Best Oil for Jeep 4.0 / 4.2 / 3.8 / 2.5 etc.. – Buyer’s Guide

What do you feed your Jeep’s engine with? That is a weird question when we are talking about Jeeps, right? However, when you think about it, it is not that strange after all since engine oil is that particular food type that you feed to your engine. There is a list of things that depend upon the quality of engine oil, as well as upon the periods that you are changing it at. What is more, there are so many different types of oil available on off these days that it is easy to get lost will all the numbers, letters, and specifications. Jeep Wrangler oil type is an important factor to consider. Today we are going to talk about all of it and will try to help you understand the world of motor oils better so that you are able to choose the best oil for your Jeep!

Best Oil for Jeep 4.0L, 4.2L, 2.5L, 2.4L Engine

 Best Oil for Jeep 3.8L, 3.7L, 3.6L Engine (Wrangler JK, JKU, Liberty)

Best Oil for Jeep 3.6L, 2.0L Engine (Wrangler JL, JLU, Gladiator JT)

Best 5W-20 Full Synthetic Oil for Jeep (Updated April, 2024)

One of the main things that you are bound to memorize is that not all the oils are fit for your particular vehicle. That is why if you own a Jeep Wrangler JK with either 3.8 or 3.6 engine capacity, then the best option for you is 5W-20. However, there are many providers on the market, and I have listed the best ones for your consideration below.

Best 5W-30 Engine Oil for Jeep (Updated April, 2024)

When your vehicle is not a brand new one, you should be a little picky when it comes to engine oil choice. The fact is that such models as Jeep Wrangler TJ and YJ require different types of oil for winter and summer seasons. For instance, 5W-30 is perfect for colder seasons, but warmer ones require thicker oil. Also, Jeep Wrangler JL, with an engine capacity of 2.0L, works on this type of oil best.

Best 10W30 Engine Oil for Jeep (Updated April, 2024)

If you are driving a great old Jeep TJ or YJ, you need to take proper care of the engine so that the vehicle serves you twice as long. We have discussed it already that Jeeps like that require particular types of oil for hot and cold seasons. When the summer is heading your way, it is advised that you switch your oil to 10W30 type. The sooner, the better!

Best 0W20 Full Synthetic Oil for Jeep (Updated April, 2024)

Jeep JL deserves a special place in my list of Jeep oil brands. The fact is that due to its peculiar complexion, depending upon the engine capacity, you need to come up with different oil to feed it. If you are driving Jeep JL with 3.6 L capacity, then 0W20 oil would be your best bet. Sa to the oil manufacturer, there is a list of options to choose from too.

Best Jeep Wrangler Oil Filters (Updated April, 2024)

When you get through the list of oils fit for various Jeep models and seasons, you may assume that your search is finally over. However, that assumption is far from being true. The fact is that the oil needs to be filtered as well since it may wash off various dirt particles from the engine. Thus a proper filter is not less essential if you do not want to change the oil faster than it is supposed to be replaced. The fact is that depending upon the Jeep Wrangler model that you are driving, you may require different filter types. I have gathered here the best ones on the market suitable for each separate Jeep Wrangler model range.

Buyer’s Guide

I am more than sure that you couldn’t have even thought that Jeep oil is such a complex notion that deserves such a complex investigation, could you? Well, you shouldn’t worry since you are not the only one, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. We are going to discuss all the crucial points when it comes to choosing the right oil for your vehicle in detail so that there are no questions left unanswered.

Oil Viscosity Basics

When you are about to change or purchase some engine oil for your Jeep, the first thing that you come across is the oil viscosity and the oil marking related to that very viscosity. First of all, we are going to try to define what viscosity stands for. When applied to engine oil, viscosity defines the resistance of oil to flow at a certain temperature. If you wonder how viscosity is the measure, the process is quite basic at its core. The oil is heated up to a specific temperature and then poured through a special hole. The time it takes for the liquid to get flow through that hole defines the level of oil viscosity. If the oil is thin – it flows faster, the thicker it is, the longer it takes for the oil to get through the hole.

Now, after, we have figure what viscosity is out, it is time to talk about those different numbers on most of the oil bottles. If you think that they are defining the same thing – you are deeply mistaken, and all these letters and figures should be read carefully if you want to feed your engine with the right oil.

