Summer Maintenance for your Jeep

Regardless of the season, oil changes hold significant importance. However, during summer, the need for clean oil circulating through your engine becomes even more critical. The reason behind this is that the soaring temperatures cause the engine oil to thicken, compromising the engine's protection and potentially leading to overheating in extreme cases. Furthermore, using old and dirty engine oil results in increased friction due to inadequate lubrication and forces the engine to work harder, consequently consuming more fuel. The technicians in our service center typically recommend scheduling an oil change every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. However, if you frequently subject your Jeep to demanding conditions such as off-roading or towing, it becomes necessary to perform oil changes more frequently. The ideal frequency of oil changes ultimately varies based on the model, so it is essential to refer to your owner's manual or consult one of our technicians for accurate guidance.

The significance of a car battery is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in powering your vehicle. Without a functioning battery, your car simply won't go anywhere. At Quigley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, our service experts highly recommend conducting battery tests for your Jeep twice a year to ensure it delivers optimal power. The power output of a car battery is measured in cold-cranking amps (CCA). Each vehicle has specific CCA requirements to start the engine smoothly. If a battery tests below the required CCA, it can result in slower or even failed engine starts. Therefore, if you notice your Jeep taking longer than usual to start, it is advisable to bring it promptly to our service center for a thorough examination. Additionally, you can inspect your battery's condition at home by checking for any corrosion on the terminals. While inspecting under the hood, it's also essential to assess the fluid levels, especially the coolant. If any fluids are low, it's crucial to top them off before embarking on a road trip.

Air conditioning is critical during the summer months. Without it, your summer road trips can become pretty uncomfortable. Therefore, as the summer heat sets in, you should test your A/C system. A simple way to do this is by setting your Jeep's thermostat to the coldest setting with A/C turned on. If you feel cold air blowing out consistently, the system is ready to keep you comfortable this summer. If the air sporadically switches between warm and cold or consistently blows out warm, you should bring it to the service experts here at Quigley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Getting hot air when the A/C is on is an indication that a Freon recharge is required, which can be performed in our service center. If the issue persists after a recharge, our certified technicians will identify and resolve the underlying problem in a timely manner. 

Like oil changes, routine tire maintenance holds year-round importance, with particular emphasis during the summertime. Tire rotations, as you may already know, are the most critical tire maintenance service. Due to the weight distribution of your Jeep, the front axle bears a significant portion of the vehicle's weight, mainly from the engine and transmission. Consequently, this places additional stress on the front tires, leading to faster wear compared to the rear tires. It is vital to incorporate tire rotations with every oil change to prevent premature and uneven tire wear. Additionally, monitoring tire pressure is essential. The high temperatures of summer can cause tire pressure to increase, potentially leading to blowouts. Prior to embarking on a summer journey, it is essential to ensure your tires are properly inflated. You can find the recommended tire pressure for your Jeep in the owner's manual or on the yellow placard located inside the driver's door jamb.

Here at Quigley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we sincerely hope this summer brings you and your Jeep fun times and exciting adventures. Before heading out, let the service team here at Quigley CDJR give your Jeep a close look and ensure it is ready to beat the summer heat and take on any adventure you're planning. Schedule your Jeep's next service appointment with the Quigley CDJR service team right here on our website to prepare for your summer expeditions. We look forward to serving you!