Jeep Wranglers exemplify luxury while still providing great prices. These cars are particularly great for people with an active lifestyle!
If you’re interested in selling your old car and buying a Jeep, you might be wondering how long does a Jeep Wrangler last. Well, it all depends on various factors. So keep reading to learn more about Jeep Wranglers!
History of Jeep
Jeep was originally created to serve the American military, but the process was lengthy. In 1940, the American Bantam Car Company (ABCC) began making the off-roader with the help of British ingenuity.
The ABCC used permitted copies of British-built cars to create a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a small built. However, this process would have its problems which would cause the military to enlist Willys Overland and Ford for help.
Once the prototype was successfully created, the Off-roader would serve in the military for many years. After the war, the Off-roader was completely rebranded for commercial purposes. Now, Jeep’s are popular vehicles that everyone drives!
How Long Does a Jeep Wrangler Last?
Buying a car is a big decision, that’s why knowing the lifespan of a Jeep Wrangler is very important! However, the answer isn’t as simple as you might wish. Many variables come into play.
The first one being is how well you take care of your Jeep. If you keep up with regular maintenance, a newer Jeep can last up to 400,000 miles!
With older Jeeps, these numbers vary, but on average, a well cared for older Jeep can last about 200,000 miles. The types of Jeeps are also factors to consider.
For example, the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are said to be the most long-lasting. So when looking at types of Jeeps, consider this specific make and model!
Overall, a Jeep Wrangler’s lifespan is all dependent on the initial state of the car and how well you treat it after buying it.
How to Care for Your Jeep
As stated previously, well-taken care of Jeeps can last many miles. So what are the ways you can care for your Jeep?
For starters, Jeep Wranglers were mostly designed for those who have an active lifestyle. These heavy-duty cars can resist bad weather, poor roads, and long driving time.
Unfortunately, because of Jeep’s durability, many drivers think they don’t have to keep up with maintenance as often. However, this is not the case!
Rotating your tires and checking the air pressure can make a massive difference over time. As well as changing the oil every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Others maintenance upkeeps like the breaks, fluids, and electrical wires are also important!
Parts More Susceptible to Wear and Tear
Because Jeeps are mainly used for long traveling and offroading, certain parts become more susceptible to wear and tear. However, if you know what to look out for, this can save you thousands of dollars!
Please keep reading to learn more about specific Jeep parts and how to service them properly.
The Brake System
The brake system in a Jeep is compromised of essential parts that work as a whole. However, these parts are not mutually exclusive to each other. In other words, these parts all have their wear and tear process.
For example, the brake pads located in the back usually tear down quicker than the front pads. Most often, the brake pads start wearing down once you’ve driven past the 40,000-mile mark. You should also look out for unusual noises and lose breaks.
The wear and tear process also depends on the types of roads the Jeep is usually driven on. Rough roads and other terrains may cause your breaks to deteriorate faster. However, keeping up with the break liquid changes can help maintain your breaks.
Regular Oil Changes
As stated previously, oil changes need to be done every six months. However, using the right oil that is compatible with your Jeeps engine is very important! Not keeping up with oil changes is very harmful and can cause your engine to overheat.
Nevertheless, using the wrong oil can also cause damage. If you’re unsure what oil is compatible with your Jeep, the service manual may have this information.
However, you can always ask your mechanic or car dealer! Overall, the engine can be more susceptible to wear and tear, mainly if it’s not being serviced properly.
The Suspension System
The suspension system helps with keeping the wheels on the ground while also helping with traction. Many times the suspension system in jeeps become deteriorates because of harsh terrains and activities.
However, there are ways to avoid premature wear and tear. For starters, a mechanic’s alignment should be inspected by a mechanic at least once a year. This will improve the balance of the tires while also helping the suspension system.
Regularly checking the alignment will also reduce fuel consumption because the Jeep does not spend as much time correcting itself.
The Shock Absorbers
The shocks should be regularly checked every 50,000 miles. There are ways to do a DIY shock absorber test. Start by driving your Jeep for a few miles and then hit the breaks.
If the shocks become worn, the car will continue to bounce before coming to a complete stop. This means the shocks are no longer able to dampen the springs.
Since the springs aren’t damp, the shocks are not able to absorb the heavy movements. You should have your shock absorbers looked at by a professional if that’s the case.
Battery Replacement
Every vehicle will have at least one issue with its car battery at one point. Whether you accidentally left your car light on or your battery has just deteriorated over time, a battery replacement will be needed.
However, there are ways to optimize your battery life. For example, using your radio while your car is parked can cause your battery to drain faster. Also, during the summer months, make sure you’re giving your Jeep extra attention, especially in hotter climates.
