Due to improved manufacturing and engineering, people are able to keep their cars on the road longer than ever before. If you want to keep your car running even longer, there are things you should know about maintaining older model cars.
Timing belt:
Replacing the timing belt should actually be done long before the 100,000 mile mark. (Unless your car has a timing chain, of course) Replacing the timing valve before it breaks can have a tremendous impact on the life of your car.
Transmissions:
Debatably one of the most complicated and less reliable parts of a car is automatic transmission. Prevention is the best way to avoid the costly transmission repair bills. A transmission repair requires a lot of precision work, and is always expensive. Some things that start transmission problems are rocking the car back and forth when stuck in snow; hauling a heavy load, such as a trailer; and anything that can cause overheating. Properly maintain your car by checking the fluid regularly and keeping the right amount of fluid in your car. There is such a thing as too much transmission fluid.
Brake systems:
Maintaining the brake systems involve more than replacing the brakes. The entire system should be checked periodically to insure proper working condition.
Oil:
Most people know to check the oil when it is low, but may not know that older cars may need oil more often. They may also need an extra oil change or two throughout the year. Keeping the oil clean, fresh and in good supply is irreplaceable as a good maintenance habit. Change the oil every 3,000 miles.
General tips:
Hoses, batteries, wire connections; they all are important to the long life of a car. Checking these or having them checked often can mean the difference of your car lasting you 7 year, or 15 years. When checked regularly, it costs very little to maintain these little thought of parts.
Keep the undercarriage clean. It only takes a few extra minutes to spray and clean the underside of your car when you wash it, but keeping it clean can save you a lot of money.
Get your car ready for both summer and winter. Extreme weather conditions can wreak havoc on your car. Be prepared.
Be diligent about tune-ups, oil changes and fluid replacement. You will be glad you did in the long run. Get into the habit of checking fluids at specific times, such as when you change the oil. That way, it won’t get neglected.
Check for leaks, cracks, and worn hoses and belts at every opportunity. Leaks are easy to spot, usually. Usually, but not always! Once these things become a repair issue, instead of a maintenance issue, they can become costly.
Read up on repair work, if you plan to do it yourself. You can never learn too much to protect the value of your car. If you plan to have it done by someone else, find a mechanic before you need repairs done.