How to Improve the MPG Or Your Jeep Cherokee SUV

While SUVs get a bad rap in the press these days about being not very fuel efficient, the Jeep Cherokee XJ is capable of getting quite good fuel economy. It may not match a Prius or a Civic but I would not try to take one of them off road either.

The first step in improving the fuel economy of the jeep is to make sure it is operating correctly. Ensure that all connections to the ECU are clean and properly connected. Also check all the ground wires.

There are at least three different computers used in the XJ series of Jeep Cherokees. The Jeeps made by AMC used the Renix computer system. This system uses a few more inputs than the later Mopar system and in some ways is more complex. The Renix system uses a knock sensor and is there before capable of tuning the spark advance curve to an optimum mix. Some Renix controlled engines like the one in my son's XJ Wagoneeer will actually get better fuel economy using higher octane fuel. The fuel economy increase is enough to more than offset the extra cost of the higher octane fuel. You will have to experiment with your own engine to see if higher octane fuel will give better fuel economy and higher MPG. For most engines, the 87 octane fuel will give the best fuel economy.

Also, note that there is a huge difference in fuel qualities from various distributors. Ethanol content lowers MPG as well as many other additives. Again you will have to experiment with fuel form various distributors in your area to see which one offers the best fuel for the highest MPG. In my area it is the Shell station that offers the best fuel economy when comparing fuel cost to MPG.

The ignition timing of the XJ Cherokee is not adjustable. The ECU controls these functions on a set table and feedback from the knock sensor if equipped. However it is possible to trick the ECU into advancing the timing by adjusting the mounting points of the Crank Shaft Position sensor. By simply sloting the holes, the sensor can be repositioned to adjust the actual ignition timing. Due to the extreme difficulty of accessing he mounting bolts of the CPS and the minor improvement in fuel economy, this modification made not be worth the effort. Adjustable CPS sensors are available from some Jeep accessory vendors.

One of the largest factors that effects the MPG of a Jeep Cherokee is it transmission. While the Asin four speed automatic is very durable and features a lock up torque converter, it simply can not match the fuel economy of the five speed manual transmission. If you are choosing a Jeep for fuel economy, choose one with a five speed manual transmission.

Also, note that if you have a 242 transfer case also know as selec trac, you have the option of full time four wheel drive. Do not use it without the road is slippery. You will get the best MPG by using two wheel drive.

While a disconnect front axle was offered on some Cherokees, on many XJs the front drive shaft is always coupled to the drive axle. On the non disconnect axle vehicles, you can improve the fuel economy by removing the front drive shaft. Just remember that you will have to put it back before you can use four wheel drive.

Tires make a big effect on MPG. While fitting a Jeep with larger tires is common, there can be a huge negative effect on fuel economy. Larger tires are usually wider and have a more aggressive tread pattern than the smaller street tires that originally came on the XJ. Using a set of narrow, low rolling resistance tires can help MPG in street driving. On one Jeep Cherokee I own there was a noticeable increase in fuel economy when I temporarily fitted a set of OEM sized tires. For best fuel economy, you may wish to consider having a set of street tires and set of off road tires.

No matter what tires you run, you will need to pay close attention the tire pressure. Generally speaking, the higher the tire pressure, the better the fuel economy. You will have to adjust the air pressure in your Jeep by balancing the factors of tire wear, ride comfort and Traction. Always keep your tires properly inflated and air back up before driving on pavement after your off road adventures.

Another big factor for MPG is wind drag. Even the factory roof rack makes a noticeable difference in fuel economy. To maximize fuel economy, remove and roof racks or other roof mounted accessories.

When lifting a Cherokee, it is common to remove the factory air dam. However, this little piece of rubber does improve fuel economy. Keep it in place and straight for best MPG. Also the rubber mat under the engine helps to improve air flow under the XJ for a slight improvement in fuel economy.

