Do you want your car to see 500,000 miles? Learn more about extending your vehicle’s lifespan by reading this article.
Nowadays, it is incredibly unusual for vehicles to surpass the 200,000 miles mark, let alone 500,000 miles. However, it is not as rare as it was not too long ago for cars to last 500,000 miles, or even more.
You can easily make your car last 500,000 miles by taking care of it properly as soon as you get it. If you take care of your car and treat it the same way through the years, it will be your trusted steed for many years to come.
Furthermore, the numerous advancements in powertrain technology, lubricants, and rust prevention, among many other game-changing improvements in the automobile industry, have made it easy for vehicles to reach the six-figure-mile mark. Let us look into some of the ways you can make your car last 500,000 miles.
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How to make a car last 500000 miles
Keep it clean
One of the easiest ways to ensure your vehicle lasts longer is by washing and waxing it regularly. Various foreign bodies exist in the air that collect on the body of your car. When you do not wash it, these foreign bodies will eat through the clearcoat, and eventually, your car’s paint job will begin oxidizing and turn into rust.
If the rust makes it to the car’s metalwork, it will spread everywhere like wildfire, including its chassis and frame, rendering your car hazardous to drive.
Vehicles in areas where it snows or close to the ocean are more susceptible to rusting as the snow and salt from the sea catalyzes the rusting process, which kills your car’s surface.
Therefore, invest in hand-washing your vehicle at least every two to three weeks, even more, if you live close to the ocean.
Drive-through car-washes contain abrasives that can cause swirling and scratches on your car, resulting in dulling your clearcoat and leaving water spots. It is advisable to get an additional professional wax job for your car at least once or twice a year for more practical maintenance.
Know yourengine, check your fluids, and squeeze your rubber
You do not have to be a mechanic to know your engine’s major components, as well as other parts under the hood of your vehicle. Basically, an engine consists of an intake manifold, a block, valve cover, and cylinder head, among many other parts. Other essential parts located under the hood of your car include a starter, brake master cylinder, air intake, and a fuse box.
The importance of knowing your engine is because you will often have to do a self-diagnosis when your car begins acting unusually. By doing this, you will save tons of time and money as most issues simply require you to purchase replacement parts and fix it onto the car.
Similarly, engines have drive belts and hoses made of rubber, which is known to crack over time due to various factors. If you look at your belts and hoses and notice a crack or bulge after squeezing them, you will have to replace them.
They are not expensive to buy, especially if you replace them immediately, you notice they are crackling, bulging, or splitting.
The fluids, including the differential fluid, brake fluid, engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid, in your car, are its lifeblood. It is very beneficial for car owners to know which reservoir/tank contains which fluids and the respective colors and smell of each fluid. Pay attention to any leaks and get them fixed immediately.
Strictly follow your maintenance schedule
Typically, a car owner’s manual has a page or two entirely dedicated to a maintenance schedule. The program contains everything you need to know when it comes to ensuring that your car is functioning correctly.
For instance, it has information regarding tire rotations, routine oil changes, and timing belts replacements, which is essential to the overall health of your car.
It is common knowledge that properly inflated tires last longer and increases your gas mileage. By extending the lifespan of your tires, you are also extending the durability of your suspension components; hence, putting less pressure on your vehicle’s metalwork. Regularly rotating your tires and aligning your wheels also aids in lengthening the lifespan of your tires.
Invest in high-quality gasoline and never run on empty
Putting the cheapest fuel in your car might save your money today, but it may imply more severe engine issues over time. Even if your vehicle runs on regular gas, low-quality fuel reduces the lifespan of your engine and reduces your car’s acceleration.
Another life-saving tip to ensure your vehicle reaches the 500,000 miles nark is ensuring that you never drive your car on an empty gas tank. Usually, when using petroleum products, they leave a residue at the bottom of your gas tank, which gets pushed into the engine whenever you are running low on gas.
Lack of fuel in your car can result in damaged pumps, injectors, and seals, which are expensive to replace. The damage can also lead to irreparable damage to your car’s engine.
Find a reliable mechanic
It is not always that you will be able to denote what is the problem when you look under the hood. As such, an experienced and trusted mechanic should be able to help you.
The only challenge is that you need to find a trustworthy mechanic who knows exactly what they are doing. Your auto mechanic should be like an extended family member or even a family doctor.
Someone who knows exactly what they are doing, and you trust them whole-heartedly. You should find a mechanic who explicitly deals with your type of vehicle for the best results.
Conclusion
By taking proper care of your car and listening to its warning lights will help you in ensuring that it lasts for more than 500,000 miles. Follow all the guidelines laid down by the manufacturer and avoid abusing your engine at all costs.
