High Mileage Vehicle Maintenance Checklist
Driving a vehicle over 100,000 miles and determined to drive another 100,000 miles or more? As long as you keep an eye on all the recommended maintenance activities, you should have no trouble getting there.
Since your vehicle with high mileage is no longer guaranteed, you now need to remember what to do and when. and it can be confusing to know what needs to be reviewed or replaced. Some maintenance operations must be performed every kilometer, while others must be carried out monthly or annually. But don't get overwhelmed. We've compiled a checklist for servicing high mileage vehicles so you can keep an eye on everything. Follow these tips to avoid costly repairs and keep your car running safely and reliably. Here are the things you need to do to significantly extend the life of your vehicle.
Monthly (or more often)
Check the tire pressure
Check the oil level (high mileage synthetic oil is recommended)
Check the coolant level
Clean the rear view camera lens
Every 3000 miles
Change the oil and replace the oil filter (new cars can often take up to a year between changes. Read the instructions for use of what is recommended for your car.)
Check the washer fluid level
Add fuel injector cleaner to the fuel
Every six months
Check the power steering fluid level
Wax the machine to extend the life of the paint and prevent rust
Every 5000 miles
Adjust the clutch if the vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox (some are self-adjusting).
Every 10,000 miles
Check the belt
Rotate the tire
Every year
Check the brakes
Check the pipes and clamps
Clean the battery connections
Check the brake fluid level
Check the manual transmission fluid (if your car has a manual transmission).
Check the resistance of the coolant
Wash the radiator on the engine side with a garden hose
Rinse the condenser of the air conditioner
Polish the plastic headlight assembly if it is beveled to ensure good visibility
Replace the cabin air filter (you may have to do it more often if you drive a lot - every 15,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. Older vehicles may not have a cabin filter)
Every 30,000 miles
Replace the spark plugs. Some are designed to last up to 100,000 miles. So check what type you are and when they need to be changed.
Replace the distributor cap and rotor (if applicable).
Check the spark plug wires (if applicable).
Change the gear oil
Replace oxygen sensors (for vehicles manufactured from the late 70s to the early 90s)
Examine the shock absorber for leaks and perform a rebound test
Replace the PCV valve
Clean the throttle body
Every two years
Wash the cooling system
Check the battery electrolyte level
Every 40,000 miles
Replace the fuel filter
Every 60,000 miles
Replace the air filter
Change the automatic transmission fluid (if you drive an automatic transmission)
Check the brakes
Check the additional drive belts
Replace the timing belt (if the vehicle has a timing chain, there is no need to replace it unless a problem occurs).
Check and check the alignment of the front
Every 80,000 miles
Check the U-joints.
Every 100,000 miles
Replace oxygen sensors (for vehicles manufactured after the mid-90s)
Replace the lubricant for the rear axle
Maintenance as needed
Adjust the alignment. This can help extend the life of your tires.
Consult the instruction manual
Use the maintenance schedule described here as a starting point. However, keep in mind that it is also a good idea to consult the owner's manual for each of your vehicles to find out what the manufacturer recommends. In general, newer cars tend to require less maintenance, while older cars tend to require more maintenance. It should also be noted that the technology of new and older cars is very different, so you may find that some of these maintenance items do not adapt to your situation. Adapt this maintenance list to your needs.