Another common modification that reduces fuel economy is armor and protection accessories. Your bumper guards and skid plates and rock trails add weight and in some cases disturb the air flow. Consider the effects on fuel economy when making these modifications.

Proper wheel alignment will increase MPG as well. The front tires need to be pointed as close to straight ahead as possible. Set the toe in as close to zero as possible. The inverted Y steering arrangement of the XJ causes the toe to change with ride height so to maximize the fuel economy, set the toe with the Jeep loaded as you normally drive it.

Possibly the largest single factor effecting fuel economy is your driving style. To maximize MPG, start off slowly and maintain a steady speed. Avoid unnecessary stops. Keep moving as much as possible even at a very slow speed in stop and go traffic. Try to anticipate hills and accelerate before gong up the hill. Let you speed drop naturally hill climbing the hill. Avoid long idle times especially with the AC on.

One questionable area of ​​increasing fuel economy that I have had mixed results with is fuel additives. Many people have reported that adding a small amount of acetone to the fuel will increase the MPG. I have not noticed any measurable increase from adding acetone. However, occasional use seems to prevent stumble and misfires so it seems that it would increase MPG. Try it by adding one ounce of pure acetone for each ten gallons of fuel.

Another additive that seems to help cure fuel supply problems is Seafoam. Seafoam smells like an alcohol blend and probably helps mostly to remove moisture from the fuel system. However, I have found a variety of fuel related issues form clogged or sticking injectors to carbon fouling of the combustion chambers seems to be helped by adding a can of Seafoam to the gas tank.

Oil choice and oil additives can also be used to increase MPG. However the long term effects on the engine need to be considered when choosing oil. Using lower viscosity oil can help increase MPG. However older engines may not lubricate well on low viscosity oils. An additive like Friction Free 3000 has been shown to increase MPG by reducing internal friction in the engine. Give it a try in you engine to see how it works for you.

Always use high quality oil in your Jeep Engine. The design of the 4.0 block causes some parts of the block to be very hot and will cause wax or paraffin based oils to separate. Wax based oils will need to be changed more frequently due to thermal breakdown.

Keeping your Jeep well lubricated in other areas will also help boost MPG. Check differential fluids, transfer case fluid and the transmission fluid on a regular basis to maintain proper lubrication and reduce drag. Locker and limited slip differentials may need to be check more frequently tan the factory recommended intervals. Also, if there is any chance that water has entered these parts due to off road adventures, change the fluid as the water and grease mixture has poor lubricating quality.

Through proper maintenance and a being aware of the effects of common modifications, you can maintain reasonable fuel economy in your Jeep SUV. Higher gas prices do not have to mean the end of your four wheel fun. It may even make some configurations like a second set of tires more economically viable. So pay attention to details and enjoy driving your Jeep Cherokee.

Protect Your Vehicle With Secure Garage Doors

Do you feel apprehensive every night when you park your car in your garage thinking that something might happen to it? Then improve the security, so that you can have a good night sleep and not worry about the safety of your vehicle. Perhaps installing electric or automatic garage doors would be the right thing for you to do. These automatic doors have many benefits and advantages that you can avail.

Moreover, some of the models now come with automatic closing function, which makes the doors close as soon as you leave in case it slips out of your mind. This increases the security as it advances anyone entering in your garage. To have a feature as automatic closing, it can be very beneficial for you. However, do not invest your money in some fiberglass or aluminum door instead go for steel or solid wood to ensure greater safety and security. If you are considering of making a purchase then you should go for the up and over garage doors.

There are many designs available in the market, which are automatic. The more popular being the sliding and the roller version. Many of the doors come with motors and you do not have to use your hands when lowering or raising it. These motorized doors will be operated with the help of a remote, which makes it easier for you to handle. These doors are very reliable and it comes at a cheap rate. Anybody can handle these doors and operating them is very easy.

