Back to all

Maintenance for High Mileage Vehicles in Waukesha, Wisconsin

January 1, 2024



The median age for cars in the Waukesha, Wisconsin area was over nine years. And two-thirds had over 75,000 miles. At Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Waukesha we hear reports that those numbers continue to rise.

If you have a high-mileage vehicle in the Waukesha area, bring it into Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Waukesha for high-mileage maintenance.
S31 W24721 Sunset Drive
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53189
262-513-9500

Many people in Wisconsin are keeping their vehicles longer. The economy has influenced that, but the fact that modern vehicles are more durable and reliable means that owning a high mileage vehicle doesn't have to be a painful experience.

Local car owners in Waukesha with over 100,000 miles on their vehicles often ask which service intervals they should follow. Let's start with the special needs of the older vehicle...

The reality is that time and mileage will take its toll. The engine and transmission will have more sludge. The fuel, steering and brake systems will have gum and varnish built up. There'll be more dirt and contaminants in the fuel tank. Corrosion and deposits in the cooling system. And seals and gaskets will start to dry out.

All of this, plus normal wear and tear, means that the engine might not be as strong as new, so it just has to work harder to get the job done.

So we need to compensate. Consider high-mileage formulations for oil changes, transmission service, etc. These special formulations contain additives that condition the seals and gaskets to prevent leaks. They also have more detergents to clean sludge and other deposits. They cost a bit more, but they're worth it.

In general, if an auto service was recommended every 15,000 miles when the car was new, you should continue to get the service done every 15,000 miles.

Talk with your Waukesha service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Waukesha about the condition of your engine. See if he thinks you should adjust your auto service intervals for oil changes or other auto maintenance to account for the older engine working harder.

Expect the oil filter to get dirty faster. Same goes for the fuel filter. And some leaks are to be expected so you need to keep a closer eye on fluid levels.

If anything, following recommended service intervals for your vehicle is more important in a higher mileage vehicle. Skipping oil changes or other services can lead to problems much more quickly than with a newer vehicle.

So, have your Waukesha auto service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Waukesha help you with an assessment of your older car or truck. If you haven't gotten around to a fuel system cleaning, or replacing power steering or brake fluid, a differential service or transmission service – it's time to start taking care of those things. It'll help keep you on the road for many more happy miles.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Waukesha
S31 W24721 Sunset Drive
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53189
262-513-9500

More articles from Tuffy Waukesha

The Right Stuff (Choosing Replacement Parts)

January 19, 2025

Let's face it. Vehicles are complicated machines, each having thousands of parts. And since they're subjected to heat, cold, vibrations, bumps and much more, these parts wear out and need to be replaced. When your service advisor says you need a new part, you may have many options. Let's say ... More

The ?Man-Made? Engine Oil (Synthetic Oil Change)

January 12, 2025

If you own a newer vehicle, your vehicles manufacturer may require that it use synthetic oil instead of conventional oil. Synthetic oils are more stable, dont break down as easily, and provide better engine protection than conventional oil. All those things can prolong the life of your engine an... More

Steer Clear of Power Steering Problems (Power Steering Maintenance)

January 5, 2025

We usually take our vehicle's easy steering for granted until something goes wrong. Power steering is what makes it almost effortless to turn the steering wheel, aiming your vehicle in the direction you want to go. Without the assistance of power from the engine, steering would be a laborious pr... More