Regardless of how you drive or how many years of experience you have behind the wheel, properly maintaining your vehicle is the most effective way to ensure it stays on the road for many years.
Thanks to advancements in automotive technology, today’s cars are more reliable and durable than ever before.
In addition, with rising inflation, high fuel prices, and the increasing costs of new cars, it’s understandable that many drivers are holding onto their vehicles longer than before.
However, high-mileage cars require extra care and attention to ensure they continue to run efficiently.
To help, the team at Germain Motor Company has put together a useful guide with top tips and recommendations for servicing your high-mileage vehicle.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can save money and enjoy many more years of dependable performance. Let’s dive in!
High Mileage Car Service
Tip1: Follow Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Even if your odometer has surpassed 100,000, 150,000, or even 200,000 miles, it doesn’t mean you should change your approach to car maintenance!
If following the factory-recommended maintenance schedule has kept your vehicle running smoothly this far, it’s important to continue adhering to these intervals for routine maintenance.
These recommendations, developed by your vehicle’s manufacturer, are designed to optimize performance and increase the lifespan of your car. Since proper maintenance has brought you this far, there’s no need to stop now!
Tip2: Pay Special Attention to Rubber Components (Belts, Hoses, & Tires)
Many essential components in your vehicle, such as belts, hoses, and tires, are made from rubber.
These rubber parts are particularly vulnerable to cracking, hardening, and accelerated wear due to age and high mileage.
A snapped serpentine belt, a cracked radiator hose, or a flat tire could leave you stranded unexpectedly.
Have a qualified technician inspect these rubber components during your next service and replace them if they show any signs of aging or excessive wear.
Tip3: Use High Mileage Oil
It’s hard to overstate the importance of regular oil changes, particularly for high-mileage vehicles.
Engine oil plays a critical role in protecting your engine from harmful friction and heat, which can cause significant damage over time. In addition to sticking to the recommended oil change schedule, consider switching to a high-mileage oil blend.
Available in both conventional and synthetic varieties, high-mileage oil is specifically formulated to provide extra protection for vehicles with over 100,000 miles.
Priced similarly to other oils, high-mileage blends offer added peace of mind and enhanced protection for your engine.
Tip4: Maintain Your Fuel System
In addition to regularly changing your oil and checking your vehicle’s fluids, it’s essential to pay attention to your fuel system.
Your fuel system is responsible for supplying fuel to the engine, and it must remain clean to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Over time, contaminants can build up in the system, clogging fuel injectors and the fuel filter, leading to costly repairs.
Using a fuel system cleaner and having a trained technician inspect your system are two excellent ways to help your vehicle’s engine run longer and more efficiently.
Tip5: Keep the Exterior Clean
While driving a freshly washed and waxed vehicle is always enjoyable, keeping your high-mileage car clean is also an effective way to extend its life.
As vehicles age, they become more susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially if driven on salty roads during the winter months. Regularly washing and waxing your car helps protect its exterior and maintain its appearance for years to come.
You can also consider applying a rust-preventative coating to the undercarriage of your vehicle for added protection against the elements.
By following these easy-to-implement maintenance tips, you can continue to get the most out of your high-mileage vehicle and keep it running smoothly for years ahead!