How to keep your old car running longer

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Should you buy a new car? A used car? What if the best economic choice is the car already in your garage?

Despite improving new cars sales, many Americans are avoiding car payments and holding onto their old cars longer. The average age of vehicles on the road in America has hit a record 10.8 years, according to research firm R.L. Polk. And a survey by the automotive web site AutoMD showed that 64% of respondents had a car or truck with over 100,000 miles on the odometer.

If you have a car that old -- or just want to keep your newer-model car running a long time -- car care experts have good news: A car built in the last decade has a good chance of running well up to 150,000 miles. Not long ago, owners could expect that cars hitting 100,000 miles would start to have lots of expensive problems.

But there is a catch. "Cars can run a long time with proper care, and that is an important caveat," says Mike Calkins, manager of approved auto repair for the national AAA. Here are the recommendations that Calkins and other car care experts give if you want to keep your old -- or not so old -- car running a long time:

--Follow the prescribed maintenance schedule. Stick to the timetable set out in the owners' manual for oil changes and other maintenance. Most manufacturers call for changing oil every 5,000 to 7,500 mile, longer intervals than in the past. You only need to change oil more often if you drive a lot in dusty conditions or extreme heat or cold or if you tow a trailer or boat frequently. Have your brakes checked, along with the coolant and the fluid level in the power steering.

--Find a good mechanic. Especially if you have an older car, you can likely save money by going to an independent mechanic instead of a dealership. Check here to see if there is a AAA-certified repair shop in your area. The stringent certification program run by Calkins includes inspections of the shop and equipment, review of its technicians, background financial checks and customer satisfaction surveys.

If you cannot find a AAA shop nearby, look for one that has individual mechanics certified in their specialties by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, usually known as ASE.

--Get in some highway driving. Short trips of stop-and-go driving are hard on a car. If you habitually make only a short commute or brief trips for errands, take the car out and drive at highway speeds every few weeks. And pay attention to how you drive. Avoiding sharp acceleration and sudden braking not only improves your gas mileage, it helps extend the life of your car.

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Special advice for owners of older cars

If a car in your garage has over 100,000 miles already, AAA's Mike Calkins has some additional advice for you:

--Get all the belts and hoses checked. These rubber parts can be damaged by heat under the hood and, if they fail, can lead to more serious problems.

--Make sure you have a wheel alignment. It will keep your steering properly responsive and cut down on tire wear, saving you money in the long run.

--Check to see if you had the timing belt changed when recommended -- usually between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. If not, get it changed now, even though it can cost $300 or more; otherwise more serious engine repairs could await you.

Most of all, keep up the maintenance routine even as the car ages, and you -- not mechanical failure -- can determine how long you drive that car.

[PeterCWilkinson]

What is the difference in 'impact on the environment' between a 10-12 yr old favourite and a new car? My favourite is 1998.

[josh207]

My last car was a 1993 Honda Civic and it had 280,000 miles on it and only broke down once and was a small fix. It's a combination of quality of car and owner responsibility. Now I have a Ford Escape with 157k and it runs like a charm, but wheel bearings and suspension parts are failing but it is still cheaper than full coverage and a car payment. Basically buying new is not practical considering the loss of value and money spend on payment and insurance. IMO.

[Osprey4]

I'm still on the original brake pads, rotors, and clutch in my 180,000-mi Accord. Never had to replace a clutch in fewer than 200,000 miles. Not sure why this is so hard.

[ricktrick]

On my 3rd pick up truck all of them 200k+ miles, this one has 230k.

No news here, only common sense, sadly somthing parents don't teach their kids anymore.

[RunsWithWolves]

OLd???? This article is a joke.....I am still driving a 1992 Jeep Cherokee Sport with over 300,000 miles. The transmission is one of the best ever made and the inline 6 isn't made anymore, but it is the best engine around. Downside.....I get killed at the pump as this is a thirsty car at around 14 miles to gallon/ 18 hwy. Only needs oil changes and minor maintenance. Never had any major repairs.

[ozilot]

I've had my car for about 15 years, has over 165,000, it still gets between 30 - 32 miles per gallon and my mechanic said it would go on for a few more years.

My secret...doing the routine maintenace and not driving like a maniac

And having no payments and very low insurance cost makes this car the best investment I've made during my life -- if only my retirement savings provided the same ROI, I'd be set for life!

[moshe05]

i do all my own work and am neurotic about maintenance. i never had a car crap out on me, or not fatally. any car will last forever if treated correctly.

[bradkt1]

I agree with those who stress the importance of adhering to the scheduled maintenance.

Another advantage of doing so with the dealership where I purchased the car presented itself when I had an unexpected major problem in 2011 (transmission), nine years after I bought the car and well after the warranty had expired. My dealership gave me a 50% downward price adjustment on the work that had to be done because I had adhered to the maintenance schedule and had had all of the service done at the same dealership where I had bought the car. My 2002 Honda Accord had low mileage but the warranty had expired and even the dealer felt I had't done anything wrong and that this was a problem that should not have occurred. The amount that I would up spending was about equal to a 4 month car note. Had they not given me the price adjustment, I was not going to put that amount of money into a 2002 car. That made the difference.

I am going to get the timing belt adjusted as well next year and I plan on getting another five years out of this car. I have been told by the dealer that there is no reason that I shouldn't.

[RAMS58]

My 1983 Jeep CJ7, haas 1,244,500 miles on its 5th engine ( I'm a Jeep nut and have been for 44 years now). you can see it in my prublic profile section at FB. It's been around the world twice and been in 123 of the Earth's nation states. It's been a good Jeep. Making a rig last, like the over the truckers do, is no big deal with some maintainece and TLC!! Lovin' cars helps I think or Jeeps for that matter. VEX, my Jeep, evolved to the baddest Jeep I ever owned so I kept it and kept running it. Still do.

Fun deal.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197333_192616350773687_100000759716724_417116_241956_n.jpg

[gpx21dlr]

In my family: 1996 Honda Accord...186K, 1995 Honda Accord...160K, abd my own 1999 Chevy Malibu 165K. WE going for 200K...Jerry E!