- The Top
10 Rules of High-Mileage Car Maintenance
 (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.
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For more high-mileage vehicle
maintenance tips, visit www.castrolusa.com.
- Courtesy of ARA Content
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ARTICLE POSTED
MARCH 23, 2003
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