Make Your Car Last 200,000 Miles
Written by man on November 28th, 2009 in Other.
When you get your oil changed, they put that little sticker on your windshield to remind you when it’s time to get your next. The sticker always gives you a mileage of 3,000 miles or 3 months into the future, whichever comes first.The old standard used to be 3,000 miles, but newer cars are built to need less maintenance. Do you really have to have an oil change every 3,000 miles?
Most automakers now recommend getting an oil change every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. However, they recommend oil changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months if you drive in “severe” conditions.What does “severe” driving mean? If you do a lot of city driving, make a lot of short trips, live in a hot or cold climate or near the ocean or in dusty conditions, or tow a trailer, then your car experiences “severe” driving. That’s a lot of cars!
They say that over-maintaining your car is a waste of money and I agree, but oil changes are very inexpensive. An oil change should only cost about . It’s certainly worth an extra per year if you drive under any of these “severe” conditions. Your other choice is risking under-maintenance, which may mean costly repairs or a shortened useful life. With proper maintenance, newer cars will easily last 200,000 miles or even more. The longer you can go without buying a new car, the more money you’ll save. Wouldn’t it be great if you could pay your car off and then save the money that you’re no longer using for car payments. You’d be able to pay for your next car with cash!
Many of us find it inconvenient to get an oil change. But an oil change should take less than an hour if you go when the shop isn’t busy. Since an oil change is such a simple matter, every repair shop does them. You can get an oil change from your mechanic, your car dealership, or your local WalMart. If you can get an oil change done while you’re shopping, you’ll save time. There are even specialty shops that will guarantee to have you out in less than an hour! And many shops offer pleasant and convenient waiting areas. Many offer free wifi, snacks and tv to make the wait go by faster.
It’s a good idea for most of us to get our oil changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s a good idea. So find a mechanic or shop and get into the habit of regular oil changes. When your car has 200,000 + miles and is still going strong, you’ll be happy that you did.
Jazelauto.com designs car dealer websites to drive more online traffice to dealerships.
