What are your secrets to vehicle longevity?
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Originally Posted By: whip
People fret way to much over maintenance. Most cars that I've driven into the ground were shot because the bodies rusted. A couple of cars had 300,000 miles and ran fine. If I lived down south, I could have gone 500,000 with just basic maintenance, and repair.
Wow, you must drive a lot. Our 2 cars are an 06 with 58,000 miles and an 09 with 29,000 miles. Both were bought new. It would take me like 25+ years to hit 200,000 on either of them. These short trips with traffic lights and stop signs every block or two on pothole riddled roads beats the heck out if a car. We do a lot of suspension work.
People fret way to much over maintenance. Most cars that I've driven into the ground were shot because the bodies rusted. A couple of cars had 300,000 miles and ran fine. If I lived down south, I could have gone 500,000 with just basic maintenance, and repair.
Wow, you must drive a lot. Our 2 cars are an 06 with 58,000 miles and an 09 with 29,000 miles. Both were bought new. It would take me like 25+ years to hit 200,000 on either of them. These short trips with traffic lights and stop signs every block or two on pothole riddled roads beats the heck out if a car. We do a lot of suspension work.
I do regular maintenance, change the oil and other fluids when they need changing, and do not ever do sudden acceleration if I do not absolutely have to. In forty years I have owned four cars, and #3 was sold simply because I did not want to pay insurance on two cars.
If everyone treated cars like this, cars would always, barring accidents/disasters or rust-out, last at least 400,000 miles.
The present car has close to 200,000 miles on it, and there is no reason, if parts are available, why it should not go another 200,000.
If everyone treated cars like this, cars would always, barring accidents/disasters or rust-out, last at least 400,000 miles.
The present car has close to 200,000 miles on it, and there is no reason, if parts are available, why it should not go another 200,000.
You have to like the car! If you don't you will subconsciously give up on it.
I roll my windows down to keep the plastics from outgassing in the hot sun. I enter through the passengers doors to even out the wear, and often don't even roll down the driver's window for this purpose.
I pay attention to corrosion but there isn't much I can do about it. I seal off holes in rocker panels when they appear-- not only to pass a mandatory inspection but to keep salt water slurry from reaching deeper into the car's structure.
I roll my windows down to keep the plastics from outgassing in the hot sun. I enter through the passengers doors to even out the wear, and often don't even roll down the driver's window for this purpose.
I pay attention to corrosion but there isn't much I can do about it. I seal off holes in rocker panels when they appear-- not only to pass a mandatory inspection but to keep salt water slurry from reaching deeper into the car's structure.
Originally Posted By: supton
Install a set of gauges which don't lie. My VW and Toyota do not like to indicate properly; I use a Scanguage to get real water temp. That will indicate better actual problems.
Otherwise, I avoid first year models, anything performance related, anything apt to be beat on. I usually buy new too.
I agree. I have been going the "new" route the last 30 years or so since I keep my cars 10 years minimum. I like to know they were treated right from day one. I'm hoping to keep the 2 in my sig closer to 20 years each. We are thinking of adding a Mustang convertible to the stable in a few years. My wife likes the 2015, but as you said we avoid first year models. I have to admit the Caddy was an exception and we did have a few issues early on because of the new model. All is fine now. Any parts were changed with updated ones.
Install a set of gauges which don't lie. My VW and Toyota do not like to indicate properly; I use a Scanguage to get real water temp. That will indicate better actual problems.
Otherwise, I avoid first year models, anything performance related, anything apt to be beat on. I usually buy new too.
I agree. I have been going the "new" route the last 30 years or so since I keep my cars 10 years minimum. I like to know they were treated right from day one. I'm hoping to keep the 2 in my sig closer to 20 years each. We are thinking of adding a Mustang convertible to the stable in a few years. My wife likes the 2015, but as you said we avoid first year models. I have to admit the Caddy was an exception and we did have a few issues early on because of the new model. All is fine now. Any parts were changed with updated ones.
Replace stuff before it breaks. Is it worn? Hmm, could be. Replacement time!
Over the years I've have had so many bad parts out of the box, that I don't routinely change things such as working thermostats anymore. Quite often they have lasted the life of the car for me. Yes-charging up to a 'fresh' red light and nailing the brakes. I recall driver's ed in the mid 60's. We were taught to constantly scan the road including far ahead to gauge traffic and the stop+go lights-and adjust speed accordingly. I very different world today.
Originally Posted By: johnachak
Originally Posted By: whip
People fret way to much over maintenance. Most cars that I've driven into the ground were shot because the bodies rusted. A couple of cars had 300,000 miles and ran fine. If I lived down south, I could have gone 500,000 with just basic maintenance and repair.
