Top 5 Tips for Maintaining High-Mileage Vehicles, Plus Five Things to Check Before Buying One

CARSON, Calif., July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Less than 11% of car owners plan to limit mileage on their primary vehicle to fewer than 75k miles, with the vast majority (68%) planning to drive that vehicle for 150k miles or more, according to a recent AutoMD.com survey(1). Meanwhile, strained new vehicle inventory and a challenging economy have inspired more and more consumers to turn to used vehicles, which all adds up to a lot of older metal driving up and down our highways.  

So, what should owners of these increasingly aged, high-mileage vehicles do to make sure those vehicles continue to run smoothly and last longer?  And, for those jumping into the used market, what should they look for BEFORE they purchase to make sure that high-miler will give them plenty more miles?

AutoMD.com's team of automotive experts have put together tips to help consumers keep their elderly vehicles spry and energetic, and to help buyers of more mature, high-mileage vehicles know what to look out for before purchasing.

AutoMD.com's Top Five Maintenance Tips for the Over-75,000 miler

1. Keep Up With Service

Just because your vehicle is long in the tooth doesn't mean that it doesn't need ongoing TLC – in fact it needs it more than ever!  Be particularly rigorous about keeping it lubed and the filters clean, an older engine needs all the help it can get. Be sure to change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Continue to check the service required as delineated in your owner's manual, with particular attention to tire and brake wear.

How to Change Your Oil

How to Replace an Air Filter

2. Looks Are Still Important! Even After 75

As your vehicle ages, the paint/ finish becomes more vulnerable to the elements, which could lead to rust, so, if you can, keep your vehicle in the garage to protect it from the elements or consider a cover if you don't have a garage. And, to prolong the quality of its interior, remember the surgeon general's warning: smoking is hazardous to your vehicle interior's health…and it will make your vehicle smell. Be sure to be vigilant about cleaning and treating your leather upholstery and cleaning and protecting the carpet and upholstery.

3. Timing is Everything: Replace That Belt

If your vehicle has a timing belt, it's very important to replace it at the recommended interval (60,000 miles or more). A stretched timing belt affects engine performance, and a broken belt can leave you stranded.  If you have an interference engine, a broken belt will also cause engine damage!

How to replace a timing belt

4. Take It Easy When You Drive  

Cars that are driven easy last longer. Avoid driving habits that put stress and strain on your vehicle, such as fast driving, hitting curbs, off-roading, and trailer towing.  

5. Support those Tires

Maintaining your tires is critical to how your vehicle rides … and vehicle safety. If tires are unevenly worn or out of balance, your car may pull or shake when you drive, potentially damaging other components. So, be sure to keep your tires properly inflated; rotate and balance them every other oil change; routinely check for uneven wear and be sure to keep them clean, and cover them if you leave your vehicle stored for long periods of time.

How to check tire pressure

How to rotate tires

How to balance tires

AutoMD.com's Top Five Things to Look for Before Purchasing a High-Mileage Vehicle

1. Know the Owner

Make sure you assess the owner when purchasing and how long the owner has owned the vehicle. Is the owner the type of person who would drive carefully and slowly, or the type of person to ride over rough roads, speed, subject the vehicle to rapid starts and stops? Also, where is that owner located? By the beach? Then check for rust. In the hills? Then check for smooth shifting and excessive brake wear.

2. Follow the Paper Trail

Make sure that the vehicle has comprehensive service records and examine all work/service documents. Important items to look for are major services like the timing belt replacement.  And, while you are looking for a paper trail, go online to research average cost of ownership of that make/model and check out online resources and forums to see what people are saying about the longevity of the brand you are considering is and what some of the key issues with that vehicle are. Make sure all recalls have been fixed!

3. Looks Count!

Make sure you do a thorough examination of the exterior of the vehicle, looking for body damage that could indicate vehicle history and future problems.  For example, curb rash (scraping of the wheels) could indicate a lot of city driving, a rusted body means excessive contact with salt or water, different colored paint and fender misalignment could indicate the vehicle has been in an accident. While you are doing a walk around, check the tire condition and tread depth (coin test). The tire wear should be even and the tread depth should cover part of Abe's head on a penny! If the vehicle has a tow hitch, check for signs of heavy use like a rusted hitch.  Check under the vehicle for fluid leaks from the engine and drive train.

4. Get Under the Hood

It is important to check all the fluid levels, and the condition of the belts and hoses. Check the transmission fluid color to make sure it's not dark or burnt which could indicate future transmission problems.  Low fluid level in the brake master cylinder could indicate worn brake pads. Check the date code on the battery and the condition of the battery cables.  An old battery may fail soon, and corroded cables can cause electrical problems.

How to check automatic transmission fluid level

How to check the brake fluid level

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5. Road Test

Of course, it is important to take a test drive, to make sure the engine runs smoothly, that the brakes are solid and the steering stable – and that you are comfortable in the vehicle.  Also, while you have the engine running, check to see if there is any tailpipe smoke, which could indicate a worn engine.  But don't just leave it at a drive – before you get on the road, get inside and check the operation of all components, especially A/C, lights, windows, and radio. And of course, check the mileage, the higher the mileage, the lower the price should be.  

For more information, visit www.automd.com for your auto repair needs.

(1) Car owners continue to hold onto their vehicles longer, planning to put more miles on them than in previous years, according to a survey of car owners conducted by AutoMD.com: http://www.automd.com/about-automd/press/07-07-2011/

About AutoMD.com

AutoMD.com™ (www.automd.com), a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc., (Nasdaq: PRTS), is the most comprehensive and unbiased free online automotive repair resource designed to empower car owners with the best way to repair their vehicles. Backed by a team of automotive data specialists and certified auto mechanics who are advocates for the car owner, AutoMD.com allows both car owners and DIYers to 1. Troubleshoot car problems, 2. Know how much auto repairs should cost, 3. Understand the steps needed and the time it should take with How-to Auto Repair guides, 4. Find the right local auto repair shop at the right price for their issue, and 5. Get auto repair questions answered by the AutoMD.com community. AutoMD.com was named Best Automotive Website in the 8th annual American Business Awards, also known as the as the Stevie® Awards. AutoMD Mobile is available for the iPhone at iTunes.

Media Contacts

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SOURCE U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc.