Maintenance That Goes the Extra Mile: 6 Maintenance Tips for High-Mileage Cars

If you have a high-mileage car, you’re riding around in a workhouse that’s survived thousands of miles and decades on the road. At this stage in a car’s life, it’s a good idea to take a few extra car maintenance steps to protect it from wear and tear. If you don’t, you’re almost certainly inviting engine problems. Here are six maintenance tips for your hard-working ride. 

Keep your vehicle properly serviced

Whether you take care of it yourself or have someone else do it for you, make sure to service your vehicle regularly to catch any potential problems.

If you’re not using a garage for parking your car, be sure to check underneath it regularly for oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, or other leaks. Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your vehicle running smoothly. 

Avoid long-distance road trips

The higher your vehicle’s mileage, the more often it will need servicing. Taking a long-distance road trip now and then won’t hurt, but don’t make a habit out of driving long distances until you know how well your car is holding up under pressure. A high-mileage vehicle might not have the stamina left to make a 500-mile round-trip without some parts breaking down.

One way to avoid the wear and tear of long-distance road trips is to hire a professional auto transportation company. Reputable car shipping specialists like Guardian Auto Transport, a car transportation provider in Texas, will assume responsibility for your vehicle’s well-being, scratching one item off your to-do list. Letting your car hitch a ride on an auto transporter is an excellent way to rest old joints and keep your vehicle running for years to come. 

Keep your tires inflated properly

Proper tire inflation can do wonders for the longevity of your tires. In addition to saving money on gas, taking care of your tire pressure every month or so will help prevent costly blowouts and other potential safety hazards. Check your tire inflation each time you fill up your tank and add air when necessary. Drivers from snowy climates should take extra care to ensure their tires stay bouncy. 

If you live in an area where it snows during the winter, you should also be careful when driving on slick roads. Your tires should be well-inflated so that there are no soft spots, and your car should have all-season tires rather than just winter tires. If you do find yourself in a dangerous condition while driving on snowy roads, remember that it’s better to apply the brakes gently while remaining in control of your car instead of trying to overpower the slick surface.

Use premium fuel when possible

Most manufacturers recommend that drivers use premium-grade gasoline whenever possible. However, always consult the owner’s manual before making the upgrade to ensure that your car can handle using this type of fuel. Vehicles with high mileage or high-performance engines may be especially sensitive to the grade of fuel used. 

Premium fuel isn’t located everywhere, so be sure to fill it up as soon as you see it if you need it. Gasoline that isn’t the premium grade tends to evaporate more quickly, especially in hot weather or when your gas tank is nearing empty. Using regular unleaded petrol rather than premium fuel could cost you a considerable amount of money and may even damage your engine if your car is made for something higher quality. Consult your owner’s manual for best results next time you’re at the pump. 

Replace air filters regularly

The air filter’s job is to trap dirt and other debris from the inside of your car. If it clogs, not only will it filter less efficiently, but you’ll end up spending more money on gas. You should change your air filter every 30,000 miles or once a year (whichever comes first) to save yourself some hassle down the road. 

Along with engine air filters that your car’s owner manual will tell you about, there might be another filter that cleans out dirty air from inside your vehicle. These typically look like a large coffee filter or the white dirtbag on an old vacuum. This component is your cabin air filter, and it collects dust and other debris. Switch it out every 30,000 miles or once a year (whichever comes first) for a pleasant driving experience. 

Keep your car well lubricated

You might think that our modern cars don’t need much lubrication, but if parts start moving around too much, they can make some pretty horrible noises and wear out a lot more quickly. Keeping an eye on the engine oil dipstick and topping off as needed will keep your car running smoothly.

Your owner’s manual will tell which oil viscosity to use in your car. Using the wrong type of motor oil can cause severe problems for your vehicle down the road. Using oil meant for another car could result in leaks, poor performance, and even engine damage. Always double-check that you’re using the correct grade of motor oil before filling up.

Wrap up

Maintenance is one of those things that can easily get pushed to the back burner when you’re busy, but it’s essential to take care of your car if you want it to be safe and last a long time. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to avoid costly repairs, increase the longevity of your car, and enjoy a smoother ride while you’re at it.