There was a time when cars nearing 100,000 miles were ready for the junkyard. However, more older vehicles are still on the roads than ever before. Even if you own a high-mileage vehicle, with proper care you can expect it to last you a long time. In fact, some older vehicles can run for up to 200,000 miles or even more. The bottom line is, how you maintain your vehicle will determine how long you can likely plan for it to last.
Practice Good Preventative Maintenance
Whether your vehicle has 1,500 miles or 150,000 miles on the odometer, proper maintenance is the key to a healthy car. This means getting regular oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and any major services like timing belt replacements as needed. Even if you miss one oil change, it can do substantial damage to your engine, particularly if you have a high-mileage vehicle. This is why practicing good maintenance and getting it completed on a set schedule can ensure that your car runs for a lot longer period of time. If anything seems “off” or you notice strange smells or noises, it’s time to take your car in for a checkup.
Driving Habits Make a Difference
One way to preserve the life of your older vehicle is to drive it responsibly. This means avoiding aggressive driving, making hard stops, or rapidly accelerating unless you absolutely need to. Driving your vehicle “rough” can contribute to premature engine wear. Instead, accelerate slowly and avoid slamming on the brakes whenever possible. Maintain your speed and start at a lower speed until the oil in your engine has had enough time to warm up. Another way to avoid premature engine wear through driving? Avoid short trips whenever you can. Those short errands can be extremely hard on older cars and can cause excess water to build up in your engine or your exhaust system which may lead to rusting.
Keep it Clean
Although it’s not as important to the overall health of your high-mileage vehicle, it’s still essential to keep the interior and exterior clean. When you wash your car on a regular basis, you can remove excess oils and grime that can cause the body to rust. Don’t forget the undercarriage of your vehicle, which can be exposed to things like road salt which can cause serious harm that you can’t see until it’s too late. Protect the paint job with a coat of wax, and keep the interior clean including the upholstery, carpets, and dashboard. With these simple tips, you can ensure that your high-mileage vehicle serves you well for a long time to come.
At East Coast Euroworks, we specialize in service and repair for all makes and models of European vehicles. Come visit us at our Wilmington, NC location or give us a call today to schedule your appointment today!