Spring Jeep Checklist: Get Your 2025 Wrangler Ready for Adventure

Chicago winters take a toll on everything—roads, patience, and especially your Jeep Wrangler. After months of salt, slush, and potholes that seem designed to swallow an entire wheel, your rig needs attention before spring adventures begin. Here’s how to shake off winter and get your 2025 Jeep Wrangler ready for top-down, trail-hitting season.

1. Deep Clean the Aftermath of Winter

Between road salt, grime, and the occasional chunk of ice lodged in your wheel wells, your Wrangler has seen better days. A pressure wash is the best way to start, hitting the undercarriage to remove any corrosive residue. Pay special attention to suspension components, skid plates, and frame rails—areas that salt loves to cling to. If your Jeep has a soft top, give it a gentle scrub with a fabric-safe cleaner to prevent staining and mildew. Hardtop models can benefit from a coat of sealant for added protection against spring rains.

2. Swap Out Those Winter Tires

Snow tires get you through the worst of Chicago’s ice-covered streets, but they’re not built for warm pavement. They wear quickly and can impact fuel efficiency when temperatures climb. Swapping to all-terrains or mud-terrains ensures you’re ready for road trips and off-road excursions without sacrificing grip or durability. If you’re running stock rubber and plan on hitting the trails, now’s the time to consider a beefier set of tires to match your adventures.

3. Check Your Suspension and Alignment

Between plowing through potholes and navigating icy intersections, winter driving can do a number on your Jeep’s suspension. Inspect shocks, control arms, and bushings for wear or damage. If your Wrangler feels like it’s pulling to one side or the steering seems off, an alignment can bring everything back into spec. A quick check of your ball joints and tie rods can prevent problems from escalating into costly repairs down the road.

4. Inspect and Protect Your Undercarriage

Chicago streets aren’t just rough on your suspension—they’re a direct assault on your Jeep’s undercarriage. If you see rust starting to form, it’s time to act. A rust inhibitor or fluid film spray can help protect metal components from further corrosion. If you spend time off-road, consider upgrading skid plates or reapplying protective coatings to keep the underside of your Wrangler in top shape.

5. Refresh Fluids and Filters

Cold weather can be brutal on your engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. Spring is the perfect time for a fresh oil change using the recommended viscosity for warmer temperatures. Check your coolant levels and top off or replace old fluid if necessary. While you’re at it, swap in a new air filter—road salt and winter grime can clog it faster than you’d expect. If your Jeep has a cabin air filter, replace that too for cleaner airflow as you roll into warmer months.

6. Test the Battery

Extreme cold drains battery life, and if you’ve noticed slow starts, it’s time for a check-up. Use a multimeter to test voltage or have a shop run a battery health check. If your Wrangler’s battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it before it leaves you stranded. Corroded terminals? Clean them up with a wire brush and apply dielectric grease for a stronger connection.

7. Prepare for Open-Air Driving

Spring in Chicago can be unpredictable—warm one day, snow flurries the next—but when the temps finally hold steady, nothing beats taking the top off your Wrangler. Check your soft top for rips, lubricate zippers, and ensure latches are secure. Hardtop owners should inspect seals for leaks before removing panels. If you plan to keep the doors off, invest in a set of tube doors or mirrors to stay street-legal.

8. Plan Your First Adventure

With your Wrangler refreshed and road-ready, it’s time to plan your first spring escape. Whether it’s a drive up to the dunes in Indiana, a scenic route through the Driftless Area, or hitting the Cliffs Insane Terrain off-road park, your Jeep is built to handle it all. Pack recovery gear, check your trail maps, and get ready to shake off winter with an adventure only a Wrangler can deliver.

Spring in Chicagoland doesn’t wait around—it’s gone before you know it. Get your 2025 Jeep Wrangler prepped now so you can make the most of every sun-soaked mile.