When you trek various backroads with unpredictable terrain and challenging inclines and declines, it’s imperative that you have an incredibly durable and reliable vehicle. Since its inception just before the Second World War, the Jeep Wrangler has become a highly popular car, both for laypeople simply needing a dependable car for a commute and those who explore complex territories in their ride. The Wrangler’s popularity is thanks to its extreme versatility, durability, storage, and iconic appearance. Even though the stock factory Jeep Wrangler is plenty adequate, there are a plethora of ways you can upgrade it.
Many off-roading enthusiasts supe up their Jeep Wranglers with a slew of off-roading accessories. There are plenty of Jeep Wrangler off-road parts available to Jeep owners for maximizing and individualizing their ride’s performance and appearance. Jeep owners must consider their aesthetic, budget, off-roading needs, and more when making off-roading accessory investments. One thing that drivers often overlook once selecting their off-roading parts is proper maintenance. But, like all quality equipment, the better care you provide your accessories, the better they’ll be able to perform. AM Off-Road fleshes out different types of aftermarket parts, how they differ from OEM parts, and more in this guide to maintaining your Jeep Wrangler aftermarket accessories.
The Different Types of Aftermarket Accessories for Jeep Wranglers
You can revamp both your cabin and exterior with aftermarket accessories. Here are common add-on options for beloved Jeep Wranglers.
Exterior Accessories
The following exterior features will really give your ride that extra edge. Onlookers are sure to admire your Jeep just as much as you with these exterior accessories.
- Upgraded Tires
- A Slight Vehicle Lift
- A Rack for the Roof
- Bumpers To Protect the Jeep Wrangler’s Front and Rear
- Rock Sliders
- Skid Plates and other Body Armor
- A Trusty Winch
Interior Accessories
If your Jeep’s cabin lacks the following interior aftermarket accessories, your vehicle may feel desolate or impersonal. You can experiment with different interior add-ons to see which one suits your desired look.
- Floor Mats and Liners
- Seat Covers
- Lock Boxes for Extra Security
- Enhancing Sound Bars
- Dashboard Organizers
Original Equipment Manufacturer vs. Aftermarket Parts: What’s the Difference?
Are you struggling to decide between going with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or an aftermarket brand? AM Off-Road looks at the main differences between the two.
- Selection: Because there’s a variety of aftermarket brands to choose from, there’s a broader range of aftermarket parts to choose from. You’re more likely to find an aftermarket option that caters to your criteria. OEM options are typically narrower.
- Price: OEM parts are typically pricier than aftermarket shops, often because OEM brand names are recognizable.
- Style: Because there’s a wider selection of aftermarket parts out there, you’re more likely to find accessories that suit your style with an aftermarket company than an OEM supplier. For someone that strives to personalize their ride, aftermarket parts are the way to go.
Tips for Maintaining Your Jeep Wrangler Aftermarket Accessories
Like we mentioned, your aftermarket accessory will only function as well as it’s cared for. Below is a guide to maintaining Jeep Wrangler aftermarket accessories by material type, so you can ensure a long life for all your aftermarket parts.
When Cleaning Plastic Parts
Many vehicle accessories are made up of highly durable plastic. Both interior and exterior parts are vulnerable to accumulating bouts of debris, dirt, and dust with each ride.
Exterior Plastic Parts
A few different materials you’ll need for properly maintaining exterior plastic components include:
- An unused or clean lint-free cloth
- A trim brush or toothbrush
- Heavy-duty trim cleaner
To properly clean parts such as mud guards, windshield wiper cowls, and unpainted bumpers, follow these steps:
- Apply a drop of cleaner onto the plastic part. Stick to small sections, using quarter-sized drops of cleaner.
- With the brush, rub in the cleaner. Gradually brush the cleaner into the trim until it’s evenly cleaned.
- Wipe away any excess cleaner until the accessory is dry. Use your lint-free cloth for this step.
- Repeat these steps until the entire piece is fully cleaned.
Interior Plastic Parts
A few different materials you’ll need for properly maintaining interior plastic components include:
- Multiple clean lint-free or microfiber cloths
- A detailing brush or toothbrush
- An interior plastic cleaner solution that isn’t too oily or shiny (this collects dust)
- Foam applicator pads
- Q-tips
To properly clean interior plastic accessories, follow these steps:
- Use a lint-free or microfiber cloth to wipe down any existing dust and debris.
- Get your applicator pad moist with cleaner, avoiding spraying any directly onto any interior.
- With the dampened pad, wipe the plastic parts, working on one part at a time.
- With a separate, clean lint-free cloth, wipe all the plastic dry.
- To dry nitty-gritty spots that got cleaner in them, use your Q-tips. Vents, cupholders, and the steering wheel are examples of plastic areas that might require this step to be fully dry.
When Cleaning Metal Parts
For metal parts, you’ll still need an assortment of microfiber cloths, a can of pressurized air, or an air compressor. You’ll need a waterless wash and detail spray and a wax to create a glossy finish on metal pieces. Here’s how you’ll upkeep metal aftermarket parts:
- With your air compressor or keyboard cleaner, blow away any loose accumulations of dust and dirt.
- Spray your cleaning formula onto a microfiber towel.
- Wipe the material in one direction. Back and forth or circular motions could result in pesky cleaner streaks.
- Once dry, apply a coat of wax for ultimate protection against accidental scrapes.
Cleaning Other Jeep Wrangler Parts
For any off-roading parts that you’ve added in hard-to-reach places, take your car to the car wash. A comprehensive car wash is going to be your best shot at ridding your Wrangler’s undercarriage and other tricky spots of detrimental dirt and other road contaminants. Many car wash spots now offer a selection of membership options to appeal to those who regularly clean their ride with frequent discounts and deals, making proper maintenance easier and more affordable.
