Question: What do I need to do for my high mileage vehicle?
Answer: This question is asked a lot more these days. The average age for vehicles on the road today is now over 11 years. Regardless of your reason for keeping your vehicle around, the good news is that today’s vehicles are capable of going 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more if properly maintained. High mileage vehicles do require more maintenance to keep them on the road, but are less expensive than buying a new car.
Here are some tips for making your vehicle last:
- Regularly scheduled maintenance routines. Just as your body needs a medical check-up on a regular basis, your car needs its own regular check-up to make sure everything runs smoothly. Things like oil changes, transmission and cooling system service are critical for avoiding expensive damage. This reduces your overall cost for keeping your vehicle for a long time.
- Regular inspections are critical. Thorough inspections of various systems will uncover things that are nearing the end of their service life. Replacing worn parts early not only prevents breakdowns but relieves stress on related components so they will last longer as well.
- Special high mileage fluid formulations. For example, high mileage engine oil has special additives that condition old seals and gaskets. It also has extra detergents to help keep older engine clean inside. High mileage oil, transmission fluid, etc. cost a little more but can really head off some of the problems that are typical of older vehicles.
- Battery care. You can perform all kinds of maintenance on your high-mileage vehicle, but if the battery isn’t performing, your car won’t start and you’re not going anywhere. You may find you go through a few batteries with a high-mileage car, and it’s a good idea to take proper care of them so you can get the most out of each one.
- Tires. The only way your high mileage car will continue to stay on the road is if you have good tires that keep it there. Tires that are properly inflated and with the right tread depth will work the best for driving safety and preventing an accident.
- Keep it clean. Washing your car inside and out not only makes it look nice, but it also helps preserve your car. Washing and waxing protects the paint and fights rust, while vacuuming dirt and sand out of carpets and seats can minimize tears and holes.
Even with the occasional unexpected repair associated with an older vehicle, you can still enjoy good, reliable transportation if you take good care of your ride.
Give us a call!
Old Town Automotive <br/>707.442.4556 <br/>oldtownauto.com
Revised from content contributed by NAPA Service Assistant