We all know regular maintenance is important for any car, but it becomes even more crucial for vehicles that have racked up serious miles. With the right care and maintenance, your high-mileage car can remain a dependable ally for many more journeys. 

At UK RoadRunner, we specialise in importing vehicles with low mileage to ensure you get a car that will last without immediate wear and tear concerns. We import these cars from the UK, in excellent condition and ready to serve you well before reaching the high mileage threshold. But no matter how low the mileage is when you buy, eventually, your car will enter the high mileage zone. Here’s how you can maintain it in peak condition for years.

Why Extra Care for High-Mileage Vehicles?

As your car clocks up the miles, parts wear down, fluids degrade, and efficiency can suffer. Regular maintenance helps to catch these issues early on, preventing them from snowballing into expensive repairs. More importantly, it keeps your car safe and reliable – essential for those long journeys or unexpected errands on Kenyan roads. Let’s not forget the financial benefits! Consistent maintenance can improve fuel efficiency, saving you money at the pump. On top of that, a well-maintained car holds its resale value much better than a neglected one.

Regular Maintenance Checks

Oil Changes

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and regular changes are crucial for the health of your vehicle. Consider switching to a high-mileage oil for high-mileage cars, which we’ll classify here as those over 75,000 miles. These oils are specifically designed to condition engine seals and reduce wear. It is recommended to change your oil every 5,000 miles, but always check your owner’s manual for specifics. 

Tyre Maintenance

Tyres directly affect your car’s performance and safety. Check your tyre pressure monthly and look for signs of wear or damage. High mileage vehicles benefit from tyre rotation and alignment every 6,000 miles to ensure even wear and prolonged tyre life.

Considering the importance of tyres, UK RoadRunner offers competitive quotes for importing tyres from a wide range of reputable UK manufacturers.

Fluid Levels

Your car’s transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid should be checked regularly. Low levels can lead to serious problems, including overheating and brake failure. Top these up as needed, and follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for full replacements.

Filters and Belts

Don’t underestimate the power of clean filters and belts! These components play a vital role in keeping your engine running efficiently. The air filter cleans the air entering the engine, while the oil filter removes contaminants from the oil. A clogged air filter can reduce fuel economy, while a dirty oil filter can starve the engine of clean oil. 

The timing belt, if present in your car, synchronizes engine functions and needs to be replaced at the recommended intervals to avoid a potential engine breakdown. UK RoadRunner can assist you in sourcing high-quality air filters, oil filters, and timing belts from trusted UK brands, ensuring they meet your car’s specific requirements.

Engine and Transmission Care

Watch for signs of engine troubles, such as unusual noises or a drop in performance. Using oil additives can sometimes help protect older engines by reducing friction and wear.

The transmission is often overlooked until it’s too late. For automatic transmissions, fluid changes might be needed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Consult your owner’s manual for the best guidance tailored to your vehicle.

Electrical System Maintenance

Battery capacity decreases over time. Check your battery’s charge level during regular services, and keep the terminals clean from corrosion. Batteries typically last about 5 years but check yours annually if it’s older than 3 years.

Alternator and Starter are critical parts that can wear out and are expensive to replace. Listen for grinding or clicking sounds when starting the car—a sign that the starter could be failing.

Brake System

Don’t wait for a screeching noise to tell you your brakes need a look. Check the brake pads and discs for wear annually. Replace pads or discs that are worn beyond the manufacturer’s recommended limits.

Brake fluid attracts moisture, which can lead to internal corrosion in the brake system components. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the brake fluid every two to three years.

We import OEM brake pads, and discs, ensuring that you can maintain your brake system with components that offer the best performance and safety.

Keep It Clean and Protected

Interior Maintenance

Keep the car interior clean from dirt and moisture, which can wear down surfaces and mechanisms. Treat leather seats regularly to prevent cracking.

Exterior Maintenance

Regular washing and waxing protect your car’s paint from the elements while cleaning the undercarriage can prevent rust, especially in the wet climate.

Conclusion 

Your car’s maintenance schedule should adapt as it ages. Keep track of any repairs or replacements and schedule future checks based on past issues. Maintaining a high-mileage vehicle is about preventing problems before they start. With a proactive approach, your car can remain safe, reliable, and on the road much longer than expected.

At UK RoadRunner, we understand the importance of keeping your high-mileage car running smoothly. We import a wide range of genuine dealer and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) spare parts to our Kenyan clientele. Whether you need a new air filter, a replacement timing belt, or other essential components, we can help you find the right parts at competitive prices. We can efficiently import the parts you need to ensure your car receives the proper maintenance.