Sometimes the term “high miles vehicle” can be interpreted as a “rust bucket” or “clunker,” but the fact is that vehicles of today are better than ever produced.
The maximum life expectance for an automobile is no longer 100,000 miles. You can push your automobile to more than 200000 miles if you maintain routine maintenance.
Continue reading to learn how – and why – certain drivers keep their cars on the road longer.
What is High Mileage CONSIDERED?
For most situations, it is considered “normal” to put 12,000 to 15,000 miles on your vehicle each year. A vehicle that is driven over the high miles. Cars will have a life expectancy of nearly 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, it does not have to mean the end of the life of your vehicle in just two years or ten years.
120,000 miles
There are nearly five times 125,000 miles around the planet. With all the guarantees expired, it is up to the owner and their repair shop to keep it going. Here are 13 items that you’re supposed to serve.
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Spark Plugs: The plasma of the spark is worn away by the electrodes every time a spark plug is lit. As the gap increases, more energy is needed to fire the plug. This could take its toll on the coils.
Decoupler-Pulleys: Some late-model-alternator pulleys can be worn in as little as 60,000 miles. These overflow-alternator decouplers (OADs)-pulls or one-way clutches-increase engine efficiency and reduce vibration. Failure to do so may cause other accessory drive components to wear out prematurely, a lack of charge, a weak battery, and/or a decrease in fuel economy.
O2 Sensors: By the time the vehicle had reached 120,000 miles, more than 5,000 gallons of fuel could have been burned. Combustion byproducts may accumulate on the sensor and cause a slower response to changes in fuel mixing.
A / C: One part of the system that can be used is the A / C compressor clutch. It can wear out and slip like a clutch between the engine and the transmission. Most of the vehicles have an inspection procedure and specification for the clutch.
Belt Tensioner: If the vehicle has made it this far, the belt tensioner may need to be replaced, along with the belt. As the spring inside the tensioner tires, it can cause the belt to jump and vibrate. Also, check the idler pulleys for noise and leakage of the bearings.
Coolant: Many OEMs have a replacement range of 125,000 miles. While the coolant does not lose its ability to transfer heat, the additive package loses its ability to control corrosion and the pH level of the coolant.
Alignment: Vehicles should be aligned more often as they grow older to monitor suspension bushings and springs. Ride height should be measured at each alignment.
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Transmission Fluid: The typical OE service interval can range from 60,000 miles to “lifetime.” Many modern transmissions don’t even have a filter. Changing the fluid in the transmission on a regular basis will keep internal wear under control.
Some AWD and 4WD vehicles have three differentials that require service. Ignoring these could lead to expensive repairs. Some manufacturers may not specify a service interval, but that does not mean that they do not need to be serviced.
Filters: The fuel filter should be replaced to prolong the life of the fuel pump and potentially of the engine. Modern fuel pumps are sensitive to restrictions and the pump will have to work harder if there is a restriction.
Shocks & Struts: recommended replacement time for shocks and struts is 50,000 miles. According to one riding control manufacturer, a typical shock and strut hit an average of 1,750 cycles per mile – that’s 87.5 million cycles in a lifetime!
Brake Fluid: Brake fluid should be replaced when the boiling point drops or when the concentration of copper brazing in the fluid indicates corrosion in the system. The replacement of the brake fluid can prolong the life of the calipers, the master cylinder, and the ABS modulator.
Fuel chamber: carbon can be built on the crown of the piston, the valves, and the head. If the carbon deposits become too heavy, they can cause turbulence in the chamber, hot spots, and even an increase in the compression ratio. Newer vehicles are more sensitive to this because of the advanced design of their combustion chambers and higher compression ratios. Engine-de-carbonization can help-remove these-deposits.
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180,000 miles
When the vehicle reaches 180,000 miles, wear between the walls of the cylinder and the piston rings could begin to show. Gasses from the crankcase to the combustion chamber can cause carbon deposits and damage to the catalytic converter and the O2 sensors. Blowby from the combustion chamber to the crankcase can also cause contaminated oil and damage to the bearing.
This type of wear is killing the engine. If the customer has kept up with regular changes in oil and the previously mentioned items, the investment is starting to pay off at 180,000 miles. At this milestone, there are other maintenance items that the shop should pay attention to, in addition to the 125,000-mile recommendation.
Drivetrain Seals: Seals on axles and driveshafts must be inspected regularly. While the leaking seal may not cause a breakdown, the loss of fluid will occur. Recommend replacement at the first sign of leakage. Seals are cheap insurance for very expensive components.
MAF Sensor: By 180,000 miles, the engine will consume more than the Olympic Air Pool. Even with a filter, the mass airflow sensor is contaminated. Sensor cleaning can restore performance and fuel economy.
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Headlights: Check and adjust the headlights. Vibration and heat can damage the-adjusters inside the lights over time. UV rays and road debris may damage the headlight lens, leaving it yellow and foggy. Professional headlight refining solutions are available that are cost-effective and efficient.
Timing Chain Tensioners: Timing chain guides are designed to be worn. They are made of composite materials that can become brittle when exposed over time to heat cycles and engine oil. Oil-pressurized tensioners can be worn and leaked. The most common sign of failure is noise, timing skips and/or engine light. Inspect and replace these items-before the engine is killed.
Power Steering Fluid: Anti-corrosion and anti-foaming additives in power steering fluid will break down over time, accelerating pump and rack wear. The fluid does not appear to be contaminated, but it needs to be changed.
Engine and transmission mounts: the worn engine and transmission mounts can turn the engine into a wrecking ball. If a worn mount is ignored, it can cause leakage of the exhaust system and displacement of the cable.
A / C: The performance of the HVAC system can be determined by an anemometer that measures wind speed. This tool can be used to detect restrictive cabin air filters, locked doors or weak-blower engines.
250,000 miles
The moon is about 238,000 miles away. If a-vehicle has made it this far, it is likely to have been serviced regularly throughout its lifetime.
Catalytic Converter: Check for any physical damage and hammer it to ensure that the ceramic biscuits are held tightly in place. If the driver has maintained general maintenance, such as oil changes and fuel injector service, the converter may be operational in accordance with the specifications.
Fuel Injector cleaning: more than 10,000 gallons of fuel were pumped through very small holes in the injectors at 250,000 miles. The needle and seat of the injector have also crashed into each other millions of times. Carbon can build up on the caps, and the fuel spray pattern may not be what it once was. You can clean the car with a fuel injector, or you can send the injectors out for ultrasonic cleaning.
Inspection of the chassis: alignment plays an important role in measuring the health of the chassis. Toe outside the specification may indicate a worn or broken spring. -Excessive camber can-reveal a soft control arm bushing.
A / C: Pay attention to the condenser, the air dam and the shroud. There may have been a significant amount of debris in some vehicles between the condenser and the radiator.