When purchasing these garage doors there are certain things that you must consider. Purchasing these doors is an essential investment and you should get value for money. So you are required to choose doors that are in coordination with the paint of the house. It should also match the features of your house. A mismatched door can ruin the entire aesthetic appeal of your house since you need to be careful when making your purchase. You will find that the providers offer various types of customized doors for your garage.

If you are in search of these automatic gates in the market then choose something, which flaunts your personal style. Increase the value of your home and install these secure and electronic doors today. Many installation providers can assist you during the installation process. Here, you will not have to worry about getting your doors installed. You can get it done as quickly as possible. Beside your vehicle, there are other valuable items in your garage, which you need to keep safely. Here, keeping these needs in mind many security providers have come up with hi-tech mechanisms that verifies anyone enters the garage. This will always ensure that others can not enter the garage without your knowledge.

Now you will not have to keep a constant check on your car if you have installed hi-tech and modern doors for your garage. If you still have not, then check the Internet to find a host of providers offering you the same at an affordable price.

Emergency Garage Door Repair Services

Do not underestimate the importance of an operating garage door - that is why you will most likely need to contact a garage door repair service as soon as possible when your garage is not working as expected. After all, garages are also entrances to our homes and at the same time they make up half of the house's structure.

Every time a garage breaks down, it is important that homeowners recognize the importance of garage door repairs. Garage door repairs should not be chosen haphazardly. Locating a company that offers a garage service is actually easy- the tricky thing is selecting one that can provide you with the best professional service. After all, not everyone can do the repair.

The best source to find garage door repair companies and also reviews about their craft is by browsing on the internet. You will find all of the contact information you need as well as reviews from customers. If you do not have the internet, the phone book is one way to get by. You will see that some local garage repair companies do not have websites to market their services but have cheaper costs instead.

When selecting the right company for you, you may want to check out the company's size and manpower. This can also include the company's ability to do round the clock emergency checks - this is important especially since unexpected situations can arise. If your door will need a lot of work, you might want to consider package deals or tune ups.

When shopping for repair service, check if the company also sends technicians and a service truck. You may not have the adequate tools in your shed and this will also help avoid further delays. Also, take in to consideration the knowledge of the technician. You should look for businesses that have certified technicians. The technicians should also have the experience required to properly repair a garage.

Choosing a licensed and insured garage door repair service will be a sensible choice. This will give you quick and good repairs as well as great workmanship. You also want to make sure the company provides a warranty on their repairs and parts. This will make sure that your fixes are covered. If your garage fails a short time after the repair, the company will come back and fix it at no cost; or if they replace your damaged garage door part with another damaged part, they will bring you a new part and replace the damaged one at no cost.

Logistics Software is the Ultimate Transportation Management Program

It's difficult to think of an area of ​​business that has not benefited from SaaS offerings. And if you own a manufacturing company or plan on starting one, you may be familiar with truckload transportation management software, a form of logistics software that is available on both a SaaS model and as an internal software solution. The value of logistics software is typically discussed in relation to third party logistics (3PL), with its main benefits being that it offers logistics solutions at a significantly lower price than 3PL while offering more shipping options.

Logistics software offers the same logistics expertise as 3PL providers for a lower price because it's priced as a software service and not as a logistics consulting service. It offers a broader range of shipping solutions because it does not act as a business entity that prefers its own shipping solutions or the solutions of its associates. But there are also other benefits of using logistics software instead of 3PL; Below, we take a look at three reasons why logistics software is the ultimate transportation management program.

Companies Can Become Their Own Logistics Providers

When shipping companies get large enough, they usually purchase their own flight fleet and hire a team of logistics professionals to oversee it. But for small to midsize shipping companies, the financial necessity of outsourcing logistics means that they have to maintain a relationship with a 3PL that 3PL clients regularly characterize as being distant and disconnected, and it's easy to see why. If you are not a logistics expert, it's difficult to maintain a business dialogue within someone who is. But logistics software effectively places the power of the logistics function in the hands of shipping companies by providing an easy to use customer interface, making it an ideal transportation management program.

