When a car is brand new, routine maintenance is a straightforward process. Follow manufacturers’ guidelines and you’re good to go.
When you have an older vehicle with high mileage, car maintenance becomes more of a necessity. If you ignore warning signs, the problem can turn critical quickly.
Luckily, maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult or even expensive with a high mileage car. What you should do is take a proactive approach and be diligent in your maintenance schedule.
What happens when a car moves past 100,000 miles
As a car moves past 100,000 miles, it begins to experience more wear and tear on its various components. This can lead to a variety of issues that may require repair or maintenance.
One of the most common problems is with the engine. As the car is driven more, the engine experiences more wear and tear, which can lead to problems such as reduced fuel efficiency, diminished performance, and increased emissions. To address these issues, it may be necessary to have the engine serviced or rebuilt.
Another common issue is with the transmission. The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and as it wears out, it can become less efficient and may even fail. This can result in difficulty shifting gears or a complete loss of power. To fix these issues, it may be necessary to have the transmission repaired or replaced.
Other components that may require attention include the suspension, the brakes, and the tires. The suspension is responsible for supporting the weight of the car and absorbing shock from the road, and as it wears out, it can become less effective at these tasks. The brakes are critical for stopping the car safely, and as they wear out, they may become less effective at slowing the car down. The tires are the car’s only point of contact with the road, and as they wear down, they may need to be replaced to ensure the car maintains a good grip on the road.
As a car passes 100,000 miles, it will likely require more maintenance and repair to keep it running smoothly. It is vital to keep up with regular maintenance and address any issues that arise promptly to ensure the car continues to operate safely and efficiently.
Maintenance tips for a high mileage car
Maintaining a high mileage car can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and some regular upkeep, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly for many more miles to come. Here are some maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your high mileage car:
Keep up with regular maintenance
Regular oil changes and tune-ups are crucial for maintaining the health of any vehicle, but they become even more important as a car’s mileage increases. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and get your oil changed every 3,000-5,000 miles, depending on the type of oil you use and the age of your vehicle. While there is much debate online on oil change frequency, err on the side of changing it more to keep your high mileage engine in good shape.
Check your tires regularly
Tires are an important component of any vehicle, and they wear out over time. Regular tire rotations and alignments can help extend their lifespan, and you should also check the tread depth and air pressure regularly to ensure that your tires are in good condition.
Keep an eye on your brakes
Brakes are another critical component of any vehicle. They’ve seen a lot of use up to this point; schedule an inspection to look at the entire brake system and repair and replace items as warranted. Then make sure to get your brakes checked regularly and replace them as needed to ensure that they continue functioning properly.
Pay attention to your fluid levels
Fluid levels, such as oil, coolant, and transmission fluid, should be checked regularly to ensure they are at the proper level. Low fluid levels can cause serious problems, so it’s important to keep an eye on them and top them off as needed.
Clean and protect your car’s exterior
A dirty, neglected exterior can lead to rust and other damage to your car’s body. Regular washing and waxing can help protect the paint and keep your car looking its best.
Inspect your car’s belts and hoses
Belts and hoses can wear out over time, especially on a high mileage car. Make sure to inspect them regularly for cracks, fraying, or other signs of wear, and replace them as needed to avoid problems.
Keep an eye on your car’s cooling system
The cooling system is responsible for keeping your engine at a safe operating temperature, and it’s crucial in a high mileage car. Make sure to keep the radiator clean, check the hoses for leaks or cracks, and replace the coolant regularly to ensure that your cooling system is functioning properly.
Take care of your car’s suspension and steering
The suspension and steering systems are important components that help keep your car stable and in control. Make sure to check the shocks, struts, and other components regularly and replace them as needed to ensure that your car is handling properly.
Be more diligent in inspecting your car
When a car is new, you can get in and expect it to handle well because the parts are new. As it ages, different systems and components wear down at different rates. Something small can impact another component and cause a major issue. You can notice this just by paying attention. Think of it as a preflight check. Check gauges to ensure things are working well. Go the extra mile and put in high quality fluids. Check tire pressure more frequently. Err on the side of getting inspections more frequently, especially if you’re heading out on the road. Cars can run well for many miles thanks to today’s technology. But it’s a good idea to recognize signs of things failing.
By following these maintenance tips and keeping up with regular upkeep, you can help extend the life of your high mileage car and keep it running smoothly for many more miles to come.