by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
Short days. Long cold nights. Driving here and there each day running errands, heading to holiday events, work stuff. Maybe the occasional off-roading trip mixed in somewhere on the schedule.
Yes, the bitter winter months can be rough on anyone who has tons to do but so little time.
Well, as demanding as the season is for you, it also can be tough on your Jeep. Snow, ice, frigid temperatures, salt, mud, grime — all these things can combine to make winter months the toughest of the year.
Thankfully, there is plenty you can do to help out the Jeep until warmer weather appears on the horizon.
Because with a bit of preventative maintenance, careful observation and some cautious monitoring, you and your Jeep can make it through just fine.
Battery Health
Cold weather is no friend of your Jeep’s battery. In fact, it is just the opposite. Frigid temperatures can actually sap your battery's strength — up to 50 percent the closer that mercury comes to 0 degrees.
So, if you climb into the vehicle one winter morning and experience any kind of hesitation before the Jeep starts, then you definitely want to check out your Jeep’s battery health. Especially if the battery is more than three years old.
Of course, the best solution is to test your battery immediately, before winter really kicks into gear. While doing so, make sure to clean the terminals and check that all cables are solidly attached.
It is also a smart idea to keep jumper cables or a portable jump starter handy even if your battery is fine, as you never know who else may need the help.
Tire Condition and Pressure
While it is always a good idea to monitor your Jeep’s tire condition and pressure all year long, it is even more crucial during colder winter months. That’s because cold air actually reduces tire pressure up to two pounds per square inch for every 10 degrees of temperature drop.
These days, most vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system, so you should get a warning indicator if there is a problem, but those with older vehicles should make it a habit to check tire pressure at least once a week.
Additionally, your Jeep’s tire condition should also be monitored this time of year, as winter weather can create all kinds of driving conditions. Snow, ice and even rain can turn even the best roads into a nightmare, so if your vehicle is heading into the season with tires that have limited tread depth, then definitely look into replacements.
Rust Prevention
Winter weather means plenty of salt and other chemicals on the road to mitigate snow and ice issues. And while these things do make for better driving conditions, they all can lead to rust on your Jeep.
Left untreated, salt and road chemicals can eat away at your vehicle’s frame, suspension components, bumpers, driveline — pretty much everywhere.
So, make sure to give your Jeep some wash love this winter, especially on those vulnerable undercarriage parts. Also, a good rust inhibitor spray makes sense as well during these months.
Four-Wheel Drive System
One of the highlights of driving a Jeep is its four-wheel-drive system. Should weather or road conditions warrant, you can easily slip into 4-high or 4-low to overcome most road obstacles.
However, like anything else, this system does need maintenance over time — especially for those with older vehicles. Also, knowing how the whole system works makes sense as well.
If you are unsure how to use four-wheel drive, then take a few moments to read this piece: Using a Jeep's 4-wheel drive.
Additionally, test the system early in the season and ensure everything works like it should. If something lights up on the dash indicating an issue, or if the four-wheel drive doesn’t engage properly, then take some time to address any problems.
Windshield Wipers and Fluids
More than any other season, winter creates some real havoc on your windshield and windshield wipers.
Snow and ice can ruin even the best of wipers, so pay attention and replace those worn windshield wipers to ensure you retain maximum visibility. Additionally, check that windshield fluid and fill as needed so you can quickly wash away road grime.
Similarly, cold weather can change your Jeep’s oil viscosity and make it a bit thicker on cold starts — putting more stress on the engine. When you can, take a few minutes to read through your vehicle's manual to see what it recommends for oil during winter months as it can vary from Jeep to Jeep.
Heater and Defroster
Whether you have a hardtop or soft top, your Jeep’s heater is fully capable of keeping you comfortable all winter long. That is, assuming it is working correctly.
A failing heater and defroster not only makes winter driving severely uncomfortable but can be dangerous as it may affect visibility.
There are plenty of things that could go wrong with a heater, such as a bad blower motor, thermostat, heater core, hoses — even leaky coolant.
So if there is a chill in the air, and inside your Jeep blowing from its vents, then make sure to have that heater and defroster system checked.
Soft Tops
These days, soft top material and quality are far superior to previous editions. With the advent of twill fabric and thicker windows, they are more durable and quieter than ever.
However, the longer that material is on the Jeep, the more it can be vulnerable to cracking or tearing during rough winter months.
Rule number one with any soft top in the winter is never scrape off snow or ice from the side or back windows. You’ll most likely puncture the material. Always let these windows defrost first before driving.
Next, even if temperatures heat up in the daytime, try not to take off windows or fold back the top. When it inevitably gets colder later in the day, that material tightens up and won’t be easy to reattach.
Additionally, use a good soft top cleaning and protection kit to prevent cracking or fading and preserve that material all season. That goes for window cleaner as well to prevent clouding and scratching from salt or mud.
Fuel System and Tank
You may not give your fuel system much thought regardless of seasons. Just pull into a station when the tank nears empty and fill up, right?
During winter, though, you may want to pay closer attention. And that’s because the colder exterior temperature compared to warmer areas inside the tank (especially near the exhaust) can cause moisture to form.
The lower the fuel level, the more area for moisture to fill. This can, over time, lead to rust that corrodes the interior of the tank or, worse, flake off and enter the fuel system. Additionally, as the temperature heads south of 32 degrees, that moisture can freeze and block fuel delivery.
Most experts recommend keeping your tank at least half full during winter months, as well as using a fuel additive/stabilizer to prevent rust from forming.
Interior
Sure, winterizing your Jeep is mostly about how to protect crucial exterior components. But what about the inside of your vehicle? Isn’t that important as well?
Well, simply put, yes.
And the best way to provide that protection is through floor and seat protection.
Winter isn’t just about snow and ice. There is also plenty of mud and grime that will attach to your footwear and clothes. Then, before you even realize, those things are inside your vehicle and staining up carpeting and seats.
Urethane floor liners, especially ones with grooves, work very well to protect a Jeep’s carpeting by trapping any moisture from your shoes, boots, or whatever. Most of these liners have tall edges as well, so there is little chance anything spills out. Plus, they are easy to remove and clean off should dirt and grime accumulate.
Likewise, seat covers shield your Jeep’s seats from all this stuff as well. Whether they are vinyl, neoprene, leather, nylon, or polyester, most covers easily install over the existing seats and tighten down with straps or hook and loop attachments.
Recovery Equipment
Building a good emergency kit during winter is always a good idea, no matter what you drive. This means bringing along things like extra water bottles, food, blankets, clothing and footwear — just in case.
Well, even in a Jeep with four-wheel drive, there is always a chance snow and ice could lead to problems. Or, you may run across someone who needs help.
Adding some recovery equipment pieces to augment an emergency kit is a fantastic idea. Essentials such as a tow strap, shovel, recovery boards, D-rings or soft shackles, gloves, and even a winch, are excellent choices.
These can all be added separately depending on your needs, or most are available in an all-inclusive recovery kit.
Related Articles:
How To Enjoy Jeep Winter Driving
How to Remove Ice And Snow From Your Jeep's Soft Top Windows
