Owning a Jeep means embracing adventure, whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling off-road trails. To ensure your Jeep remains reliable and ready for any journey, proper car battery maintenance is essential. A healthy battery not only guarantees that your Jeep starts smoothly but also supports all its electrical systems. Here are some simple DIY steps to keep your Jeep’s battery in top condition.

Check Battery Voltage

Regularly checking your battery voltage is a fundamental aspect of maintaining its health. A fully charged battery typically measures around 12.6 volts or higher. If you notice a drop below this level, it may indicate that your battery is losing its charge and needs attention. Using a multimeter, you can easily monitor your battery’s voltage at home. This simple check can help you catch potential issues early, preventing unexpected failures during your adventures.

For Jeep owners, especially those with models like the 2018 Jeep Compass auxiliary battery, maintaining optimal voltage levels is crucial. These auxiliary batteries support various electrical components, ensuring that your Jeep operates smoothly. By keeping an eye on the voltage, you can ensure that both your main and auxiliary batteries are functioning correctly, providing reliable power when you need it most.

Inspect Battery Regularly

In addition to monitoring voltage, regular inspections are vital to maintaining your Jeep’s battery health. Start by visually examining the battery for any signs of corrosion, which appears as a white or blueish powdery substance around the terminals. Corrosion can impede the flow of electricity, making it harder for your battery to start the engine. Cleaning the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water can effectively remove corrosion and improve the battery’s performance.

Another important aspect of inspection is checking the battery’s physical condition. Look for any signs of swelling, cracks, or leaks, which can indicate internal damage. A damaged battery not only poses a safety risk but also reduces the battery’s efficiency and lifespan. Ensuring that your battery is securely fastened and free from physical damage can prevent unnecessary wear and tear, keeping your Jeep running reliably.

For Jeep enthusiasts who rely on additional electrical accessories, such as off-road lighting or winches, investing in a high-quality auxiliary battery Jeep Compass can provide the extra power needed to support these enhancements without overburdening the main battery. Regular inspections of both the main and auxiliary batteries ensure that your Jeep remains equipped for any adventure, maintaining peak performance and reliability.

Additional Tips for Jeep Battery Maintenance

1. Keep the Battery Clean: Regularly clean the battery exterior to prevent dirt and grime buildup, which can trap moisture and cause corrosion.
2. Secure the Battery: Ensure that the battery is firmly mounted to minimize vibrations, which can damage internal components over time.
3. Avoid Short Trips: Frequent short drives prevent the battery from fully charging, gradually reducing its capacity. Whenever possible, take longer drives to allow the battery to recharge properly.
4. Limit Electrical Usage When Off: Turn off all electrical accessories when the engine is not running to prevent draining the battery.
5. Use a Battery Charger: If you don’t drive your Jeep regularly, using a battery charger can help maintain the battery’s charge and extend its lifespan.

Choosing the Right Battery for Your Jeep

Selecting the appropriate battery for your Jeep is crucial for ensuring reliable performance. The auxiliary battery Jeep Compass is designed to handle the additional electrical demands of modern Jeep models, providing consistent power support for all your vehicle’s systems. Additionally, opting for batteries from reputable brands ensures that you receive high-quality products that offer longevity and dependability.

Conclusion

Maintaining your Jeep’s battery doesn’t have to be complicated. By regularly checking the battery voltage and conducting thorough inspections, you can keep your battery in excellent condition and avoid unexpected issues on the road. Investing time in DIY battery maintenance not only prolongs the life of your battery but also enhances the overall reliability of your Jeep, ensuring that it’s always ready for your next adventure. For high-quality battery options, including the 2018 Jeep Compass auxiliary battery, AutoZone provides a wide selection to meet your specific needs. Keeping your Jeep’s battery healthy ensures that your vehicle remains a trusted companion, no matter where your journeys take you.

Are you about to get new tires for your truck? Are you overwhelmed with options and wondering which one is the right decision? 

Tires are among the most essential components of commercial trucks. Choosing the right ones will directly impact performance, safety, and durability.

Furthermore, heavy-duty truck tires are a significant investment. Making the right call will ensure you make the most out of your purchase. 

Many truck owners are unaware of the importance of selecting the correct tires. That leads them to make costly mistakes that bring a lot of trouble in the future. 

