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Proper Jeep maintenance at the factory-recommended intervals and a little car care from yourself are the keys to keeping your Jeep Wrangler, Compass, Cherokee, or Gladiator reliable, safe, and on the road for years to come. With that regular maintenance, you will save money on gas and avoid unexpected repairs.
1. Change the Oil Regularly
When the oil is changed regularly, it flushes dirt and metal particles out, keeps the parts lubricated, and prolongs the life of your engine. It’s vital to stick to the factory-recommended oil change intervals. The recommended oil change intervals are in your Jeep owner’s manual.
2. Top Off the Fluids
Your car needs different fluids to help cool down and lubricate the parts to reduce friction and wear. Check your Jeep’s fluid levels at least once a month and ensure that the engine oil, transmission, brake, and steering wheel fluids are at the correct levels, and top them off when needed.
3. Check for Leaks
Check the ground under your car for puddles. You can identify which type of fluid is leaking by the color. Light brown to black is engine oil, and reddish to brown is transmission fluid. A clear red or brown is power steering fluid. Yellow to brown is brake fluid, and coolant can be green, orange, pink, or bluish-green tinge. If you see a puddle, ask your Jeep technician to repair the leak as soon as possible.
4. Inspect and Clean the Battery
Inspect your battery regularly for corrosion and clean the posts and terminals if you see build-up with a brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Check that the case is not cracked or misshapen. A damaged battery must be replaced.
5. Don’t Ignore Smells and Noises
Many vehicle issues will cause smells and noises, from leaking fluids and bad brakes to radiator or transmission problems. Ignoring unfamiliar noises and smells could lead to expensive repairs and even replacements. If you hear or smell something you are not familiar with, schedule an appointment with your Jeep technician.
6. Never Ignore the Dashboard Warning Lights
If any of the warning lights on your dashboard is on, don’t ignore them. It’s a warning that something is not working properly and needs urgent attention from your Jeep technician.
7. Insist on Genuine OEM Parts
When your Jeep needs replacement parts, always use Genuine OEM Parts designed and manufactured specifically for your Jeep. The parts are rigorously tested for reliability and guarantee superior performance.
8. Maintain the Tires
Check the tire pressure weekly and inflate the tires and your spare to the correct pressure levels. Ask your Jeep technician to rotate your tires every time you take your car for an oil change to ensure that the tires wear down evenly and last longer.
9. Protect the Paint and the Interior
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, snow, and hail can severely impact the paint and bodywork. Always park under a cover or in a garage to protect your car from the elements.
10. Wash and Wax Your Car Regularly
A regular wash will eliminate dirt and grime that will cause scratches and allow rust to set in. Wash your car once a week to get rid of bird droppings and road dirt, and give it a good wax twice a year to protect the paint.
Familiarize yourself with your Jeep owner’s manual and stick to the maintenance intervals. Contact Adams Jeep of Maryland today for a maintenance appointment to ensure that your Jeep always runs at its best.
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