Does Jeep Wrangler Need Synthetic Oil? (Read This First)
Engine oil is crucial to the smooth functioning of a vehicle engine as it lubricates its parts and aids efficient performance.
The crucial roles oils play in engines beg the need for good, high-quality oils to be utilized in engines.
This statement is especially true for Jeep wranglers whose engines are sufficiently tasked and thus, need the services of optimum oils.
Hence, it is pertinent to know if Jeep Wranglers need synthetic engine oils or their conventional motor oil counterparts.
Jeep Wranglers need synthetic oil because of its superior quality and high purity level, befitting a wrangler’s engine’s specification. However, it is not compulsory as you can also use conventional motor oils in the Wrangler’s engine without consequences.
The vehicle’s working conditions are the major determinant of the type of oil you use in your Jeep Wrangler’s engine.
Does My Jeep Need Synthetic Oil?
Whether your Jeep needs synthetic motor oil or any other oil boils down to some factors.
These factors are majorly locked around the vehicle’s working conditions and not necessarily the model.
The factors below will help you decide if your Jeep needs synthetic oil or a conventional one.
#1. Weather Conditions:
The state of the weather in your environment will determine if your Jeep needs synthetic oil or not.
Synthetic oil is better in areas with cold temperatures because of its lower viscosity. It also contains additives that offer engines protection from cold temperatures.
However, engine oils with higher viscosity work better in areas where the weather is hot. That makes synthetic oil-less suitable in such climes.
#2. Cost Factor:
Synthetic oils are more expensive and less affordable than regular oils because of the difference in qualities.
Therefore, if you want the best oil for your Jeep, you should go for synthetic ones.
However, if you doubt your purchasing ability, you can also go for conventional oil because it works just fine.
#3. Vehicle Mileage:
A full synthetic oil is not suitable for vehicles that have racked up the miles. Its lower viscosity makes it more likely to leak in such cars.
High mileage oils are best for such vehicles.
#4. Previous Oil Usage:
Some vehicle owners want synthetic oil because of its buzz. However, if you have been using conventional oils and it works fine, why not continue?
Careful consideration of these factors concerning your Jeep will help you decide if it needs synthetic oil or not.
What Type of Oil Change Does a Jeep Wrangler Need?
There are different types of oil changes available for a jeep Wrangler. Once again, this depends on factors actively influenced by the vehicle’s conditions.
Having known that, the following are the types of oil changes available to a Jeep Wrangler.
#1. Full Synthetic Oil Change:
Full synthetic motor oils are the best engine oils. They offer car engines optimum protection and adequate lubrication.
However, while full synthetic oil change gives your engine the best, it is comparatively more expensive than other types of oil changes.
#2. Synthetic blend Oil Change:
Synthetic blend oil combines full synthetic oil and conventional motor oil.
It performs the functions of full synthetic oil while being more affordable, sometimes retaining the price of conventional oils.
#3. High Mileage Oil Change:
High mileage oil is more suitable for older engines, particularly those with more than 75,000 miles of travel.
It helps repair engines and reduces wear on moving parts of engines. Therefore, if your Wrangler’s engine is old, the high mileage oil would be most appropriate.
#4. Conventional Oil Change:
Conventional motor oil is the commonest engine oil because of its comparatively lower cost.
Made from crude oil and refined with additives, it is the cheapest option for a Jeep Wrangler oil change.
Summarily, all Jeep Wranglers won’t need the same oil change as their conditions are not all the same.
However, you should adopt an oil change that best suits the condition of your vehicle’s engine.
How Often Do You Need To Change Synthetic Oil in a Jeep Wrangler?
Experts recommend changing your vehicle’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, for a Wrangler utilizing synthetic oil, 7,500 to 10,000 miles is the mark.
Full synthetic oil can even last you 15,000 miles between changes.
These figures are theoretical, based on general assumptions of how long your engine oil should last.
Hence, you may be required to change your Wrangler’s engine oil even before you reach these marks.
Aside from the mileage, you should know an oil change is due when you notice the following in your vehicle:
#1. Degraded Oil:
As the oil in your engine ages, it becomes degraded due to contamination and heat. Degraded oil appears dark and dirty in contrast to a clean, golden new one.
Once this happens, it is time to change the oil.
#2. Engine Noise:
When there is a knocking sound in your engine, the oil in it is no longer lubricating it. This noise is due to a low level of oil in the engine, and it is due to be changed.
#3. Exhaust Smoke:
Visible smoke from tailpipes of modern vehicles signify problems with engine oil. An oil change is due once you start seeing smoke from your exhaust pipe.
#4. Oil Check Light:
The oil check light on your dashboard is the illuminated icon with the shape of a dripping oil can. A lit-up oil check light is an obvious indicator of the need for an oil change.
Best Oil for Jeep Wrangler
One can’t pinpoint one oil as the best for a Wrangler as there are many good oil brands today.
However, the following oils are the top choices for Jeep Wranglers:
- Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil.
- Castrol 03083 Edge Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil.
- Valvoline MaxLife SAE 5W-20
- Royal Purple 51520 High-Performance Motor Oil.
- Mopar 68218890AB 5W-20 Engine Oil.
When choosing engine oil for your Jeep Wrangler, the following features can help you get the best for your vehicle.
#1. Viscosity
Oils with viscosity ratings of 5W-20 work best on Jeep Wranglers. Other viscosity ratings are not bad, but 5W-20 is the best.
The oil brands listed above satisfy this rating; one reason they come off as ideal for use on Jeep Wranglers.
#2. Mileage Type
Old engines require high mileage oils for protection against wear, whereas; new engines can perform better with low mileage oils.
How Long Can Jeeps Go Without an Oil Change?
Jeeps can go as much as 15,000 miles before changing oil. After that, it depends on the type of oil used on the vehicle.
Jeeps using conventional oil can go 3,000 to 5,000 miles before an oil change. Those using synthetic oil can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes.
The 15,000 miles mark is for Jeeps using full synthetic oil in their engines.
To know which is best for your Jeep, consult your owner’s manual or check with your dealer or mechanic.
TOP 5: Best Oil for Jeep Wrangler JL
Summary
Synthetic oils are the best engine oils available because they are made to a high degree of quality.
This quality makes them suitable but not compulsory for Jeep Wrangler engines which put in lots of work.
The best type of oil for your Wrangler depends on the vehicle’s conditions on which much light has been shed here.
