How Do You Take Care of a Car with High Mileage?


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Do you own a car with high mileage? If you do, congratulations—you've likely gotten great value for your money. But that doesn't mean you can neglect your car now that it's reached this milestone. High mileage vehicles need more maintenance than brand-new vehicles. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your car running smoothly for many more miles to come.

1) Get an Extended Car Warranty

Chances are your high-mileage vehicle is no longer under warranty. This will no doubt bring pause to many car owners, as they'll now have to foot the bill for all repairs that need to be made. And with a high-mileage vehicle, those repairs are likely to come sooner than later. One way to help offset these costs is by purchasing an extended car warranty. An extended warranty will cover the cost of repairs for a set period, giving you peace of mind on the road. There are plenty of companies that offer this service, but if you want to get the best extended car warranty, you'll need to research each one carefully to find the right fit for you and your car.

2) Follow Your Vehicle's Maintenance Schedule

You might think that since your car has already racked up a lot of miles, you can slack off on the maintenance front. But this couldn't be further from the truth. It's even more important to stay on top of your car's maintenance when it has high mileage. Following your vehicle's maintenance schedule will help ensure that all the parts and systems are working properly and prevent more serious (and expensive) problems down the road.

While there are numerous routine maintenance tasks that you must stay on top of, the most significant ones are changing the oil and filter, checking and rotating the tires, and checking the brakes. Depending on how often you drive, you may need to do these tasks more or less frequently. Consult your car's owner's manual for specific recommendations. 

3) Keep Your Car Clean

It might seem like a no-brainer, but keeping your car clean—both inside and out—can go a long way in prolonging its life. A clean engine, for example, is less likely to overheat, while a clean interior will help prevent premature wear and tear. Giving your car's exterior a thorough wash, meanwhile, will help protect the paint job from the elements, especially if your car constantly gets exposed to either heat or road salt in the winter. A good coat of wax will also help keep the paint looking shiny and new. So, make it a habit to regularly wash and vacuum your car. In addition, don't forget to wax the exterior periodically to help protect the paint job.

4) Drive Sensibly

The way you drive has a direct impact on your car's longevity. If you're constantly flooring it or slamming on the brakes, your car will inevitably start to show signs of wear and tear much sooner than if you were to drive more sensibly. When driving a high-mileage vehicle, it's best to take things slow and easy. Accelerate and brake gradually, and avoid any sudden starts or stops. This type of driving not only helps prolong your car's life but also improves your gas mileage.

5) Keep Your Tire Health Up

Tires are among the most important parts of any vehicle, and you want them in good condition to ensure both a smooth ride and safe driving. But as your car racks up more miles, the tires will inevitably start to show signs of wear and tear. It's important to keep an eye on the tread depth and air pressure of your tires and to replace them when necessary. Depending on how often you drive and the conditions of the roads you're driving on, your tires may need to be replaced more or less frequently. Be sure to consult your car's owner's manual or a professional mechanic for specific recommendations.

6) Pay Attention to Your Gauges

Your car's gauges are there for a reason—to alert you of any potential problems. So, if you notice that any of your car's gauges are reading outside of the normal range, take action right away. It could be something as simple as a loose wire or low fluid levels, or it could be a more serious problem that needs to be addressed by a professional. Either way, it's best not to ignore any warning signs your car might be giving you.

The Bottom Line

Taking care of a car with high mileage takes a little more effort than taking care of a newer model, but it's doable. By following the tips above, you can help ensure that you'll enjoy your vehicle for more miles and years to come.

Guest Blog: Rae Baker Power Automotive PR

 

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