Excellent news! The majority of vehicles sold in recent years can go 200,000 miles with precious few major repairs.
But there is a catch: Preventive maintenance is required. And there is more to it than meets the eye. Also, there are important new services that not everyone is aware of yet.
Oil Change? But of course. Many people still refer to it as a “lube, oil and filter” service. Chassis lubrication has pretty much gone by the wayside, but the fresh oil and filter part is still the meat and potatoes of a basic car service.
A proper oil change should include an examination of the vehicle’s major components and a check of other fluids; transmission, brake, power steering and coolant, in most cars. This service is due by mileage, or at least twice a year.
Some of the preventive services recommended on modern cars are necessary because cars are lasting so much longer. It’s also likely that cars are lasting longer because of improved preventive maintenance. And let’s not forget the greatly improved design and manufacturing of the parts in a modern vehicle. Finally, better fluid chemistry and exacting assembly also get credit for extended lifespans.
The preventive maintenance services we suggest are based on a combination of manufacturer’s maintenance schedules, Motorist Assurance Program industry best practices, and the expertise we have gained while serving the Boulder, Colorado area for nearly forty years.
Brake fluid, for example, should be changed when the moisture content reaches a certain threshold. This happens more slowly in our arid climate than in more humid parts of the country.
Transmission fluid used to come in a few different formulations. Now there are dozens. Some manufacturers are suggesting that transmission fluid can last 100,000 miles. If that is the interval suggested for your vehicle, it might be worth using the “severe” usage interval, which is likely to be half as many miles.
By the way, the typical definition of severe service is pretty close to the driving habits and conditions experienced by most people in our area.
Perfect preventive maintenance can greatly extend the life of a vehicle, but there is no way to eliminate all wear. Every system on a car will eventually fail. The key is to avoid damage that occurs when fluids lose their effectiveness or run low, and by doing timely replacements of belts, filters, and other items that have a limited lifespan such as brakes.
It can seem like a lot to do to properly maintain your vehicle, but that’s why we recommend you work with an expert, reliable repair shop like ours. We can help you keep track and plan the services that make sense for your vehicle. We look at it as a partnership.
We strive to empower vehicle owners by providing clear and complete information about vehicle condition along with prudent recommendations regarding care and repairs. Many customers that have been with us for years report they’ve enjoyed more reliable, more comfortable, and safer vehicles thanks to the partnership we have established with them.