Companies Receive a Comprehensive Logistical Approach

There are four types of 3PL providers: standard 3PL providers, service developers, customer adapters and customer developers. But only customer developers offer a comprehensive approach that results in new shipping solutions. The problem? Cost wise, hiring a customer developer is essentially like hiring your own team of logistics professionals. And if you can not afford that, then hiring a customer developer is a bad decision as well. Companies hire standard 3PL providers and service developers when they have a specific need, but not when they when they want the best systematic shipping process; and customer adapters are rented by companies that simply want their shipping process "managed".

Companies can Significantly Reduce their Annual Shipping Costs

Research shows that companies that implement logistics software can reduce their annual shipping costs by 10 percent at the end of the first year. With the aid of logistics software, shippers typically pay more than they need to in freight transport and a variety other costs commonly associated with the shipping process, including but not limited to: TMS software costs, annual software maintenance costs, gain shares, freight margins and common rate based licensing costs.

Gift Ideas For a 5th Wedding Anniversary

Are you having difficulty thinking of a special gift idea for a 5th Wedding Anniversary? The traditional gift for a 5th Wedding Anniversary is made of wood. Although there are plenty of wooden products available it is often difficult to find one which is personalized and will last for many years. Kitchen or general furniture will be thrown out or moved on over time and, with any anniversary present, it is a good idea to buy something that will move house with the couple and not wear out.

A beautifully crafted bespoke large real oak wooden keepsake or memory box where the couple can store all those special memories of their life together is both thoughtful and useful. If a couple have reached their fifth wedding anniversary there is a good chance they will already have a number of mementos of their time together and with a large oak box they will have the space to add many more over the years.

Oak is an extremely hard and durable wood and will last for many years. As oak furniture is a very popular choice for the home a beautifully crafted wooden box will not look out of place and will compliment any decor.

To make that anniversary gift even more special you could have the box personalized with a name or names engraved on a wooden plaque.

What to store in an Oak Keepsake or Memory 5th Anniversary Box. There are so many possibilities including important documents for example: passports, birth certificates etc. or those special photographs and reminders of the wonderful times within the marriage. Perhaps, if the couple did not have a wedding keepsake box when they were married they could store those mementos of their special day. Interesting Newspaper cuttings, family bible, in fact any information or items that they can pass on as a family heirloom to their children and their childrens children.

Do not just put all these memories in the loft or garage, store them safely and on show so that they can regularly reminisce in the future.

Although this is only a single idea for the perfect gift for a 5th Wedding Anniversary, as gift ideas go it is probably the most appropriate and a gift that is best given rather than purchased for yourself making it very personal and special.

A Birthday Is More Than Balloons - Involving the Kids to Be a Part of the Birthday Decor Prep

Well, it's your kid's birthday and s / he has turned a year older but you do not just want them to turn older but also wiser by the years.

There are many ways your kid can take DIY things at hand and contribute to her / his birthday celebrations. After all, it's not an out and out surprise for them. Oh come on, they are expecting things already. So, why not plan the jubilee with them and make it a learning experience for your ward.

Five steps to include the birthday kid in her / his hatch day festivals:

1. Let the kids hone their artistic skills and design the invitation cards for their birthday ceremony. This way they will be involved in a crucial step before hosting the gala ie to invite the guests with creative hand-made cards.

2. Let them revise their art and craft lessons and contribute in the decoration of the hall with innovative crafting skills. Quilling is a hit these days, why not exercise it with your kid and do your own decor. There are so many tutorials on Quilling craft ideas available on online platforms like YouTube and Pinterest. Your kid and you can later boast about it too.

3. We all know that the market is flooded with a variety of candles of different shapes and sizes, spotted ones too. But nothing beats the proud moment when your kid molds her / his own candles. You get these waxes in many stores and also molders to give various shapes. So, why not give your kid this opportunity to make their own illuminators and they can further personal the experience by writing one's name on them by using glitters. This will not only validate that the candles are your kid's own creation but will also give them the special birthday vibes when your child sees her / his name inscribed on the candles.