If you suspect your car battery is dying, you can have a voltage reading to tell you if you need a replacement or not. If you do need a replacement, don’t wait to change the battery. Running on an empty battery can cause stress to the alternator.
Before you know it, you will have an even bigger problem! Its also recommended that you clean your battery every six months to get rid of build-up, which can cause harm to your battery.
Tires and Air Pressure
The lifespan of a Jeep Wrangler will vary from owner to owner. A significant factor to consider is what terrain the Jeep is driven on. If a Jeep constantly drives on hills, icy roads, rocky roads, and mud, they are more susceptible to having issues.
The tires are the first line of defense between the hard terrains and the body of the Jeep. That’s why keeping up with air pressure and rotating the tires is very important.
But you should also be aware of the condition of the tire itself. If the tire appears smooth with no ridges, this means you need a replacement.
Radiator and Overheating
Jeep Wrangles are usually used for offroading, road trips, and other active activities. However, these activities can cause your radiator to become leaky over time. In fact, most Jeep Wranglers will have a leaky radiator at some point.
During hotter months, let your car reach the middle gauge in the thermostat before using the AC or driving. These leaks can be easily prevented by paying close attention to your temperature gauge. If overheating or a leak does occur immediately speak to a mechanic.
Common Issues With Jeeps
There are types of Jeeps that tend to have common issues associated with them. This can happen because of the model of the Jeep, the condition of the car, and how the car is treated. However, there are ways to extend a Jeep lifespan and avoid these common issues.
Soft Top Jeep
A soft-top Jeep Wrangler can deteriorate faster than regular Jeeps. Unfortunately, the vinyl material that these Jeeps are made of is more suspectable to damage.
Usually, the heat, snow, and hail will cause holes, heat damage, and thinning of the material. The best way to prevent early damage is by properly cleaning your Jeep.
Soft top Jeeps need to be cleaned by a professional because they require specific tools and cleaning products. Using the wrong tools can cause tears in the vinyl material. If you like cleaning your car, ensure you’re using products that are safe for soft-tops.
Proper storage is also essential. A soft-top Jeep should be stored in a garage or shaded area.
Keeping your car in a shaded area or garage will reduce weather damages significantly! Lastly, if a tear or rip occurs, try and fix the issue right away to avoid further damage!
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokees are great cars. However, they’re well known for having issues with the dashboard. Buyers have reported having their dashboards become wrinkled or have air bubbles over time.
This issue won’t cause any significant damage to the overall health of the Jeep. However, if you plan on reselling your Jeep, then you might face some problems.
Lastly, this kind of Jeep is not meant for offroading or mudding. Many times buyers think that all types of Jeeps are good for these activates. However, Jeep Cherooked were specifically engineered for casual lifestyles.
Using Jeep Cherokees for heavy lifting and rough activities could cause serious damages to the body. It’s best to do your research on what types of Jeeps are good for active lifestyles!
Used Jeeps
Used Jeeps can save you a lot of money and can still function just as well as a brand new Jeep. However, there are certain instances where a used Jeep is too worn out.
Be aware of Jeeps that have reached 200,000 miles. This doesn’t necessarily mean the Jeep is in bad condition. However, the chances of failure do increase after 200,000 miles.
The best dealerships will have your car’s auto history, which will include details about any accidents or repairs! Make sure you read this report before buying a used Jeep.
If you purchase a used Jeep, keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning. This will prolong your Jeeps lifespan! If you’re selling a Jeep Wrangler, the same rules apply.
Ensure that you’ve kept up with the maintenance and repairs. However, if your Jeep is less than desirable, a salvage auto shop could give you cash for your car!
Death Wobble
Jeep Wranglers are good cars, but they are also known for having a “death wobble”. The wobble occurs when the Jeep Wrangler hits a speed bump, and the steering wheel starts to wobble uncontrollably.
Some drivers report feeling like something has come loose. However, some say that this wobble happens because of the shape of Jeep Wranglers. The square shape can offset the Jeeps balance, causing it to wobble when you hit a speed bump.
It’s important to note that the wobbling hasn’t caused any deaths yet. However, this effect could cause problems with your alignment over time! If the wobbling becomes worse over time, speak to your mechanic!
Are Jeep Wranglers Worth It?
If you’re still wondering “how long does a Jeep Wrangler last,” you should know that these cars can last for many years!
Overall, a Jeep Wrangler’s lifespan depends on how well you serve them, the make of the Jeep, and the condition of the car before you had it.
However, if your Wrangler is on it’s way out, consider selling your Jeep Wrangler directly to us!
