My New (Used) Jepp Cherokee Part IV

Though I’ve have not done anything special to my new (used) 2001 Cherokee yet, I have taken a few steps to ensure that it’ll last for many years to come. For starters, I added Slick 50 for high mileage engines, though manufactures and, many of so called “expert”, warn against it. I have used Slick 50 on all my cars since 1981. Does it work? I’m not sure, though I’ve never had any problems with the cars engines’ internal components. Perhaps that had more to do with the preventive maintenance than with Slick 50; I just don’t know. However, until proven otherwise, I will continue to use it.

I’m also using Lucas Fuel Treatment or what they called “Tune-up in a Bottle”. It supposedly “cleans and lubricates your entire fuel system and upper cylinders” and “delivers better combustion for more power and higher mileage with lower emissions”. Again, I don’t know how true that is or whether or not these statements are an exaggeration, but from experience I know that fuel is not necessarily a top-notch lubricant. Lucas fuel treatment supposedly makes the fuel slicker, providing better lubricant properties to fuel components, including pumps and other moving parts.

A gallon of this stuff can treat up to 400 gallons of fuel. I bought a gallon and a 5.25 oz. bottle, which holds enough treatment to treat 25 gallons of fuel. Every time I filled up the tank, I poured a bottle of this treatment into it and then refill the bottle from the gallon container…buying the gallon saves a bundle.

Finally, I did some auto detailing; paying attention to those areas normally ignore by SUV or truck owners. For example, most people wash or wax their SUVs, trucks or Vans, but fail to pay attention to the roof. No before long, the paint begins to fade from the lack of attention. This includes the roof rack as well. Other areas normally not taking into account are the side moldings and the wheel well. Many car owners spend hours washing, waxing and maintaining their cars, but fail to condition the side moldings and other non-metallic, unpainted parts. Making sure these parts are well condition will make it easier to keep them clean.

To condition the roof rack, side moldings and wheel well, I like to use tire gel. I had tried other, sometimes more expensive products, but they don’t last as long as tire gel. Tire gel tends to stay put for a long time, maintaining that shinny look while providing a non-stick surface. I just pour a few drops on a clean rag and then apply a thin coat to the moldings, roof racks and part of the wheel wells. Then, with the same rag, I apply it to the tires, turning the rag often to make sure I don’t spread dirt all over. I stay away from sprays, not just because of the overspray, but because a bottle of gel last much longer…no waste.

Well, I will be looking forward to my next Jeep project. I don’t know when the differential oil was replaced, so that will be a good project to tackle next. It has been raining here in San Antonio for the last two days, so I must wait until the weather clears. Until we meet again, have a nice day.