Tips for extending the life of your car to 100,000 miles and beyond

Whether you bought your car new or used, it was probably a big investment. While some people choose to trade in their car every few years or jump from one lease to another, other drivers prefer to drive their vehicle beyond 100,000 miles. This goal is easy to achieve with proper care and maintenance.

Here are some tips to extend the life of your car to 100,000 miles and beyond.

Maintenance tips

The best thing you can do to ensure the long life of your vehicle is to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Some breakdowns are inevitable, but you can help avoid unexpected car repairs by keeping up with routine maintenance.

• Find a reputable auto shop with certified mechanics or go directly to the dealership for maintenance and repairs.
• Address safety recalls as soon as possible.
• Check your tires frequently for proper inflation and abnormal wear.
• Check and adjust the alignment of the car so that the tires wear evenly.
• Replace tires when the tread wears down to 2/32 inch.
• Change your tires for the season to ensure weather-appropriate handling and road safety.
• Check and tighten all wheel nuts and attachment points.
• Get your air conditioner serviced before summer, as your cooling system works harder during hot weather.
• Pay attention to strange noises or new vibrations.
• Notice any warning lights on the dashboard immediately.
• Inspect and clean your car battery terminals to prevent corrosion.
• Make sure the connection points of the battery terminals are secure.
• Replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s schedule to maintain optimal engine performance.
• Clean the fuel injectors to maintain fuel efficiency levels.
• Replace your windshield wipers every six to 12 months.
• Lubricate hinges, locks and door handles to prevent rust and corrosion from extreme cold and road salt.
• Tighten loose or damaged belts and hoses to prevent engine damage.
• Inspect and replace spark plugs as necessary.
• Replace brake pads every 25,000 to 50,000 miles.

Oil and liquids

A car’s engine requires several fluids to keep it running safely and smoothly. Check fluid levels regularly and add, change or flush fluids when necessary to keep parts working as they should.

• Use the right high quality oil for your engine.
• Follow the recommended oil change intervals as indicated by the manufacturer.
• Use fuel with the recommended octane rating for your vehicle.
• Clean and replace coolant to prevent overheating and engine damage.
• Check the power steering fluid often for smooth steering.
• Pour in dishwashing liquid regularly.
• Maintain the recommended brake fluid level for safe braking.
• Check and clean your transmission fluid as needed.
• On manual transmissions, check and replace clutch fluid as needed.

Driving tips

It may seem obvious that avoiding accidents helps keep your car running for more than 100,000 miles. Still, being a careful driver means more than just not crashing into things. Use your vehicle within its limits and drive it carefully to keep it on the road for a long time.

• Accelerate and brake constantly.
• Avoid driving at high speed.
• Drive your car regularly and don’t let the engine idle for extended periods.
• Do not overload your car with too much weight or heavy loads to preserve your suspension system.
• Do not tow or carry loads beyond the recommended capacity of your vehicle.
• Avoid driving on bumpy roads to avoid damage to your car’s undercarriage and exhaust system.
• For manual transmissions, do not leave your hand on the shifter while driving to prevent excessive wear on the transmission.
• Keep your foot off the clutch pedal while driving to preserve the clutch plate.
• Use the parking brake on steep hills.
• Close the car doors, trunk and hood firmly, but do not lock them.
• Come to a complete stop before shifting from drive to reverse and vice versa.
• In extremely cold weather, allow the engine to warm up before driving.
• Store your car in a garage or covered area when not in use to protect it from the elements.

Cleaning tips

Keeping your car clean will make you feel better about your trip. Beyond looks, regular cleaning with the right products and equipment protects the exterior and helps maintain the vehicle’s long-term value.

• Wash your car regularly with a mild car detergent and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
• Do not use abrasive materials or household cleaners on exterior or interior surfaces.
• Dry your car thoroughly after each wash to avoid water spots and streaks.
• Apply wax or sealant to protect the paint from UV rays and oxidation.
• Clean your windows, mirrors and headlights regularly for clear visibility and safe driving.
• Spray the undercarriage to remove salt build-up to prevent rust and corrosion in regions where this can be a problem.
• Clean your wheels and tires regularly and apply a tire shine product to prevent discoloration and cracking.
• Vacuum the interior to keep the upholstery clean.
• Clean interior surfaces often.
• Clean leather or vinyl seats with a cleaner designed to keep the material soft and protected.
• Do not smoke in the car to avoid deep smells.

Electric car tips

Electric vehicles (EVs) share only some of the routine maintenance tasks required by vehicles with internal combustion engines. Even so, EV owners must follow a unique set of guidelines to help ensure a long lifespan for their EVs.

• Keep your electric vehicle battery charged within the recommended range of 20% to 80%.
• Avoid frequent DC fast charging sessions to help preserve battery health.
• Never use a home extension cord when charging at home.
• Try to drive less often in extreme heat or cold.
• Pre-condition your battery and cabin during the winter months.
• Use the EV’s thermal management system to help regulate battery temperature while driving.
• Keep your electric car software updated for the latest bug fixes, performance improvements, and safety features.
• Take advantage of your electric vehicle’s regenerative braking system to extend the life of your brake pads and put energy back into the battery at the same time.

100,000 mile service

When the odometer reaches 100,000 miles, congratulate yourself. This is an important milestone for any vehicle. Head to the dealer or a certified mechanic for a 100,000 mile service to keep it running smoothly.

• Replace worn parts: This can help maintain and even increase performance, fuel efficiency and reliability. New spark plugs, belts, hoses and filters can make a big difference in how your car handles and drives over 100,000 miles.
• Transmission service: Flush the transmission fluid, replace the filter and inspect the system.
• Maintenance of the cooling system: Clean the coolant, inspect the hoses and check that the radiator is not damaged.
• Proactive repairs: For cars driven beyond 100,000 miles, there are often “known issues” that can be fixed early. Have your mechanic advise and recommend the best course of action.

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