In this article, truck and trailer experts from Tire Bolt will share the top 5 mistakes drivers make when choosing truck tires. You’ll learn how to avoid them and make a good choice for your vehicle. 

5 Common Mistakes When Selecting New Truck Tires 

Purchasing new truck tires can be overwhelming. There are so many aspects to consider; making the right choice can be challenging.

But don’t worry; selecting tires can be complex, but there’s no need to stress. By learning what mistakes to avoid, you are already heading to a good start. 

These are 5 common mistakes truck drivers make when choosing new tires for their vehicles:

• Waiting Too Long to Change Your Tires

The number one fail you can commit when getting new truck tires is waiting too long to do it. 

You can get away with a little tire wear, but driving a heavy-duty truck on worn-out tires for too long is downright dangerous. 

Badly damaged tires increase the likelihood of your vehicle hydroplaning and unexpected tire blowouts. It also causes air pressure issues and excessive heat buildup. 

Not changing your tire in time can lead to damages that require expensive repairs and prolonged downtime. And what’s worse, a truck running in poor tire conditions can cause an accident, compromising your and other drivers’ safety. 

These are some signs it’s time to swap out your tires:

• The tread depth is wearing down below the Department of Transportation (DOT)’s law requirements. 
• Your vehicle needs wheel alignment, and this issue caused severe tire wear. 
• Your tire has a tear that you can’t patch.
• Cracked rubber or tire showing its cords. 
• Choosing the Wrong Tire Type and Size

Another mistake drivers make is purchasing the wrong tire type and size. 

Driving on the wrong truck tires will significantly reduce your truck’s performance. You must consider your typical driving conditions and select tires that fit your needs.

Before getting a new set of tires, ask yourself the following questions: 

• What type of driving will I be doing? 
• Will I be mostly driving on highways or wet, icy roads?
• What type of weather will I be driving in? 
• Are these tires capable of handling heavy cargo?

The same issue happens with tire size. 

Many truck drivers think that as long as the tire fits the wheel, they’ll be good to go. 

However, that’s not true; choosing an incorrect tire size can decrease safety, stability, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. Check your vehicle’s manufacturer’s manual to select the correct tire size. 

• Focusing Solely on The Price

Why staying on budget is important, going for the cheapest option is never a good idea. 

When it comes to truck tires, you get what you pay for. Typically, purchasing cheap tires ends up costing more on expensive repairs and lengthy downtime. 

Low prices often come at the expense of safety, performance, and durability. 

You don’t have to break the bank to get new tires, but we recommend staying away from extremely low prices. 

• Purchasing Subpar Tires

Always buy your tires from trusted brands. 

Ask for recommendations from fellow drivers and read online reviews. Choose a shop that heavy-truck drivers use more than any others. 

Additionally, make sure to call the shop and ask what they have in stock. 

Discuss pricing and warranty upfront. If you want to buy a second-hand truck tire to save a few bucks, choose a gently used one. Always add a roadside service warranty to any new purchase as an extra layer of protection. 

• Forgetting to Do a Follow-up with a Technician

After getting new tires, always schedule an appointment with a truck service shop. 

Ideally, you would get your tires replaced by a professional truck technician. If not, pay a visit to your local maintenance shop as soon as possible. 

When replacing your tires, your truck will need:

• Wheel alignment: to ensure the steering and suspension are correctly aligned. 
• Tire pressure check: to guarantee the new tires are not under or over-inflated. 
• Tire balancing: to confirm that the tires are properly balanced. 

5 Tips for Choosing The Right Truck Tires

Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, let’s dive into some valuable tips for choosing new truck tires: 

• Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see the appropriate tire size. 
• Choose the tread pattern that best suits the road conditions you’ll travel on. 
• Consider load capacity and the weight of the cargo you’ll be transporting to pick suitable tires. 
• Tires come in many different prices; shop around to identify prices and protect your budget. 
• Consider the total cost of ownership, which includes the full price of the tires, their lifespan expectation, and how they affect fuel efficiency. 

If you still have doubts, you can visit your local truck shop and ask for personalized advice. 

Ready To Purchase New Tires for Your Truck?

Now you know what 5 mistakes most drivers make when choosing new truck tires. By avoiding them, you are one step closer to finding the most suitable tires for your vehicle. 