4. Involve them in the cake-making process. Yes, this can be their first step to the kitchen where they can get a hands-on experience of baking, using the microwave and garnishing as well. So, let's prepare your young ones to be the next promising contantant of Masterchef Junior.

5. And finally for the return gifts, if you are looking for simpler options, well you sure have introduced them to the kitchen already, so how about incorporating them in preparation some flavoured hand-made chocolates packed in mini paper bags. Or few of those molded candles can be kicked away and with guests' names inscribed with glitter on them, they will make for perfect return gifts. There are so many other ways your child can plunge into making innovative return gifts for friends, if your kid's birthday falls in the current month or say the upcoming December, it is The Time to introduce him / her to sewing classes, maybe hand gloves for the tiny guests or better let's start with simpler things like woolen caps. Or let them try clay pottery and make interesting things. There are so many DIY pottery toys available in stores.

With these many ideas and suggestions on mind, we are sure you are already planning for a unique and special birthday bash for your baby. This will ensure that your family will not just enjoy the party time and post birthday time of opening the gifts but the pre-birthday preparations will be equally a time well spent. Have a gala time!

Different Types of Construction Tools and Their Utilities

The tools and equipment used for construction purposes are known as construction tools. Some of the best equipments are used by the corporate companies for construction buildings. These tools are essential for the quick completion of projects. Several excellent tools are available today which is vital for construction buildings.

Essential Construction Tools

Although there are several apparatus which assist in building buildings some of the most essential tools are as follows:

• Crane: Used mainly for deconstructing buildings, crane is one of the most important equipments which are used widely. Cranes are also used to lift resources from one place to another easily. These machines are categorized as heavy construction tools . There are different types of cranes used for various purposes.
• Crawler: Also known as a bulldozer, the crawler is a tractor with a dozer blade. It is used for construction large buildings.
• Loaders: Loaders are used for construction buildings and roads. Loaders are also known as front loaders, scoop loader, front end loader, bucket loader and so forth. Loaders use buckets to move resources to different places. The different materials transported by the loaders include sand, gravel, wood chips, dirt and so forth.
• Forklift: Forklift is one of the most handy construction tools that are used for lifting heavy equipments. The forklifts are available in different capacities and sizes. It is mainly used for moving heavy equipments in warehouses and manufacturing units.
• Excavator: The excavators are constructive tools used for various purposes like digging holes, fountains, handling materials, demolition buildings, digging trenches, heavy lifting and so froth. This heavy building equipment is also known as the digger with a cab installed on a pivot and has a bucket as well as an articulated arm.
• Road roller: Constructive tools also include road rollers or roller compacter which is used to compact concrete, dirt, gravel and asphalt. The road roller is used primarily for constructing roads and other construction purposes.
• Concrete mixers: Widely used equipment is the concrete mixer which is used to prepare concrete mixture by mixing cement, sand, gravel and water. Earlier this homogenous mixture was prepared manually but now with the help of this apparatus, concrete mixer can be made quickly and easily. The mixer contains a rotating drum which mixes the concrete.
• Scrapers: A scraper is multifaceted equipment that is used for various purposes and is quite efficient for digging, excavating and hauling.
• Backhoe: Backhoe is used for demolition purposes and for digging holes. It is an apparatus that is used in most of the construction sites.
• Sand screeners: The sand screeners are quite essential to sieve the sand and segregate it from dirt and other foreign objects. There are many types of sand screener including vibratory screening machines supplied by the construction tools manufacturers in the online portals.

In addition to the above tools and apparatus, there are many other types of equipment which are essential in any building construction site such as saws, nail gun, tool belt and so forth. The use of these construction tools is imperative for better and faster completion of building projects.