First off, buying or having a high-mileage car is not a bad idea. It’s a common assumption that higher kilometers on the odometer correspond with things going bad. But that's not necessarily true. Modern cars are expected to live well beyond 300,000 kilometers if maintained in tiptop condition. 

Today's vehicles are built for longevity, so when you get across a good offer for the car of your dreams (or a classic as the case may be), don’t let the kilometers discourage you. Remember, though, that it will need maintenance if it were to serve you longer, just like all vehicles do.

So what can you do to extend the life of your high-mileage car? If you are in the market for a used car, how can you make sure that it will serve you longer after already clicking over 100,000 km or so? Here's what you should do.

Service the Car Regularly

There's no getting around this one. A regularly serviced car will have an extended useful life. But fail to give your vehicle TLC, and it will only bring about issues in the long run. The best way to go is by having a regular service regimen. 

First, know your car. Some manufacturers have specific recommendations as to what you use on the vehicles they manufacture. So do your research because using manufacturer-recommended brands is a sure way of improving the cars' performance. 

Then, identify trusted partners for all your servicing needs, including car parts dealers. A competent mechanic will not be of much help if you use substandard spare parts for your car. 

Routine Servicing that You Should Never Overlook

1. Oil Change

An oil change is one of the most fundamental aspects of maintenance, which people tend to ignore. Engine oil breaks down after some time and becomes less effective at lubricating the engine and may cause significant engine troubles. To avoid this and ensure you're getting the most out of your engine and also extend its useful life, you need to change the oil regularly and check whether the oil sump is not damaged. We recommend changing the oil every 5,000 km.

2. Replace or Top Up Other Important Fluids

Besides oil, your car requires other essential fluids for smooth running and improved overall performance. You need to regularly check your coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Of course, some cars do inform you when you need to top up fluids. 

But then, frequent top-ups may indicate the presence of malfunctioning parts. Say, you realise your VW needs frequent coolant changes; it may be that your water pump is not working. Sometimes it may be due to leaks, and you may require to replace or repair the parts. If the issue was a leak, then next time, use anti-leak additives when you fill the tanks.

3. Are Your Filters or Belts Worn out?

Sometimes the issue may not necessarily be the fluid; it may be a worn-out filter. Threadbare filters damage cars as much as bad or low fluids. It is therefore advisable that you instantly replace them when they accumulate too much dirt. Plus, ensure your belts, hoses or clamps are not damaged, and if they are, replace them.

4. What is the Condition of Your Tyres?

Periodically replacing and generally taking care of your car's tyres is essential. When the tyres are in good shape, the other parts of the vehicle experience reduced stress. Having newer tyres or ones that are inflated to the recommended air pressure helps you avoid accidents. Who wants their classic ending up in a yard after an accident?

5. Take Care of the Cars Outer Body

Taking care of the outer body should not be overlooked. If you want your car to continue serving you diligently, wash and wax it regularly. Though this may seem frivolous, it helps prevent rust, which is an ever-present danger with older cars. Getting your vehicle detailed not only makes it more appealing but also keeps it looking new.

6. Take Care of the Car's Battery

Your vehicle will not start, no matter how well you maintain it if the battery isn't working. Taking care of the battery entails regular cleaning. How do you do it? First, clean off any corrosion (you may also disconnect the cables for better cleaning) using a mix of baking soda and water. Ensure the electrolyte level is as recommended (it should be about half an inch deep). If the battery is too old, you will have to replace it.

7. Use Engine Treatment Products

Without the engine, there's no car. Keeping your engine in pristine condition is what will keep your high-mileage daily driver on the road. How do you treat it? By adding top-quality engine treatment product to your fuel or oil tank. These treatments help eliminate the deposits that build up and end up gumming the engine.

8. Make Sure That the Fuel System Is Clean

Fuel injectors are essential because they help deliver the right amount of fuel and air to the engine. If they get clogged, the engine is placed under too much stress, which in turn reduces performance. To avoid this, you have to use quality fuel injector cleaners, which rid the injectors of the deposits, thus enabling them to function correctly.

Conclusion

Finding replacement parts for a car with thousands of kilometres behind it may not be all that easy, though. When dealing with classics and out-of-production cars, you may not find replacement parts in auto shops. The good thing is that you can use aftermarket car parts, which are a lot cheaper than those that came with it. 

And if you cannot find the part you're looking for, you probably haven't looked for it at Carpart.com.au – it’s Australia's trusted online platform for buying and selling auto parts and accessories. Come, visit us today or bookmark our website for your car’s future auto needs!

Eric Anyega