Maintenance Tips for Cars With High Mileage

As a car accumulates mileage, it becomes increasingly important to perform regular maintenance to ensure its continued reliability and performance. Here are some essential maintenance tips for high-mileage cars:

1. Regular Oil Changes: Regularly changing the engine oil is crucial for maintaining engine health and preventing wear and tear. Use high-quality motor oil specifically formulated for high-mileage vehicles, as these contain additives that provide enhanced protection for older engines.
2. Fluids and Filters: Check and top up all fluid levels, including coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Regularly replace filters, such as air filters, oil filters, and fuel filters, to maintain optimal performance and prevent engine damage.
3. Tyre Care: Inspect tyres regularly for uneven wear, cracks, or bulges. Maintain proper tyre pressure as recommended by the manufacturer. Rotate tyres periodically to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan.
4. Suspension and Brakes: Have the suspension system inspected for signs of wear or damage, such as worn shocks, struts, or bushings. Check the brake pads and rotors for wear and replace them if necessary.
5. Battery Maintenance: Regularly check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary. Test the battery’s performance to ensure it can maintain sufficient charge, especially during colder months.
6. Driving Habits: Adopt a smooth and cautious driving style. Avoid sudden accelerations and hard braking, as these can put excessive strain on the engine, transmission, and other components.
7. Regular Servicing: Follow the recommended service schedule for your vehicle. A qualified mechanic can perform comprehensive inspections, identify potential issues early on, and provide necessary maintenance.
8. Address Issues Promptly: If you notice any unusual noises, vibrations, or performance changes, don’t ignore them. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
9. Maintain Records: Keep a record of all maintenance work performed on your vehicle. This will help you track service intervals and provide valuable information to future mechanics.
10. Seek Professional Advice: If you have any doubts or concerns about maintaining your high-mileage car, consult with a qualified mechanic. They can provide personalised advice and guidance tailored to your vehicle’s specific needs.

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your high-mileage car running smoothly, safely, and reliably for many years to come.

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Related Reading: Car Maintenance Q & A: Frequently Asked Questions

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Tips for Buying a Used Car With High Mileage

Embarking on the purchase of a high-mileage car requires a discerning eye and a strategic approach. In this section, we’ll explore the nuances of evaluating and selecting a high-mileage vehicle that can offer reliability and value. Our aim is to arm you with the knowledge to make an informed decision, ensuring that you secure a car with high-mileage that meets your expectations and serves your needs effectively.

1. Don’t Automatically Disregard High Mileage: High mileage isn’t always a sign of a car’s poor condition. It’s essential to assess how well the car has been maintained and how it’s been driven. A well-maintained, high-mileage car can be in better condition than a low-mileage car that hasn’t been cared for as thoroughly​​.
2. Full Service History: Ensure the car has a full service history, so you can verify that all necessary maintenance has been performed at the right times. This history is a critical indicator of how well the vehicle has been looked after​​.
3. Understand the Car’s Usage: Determine how the car was used, as different driving styles can affect a car’s wear and tear differently. For example, a car with high mileage used mostly on motorways may be in better condition than a low-mileage car that was used for short, stop-start trips in urban areas​​.
4. Price Reflection: The price should reflect the car’s higher mileage. While not an exact science, a high-mileage vehicle should, in theory, be cheaper than a similar lower-mileage one due to depreciation​​.
5. Suitability for Low-Mileage Drivers: If you don’t drive much, a high-mileage car could be a cost-effective choice since you won’t be adding significantly to the mileage, which could benefit you when reselling the vehicle​​.

It’s important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and consider having it checked by a professional mechanic to uncover any potential issues not evident in the car’s history or from a visual inspection.

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Related Reading: Click4Warranty Guide to Buying a Used Car

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How to Sell a Car With High Mileage

Selling a car with high mileage can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can maximise your car’s appeal and achieve a successful sale. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding a buyer who appreciates the value of your high-mileage car.

1. Deep Clean Your Car: A thorough cleaning inside and out can greatly improve the car’s appeal to potential buyers​​.
2. Ensure Full Servicing: Have the car fully serviced and address any mechanical issues to in still confidence in buyers. Show them a recent service history as proof of good maintenance​​.
3. Keep MOT Updated: An up-to-date Ministry of Transport (MOT) certificate is required to prove the car’s roadworthiness and will enhance its marketability​​.
4. Conduct Basic Repairs: Address basic issues like burnt-out bulbs, minor dents, or scratches, and ensure all features are functional​​.
5. Create an Honest Advert: Write an accurate and detailed advertisement, highlighting the car’s positive aspects and full service history​​.
6. Price Realistically: Research the market to set a competitive price, considering the car’s make, model, condition, and mileage​​.
7. Choose the Right Platform: Decide whether to sell privately, which could yield a higher price but requires more effort, or to a dealer for a quicker but possibly lower-priced sale​​.

Remember to be transparent and honest about the car’s condition to establish trust with potential buyers.

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Related Reading: Top Tips If You Are Selling Your Car

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Extended Warranty for a Car with High Mileage

A high mileage car warranty can be a safety net that protects you from unforeseen repair costs and provides peace of mind. In this section, we will delve into the advantages of securing vehicle warranty cover for your high-mileage car. Whether you’re a high-mileage commuter or a second-hand car buyer, understanding the protections an extended warranty for your car can offer is crucial in making an informed decision about your vehicle’s aftercare.

1. Unexpected Repair Costs: As cars age and accumulate miles, the likelihood of component failure and the need for repairs increase. An extended warranty can cover the cost of these unexpected repairs, which can be especially costly for older vehicles with high mileage.
2. Budget Management: Owners can better manage their budget with an extended warranty, as it provides a predictable cost for vehicle repairs, rather than facing sudden and potentially high expenses.
3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that major repairs will be covered can provide significant peace of mind, particularly if you depend on your vehicle for daily commuting or work.
4. Resale Value: If you decide to sell your vehicle, having an extended used car warranty can make it more attractive to potential buyers, as the vehicle warranty’s benefits can often transfer to the new owner.
5. Tailored Coverage: Extended warranties can often be tailored to cover the parts that are more likely to fail in a high-mileage car, which are typically not covered by standard warranties that might have already expired.
6. Additional Benefits: Many extended warranties come with extra services such as roadside assistance, car rental reimbursement, and trip interruption service, which can be valuable for an older car that’s more prone to breakdowns.

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Related Reading: Do I Need Extended Car Warranty For A Used Car 

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What are your options for extended UK car warranty cover?

We don’t want to complicate this, so we’ve kept it nice and simple. Here’s three great options for mechanical breakdown or electrical failure car warranty cover, that’ll give you all you need, including cover for wear & tear.

3-Star Car Warranty

Select this option if you want affordable cover for a long list of covered components. Gives you up to £7,000 claim limit towards the cost of parts, labour and VAT for the mechanical breakdown or electrical failure of covered parts.

4-Star Car Warranty

Select this option to cover a wide range of components on your vehicle, and get up to £7,000 claim limit towards the cost of parts, labour and VAT in the event of mechanical breakdown or electrical failure, or imminent failure identified during an MOT or service.

5-Star Car Warranty

Looking for comprehensive warranty protection? Our 5-Star warranty covers an extensive range of parts and offers up to £7,000 claim limit towards the cost of parts, labour and VAT for the mechanical breakdown or electrical failure of covered parts on your vehicle.

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Related Reading: The Consequences of NOT Having Click4Warranty Car Warranty Cover