Most of the complications in winter months come from maintaining a sense of normalcy during it. Instead of mowing the lawn, you have to shovel the snow. Rather than hopping in your car and going, you might have to let it warm up and scrape off the ice that frosted it over during the night, or slog through the rain to get to it, then spend several minutes de-fogging your windows.
There is a straightforward solution to some of these seasonal hassles—a Jeep Wrangler.
When you search for a Jeep Wrangler for sale, you should know that with a bit of preparation, a Wrangler can tackle any winter weather and be ready at a moment’s notice for a drive through town and into the countryside. Jeeps already have a reputation for getting through mud and snow; add in technology to alert you to weather conditions, and the Wrangler will take you anywhere you need to be.
Can a Jeep Wrangler Handle Cold Winters?
Whether you live in Kentucky, where you have to maneuver around icy roads, or farther North, where the snow is plentiful, or even down South, where it rains a lot, there is a Jeep Wrangler that will help you through crazy road conditions and protect you and your family. However, is there a better year model than another for these different types of weather? We’re not saying there is only one specific year that has been designed specifically for rain or snow, but is there a particular model year with better all-weather features than the rest?
In the case of the Wrangler, the answer is no. All Jeep Wrangler years, even older year models, have the capability to drive through harsh weather conditions because of their four-wheel drive, excellent ground clearance, and traction control. However, there are certain things you can do to enhance these rugged beasts for cold climate drives through snow, rain, and ice.
Before you even start the engine of your Wrangler, it’s always a good idea to check your local weather conditions. Your best source of up-to-the-minute weather conditions is probably your local television or radio station. Still, if you don’t have time to wait for the half-hour weather and traffic report, your cell phone and even your smartwatch have a weather app on their first screen. If you are driving a longish distance, it’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast for your destination. It can be as simple as asking Siri or Alexa, “What’s the weather in Happiness City today?”
Of course, you should always take care and check weather conditions before leaving the house, but there are tools to help you out. The very first thing you can do to prep your Wrangler for winter is to equip your Jeep with winter tires. Just as they sound, they are designed to give you better traction on winter roads. According to Motor Trend Magazine, “Winter tires are not just for those who live in northern climates or at a high elevation; if you live somewhere that gets snow, a set of winter tires is worth the cost.”
You can also add skid plates to the bottom of your Wrangler, so that no damage comes to the underside of it, as you navigate downed tree branches or clods of ice or mud. Damage from snowy terrain can ruin your undercarriage.
It is also recommended to top off all your fluids so your Wrangler continues to run smoothly. This can include coolant, oil, antifreeze, etc., but don’t overlook your windshield wiper fluid. It’s easy to forget how much fluid you use to remove salt or mud during highway driving. If you live somewhere very cold, make sure it is a low-temperature fluid that won’t freeze up on you. Additionally, you can use additives to prevent your fuel from freezing, which could damage the vehicle.
You will also want to make a to-do list before winter comes to check your lights, heater, and battery. You definitely do not want to end up in a snowstorm without working lights or a struggling heater. You should make sure to carry some essential emergency supplies in your Wrangler—things like water, blankets, snow chains, extra clothing, and even sand or kitty litter to help with traction. All of these things can help you prep for the winter months ahead. Another thing you can do to make your Wrangler better in winter is to use floor liners to protect your interior.
Prepping
Another question you might have about prepping for winter is: is a soft top ok for snow or ice? The answer is yes. Soft tops are actually suitable for all four seasons and light or extreme weather conditions. It does help that the heaters are great in Jeeps, but a soft top is also able to trap the heat even in cold weather. Also, it helps to keep your Jeep covered or stored in climate-controlled garages or under carports because even a rugged Jeep exterior can use some love during blistering cold storms or pounding rain or sleet.
So, what else can you do? Can you add a heated steering wheel and or heated seats after the purchase of a Wrangler? Great questions. Of course, you can! In fact, this is something many service technicians will recommend you do, especially since they only take a few minutes to install. They are relatively affordable to add, ranging from $200—$300. Most of this price is based on your location and can always change, but these added heated seats and steering wheels can offer even more heat to your interior without blasting hot air through the vents. You will take some of the strain off your heater. This is a bonus because nobody wants to get stuck in winter weather without a working heater. These precautions are relatively simple and will only benefit you and your vehicle, so don’t wait until the last minute!
Look Ahead
Many of the Wrangler’s bad-weather preparations fall on you as the owner—stock emergency equipment, topping off fluids, etc—but the vehicle itself can play a part in keeping you out of storm trouble. The Wrangler has technology to keep you informed of weather conditions so you are never caught off guard. With an intuitive display that connects to your Smartphone or Android, you can stay connected and informed while you are driving. If you check out the new 2024 Jeep Wrangler, you will also find the UConnect 5 vehicle platform that will offer emergency assistance should you need it. A wireless connection will help you keep up with weather conditions and alerts for road traffic. You have technology protecting you on several fronts.
Your Wrangler Is Ready to Go Head-To-Head With Winter
If you have been worried about purchasing a Wrangler because of the weather, then don’t be. Wranglers are great for all weather conditions and stay warm during the cold season—mostly due to their effective heaters. Always remember to take extra precautions to ensure you are prepared and you will be able to stay safe. After all, life is meant to be experienced, and you will want to experience the winter season in the comfort and warmth of your Jeep Wrangler. Drive with confidence and the tools you need to face snow, ice, and chilly winds. With everything you need in a vehicle for winter drives and some extra conveniences, you will drive with excitement and a new confidence in no time.
