Many car owners dream of having their vehicles reach the 300,000-mile mark but think it’s an impossible feat. However, almost any car can achieve this milestone with proper care and maintenance—and Bumper.com can help with that. With Bumper’s vehicle history report, you can discover the available history of your vehicle before servicing, and stay on top of recalls and warranties. Bumper data may include accident history, salvage records, junk records, title history and more to help you make informed decisions about your car.
Regular maintenance and servicing
The first and most important step in extending the life of your car is sticking to a regular maintenance schedule. This includes regular oil changes, tire rotations and tune-ups. Follow your car’s owner’s manual for recommended service intervals and maintenance tasks.
“Any new car – model year 2020 and on – definitely has the potential to last for many hundreds of thousands of miles,” said John-Fredrik Wright, Publisher at LACar. “What it really boils down to is how well the owner cares for it. Fix all problems – even small cosmetic ones – immediately, stay current on scheduled maintenance, and ask a professional what driving habits will help keep your car in great shape.”
Choosing the right engine oil and fluids
Using high-quality engine oil and fluids can make a significant difference in the longevity of your car. Make sure you’re using the correct type and weight of oil for your engine, and change it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Keeping your car clean and protected from the elements
Washing and waxing your car regularly can help protect the paint job and prevent rust. Additionally, parking your car in a garage or under a carport can protect it from harsh weather conditions.
Paying attention to minor repairs and issues before they escalate
Addressing small issues before they become major problems is crucial. Regularly inspect your car for any signs of wear or damage and address them promptly to prevent further damage.
Monitoring tire health and alignment
Keeping your tires properly inflated and aligned can help prolong their life and improve fuel efficiency. Rotate your tires regularly and have your alignment checked by a professional at least once a year.
Ensuring your car’s cooling system is functioning properly
A well-functioning cooling system is essential to try and prevent engine overheating and wear. Check your coolant levels regularly and flush your radiator as recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
The importance of changing your car’s timing belt and water pump
Your car’s timing belt and water pump are critical components that should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Failure to do so could result in significant engine damage.
Maintaining your car’s suspension and steering components
Regular inspections and maintenance of your suspension and steering components can help prevent premature wear and keep your car driving smoothly.
Properly caring for your car’s transmission
Transmission maintenance is essential for the longevity of your car. Regularly check your transmission fluid levels and service your transmission according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Tips for optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing engine wear
Keep your engine running efficiently by maintaining proper tire pressure, using the recommended fuel grade, and driving smoothly to try and reduce wear and tear on your car’s engine.
Keeping your car’s electrical system in top shape
Your car’s electrical system plays a critical role in its overall performance. Have your alternator, battery and other electrical components inspected regularly to try and ensure they’re operating properly.
The role of proper brake maintenance in extending your car’s life
Regular brake maintenance, such as replacing brake pads and flushing brake fluid, is essential for both safety and longevity. Have your brakes inspected regularly by a professional.
Staying on top of rust prevention and control
Rust can be a major issue for older cars, so it’s important to stay on top of rust prevention and control. Regularly inspect your car for signs of rust and address it promptly.
How to choose high-quality replacement parts for your car
When it comes time to replace parts on your car, select high-quality components designed to last. This can help ensure your car remains reliable and safe.
The benefits of using a trusted mechanic and building a long-term maintenance relationship
Building a relationship with a trusted mechanic can be invaluable for the long-term care of your car. They can help you stay on top of maintenance and quickly address any issues that may arise.
Reaching 300,000 miles with your car is an achievable goal with proper care and maintenance. By following these steps and using tools like Bumper.com to make the car-owning, buying, and selling experience better and more affordable, you can help ensure your car remains reliable, safe, and efficient for many years to come.
About Bumper.com
Bumper was founded in 2020 and quickly grew to 200,000 members in just over a year after launch. Bumper’s parent company, The Lifetime Value Co., was founded in 2007 (originally BeenVerified) and received a $150-million investment from Morgan Stanley in 2020.
Bumper is an NMVTIS-approved data provider and an AAMVA member with hundreds of data providers across many states and federal agencies in the US. Their in-house government-relations team works with states and local police departments across the nation to gain access to vehicle records such as crash reports, title records, inspections and more. This allows Bumper to have detailed records on more than 300 million vehicles on the road today.
Agree with all of the above advice items. Followed them to take my 40 year-old Land Cruiser from 20,000 to 600,000 miles. Latest act was a new 5-speed gear box. All the rest of the major mechanics original. A beauty to see sitting in the garage, and on the road, It has been and will be happy to continue as a GOAT.
I disagree with manufacturers recommended oil for most cases,
I run heavier weight oil than recommended and have 295,000 on my 2005 Dodge 5.7 Hemi and 192,000 on my 2015 5.7 Hemi challenger. I have had several discussions with oil changing places and usually have to bring my own oil. Neither engine smokes or uses oil between changes.