Care is important for any vehicle, but particularly for those that have been on the road for the longest periods of time. High-mileage vehicles may require a bit more nuanced and comprehensive care than others that have driven far fewer miles, and knowing how to go about this is important if you’re looking to keep a high-mile car on the road and functioning smoothly.
At Tip Top Transmissions, we’re proud to offer a huge range of auto repair and transmission services for clients around Salt Lake City, from basic repairs and upkeep needs to aftermarket part upgrades, accessory selection and much more. We regularly assist clients with care for their high-mileage vehicles, and we’ll do the same for you in whatever areas are necessary. Here are some of the chief elements to keep an eye on when it comes to maintaining cars that have racked up lots of miles over the years.
What Defines a High-Mileage Car?
While these definitions are not always set in stone, general guidelines for high-mileage vehicles include those with over 100,000 miles or more on them. Some newer cars may be able to reach higher mileages without as many issues, but most will start seeing some concerns after hitting six figures.
Of course, this can vary depending on certain other factors. For instance, cars that have been driven over long distances on highways regularly may be in better shape than those used for shorter drives or city commutes. In addition, the way the car has been maintained throughout its life also plays a big role – if it’s had regular oil changes, tune-ups and other routine maintenance tasks completed, it will likely hold up better than one that hasn’t.
Our next several sections will go over some of the key areas to keep an eye on for a high-mileage car – with the help of our team wherever necessary.
Oil Checks and Supplements
Oil is vital for any vehicle, but particularly for high-mileage cars. Oil helps to lubricate and protect the engine, preventing it from overheating and seizing up. With age, oil can become thinner and less effective at doing its job.
Regular oil checks are important for detecting any issues, such as leaks or low levels. In addition, supplements like high-mileage oil can help provide additional protection for these types of vehicles.
Fluid Levels and Flushes
Oil isn’t the only fluid that needs attention in a high-mileage car. Transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant and power steering fluid are all important to check regularly. As the miles add up, they can become dirty or low in quantity – leading to potential issues with performance.
Fluid flushes, where old fluids are completely emptied and replaced with new ones, are recommended for high-mileage vehicles to keep them running smoothly.
Timing Belt
If your car has a timing belt, it’s important to know when it should be replaced. This can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but many belts need to be changed every 60,000 miles or so. If not replaced in time, a timing belt can break and cause significant damage to the engine.
Suspension and Steering
As cars age, so do their suspension systems. This can lead to issues with handling and tire wear if not addressed regularly. Our team at Tip Top Transmissions can inspect your car’s suspension and steering components for wear and tear, replacing any parts as necessary.
Battery Check
Another major concern for high-mileage cars is the battery. With age, a battery’s internal components can wear down and lead to reduced performance or failure. Regular battery checks can help identify any issues before they become major problems.
In addition to these key areas, it’s important to have regular tune-ups and inspections for your high-mileage car. This will allow our team at Tip Top Transmissions to address any concerns or potential issues before they escalate and cause more significant damage.
Filters
Most vehicles have various filters that need to be changed regularly, such as air filters and fuel filters. These should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, but high-mileage cars may require more frequent changes.
Our team can also inspect these filters during inspections or oil changes to ensure they are in good condition and replace them if needed.
Proper care and maintenance for high-mileage vehicles is key to keeping them on the road for years to come. At Tip Top Transmissions, we’re here to help with all your auto repair and maintenance needs around Salt Lake City – including those specific to high-mileage cars. Trust us to keep your vehicle running smoothly and reliably, no matter how many miles it has under its belt.