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Most owners change out cars every few years, but with increased economic uncertainties, many would-be buyers want to get their ride to last as long as possible. Which makes sense. Between higher interest rates, inflation, and supply chain issues, many drivers want to wait to see if circumstances improve before jumping into the vehicle marketplace.
So, how do you make that beloved ride sitting in your driveway last 200,000 miles? It's actually not that hard. Most modern cars are built well and are capable of lasting about as long as you want them to. Emphasis on the want.
Nerd Wallet, shared a quote from AAA's manager of repair systems, David Bennett, saying, "It really comes down to the maintenance and care for the vehicle — and maybe a little bit of luck."
Here are five tips to make it go 200,000 miles — and beyond.
Be aware of required maintenance — and do it
While you're probably not the first person to go months — or years — without addressing required maintenance items, you are also probably not the last to pay the price for some serious vehicular neglect.
Every vehicle comes with a required maintenance schedule. This is a schedule of maintenance items, put together by the very engineers that, well, engineered your car. They know a lot more about making cars last than the average person, so it's probably wise to trust the service intervals printed in your owner's manual, said Philip Reed of Nerd Wallet.
In short: neglecting major service items like timing belt replacements, as well as minor services like regular oil changes, tire replacement, and fluid changes can seriously hamper your chances of making it to 200,000 miles in your ol' hunk-o-junk. Take your car to your local Ken Garff dealership for top-notch maintenance and safety upkeep. You might even be able to make your appointment online, depending on the dealership.
Change your mindset
If you're wanting to push your car past 200,000 miles or more (not literally push, but you get the idea), you will need a prevention — rather than a repair — mindset. Sometimes, owners do so out of a frugality mindset. This stems from some irrational fear that car expenses are to be avoided like a bowling alley in Provo after 11 p.m.
However, saving in the moment can end up costing far more down the road. Sure, it might seem smart to save $75 and forego the fluids your mechanic recommended, but in doing so, you're setting yourself up for trouble later.
Should a breakdown occur, or a major component of your vehicle needs replacing, you'll quickly find that it would have been far cheaper to pay for routine maintenance than to suffer the frustration, cost and inconvenience of a broken down van on your way to Disneyland with six kids.
Be willing to be inconvenienced
Driving to and past 200,000 miles is, inevitably, going to bring some inconvenience into your life. Fortunately, service departments like those at Ken Garff dealerships can help you out when disaster strikes. Whether it be a blown radiator, a worn-out heater core, a dead alternator, or some other significant service item, you can expect to have to shell out some money—and time—to keep your car running.
If you are willing to deal with the occasional planned and unplanned days spent at the shop, then you should have no trouble getting your car to whatever mileage you want. Going 200,000 miles and beyond all depends on how much hassle you're willing to put up with — and what you're willing to pay in possible repairs.
Keep it clean
You'd be surprised how much keeping your car's interior and exterior clean and dialed in can make in making it last a long time, but it's true. Vacuuming, waxing, washing, wiping — it's all part of the deal if you want your car to keep on trucking.
Get your car detailed and you might fall in love with it all over again. A thorough clean-up could be just what you need to remember why you bought the car in the first place.
Get expert help
While DIY projects are fun for about a half-hour on a Saturday morning, there are far better ways to spend your time than watching endless YouTube videos on how to replace the window actuator switch in your 1992 Acura Integra.
Instead, take your ride to the experts at Ken Garff and let your cares melt away. Your family will thank you later.
