Car Maintenance Over 100k Miles: How to Keep Your Car on the Road

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As your car hits 100,000 miles, it’s time to start paying closer attention to maintenance. Here are a few tips on what to do to keep your car running smoothly for years to come, because as we went over in our previous posts we all know that it is better to keep your car maintained instead of neglecting it and having huge issues arise.

Read on for everything from oil changes to engine tune-ups. By following this advice, you can extend the life of your vehicle and avoid costly repairs down the road. So let’s get started!

Schedule regular check-ups with your mechanic to ensure everything is running smoothly

Regular maintenance is the most important thing you can do to keep your car going. Regularly scheduled check-ups allow your mechanic to keep an eye on the parts of your car and make any necessary adjustments or repairs. If you don’t stay on top of the maintenance, you can end up with some pretty serious problems, including potential breakdowns. Besides providing peace of mind, regular check-ups will also extend your car’s life span by ensuring all its vital components are in tip-top shape. So next time you’re unsure whether a routine service is necessary, remember that scheduling regular check-ups with your mechanic is one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your car. A little prevention now can go a long way down the road!  ​

It is important to maintain regular oil changes to ensure the health of your car’s engine. Over time, the face of oil breaks down and loses its lubricating properties, leading to increased friction in the engine. Furthermore, old oil also harbors dirt and contaminants, which can lead to even more wear and tear over time. That is why it is essential to follow either the manufacturer’s instructions or general industry practice and get your oil changed every 5,000 mileage or whatever your manufacturer recommends.

On top of changing your oil, you will also want to make sure that it is at the right level for your car. Sometimes a leak, or burning oil, will drop the overall oil levels, which can cause issues as well.

At least twice a year, check your oil level and top it up as needed – before any long road trips, for instance – as this also goes a long way in helping you keep your car running as good as new for years to come. Additionally, be mindful of any signs from your car that may indicate an issue that needs looking into, such as strange noises or excessive smoke from the exhaust pipe; these all could indicate something more serious going on under the hood if not looked into promptly. All in all, with regular maintenance, check-ups, and timely oil changes, you can ensure that your car remains safe and reliable for many years down the road.

If your car’s mileage is getting up there, you might want to see if it is time to switch your oil over to high mileage oil, which can help prevent some issues, as we found in our other post.

Check your tire pressure and tread regularly – replace tires when they start to wear down

Tires are the direct touchpoint between your car and the road, so they are pretty important to keep in good shape, and there are a couple of things to keep in mind with your tires.

First, you should keep an eye on the tire pressure and tread because they are the main factors for keeping your tires in good shape. If there is too much pressure or too little, the tires won’t perform how they should. And if there isn’t much tread left, you can lose the ability to control your car while driving. Driving with worn-down tires increases the risk of skidding off roads or getting stuck in adverse conditions such as wet weather or mud. This is why it is always important to check your tire pressure and tread regularly.

Keep an emergency kit in your car, including a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and a spare tire

A first-aid kit should be kept in your car, as you never know what might happen on one of your drives. Be sure to include basics like bandages and antiseptic wipes at a minimum with the option to add whatever else you might need for you and your family.

Jumper cables are useful for jumpstarting dead car batteries. And checking in on your spare tire ensures that you won’t have to find assistance in the event of a flat tire. All drivers should take steps to ensure they have these items—and keep them well stocked—as part of their routine safety check before setting out on any journey. Doing so can help them stay safe and prepared no matter what road conditions they encounter. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you can deal with most of the possible issues you could encounter will be worth the money.

Drive safely, and don’t put too much stress on your car’s engine or brakes

When it comes to driving, the most important factor is always a responsible attitude. Driving too aggressively can cause strain on both the engine and brakes, leading to significant long-term performance issues and increased risk when behind the wheel. If you are flooring the car and slamming on the breaks there is a higher chance that they will fail versus if you drive normally. Generally speaking, everything in moderation is better than extremes, which also goes for your car.

