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VIP Tire - Oct./Nov. ‘21 - How to Keep Your Car Running After 100,000 Miles

Auto Repair in Tinley Park, IL - Keep Your Old Car Running

How to Keep Your Car Running After 100,000 Miles

Many vehicles on the road today have hit the 100,000-mile mark. Americans drive around 13,500miles every year on average. This eventually adds up, and before you know it, that new used car, or the vehicle you bought brand new ten years ago, is suddenly starting to show its age. While drivers of these well-used cars should take pride in the fact that their vehicles have reached this milestone, it is easy to forget that cars need a lot of maintenance to continue running efficientlyespecially old ones. Just as human beings are more tolerant of things that are not the best for our bodies when we are young, versus when we are older, the same rule applies to vehicles. Things like putting off an oil change or regular wheel alignments that never seemed to have a detrimental effect before, will now cause diminished performance, and result in more frequent and expensive repairs. In order to get your already well-used vehicle to make it to the 150,000 or even 200,000 mile mark, you need to make sure you take care of it. You can start by reviewing the below items to determine what to ask your mechanic about at your next tune-up.

Tips for Full Service Automotive Repair

• ●Timing Belt
  A timing belt is a critical component to your vehicle’s engine performance. It usually has to be replaced somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. However, sometimes it can last well beyond 100,000 miles. While it is expensive to replace, avoiding it when the belt needs to be replaced can result in permanent damage to the engine
• ●High-Mileage Oil
  Regular oil changes are important, but they become increasingly vital to your vehicle’s functionality, and protecting the engine, as a car ages. Regular oil is fine, but high-mileage oil is made with special additives that help recondition seals, clean out sludge, and benefit an older engine. Ask you mechanic about high-mileage oil if your vehicle is nearing the 100,000 mile mark.
• ●Shocks and Struts
  Shocks and struts take a lot of wear and tear, and at 100,000 miles, a vehicle almost certainly needs to have them inspected by a mechanic. Shocks and struts play an important role in stopping distance, including emergency braking situations, and how your car handles. They may need some parts replaced or other repairs completed.
• ●Compression Test
  Do a compression test to help determine the overall health of parts like piston rings, cylinders, and valves. If anything needs to be repaired, a compression test will help shine a light on it before something becomes an expensive project.
• ●Exhaust System, Oxygen Sensors, & Catalytic Converter
  Since an exhaust system accumulates build-up over time, forcing the engine to work harder and thereby lowering your gas mileage, you should consider having the exhaust system cleaned when a car reaches 100,000 miles. Additionally, oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter, which help maintain an engine’s efficiency and regulate vehicle emissions, should be checked and replaced if necessary.
• ●Belts and Hoses
  Have belts and hoses checked- They often need to be replaced since they are heavily used and made of rubber.
• ●Fluid Changes
  Outside oil changes, your vehicle has fluids that need to be replaced after hitting or nearing certain mile marks. Have your mechanic check and replace coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil, and power steering fluid at your car's manufacturer’s recommended intervals. Additionally, have any corresponding filters cleaned or changed

Auto Repair Shop in Tinley Park, IL

To really take care of a high-mileage vehicle, you simply need to follow through on regular maintenance. To do this, you need a reliable service center you can trust to provide quality, expert auto care and auto repair services. That’s where VIP Tire comes in. From suspension near Palos Hills, to discount tires near Tinley Park, IL, the team at VIP Tire is here to help make sure your car keeps running smoothly for years to come.