KEY POINTS:
Due to rising new car costs, and the ever-increasing price of replacement parts for new cars, people are keeping their cars for longer. As a result, those cars are covering a greater distance.
As a vehicle's engine ages, its performance decreases. 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 such a car feel young again.
OIL CHANGE
Make sure you change your oil every three months or 5000 kilometres - 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 they can be indicative of something major about to go wrong. Cars, like people, have their peculiarities and you are sure to quickly learn what is normal for yours. 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 - common in older, higher-kilometre engines.
Prevention is better than cure.
SERVICING
Schedule regular maintenance. Even if your high-kilometre 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. A good way to top off a service is an overall analysis of your car's engine, and under-car, safety and computer systems.
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. And look under the car or the garage floor to see if the car's leaking anything.
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 its interior and exterior. Garage your car whenever possible to protect the paint and any other finishes.
SAFETY
Stay on top of safety features. Nothing is more important than your car's ability to protect 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 service) to ensure that in the event of an accident, they will perform at their best.
- Additional information ARA
