Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Jeep Secrets Revealed

Hidden Gems in My Jeep

When I first got my Jeep, I found joy of discovering all the quirky and clever features my ride had to offer. My adventure into the world of Jeep secrets started with a seemingly mundane item – the center console of my Rubicon. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a gem of a discovery online: hidden beneath the console are specially designed holders perfect for stashing pens, compact flashlights, or even a tire gauge.

More Hidden Gems are Jeep Easter Eggs. Who would have thought that Jeep Easter Eggs would gain such immense popularity? About two years after my post on Jeep Easter Eggs, the trend really took off. Searching for Jeep Easter Eggs

You can watch my Jeeps Tips and Tricks on my Jeep Momma YouTube channel. 


Underneath the center console lid.
Underneath Center Console Lid


Built in Dog Bowl

But the fun doesn't stop there. Did you ever look at your cup holder and see it as anything more than a place for your morning coffee? Well, it turns out it can effortlessly transform into a water dish for your four-legged friend during those long, adventurous drives.


Hidden Seven Slot Grille

Jeep designers truly embrace the iconic seven-slot grille design, and they echoed this theme in the detailing. Look closely, and you'll find the seven-slot motif cleverly incorporated into the design of the top vent near the hood, a subtle nod to the Jeep's heritage.

Cowl on the hood of my Jeep.
7 Slot Grille on Cowl


Bottle Opener in the Door

Now, for those moments when you're tinkering in the garage and realize you've forgotten a bottle opener, there's no need to trek back into the house. The Wrangler's got your back – or rather, your door does. The silver latches on the body of the Jeep aren't just for looks; they double as a handy bottle opener.

Using the door latch as a bottle opener.
Door latch as a bottle opener


The sun visor was a cool discovery as well. You can pull it out to block the sun near the rear view mirror. Or even along the door. 

visors on my Jeep
Adjustable sunvisors


Thursday, November 5, 2015

Evap Canister -- Relocate or Fortify?

Choosing the Right Off-Road Modifications for My Jeep


In my early off-roading years, I struggled to decide which modifications to make on my Jeep. Fellow Jeepers always offered suggestions and advice. As I tackled more challenging trails in my stock Wrangler, I recognized the need to strengthen my undercarriage. Wheeling on rocky trails necessitates protecting your Jeep's belly.

Skid Plates: The First Line of Defense

Skid plates safeguard the critical components that propel your Jeep forward. I started with an engine/transmission skid plate, replaced my factory differential covers, and installed rear lower control arm skids.

Check out my Engine Skid Plate Install


To Protect or Not to Protect the Evap Canister

I faced recommendations to shield my evap canister. The choices were upgrading the factory skid plate with a tougher aftermarket version or relocating the canister. Adams Jeep, my preferred shop in Maryland, advised relocating it over the axle. While some Jeepers suggested I could handle this task myself, others recommended opting for a sturdier evap canister skid.


The Jeep Wrangler Evap Canister Skid Plate
Evap Canister Skid 

However, many of my wheeling friends advised against any evap canister modifications, as they rarely encountered issues with scraping or hitting rocks. I ultimately decided to keep the evap canister as it was, straight from the factory.


The purple arrow shows where you would relocate your evap canister.
relocation place for evap canister


A Decade of Wheeling Without Issues

After nearly a decade of wheeling across the country, I've encountered no problems. Although I usually don't wheel extreme rock trails, I've navigated the Rubicon Trail and tougher trails in Arizona and Rausch Creek without any difficulties.

What is the Evap Canister

The EVAP canister, or Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) canister, is an essential component of a vehicle's emission control system. It plays a vital role in reducing harmful emissions and ensuring the vehicle's compliance with stringent emission standards.

The EVAP canister's primary function is to capture and store fuel vapors generated within the fuel system, preventing their release into the atmosphere. These vapors are created due to the natural process of fuel evaporation and are collected by the canister, which is strategically located near the fuel tank for easy access.

During the engine's combustion process, the stored fuel vapors are gradually purged from the EVAP canister and burned by the engine. This process significantly contributes to a cleaner and more eco-friendly driving experience, as it effectively reduces the release of harmful emissions.


Jeep Wrangler Check Engine Light

My Four-Year Journey  For four long years, I drove my beloved Jeep with the check engine light illuminating my dashboard. About two years in...