Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Georgetown

May 14, 2021

A blue 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is parked on a rocky shore next to a lake.

Let’s say you’re considering buying a Wrangler from a used Jeep dealer in KY like Dan Cummins of Georgetown, but you have some lingering questions rummaging through your thoughts before you commit to a purchase. Specifically, you’re wondering how often do you need to get a used Jeep Wrangler serviced, and do service intervals change when you buy used? If this is what you’re thinking, then it’s a sound thought to have before you purchase something like the Wrangler, where model year, trim, and previous service maintenance can all determine how often or what kind of service you should have done for the vehicle. How often you get the Wrangler scheduled depends on a number of factors and changes based on model and usage. However, a basic rule is that you should get the Wrangler serviced every 6,000 miles or so.

How Often Should Newer Jeep Wranglers Be Serviced?

For newer Jeep Wranglers, specifically the 2021 model year, you can get it serviced for as much as you want within the first three years of ownership at practically no cost. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is part of Jeep’s three-year warranty of free service maintenance. This applies to anyone who is buying or leasing a Jeep Wrangler. So if you bought a 2021 model, you don’t even have to worry about paying for service. Any and every time you need the oil changed, battery charged, or tires rotated, you can have it done for free.

However, there is an additional caveat to this gift for Jeep Wrangler owners: the warranty only extends up to 36,000 miles. So if you plan on driving a 2021 model year hard and frequently, you may end up burning through the warranty rather quickly. If you buy a used 2021 model, then keep track of the odometer and how many miles were put on the vehicle. The highlight of this particular warranty is that it applies to all 2021 model year Wranglers, including special edition trims. Even with the warranty, you should still be diligent in getting the Wrangler serviced every six months or every 6,000 miles.

A close up shows a person with a clip board and a mechanic servicing a used Jeep.

Does Service Schedules Change Per Model Year?

This is a good question. If you have an older model Wrangler, or if you’re choosing to purchase an older model Wrangler, should you change the maintenance schedule? No, you should still get it serviced regularly.
Even with older model year Wranglers, it’s still important to get it serviced every 6,000 miles or every six months. For Wranglers used in a lot of serious or rough terrain, you may need to schedule to have it serviced more frequently in order to ensure that the vehicle stays in the best shape possible. However, what you get serviced does change depending on the model year.

Older generation models may require more attention to the brake hoses, exhaust system, and suspension. In particular, you will need to focus on keeping the linkage joints, the tie-rods, and the ball-bearings in working order, as well as lubricating the upper knuckle ball stud. Newer generation models require a different set of service needs, such as battery charges, brake pad inspections, engine inspections, and transmission inspections.

Should Service Needs Change Based On Trim?

Absolutely. Different Jeep Wrangler trims have different service needs based on their functionality. Even for older generation Wranglers, some trims were designed for everyday use, while others were designed specifically for hardcore off-road expeditions. For instance, if you went with a used Wrangler Recon Sport that was used for some off-road traversal, in addition to having the basics done every six months, you would also need to have the constant velocity joints inspected. If you went with a used Wrangler Altitude or Rubicon trim, your regular service checks might also include the engine cooling system being inspected along with all of the engine hoses, the exhaust system, and the engine air filters.

Off-road vehicles are put through a lot more strain than normal vehicles, so if you bought a used Jeep Wrangler trim that was known for off-road use, then it’s important to have the suspension and various joints, shafts, and axles inspected, along with the transfer case fluid. If you have a used Wrangler and it’s one of the trims that are known for heavy-duty off-roading, it might be wise to have the vehicle serviced every 4,000 or 5,000 miles if it was previously used often for off-roading and continues to be used for off-road purposes. When in doubt, more frequent maintenance is always better.

A silver 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara is shown driving over a bridge after leaving a used Jeep dealer in KY.

Can I Service a Jeep Wrangler Myself?

This is another good question, and it all boils down to your mechanical skill level. If you’re not very familiar with moving around a Jeep’s mechanical components, then it might be wiser to simply take the Wrangler to a certified mechanic at a dealership like ours so that you know that you’re getting quality service done for your Wrangler. If you do know how to do things like charge the battery, swap out the battery, rotate the tires, or change the oil, then those are all things that can be done relatively easily in the comfort of your own garage.

One of the benefits of the Wrangler is how mechanically sound they are when it comes to doing a lot of basic engine and vehicle maintenance. Replacing water pumps, engine filters, and draining the coolant are all relatively simple tasks if only time-consuming. More serious work, such as engine misfires, cracked manifolds, or radiator replacements definitely require a more delicate touch, and that’s probably when it’s time to get the Wrangler serviced at a Jeep dealer where a certified mechanic can take a look at your vehicle in order to avoid further troubles. But if you treat a Wrangler right, even a used older generation model, it will keep on running for a long time to come, as they’re built to endure tough road conditions and last for quite some time.

Get Your Wrangler Serviced At Dan Cummins of Georgetown

Never hesitate to get your Wrangler serviced, especially if you have a used Wrangler and regularly like to tow, trailer, or take the vehicle off the road and onto trails, dirt pathways, or hilly terrain. Even vehicles built for tough conditions still need plenty of tender love and mechanical care.
If you don’t already own a Wrangler, you can visit Dan Cummins of Georgetown for a complete selection of new and used Wrangler SUVs and trucks alike. We have all new Jeeps available, including the Wrangler, Renegade, and the Gladiator.

Shoppers working on a tight budget can browse through our selection of used vehicles or take advantage of the Dan Cummins Lease Advantage, which is completely straightforward with zero dollars down and all sales tax and fees included in the upfront pricing. No hidden fees, no extra costs. With the Dan Cummins Lease Advantage, you also have an extra 15,000-mile travel allowance. Let our finance advisors help you get squared away with all the information you need to get pre-approved for an auto loan so you can buy the kind of Jeep you’ve always wanted. Alternatively, you can use our trade-in tool to value what your current vehicle is worth towards the purchase of something new to reduce the costs of a Jeep, Dodge, Ram, or Chrysler vehicle.

Already own a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or Ram? Bring it to our service center to keep it running and on the road. Schedule service for your vehicle or order parts from our online inventory. You can also make use of Mopar coupons and service discounts to get the best deals available. Schedule an appointment at our service center to have your Jeep Wrangler serviced at our dealership as soon as possible or to learn more about our service specials.