Remember that choosing the appropriate tires will significantly impact truck performance and safety. So, go ahead and do your research to find the best tires and secure a good investment.

Car accidents happen every day in Fort Collins. Some of the injuries car accident victims sustain are so serious that they affect the way they live, work, and enjoy time with their loved ones.

Whether the crash is big or small, the impact on the body can be massive. In such instances, seeking professional legal help is recommended. A Fort Collins car accident lawyer can help you understand more about battling in the legal landscape.

Here are six severe injuries you might sustain in a car accident and how they can affect your life.

1.   Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Your brain is one of the most important organs of your body, but it is also very fragile. During a car accident, your head might hit the steering wheel, window, or seat, causing a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI happens when your brain is shaken or damaged because of the sudden impact.

Some TBIs are mild, like concussions, which may cause headaches or trouble concentrating. Others are much more severe, leading to memory loss, confusion, and even difficulty speaking. For some survivors, a serious TBI can cause long-term problems, like changes in personality or the inability to work. Recovering from a brain injury can take months, and some effects may last a lifetime.

2.   Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is like a highway for messages between your brain and the rest of your body. When it gets damaged in a car accident, those messages can be blocked. This can cause paralysis, which means losing the ability to move parts of your body.

Spinal injuries are often divided into two types:

• Complete injury: You lose all feeling and movement below the damaged area.
• Incomplete injury: You still have some movement or feeling, but it’s limited.

For some survivors, spinal cord injuries can mean being unable to walk or move their arms. Everyday tasks like eating, dressing, or driving may become difficult. Recovery involves physical therapy and, in many cases, the use of wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

3.   Internal Organ Damage

Not all injuries can be seen from the outside. A car accident’s force can hurt your internal organs, like your lungs, liver, or kidneys. For example, broken ribs might puncture a lung, or the impact could cause bleeding inside your body. These injuries are very serious because they are not always easy to detect.

If you feel pain in your chest, stomach, or back after an accident, it might be a sign of internal damage. Without quick medical treatment, these injuries can become life-threatening. That’s why it’s important to get checked out, even if you think you’re fine.

4.   Broken Bones and Fractures

When a car accident happens, your body might be thrown forward, backward, or sideways. This sudden force can cause your bones to break. Broken arms, legs, ribs, and even the pelvis are common injuries after a crash.

Some fractures are simple, meaning the bone cracks but doesn’t move out of place. Others are much more severe, like compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin. Recovering from broken bones can take weeks or months. You may need casts, surgeries, or physical therapy to regain strength and movement.

In some cases, broken bones can cause lifelong problems, like chronic pain or difficulty walking.

5.   Burns and Scarring

Not every car accident involves fire, but when it does, burns can happen. If a car explodes or leaks dangerous chemicals, you might suffer burns on your skin. Burns can be incredibly painful and take a long time to heal.

Burns are often classified into three levels:

• First-degree: Minor burns that affect the outer layer of your skin.
• Second-degree: Burns that go deeper, causing blisters and swelling.
• Third-degree: Severe burns that damage all layers of skin and even muscles.

For survivors, burns may leave scars that last forever. Scarring can be a physical and emotional challenge, as it often changes how a person looks and feels about themselves.

6.   Amputations and Loss of Limbs

Some car accidents are so violent that they cause serious damage to arms, legs, hands, or feet. In these cases, doctors may need to remove the injured limb to save your life. This is called amputation.

Losing a limb is a life-changing experience. You might need a prosthetic (an artificial limb) to help you move around. Learning to walk, hold things, or do simple tasks can take months of practice. The emotional impact can be just as challengingas you adjust to life with a missing limb.

Psychological Trauma and PTSD

Physical injuries aren’t the only problems car accident survivors face. The mental and emotional effects of a crash can be just as severe. Some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can cause nightmares, anxiety, and fear of driving.

The emotional impact of a car accident can last long after your physical injuries heal. It’s important to remember that mental health matters, too.

Conclusion

A car accident can leave you with injuries that affect every part of your life. From brain injuries to broken bones, the impact can be severe and long-lasting. While some people recover fully, others face challenges that never truly go away.

If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, remember that healing—both physical and emotional—takes time. Stay informed, stay strong, and take care of yourself.