I Asked a Car Expert How To Make My Car Last 400,000 Miles: Here’s What She Said
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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With car prices high and loans stretching longer, getting a vehicle to 400,000 miles can be the difference between years of peace and a budget-busting replacement. It’s not magic — drivers who follow smart habits when caring for their vehicles can dramatically extend their car’s life. What does that look like in practice?
Lauren Fix, an automotive expert with Car Coach Reports and author of the book “Lauren Fix’s Guide to Loving Your Car,” reminded drivers that cars are “your second most expensive investment” and you must take care of that investment to get the most return. Here are other tips to help drivers make their cars last to 400,000 miles.
Top Off Critical Fluids
Most cars require up to nine fluids, many of which must be regularly changed or topped off, Fix said. Of course, motor oil is key, and you want to make sure you get the right oil for your engine because it helps extend the engine’s life. “Use your owner’s manual to get the proper fluids,” she said.
Clean the Fuel System
The fuel system “can restore and improve fuel economy, increase horsepower, reduce deposit-related engine knocking and pinging and is a superior corrosion and oxidation inhibitor,” Fix said. She recommended Max-Clean, a fuel system cleaner and stabilizer that is safe for gasoline and diesel vehicles. Just one bottle can treat up to 20 gallons. “For around $17 you can save hundreds by cleaning your fuel system.”
Check the Rubber Parts
It’s not always a big issue that can cost you a lot of money, Fix said. “Damaged wiper blades, tires, hoses and belts can both leave you on the side of the road and with a large maintenance bill,” she explained.
Replace windshield wiper blades every six months, especially in spring, since your car may have had to survive the wear and tear dished out by winter weather. For the best in wiper quality, she recommended TRICO Force, “a high-performance beam blade with a patented swept-wing spoiler that reduces wind lift.” She said it’s easy to install and also provides a flawless wipe and excellent visibility in all driving situations.
Be Prepared for Anything
It’s a good idea to have an emergency fund specifically for vehicle related concerns, because things can go wrong quickly and sometimes without advance notice, Fix pointed out.
One thing likely to go out is your car battery. “Car batteries work harder during the winter than any other season, which means they are most likely to die during the spring months.” She suggested keeping the PEAK compact battery jump-starter 900 on hand, which can restart car batteries without the need of another car, for less than $110. It’s equipped with a 12V DC power outlet to run and charge mobile phones, work lights, radios and many other DC-powered accessories. “It is safer to use, store and transport than traditional jump-start methods.”
Refer To the Vehicle Owner’s Manual
The first thing you should do after you give any new car a spin is to read the owner’s manual cover to cover — every car has unique details important to keeping your specific car up to speed, Fix said.
Most importantly, if something seems a little off or isn’t running optimally, don’t wait for a small problem to become a big one — fix it now so you can keep your car running for a long, long time.
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