Regardless of how you define ‘high mileage’, you may start to see more vehicles reach the 100,000+ mile mark as prices for new cars are higher than ever. That means more people will want to hang onto their used vehicle for longer as long as it continues to get them safely from one place to the next.
That brings us to the next question, and it’s one we hear often at our Tempe auto repair shop. How do you maintain a high mileage car? The truth is, it’s not that difficult but it does take dedication. Let’s take a look at the critical things to keep in mind if you have a high mileage vehicle that you want to keep driving.
6 Tips to Help You Maintain Your High Mileage Car
If you want to make your high mileage car last as long as possible, keep these things in mind.
- Get regular oil changes. Most newer vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles but older ones may need one every 3,000 miles. Check with your mechanic to find out the proper schedule for your vehicle make and model. Then, follow it closely.
- Check fluid quantity and quality. Your vehicle relies on several different fluids to operate efficiently. In addition to oil, remember to frequently check power steering, brake, and transmission fluids. They should not only be present in the right quantity but also have the right appearance. Dirty or gummed-up fluids can lead to repair issues down the road.
- Maintain filters and belts. Similar to insufficient or poor quality fluids, dirty filters or broken belts can lead to maintenance headaches or expensive repairs. Save yourself time, money, and hassle by having your mechanic check these items on a regular basis.
- Check your tires. These may be frequently overlooked but your tires are responsible for keeping your vehicle safely on the road. Get better gas mileage and also help prevent accidents by having properly inflated tires with good tread.
- Clean your vehicle. Part of learning how to maintain your high mileage car involves taking good care of the outside as well as you take care of its inside. This is not just for looks but also to preserve its finish and prevent rust. Regular washing and waxing can do the trick.
- Schedule battery service. Whether it’s new or old, your vehicle will need a fully functioning battery in order to keep running smoothly. But, weather extremes like the heat we experience here in Arizona can cause car batteries to deteriorate quickly. We recommend battery service every two years so you can get the most out of the battery you have.
Preventative Maintenance at Your Favorite Tempe Auto Repair Shop
At Good Works Auto Repair, we take auto repairs and maintenance seriously and we treat your vehicle as if it were our own. That’s just one reason why we were voted as one of the top auto repair shops in Tempe in 2021.
Whether you have a brand new vehicle or a high mileage car you’d like to keep on the road, we’re committed to bringing you the best auto repair and maintenance services at a fair price. Simply give us a call or schedule an appointment online today to get the preventative maintenance your vehicle needs and deserves!
