winter Edition is engineered to conquer the snow and designed to look good doing it. Performance features on this special-edition Wrangler include 17-inch Mid-Gloss Black slotted aluminum wheels; BF Goodrich® All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires; Dana 30 front axle and heavy-duty Dana 44 rear axle; Trac-Lok® limited-slip rear differential standard, Tru-Lok® mechanical rear locker optional; 3.21 axle ratio standard, 3.73 axle ratio optional; Command-Trac® 4×4 transfer case with 2.72:1 ratio; front and rear steel off-road bumpers and premium off-road rock rails.

Exterior Winter Edition features include the new LED headlamps and fog lamps; hood, driver side fender, and rear fender decals; body-color grille with Mid-Gloss Black accents; Mid-Gloss Black Jeep badge; black Freedom Top® hardtop standard, body-color optional; and black fuel filler door, taillamp guards, and deep tint windows. In addition, the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Winter Edition is available in a variety of exterior colors, including Firecracker Red, Chief, Rhino, Granite Crystal, Billet Silver, Black, Bright White and Xtreme Purple.

The 2017 Jeep Wrangler Winter Edition takes no shortcuts on performance and exterior features, and the same can be said for the interior — this Jeep vehicle is built with winter driving in mind. Interior features include heated, leather-trimmed front seats with Sport Mesh inserts and Diesel Gray accent stitching; leather-wrapped steering wheel with Piano Black accents and Diesel Gray accent stitching; Piano Black interior accents; exclusive instrument cluster graphics; remote start* standard (with automatic transmission); the Power Convenience and Connectivity Groups; and all-weather floor mats.

Stay tuned for coming announcements, and learn more about the 2017 Jeep Wrangler at jeep.com.

Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

*Check state and local laws regarding use of remote start systems.

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OFF-ROAD, MUSH OR SNOWBOARD TO 2017 X GAMES ASPEN

What could be more exciting than a fresh snowpack and the four-wheel-drive 2017 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Winter Edition? How about the addition of a dogsled team and professional snowboarder Chase DeMeulenaere?

2017 X Games Aspen, a celebration of winter action sports and music, begins January 26 on Aspen, Colorado’s Buttermilk Mountain. The Jeep brand will be there for all the festivities, but we’ve decided to take the scenic route on our way to the slopes. Fortunately, we have sled dogs by our side, and the off-road capability of the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Winter edition to carry us to the summit. The 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Winter was designed with winter athletes in mind — those who tackle the mountain’s snowy challenges and inclines with don’t-hold-back attitude and eye-catching style, athletes like Chase and his … driver.

The Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Winter editions take winter head-on with trail-conquering features like premium off-road rock rails, steel bumpers, BFG KO2 All-Terrain Tires, and the Jeep Command-Trac® 4×4 System. These special-edition winter Jeep Wrangler models look and act the part, ready to conquer a snow-capped mountain, with black McKinley leather-trimmed seat bolsters with sport mesh inserts for comfort and support, heated front seats with diesel gray accent stitching, and piano black front and rear door grab handles and vent rings. Perfect for getting a snowboarder up the mountain pass, and for keeping the sled dogs running.

Gear up and strap on a snowboard or pile into a legendary 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Winter for your Aspen adventure.

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THE JEEP® BRAND AT THE 2017 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

We just wrapped up another 4×4-filled week at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.  While the vehicles on the showroom floor offered plenty for Jeep enthusiasts to be excited about, it was a few key announcements about future product plans that had off-road fans and the press alike talking. Before we touch on that, let’s take a look at a few of the iconic Jeep brand vehicles that were on display.

The All-New 2017 Jeep Compass, shown here in Trailhawk trim in Spitfire Orange.  Coming this spring, the 2017 Jeep Compass will continue the brand’s tradition of off-road dominance with best-in-class 4×4 capability.*

The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Winter, shown in Billet Silver.  This new special-edition Wrangler model is equipped from the factory for winter action with standard features including BFGoodrich KO2™ tires wrapping 17-inch mid-gloss black wheels, premium off-road rock rails, heated front seats and all-weather slush mats.

The 2017 Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk, shown in Mojave Sand.  The limited-edition Renegade Desert Hawk adds to the Renegade Trailhawk model’s off-road performance with a unique look topped off by the exclusive map hood decal.

The 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, shown in Hydro Blue.  Style and capability were on full display in this Cherokee Trailhawk with its best-in-class 4×4 capability^† and available 17-inch Black painted aluminum wheels.

And about those announcements … the Jeep brand kicked off NAIAS with exciting news, confirming the addition of three new models to our future lineup: a new Jeep pickup truck and the return of the legendary Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates. While we can’t give away much more than that right now, stay tuned to the Jeep blog for updates on all future and current Jeep vehicles, and visit www.jeep.com to learn more about the entire 2017 Jeep lineup.

* Based on Compact SUV segmentation. BIC 4×4 capability based on the All-New Jeep Compass offering low-range power transfer unit (PTU) with 20:1 crawl ratio, low-range 4×4 capability.

†Based on Jeep Cherokee offering 2 speed power transfer unit (PTU) with rear locking axel, low range 4×4 capability, exclusive Jeep Selec- terrain with 5 settings (including snow).

