The life span of a vehicle doesn’t end when it reaches 100,000 miles plus. Taking proper care of a high mileage vehicle will keep it running like the day it came off the lot. Not only can proper maintenance enable a vehicle to last longer than 100,000 miles, but it also saves money in the long run by diminishing the chances of bigger issues that need expensive fixes or replacement parts.
Oil and Fluids
Oil changes are very important for all vehicles, and it is recommended to get an oil change every 3,000 – 5,000 miles (depending on the vehicle) or every three months. In vehicles with high mileage, it is recommended to use an oil that’s called “high-mileage oil.” This specially-formulated oil contains additives specifically made to support the health of older engines. Like oil, brake fluid can also collect contaminants, thus reducing the efficiency of the braking system. For every 60,000 miles, a brake system flush will help keep the vehicle maintained. Another way to give a boost to a high mileage vehicle’s fluids is by adding fuel injector cleaner. This will keep the system running clean and efficiently. Last but not least, a critical fluid every vehicle needs maintained is the transmission fluid. The transmission fluid has the job of lubricating the transmission and gears.
Appearance and Mechanical Fixes
Making sure to maintain smaller non-major mechanical repairs is also imperative to a high mileage vehicle’s health. That means replacing filters, hoses, and belts, which helps prevent any damage to a vehicle. As the miles on a car rise, the need for new batteries may increase as well. Taking proper care of the battery will keep it going, and it is recommended to clean the battery to remove any corrosion. Finally, cleaning and waxing a high mileage vehicle’s exterior will prevent rust from damaging it.
Tires and Alignments
An important part of a vehicle is its tires. Regularly taking your vehicle in for a tire rotation will give them even wear and tear, especially if a vehicle has high mileage and is being driven a considerable amount. The recommendation for tire rotation is every 10,000 miles. With every other oil change, especially with older vehicles, having the alignment checked will help prevent wear and tear on the major parts of the vehicle.
At Home Check
Learning to conduct an at home vehicle maintenance inspection will help avoid the bigger problems that could come up. Make sure to check the tire pressure of your vehicle using a tire pressure gauge. The recommended tire pressure for a given vehicle can be found in either the owner’s manual or the sticker on the inside of the driver’s door. While doing the at home check, it’s important to check the coolant and oil levels. The coolant tank and the oil tank will have markings to indicate when it is low. Investing this time in a high mileage vehicle will keep it running without any major issues.
Keeping it on the road
Properly maintaining a vehicle will save you money in the long run. The higher the miles, the more maintenance is needed. Following all these tips will help keep your high mileage vehicle on the road and running reliably.
