Jeep Wrangler Spring Maintenance Tips
As any Jeep owner knows, the winter months are often not too kind to our favorite off-roading vehicles. Since safety should always be a top priority, we highly recommend taking the maintenance of your Jeep seriously as you prepare to hit your favorite off-roading spots in the Spring. Keeping your Jeep in tip-top shape will help keep both you and your Jeep safe.
1. Replace Old Parts, Wiper Blades, and Plastic Windows
Uneven terrain, mud, rain, heavy winds. These are the forces of nature that your Jeep has to deal with as you ramble down an off-road trail. We recommend that you replace your wiper blades, check the plastic windows, and replace any old parts, both on the exterior and interior that may have had a tough go of it during the past winter.
2. Clean any winter snow or salt residue including the underbody
With snow comes salt and with salt comes residue. You’ll probably wash your Jeep as part of your Spring cleaning, but we also highly recommend cleaning the underbody of your Jeep. Leaving salt and snow residue to eat away at the underside of your Jeep will come back to haunt your wallet eventually.
3. Clean your headlights
Visibility is essential for any off-roading excursion. Before Spring comes around you should make sure that your headlights are in pristine condition so they are able to aid you when you need them the most. Odds are you’ll need to clean them often throughout your off-roading season. But a thorough check and cleaning at the start will go a long way.
4. Change oil and check your fluids
Replacing your oil filter and changing your oil will make sure your engine is running smooth throughout the Spring. You’ll also want to make sure your wiper fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluids are all properly topped off. Overheating or running out of power steering fluid while off-roading is one of the last things you want to happen. Don’t leave the aforementioned off your maintenance checklist.
5. Check Your Battery
A dead battery will do you no good when you’re cruising the backcountry. Make sure your battery is properly charged or even take an extra with you on your next excursion.
6. Check Tires and Brakes
Proper traction and braking power are crucial when you’re driving on uneven terrain. Having enough tread on your tires or thick enough brake pads can be the difference between avoiding a tree, rolling your jeep, or worse. If your tire tread is low and brakes are worn, get them replaced pronto.
7. Check belts and hoses
Our last maintenance tip covers two often overlooked aspects of car maintenance: Belts and Hoses. The serpentine belt inside your Jeep helps keep several parts moving, including the alternator, powering steering pump, and more. If your belt snaps while driving, it’s bound to cause damage that could completely ruin your engine.
Hoses help move radiator fluids throughout your Jeep. If your radiator hose goes out, you’re Jeep may overheat and potentially cause damage to your engine. Keep your ride cool and make sure your radiator hose is good to go.