10 Things You Should Know If You Own a Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a highly respected SUV for off-road adventures. It first appeared in 1987 but has roots dating back to its origins as a military vehicle in the 1940s. Today, the Wrangler remains one of Jeep’s most famous models, loved by car enthusiasts worldwide. If you own a Wrangler, there are certain things that you probably don’t know. Let’s discuss them one by one.
Get ready for maintenance bills
Jeep Wranglers are popular as reliable and durable vehicles. However, they are more expensive to maintain as compared to other cars. There are a few factors that add to the maintenance cost.
People often adorn their Jeeps with specialised parts and components such as larger tires, recovery gear etc to give them a unique touch. But replacing these parts usually costs a lot more than replacing parts for more common vehicles.
Jeeps are made for off-roading and rugged activities. Thus, it is more susceptible to wear and tear which means more regular maintenance and spending more money. Some Jeep Wrangler models don’t offer good fuel efficiency, meaning spending more at the pump.
Overall, Jeep Wranglers are costlier to maintain than other common vehicles. But it has nothing to do with how they are built. The more modifications you put in your car, the higher the cost of maintenance will be. If you want, you can drive your stock Wrangler commuting to work every day until 100,000 miles without facing many issues.
Parking is often a headache
Jeep Wrangler is a giant monster and parking it requires some solid skills. It has a boxy design which makes it less maneuverable than other vehicles. If you’re driving such a big car for the first time, it will take you some time to learn how to park your Jeep Wrangler in tight spots.
When driving this beast, you might not get good rear and side visibility due to the spare tyre mounted on the back and small rear windows. This can hinder your ability to back up your vehicle.
If you’re accustomed to driving small cars, your Wrangler will give you a hard time in the beginning. But practice makes a man perfect. And trust us – the thrill of riding a Wrangler is so worth the challenges.
Modifications and Upgrades
People who buy a Jeep Wrangler often personalise it to fit their specific driving needs and personality. There is no right or wrong route when upgrading your vehicle. Some people like to give their Jeeps a pop of colour with colourful interiors and bling. While others like to take it up a notch with high-performance brakes, suspension systems and larger wheels.
You need to decide what makes sense for you. For example, if you’re an adventurer and take your Wrangler for off-roading, you may want to allocate your upgrading budget to performance and safety. On the flip side, if you’re a daily driver, you’ll benefit from upgrading the engine performance or audio system.
There are a handful of modifications you can make to your Wrangler. Pick ones that fit your driving needs.
Jeeps are not big on fuel efficiency
Jeeps are loved for their strong and rugged structure making them both safe and durable. However, Jeeps are typically less aerodynamic than other cars due to the boxy design. It doesn’t cut through the air smoothly which is why Jeeps need a lot of fuel and power to keep going.
With gas prices fluctuating in the UAE, this might be something of concern to you. The tyres of Jeep Wrangler are wide and use more energy to move. No wonder why it guzzles up gas so fast.
If you want something tough and powerful, you have to be okay with the high fuel consumption factor.
People buy Jeeps for adventure and excitement. Spending a little extra on gas might not bother them.
Long drives are not so comfortable
Although the Jeep Wrangler has ample legroom and headroom, it is not the most comfortable when it comes to long drives. A luxury minivan or SUV is a better long-distance vehicle. But why’s that?
Well for starters, the Wrangler is not the most fuel-efficient vehicle which can add stress to your wallet. In terms of comfort, the Wrangler’s cabin is not the quietest due to the door configuration and removable roof. Some drivers even complained that the seats are comfortable and the older models don’t have A/C.
But, whatever the Wrangler lacks in terms of comfort, it makes up for it with its powerful performance. It is built for rugged terrains and adverse weather conditions. These features come in handy when dealing with challenging road conditions on the journey.
So now the big question: is Wrangler a good choice for long road journeys? The answer is Yes. While other cars offer comfort, the strong build of the Jeep helps you stay safe while still keeping your trip enjoyable.
The Jeep Wrangler is no stranger to rust
No matter how careful of a Jeep owner you are, rust can sneak up on your vehicle at any time as the iron alloy body is more prone to rusting. And when you throw off-roading, mud and puddles into the mix, you get the perfect recipe for making rust.
Hitting rocks take off the top coat and expose the surface of your car and it becomes more likely to rust.
There are certain things you can do to keep your Jeep safe from rust. Keep your vehicle clean and park it in a covered garage. Use a car cover, especially in humid weather. Make sure to take your Jeep for was after every off-roading adventure. If you see rust, deal with it as soon as possible so it doesn’t spread and turn into a huge problem. When you take care of your Jeep, it can last you a lifetime.
Automatic transmission issues
Several Wrangler owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission such as the Jeep getting stuck in first gear. This could be a serious problem when you’re driving at high speed and you need to shift gear.
The manufacturer acknowledges this issue and hence made several recalls to fix this. In 2013, over 1.5 million older Jeep models were recalled because of safety issues. The good news for you is that the Jeep covers the cost of these repairs.
These large recalls can make people doubt the reliability of Jeeps, especially if they’re looking for a sturdy SUV for exploring the countryside of North America. It might make buyers feel like spending money on a Jeep isn’t worth it.
Leak from the door seal
Although the Jeep Wrangler is built to handle rough terrain and drive through water, don’t take it to be waterproof. Customers have observed that older models such as 2022 and 1987 have problems with leaking door seals.
The front corner of the door on the 1987 model is especially known for this issue. Even a small amount of water can make the interior humid, which can damage the electronics in the door.
If there’s a leaky seal in your Jeep, you will notice a damp smell coming from the water buildup. You can easily fix this problem by replacing the seal which won’t cost you much. But we can’t say the same if you overlook this problem.
The Jeep Wrangler has a foldable windshield
One of the coolest things about the Jeep Wrangler is that its windshield can be folded down, giving you a true off-road adventure.
When you fold down the windshield, it helps keep dust out of the cabin. This feature goes way back in Jeep history. During World War II, soldiers could fold down the windshields of their jeeps so they could shoot from inside without having to stand up.
The Jeep Wrangler is known for its excellent off-road abilities, safe driving, and many ways you can customize it. It adds excitement to your driving experience.
Jeeps are built to last
Jeeps are known for being durable and having a long life. They can withstand harsh weather like rain, sandstorms, and snow.
Jeeps have a sturdy body frame and off-roading capabilities which help them last longer than other vehicles. Even though the Jeep looks like a beast, the engine is not so complicated and there are no major parts that need frequent replacement.
Conclusion
We hope this article uncovered some not-so-known facts about your Wrangler. No matter the type of driver you are, the Jeep has something for you. They have everything from innovative concept vehicles to reliable daily drivers.