Driving an older rig? These high-mileage car maintenance tips will help you extend its life and save money. Find expert recommendations in this post from Sinwal Enterprises Inc in Mississauga, ON!
Got a car with over 100,000 miles on the clock? Don’t worry—there’s still plenty of road ahead! But as your car ages, it needs a little extra attention to keep performing its best. Skip the maintenance, and you could face sluggish performance, poor fuel economy, and costly repairs.
The good news? A few smart habits can go a long way. In this guide, we’re sharing practical high-mileage car maintenance tips to help your vehicle stay reliable for the long haul. Let’s get started!
1. Oil Changes: The Lifeblood of Your Engine
Oil is your engine’s first line of defense against wear and tear—especially in high-mileage cars. Over time, oil breaks down, losing its ability to lubricate and protect. To keep your engine running smoothly:
- Follow a strict schedule: Synthetic oil should be changed every 25,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.
- Use high-mileage oil: Formulated to condition seals and reduce leaks in older engines.
- Check levels regularly: Top off as needed and watch for leaks between changes.
Why it matters: Regular oil changes prevent sludge buildup, reduce friction, and help your engine last longer. Neglecting them can lead to costly repairs.
2. Fluid Maintenance: Keep Everything Running Smoothly
Your car relies on multiple fluids to operate efficiently. Neglecting them leads to costly repairs. Stay ahead of the game with these quick checks:
Transmission Fluid
- Purpose: Ensures smooth gear shifts and prevents overheating.
- Change interval: Every 30,000–60,000 miles (check your manual).
Coolant (Antifreeze)
- Purpose: Regulates engine temperature and prevents corrosion.
- Flush & replace: If you use AMSOIL coolant, you should replace it every 150,000 miles or 5 years.
Brake Fluid
- Purpose: Maintains braking performance.
- Change interval: Replace every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Power Steering Fluid
- Purpose: Keeps steering responsive.
- Top off as needed: Check for leaks and top off as needed.
Pro tip: Dark or dirty fluid means it’s time for a change.
3. Filter Replacements: Clean Systems Perform Better
Clogged filters reduce efficiency and strain your engine.
Engine Air Filter
- Replacement interval: Every 12,000–15,000 miles.
- Why it matters: A dirty filter hurts fuel economy and power.
Cabin Air Filter
- Replacement interval: Every 15,000–25,000 miles.
- Why it matters: Improves air quality inside the car.
Fuel Filter
- Replacement interval: Every 30,000–40,000 miles.
- Why it matters: Prevents debris from reaching the engine.
4. Tire Care: Safety & Efficiency Start Here
Keeping your tires in top shape means better grip, fewer fill-ups, and a safer drive. Here’s the lowdown:
- Check tire pressure monthly (underinflation causes uneven wear).
- Rotate tires every 5,000–7,500 miles for even tread wear.
- Inspect tread depth—replace if below 2/32".
- Get an alignment every 10,000 miles (or if the car pulls to one side).
Bonus: Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3%.
5. Battery Maintenance: Avoid Surprise Failures
A dead battery can leave you stranded at the worst possible time. Keep yours healthy with these simple tricks:
- Clean corrosion from terminals (use a mix of baking soda and water).
- Check voltage regularly (12.4–12.7V when the engine is off is ideal).
- Replace every 3–5 years—weak batteries struggle in extreme weather.
6. Protect Your Paint & Prevent Rust
Your car’s paint isn’t just about looks—it’s armor against rust and wear. Keep it looking sharp (and your ride protected) with these easy steps:
- Wax every 3–6 months to protect the paint from UV damage.
- Touch up scratches and chips to prevent corrosion.
- Wash regularly, especially in winter (road salt accelerates rust).
7. Fuel System & Engine Treatments
Over time, carbon deposits can clog injectors and make your engine feel lazy. Here’s the fix:
- Use a fuel injector cleaner every 3,000–5,000 miles.
- Consider a professional decarbonization service if the engine feels sluggish.
8. Belts & Hoses: Don’t Wait for a Breakdown
A snapped belt can leave you stranded—or worse, damage your engine. Stay ahead of problems with these key checks:
- Timing belt: Replace every 60,000–100,000 miles (critical for interference engines).
- Serpentine belt: Check for cracks and replace if worn.
- Hoses: Look for leaks, bulges, or brittleness.
Don't let age slow down your car. Use our high-mileage car maintenance tips and AMSOIL's powerful synthetic oil to keep it running smoothly! Call Sinwal Enterprises Inc in Mississauga, ON, at 416-520-5527 or shop for AMSOIL online now.