Whether you’ve been using your Jeep all winter or it’s been waiting patiently in the garage for warmer weather, it’s time to get it ready to hit the road this spring. Your Jeep is an investment, and it’s important to keep it well-maintained so you’re not stuck on the side of the trail when you go off-roading this year, so be sure to check out these Jeep spring maintenance tips!

Get It Clean

Whether you DIY your car washing or have it detailed by a pro, you can’t skip this step before you go back out on the road. Snow means salt, and that means residue that can damage your Jeep. Make sure your exterior cleaning is thorough enough to clean off the residue; it can eat away at the paint and eventually lead to corrosion.

Don’t overlook the undercarriage — this needs a high-pressure washdown too. If your fenders are messy and gunked up, consider upgrading to a set of off-road fenders. When you’re done cleaning off the mess, head to your headlights. Well-lit trails and roadways are key to staying safe, and if you can’t get your headlights clean it’s time for a replacement.

Check Things Out

Now that your Jeep is thoroughly clean, it’s time to get down to the nuts and bolts of maintenance.

Undercarriage: Check for loose parts or hoses, damage, frayed wires, or anything else that could lead to serious problems when you’re out on an adventure. Tighten any bolts on gear, and make notes for when you bring in your Jeep for any modifications or repairs.
Exterior parts: When you off-roading in the mud, rain, or heavy wind, you’ll want to make sure you’re protected from the elements. Replace your wiper blades, check plastic windows, and replace broken or old parts. It will help keep you safer and less exposed, and could prevent serious problems on the trail.
Battery: Make sure your battery is fully charged, properly attached, and free of corrosion. Ensure that your jumper cables work, and even think about picking up an extra battery to have on hand when you’re on the road.
Belts and hoses: These are essential parts of keeping your Jeep running. When belts and hoses aren’t working correctly or have been worn down, you’re at risk for breaking down or even ruining your engine altogether.
Tires and brakes: Between climbing and stopping, traction is a big deal when it comes to keeping your Jeep in top shape. Tires should have plenty of tread and brake pads need to be thick enough to help you stop safely.
Oil and other fluids: This is a great time to change your oil, regardless of what your odometer says. Make sure you also replace the oil filter to keep things running well through spring. Top off wiper fluid, coolant, power steering, and brake fluids while you’re at it, too.

Think About Modifications

Now is a great time to make an appointment to upgrade your Jeep with custom modifications.

Backup cameras are a great feature for new drivers or those who are new to driving a Jeep, especially if it’s modified to be larger, longer, or taller than the factory model. They allow drivers a clear view of what’s behind them and come in handy during inclement weather. Wiring can be tricky for this modification so experienced professionals should do it.
Factory latches are generally made out of stretchy rubber, and while it’s unlikely that your hood will fly off on the highway, the movement at faster speeds may seem worrisome. Upgrading your latches will give you peace of mind and even more security to protect any expensive aftermarket upgrades under the hood.
If you only choose one modification, let it be a recovery winch — especially if you’re interested in using your Jeep for offroading. Winches are really the only way to get your vehicle out of a ditch or other tough spots. Having one can be particularly handy if you’re off-roading with friends and they get stuck.
Think beyond size and width when it comes to choosing something different than the factory tires that came with your Jeep. Unless you plan on using your vehicle strictly for road driving, it’s a smart idea to choose a set of all-terrain (A/T) tires that adapt traction to the surface you’re driving on.

Are you ready to take on spring in your Jeep? Follow the checklist of maintenance tips above and get ready to hit the road! If you need a fresh set of eyes or you’re looking for modifications, we’re your team. Get in touch!