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According to statistics from 2021, the average age of a UK car stands at around 8.4 years old – as engineering and technology continuously improve, the modern vehicle is designed to withstand the test of time and is built to last, meaning that the number of high mileage vehicles on the roads, is increasing. In general, high mileage vehicles require more maintenance to ensure that they are kept safely on the road.
The Importance of Maintenance
The key to ensuring that a high mileage car remains on the road safely and relatively problem free, is regular maintenance. As with any machine or piece of equipment, the better it is looked after, the better it will perform. One of the main advantages of owning an older vehicle is that in most cases, the owner no longer needs to worry about monthly payment – this can help to make regular maintenance more financially accessible.
Our Top Maintenance Tips for High Mileage Cars
Use High Mileage Oil
High mileage of oil contains a number of additives, such as anti-friction and anti-wear, these are designed to provide protection to the engine and to boost performance helping to keep your engine healthy.
Regular Oil Changes
Ensure that oil changes are frequent – dirt will inevitably accumulate over time and the additives in the oil will begin to break down and deteriorate. If the oil is not regularly changed, it will not lubricate the engine as well, leading to a number of knock-on effects.
Check All Fluids
The levels of all fluids inside the vehicle such as brake and transmission should be checked on a regular basis, topped up accordingly, flushed out and changed at timely intervals to reduce the build-up of contaminants.
A Fuel Boost
Fuel injector liquid can help to ensure that the system is kept clean and is operating as efficiently as possible.
Check The Tyres
The tyres are one of the most important safety features on the vehicle – an under inflated tyre can not only increase fuel consumption, but it can also affect the performance of your car. It is important to look after the tyres and ensure that they are rotated when scheduled, inflated to the correct air pressure and replaced when necessary.
Air Conditioning
It is important to use the air conditioning and not have it switched off all the time, regular use will help to keep the air conditioning system operating properly.
Keep Your Car Clean
Keeping your car washed and valeted is not just about aesthetics, accumulated dirt can dry and damage paintwork, bird droppings are acidic and can cause permanent damage when not removed promptly. During the winter months salt grit can cause corrosion if not removed. Keeping the interior of the car clean and tidy is also important, as dirt and grit can find its way into the moving parts of the car. A full detailing every couple of years will help to maintain the appearance of the vehicle and retain its value.
Battery Maintenance
Over time batteries deteriorate and it becomes increasingly difficult for them to hold their charge. Ensure that the battery is inspected and replaced at regular intervals.
Keep The Weight Down
The boot should not be used for general storage, removing any unnecessary items will help to keep the weight down, consume less fuel and reduce general wear on the moving parts.
Driving Style
Driving smoothly will help to preserve the parts of the car – the more aggressive the style of driving the greater the wear to the parts. Driving smoothly also helps to conserve fuel.
Regular Servicing
It is important not to miss scheduled services for your car, with regular servicing any issues will be identified sooner rather than later and rectified, all the major components of the car will be checked, and any worn parts replaced. The vehicle handbook will advise on when a service is due and keep the service history in line and up to date.
Our Services
Longmynd Service Station is an independent, family-owned business located in south Shropshire. We are a Bosch accredited service station; all of our technicians are highly skilled and offer a professional service that includes the following:
- MOTs, for cars, motorcycles, quads, minibuses and light goods vehicles
- Bosch Car Service Centre
- Garage/Workshop, for car servicing, replacements & repairs
- Car Exhausts & Car Batteries
- Air Conditioning Servicing
- Electronic Diagnostics
- Tyres
- 4 Wheel alignment
- Servicing - all makes
- Bodyshop, for paint and bodywork repairs