Introduced in 2007, the Jeep Compass carries on Jeep’s tradition of crossover innovation, giving drivers a compact crossover SUV that doesn’t sacrifice when it comes to off-road capability. The second generation hit Jeep Compass dealers in 2017 and is positioned between the subcompact Renegade and larger Cherokee in Jeep’s current crossover lineup. Available in both front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with four distinct trim levels to choose from including the off-road-ready Trailhawk, the Compass is a reliable crossover that’s perfectly suited for everyday driving but also isn’t afraid to get a little dirty.
Of course, even some lighter off-road duties can take their toll on a vehicle, which makes it all the more important that Compass drivers stick to their 2022 Jeep Compass’ maintenance schedules and intervals. While these maintenance timelines are often an afterthought, they provide a useful roadmap for long-term success, giving drivers all the information they need to ensure their Compass keeps performing at its best for years to come. Let’s take a close look at the recommended maintenance schedule for the 2022 Jeep Compass and see how a few simple tasks can drastically extend the service life and performance of your vehicle.
Maintenance Schedules and Intervals
First off, let us just start by saying that this is a recommended service schedule based on average use, which is about 14,000 miles per year. If you find yourself racking up more than 1,200 miles per month—about 40 miles per day—then your vehicle might need to follow a more accelerated maintenance schedule. This accelerated schedule, along with the normal maintenance schedule, can be found in the owner’s manual that came with your 2022 Jeep Compass, but there are also numerous resources online like RepairPal that make sticking to your maintenance schedules and intervals easier than ever.
Monthly
While most of the recommendations are based on mileage, some tasks are a little more time-sensitive, regardless of how many miles you’re putting on your Compass. These include checking the Jeep’s engine oil level, tire pressure, and windshield washer fluid level. While some particularly mindful drivers might check these components every time they go to fill up the gas tank, once a month is a serviceable timetable for most.
The Compass is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system, which will alert drivers when it’s time to schedule their next service—but it never hurts to check the dipstick from time to time to get a good idea of what a healthy oil level and color looks like. Proper tire pressure can also go a long way in improving a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, reducing rolling resistance, and saving you money at the pump.
7,500 Miles
At 7,500 miles you might still feel as if your Compass just left the dealership, but if you want to get the most out of your vehicle, this is where the maintenance schedule starts. First off it’s probably time for an oil change, as the average vehicle using synthetic motor oil typically needs one every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Vehicles that use conventional motor oil require an oil and filter change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but when it comes to the Compass, Jeep recommends using a full synthetic motor oil such as Mobil 1 5W-20.
7,500 miles is also the perfect time to rotate your tires and will ensure even wear across all four corners of your vehicle. The average tires have a recommended longevity of around 50,000 miles, so at 7,500 miles your tires have already completed 15 percent of their service life. Rotating tires before the 15 percent mark is a bit useless, as the tires have yet to develop a wear pattern that needs to be corrected, but leave it too long and no amount of rotation is going to fix the problem. 7,500 miles represents the sweet spot and makes it easier to remember—since rotations can simply be performed every time you schedule an oil change. Pairing up maintenance tasks is an easy way to simplify your service schedule, so always try to get as much done at one time as possible.
10,000 Miles
If you didn’t replace your Jeep’s oil at 7,500 miles, don’t wait longer than the 10,000-mile mark to get it taken care of. Regular oil changes don’t just increase the lifespan of an engine, they also go a long way in improving efficiency—meaning less money spent at the gas pump. The 2022 Jeep Compass is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system that lets drivers know they should schedule an oil change within the next 500 miles. This system will be reset after your oil and filter change, making it easy to keep track of this all-important task.
Along with the oil and filter change, you’ll also want your mechanic to inspect the Jeep’s brakes, battery, exhaust system, CV/Universal joints, and cooling systems at 10,000 miles; this is about the point where potential problems or defects might start to appear. If you find yourself navigating a lot of dusty, off-road terrain in your Compass, consider replacing your engine air filter at this point as well.