Conclusion

Following the tips above and being proactive about maintaining your car can avoid many common (and expensive) problems. Keep your car in good shape, and it will continue to provide you with reliable transportation for years to come. As we wrote about in our other post, if you treat your car with respect and stay up to date with its maintenance it should last you for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what mileage should I start thinking about car maintenance?

There is no definitive answer as to when you should start thinking about car maintenance; it depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as how often you drive. However, most mechanics generally recommend that a tune-up be performed every 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

During a tune-up, some important checks and services are performed to ensure that the car is running in optimal condition. These tasks include checking the oil level, replacing the air filter, and calibrating the engine. By sticking to this schedule, motorists can help avoid major (and costly) repairs down the road.

What are some of the most common car maintenance issues?

The most common car maintenance issues are typically related to the engine, transmission, and brakes. For example, failing to change the oil regularly can result in a buildup of sludge and dirt, which can eventually cause damage to the engine.

Not replacing the air filter can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased wear on the engine, while failing to calibrate the engine can lead to problems with acceleration and braking. By proactively addressing these issues and following a regular maintenance schedule, motorists can help keep their cars running well for years.

How can I avoid car maintenance problems?

There are a few ways that motorists can avoid car maintenance problems. One is following a regular maintenance schedule, which includes checking the oil level, replacing the air filter, and calibrating the engine. By doing this, drivers can help avoid major (and costly) repairs down the road.

a mechanic looking into an engine bay
Keeping up your car can keep issues away

Another way to prevent problems is by driving responsibly and avoiding any undue strain on the engine or brakes. Finally, motorists can keep their cars in good shape by regularly cleaning them both inside and out. By following these tips, drivers can help keep their cars running well for years.

What are some easy and affordable car maintenance tips?

There are a few easy and affordable car maintenance tips that motorists can follow to keep their cars running well. One is to change the oil regularly, as this can help prevent the buildup of dirt and sludge in the engine. Another is to replace the air filter every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, as this can help increase fuel efficiency and reduce wear on the engine.

Finally, motorists can keep their cars clean both inside and out, as this can help prevent the build-up of dirt and dust. By following these tips, drivers can help keep their cars running well for years.

How often should I take my car in for service?

There is no definitive answer regarding how often motorists should take their car in for service. However, most mechanics recommend that a tune-up be performed every 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. During a tune-up, several important checks and services are performed to ensure that the car runs in optimal condition. These tasks include checking the oil level, replacing the air filter, and calibrating the engine. By adhering to this schedule, motorists can help avoid major (and costly) repairs down the road.

What are some signs that my car needs maintenance?

Motorists can look for a few signs to indicate that their car needs maintenance. One is if the engine is making strange noises. Another is if the car is not accelerating or braking as smoothly as it used to. Finally, if the car is not starting up as easily as it used to, this may be a sign that it needs a tune-up. By being aware of these signs and addressing any maintenance issues as soon as they arise, motorists can help keep their car running well for years to come.

What are some common myths about car maintenance?

Motorists should be aware of a few common myths about car maintenance. One is that neglecting to perform regular maintenance tasks, such as changing the oil or replacing the air filter, will not cause any long-term damage to the car. Another is that car maintenance is expensive and time-consuming and that it is more cost-effective to simply buy a new car. Finally, some people believe they do not need to take their car in for service until it has a major problem. However, by following a regular maintenance schedule and addressing any small problems as they arise, motorists can help keep their cars running well for years to come.

What are the consequences of neglecting car maintenance?

The consequences of neglecting car maintenance can be quite serious. One is that the car may not run as smoothly as it used to, and may even require major repairs. Another is that the car may not be as fuel-efficient as it used to be, costing the driver more money at the pump. Finally, by neglecting car maintenance, the driver may be putting himself or herself at risk for an accident. By following a regular maintenance schedule and addressing any small problems as they arise, motorists can help keep their car running well for years to come.