I am going to start with the letter W. there may be many suggestions as to what it stands for, but there is only one true meaning for it – Winter. The number before the W letter defines the level of oil’s viscosity during wintertime. The fact is that thinner oils are more preferable for colder seasons. In case you do not know it, during the colder seasons, it is essential that most internal parts of the vehicle get some oil at startup so that those parts do not wear out before time. Thinner oil can get to those parts faster than the thick one.

As you can see, there are some numbers after the W letter, and I am sure that you wonder what those are there for. The fact is that their goal is pretty much the same since they are also related with viscosity. The truth is that the numbers following W indicate the viscosity of the oil at the temperature 100C/212F. Once again, the lower is the indicating number the thinner is the oil and vice versa.

Let’s talk about the reasons why you would want to change between different oils during cold and warm seasons. I have already mentioned that thinner oils are great for cold seasons since they lubricate all the working parts during the startup and prevent immature wear. However, when the temperatures get high, thin oils will simply drop off the parts that require lubrication and lead to immature wear once again. Thus, thicker oils are used during warm seasons to prevent the outcome.

Oil Types

When you think that now that you know all about the viscosity and all those numbers and letters depicted on the oil bottle, you can easily choose the right oil for your vehicle. However, you need to be aware of the fact that there are also as many as four types of oils to distinguish too.

Conventional Oil

Conventional oil is the cheapest of all. Such low prices are defined by the method of oil extraction since traditional drilling is applied, so the price is corresponding. It can be even added that conventional oil is the oldest oil type there is. However, that fact that is not an artificially created product makes it somewhat less convenient than it should have been. The thing is that conventional oil should be changed every four months the least, or every 3000 miles, while other oils can last a lot longer without any loss to the quality. When it comes to low temperatures, most providers suggest 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil types and 10W-30 for warmer seasons.

Full Synthetic

Just as the name has it, this type of oil is made of synthetic components and that makes is a little more expensive when combined to conventional oil. What is more, you do not need to change fully synthetic oil sooner than 7000 miles and it is great at both high and low temperatures. Due to the fact that synthetic oil contains almost no contaminants and is so temperature-resistant, it is usually advised for all sorts of high-performance vehicles such as Jeep. On the darker not, this type of oil is a lot more expensive when compared to conventional oil.

Synthetic Blend Oil

There is a third type of oil on the market, too – it is called a synthetic blend. It will not take you long to figure out that it is a mixture of conventional and synthetic oils. This is the particular oil type that most SUV and pick-up drivers prefer most. It is a bit more expensive than conventional oil, but it is also more temperature resistant, which is also a plus. Besides, due to the fact that it reduces evaporation, it is also increases fuel economy.

High-Mileage Oil

Lastly, there is also a type of oil specially designed for older vehicles. The fact is that those vehicles that have a mileage over 75K tend to have worn-out crankshafts, which result in various types of leakages, especially at low temperatures. High-mileage oil contains special seal conditioners that are designed to patch up those crankshaft seals and prevent or minimize the leakage.

So, which oil would be the best for your vehicle? It depends upon a list of factors. First of all, if you have an old Jeep with a simple engine and you do not want to overpay for oil, then the conventional type would suit you best. On the other hand, high-mileage oil is a lot better for older engines, but it is quite pricey. Lastly, if you are driving around a lot and weather conditions tend to change dramatically, then fully synthetic oil would be your best bet.

Oil Specs

Just like any other vehicle-related product, the oil comes with certain specifications that you should be able to differentiate between. The fact is that every Jeep owner needs to be able to define oils’ performance, whether or not it corresponds with the recent quality and safety tests, and so on.

Since we are talking Jeeps here there are three main specs types that you should be aware of:

API – stands for American Petroleum Institute and represents the service category together with the phrase – Resource Conserving. The primary purpose of the specification is to define that it is fit for gasoline engines when we are thinking Jeeps. Besides, such a mark represents that the oil is certified and tested according to all the modern standards.

Dexos1 – it is a specification designed for GM vehicles solely. If you own one, you should better check it out too.

