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Low Mileage Service Requirements

3K views 16 replies 14 participants last post by  Turbozcs2003 
#1 ·
I have a 2011 Grand Cherokee Limited with the 3.6 Pentastar. It is now approaching 5 years old. I only put about 5K miles per year on it (I'm retired). The service manual isn't a lot of help in very low mileage situations like mine. I've had the oil changed every 6 months, per the service manual, but I've not had much of the other service done because of the very low mileage. According to the service schedule, if I go by miles and not by months, there's not much that needs to be done. However, I'm wondering if there are some things that should be done at this point (cooling system flush?) even though I'm only at 25,000 miles. Does anyone have any thoughts on what should be done at 5 years/25K miles? Thanks.
 
#15 ·
Long story short. After Two years you should at least change the brake fluid. It will absorb moisture and can rust out brake lines I'm told.

Unless you are auto crossing the Jeep and getting the brakes red hot all the time, the brake fluid will still look new even after 3-4 years. When brake fluid boils, that is when it the air bubbles build up and the brakes can get very soft.
 
#3 ·
So far I've taken my rig to the dealer for all my servicing.

They "suggest" many "recommend" servicing.

I usually reply with.... " if its in my manual to change or replace the item, please complete that service .

With my free oil changes ,I usually leave the dealership with a happy wallet kicking my heels together.

I'm at 70,000kms so that will change soon I imagine.

Enjoy!
 
#5 · (Edited)
5,000 miles a year really isn't thaaattt low. I wouldn't do anything special besides whats recommended in the manual. I just sold my 9 year old 2007 Acura TL-S 6mt with 15,000 miles on it. It was like a new car and didn't need anything special.

As far as guys saying they would definitely change this or change that. I don't know, I guess I just don't see why. Why change the coolant when its recommended at 100,000 miles or whatever? So what you are saying is you wouldn't change the coolant in a vehicle that is driven daily, but a pristine garage kept vehicle only driven 5,000 miles a year would need to be changed? Remember, MILEAGE breaks down a vehicle. I think people are a little stuck on how things USED to be with older vehicles and older fluids. I remember when I bought my 7 year old '07 TL-S used in 2013 with 4,500 miles. All the guys on the forums said OMG all the rubber seals and belts must be destroyed in that car LOL. Give me a break, the car looked, drove, smelled, and was just as good as the day it rolled off the showroom floor. Newer cars and fluids are much better than they used to be.

All i'm saying is don't go crazy with doing anything to your Jeep that doesn't need to be done. Just follow the manual and enjoy driving it :)
 
#6 ·
I have a 2011 Hemi GC with 17,500. I have the oil changed and tires rotated every six months. The coolant flush is a good idea. Mine was done for free when my water pump went out around 15,000.:eek: After multiple recalls, I still love my Jeep. I also have a 2011 Tacoma with 20,000 and 1989 Toyota PU with 73,000. The 1989 I change tires because of age, not wear.
 
#10 · (Edited)
If you have a '11 thru '13, and you want to replace your coolant, remember to only use a HOAT type coolant. The only one I have found is Zerex or the Mopar brand, sold at dealers. Its expensive. Do not use the aftermarket Prestone that claims to be universal and can be used in all systems. Its does not meet the HOAT specs. The '14 thru present use OAT type coolant which is different.
 
#14 ·
Some of the intervals changed with MY14+ from MY11-13.
 
#16 ·
I'd do the oil once a year at that rate.
I have the same issue with a Kubota Tractor that I only put about 15-20hrs a year on. where a 100-200 hrs a yr is more common.
 
#17 ·
If your a DIY type I would spend some quality time under the Jeep and change the diff fluids and T-case fluid and put some good Synthetic fluids in. I would also do a drain and fill on the coolant.

As mentioned if your only doing 5k per year, I would use a good synthetic oil and change once a year
 
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