The world record for the most miles recorded on a car was awarded to Irv Gordon in 2013. It was then, while touring Alaska, that he passed the three-million-mile mark in his 1966 Volvo P1800S. Gordon and his bright red Volvo reached over 3.4 million miles before his death in November of 2018.
During an interview with the Indianapolis Star in October of 2013, Gordon stated that he invested in regular car washes and oil changes. He also mentioned that he would only use genuine factory parts when repairing and maintaining the Volvo. He also credits religiously following the service guidelines set in his owner’s manual for the longevity of his vehicle- something, you’ll remember, we always recommend.
Your owner’s manual is your go-to guide for the inner workings and proper care of your specific vehicle’s make and model. It lays out the proper intervals for an oil change, how often you should have your tires rotated, and what the correct tire pressure is. If you want to prolong the life of your vehicle, the owner’s manual and a trusted mechanic are your best friends.
We know, not many people are looking to run their vehicle up to three million miles as Gordon did, but you probably want your high-mileage vehicle to run strong for as long as it is in your possession.
Here is our advice on how to get the best performance out of your high-mileage vehicle:
Stick to the recommended service schedule in your owner’s manual. Much like we need regular physical check-ups, your vehicle requires regular inspections to ensure that everything is running smoothly. The main goal of routine vehicle check-ups is to catch any possible issues before they become worse and more expensive to repair.
Don’t just listen to your owner’s manual, though. It doesn’t account for problems that may arise between services. You need to pay attention to your vehicle. Often, it will let you know when it needs to be checked on by giving off strange smells and/or sounds.
Get the oil changed. We often tell you to think of the oil as the lifeblood of your vehicle. As such, oil and oil filter changes are vital in keeping a healthy engine. Oil changes, and making sure your vehicle always has the proper amount of oil, protects the engine from damaging friction and heat.
A high-mileage engine is one that has upwards of 75,000 miles on it. These engines would benefit from a high-mileage oil that is formulated to address potential problems a high-mileage vehicle may face. Gordon told Volvo in 2002 that he believes changing the oil at every 3,000 miles “is the best insurance policy for your vehicle.”
Check your tire pressure. Many motorists take tires for granted. However, they should not be overlooked. You can’t get anywhere without tires, after all.
When you maintain the proper air pressure, you help to extend the life of your tires, allow for better handling of your vehicle, and save gas! You will find the guidelines for correct tire pressure in your owner’s manual.
Keep your vehicle clean. Keeping your vehicle clean, both inside and out, not only makes it look good, but it preserves your vehicle.
As stated by Consumer Reports, regular washing and waxing will protect the paint job and fights off rust. And, vacuuming dirt and debris from the seats and carpets will prevent holes and tears.
Let the automotive experts at Meridian Automotive help you get the best performance out of your high-mileage vehicle. We offer high-quality car care in Meridian, Idaho. Schedule your appointment online or call us at 208- 888-3797.
