Today, we’re interviewing Brian Gain, our Service Director at Thomas Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Highland. With 32 years of experience in the automotive industry, Brian has seen firsthand how the right upgrades can transform a vehicle’s longevity and utility. In this interview, Brian provides expert guidance on selecting genuine components, maintaining warranty compliance, and ensuring your vehicle remains trail-ready for years to come. Readers will learn the technical differences between factory and aftermarket parts and how professional installation at our Highland facility protects their investment.
Q: Brian, when owners start looking for “Jeep accessories near me,” what is the first piece of advice you give them regarding the balance between daily utility and rugged customization?
A: That’s a great question, and I usually tell people to start by looking at their primary environment. If you are commuting from Crown Point to a job site or frequently navigating the industrial zones in East Chicago, your needs are very different from someone building a dedicated rock crawler. I always suggest focusing on high-quality, authentic components that don’t compromise the vehicle’s base engineering. For example, adding a Mopar Finishing Package to a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee provides practical protection like splash guards and cargo trays that handle the grit of a Northwest Indiana winter without interfering with the vehicle’s sophisticated sensors.
We see a lot of enthusiasts who want to jump straight into the most aggressive modifications, but I remind them that every addition affects how the vehicle handles on the highway. If you’re unsure where to start, you can always reach out to our team at (219) 924-6100 to discuss which parts are best suited for your specific model. For those who want to see these options in person, stopping by our Highland location allows you to consult with our parts specialists who understand the local terrain and climate challenges.
Q: For the 2026 Jeep Wrangler specifically, what are the technical upgrades you see most often in our service bays for off-road performance?
A: The 2026 Jeep Wrangler is essentially a blank canvas, but the most popular technical upgrades usually involve the suspension and tires. Many owners opt for a 2-inch lift kit, which provides the necessary clearance for 35-inch all-terrain tires. On the Rubicon trim, this is even more common because the vehicle is already geared for that level of capability. We also install a lot of heavy-duty winches and LED light bars, which are essential for recovery and visibility when you’re out on the trails past sunset.
It is important to remember that these mechanical changes require professional calibration. When we install a lift kit, we aren’t just adding height; we are ensuring the suspension geometry is correct so you don’t experience premature wear on your CV axles or steering components. You can explore the possibilities for your own build by checking out our current Wrangler inventory to see which factory packages, like the Xtreme 35-inch Tire Package, might already have the gear you need. We also frequently offer special offers on service and parts to help make these upgrades more accessible. If you are working with a tighter budget, you might find a great starting point among our pre-driven vehicle specials that already feature some of these rugged add-ons.
Q: Brian, there is often confusion about how modifications affect a vehicle’s protection. Are dealer-installed accessories treated differently under warranty?
A: This is a conversation I have almost every day. In my experience, the biggest advantage of choosing Mopar accessories installed here is the seamless warranty integration. Generally, when we install genuine accessories at the time of purchase, they are often covered under the 3-year / 36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty. If you add them later, they typically carry their own 12-month or 24-month parts warranty. This is a huge contrast to aftermarket parts, where a failure in a non-certified component could potentially lead to a denied claim if that part caused damage to a factory system like the powertrain.
Beyond the paperwork, there is the Thomas Difference to consider. We stand behind our work with a lifetime warranty and transparent pricing on many of our services, ensuring that your modifications don’t become a liability down the road. Whether you are adding a bed extender to a 2026 Jeep Gladiator or looking through our used Ram trucks for a work rig, we ensure every part fits the exact specifications of the VIN. To keep everything running smoothly, I always recommend that owners schedule a maintenance visit after the first 500 miles of driving with a new lift or heavy accessory to ensure all bolts are torqued to spec and the alignment hasn’t shifted.
“After thirty-two years, the question I get most often is whether a modification will break the car, and I always tell them that it’s not the part that matters as much as the precision of the installation.”
Q: We see a lot of steel bumpers and skid plates on the road. Are these aftermarket bumpers actually safer than the stock versions?
A: Safety is a complex topic when it comes to “armor.” While a heavy-duty steel bumper provides significantly more protection against trail obstacles and deer, it changes the way a vehicle reacts in a high-speed collision. Factory bumpers are designed as part of a “crumple zone” to absorb energy. If you install a rigid steel bumper that hasn’t been crash-tested for your specific model, it could potentially alter the timing of your advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) or airbag deployment. This is why we prioritize Jeep Performance Parts, which are engineered to work with the vehicle’s existing safety structures.
Our team has extensive service expertise in calibrating these systems after a bumper or winch installation. This is especially critical for commercial vehicles that spend all day on the road and need to maintain their manufacturer safety ratings for insurance and compliance. If you’re worried about the cost of these protective upgrades, you can use our online calculator to see how adding accessories to your service plan might fit into your monthly budget. We want to make sure your rig is as safe as it is tough.
Q: Why should a local owner choose to order parts through a dealership rather than buying online from a third-party site?
A: The logistical advantage really comes down to fitment and accountability. When you order from a generic site, you’re often guessing if the part will actually fit a 2026 Jeep Gladiator or if it was designed for an older model year. By ordering through us, you get Mopar parts designed using the original CAD data for your vehicle. Plus, you can avoid shipping damage and high freight costs by choosing local pickup right here in Highland. We even have a Mopar Express Lane for quick installs like battery replacements or tire rotations that don’t require a full shop appointment.
We also make it a point to pass on savings whenever possible. You should always check our parts and service specials before starting a project, as we often have coupons for 15% off accessories or performance parts. For those looking at a brand-new build, we sometimes have new vehicle specials that include accessory credits or pre-installed gear. Getting the right part the first time saves you the headache of returns and ensures your vehicle’s Corrosion Limited Warranty remains intact because the parts are finished to OEM standards.
Q: Looking ahead, what should enthusiasts know about the electric Jeep accessories coming in 2027?
A: The shift toward electrification is bringing some very cool tech. For the 4xe models and upcoming 2027 releases, we are looking at accessories that integrate directly with the high-voltage battery. Think about high-efficiency on-board power inverters that let you run a campsite or power tools directly from the vehicle’s charge. We are also seeing specialized aerodynamic wheels and low-rolling-resistance tires designed to minimize the 15% to 30% range loss we typically see during our cold Indiana winters. Keeping an eye on our new Jeep inventory is the best way to see these features as they debut.
Whether you are driving a New Jeep Compass for your daily commute or have a New Jeep Grand Cherokee for family trips, the future of customization is going to be very digital. We expect more software-based performance upgrades alongside the traditional hardware. If you’re not ready to go fully electric, we still maintain a huge selection of pre-driven Jeep SUVs that use traditional internal combustion engines. No matter the powertrain, our Grand Cherokee inventory will continue to be a primary focus for those who want a blend of luxury and the latest Mopar tech.
Q: To wrap things up, Brian, how does a customer ensure they are getting the best long-term value when choosing their accessories?
A: It all comes down to quality and professional support. While a cheap part might look good on day one, it’s the Mopar durability that keeps it looking good after three winters of road salt in La Porte. I tell people to look for manufacturer specials that provide high-value bundles. Investing in a professional installation here at Thomas Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Highland ensures that your 5-year / 60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty stays protected and that your vehicle maintains its resale value. If you have a specific project in mind, I encourage you to give us a call or get directions to our shop so we can walk through your build together. We’re here to make sure your Jeep is ready for whatever adventure you have planned.
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