Owning a vehicle with a high-mileage count is a testament to the vehicle’s reliability and a lifetime of good maintenance. However, the older the vehicle gets and the more miles it travels, the more care it requires. Whether your vehicle is a daily commuter, a family SUV or a trusty work vehicle, keeping your car in top condition as the miles rack up requires consistent care and maintenance. With the right approach, you can preserve it’s performance, appearance and longevity for years to come. Here, we’ve gathered some handy steps to take to keep your high-mileage vehicle running and looking as good as new.

Stay On Top Of Maintenance

Routine maintenance is essential for any vehicle, but particularly those with higher mileage. Skipping or delaying servicing can accelerate wear and tear, and lead to costly repairs and maintenance tasks in the future. You should pay attention to your manufacturer’s given guidelines and timescales for the following: 

• Oil changes – stick to the recommended schedule. High-mileage engines may benefit from synthetic or specific oils to reduce wear and tear. 
• Fluid checks and changes – It’s important to keep transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid clean and at the correct, safe levels.
• Belt and Hoses – Inspecting and replacing worn out belts and hoses is crucial for preventing unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. 
• General Servicing – Your manufacturer will provide a recommended service schedule, and it’s important to keep to it to give the vehicle it’s best performance opportunity.

Monitor and Replace Worn Parts

As mileage increases, certain parts of your vehicle will naturally wear out. Proactively replacing the components can prevent bigger issues, and ensure that you aren’t left in a tight spot with an undriveable car. You should watch for work brake pads and rotors, check your tyre tread depth to ensure that is it not only legal, but it can also provide you with signs or misalignment of your wheels.

You should also check for signs that there are issues with your shocks, struts and bushings as these can naturally degrade over time and with the more that you drive, ultimately affecting ride quality and the stability of your vehicle. Checking these regularly can help you catch any issues before the warning signs kick in or create a larger problem.

Protect the Engine

For a higher-mileage vehicle, the engine will always work harder simply due to age, which ultimately makes care a top priority. Engine care is vital for any vehicle, but can make a true difference for those with higher mileage. You can protect your engine with regular checks and maintenance for: 

• Spark Plugs – Worn spark plugs can lead to misfiring and reduced performance. You should always replace them at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. 
• Air Filters – replacing the filters for air intake will not only ensure that the vehicle keeps performing well, but can improve engine efficiency and fuel economy as a whole. 
• Clean the Fuel System – Using a manufacturer-approved fuel system cleaner periodically will help keep your fuel injectors free of debris and build-up.

Interior and Exterior Maintenance

A well-maintained vehicle goes beyond just the inner-workings. Keeping on top of the look of your car can also help to improve it’s longevity. Both the interior and exterior need some TLC, protecting it’s quality and it’s value. For the exterior, you should wash and wax your vehicle regularly in order to prevent dirt build-up and rust, as well as seeing to any scratches or dings promptly. You should inspect regularly for rust, too, to prevent any signs of rust from turning into more sizable problems. 

On the interior, making sure to keep on top of vacuuming, as well as dealing with stains and odours can keep things fresh and feeling like new, while dashboard cleaners and protectants will help to prevent cracking or fading. Good quality floor mats can also make a world of difference. 

Other Things To Remember

When it comes to high-mileage vehicles, keeping on top of maintenance is a must for helping to improve its performance and maintain its quality. When it comes to additional car care, you should: 

• Address Small Problems Early – Any issues that arise, from signs of dripping fluids to misfiring or changes to how the vehicle is handling should be addressed quickly
• Upgrade Where Needed – Some parts of your vehicle might need an upgrade long before others, whether that’s your suspension, or your lighting or infotainment. Updating and upgrading these can make all the difference. 
• Choose high-quality parts and fluids – when it comes to repairs, using high-quality parts that are manufacturer-approved or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts
• Pay attention to driving habits – You should avoid harsh acceleration and braking, and excessive idling and make sure that you warm the vehicle up properly, particularly in colder weather. 

For more information about protecting your high-mileage vehicle and how we can help you with maintenance and repairs, simply get in touch with a member of our team here at Service4Service, today.