The Jeep is more than a machine–it’s a lifestyle. Whether you like embracing your inner daredevil off the beaten path or choosing a reliable life on the highway, a Jeep is the perfect roadside companion.
But remember that even the strongest competitors need some regular tender, love, and care to reach their peak performance capabilities.
Keeping your Jeep in top condition is not a difficult task–well, as long as you know where to go and what to do. Simple, right?
Don’t worry! The team at Legacy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM has compiled a complete guide to Jeep maintenance, tackling everything from tips and tricks to a schedule breakdown. Keep reading to learn more, then stop by our service center in Florence for Jeep maintenance near you!
Are Regular Maintenance Visits Necessary?
It can be tempting to turn up your music when you hear the brakes squeaking or ignore the pesky lights on the dashboard. After all, car maintenance is one of the most overwhelming and stressful parts of adulthood.
However, routine vehicle maintenance not only ensures its safety and dependability for years to come but may save you a hefty price tag in future car repairs. While it can save money in future repairs, proper maintenance can also increase fuel efficiency.
According to the Car Care Council, simple (and inexpensive) vehicle maintenance may save as much as $1,200 a year in gasoline costs alone. That’s a possible $1,200 back in your pocket just for a visit to your local Jeep dealership’s service center!
Eight Tips for Keeping Your Jeep Running Smoothly
Your Jeep may be an off-road powerhouse, but it takes work to reach that star-level status. Regular upkeep is an essential component of owning a Jeep, ensuring that it stays ahead of the pack both on and off the road.
Here, we’ve compiled eight maintenance tips to keep your Jeep in tip-top condition!
- Start With a Jeep Oil Change
Water is to humans as oil is to vehicles: just as water is crucial to the health and well-being of people, the same can be said for oil to vehicles. Oil serves as the lifeblood of your Jeep, ensuring that the engine continues to run smoothly by keeping it well lubricated, dissipating heat, and removing harmful debris. Whether you’ve chosen a brand-new Wrangler or have your heart set on the used Grand Cherokee for sale, one thing is certain: both will need regular oil changes to keep you road-ready.
- Check (and Change) Your Fluids
Your Jeep is a powerful piece of machinery with many moving parts that work together to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. In addition to the engine oil, other fluids keep your vehicle operational, including power steering, transmission, brake fluids, and more.
Each Jeep requires certain levels of these fluids and how often you need them changed will depend on various factors. Talk to one of our experienced team members to determine what your Jeep needs regarding fluid levels and frequency–our certified technicians have you covered!
- Inspect Your Tires
Tires are an integral part of any vehicle, but they can also be easily forgotten. Jeep tire maintenance starts with a closer look at the tread. Check your tread depth to determine if your tires are ready to take on the road ahead or if you need to invest in new tires.
If your tire inspection proves the tread is looking good, get a tire rotation. Even wear is a necessity to help maintain traction on all four tires and enhance your ride's stability and performance capability.
Don’t forget about tire pressure! Maintaining the correct tire pressure will not only help your Jeep handle better but will also lengthen the lifespan of your tires. You know what that means–more money in your pocket!
- Hit the Brakes!
The brakes are one of, if not the most, important safety features on your vehicle. Over time, your brake pads will wear down and lose their effectiveness. Worn-out brake pads can make coming to a complete stop in time difficult, resulting in a possible collision.
When it comes to your brake pads, it’s important to rely on your listening skills rather than on your sight. When your brake pads begin to wear down, they will likely squeak or squeal, letting you know it’s time to pay a visit to one of our certified techs at Legacy CDJR.
- Keep an Eye on the Suspension
The hero of any off-roader is its suspension system. With the sole purpose of absorbing shocks and ensuring a smooth journey, there is nothing more important to any off-road ride than the quality of its suspension system.
Regular check-ups are necessary to maintain the suspension’s integrity. Our technicians will watch for any missing or loose nuts and bolts and potential damage from debris, ensuring that your ride will be safe and secure during the unknown bumps in the road.
- Grease is the Word
The secret to any smooth journey is not an oil change (though that is important). The secret? Good old-fashioned grease.
Grease is the key component to keeping your jeep well-lubricated and avoiding costly damages in the future. Applying a fresh coat to the u-joints, bearings, and driveshafts will keep the ever-frustrating squeaks at bay and avoid unnecessary friction that can cause damage to those key areas.
- Monitor Your Air Filters
Dust and debris are often part of the road ahead but can cause undue harm to your air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, it reduces airflow to the engine. When left unchecked, this can cause decreased performance, possible engine damage, and overheating.
- Inspect and Protect the Undercarriage
Recently discovered a Jeep Wrangler for sale near you? Before you take the plunge to off-roading greatness, prepare your Wrangler for what’s to come.
Off-roading can expose the undercarriage of your Jeep to rocks, debris, and other hazards that come with the territory of unpaved streets. Regularly inspect the undercarriage, including suspension and drivetrain components, to keep an eye out for signs of damage or sagging that may reduce ground clearance.
Jeep Maintenance Schedule by Mileage
Owning a Jeep requires regular maintenance checks and changes, but how often should you schedule a service check?
Your Jeep’s mileage will determine its servicing needs, but below, we’ve compiled a general rule of thumb for maintenance, broken down by mileage.
For Every 20,000 Miles…
- Inspect the universal joints, suspension, front and rear axle fluid, tie rod ends, and brake linings
- Inspect and replace the cabin air filter
For Every 30,000 Miles…
- Inspect and replace the engine air filter
- Inspect and change the transmission fluid
- Inspect the transfer and case fluid
For Every 40,000 Miles…
- Perform the 20,000 mile inspections
- Change the front and rear axle fluid
For Every 60,000 Miles….
- Perform the regular 20,000 and 30,000 mile inspections
- Replace spark plugs
- Change the manual transmission fluid
Monthly Maintenance Checks
- Check fluid levels, including engine oil, brake, coolant, etc.
- Check tire pressure
- Check the interior and exterior lights
- Check your oil, and if an oil change is needed, replace the filter, rotate your tires, inspect the brake pads, and inspect your battery for any corrosion or wear.
Keep Your Ride Rolling at Legacy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM!
Owning a vehicle can sometimes sound like an “all work and no play” situation, but that’s why we are here to help!
Our certified technicians are prepared to take on all the work that your Jeep requires so you can do what’s important: enjoy your ride! As your trusted Florence new car dealer, we’re here to help with all your vehicle needs, from maintenance to finding your next ride. Explore everything our service center offers and schedule your appointment today!
In the market for a new vehicle? Check out the Jeep Compass for sale or browse through our online inventory of the latest additions to the Jeep lineup!