June
30
How to look after a high-mileage car
High-mileage cars are cheaper to buy and often cheaper to run, making them an affordable option for many drivers. With the cost of motoring so high at the minute, getting every last bit of life out of an older car is always worthwhile.
But without the proper care and maintenance, they can end up costing you more in repairs than you’d like. Fortunately, with a little TLC, you can keep your motor running for a fair bit longer.
Keep up with oil changes
Your car’s engine oil is fundamental to the smooth running of your vehicle. Well-used oil becomes thicker and lubricates the engine less effectively.
Down the line, this can lead to your engine overheating and possibly shutting down entirely. A new engine could cost more than your car is worth!
Make sure you change the oil in line with the manufacturer’s handbook to keep your engine in good condition.
Protect the tyres
Your tyres are one of the few parts that can be replaced fairly easily on any car, but getting the most from the rubber is best to reduce your costs in the long term.
Rotation of your tyres can help to prevent uneven wear, which can force you to replace tyres sooner. Sometimes, a new set of car tyres is the best option to maintain your safety on the road.
Be sure to keep them inflated at the appropriate pressure – this helps to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise unnecessary wear.
Stay on top of servicing
The value of servicing is often underestimated. It takes away much of the stress of car maintenance, and you only have to do it once a year (unless you’d like to do more).
A basic car service will check all the fundamental components of your car, but a full car service will look more thoroughly at the inner workings of your vehicle.
Servicing is always a good idea if you’re looking for some peace of mind behind the wheel, particularly if you’re driving a high-mileage model.
Check fluids
Besides engine oil, other fluids are important for the longevity of your car. Check the brake, transmission and coolant levels to ensure your vehicle is running optimally.
Many of these can be checked during a service if you’d rather they were seen by a specialist. It’s possible to over and underfill fluids, so ensure you know what you’re doing if you’re DIYing it.
Looking after a high-mileage car is the best way to squeeze every last mile out of it while you can. Stay on top of all the necessary maintenance and you should reduce the chances of faults and breakdowns.