If a car, truck, or SUV is maintained well, it can run for years and years, providing reliable transportation to you and your family. But when cars start to hit higher mileage, it can become a little more difficult to keep them in running shape. If you aren’t the first (or only) owner of the vehicle in its lifespan, you can never really be sure that it was properly taken care of. High mileage car maintenance isn’t as difficult as most people would think, though it does take adhering to schedules and knowing what warning signs to look out for.
Set a Routine Car Maintenance Schedule and Stick to It
Because the vehicle has so many miles on it, the parts have a lot more wear on them (assuming the big ones haven’t been replaced). As such, it’s crucial that everything stays properly lubricated to avoid friction and, therefore, overheating, which is a death knell for parts under the hood. Some maintenance services to stay on top of include:
- Regular oil changes
- Topping off all fluids
- And checking seals and gaskets
Making sure that everything has the proper amount of fluids and that all seals are still in good condition is the one thing you’ll need to keep on top of constantly. Gaskets and seals will deteriorate over time—that’s just a given. The same goes for belts or anything else made of rubber or plastic. Make sure you replace them when you notice they start to get brittle before leaks spring because things only get worse from there.
Note: there are special oil formulas made for cars with high mileage. Be sure to visit our Sumter auto repair center for advice on which oil will be best for your vehicle.
Check the Mechanical Pieces of the Vehicle
So beyond your fluids, there are other components of your vehicle that will wear down or out over time. One of the first places you should check is your wheels, brakes, rotors, and calipers. These pieces can rust out, and it quickly becomes an issue if you can’t stop in time. It can also become a costly repair bill to replace all of those components if they’re worn down. If you hear squeaking—or worse yet, grinding—when you brake, you need to visit a mechanic in Sumter.
While they’re checking your wheels and brakes, the mechanics should also look at your tires to make sure they have enough tread. You can also inspect your tires’ tread with the use of a penny. Insert the penny into the grooves of the tire, and if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too low and you’ll need new tires.
You should also have your mechanic look at the spark plugs to make sure they’re in good condition—these will help give a clearer picture on the condition of the vehicle.
Other Components to Inspect and Service
In reality, if your vehicle has high mileage, it’s worth looking over the entirety of the vehicle. However, a quick list to inspect would be:
- The battery
- The alternator
- The oil filter
- The air filter
- Injectors
- The suspension system
Lastly, have the mechanics at our Sumter auto service center look over the engine and transmission (though in reality, you’d likely feel an issue with these). If your call stalls or slips gears while driving, bring it to a service center immediately as these can be larger issues.
Have Your Vehicle Inspected in Sumter
High-mileage car maintenance requires a keen eye and understanding of how vehicles operate as they age. If your vehicle needs work, bring it to our Sumter Toyota service center, located at 2542 Broad St Sumter, SC 29150, and we’ll be happy to get your car, truck, or SUV back into ideal condition. Schedule service now to find the time and date that works for you!
Be sure to check our service specials to find ways to save while maintaining your high-mileage vehicle. Or, if you’d like to browse our selection of new Toyotas or used Toyotas, contact us or call us at 803-715-2100 to set up a viewing and test drive.
