Has a Jeep Wrangler recently caught your eye, and now you are thinking of acquiring one? Well, it is not surprising at all.
The Wrangler is the crown jewel of the Jeep brand. Jeep Wrangler has been around for many years and it is still winning hearts every day.
Very few cars can give you equal on-road and off-road driving satisfaction. Whether you are in rugged mountains, sunny beaches, snowy terrains, or just cruising through your neighborhood, a Jeep Wrangler never feels out of place.
However, for most people it is important to know how long the car can last before buying one. It is actually a smart move to research about the car before deciding on a long-term investment.
Well, you have come to the right place. We will let you know not only how long the Jeep Wrangler lasts, but we’ll also tell you what are the issues that you can expect, and how to take care of your Wrangler to make it last longer. Keep reading to find the answers to all your questions.
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How Long Can Jeep Wranglers Last?
Now, let’s tackle the most important question. Before we start, we must mention that how long a car lasts depends on how the owner is using it and how they are taking care of it.
Most Jeep Wranglers will easily last for more than 200,000 miles without facing any significant problem. If you properly maintain your Wrangler, it can run up to 400,000 miles.
Again, it all depends on the user of the car. Jeep Wranglers are famous for off-road driving. So, if you are frequently driving your wrangler in extreme conditions, then it will last for a shorter period of time.
Also, you can start facing problems just after 100,000 miles if your Wrangler is poorly maintained. Proper maintenance is always a must for getting good mileage.
However, it is important to note that Wranglers are made for tough conditions and terrains, and that definitely improves their longevity. It is almost guaranteed that a Wrangler will last longer compared to most other similar category cars.
What Problems Can You Expect?
You are bound to start having some issues with your Jeep Wrangler after it has run around 200,000 miles. This section will give you a heads-up about some of the problems you can expect to face.
There will be some electrical issues with the Wrangler. It is common for Wranglers to show some TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) problems. TIPM problems include issues with the lights and the gauge, difficulties in starting, and malfunctioning A/C.
Power windows and the horn might start showing problems as well. The doors can become leaky, especially where the hardtop and the door connect. You can also have leaks in the radiator, the transfer case, and the rear main seal.
There are possibilities like heater core failure, cylinder misfire, throttle position sensor failure, sway bar system disconnect, and exhaust manifold stud failure.
Transmission problems are also common. The valve cover gasket can become worn out as well. There can also be issues with the bent rear driveshaft. You might also face issues with the EVAP (Evaporative Emissions Control) system.
Another very common problem for Jeep Wranglers is called ‘death wobble’. When there is an issue with the steering components, a driver might face a severe shake from the steering wheel. This phenomenon has been given the name ‘death wobble’.
How To Make Jeep Wranglers Last Longer?
Not all Wranglers last for the same period of time. A properly maintained Wrangler is guaranteed to last longer. We have some tips for you, which will make sure your Wrangler is lasting longer than others and you are getting your money’s worth.
Tires
As Jeep Wranglers are made for any and all kinds of roads, there is a high chance that you are driving your Wrangler in some rough terrains. That will cause wear and tear on the tires. So, you should regularly inspect the wear bars to know if the tires need replacement. Usually, the tires are replaced after the car runs for about 40,000 miles.
Oil
You need to also change the oil. You will get the optimum performance for 4,000 miles. The oil needs to be changed after every 4,000 – 5,000 miles. Again, it depends where you are driving your car. You should also change the oil filter after every 20,000 miles.
Brake
You should look out for the signs that tell you that the brake pads need to be replaced. The signs are squeaky noises, using extra force while braking, and the car pulling to one particular side when stopped. The brake pads need to be inspected and possibly replaced after every 40,000 miles. You need to also remember that brake pads don’t wear out evenly, and the rear brake pads are more prone to wearing out.
Battery
Do not keep batteries out of your inspection list. Batteries usually last for 4 years. However, you can make them last longer if you properly maintain them. The maintenance includes cleaning the battery terminals thoroughly and tightening the cables.
Suspension System
The suspension system can flatten out in Jeep Wranglers because they are usually driven on rough roads. So, regular inspection is very important to figure out if any suspension part is wearing out. The parts that usually need to be replaced are the leaf spring, U-bolt, and leaf spring bolts.
Engine
Let’s deal with the most important component of a car, which is the engine. Every single part of an engine must be working smoothly. You should inspect the engine timing belt, drive belt, and hose after every 20,000 miles. You might need to replace them after every 50,000 miles. You also need to figure out which engine oil works the best for your engine to get the optimum performance out of it.
Rust
Body of the Jeep Wrangler is made of metal parts, and it’s pretty common for them to be affected by rust. That is why regular checks are necessary and any affected part needs to be replaced immediately. Regular washing and waxing can help in preventing rust. Also, make sure that you are parking your Wrangler in a shade and covering it with a body cover.
Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers might not wear out as regularly as other parts, but it is necessary to inspect them as well. It is more important if you are driving your Wrangler in extreme terrains. Shock absorbers usually last for 4 – 5 years. However, you should inspect them after the first 40,000 miles. After that, an annual check will be sufficient.
Soft Top
If your Jeep Wrangler has a soft top, you should be extra careful about parking it in a shade. Otherwise, the soft top will be affected by sunlight, rain, and snow. These will cause the sailcloth vinyl material to deteriorate a lot faster. Also, regularly check if the soft top has any tears.
Regular Visit to Service Center
We have perhaps saved the most important tip for the last. Regular visits to a service center will give your Jeep Wrangler the professional attention it needs. No matter how thoroughly you inspect your car parts, there might be something you are missing which can be detected by a professional. So, do not avoid regular visits to make your Jeep Wrangler last longer.
Final Words
You now know everything about how long a Jeep Wrangler lasts. You can now confidently decide whether you want to get one or not.
However, if you want our opinion, we would say that a Jeep Wrangler is a great car as far as reliability and longevity are concerned. Very few cars can offer you a better service.
To sum it up, Jeep Wranglers will easily last for 200,000 miles. By following our pro tips and tricks you can make your Wrangler last for more than 400,000 miles.
One final suggestion from us would be not taking any problems with the car lightly. No matter how small the issue feels, pay it proper attention for getting the best service from the car.