Car Maintenance After 100,000 Miles

If you have a car that has lasted for more than 100,000 miles, it needs some extra care to keep it running for another 100,000 miles. Your owner’s manual has manufacturer recommendations for scheduled maintenance such as tune-ups, oil changes and other services. Following these recommendations is ideally the best way to keep your car running smoothly. Being sensitive to the car’s performance also gives you an idea of needed repairs. If you put some money into your vehicle, it gives you many years and many thousands of miles of enjoyment.

When your odometer reads 100,000 miles, have a general tune-up done on the vehicle. Check the spark plugs, wires, belts, coolants and filters. See if there are any worn spots or cracks on the belts that could pose a problem in the near future. Make sure the filters under the hood are clean. Some filters are changed if your garage has conducted regular maintenance during the time that you have owned the car, but check to make sure they don’t need to be changed again.

Next, climb underneath the car and search for rust spots. Many times, the exhaust system gets rusty and causes problems as a result. A rusted hole causes loud noise, and a hole even emits exhaust fumes into the car if it is located in particular spots. Also, if some parts are rusted enough, they could fall off and leave you stranded. Check with a professional to see if anything needs to be replaced as a result of rust.

Make sure the car’s axles are aligned correctly and the wheel bearings are operating correctly, too. If the steering wheel pulls to one side while you drive or if you notice that your tires wear unevenly, your car likely needs a wheel alignment. Check with a professional repair facility in your area to have this type of service done.

Go around the car and look for scratches and places where the paint is peeling. Taking care of these problems before they become bigger prevents you from a costly paint job or rusty areas. Also, get new accessories for the inside and celebrate the fact that your car has lasted so long. It’s probably ready for a new steering wheel cover, floor mats and seat covers to stay looking new and fresh.

If you are driving a Mercedes vehicle, mileages that reach into the six figures are common. More drivers keep their cars longer because they are more aware of the importance of preventative maintenance. They take care of their cars and have the scheduled maintenance done regularly to keep vehicles running smooth. Putting a few extra dollars into the maintenance of your vehicle before it actually needs it gives you thousands of miles of reliability and enjoyment.