Wow, you must drive a lot.
02-09, I was self employed. I could drive 30,000-50,000 a year. Now, my commute is 8 miles round trip.
Originally Posted By: whip
People fret way to much over maintenance. Most cars that I've driven into the ground were shot because the bodies rusted. A couple of cars had 300,000 miles and ran fine. If I lived down south, I could have gone 500,000 with just basic maintenance and repair.
Wow, you must drive a lot.
02-09, I was self employed. I could drive 30,000-50,000 a year. Now, my commute is 8 miles round trip.
Much of vehicle longevity is outside of your control. Common reasons for vehicle failure here are corrosion and being written off after an accident.
Aggressive maintenance is helpful. I agree with proactive belt and hose repairs but good quality OEM and replacement products will last a very long time.
Buyig a car you like in the first place and will want to continue to maintain and drive forever is probably one of the keys.
I'd have to agree with the comments about off roading - you'll break something too expensive to repair or have a nasty rollover or whatever.
Finally drive it regularly. Garage queens fail from lack of use.
Look up Irv and his high mileage Volvo P1800 - a good car in the first place, well taken care of and driven regularly by someone who really cares about that car.
Ecotourist
Aggressive maintenance is helpful. I agree with proactive belt and hose repairs but good quality OEM and replacement products will last a very long time.
Buyig a car you like in the first place and will want to continue to maintain and drive forever is probably one of the keys.
I'd have to agree with the comments about off roading - you'll break something too expensive to repair or have a nasty rollover or whatever.
Finally drive it regularly. Garage queens fail from lack of use.
Look up Irv and his high mileage Volvo P1800 - a good car in the first place, well taken care of and driven regularly by someone who really cares about that car.
Ecotourist
Originally Posted By: whip
People fret way to much over maintenance. Most cars that I've driven into the ground were shot because the bodies rusted. A couple of cars had 300,000 miles and ran fine. If I lived down south, I could have gone 500,000 with just basic maintenance, and repair.
I'm coming around to this point of view. This site (and a couple of my own UOAs) helped. Take care of the cosmetics. Even if its not your thing, do it anyway. Get the undercarriage with plain water at the coin-op car wash on a regular basis during the winter. Keep the exterior washed and waxed using good materials and techniques. Put stain protectant on the upholstery.
Use the money you save from avoiding OCD Oil Change Intervals to taking care of the overlooked maintenance items. This year (2.5 years in) I'm going to change the differential fluid. Next year the transmission fluid.
Driving around in a rolling junk-heap with the engine purring away because you always used M-1 (and did almost nothing else to the car) is a mixed pleasure.
People fret way to much over maintenance. Most cars that I've driven into the ground were shot because the bodies rusted. A couple of cars had 300,000 miles and ran fine. If I lived down south, I could have gone 500,000 with just basic maintenance, and repair.
I'm coming around to this point of view. This site (and a couple of my own UOAs) helped. Take care of the cosmetics. Even if its not your thing, do it anyway. Get the undercarriage with plain water at the coin-op car wash on a regular basis during the winter. Keep the exterior washed and waxed using good materials and techniques. Put stain protectant on the upholstery.
Use the money you save from avoiding OCD Oil Change Intervals to taking care of the overlooked maintenance items. This year (2.5 years in) I'm going to change the differential fluid. Next year the transmission fluid.
Driving around in a rolling junk-heap with the engine purring away because you always used M-1 (and did almost nothing else to the car) is a mixed pleasure.
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Fluids. Changing all of them regularly, not just the obvious ones.
Taking care of little things before they become big ones. The touch-up bottle is a good friend.
Keep it away from bad stuff as much as possible. Road salt, UV, temperature extremes, and foreign droppings. A garaged vehicle is shielded from the elements.
Replace wear items when due, and not waiting for them to fail, stressing or damaging surrounding components.
Keep it clean generally. Dirt and contamination is what wears parts the most. All of the above helps do that.
There's always exceptions. And you can't entirely protect against poor design or materials defects. But this gives most machines a fighting chance over the long haul.
Taking care of little things before they become big ones. The touch-up bottle is a good friend.
Keep it away from bad stuff as much as possible. Road salt, UV, temperature extremes, and foreign droppings. A garaged vehicle is shielded from the elements.
Replace wear items when due, and not waiting for them to fail, stressing or damaging surrounding components.
Keep it clean generally. Dirt and contamination is what wears parts the most. All of the above helps do that.
There's always exceptions. And you can't entirely protect against poor design or materials defects. But this gives most machines a fighting chance over the long haul.
