High Mileage Vehicle Maintenance: How DJ'S Repair Service Helps Your Car Go the Distance

The typical vehicle on the road today is older and more seasoned than ever. Reports show the median age of cars is now over nine years, and roughly two-thirds have passed 75,000 miles. Drivers are keeping their vehicles longer for financial reasons, but also because modern engines, transmissions, and electronics are built with far better durability than they once were.

Still, once a vehicle crosses into high mileage territory, it develops specific needs that deserve attention. At DJ'S Repair Service, we help owners understand what changes as a vehicle ages, why maintenance becomes even more important, and how to keep a high mileage car running confidently for years.

What Happens Inside a High Mileage Vehicle

Time and mileage create natural wear that affects every major system. Even well-maintained vehicles develop:



• More sludge inside the engine and transmission
• Gum and varnish buildup in steering, fuel, and brake systems
• Added contaminants inside the fuel tank
• Corrosion and deposits in the cooling system
• Drying seals and gaskets
• Slightly reduced engine power, which forces the engine to work harder

None of this means the car is failing. It simply means the vehicle needs more thoughtful care to keep everything performing reliably.

Should Service Intervals Change?

Many drivers assume that an aging vehicle needs more frequent service. In most cases, that is not true. If the vehicle required a major service every 15,000 miles when new, you should still follow that 15,000 mile interval today.

The difference is that skipping or delaying maintenance has a much bigger impact once a car has higher mileage. A missed oil change or overdue fluid service can create problems faster because the components are already working harder than they did in the first 30,000 miles.

The smartest next step is to talk with your service advisor. A technician who sees your engine condition firsthand can tell you whether shorter oil change intervals or earlier fluid replacements could benefit your specific vehicle.

Services Often Overlooked on High Mileage Cars

If certain maintenance items have never been performed, this is the time to catch up. High mileage vehicles often need:

• Fuel system cleaning
• Power steering fluid replacement
• Brake fluid replacement
• Differential service
• Transmission service

Bringing these items up to date helps restore efficiency, reduces strain on worn components, and protects the vehicle you rely on daily.

The Bottom Line

Caring for a high mileage vehicle is not about over-maintaining. It is about following the recommended schedule and choosing products that support an aging engine and drivetrain. With the right approach, your vehicle can remain dependable far beyond the 100,000 mile mark.

If you want a personalized assessment of your car or truck, we are here to help.

Give us a call.

DJ'S Repair Service

927 E Main Street

Chamois, MO 65024

573.763.5029