The average car lasts for about twelve years, or more accurately, roughly 200,000 miles. While newer vehicles can last for up to 300,000 with regular maintenance, you should expect some expensive repairs once you hit the triple digits.
How can you keep high-mileage cars running smoothly while you squeeze out that last mile? One of the best ways is with good and regular car maintenance.
If you’re curious about how to maintain high-mileage vehicles, we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about how to extend your car lifespan once you’re in the high-mileage zone.
Regular Maintenance
Above all else, the most helpful thing you can do to get the most out of your car mileage is to perform regular maintenance. These are tasks you perform throughout the year to ensure your car is running as well as possible.
Oil changes are the most important part of this. While most cars can go about 5,000-7,500 miles without an oil change, this capacity decreases as your car ages.
Wear and tear on your engine will make it go through oil faster, especially if you use traditional oil. Synthetic oil can sometimes last longer, but it still won’t last as long as it would on a lower-mileage car.
Checking Your Engine
Your oil isn’t the only maintenance task you’ll need to keep track of. As your car ages, smaller components you don’t usually think about will suffer as well.
A good example of this is your gaskets and hoses. These aren’t parts that fail quickly, and if you’re only driving a vehicle for a few years, you may never need to worry about them.
But after a few hundred thousand miles, everything in your engine will have heavy wear and tear. A leaking gasket or frayed hose can cause your engine to run rougher and, in some cases, can cause a breakdown.
Checking Your Belts
Your belts are one of the most important components in your vehicle. But as time wears on, friction can wear them down and fray them.
When a belt frays, it’s at risk of breaking or can increase wear and tear. A broken belt can become a significantly more expensive fix. Make sure you’re checking on your belts and hoses whenever you open your hood for maintenance.
Other Fluids
Beginner mechanics often only look at oil when checking their fluids. But for high-mileage cars, you should always keep close tabs on all fluids.
Check your coolant, brake fluid, and more. In older vehicles, you may need to check battery fluids. Keep tabs on everything you need to ensure you don’t let something slip.
Handling High-Mileage Cars
For high-mileage cars, regular maintenance is paramount. Keep tabs on fading or wearing-down parts to make sure none of them break on you during a long drive. Your fluids will need regular maintenance and won’t last as long as they do on other vehicles.
If you’re near Madison Heights and want assistance in maintaining your high-mileage vehicles, Chrome Auto Repair is here to help. Our ASE-certified technicians can handle anything your vehicle needs, from tune-ups and brake repairs to exhaust systems and more. Contact us to see why our family-owned business has a reputation for going the extra mile.