When you see a good-looking car or truck passing by, often the first thing that catches your eye is the chrome detailing. Most car manufacturers, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, use it on their models to one extent or another. It shines in contrast to the paintwork and adds a touch of class to any vehicle. However, if chrome is not cared for, it can become dull and pitted with grime and road contaminants. Before cleaning your chrome, it is best to know what type it is. Types of Chrome The chrome parts and detailing on your car could be either metal or plastic that has undergone a chromium-electroplating process. Going back to the 1970s and before, the chrome parts would all have been metal. However, as the process for plating chrome on plastic was developed, more manufacturers switched to this lighter and more cost-effective option. more While looking great, plastic chrome is not as hard-wearing as metal and should be cleaned with care. Too much or too vigorous polishing and buffing can reveal the underlying material. Cleaning Chrome To start cleaning your chrome, you should hose down the areas you are working on. Remove as much as possible of the physical dirt, mud, and contaminants. Then, if you are cleaning the grille, for example, apply a good quality chrome cleaner to its surface and use a soft brush to help work it in and get rid of the more persistent bits. A good chrome cleaner will contain lubricants that allow you to clean the chrome without scratching the surface. Work on small areas at a time and don't allow the cleaner to dry on the chrome. If you find stubborn stains that you can't shift, you can use a fine synthetic steel wool to help you remove them. Once the area is clean, rinse it off with water. Then, using a clean microfiber cloth, carefully dry the chrome. You don't want stains from the cleaner or any water spots. Polishing For polishing metal chrome parts, your car's manual usually contains advice about the best materials to use to clean and polish them. Alternatively, you could ask at your local auto-detailing shop. They will suggest the right types of compounds, polishes, and tools to use for the type of chrome on your vehicle. For metal, an electric rotary buffer might be the best tool for bringing out a high-quality and long-lasting shine. Plastic chrome needs a gentler approach, so using a mild sealant and polishing by hand will give you the best results. Apply the polish to the surface and slowly work the product into one small area at a time. Gradually polish each area until there is no longer any of the product visible and your chrome is gleaming. The protective wax in the polish seals the surface, making it more resistant to staining and oxidation, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. Regularly cleaning your 4x4, especially after you've been off-roading, will help to keep it in pristine condition, particularly the shining chrome. Image via Flickr by Mike Babcock /Under use by CC BY 2.0
In 2018, the Jeep Wrangler saw its first redesign in more than 10 years. There is a bit of an overlap for the 2018 model year, as the old Wrangler was still in production until April 2018. The newly redesigned Wrangler is available in both two- and four-door models and with a variety of trim levels. In addition to a new exterior design, the interior received a number of upgrades and improvements as well. High-end materials, well-organized controls, and upgraded infotainment options are just some of the additions you'll see on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. More Luxurious Interior The new Jeep Wrangler features upgraded materials and a variety of luxurious upgrades, including heated front seats and steering wheel. The leather-wrapped steering wheel also has controls for convenient access to phone, audio, voice, and more. Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control keeps both the driver and front passenger comfortable at their own desired temperatures. more If you use your Jeep in a cold-weather climate, the addition of heated mirrors is a welcome upgrade. They can help melt frost or ice, which allows for safe driving whether you're on a snowy adventure or just a frost-filled morning commute. Better Connectivity The fourth-generation Uconnect system offers better connectivity and a variety of cool enhancements for 2018. It includes a pinch-to-zoom display, faster startup time, improved responsiveness on the touchscreen, enhanced processing power, and better screen brightness and resolution. The standard Uconnect system features a 5-inch screen but available upgrades include a 7-inch or 8.4-inch screen. The standard model features Siri, Bluetooth Streaming Audio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and more. The optional 8.4-inch screen also includes navigation with turn-by-turn