How To Make a High-Mileage Car Run Like New
Some things age like fine wine — they tend to get better with time. But your current high-mileage car isn’t the case.
Welcome, fellow automobile enthusiasts! Whether you’ve had your high-mileage car for years or are thinking about buying a used car, knowing how to maintain and revitalise its performance is critical. It won’t only keep your vehicle in optimal condition but will also save you quite a bit of money.
This article will review practical suggestions and tactics for keeping your high-mileage vehicle running as new. You can prolong its lifespan and enjoy a smooth and reliable ride for years to come by simply investing a bit of care and attention.
Signs you’re Driving a High-Mileage Car
The odometer indicates the mileage of your car but having some basic knowledge in what other signs to look for can help you determine if and what type of maintenance it may require.
- Odometer Reading — A six-figure range (100,000 miles or more) reading at your car’s odometer already tells it’s driven for an extended period of time.
- Wear and tear on interior, exterior components — Look for worn-out seats, sagging headliners, old-looking dashboards, or heavily-used pedals. Outside, look out for fading paint, scratches, rusty areas, and dents.
- Engine noise and performance — Unusual car noises like knocking, rattling, or excessive vibration are more common with high-mileage cars. They also consume more oil and experience a decline in acceleration and performance.
- Transmission behaviour — Look for signs of transmission problems like slipping gears, delayed or harsh shifting, and fluid leaks.
- Suspension and handling — High-mileage vehicles may have worn suspension components, resulting in a rough ride, increased road noise, or poor handling.
- Brake wear — When applying the brakes, squeaking or grinding noises can indicate worn brake pads.
- Service and maintenance history — Examine your vehicle’s maintenance and servicing records. High-mileage cars that have regularly been serviced and well-maintained are more likely to be in better condition than those with a history of neglect.
How to make a High-Mileage Car Run Like New
1.Have your Vehicle Maintained Regularly:
Schedule frequent maintenance visits with a reputable mechanic to ensure peak performance. Fluid levels, filters, belts, hoses, and the battery should all be inspected.
Staying proactive will allow you to identify and handle possible problems before they become major difficulties, saving you time and money in the long run.
2. Change its Oil and Fluids when Needed:
Oil changes are essential for high-mileage vehicles like yours. Use synthetic or synthetic-blend oils of the required viscosity. Don’t forget about other important fluids including coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid.
For planned changes and top-ups, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Check the Spark Plugs and Ignition System:
Worn-out spark plugs might reduce your car’s fuel efficiency and engine performance. Replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Consider changing your iridium or platinum spark plugs for longer life and better performance. Inspect and maintain your vehicle’s ignition system, including ignition coils and wires. We guarantee that your high-mileage vehicle’s performance will be back in its top shape!
4. Monitor its Fuel Consumption and Performance:
You might not know it yet, but deposits can build up in the fuel system over time, reducing its performance. Using fuel additives or cleaners designed to remove deposits on a regular basis can help restore fuel efficiency and prevent issues like rough idling or reduced power.
5. Keep an Eye on the Steering and Suspension:
Suspension and steering components might wear out as your vehicle collects miles. To maintain a comfortable ride and precise steering, replace old shocks, struts, bushings, tie rods, and ball joints. Regular wheel alignments and tyre rotations improve handling and tyre longevity.
6. Give the Cooling System the Attention it Needs:
To avoid engine overheating, a well-working cooling system is essential. And it’s something you must look out for in your high-mileage car.
Flush and replace the coolant as directed on a regular basis. Examine the radiator, hoses, and water pump for leaks or wear. Correcting cooling system problems as soon as they arise will save you money on engine repairs.
7. Maintain the Transmission System:
The transmission is a critical component that you must handle with care. These are some steps you must follow.
Check the transmission fluid level and condition on a regular basis. Have it inspected by a professional if you see any indicators of slipping gears, hard shifting, or leaks. It’s good to intercept transmission problems right away to lessen your future expenses in repairs.
8. Don’t Forget the Interior and Exterior Care:
Don’t overlook the appearance and comfort of your high-mileage car, mates!
Maintain the interior’s condition and resale value by regularly cleaning and protecting it. Consider applying paint sealants or waxes to the outside to preserve it from environmental harm. Check the cleaning agents for strong ingredients that may impact your car’s esthetics and performance negatively.
Run Away with your ‘New’ Car!
Congratulations! You now have a plan for maintaining and revitalising your high-mileage car! You can keep your vehicle running like new for years to come by following these suggestions and doing routine maintenance.
And remember that your neighbourhood online car classified, Motor Matcher, is here to help you along the way when you need to buy and sell cars online! Visit our website to browse our large range of high-quality used vehicles or to easily sell your present vehicle.
Have a safe and enjoyable drive with your newly maintained high-mileage car, mates!