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THE JEEP® BRAND SETS UP CAMP AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

As it turns out, Chicago is the perfect city for a camping trip, and this year’s Chicago Auto Show made for one great campsite. The Jeep_® brand recently set up our full interactive Camp Jeep exhibit of logs, dirt, boulders and water at McCormick Place, where visitors could experience all the off-road capability of the Jeep® brand lineup.

Here is a collection of pictures from our adventures in the Windy City.

Over the course of the show, we tested ground clearance, maneuverability and more. Best of all, we shared some great stories with our fellow off-road enthusiasts. Vehicles on-site in Chicago included the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit in Granite Crystal, 2017 Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk® Limited Edition, 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk in Redline, All-New 2017 Jeep Compass in Billet Silver, and 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock Edition in Rhino.

Now we’re headed for new campsites where we can share the Jeep brand experience. Here’s a list of upcoming auto shows where you can visit Camp Jeep in the coming months. https://www.facebook.com/jeep/posts/10156749758411515
Learn more about the full Jeep vehicle lineup at jeep.com, and visit us wherever Camp Jeep pops up.

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OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY OF THE NEW 2017 JEEP® WRANGLER RUBICON RECON

The legendary off-road icon is getting even more capability to tackle the most demanding trails — introducing the new 2017 Jeep_® Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition.

Designed for improved off-road prowess with  an upgraded front axle, enhanced rock rails and heavy-duty cast differential covers, the new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is equipped with even more protection for die-hard 4×4 enthusiasts who seek the most severe, rugged terrain. The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition also looks every part of a four-wheel-drive icon, with new exterior and interior enhancements and unique color options.

Performance Upgrades

Based on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition ups the off-road ante with a front axle upgrade that features strengthened tubes and heavy-duty end forgings, heavy-duty cast front and rear differential covers and enhanced off-road rock rails that are shortened to accommodate up to 35-inch tires.

Distinctive Design

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is one dominant 4×4 vehicle, and it comes complete with a toughened exterior appearance to match. A Low Gloss Black grille with Low Gloss Granite Crystal inserts and headlamp rings, Low Gloss Black off-road bumpers and Jeep badge with a red base add aggressive style. In addition, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition includes a distinctive half-inch lift, new 17-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal-painted aluminum wheels wrapped in 32-inch BF Goodrich KM off-road tires, optional body-color fender flares and a dual-vented Power Dome hood with a black-silhouette “Rubicon” decal on both sides. Finally, the winch-capable steel front bumper is equipped with removable end caps for climbing obstacles, while unique red tow hooks complete the rugged appearance.

Color Options

Covering the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition in mud is fun, sure. But you may want to wash it off occasionally to reveal one of seven available colors on the four-wheel-drive icon:  Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Firecracker Red, Gobi, Rhino and Granite Crystal.

Interior Highlights

Inside, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition comes with the bold style and design of black leather-trimmed heated front seats with red accent stitching and a “Rubicon” embroidered logo, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Recon theme continues with black vinyl-wrapped front door armrests and console lid with black stitching, red accent netting on front and rear door pockets and the center console, and red accent-colored seatbelts. The passenger grab handle features Midnight Star Black accents that are also found on the vent rings, steering wheel spokes and door pulls. A unique gauge cluster features exclusive Recon styling.

Final Touches

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is rounded out with details and touches like all-weather slush mats with a red accent “Jeep” logo and red-accented axle locker and sway-bar disconnect switches. The Jeep Connectivity Group, Power Convenience Group, remote start* and automatic temperature control are also standard.
Ready to take the trail? To learn more about the new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition, visit jeep.com.

*Check state and local laws regarding use of remote start systems.

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CELEBRATE 4×4 DAY ON APRIL 4 WITH THE JEEP® BRAND

Spring has arrived, and with it the sweet smell of open-air freedom. The second annual April 4 tradition of 4×4 Day is upon us, and it’s the perfect occasion to kick off another year of off-road exploration — time to shift your Jeep_® Wrangler into four-wheel drive, drop the top and hit the trail.

Who’s ready for a 2017 off-road adventure?

In celebration of 4×4 Day 2017, we’ve created a Jeep® Hair, Don’t Care Snapchat lens to capture that feeling of cruising with the top down and breaking boundaries. Add a layer of wind-whipped hair and Jeep® brand adventure to your photos today, and show off your off-road attitude for 4×4 Day.

The lens is available in the Snapchat lens gallery all day on April 4. After April 4, use the Snapcode below to access the lens. Simply point your Snapchat camera at the Snapcode, scan and unlock to add the lens to your gallery for up one hour.

Are you ready to tackle spring in an off-road icon? Learn more about 4×4 adventures and the entire 2017 Jeep® lineup at jeep.com.

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Tire Rack Consumer Review of the BFGoodrich g-Force Rival S

Last season, I was going to buy the Bridgestone Potenza Re71r but they were back ordered for 2 months so I decided to go with a set of the Rival S for autocross. What a great tire! These tires handle great in the dry and handle well in wet conditions. I dont recommened driving in heavy rain, that can be sketchy. But for an extreme performance tire i was surprised by how well they handled in wet conditions and how great the treadwear has been. I put about 40-50 runs in autocross and put about 2500 miles on the street and they still have about 50% tread left. The tires warm up fairly quickly and after just a few turns i have maximum grip. Even in colder temperatures these tires still performed well. I highly recommend a set of the Rival S, you wont be disappointed!