Many people love to get as many miles as possible out of an old car they love. Keeping a high mileage vehicle running well can save plenty of money and avoid the expense and hassle of a new car purchase. It is possible to keep many cars running well into the 200,000 mile mark with the right care and usage.
Drive Gently
Most people think of maintenance and parts as the key to a long-lasting vehicle, but how you drive it is equally important. Hard acceleration and hard braking put considerably more wear and tear on the vehicle’s vital parts, namely engine, transmission and brakes. Not only is it safer and more fuel-efficient to accelerate and brake gently and maintain a consistent cruising speed, you will also help your vehicle last longer.
Notice and Fix Problems Quickly
Cars are designed so that they do not suddenly fail or break without warning. In most cases, a car will give some sort of signal to the driver that there is a problem before a breakdown. This could be an odd sound or feeling when the car is running or when it starts up. Modern cars have more sophisticated computer diagnostic systems that help track and identify problems. The best thing you can do is listen to your car and fix the problem quickly. Unfortunately, cars are not self-regenerating machines. Car problems will only get worse over time. What was a minor repair at first signal can become an expensive breakdown if ignored.
Use High-Quality Replacement Parts
It may be tempting to cut costs by putting cheaper replacement parts in an older vehicle. On one hand, this makes some sense. Why would you invest a lot of money in something that isn’t that valuable? On the other hand, if your goal is to keep your car running as long as possible, high-quality parts from a place like U Pull & Pay are a big step to ensure that. Depending on the vehicle, you may want to get genuine parts from the manufacturer, and you should always discuss your options with a trusted mechanic when deciding on which parts to use. Some models are more forgiving than others.
High-Quality Oil and Fluids
Routine maintenance like oil and transmission fluid changes are the key to a car’s longevity. This means you should use only the highest quality oils like Amsoil or other top brands. Most car engines do better with synthetic oils than regular oils, but if you have a very old car, then you should consult with the manufacturer or a mechanic first. Some cars don’t do well if they are suddenly switched from regular oil to a synthetic.
Oil and Filter Change Interval
There is plenty of disagreement about your oil change interval. In general, synthetic oils can last much longer, usually 10,000 to 15,000 miles between changes. Regular oils will need to be changed much more often, usually every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Filters should be changed every 5,000 miles or so as well, even if the oil is not changed. Always follow the change specifications for the oil and filter you’re using and don’t push it back to save money. The engine wear and tear isn’t worth the savings.
By paying attention to your car and giving it high-quality care, you can keep it running for many years to come. It’s always best to be proactive. If you have a car that isn’t up too far in miles yet, then right now is a great time to begin following these practices. If you’ve allowed the wear and tear to accumulate, it becomes that much harder to maintain the car.
