5 Essential Ways to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle
Proactive care is the secret to reaching 200,000 miles and beyond. Here’s how to do it.
Ready for the 200K Mile Club?
Let our ASE-certified technicians perform a comprehensive vehicle health check to ensure your car stays on the road for years to come.
Find a Location & Schedule TodayMaintenance is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
With the average price of a new car reaching record highs, more drivers are looking to keep their current vehicles on the road for as long as possible. The good news? Modern cars are better built than ever before. If you follow a consistent maintenance schedule, there is no reason your car can’t provide reliable service for a decade or more.
Proven Strategies for Longevity:
- Never Skip an Oil Change: It is the single most important task. Oil neutralizes acids and captures contaminants; when it’s old, it stops protecting and starts damaging.
- Watch Your Fluid Levels: Coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid are just as vital as oil. Have these systems flushed according to your manufacturer’s schedule to prevent internal corrosion.
- Keep It Clean: Road salt and grime eat away at your car’s body and undercarriage. Regular washes and a good coat of wax help prevent rust—the silent killer of high-mileage cars.
- Respect Your Tires: Improper alignment and low tire pressure put unnecessary strain on your suspension and engine. Regular rotations and alignments keep your ride efficient and smooth.
- Address the “Small” Things: That strange rattle or tiny oil drip won’t fix itself. Small, inexpensive repairs caught early prevent the “domino effect” that leads to massive repair bills.
Drive Smarter, Not Harder
How you drive is just as important as how you maintain. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard braking, which put extreme stress on your engine and braking components. Give your car a few seconds to warm up after a cold start to ensure oil is circulating properly before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can a well-maintained modern car last?
A: With proper maintenance, many modern vehicles can easily reach 200,000 miles or more. The key factors are regular fluid changes, gentle driving habits, and addressing small repairs before they become major failures.
Q: Is it worth fixing an older car with high mileage?
A: In most cases, yes. A $500 to $1,000 repair is still significantly cheaper than the annual cost of a new car payment and increased insurance premiums. If the frame is solid, maintenance is a smart investment.
Q: What is the most common cause of early vehicle death?
A: Neglect of fluids—especially oil and coolant—is the most common cause. When these fluids are ignored, heat and friction cause internal damage that eventually leads to catastrophic engine failure.
Ready for the 200K Mile Club?
Let our ASE-certified technicians perform a comprehensive vehicle health check to ensure your car stays on the road for years to come.
Find a Location & Schedule Today