directions, Android Audio and Apple CarPlay support, SiriusXM Traffic, SiriusXM Travel Link, and more. Ready for Adventure Although there are a lot of luxurious upgrades for 2018, the Jeep Wrangler is still ideal for rugged outdoor adventures. Wrangler's buttons, knobs, and toggles have undergone testing to ensure maximum function. Rubber surrounding the touchscreen, switches, and start/stop button has been expertly designed to be both durable and ergonomic. Climbing in and out is easier with grab handles built into the A-pillar and B-pillar. These also offer extra support when off-roading. For 2018, the wash-out interior includes all-new, one-way drain valves on the floor that allow water out. Once you remove the interior carpet, you can use a hose to wash out the interior. Modern Technology The 2018 Wrangler JL can be started with a quick push of the button, which is waterproof. It was even tested in a mist chamber for a 24-hour soak test. You'll find dual USB ports in the console, there is an extra port tucked away in the center armrest, and additional USB ports are available for passengers in the backseat. There is also a 115-volt power outlet so you can power up your electronics while on the road. When you're ready to see the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler in person, visit our showroom at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Alexandria. Our knowledgeable sales staff can answer all your questions and show you all the interior upgrades on the new Wrangler. Image via Flickr by SMart_Photos /Cropped from Original/Under use by CC BY 2.0
For more than 80 years, the Jeep brand has been linked with rugged off-road capability, freedom, and adventure. Although this rough-and-tough image is to a large extent the main reason for the endearing popularity of the brand, Jeep is staying with the times and has turned the page to open a new chapter in the Jeep story— one which starts with Jeep's new slogan, "Zero Emission Freedom." Here's a sneak peek at some of Jeep's future plans. 1. Autonomous Off-Road Driving Autonomous driving is one thing. But autonomous off-road driving seems like a whole different kettle of fish. During a recent EV Day event, Jeep showed a captivating video of the possible future trajectory of the much-loved Wrangler. In the video, a concept BEV model of the Wrangler is shown, with the word "Freedom" emblazoned on the hood. The year is 2025, and since the Wrangler is equipped with biometric recognition, it automatically unlocks and starts when it recognizes the face of its owner. Another scene depicts a drone flying in front of the Wrangler. It provides some extra light for the couple inside who are driving off-road during the night. Fast-forward to 2030, the couple is seen camping next to their four-door Wrangler, which features transparent doors. The video ends with the couple lying on their backs in the Wrangler stargazing, while the vehicle pilots itself around the off-road rails. more 2. A Full Complement of EVs by 2025 Although rough off-road-focused Jeep SUVs are probably not the type of vehicles that you may think of when you picture eco-friendly EVs, Jeep is committed to going green. Back in 2019, the first plug-in hybrid Renegade model was introduced in the European market and was closely followed by the 2019 Compass. In 2021, the first hybrid Jeep, namely the Wrangler 4xe, became available to American consumers. Recently, Jeep has announced the imminent arrival of the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe, which will possibly be followed by a Grand Wagoneer 4xe. Apart from the expansion of its plug-in hybrid lineup, Jeep has announced that it plans to offer a fully electrified, zero-emissions model in every SUV segment by 2025. Although Jeep didn't explicitly debut the Wrangler BEV model at the recent EV Day event, the video featuring the concept model at least seems to point in this direction. 3. Jeep Goes Grand With the 2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, Jeep is entering another unchartered space, namely the luxury SUV segment. Jeep has resurrected this famous name from the past to bring a roomy and upscale three-row Jeep SUV to the market. Apart from a brawny V-8 engine, the Wagoneer boasts a 10,000-pound towing capacity and an upscale interior that's heavy on tech. The SUV, for instance, can be fitted with up to five displays, of which one is dedicated to the front passenger. If you're looking for an even more luxurious family vehicle, opt for the Grand Wagoneer, which features an abundance of tech, premium materials, and deluxe features. Judging from what we know about Jeep's plans for the future, we're in for a fun, innovative, and eco-friendly ride. Drop by Ourisman CDJR of Alexandria your trusted Jeep dealer in Alexandria, VA to find out more about what the automaker has in store for us.
