Summer is here, and it’s time to invest in some annual upgrades for your Jeep. In addition to buying new Jeep JL parts to replace old ones, you should start thinking about what kind of upgrades you want to make to boost your Jeep’s performance. You could fine-tune its suspension in anticipation of off-road excursions, or you might invest in a new roof that’s better suited to the activities you have planned for the warm weather. No matter what kind of summer upgrades you make, though, it’s important that you’re prepared for the heat and UV rays that arrive with the season. Check out this checklist to ensure that your Jeep is protected from the force of the sun.
Jeep Soft Tops
One of the most popular upgrades a Jeeper can make in the summer months is switching from a hard top to a soft top. Indeed, as you see Jeeps swarm the roads this season, you’ll notice that many of them feature a soft top that allows drivers to roll and unroll the roof in a matter of moments. Hard tops simply can’t beat the convenience, and a soft top lets you soak up the sun or enjoy some shade depending on your mood. Choose from soft tops made from materials such as PVC, polyester, cotton, or a combination of these.
Hard tops do still offer some benefits, though — especially if you plan on embarking on an off-roading trip. It’s hard to predict what kind of condition you might encounter in such a scenario, and you could find yourself in an area with falling rocks or other airborne debris. In these situations, a soft top is likely not the best choice due to the safety hazard. A hard top, on the other hand, can provide sturdy protection that shields you from harm. Hard tops are the more durable option, and many Jeep enthusiasts simply prefer to keep their hard top intact year-round.
Fresh Tires
Investing in new Jeep rims and tires is another great move when you’re getting ready for summer. Just like any other part of your Jeep, your rims eventually need to be replaced after sustaining enough wear and tear. Pay attention to signs such as difficulty braking or struggles with handling that may indicate this time has come. Some sources also recommend that drivers replace rims every 60,000 to 90,000 miles just to be on the safe side. This can prevent problems from arising that could make your Jeep unsafe.
Don’t forget to replace your tires, too, every six years or every 50,000 to 60,000 miles — whichever comes first. If you notice that the tread has worn thin or the tires continually deflate, it’s likely time to replace them even if you haven’t hit either of these benchmarks. While you’re shopping for new tires, you should look for any Jeep CJ5 parts that might need to be replaced before summer. You can start by checking your brakes to ensure that you don’t need to replace the pads.