As far as I'm concerned, the very first rule is to buy a car that matches its driver's habits. If you drive an econobox too hard or a high-strong sports car too mildly, you can expect it to bite you. Same goes for driving a city car primarily on the highway, or a highway car primarily in stop-and-go traffic.
It also really helps to be aware of unique requirements for your car. If you buy a large SUV with "car-like" performance, expect more frequent and more expensive tire replacements. Don't use regular gas if your car calls for premium, even once. A little suspension noise might be completely inocuous on one car but hugely problematic on another. Get educated, stay educated, and don't take liberties.
If you need to take your car to a service department or shop, find a good one and keep a good relationship with them. This doesn't just mean being nice to them and bringing them lots of business. It also means being honest and respecting their advice.
It also really helps to be aware of unique requirements for your car. If you buy a large SUV with "car-like" performance, expect more frequent and more expensive tire replacements. Don't use regular gas if your car calls for premium, even once. A little suspension noise might be completely inocuous on one car but hugely problematic on another. Get educated, stay educated, and don't take liberties.
If you need to take your car to a service department or shop, find a good one and keep a good relationship with them. This doesn't just mean being nice to them and bringing them lots of business. It also means being honest and respecting their advice.
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With me,keeping all fluids clean and changed like clockwork (engine oil,transmission/rear diff,power steering,clutch/brake fluid,antifreeze/coolant). Keeping everything clean,inside and out. Keeping the exterior waxed. Never abusing it.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
I roll my windows down to keep the plastics from outgassing in the hot sun. I enter through the passengers doors to even out the wear, and often don't even roll down the driver's window for this purpose.
Only on BITOG!
I roll my windows down to keep the plastics from outgassing in the hot sun. I enter through the passengers doors to even out the wear, and often don't even roll down the driver's window for this purpose.
Only on BITOG!
Do the recommended changes for all fluids.
Carwell, Krown or Fluid Film for rust prevention if in rust belt.
Drive like there is an egg between your foot and gas pedal that you do not want to break.
If you are one to ignore these suggestions, buy a Camry and take reasonable care of it.
Carwell, Krown or Fluid Film for rust prevention if in rust belt.
Drive like there is an egg between your foot and gas pedal that you do not want to break.
If you are one to ignore these suggestions, buy a Camry and take reasonable care of it.
Originally Posted By: whip
People fret way to much over maintenance. Most cars that I've driven into the ground were shot because the bodies rusted. A couple of cars had 300,000 miles and ran fine. If I lived down south, I could have gone 500,000 with just basic maintenance, and repair.
Agreed. I'd also add that today it's vehicle electronics that ultimately determines longevity.
People fret way to much over maintenance. Most cars that I've driven into the ground were shot because the bodies rusted. A couple of cars had 300,000 miles and ran fine. If I lived down south, I could have gone 500,000 with just basic maintenance, and repair.
Agreed. I'd also add that today it's vehicle electronics that ultimately determines longevity.
I buy Hondas....That alone will get you longevity....Then....just use the M.M. All is well.
The simplest/easiest method to renew/exchange Power Steering Fluid is using Shampoo Pump to siphon the reservoir and replace with proper recommended PSF or ATF, repeat this procedure everyday or week, doing this simple task until 1 quart/liter bottle is used up.
Brake fluid should be bleed every 3-4 years with either DOT-3 or DOT-4. If you have a good fluid extractor such as Mityvac 7201 the job is simple and fast, otherwise you may need another person to pump the brake to purge the old fluid from bleeder screw.
Brake fluid should be bleed every 3-4 years with either DOT-3 or DOT-4. If you have a good fluid extractor such as Mityvac 7201 the job is simple and fast, otherwise you may need another person to pump the brake to purge the old fluid from bleeder screw.
Originally Posted By: Sam2000
Originally Posted By: eljefino
I roll my windows down to keep the plastics from outgassing in the hot sun. I enter through the passengers doors to even out the wear, and often don't even roll down the driver's window for this purpose.
Only on BITOG!
Actually, I usually leave my windows open and inch or so during the summer just to keep the car cool, but now that it's mentioned I'm sure it helps the interior due to lower temperatures.
The trick is, I have those vent visors on all the side windows. It's not noticeable that the windows are opened and if a rainstorm come through, I don't worry about getting rain in the car.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
I roll my windows down to keep the plastics from outgassing in the hot sun. I enter through the passengers doors to even out the wear, and often don't even roll down the driver's window for this purpose.
Only on BITOG!
Actually, I usually leave my windows open and inch or so during the summer just to keep the car cool, but now that it's mentioned I'm sure it helps the interior due to lower temperatures.
The trick is, I have those vent visors on all the side windows. It's not noticeable that the windows are opened and if a rainstorm come through, I don't worry about getting rain in the car.
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