Jaguar Reliability Concerns: 4 Expert Tips to Improve Jaguar Longevity
Jaguar cars aren’t exactly known for their reliability. However, there are some things you can do to improve the longevity of a Jaguar. All it takes is understanding your car’s unique needs and some routine maintenance to keep a Jaguar running reliably.
Oil changes improve Jaguar engine reliability
As always, oil changes are a key maintenance item for maintaining Jaguar reliability. Jaguar’s high-powered six and eight-cylinder engines generate high internal temperatures. As such the engine oil is under immense stress and heat, causing it to break down more quickly. Older engine oil loses its ability to properly protect internal engine components, leading to excessive friction an even more heat.
And even in modern turbocharged four-cylinder Jaguar engines, oil changes are key. The high engine pressure from a turbo along with added heat means more frequent oil changes are important for reliability.
Keep an eye on underbody corrosion
Specific to Jaguar, issues with suspension and frame components can cause major issues. From corrosion to cracking and even worn wheel bearings, there are several underbody components that can affect Jaguar reliability.
While the wheel bearings don’t affect problems on their own, if left unchecked the wheel can come off, causing untold suspension, brake, and even body damage. General corrosion can also be a concern on older Jaguar models, so checking for early signs of rust is key to keeping your car on the road.
Change transmission fluid every 30,000 miles
Transmission fluid is easy to overlook, but it is nearly as important as engine oil. Since your transmission isn’t under quite the same stresses as the engine, it can be changed less frequently. However, that doesn’t mean you can ignore this important service if you’re concerned about reliability in your Jaguar.
J.D. Power recommends transmission fluid and the fluid filter should be changed every 30,000 miles, at a minimum. But if you’re frequently towing, tracking, or climbing steep grades in your Jaguar, it may be prudent to perform a transmission service more often.
Routine drive belt replacement
The serpentine belt is yet another component that is easy to forget about. However, letting the serpentine belt fail is a recipe for disaster on any engine. Your Jaguar could be as reliable as a Corolla, but a neglected serpentine belt will cause immediate, often terminal damage. Bent valves alone will cost thousands to fix, and that’s assuming there isn’t more damage further inside the engine.
Jaguar reliability is better in newer models
As brands converge and technology improves, previous reliability problems begin to dissipate, and Jaguar is no exception. These days, most Jaguar cars are pretty reliable, even if they’ve gotten incredibly boring along the way.
For a luxurious sedan, the Jaguar XF looks great and is reliable enough for daily driving. And with older models, these maintenance tips can help keep you on the road.
