How Often Should You Get a Jeep Oil Change?

Modern Jeeps using synthetic oil can go a good 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. This interval varies, however, depending on your driving habits and conditions. And if you ever notice the three warning signs listed below, you should have your Jeep oil changed promptly, no matter how long it’s been since you last had it done.

Extreme Driving Conditions

Any driving conditions that put more pressure on your engine also cause motor oil to wear down faster. If you’re frequently driving through mountainous or hilly terrain with plenty of uphill stretches, your engine will be under greater strain. Colder climates also cause motor oil to thicken slightly, which reduces its ability to properly lubricate, and therefore wears both the engine and oil down faster.

Severe Driving Habits

If you have a driving style that sees your foot pressing down excessively on the accelerator, then both your engine and oil are under more strain. An alternative to this would be to accelerate and decelerate more gradually, farther in advance of when it’s required.

Frequent off-road trips naturally put more strain on an engine as well. As does towing trailers or carrying heavy loads. If you have any of these driving habits or if you find yourself driving mostly in severe conditions, then you’ll probably need to have your oil changed more often.

Ask a Trusted Technician

It can be difficult for an average driver to judge the optimal frequency for their vehicle’s oil changes. So it’s often best to ask a trusted technician for their guidance. They’ll usually give you detailed advice, and also a reminder sticker to put on your windscreen.

Your dashboard’s oil life monitor can also help you keep tabs on your motor oil’s lifespan. And don’t ignore the guidance in your warranty either. You might need to stick to a stipulated oil change frequency in order to keep your warranty valid.

Signs Your Oil Needs Changing Soon

No matter what oil change schedule you decide upon, always keep an eye out for signs that your oil is wearing down. The following three indicators of trouble should never be ignored.

Strange Engine Noises

If you ever hear knocking sounds or unusually loud engine noise when you’re driving, your oil might not be lubricating the moving parts properly. If this is the case, then the sounds you’re hearing are mechanical engine parts rubbing and knocking against each other. This can lead quickly to overheating and engine failure, so have a technician inspect your engine and oil right away.

Reduced Mileage

If you notice that you’re visiting the gas station more often than usual, then your engine is performing less efficiently for some reason. The culprit is often problems with the oil.

Thickened, Contaminated Oil

You can always check your oil yourself by removing the dipstick under your hood. Fresh oil is amber in color and slightly transparent. As motor oil ages, it darkens in hue, thickens, and also becomes filled with little particles and contaminants. So if your oil is clearly very thick, dark, and packed with particles, you can safely surmise that it’s time for an oil change.

Have your Jeep’s oil inspected and changed today by certified professionals at Pearl Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff offers nothing short of outstanding service to each and every customer, no matter your vehicle purchasing or servicing needs.

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