Maintaining Your Used Jeep Wrangler for Off-Road Performance

Many consider the Jeep Wrangler to be the definitive choice for off-roading and adventures far from civilization. Understandably, the Wrangler, with its rugged design and lifted suspension, is formulated to traverse any terrain and make short work of any obstacles and roadblocks that might hinder an adventure. However, as with all vehicles, routine maintenance is essential to maintaining performance.

At The Faricy Boys, we’ve helped many customers find used Jeeps for sale in Colorado Springs and perform the necessary upkeep to facilitate adventures off the pavement. Having a Jeep Wrangler means being able to go to locations that only the bold and daring dream of exploring, but you won’t be able to enjoy life on the road less traveled if you don’t take proper care of your vehicle. Today, we’ve compiled a list of essential items that need proper care to help facilitate your off-road excursions.

Oil Changes

Having your oil changed regularly is necessary for any vehicle. Modern Wranglers have an oil life monitor that will tell you when to change your oil, but you should make sure to change it at least once a year or every 10,000 miles. However, this should be done more often if you’re an avid off-roader. Your engine is a collection of moving parts that generate considerable friction. Regular driving around Colorado Springs and on the highway already places a discernible strain and stress on your powertrain, necessitating regular oil changes. When used for off-roading, a vehicle such as the Jeep Wrangler needs to have its oil changed more frequently. Full synthetic oil can last longer and remove harmful engine deposits. Consult with one of our technicians at The Faricy Boys to determine how frequently oil changes should be done.

Tire Rotations & Balancing

Drivers living in and around Colorado Springs can attest to the cold weather conditions requiring tires that can provide traction on less-than-favorable roads. Off-roaders in Colorado usually require two sets of tires, depending on which locations they frequent. Having a pair of winter tires and a pair of all-terrain tires can be beneficial. No matter what time of year it might be, it’s essential that you have them properly rotated when you have your oil changed. Having your tires rotated and balanced ensures that the tread wears evenly, and technicians can spot potential defects that might limit traction and road grip. When you own a Wrangler, it’s important to rotate your full-size spare tire along with your other four tires.

Air Filter Replacement

Your Jeep Wrangler’s powertrain requires much more than a full gas tank and the occasional oil change to operate properly. All internal combustion engines require an air intake system to perform. The air filtration system on your Jeep Wrangler lets in air to help facilitate the combustion process while the filter keeps dust and debris from entering the engine, preventing severe damage.

On average, the engine air filter on your Jeep Wrangler should be replaced every 30,000 miles or three years. However, Jeep owners in Colorado Springs who spend a lot of time off-roading and adventuring are advised to have their filters replaced more often. If you use your Jeep Wrangler for off-roading, it’s advisable to have the air filter replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles, depending on the frequency of your adventures.

Brakes

Like many other maintenance items we’ve listed, your vehicle’s braking system needs to be properly maintained, no matter what vehicle you drive. Having the braking pads replaced every 40,000 to 60,000 miles is considered normal, as is brake rotor replacement, which should usually be performed every 60,000 to 80,000 miles.

The pad and rotor replacement frequency that we just mentioned is considered average for city and highway driving, but as is the case with many of the items we’ve listed here today, having them performed more frequently if you partake in off-roading is strongly recommended.

Brake pads and rotors tend to wear down more frequently in the rough-and-tumble road of off-roading, and depending on what terrain you like to spend your time on, there’s also a chance of dirt and debris hindering brake performance, which can cause further damage and impede safe driving.

Undercarriage Inspection

Whenever you bring a vehicle in for a routine tune-up, we will inspect the undercarriage while it is up on the lift. A technician can determine if there’s any damage and if items such as the gearbox, fuel tank, and driveshaft are in decent shape. Depending on what type of Jeep Wrangler you have, you might have skid plates equipped to add a layer of protection required for off-roading.

Still, if you’re an avid off-roader, there’s a good chance that dirt, gravel, and other items you traverse might have caused dents, scratches, and other notable damage to your Wrangler. Depending on how often you embark on an adventure, having the undercarriage of your Wrangler looked at periodically can ensure that everything is in working order and serves as one of the best preventive maintenance items.

Suspension

If you find yourself departing Colorado Springs regularly to seek out the challenging trails and terrains that accompany the rough-and-tumble world of off-roading, there are a few things that should be considered. First, understand the difficulty of the terrain you plan on traveling on, and second, be aware of your Jeep Wrangler’s suspension and what shape it might be in.

Like many items we’ve looked at today, the frequency with which you should have your suspension looked at will vary depending on what you use your Jeep Wrangler for. Colorado Springs residents who aren’t frequent visitors to the world of off-roading should plan to have their suspension and shocks looked at either every two years or every 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Off-roaders should consider having these items inspected more frequently, depending on how much time they spend off the beaten path. If you experience diminished ride quality, notice leaking fluids, or hear excessive noise, it’s advisable to have your suspension inspected right away.

Transfer Case

One of the most crucial items to facilitating any off-road adventure in your Jeep Wrangler is the transfer case. Jeep vehicles are known for their prowess when it comes to handling themselves on less-than-favorable road conditions, and the transfer case plays a critical role in facilitating this. The transfer case in the Jeep Wrangler delivers power to the different wheels and lets you select between high and low range. It is also imperative when transitioning between city driving and off-road adventuring. Jeep recommends having the transfer case fluid inspected at least every three years or 30,000 miles.

Your Colorado Springs Wrangler Service Center

If you drive a Jeep Wrangler or are considering purchasing a used one, having it taken care of regularly is imperative to enjoy it for multiple years and countless miles. At The Faricy Boys, we’re the location that residents of Colorado Springs trust when it comes to sales and the necessary maintenance that will allow you to partake in adventures off the pavement.

Our highly trained technicians are here to take care of all the necessary items so you can enjoy your Jeep Wrangler. We can handle all the items listed here today, from oil changes and tire rotations to suspension and brake work. We’re the dealership that off-roaders come to for all of their needs. We hope to see you soon and look forward to helping you enjoy your next exciting off-road excursion.