Reports say that the median age for cars on the road is over nine years and that two-thirds have over 75,000 miles (120,000 kilometers). In recent years those numbers have continued to rise here in Gardner and across KS.
Many Gardner & Olathe residents are keeping their vehicles longer. The KS economy has influenced that, but the fact that modern cars and trucks are more durable and reliable means that owning a high mileage vehicle doesn't have to be a painful experience for Gardner or Olathe.
Gardner & Olathe drivers with over 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers) on their vehicles often ask us at Bret's Autoworks about what service intervals they should follow. Let's start with the special needs of the older vehicle.
The reality is that time and mileage will take its toll. The engine and transmission will have more sludge. The fuel, steering and brake systems will have gum and varnish built up. There'll be more dirt and contaminants in the fuel tank. Corrosion and deposits in the cooling system. And seals and gaskets will start to dry out.
All of this, plus normal wear and tear, means that the engine might not be as strong as new so it just has to work harder to get the job done.
So Gardner residents with higher mileage vehicles need to compensate. Consider high-mileage oilformulations for oil changes, transmission service, etc. These special formulations contain additives that condition the seals and gaskets to prevent leaks. They also have more detergents to clean sludge and other deposits. They cost a bit more, but they're worth it. Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable Bret's Autoworks service advisor.
In general, if a service was recommended every, let's say, 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers) when the car was new, you should continue to get the service done every 15,000 miles or 24,000 kilometers.
If anything, following recommended intervals is more important in a higher mileage vehicle. Skipping oil changes or other services can lead to problems much more quickly than with a newer vehicle.
So, have your Bret's Autoworks help you with an assessment of your older car or truck. If you haven't gotten around to a fuel system cleaning or replacing power steering or brake fluid, a differential service or transmission service, it's time to start taking care of those things. It'll help keep you on the road in Gardner & Olathe for many more happy miles.