How to Maintain High Mileage Vehicles
Buying a new car is always expensive, and that’s especially true now. Until prices drop again, your family might drive an older vehicle to save money. You’ll need to maintain it well if you want it to last.
There are multiple ways to make sure your high-mileage car goes the distance:
Perform Regular Oil Changes
Regular oil changes keep your car healthy. Without them, old or insufficient oil damages the engine. Most recent recommendations say you should change the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. A mechanic can do this for you, or you can do it yourself to save some extra money.
Refill Brake Fluid
Brake fluid causes your foot’s pressure on the pedal to slow the car, so low brake fluid impacts safety and the car’s maintenance. To refill brake fluid:
- Find the brake master cylinder reservoir at the back of the engine compartment.
- Remove cap.
- Pour new brake fluid to full line on reservoir.
- Tighten cap.
Replace Old Timing Belts
Timing belts control the timing of engine valves. If valve timing is wrong, you’ll soon have a dead engine. These need replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, so take your high-mileage vehicle to a mechanic if it’s been a while.
Even if you follow these tips, sometimes old cars are beyond repair. Kelly Community offers auto loans at competitive rates so you can cheaply buy or refinance a vehicle.
