Now that we’re a full month into the autumn season, with sweater weather and colorful foliage all around us here in Oklahoma, it might be time for you to consider getting your Jeep 4xe hybrid SUV ready for the changing seasons. As the temperatures start to drop, your vehicle will thank you for any maintenance you give it, especially with winter just around the corner. So today we’re giving you a list of our top five fall maintenance tips with which to treat your Jeep 4xe this season!
Check Your Battery Health
When the temperature drops, automobile batteries typically experience a reduction in both power and capacity. This is a big reason why it’s more common to see vehicles getting jump started through the colder months of the year. Fall is a great time to get your car battery checked, and that’s doubly true for an electrified vehicle like any of the Jeep 4xe plug-in hybrids. While your EV battery is unlikely to experience any real problems early in its life, it’s never a bad idea to schedule a diagnostic test to make sure it will provide the range and charging times you expect.
Follow the Hybrid-Specific Service Schedule
This is more of a general maintenance tip for plug-in hybrid vehicles rather than one that’s specific to fall, but every Jeep 4xe model has maintenance intervals that blend upkeep of the hybrid system with traditional engine care. That means you should be getting your oil and filter changed every 6,000 miles or six months, and doing things like tire rotations, brake inspections and coolant and fluid checks at least annually. If you haven’t done any of those annual things yet, perhaps fall would be the perfect time to get those done.
Cabin Air & HVAC
Now that you’re driving through scenery rife with falling leaves and dusty trails, things like your cabin air filter and overall HVAC system can become clogged and even damaged. This can reduce the efficiency of those systems and, by extension, the air quality in your cabin. Fall is the perfect time to replace your cabin air filter, inspect vents and ducts for any blockage and maybe even test the heater and defroster. Foggy mornings and icy windshields are on the horizon, so now’s the perfect time.
Protect Your Exterior & Undercarriage
There are all kinds of weather conditions that accompany fall and winter, from rain and mud to frost and snow and everything in between them. While your Jeep vehicle was certainly built to brave the harshest elements, a little extra care is never a bad thing. Wash and wax your exterior to better protect your paint from moisture and road grime. Clean your undercarriage, especially if you take your 4xe off-roading, as mud buildup can have an effect on your suspension system and the sensors that make up your advanced safety features. Lastly, check the seals and weather stripping around your windows and doors, as damage to these can create leaks and drafts.
Optimize Charging for Cooler Temps
As mentioned, the lower the temperature drops the more your electric driving range may fluctuate. If you want to maximize the efficiency of your electric powertrain, you should be charging indoors or in a similarly sheltered area to reduce the effect of cold temperatures on your battery. Furthermore, you can schedule your charging to precondition the battery before taking your vehicle out in the morning.
Contact Jim Glover CDJRF For Assistance
If you discover that you need service performed while making any of these checks or throughout the process of getting your Jeep 4xe vehicle ready for the winter, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right here at Jim Glover CDJRF. We’d be happy to answer any questions we’re able to, and of course get you scheduled for any service that you need. We look forward to hearing from you!