Originally “birthed” in 1941, the Jeep has been the tough go-anywhere vehicle upon which the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment is based. Part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) portfolio since 1987, the family consists entirely of various sized SUVs whose popularity has never waned. Powered by 4-cylinder Tigershark, 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and Hemi V8 engines, they will provide years of reliable service if properly maintained according to the Jeep recommended vehicle service schedule.

Jeep Maintenance Guidelines

The guidelines for your Jeep vehicle center around the automatic oil change indicator system that alerts you when it’s time to change your oil. It may be as soon as 3,500 miles or as far away as 10,000 miles, but the system adapts depending on your driving habits. For instance, if you drive on many short trips, or use E85 fuel, tow a trailer or routinely travel through extreme hot or cold temperatures, the oil change indicator will alert you, via an indicator light on the dashboard, that it’s time for a change. Regardless of what the indicator says, a synthetic oil and oil filter change should occur no later than 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever occurs first.

The Jeep owner’s manual recommends that in addition to an oil and filter change, your Jeep service technician should rotate the tires, check the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake system and inspect the battery. At the same time they should inspect the engine cooling system and exhaust, as well as check the engine air cleaner, if you routinely drive in dusty, dirty off-road conditions.

10,000-Mile Intervals

Combining with the automatic oil change indicator system, your vehicle will require servicing in intervals of 10,000-miles. During these services, and in addition to the necessary oil and oil filter changes, your mechanic will inspect the vehicle’s suspension components, braking systems, air filters, spark plugs and other components as needed and listed in your Jeep vehicle owner’s manual. These will continue to 100,000-miles, when Jeep says it’s a good time to change the spark plugs, coolant and transmission fluids.

Extended Warranty and Maintenance Plans

Jeeps are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive vehicle warranty that provides bumper-to-bumper coverage of Jeep-branded vehicles. That combines with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty protecting parts relating to the engine, transmission, axles and other power components.

Mopar Vehicle Protection Plans

FCA offers owners the chance to expand the coverage of their Jeep vehicle through the company’s Mopar Vehicle Protection program. Offered in Added Care Plus and Maximum Care expanded warranty programs, they cover 850 and 5,000 critical components, respectively. Deductibles can range from $200, $100, and $0 levels, depending on the plan and term chosen. Vehicles with a 5 year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are eligible within 48 months/48,000 miles, but if the plan is bought at the same time as the vehicle is purchased, it can be rolled into the total cost being financed. Other plan benefits include Rental vehicles, Roadside Assistance, Key Fob repair/replacement, Trip Interruption insurance, and personalized service plan provisions.