When you buy a car, new or used, you hope it will last a very long time. After all, this is a big purchase at a Chevy dealer and you don’t want to learn at some point that you wasted your money.
While some makes and models are known to last longer than others, consider this: every vehicle has the potential to stay on the road well beyond 200,000 miles. This may sound crazy, but it is absolutely true. If you take the right approach to maintenance, repairs, and your driving style, who knows how long your vehicle will last.
If you have set the goal for your vehicle to last 200,000 miles or more, you can’t assume this will happen on a whim. Instead, there are particular things you need to do to improve your odds. Below are five tips to consider:
Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule
The first thing you should do upon purchasing a vehicle is read the owner’s manual. This may not be as exciting as driving your car, but it can improve the chance of it lasting a very long time.
In the owner’s manual you will find a maintenance schedule. For example, it will tell you what maintenance to have performed at each mileage interval. When you reach that mileage marker (or somewhere close), don’t hesitate to visit your local service department. You want to stay on schedule, within reason, as this is the one step that can really increase the life of your vehicle.
Regular Oil Changes
There are a lot of things you can do to keep you car in good working condition, but none are as important as regular oil changes. The last thing you want is to have trouble with your engine. If you don’t change your oil as recommended, you are going down that path.
Many years ago, it was standard to change your car’s oil every 3,500 miles. This is no longer the case. In today’s day and age, most people find that every 7,500 miles is just fine. Again, you should follow your owner’s manual. It will give you guidance on how often your oil should be changed.
Note: if you want to take things one step further, consider a synthetic oil change. Synthetic oil is better for your engine, which means it lessens the chance of trouble.
While some people change their own oil, others find that it is much easier to visit a dealership service department. Sure, it may cost a few extra dollars, but it will save you quite a bit of time. Not to mention the fact that you know the job was done right.
Don’t Delay Repairs
Imagine this scenario: your mechanic alerts you of a problem. This could be anything from an oil leak to a slipping transmission. It doesn’t matter what the problem is. What matters is that you find a solution right away.
Some people delay on repairs for one reason or another. Maybe they don’t want to spend the money. Or maybe they don’t think it is a big deal.
The problem is not going to get better on its own. In fact, there is a chance it could get worse. You don’t want to take this risk.
It is often times difficult to “bite the bullet” and pay for a repair. But remember this: it is better than jeopardizing the longevity of your vehicle. The cost of the repair is nothing when compared to the cost of a new vehicle. If you think about it that way, you won’t have any trouble signing off on a repair.
Wash Your Vehicle Regularly
Some people enjoy washing their vehicle. Others find this to be a pain in the neck. Where do you fit in? If you are part of the second group, it is important to rethink what you are doing.
It may not sound important to keep your vehicle clean, inside and out, but this can definitely impact how long your car lasts.
Do you live in a northern climate? If so, salt and other products are used all winter long to keep the roads clear of ice and snow. As a result, your vehicle is littered with these substances week after week.
Salt can eat through the exterior of your vehicle. Soon enough, your pain job is dull and you may begin to see some rust. Over time, a little bit of rust can turn into a lot. Soon enough, you have a problem that is too big for you to handle on your own.
You don’t have to wash your car every day of the week. You don’t have to do this by hand during the winter months. What you should consider, however, is getting on a regular schedule. If you notice your vehicle getting dirty, pull out your hose or drive through a local car wash. Either way, you will get the result you are looking for.
Tip: don’t forget to clean the interior of your vehicle is well. This is every bit as important.
Don’t Drive Like a Maniac
If you want your vehicle to last 200,000 miles and beyond, you may need to change your driving style. It sounds like fun to race from one stop sign to the next. It sounds like fun to push your car’s limits on the highway. However, here is what you need to remember: not only is this dangerous, but it takes its toll on your vehicle.
Harsh driving can damage your vehicle in a number of ways. If you change your driving style, taking it easier on your vehicle, you will find that you aren’t spending nearly as much on repairs and maintenance. Furthermore, you are increasing the chance of it lasting a very long time. This is a simple change to make, so there is no reason to delay any longer.
Final Word
It may be hard to believe that the cars of today are built to last for several hundred thousand miles or more, but it is true. If this is something you covet, follow the advice above. There are things you can do today to ensure that your vehicle lasts as long as possible.
Don’t let anything stop you from reaching your goal. Once you are on the right track, taking car of your vehicle in the appropriate manner, you will feel better about your chance of seeing the odometer reach 200,000 (and beyond).
