Jeeps are some of the most popular vehicles in the world, but they’re also some of the most complex. While anyone can own (and enjoy) the brand, there’s only an exclusive bunch who are able to recognize the nuances of their vehicle. Therefore, there are plenty of drivers out there who are clueless about their Jeep’s capabilities.
Now, we’re not trying to discredit your automotive knowledge. In fact, there’s a good chance that you know plenty about the brand’s vehicles and what they have to offer. However, there are so many more useful pointers that go beyond the standard information you will find in your Jeep’s owner manual.
So, if you’ve been considering pursuing a Jeep Cherokee lease (or any of the brand’s other impressive models), get the answers to the questions you may have always been too afraid to ask…
Should I Be Taking the Doors Off a Cherokee?
The simple answer? No.
If you’re riding around in a Jeep Wrangler, it’s perfectly acceptable for the driver to have removed the doors. However, it’s a completely different story for the Jeep Cherokee.
The vehicle features a similar design to a car, and you’re obviously not supposed to take doors off a sedan. The same goes for the Cherokee, as the crossover SUV wasn’t designed for that type of major (no matter how simple it may seem) modification.
There are several features in a Wrangler that a driver may take for granted when they’ve removed their doors. For example, the front “tub” keeps you, your passengers, and all of your belongings in the vehicle. Remove the doors from a Cherokee and you’re guaranteed to have at least one water bottle slide out.
Furthermore, since the Cherokee is a unit-body SUV, the doors are an essential part of the Jeep’s body. While a doorless Wrangler can rely on the roll bar in case of an accident, the Cherokee provides no such protections. Without the doors, you and your passengers are susceptible to falling out of the vehicle, whether due to a collision or not. Furthermore, a doorless-Cherokee could be more susceptible to compromising damage than, say, a doorless-Wrangler.
Either way, what’s the point? Is it worth the risk? While the doorless design on the Wrangler allows you to see your wheels, you won’t gain a similar advantage with the Cherokee. The only real incentive is eliminating the minor “annoyance” that is opening a car door. It could actually cause more harm than good to remove the doors, as your interior wasn’t necessarily designed to weather the elements. Furthermore, you’re likely to be flagged down by police for riding without doors, so it’s just easier to avoid the trouble and the potential ticket.
Why is my Jeep Shaking?
There are two potential reasons why your Jeep is shaking violently. Assuming the vehicle is properly maintained, you’re likely experiencing the “Death Wobble,” which causes the vehicle and steering wheel to suddenly and violently shake. However, if the shaking isn’t as abrupt and develops over time, you may want to focus on your u-joint geometry.
The driveshaft (u-joint) geometry can be thrown out of whack when a Jeep owner consistently lifts their vehicle. If you’ve found yourself constantly boosting your Jeep three additional inches, there’s a good chance that the u-joint is strained and isn’t operating to its full potential. If the piece is beyond repair, you could replace it by using a Sli-Yoke Eliminator kit and a new cv-driveshaft. On the flip side, if you’ve only barely lifted your Jeep, you should be able to adjust the part with a budget transfer-case drop.
If this isn’t the issue, you’re probably dealing with the death wobble. There isn’t a whole lot to worry about when this issue pops up, and it’s fairly common in all of the brand’s vehicles. However, there are several ways to remedy the issue. When you’re speeding along, one small bump could result in your entire suspension shaking, and this will eventually go away when the vehicle slows down and the suspension gathers itself. This is a big reason why you’ll often see Jeep owners avoiding speed bumps or pot holes.
Of course, if the wobble is starting to effect your ability to properly operate the vehicle, immediately get it down to a mechanic.
Should I Buy a Jeep for City Driving?
While we’d suggest the Jeep for any driving purposes, there may be a number of better options for commuting. You won’t receive the best fuel economy from the Jeep, meaning you’re going to be wasting a ton of gas as you’re stuck in traffic. Furthermore, Jeeps aren’t great on emissions, meaning it’s not the most eco-friendly vehicle to be driving in a city. If these happen to be prioritized specs during your car search, you may want to look elsewhere.
The vehicle’s design also makes the Jeep a below-average choice for city driving. There’s not much privacy in a Jeep, and you should expect all of your fellow drivers to hear your radio and most of your conversations. If you do need to drive your Jeep in the city, make sure you’ve installed the hard top. The soft tap can easily be compromised with a sharp object, making your Jeep a perfect target for thieves. If you do have a soft top, you’ll want to assure that you leave nothing of value in the vehicle overnight.
However, the Jeep could be useful for a generally hilly area, as that type of terrain could put stress on your typical commuter car. Furthermore, several of the Jeep models (notably the Wrangler) are small and easy to maneuver, making them an ideal choice for squeezing into tight parking spaces. Plus, the higher seating position gives you an advantageous vantage point over the rest of the drivers on the road.
Is the Jeep a Good Starter Car?
This opinion varies, but I’d generally say yes. It certainly takes some experience to get behind the wheel of a Jeep, but there’s no better way to throw a new driver into the fire. Now, we’re not suggesting that you send them on an hour-long trip on the highway. However, if they can learn how to drive their Jeep in parking lots or side streets, they’ll be able to operate any vehicle. The Jeeps’ quickly handling and driving experience is unique, but a new driver will certainly be able to adapt in any other type of vehicle.
Of course, there are several things these new drivers need to be aware of. As we mentioned previously, the handling on Jeeps can be rather unpredictable, and most Jeeps don’t contain the preventive crash technology that would truly help an inexperienced driver. Furthermore, the blind spots on Jeeps are larger than on other vehicles, meaning the new driver has to know to have their head on a swivel at all times. Finally, the Jeep doesn’t deliver the best fuel economy, meaning it may be tough for that young driver to afford the necessary fuel.
Have any other random Jeep questions that you’ve always wanted answered? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll do our best to provide you with a thorough explanation!