20,000 Miles
Along with keeping up with your regular oil changes—you should have had at least two at this point—the 20,000-mile mark brings with it several components that need to be inspected for wear. These include the parking brake, front suspension, tie rod ends, boot seals, front and rear axle fluid, and brake linings.
The latter is especially vital. This high-friction material slowly wears away every time you put your foot on the brakes and needs to be replaced regularly. If not addressed, brake linings can wear down to the point where they can cause serious—and expensive—damage to the brake rotor or drum. Also, if you didn’t replace your engine air filter at the 10,000-mile mark, this would be the time to do it—and throw in a new cabin air filter while you’re at it.
30,000 Miles
At 30,000 miles, maintenance tasks include transmission fluid service and ball joint lubrication. Drivers who opt for the all-wheel drive version of the Compass will also need to have the transfer case inspected at this point. Most importantly, it’s the perfect opportunity to replace the spark plugs—which, at 30,000 miles, have just about lived out their usable service life. Older spark plugs might technically still be getting the job done, but the older they get the more likely they are to become dirty or fouled, which can drastically impact your Jeep’s performance.
When carbon, oil, or ash starts to build up on the tip of the spark plug, they’ll start firing incorrectly, which can reduce fuel efficiency and make for a rough ride. According to some estimates, fouled or dirty spark plugs can reduce fuel economy by as much as 20 to 30 percent, making spark plug replacement a no-brainer for those looking to reduce their operating costs.
75,000 Miles
No major service is required at 75,000 miles, though drivers would be well-advised to look into a cooling system flush and their windshield wiper blades replaced, depending on how much use they see. This milestone is a good excuse to check in on your various fluids, so give those a once-over while you have the hood open as well.
90,000 Miles
Nothing major at 90,000 miles either, but you might as well make sure your fluids are topped off. Drivers with all-wheel drive Compass models should get the transfer case inspected again at 90,000 miles.
100,000 Miles
Now that your Compass has hit 100,000 miles, following the recommended maintenance schedule becomes more important than ever. If it’s been well cared-for, an SUV like the 2022 Jeep Compass should have no trouble hitting the 200,000-mile mark, so don’t start slacking off now. After taking your Compass out for a leisurely ride to celebrate this milestone, stop into your local service center and get the engine coolant, spark plugs, and PCV valve replaced.
The PCV valve is a one-way valve attached to the crankcase that plays a big role in reducing emissions; it routes gasses produced by the crankcase back into the engine, where they can be burned away. A clean PCV valve improves compression and prevents the build-up of oil sludge, which can damage the engine. At 100,000 miles you should also have the brake linings, front suspension, tie rod ends, boot seals, and CV/Universal joints inspected—and replaced, if necessary.
120,000 Miles
Time to give your Compass the once-over and replace the engine air filter. Again, if you’re regularly navigating dusty roads or live in a particularly smoggy area, you might consider accelerating your engine air filter replacement schedule. Also make sure to take a close look at the timing belt, which might warrant replacement at this point.
150,000 Miles
At 150,000 miles, your Jeep Compass has likely seen everything the road can throw at it, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to start slacking off maintenance-wise. Get all your fluids replaced, including brake, transmission, and engine coolant fluids. Then, inspect the spark plugs, air, and fuel filters, replacing them if necessary. Possible repairs at 150,000 miles include drive belt replacement, shock absorber/strut replacement, engine coolant hose replacement, and engine mount replacement. It’s also a good opportunity to check your Jeep’s tires—which, depending on use, might be due for a fresh set.
Following the manufacturer’s recommended service and maintenance schedule is one of the easiest ways to make sure your 2022 Jeep Compass stays on the road for as long as possible. While it does take a little effort, there are a few ways to simplify the process and ensure the best possible results. First off, try to stick with one mechanic or service center for the life of your vehicle. By doing so, you establish a trusting relationship with a particular shop, so a mechanic can get to know your specific vehicle (and its quirks) inside and out.
Secondly, keep a record of all the maintenance and service performed on the vehicle. Doing so will make it easier to troubleshoot specific issues down the line. A solid backlog of service records can be worth their weight in gold when it comes time to sell or trade in your Jeep Compass.