Most drivers want their car to run as long as possible, which means reaching and exceeding 100,000 miles without needing to replace the engine or the entire vehicle. There are a few ways car owners can make sure their car hits the 100,000 mile landmark before they buy their next vehicle.
The most important step in getting your car to 100,000 miles is conscientious routine maintenance. Routine car maintenance refers to the ongoing upkeep of your car’s primary systems like the engine, exhaust, and tires.
Your car’s owner’s manual will contain a suggested maintenance routine that should be looked over and followed as closely as possible. Once you find a mechanic you trust, use the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual as a general guideline and work out a realistic long term schedule that suits your driving habits.
Proper air pressure in your car’s tires goes a long way toward extending the vehicle’s performance life. A lot of drivers fail to recognize the impact tire pressure and rotation has on the life of their car’s engine. Improperly inflated tires, or tire treads that wear unevenly for a period of time, will put extra strain on your engine. Check tire pressure and tread wear every few weeks.
A worn down car battery can get in the way of your car reaching 100,000 miles. Like poor air pressure in tires, old batteries put strain on your engine. When a battery stops functioning correctly problems can occur with your car’s starter and alternator; these problems may cost more to repair than the car is worth. Every few months, test your battery yourself or include it in the routine maintenance done by your mechanic. Do not wait until your car refuses to start due to a dead battery.
You can’t fix what you don’t see, and waiting for your mechanic to spot something during a maintenance visit can result in a small problem escalating into a larger issue that stops your engine from reaching 100,000 miles. Once a week, as well as before and after a long drive, look over your car inside and out. Frequent once overs will alert you to anything that needs repair or replacement. Pay particular attention to signs of fluid leakage and the warning lights on your dashboard. Your other sense come in handy too, as engine issues often present symptoms like rattling, burning smells, and a driving experience that is less than smooth.
A well-maintained car can easily reach 100,000 miles thanks to attentive ownership and increasingly durable manufacturing. Avoid taking your car for granted because you see it and use it every day. Instead, be proactive with maintenance and repairs to ensure your car stays running for as long as possible.
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