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10 Rules of High Mileage Cars
(ARA) - Americans are keeping their vehicles longer and driving
farther than ever before. Today, the average age of vehicles on the
road is greater than nine years and more than 68 percent of vehicles
have more than 75,000 miles.
As a vehicle's engine ages, its performance decreases and oil starts
to break down at a faster rate. Over time, seals begin to
deteriorate, gaskets become brittle and oil consumption increases --
all leading to a reduction in engine performance.
Treating your high-mileage vehicle with a little TLC and
consistently following the 10 rules for high-mileage vehicle
maintenance will help ensure it will go the distance. Using premium
motor oil specially formulated for higher-mileage cars -- such as
Castrol GTX High Mileage Formulation -- will also help a
higher-mileage car feel young again.
Rule #1 -- Make sure you change your oil every three months or
3,000 miles -- whichever comes first. No exceptions. Think of your
engine as the heart of your car and motor oil as the lifeblood of
the engine. One can't function without the other, so stay on top of
your oil-change schedule.
Rule #2
-- Find a good
mechanic. If you don't do your own maintenance,
find a shop staffed by ASE-certified mechanics (that's the National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence). A good mechanic will
listen to your questions and explain procedures clearly.
Rule #3
-- Have your tire pressure checked at least once a month. It's
the best way to prevent unexpected flats. A service station
attendant can quickly and easily perform the check. Also make sure
to rotate your tires and check their alignment as part of a regular
tune-up (or with every other oil change).
Rule #4
-- Pay attention to warning signs. Of course, not every little
thump or ping you hear spells disaster. Cars, like people, have
their peculiarities, and you are sure to quickly learn what is
normal for yours. With a high-mileage vehicle, however, it's best to
check out any symptom --- be it a sound, smell or feeling -- that
seems the slightest bit abnormal. Remember: an ounce of prevention
is worth a pound of cure.
Rule #5
-- Pay attention to outward signs. If your car is leaking
fluids, it can mean serious trouble. Keep an eye on the conditions
of your driveway or regular parking space for stains or spots that
can warn you of possible leaks. Castrol's GTX High Mileage
Formulation motor oil contains special conditioners that help
protect and maintain seals, thereby helping to reduce leakage -- a
common problem in older, higher-mileage engines.
Rule #6
-- Schedule regular tune-ups. Even if your high-mileage car
seems fine, that's no guarantee it is. Use tune-ups to ensure your
car's major components are running smoothly and that they stay that
way. Your oil should be changed, tires checked and rotated if
necessary, belts checked and replaced, brake lines inspected, spark
plugs and air filter checked and replaced, and fuel injector
checked. A good way to top off a tune-up is an overall analysis of
your car's engine, and undercar, safety and computer systems.
Rule #7 -- Prepare your car for the seasons. If you live in a
sunny climate all year round, you can skip this step. For the rest
of us, visit the "Ask the Expert" feature at www.castrolusa.com for
a checklist of seasonal maintenance practices for your high-mileage
vehicle. Preparing your high-mileage car to defend against the
elements will lessen its chances of needing repairs and save you
money in the long run.
Rule #8 -- Check your fluids regularly. It's dangerous for your
high-mileage car to get dehydrated, so be sure to keep an eye on its
vital fluids. Simply lift the hood and perform a quick visual check.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level; a quick glance at the
coolant reservoir will let you know if you need more cooling fluid.
Rule #9 -- Store it properly. Storing your vehicle in a dry,
temperate location when it is not in use will prevent disastrous
wear and tear on both its interior and exterior. Garage your car
whenever possible to protect its looks.
Rule #10 -- Stay on top of safety features. Nothing is more
important than your car's ability to protect both you and your
passengers. Air bags, antilock breaks and any other additional
safety features that you may have added to your car should be
carefully checked on a regular basis (when your car has a tune-up)
to ensure that in the event of an accident, they will perform their
vital, lifesaving functions. For more high-mileage vehicle
maintenance tips, visit
www.castrolusa.com
Courtesy of ARA Content
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