Just add oil, water and TLC

Kiwis are starting to hold on to high-milage cars for longer. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Due to rising new car costs, and the ever-increasing price of replacement parts for new cars, people are keeping their cars for longer and longer. As a result of cars being kept for a longer period of time they are covering a greater distance.

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 a high-kilometre vehicle with a little care and attention and consistently following the rules listed below for high-kilometre vehicle maintenance will help ensure the car will go the distance. Using premium motor oil specially formulated for higher-kilometre cars will also help them feel young again.

OIL CHANGE

Make sure you change the oil every three months or 5000km - 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.

GARAGE

Find a good mechanic. If you don't do your own maintenance, find a shop staffed by MTA-certified mechanics. A good mechanic will listen to your questions and explain procedures clearly. He will also be able to make suggestions on how to improve the life of the car.

TYRES

Always check the tyre pressures at least once a month. It's the best way to prevent unexpected flats. A service station is a good place where you can quickly and easily perform the check. Also make sure the wheels are rotated to help with even tyre wear. And check their alignment as part of a regular tune-up (or with every other oil change).

PAY ATTENTION

Listen and look out for warning signs. Not every little noise you hear spells disaster but it can be indicative of something major about to go wrong. Cars, like people, have their peculiarities. With a high-kilometre vehicle, however, it's best to check out any symptom - be it a sound, smell or feeling - that seems the slightest bit abnormal.

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.

Some engine oils contain special conditioners that help protect and maintain seals, thereby helping to reduce leakage - a common problem in older, higher-mileage engines.

Remember, prevention is better than cure.

SERVICING

Schedule regular maintenance. Even if your high-mileage car seems fine, that's no guarantee it is. Use services to ensure your car's major components are running smoothly and that they stay that way. Your oil should be changed, tyres checked and rotated if necessary, belts checked and replaced, brake lines inspected, spark plugs and air filter checked and replaced, and fuel injector checked.

FLUIDS

Check your fluids regularly. It's dangerous for a high-kilometre 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.

STORAGE

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 the paint and other finishes.

SAFETY

Stay on top of safety features. Nothing is more important than your car's ability to protect both you and your passengers. Air bags, anti-lock brakes 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 service) to ensure that in the event of an accident, they will perform at their best.