The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most recognizable vehicles known for off-roading, making its performance a highly contested topic.
Its presence spans well into its 4th generation, with its use seen in extreme sports, driving to work, and even along the beach.
With such expansive use, it begs the question, how many miles can it last?
The Simple Answer
While the exact number of miles varies based on various factors, a well-maintained Jeep Wrangler can last up to 400,000 miles.
Older models will typically last up to 200,000 miles before you begin to experience any significant problems.
Overall, a Jeep Wrangler is designed to offer performance well over the 15-year mark, contrary to the 5-year mark when most vehicles start to develop problems.
The 20-year mark is also attainable, with the trick to this being sticking to a regular maintenance program.
Maintenance Tips for Increased Longevity
Some maintenance tips that will help you get the most out of your Jeep Wrangler include:
Changing Your Oil and Tires
The first tip to help you achieve longevity is changing your oil every 6 months, which translates to roughly every 5,000 miles.
While doing this, ensure that you also change your filter every time you change the oil, most preferably after every 20,000 miles.
Make it a point to rotate your tires at least once a year or have them rebalanced every 6,000-8,000 miles.
This helps even with wear and tear, keeping it in top shape for off-road adventures.
Keep Track of Electrical Malfunctioning
Due to exposure to mud and water during off-road adventures, you will likely spot signs of electrical problems before other issues emerge.
Some examples of electrical problems include malfunctioning lights and gauges, hard starting, and A/C performance issues.
Other signs of damage that warrant maintenance include a leaky radiator, transfer case leaks, and rear main seal leaks.
Wax Your Jeep Wrangler
Waxing will also be an essential part of your maintenance due to frequent contact with elements such as rocks and snow that occasionally expose your exterior to rust and corrosion.
Waxing acts as a form of rust and corrosion prevention, helping you save on costly maintenance costs during vehicle upgrades.
The undercarriage will significantly benefit from waxing, given its constant exposure to outdoor elements that could damage it.
Inspect Your Battery
Your battery will also benefit from inspection every 4-5 years.
Since batteries rarely show signs of damage until too late, this is another area to include in your maintenance checklist.
Your mechanic can help you clean the battery terminals while also securing the cables to the battery.
If you spot any loose terminals, ensure that you tighten them to prevent damage while on the road.
Check Your Engine
For your vehicle to maintain its performance, the engine will also need to be maintained as every part serves a crucial role in keeping your Jeep Wrangler on the road, where any breakdown could compromise your vehicle’s functionality.
Components such as the hose, driving belt, and engine timing belt will need to be replaced every 50,000-80,000 miles.
In addition to this, remember to use the proper engine oil to help your Wrangler run smoothly.
The wrong oil could lead to long-term failure, resulting in increased engine replacement costs.
An engine with friction-reducing additives will be an ideal option as this will help you achieve fuel efficiency, cutting your costs significantly.
Seek Professional Help
While self-servicing will help you keep track of any changes and problems along the way, a professional such as a mechanic will help you diagnose issues that may be outside of your expertise.
This will especially come in handy if your Jeep Wrangler’s manufacturing year dates back to the 2000s.
The serpentine belt serves as an example that could use an expert’s help, with the wrong replacement likely to leave you with a faulty air pump and alternator.
Be on the Lookout for Wear and Tear
As with every vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler will also experience wear and tear, requiring regular inspection.
Some areas to be on the lookout for include:
The Suspension System
The Jeep Wrangler’s suspension system is one area that will occasionally experience wear and tear, causing it to flatten out when used for much off-road travel and when severe weather conditions set in.
Signs of a faulty suspension system will include your Jeep Wrangler starting to shake when you hit speed bumps, your vehicle leaning when making a turn, and a stiffer steering wheel.
Such issues will only worsen when not fixed, meaning items such as the U-bolt, leaf springs, and leaf spring bolts need to be replaced.
Rear Brakes
Unknown to many, the rear brakes of your Wrangler will experience more wear and tear than your front brakes.
The average brake pads last for around 40,000 miles, after which you can replace them regularly based on your travel needs.
Newer vehicles may need more attention as the wear and tear will often be uneven between the front and rear rotors.
If you notice any strange noises in your Jeep Wrangler, consider having your rear brakes inspected. It will be an essential part of your maintenance that will alert you whether you need a replacement or an upgrade.
The latter option may prove worthwhile in the long term, with most upgrades providing you with drilled and slotted rotors for both your front and rear brakes.
In addition to this, you can also get performance ceramic disc pads for longevity.
Lastly, remember to clean your drum brakes to ensure you remove items such as mud and snow that could affect your stopping power.
Tires
Due to constant exposure to terrain such as rugged mountains and muddy roads, the tires in a Jeep Wrangler will also experience immense wear and tear.
Most tires in a Wrangler have wear bars between the tread blocks to indicate when their useful life nears the end.
To prevent excess wear and tear on your Jeep, make it a point to replace them around the 40,000-mile mark.
Failure to do this will cause them to lose their grip, causing poor performance during your drives.
Your tire pressure will also need to be maintained at the proper levels as over or under-inflated pressure leads to more fuel consumption and deterioration of tire sidewalls.
Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers generally last for about 4-5 years when vehicle use is for common everyday purposes, but excessive use will require you to have them checked more often during this duration.
Once you get to 40,000 miles, have a mechanic inspect them.
After this, you can have them checked once every year to ensure you keep up with any replacement or upgrading needs.
Soft Top
Jeep Wranglers allow buyers to choose between a soft-top or a hard-top.
As the name suggests, a soft-top will be more likely to experience wear and tear than a hard-top.
Since soft tops are made of sailcloth vinyl, these will be prone to UV ray damage, making this another area to consider looking into.
A few tips to help you keep your soft top in good shape include:
Parking in Sheltered Spaces
Extreme weather conditions such as snow, intense storms, and rain will damage your soft top over time.
Due to this, keep your vehicle away from such elements, with sheltered spaces like garages being the preferable option.
In addition to this, Jeep Wrangler owners who live in hot areas will also need to have their windows repaired.
The sun’s rays will increase your wear and tear, with numerous windows needing attention after the first five years of use.
Repair Damaged Tops
While tracking forecasted weather conditions will generally be within your control, some wear and tear is likely to occur when you least expect it.
When this happens, your soft top will get small tears, which can be repaired by utilizing convertible or soft top repair kits.
Larger tears will need an expert’s care, an area that a soft-top repairer can help with.
Where damage is extensive, your repairer can also help you get a new top.
Use the Proper Cleaning Practices
Lastly, consider sticking to the proper cleaning practices and tools.
These include using specialist cleaners and a convertible hairbrush for your wash days.
A Jeep Wrangler is a necessary addition to your life, with these vehicles designed to offer maximum performance and longevity for your drives along rugged terrains.
But even with this, your Wrangler can still benefit from regular maintenance.
Be on the lookout for any signs of damage and ensure you use the proper care practices to get the best out of your vehicle.