Summer is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors for that much-needed vacation. If you’re looking for new trails for your next adventure, bringing your Jeep is your best bet if you want to access some of the best views that nature has to offer.
Jeeps are known for their exceptional durability, insulation, modular design, and high customizability. From packing the right equipment to setting up your Jeep for your adventure, this blog will show you how to prepare your Jeep for your Summer getaway with an easy-to-follow checklist.
Preparing Your Jeep for Summer
Clean the exterior.
Summers can be dry or humid, depending on where you live. Going off-road puts your Jeep susceptible to accumulating dust, dirt, and debris. You can maintain the quality of your ride by simply keeping it clean.
You can clean your ride on your own or get it to a professional car cleaning service. Make sure to get into the crevices, such as in between seals, trim pieces, and other small, hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to clean in order to prevent premature oxidation and rust, particularly around the door hinges.
Drain the water channels of your ride.
Driving through different environments can get dust, dirt, and debris to get into the various water drainage channels around the vehicle. These fragments can get lodged within these channels, hindering the vehicle's natural ability to drain itself of rainwater and other moisture and causing backups, leading to potential water ingress to sensitive areas of the vehicle.
You should first clear out the different water drain plugs of your Jeep and dry its water channels before taking it for a long drive. You can use an air compressor to get rid of any moisture in different areas. If these channels haven’t been cleared in a long time and leaks are detected, you might also need to remove interior components like the headliner and door trim to reach hard-to-access areas to ensure everything dries thoroughly.
Install new air filters.
Your air filters worked extra hard to maintain the air quality in your car during the fall and winter. That said, the paper or filter elements of these filters will get dirty with pollen and dust over time and should be inspected and/or replaced over time.
Check both your cabin and engine air filter and replace them if needed. If you’re keeping your Jeep’s hardtop on for your trips, we recommend getting quality cabin air filters to keep you and your passengers comfortable during long drives. Changing the engine air filters of your Jeep will also facilitate better airflow into the engine for better performance.
Accessorize for the summer.
We bet you already have off-road adventures planned this summer, so make sure your Jeep has everything it needs for traversing different road obstacles and challenging terrain. Use these different accessories to utilize your Jeep to its full potential without worrying about any problems along the way.
Here are some must-have off-road accessories for your Jeep:
Winch: It’s best to come prepared with a winch to help pull your truck out of tough spots like ditches, mud, and other related scenarios.
Tire repair kit: Traveling in unfamiliar terrain puts you at risk of encountering a flat tire. Having a repair kit with a jack will come in handy.
Jump starter: You wouldn’t want to go off-roading and encounter a dead battery, especially if you’re far from home. You’ll want a jump starter in your ride so you can revive your battery no matter where you are.
GPS: If you’re going to a location for the first time, you’ll need a reliable GPS to know where to go. This is also essential since you’ll know where the nearest gas stations and emergency stops are.
Check your tires.
Having the right tires is vital for any trip. Whether you have your all-season wheels for everyday driving or all-terrain sets for rough roads and snow, these will drastically affect the overall safety and performance of your ride.
However, no matter how durable your tires can be, it’s still better to inspect them regularly, especially if you’re looking to take your Jeep to different roads or trails for the summer.
Check the tread of each tire and see if they still have enough remaining life and that there is no damage to the sidewalls or tread caused by road debris from regular driving. This is also the best time to check the alignment of your wheels and suspension setup. Also, keep an eye on the air pressure of your tires, as different temperatures can affect it and change how your wheels react on various driving surfaces.
Consider new undercoating.
Rust and corrosion are inevitable no matter how much you take care of your vehicle. Chances are the undercarriage of your Jeep has some rusted spots due to exposure to moisture and oxidation over time. If these issues aren’t addressed quickly, the rust can lead to more severe damages that are difficult to fix.
It can corrode the floorboard, exhausts, and other components of your undercarriage and cause different issues in the long run. You can get rid of early rusted spots by pressure washing or lightly sanding the affected areas so the corrosion won’t spread. Once done, apply a new undercoat for better protection against debris.
Give the body of your Jeep a protective coating as well.
Even if Jeeps are outdoor-ready, the harsh UV rays of the sun can still damage the surface of the body panels and ruin the paint job. Like applying sunscreen on your skin, you should have your vehicle professionally detailed for that protective wax or ceramic coating. These polymers act as a paint sealant to protect the surfaces of your car from heat, water, debris, and other harsh contaminants.
For starters, wax coatings are much more affordable but would require frequent reapplication. Ceramic coatings tend to cost more but will also last longer.
Store your Jeep’s hardtop.
Many off-roaders prefer to travel in a topless setup or with a soft top for easy removal and installation. What do they do with their hardtop?
While keeping your hardtops at home is the first thing that comes to mind, we recommend storing your Jeep’s summer tops in climate-controlled storage to maintain their pristine condition. Doing so protects your top and freedom panels from the elements, extreme weather conditions, and drastic temperature changes that might damage them.
Have peace of mind knowing that as you go on your outdoor adventure, your hardtops are safe and secured.
Perform an overall inspection.
Jeeps are highly durable and reliable, making them one of the best all-around vehicles in the market. It’s a good idea to assess the working condition of your Jeep before taking it on a long trip to avoid any complications on the road. Here are some components to pay special attention to for maintenance:
Power steering: Have complete control over your vehicle, especially while driving through sharp curves and uneven terrain. Make sure your car is responsive during turns,
Brakes: Whether exploring the great outdoors or driving casually in the city, brakes are essential to keeping you safe. Check if your pads and rotors are in good condition and that your brake fluid is fresh and up to spec.
Windshield: Windshields provide you with an unobstructed view of the road by protecting you from strong wind and flying debris, such as dust, insects, and leaves. Chips or cracks can worsen over long journeys impacting crucial visibility
Visit the Joiiio blog for more tips from experts on maximizing your Jeep.
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