How to service your car on a schedule

You may be concerned if your vehicle reaches the 100,000 mile mark as this could mean your vehicle has crashed. However, the longevity of your car depends not only on the mileage, but also on how well you drive it and whether you regularly perform the scheduled maintenance that the car needs.

You don't have to be a mechanic to perform routine maintenance on your vehicle. While some tasks are very simple and only require basic knowledge, other procedures can be very complex. Keep in mind that you should only perform maintenance procedures that are comfortable for you and hire a professional to take care of other maintenance and repairs as needed.

As long as your car's engine is kept clean, well lubricated, and relatively cool, it will last a long time. However, a car is not only an engine, there are other parts such as fluids, belts, filters, hoses, and other internal components that need to be serviced to keep your car running for many years past the 100,000 miles mark.

Follow the steps below to find out what scheduled maintenance needs to be done to keep your vehicle in good condition and reliable beyond the 100,000 miles mark.

Part 1 of 1: Keep your car on schedule

Some of the maintenance tasks on this list should be done regularly and immediately after purchasing a new vehicle, and some tasks are related to tuning after 100,000 miles. The key to the long life of any vehicle is to take care of everything.

Be proactive in your maintenance schedule to ensure proper repairs and upgrades are made when needed to keep the engine from degrading or causing costly damage.

Step 1: Follow the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations.. Your vehicle owner's manual is always a good starting point.

It will provide specific manufacturer recommendations and recommended routine maintenance tasks for various parts.

Follow the instructions in the manual for changing the fluid, maintaining the proper fluid level, checking the brakes, maintaining the optimum engine compression ratio, etc. Integrate these manufacturer's recommendations into your ongoing maintenance routine.

• FunctionsA: If you don't have a manual for your car, most manufacturers put it online where you can download and/or print it as needed.

Step 2: Check Your Fluids Regularly. Check fluid levels regularly and top up or change as needed.

Checking motor fluids is a part of maintenance that you can do yourself and can prevent many engine and transmission problems.

Open the hood and find dedicated fluid compartments for engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, radiator fluid, brake fluid, and even washer fluid. Check the levels of all fluids and check the condition of each one.

You may also need to recharge your vehicle's air conditioner refrigerant if you find that the air conditioning system is not working properly.

If you need help finding the appropriate compartments, search for your vehicle make and model online, or refer to your vehicle owner's manual. Understand the differences in color and consistency between clean and dirty fluids and always maintain the correct fluid level.

• Functions: If the fluids are low and you need to add them (especially if you have to do this often), this may indicate a leak somewhere in the engine. In this case, immediately contact a professional mechanic to check your vehicle.

It is recommended to change engine oil every 3,000-4,000-7,500 miles for older vehicles using conventional oil and every 10,000-100,000 miles for vehicles using synthetic oil. If your vehicle has more than XNUMX miles, consider using a high mileage or synthetic oil.

• Functions: For details on changing other fluids, see your vehicle owner's manual.

• Attention: Be sure to replace the appropriate filters when changing fluids. You will also need to change your air filters every 25,000 miles.

Step 3: Inspect all belts and hoses. If you hire a professional mechanic to change the fluids in your vehicle, you may want to have them inspect the belts and hoses.

The timing belt is a very important part of the engine, which helps to carry out the timely movements of certain parts of the engine. This belt ensures that all components operate in synchrony and smoothness, mainly by controlling the opening and closing of valves in the engine, ensuring proper combustion and exhaust processes.

This timing belt must be maintained in excellent condition and may need to be replaced from time to time as it is usually made of rubber or some other material subject to wear.

Most recommendations are to replace the belt between 80,000 and 100,000 miles, however some manufacturers recommend changing it every 60,000 miles. It is important to check these characteristics in the owner's manual for your car.

• Functions: When determining the frequency of service, keep the vehicle usage in mind, as a vehicle used under extreme driving conditions will need to be serviced more often and earlier than one used under normal conditions.

Similarly, the various rubber hoses under the hood are usually exposed to extreme heat and in some conditions extreme cold, causing them to wear out and become weak. The clips holding them in place can also wear out.

Sometimes these hoses are located in hard to reach/invisible places, so it's in your best interest to have them checked by a professional mechanic.

If your vehicle has passed or is approaching 100,000 miles and you are not sure about the condition of the hoses, you should contact a mechanic immediately.

Step 4: Check Shocks and Struts. Shock absorbers and struts do more than just provide a smooth ride.

With the ability to influence the stopping distance, they also determine how quickly you can stop in an emergency.

Shock absorbers and struts can wear out and start to leak, so it's important to have them checked by a professional mechanic if your vehicle is approaching 100,000 miles.

Step 5: Clean out the exhaust system. A car's exhaust system accumulates sludge over time, making it harder for the engine to expel exhaust gases.

This, in turn, makes the engine work harder, further reducing gas mileage. From time to time, you may need to clean your car's exhaust system.

You may also need to replace your car's catalytic converter, which regulates emissions and helps convert harmful chemicals into less harmful ones. A problem with your vehicle's catalytic converter will be indicated by a "check engine" light.

Oxygen sensors help your vehicle run at peak efficiency and help control emissions. A faulty oxygen sensor can also cause the check engine light to come on. Whether your check engine light is on or off, you need to have your exhaust system components checked by a professional if your vehicle is approaching 100,000 miles.

Step 6: Check Engine Compression. Your vehicle owner's manual should list the optimum compression ratio for your engine.

This is a number that measures the volume of an engine's combustion chamber when the piston is at the top of its stroke and at the bottom of its stroke.

The compression ratio can also be explained as the ratio of compressed gas to uncompressed gas, or how tightly the mixture of air and gas is placed in the combustion chamber before it is ignited. The denser this mixture fits, the better it burns and the more energy is converted into power for the engine.

Over time, piston rings, cylinders, and valves can age and wear, causing the compression ratio to change and reduce engine efficiency. Any small problem with an engine block can easily become a much more expensive fix, so have a mechanic check the compression ratio once your car hits the 100,000 mile mark.

Step 7: Check your tires and brakes. Check your tires to make sure they have an even wear rate.

You may need to perform a camber adjustment or tire rotation. Tires should be changed every 6,000-8,000 miles, but as long as you're on 100,000 miles, you can also have a professional mechanic check the condition of your tires to determine the best course of action.

Also, if the brakes need service, you can have them checked while the mechanic inspects your tires.

Step 8. Check the battery. Check your car's battery and check the terminals for corrosion.

This should be done at least once every few months to ensure it is in good working order. If your battery is not working properly, it can affect the starter or alternator, which can lead to a much more expensive repair than simply replacing the battery.

If the battery has any signs of corrosion, it should be cleaned, but if the terminals and wiring are loose from corrosion, it is recommended to replace them immediately.

If you choose to drive your vehicle for more than 100,000 miles, it is recommended that you make an effort to ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained. If you follow the steps mentioned above, you can save money on future repairs and ensure that your vehicle lasts for a long time. Make sure AvtoTachki certified technicians will help keep your vehicle in line with your regular maintenance schedule.