You own a piece of history when you own a Willys Jeep. Unlike some pieces of history, however, you can easily preserve a vintage jeep with careful and diligent maintenance. Like any vehicle, your Jeep will reward you with long life, durability, and many years of on- and off-road fun if you look after its basic needs. So, how often should you service your Willys Jeep? It’s not so different from the maintenance schedule many modern vehicles require, though they have their specific quirks and needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to keeping your vintage Willys Jeep in great shape through the years.
Why Service Your Jeep?
This seems like an obvious question, but it’s worth pondering. It still pays to see the doctor at least once a year for a check-up, even if you feel like you’re in terrific shape. It’s the same for Jeeps, though they require something more than a simple “physical” to keep running. Your Jeep is tough, but time wears down even the toughest people and vehicles. Your Jeep may already have many miles and years of service behind it. Think of it as an old soldier who’s managed to stay in good shape, but who experienced the stress and strain that comes from a life of service. Regular inspections and maintenance, however, can catch little issues before they become big ones and ensure the still-working parts continue to work with minimal wear and tear.
How Often Should You Service Your Jeep?
On average, vehicle owners should take their vehicles in for service and inspection twice a year or more, depending on their maintenance schedule. Willys Jeep service scheduling depends on several factors. Consider the following when determining when and how often you should bring yours in:
- Does your Willys Jeep serve as your primary vehicle? If so, you should service it more often. On the other hand, it needs less servicing if your Willys Jeep is mostly a showpiece that you take for a spin on the weekends or to vintage car shows.
- What sort of terrain does your Willys Jeep regularly face? Muddy or treacherous off-road action in deep snow, driving rain, or well-paved city streets? The former challenges your Jeep more than the latter, requiring more frequent servicing.
- Few Willys Jeeps are youngsters, but some are older than others. Bring the older ones in more often for checks and upkeep.
- Do a little research on your Willys Jeep. The owner’s manual, Willys Jeep forums, and similar websites will provide plenty of details on service intervals.
What Maintenance Is Recommended for Your Willys Jeep?
Most gas-powered vehicles have the same basic needs, so there won’t be any surprises in this section. That said, stay on top of the following tasks to keep your Willys Jeep running and in good shape, inside and out.
Change the Oil
You should change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This task is one thing you must never neglect to do. Regular oil changes ensure the engine runs smoothly. Oil becomes dirty over time, so replacing the used oil with fresh oil ensures debris doesn’t build up in the engine, ruining performance and potentially leading to engine failure. While 3,000 to 5,000 miles is a good rule of thumb, consider your driving habits, your Willys Jeep’s condition, and what you typically encounter on the road. Talk with your mechanic to determine whether you should perform more frequent oil changes over time.
Check the Fluids
Besides the oil, your Willys Jeep requires several fluids to operate. You can change these fluids less often than the oil, but just like oil, you can’t neglect them. Naturally, always look for leaks to ensure your Willys Jeep’s fluids flow.
- Check and top off the coolant levels every 30,000 miles or yearly.
- Brake fluid is a lifesaver—literally! Check it at least once a year and top it off as needed.
- You should change the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but regularly checking the levels is wise.
Check the Tires
Tires put up with more direct damage from the road than any other part of the vehicle. Periodically check your tire pressure and maintain the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Have the tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear and to help them last longer and maintain a proper grip on the road.
Brake Inspections
Have your mechanic check the brakes every 10,000 miles to ensure they can protect you and your passengers. Busted brakes can lead to serious damage from a vehicular and human standpoint.
Suspension and Steering
Your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems are as vital as your brakes. Check these systems every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, looking for wear and tear that can lead to poor performance and potential accidents.
Battery Check
Your Willys Jeep needs power, and it needs it right away! A reliable battery ensures your vehicle can start up and power the electrical systems. Watch the terminals for corrosion and test the battery every six months to ensure it can still hold a charge. Slow starts and no starts are usually a sign that the battery is dying or on its way out.
Replace the Air Filters
Your engine needs to breathe, in a matter of speaking. Changing your air filters every 12,000 to 15,000 miles ensures that dust and other matter can’t enter the engine, causing clogs and poor performance. You may need to change your air filters more often if conditions in your region are dusty or otherwise less than clear.
Spark Plugs
Replace the spark plugs every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, otherwise, you may be in for a shock (figuratively speaking). Spark plugs are less likely to provide the sparks an engine needs to ignite the fuel and keep things running.
What Can You Do?
Part of the fun of owning a vintage Willys Jeep is working on it yourself. Depending on your skill level, you can do plenty of these tasks and upgrades yourself. However, some require expertise. Oil changes, tire pressure checks, and topping off fluids are all basic maintenance procedures most vehicle owners can accomplish. However, those that you should leave to a professional mechanic who specializes in Willys Jeeps include fixing brake systems, checking suspension and steering systems, and other advanced diagnostics.
So, how often should you service your Willys Jeep? It depends on the kind of service. Keep these ideas in mind and your Jeep should stay in better shape for far longer. Contact us today for a consultation if you have any questions about military vehicle restoration services and how you can protect your Willy’s Jeep!