News

 A generation ago, cars from the 70s and 80s were often ready for the scrapyard at 130,000 miles, with engines that burned oil, worn-out drivelines, rusted-out bodies and trashed interiors. Today, 130,000 is not a big deal at all; at Van’s Tires & Service, we routinely see vehicles with 200,000 or more on the odometer and many good miles left to go. There’s a way to do it, though, and you’ll never see that many miles out of your car unless you know how to keep it together:

--Make sure you keep your oil changed at regular intervals. If you ever considered a switch to synthetic motor oil, now’s the time to do it. Synthetic oil affords better engine protection at all temperatures, regardless of how many miles are on your vehicle. If you don’t want to go with synthetic, there are synthetic blend motor oils that are formulated with seal conditioners to swell old gaskets that may have shrunk and dried out, and detergents to help keep carbon deposits from forming.

--Wash and wax your vehicle regularly. It does more than just keep it looking good, it helps protect the finish from grit and prevents chips and dings from happening…which can often be a starting point for body rust.

--Have your fluids checked regularly. That includes brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. Coolant condition can easily be checked with a hygrometer and should be flushed if it shows signs of breakdown or is carrying particles and contaminants. If transmission fluid is darker than magenta and has a burned smell to it, it should be changed right away.

--Lubricate the things you may not think about very often, like the hinges on the doors or the hood.

--Don’t neglect things like the rear axle and differential. It may not need service very often, but that doesn’t mean “never”, especially on a vehicle like a truck that may haul heavy loads.

People are hanging onto their cars longer – the average age of a vehicle on the roads in the United States is about 12 to 14 years. Make an appointment with us at Van’s Tires & Service for your next preventive maintenance!