If you are looking to make your Jeep stand the test of time, then routine and regular maintenance is your friend.
In order to keep our cars up to standards of safety and efficiency, the solution is to treat them well over time. Some work needs completing fairly frequently; things like oil changes and fluid upkeep.
Other factors happen less frequently, though take more of an investment in time and money. Know what to expect in order to avoid troublesome issues down the road.
Page Contents
Types of Maintenance of Jeep Wrangler
Fluids & Oil Changes
The first tips and tricks dealing with frequent maintenance. Overall, it costs just over twenty dollars monthly to keep our Jeep Wranglers up to par.
If you can find a way to complete oil changes on your own (including the filter), then you can start pinching pennies right away.
Fluid changes need to happen fairly often. Assuming the vehicle is regularly driven, you can estimate them as requiring an oil change up to every two months.
Keep ahead of the curve when changing your vehicle’s fluids. Slow reactions to fluid troubles lead to engine and transmission concerns. Save cost and trouble by keeping up with these systems’ demands.
Braking System Repairs
Now that we have discussed the basics, we can move on to different Jeep systems. Brakes often need attention on these vehicles.
The demands of the system dictate replacements over repairs due to the nature of the parts.
Typically, on the Jeep Wrangler, this will include calipers, rotors and/or disks, as well as easier tasks like subbing out the light switch.
If you hear excess noise when braking the vehicle, address these concerns right away. If will mitigate cost down the line.
Not all issues with these vehicles are as distinct as brakes. Nonetheless, proper maintenance demands attention to both the big and small issues.
When we address smaller concerns off the hop, we avoid the trouble of them escalating into bigger (and likely more costly) issues.
Some of these smaller troubles include door lock actuator systems, as well as the sensor for the crankshaft position.
While these problems do not necessarily signify actual mechanical trouble, they do represent small problems with the circuitry. Generally, for these issues, maintenance is straightforward and fairly efficient.
Chassis and Exterior Care
Maintenance deals with the outside of the vehicle as much as the inside. A funny characteristic of these automobiles is the proclivity towards damage to the door handle.
This can happen to any of the doors and presents either as a clean break or product damage. Finding a replacement part is quick and easy, as is subbing out the item on the vehicle.
Usually, this will take less than a few minutes and brings the auto back up to par.
Included in outer maintenance needs are the obvious demands of the paint. Usually, the factory provided paint can last for a long time, provided it is well-cared-for.
Take your Jeep to the carwash and spring for the wax coat. When it comes to maintaining your automobile, appearance matters.
When paint chips, it can oxidize and wear down the frame. The same can happen as a result of street salt, weather, dings, and a plethora of other causes. Find touchup paint that matches the color of your Jeep.
Apply it at the first sign of trouble to prevent the acceleration of issues.
Tires and Windshield
We cannot discuss exterior needs without detailing the two most obvious candidates for damage: tires and windshields. Jeeps are utility vehicles; meaning they are meant to drive in any and all conditions.
Unfortunately, this means frequent chips to the windows and windshield.
Thankfully, technology has come a long way. Now, when there is a dent in the glass of the car, you can take it to a repair shop to have the hole filled. This is best practice and prevents the problem from spreading, literally.
In terms of tires, it is no secret that they are key to vehicle maintenance. The first and logical step is to make sure that you have the right tires for the job.
They are the point of contact between your auto and the road itself. Keep them filled properly by checking often the pressure in the tires themselves.
Of course, concerns like rotation and alignment are necessary as well. Even when cars have four-wheel drive, we tend to favor certain parts of the car. Prevent wear down of the tires by switching them frequently and always making sure you inflate them safely.
Odds and Ends
Naturally, there are other small parts to consider. These represent common issues seen with this vehicle make and model.
Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings are another common pitfall for these vehicles. They don’t have to be, however. Assuming we get and stay, ahead of the maintenance curve, we can cut costs and keep our car up to par.
Wheel bearings are essential to the smooth steering experience we know and love.
These absorb the friction of turning the auto by reducing surface area points of contact. They cannot be repaired, only replaced.
If you notice trouble when steering the car, perhaps a limit to the smooth maneuvering you have come to expect, then it is time to check on the wheel bearings. Parts are easy to source, and the fix requires minimal shop time. To learn more about this visit jeepequipment.com.
Ball joints
On the topic of bearings, ball joints (especially on the front end) are another common trouble-area for these vehicles. They are another part that requires replacement as opposed to repair.
If you feel an unfamiliar tension when steering, take a gander at this component. Is it worn down? If so, then it is time to visit your mechanic and get the part replaced.
A Final Word on Jeep Wrangler Maintenance
Keep it simple
Generally speaking, and especially compared to other vehicles of similar make, Jeep Wranglers require limited maintenance.
There are some components to upkeep that are true across the board, things like fluid replacements including an oil change.
They keep the engine operating smoothly and are necessary for every vehicle out there. Other parts are more specialized to this vehicle itself; issues with circuitry sensors and the like.
Stay ahead of the curve
Regardless of how small the issue may seem; it is critical to deal with the matter right away. When we keep to a regular maintenance schedule (and deal with problems as they show up) we can drastically cut costs in terms of upkeep.
Make sure, when dealing with your Jeep, that the outer shell holds to the same standard as internal components.
Not only does this improve resaleable value, but it also makes for an altogether improved experience.
A good rule of thumb is to set aside time every month for repairs and maintenance. Ensure that you account for these costs when forming your budget.
Whenever possible, do replacements at your home garage facility. This will keep the ball low and let you get to know your Jeep better.
The focus of a quality vehicle is to take the driver from Point A to Point B safely and comfortably. When we maintain our Jeeps to the best of our ability, they will continue to offer this service over the long-term.