Owning a car with over 100,000 miles no longer means your vehicle is approaching the end of its life. In fact, the lifespan of cars has increased from 8 years in 1995 to over 12 years in 2022.
If you own an older car, proper maintenance is essential to prolong your vehicle’s lifespan. As your odometer climbs higher, make sure you’re following these tips for maintaining your high-mileage car.
Get regular tune-ups.
Routine maintenance is a necessity for any car, but it’s crucial for older vehicles with more than 100,000 miles.
From oil changes to checking fluids to completing a major service, staying on top of your vehicle’s maintenance will help prolong the life of your car significantly. Additionally, if you feel like something is ‘off’ with your vehicle, trust your instincts and take the car to a trusted mechanic.
Use high-mileage oil.
High-mileage oil has special additives that are designed to support older vehicles more efficiently.
These additives are designed to prevent wear to your engine with friction-reducing agents since many older engines are prone to leaks, sludge, and deposits. To ensure that your engine oil is doing its job properly, get an oil change every 3 months or every 3,000 miles.
Rotate your tires.
Your tires have a lot to do with the efficiency of your vehicle. Rotating your tires is a great way to prevent uneven wear and prolong their life.
Make sure your tires are inflated to the right air pressure to maintain maximum efficiency (and safety). The correct PSI can be found on the inside of your driverside door.
Check your transmission fluid.
Transmission fluid is used to lubricate the gears and transmission of your car. Every vehicle is different, but most can make it upwards of 100,000 miles without any concern.
Once you hit 100,000 miles, though, it’s best to check the transmission fluid about every 30,000 miles and replace it when recommended.
By practicing the tips above, your high-mileage car should keep running efficiently for significantly longer! If you experience any issues or are looking for a trusted mechanic with your needs in mind, come on down to Wrench Junkies! We work on almost every make and model vehicle and offer more services than your average automotive repair shop.