ACEA – these are the European specs that are the same as API for Americans.

The fact is that any quality oil is supplied with both API and ACEA specifications.

Oil Change Period

Of course, I have already figured it out that you need to change engine oil from time to time. However, most beginning drivers may wonder as to how often you should do that. Well, if you are a lucky owner of a newer Jeep Wrangler, starting with 2018 – there is nothing to worry about, the vehicle will tell you precisely when to do that. The fact is that the vehicle is provided with a special indicator that signals about an oil change.

In case you own a little older vehicle. There is a list of factors to consider before you decide to change the oil. First of all, you need to pay attention to the conditions that you are driving under, if there are deemed severe, then 3500 miles is the high time to change that oil. Under normal driving conditions, you can start to think about oil change when you get to the point of 10 000 miles tops. The experts say that 350 driving hours or 12 months of vehicle exploitations are viewed as the maximum period that you can use the vehicle without changing motor oil.

Also, it is essential that you check the following points out when you are at the service and having the oil changed:

If you keep these simple rules in mind, your vehicle will serve you a lot longer than you think.

Oil Filters

When it comes to Jeeps, there are two main kinds of filters there are to choose from.

Cartridge Oil Filters – these are full-flow filters. They are mostly very simple in use and can be inspected without the need to change the oil if mounted in an upright position. What is more, mostly, these filters do not contain any metal parts and are a lot easier to recycles after use.

Spin-On Oil Filters – these are also full-flow Filters, but they come packed with a steel canister. These filters are designed for ‘home use’ since almost anyone can manage to install those.

FAQ

Is switching types of motor oil (conventional, synthetic, etc.) harmful to my vehicle's engine?

When you are thinking about the right oil to choose, the first thing to pay attention to would be the factory recommendations that come together with the vehicle. However, there is no way that any known oil types are not interchangeable. It is allowed to switch between oils without any damage to the engine.

Is thicker oil better?

Every type of oil is best when used under specific circumstances. For instance, thicker oil is better for warm seasons since it will lubricate all the parts well instead of dripping off them as a thinner oil would under the same circumstances. Also, older vehicles are advised to lubricate with thicker oil since it can seal those gaps that have appeared due to the more extended vehicle exploitation.

Is it ok to use 5W-30 in a Jeep if the owner's manual calls for 5W-20?

If you are willing to sacrifice your engine, then it is possible to use either lighter or heavier oil grades. However, it is always best to follow the vehicle's specifications precisely. In some cases, when a lighter oil is used, vehicle parts may start to wear out prematurely. When a heavier grade is used, this may lead to excess fuel absorption, engine loads, and engine damage in general.

Is it ok to switch motor oil weights, for example, from a 5W-30 to a 10W-30?

Certainly, this depends mainly upon two factors: the manufacturer's recommendations and the weather conditions outside. If the manufacturer does not recommend is then it is best to refrain from switching those weights.

What kind of oil goes in a Jeep Wrangler?

You can check the tables above that I have compiled for you specifically.

How often should you change your oil in a Jeep Wrangler?

It depends upon the conditions that you are driving under. If they are not severe, then you can change the oil when you reach 10 000 miles point. However, if you are driving under harsh conditions, then it is advised to change the oil every 3000 miles.

Is full synthetic oil worth it?

It is certainly worth it if you want your engine to last longer. The fact is the higher cost is explained by the supreme quality of the oil, which affects your engine only in a positive way and prolongs its life instead of shortening it.

How long can a Jeep Wrangler go without an oil change?

It depends upon the conditions that you are driving under. The most that a Jeep can go without an oil change is 10 000, however, these should be the lightest conditions that you are exploiting your vehicle under to reach that point. Experienced drivers advise that you do not exceed the 8000 miles point.

Conclusion

To sum all up, it is safe to say that there is a reason why there are so many oil brands and types on the market these days. Engine oil is that engine food that it is cannot operate well without. The better is the nutrition, the longer and the better your Jeep will serve you. That is why the next time you are about to change your engine oil, you need to consider a list of important factors before making the final decision. I have tried out best to explain all the details concerning all types and specifications of motor oil so that even a beginning driver will be able to make the right choice in times of need.