Let Speedy Lube Help You Keep Your Vehicle Another Couple of Years
You may remember when the U.S. government's “Cash for Clunkers” program splashed the news scene. People were offered incentives to trade in old vehicles for new ones in the interest of better and improved air quality from reduced emissions. But a lot of drivers want to hang onto their old clunkers. They're dependable, and they're paid for. Owners would love to see the odometers on those vehicles turn past 200,000 miles (320,000 km), as long as the repair bills don't get too expensive. There are a lot of vehicles on California roads that have run past the 200,000-mile (320,000 km) odometer reading. Is there something their owners do that keeps these vehicles on the road? Or did they just win the “lemon lottery” and luck out by getting a particularly good vehicle? Not surprisingly, most of these owners have something in common. They never skip an oil change. Can keeping a vehicle on the road for 200,000 miles (320,000 km) really be easy for drivers? Actually, it makes sense. Oil is the lifeblood of a vehicle. Clean oil ensures that the engine will run efficiently and staves off the build-up of sludge that can eventually damage engine parts. Oil changes remove dirty oil and replace dirty oil filters, keeping an engine clean and running smoothly, just like eating right, keeps our hearts healthy by preventing build-up in our arteries. But there's another reason why not skipping an oil change can result in a longer life for your car. When you bring your car into Speedy Lube for an oil change, all fluid levels are checked and topped off. If these fluids are depleted, dirty or low, they can damage the engine. If a fluid is significantly low, it usually indicates a leak somewhere, leading to an inspection of relevant parts. Inspecting and replacing the worn part can prevent repair bills and maintain the engine's health. At an oil change, your technician at Speedy Lube will also check for worn belts or hoses, uneven tread wear, leaking shock absorbers and other signs of wear and tear. This advance notice lets the owner replace parts before they break down and damage your vehicle. The oil change is also a good time to review any other service the vehicle might need. Many car owners rely on their pros at Speedy Lube for good auto advice on check-ups and follow-up vehicle care that will keep older cars running well. Parts wear out on older vehicles. There's no avoiding it. As the odometer chugs upward toward 200,000 miles (320,000 km), the vehicle will need several batteries, alternators and water pumps, a new set of shocks and possibly some brake rotors. But these items—all together—add up to far less than the cost of a new vehicle. Good vehicle care and preventive maintenance are the hallmarks of drivers who have kept their vehicles on the road and run past the age when most of us have given up and returned to a car lot. We can learn from their wisdom. So treat your car right: Take good care of it, and don't skip the check-ups at Speedy Lube
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