While the official definition of a high-mileage vehicle can vary, most experts suggest any vehicle with over 100,000 miles is high mileage.
Fortunately, most modern vehicles can achieve around 200,000 miles without major repairs. That’s if you have regular maintenance done.
If you have a vehicle with more than 100,000 miles, you can stave off major repairs and extend its life. It can be done by performing a few simple maintenance services.
The team at ABS Unlimited has outlined our top high-mileage maintenance tips to extend your vehicle’s life and get the most bang for your buck.
Follow Your Owner’s Manual for Maintenance
It’s imperative to use the owner’s manual always as a key point of reference. Yet, it’s easy to forget about this manual as you rack up the miles. Do so at your own peril.
The owner’s manual offers valuable insight to help you preserve your vehicle’s life. Thus, it’s vital to always pay close attention to it.
Consider Switching to High Mileage Oil
Once your vehicle reaches 75,000, switch to high-mileage motor oil when you have maintenance done.
You could use this oil on any vehicle. But it’s uniquely designed to address common problems among higher-mileage vehicles, especially the older ones.
Using this oil can help reduce emissions, smoke, and oil consumption. It also minimizes oil seepage and leaks.
An Ounce of Maintenance is Worth Pounds of Cure
With high-mileage vehicles, an ounce of maintenance is worth pounds of cure.
You can save significant money and time by having the necessary maintenance services done. Common maintenance activities include new filters, changing brake pads, replacing belts and hoses, replacing the battery, and more.
Failure to have maintenance can quickly snowball and turn a molehill into a mountain. Thus, it always makes sense to have the maintenance required by your vehicle. While ignoring your check engine light is never suggested, the stakes are much higher when you drive a high-mileage vehicle.
Check & Flush Fluids
Most car maintenance experts suggest a complete brake system flush every 60,000 miles.
A brake fluid flush will remove all the old brake fluid as well as accumulated dirt and debris. If left unattended, these contaminants can significantly reduce your braking efficiency.
Moreover, speak to your mechanic about all your other fluids like:
- The transmission fluid and/or flush transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Antifreeze
- Windshield wiper fluid
The most common fluid exchange service is your oil. As your vehicle gets longer in the tooth, it’s usually a good idea to have more regular oil changes as well.
Speak to your Fairfax, VA mechanic about the specifics of your unique vehicle.
Contact ABS Unlimited for High-Mileage Vehicle Maintenance in Fairfax, VA
At ABS Unlimited, we are proud to be the leading automotive repair and maintenance center in Fairfax, VA.
We specialize in helping drivers in Fairfax, VA protect their vehicles and get the most out of every mile. We offer maintenance solutions for your high-mileage or new vehicles.
