AUTONET TV


Servicing High Mileage Vehicles at AutoChoice Service Center Inc.

Posted February 24, 2015 9:00 AM

The price of gas and the uncertain economy are both causing Indiana residents to review their finances. More and more Bloomington drivers are opting to keep their vehicles longer and put off purchasing a newer car. It is estimated that two-thirds of the vehicles on the roads of North America today have over 75,000 miles/120,000 km on them. And the average age of vehicles is now over eleven years. That translates to some car care issues that many Bloomington men and women haven't dealt with in the past.

Older vehicles simply have different maintenance requirements than newer ones. Learning those requirements presents a challenge for people in Bloomington because many owner's manuals only publish maintenance schedules up to 60,000 or 90,000 miles (96,000 or 145,000 km). Vehicle owners have to keep good records and be more involved in planning preventive maintenance if they want to keep their vehicles on the road. First of all, any service in your owner's manual that comes with a recommended mileage interval should be continued at that interval.

For example, if it is recommended that you change your oil every 5,000 miles/8,000 km, you should continue to change your oil every 5,000 miles/8,000 km. The owner of an older vehicle has to recognize that his engine is operating under higher stress than a new one. It's just starting to show its age. So many experts suggest that the “severe service schedule” should be followed once a vehicle has racked up some serious road distance. On this schedule, the mileage interval for many services is shortened or should be performed more often. Check with your service advisor at AutoChoice Service Center Inc..

Bloomington drivers who own older vehicles should also be careful not to neglect or postpone oil changes. A full-service oil change is more critical for an older vehicle than for a new one. Older engines have had a lot of time to build up sludge in their oil compartment, so changing the oil at regular intervals is a must. Skipping an oil change compounds the sludge problem. With a full-service oil change, the vehicle's fluids are also checked and topped off. Your service advisor at AutoChoice Service Center Inc. will also let you know if these fluids need to be replaced. Older vehicles have older seals and gaskets, which often develop tiny leaks. Regularly checking fluids will compensate for these leaks and offer a heads-up about any serious ones. So, again, it is important to stay on schedule and not skip or procrastinate a fluid check.

Older seals and gaskets begin to dry out and show their age by becoming brittle. High-mileage formulation oils and fluids can help extend the lives of these gaskets and seals. These products contain additives that recondition seals and gaskets and keep them from leaking. High-mileage formulas cost more than standard products, but in the long run they can pay for themselves by preventing more costly repair bills.

If a vehicle is getting on in years or mileage, its parts are as well. High-mileage car maintenance requires necessary repairs and replacements. Timing belts, radiator hoses, parts of the suspension system, anti-lock brakes, air bags, water pumps, alternators and batteries will not last forever and will wear out in higher-mileage vehicles. They need to be inspected regularly by your friendly and knowledgeable AutoChoice Service Center Inc. service advisor and replaced as necessary.

But don't go running for the new car lot just yet. These repairs may sound like a lot, but in total, they're still cheaper for Bloomington drivers than new car payments. And if you stay on top of them and budget for them, they aren't as burdensome as it may appear.

If you plan on driving your vehicle into its high-mileage years, there are two relationships you need to develop. The first is with your Bloomington service center. AutoChoice Service Center Inc. can offer you invaluable auto advice and help you develop a service plan that is right for you and your vehicle. Second, you need to develop a relationship with your vehicle itself. You don't need to name it, but you should become familiar with its noises and idiosyncrasies. Pay attention to changes in its habits such as new or unusual sounds, smells, vibrations, etc. Taking note of such things and sharing them with your service advisor can help stave off a lot of big-ticket repair issues.

As we get older, keeping up with a diet and exercise plan becomes more and more critical to maintaining good health. It's the same with our vehicles. A preventive maintenance plan and smart vehicle care will keep them on the road and keep them safe for a good many years to come. 

AutoChoice Service Center Inc.
2009 S. Yost Ave.
Bloomington, Indiana 47403
812-339-9898

 



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Reviews

I had engine issues with one of my cars, and decided to give these guys the job to figure it out. They were very thorough and honest. I figured what some of the issues were to begin with, but didn't say anything just to see how they (AutoChoice) ran. Long story short, those guys are honest, extremely knowledgeable, I believe fair in their prices, and I wouldn't have a second thought of taking another vehicle to them. Now unfortunately for the motor...yep, it was toast!!!

, 03/14/2024

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Fast and friendly service, my pontiac died on me they got it in that day and it was fixed very quickly just a couple days so I didn't have to miss work and great prices.

, 03/01/2024

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Lloyd and the guys are great! My wife and I were unsure about finding a repair shop, and after reading the reviews, we decided to give AutoChoice a try. We took a car we were thinking of buying for a pre-purchase inspection and already liked the service from the start: fair prices, transparency, and clear communication. You don't feel like you're being taken advantage of at any point (unlike many other shops). Today, we brought in another car for some inspections and repairs and once again received excellent service! It's our go-to place in Bloomington for repair services! They really deserve the high reviews they have everywhere. We highly recommend it!!!

, 02/24/2024

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