Today’s vehicles are designed to last. Now, it’s not unusual to reach the 100,000-mile mark and keep going. However, you do need to handle some maintenance tasks when you hit 100,000 miles. Let’s go over some car care tips that will help you keep your car road-ready.
Drain, Flush, and Refill the Cooling System
Your vehicle might still have the original antifreeze in it. That’s not that unusual for cars with 100,000 miles, but going past this point could cause significant damage. Your system could fail, destroying the radiator, water pump, and heater core. Avoid this problem by draining and flushing the system. After, refill it with fresh antifreeze.
Check the Power Steering Fluid
Once you reach 100,000 miles, you need to check your power steering fluid to ensure it’s still up to the job. The steering system can degrade the power steering fluid over the years, causing it to turn a dark color. If your power steering fluid is darker than usual, you need to drain and replace it. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about your power steering system going out on you.
Replace the Engine Spark Plugs
Engine spark plugs often need to be replaced at the 100,000-mile mark. If you just purchased the car and aren’t sure if the spark plugs were replaced, pop the hood and locate them. Manufacturers usually place a spot of paint on the engine spark plugs. If you see some color, the plugs likely came with the original vehicle. If that’s the case, you need to replace them.
If you don’t see any paint, it’s still possible that the spark plugs are original. Remove the plugs from the engine and look at the electrodes and the ground straps. Analyze the gap to determine if it’s close to the manufacturer’s specifications. If there’s only a tiny difference, you don’t need to replace the spark plugs. Just put them back on the engine, and you’ll be good to go.
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Check the Rubber Components
You should also check the rubber components one by one. Look for signs of wear and tear or cracks that could lead to failure. Replace the parts as needed so your vehicle will be ready to tackle the roads.
These maintenance tips will help you get more miles out of your vehicle. However, if you don’t want to put in tons of work, consider purchasing a new car. Barbour Hendrick Honda in Greenville, North Carolina, has a full lineup of new and pre-owned vehicles. These vehicles are in excellent shape and ready to go. We even have a service center on-site, so we can help you keep it in tip-top shape after you buy your car.
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