Identifying Auto Service

Keeping a car well into the six-figure mileage range can be a point of pride and also a sign of good financial sense. Extending your ownership can help you to get the most value out of your vehicle, but it can also lead to some repairs that you may not be expecting. Learning about these potential challenges can help you to anticipate and prepare for them.

Below you will find three common issues faced by many cars as they age, and the signs you need to recognize to address them.

1. Fluid Leaks

Fluids commonly leak from flexible hoses and near gaskets or seals. All of these items can wear out with time and the constant heating and cooling cycles that come with years of driving. These issues can affect everything from your motor oil to the brake fluid. While some leaks may be inevitable, you can take steps to minimize the impact they have on your vehicle.

The best preventative approach is to monitor your fluid levels carefully on any older vehicle. Check your coolant, power steering, and oil levels at least once a month. If your car has a transmission dipstick, then routinely check transmission fluid levels as well. Monitoring your fluids will help you to spot leaks early so you can address them before they cause damage.

2. Failed Mounts

Your motor and transmission both produce vibrations as a part of their regular operation. Mounts help to keep these components attached to your car, while also absorbing vibrations and allowing them some freedom to move. On most cars, these mounts use fluid-filled enclosures or rubber that can become brittle or wear out over time.

There's not much you can do to stop your mounts from wearing out with age, but recognizing the symptoms of failure can help to prevent more costly damage in the future. As the mounts begin to fail, you will likely experience excessive cabin vibrations or loud thuds. Replacing the mounts will smooth out your ride and help to protect your motor and transmission from potential shock damage.

3. Bad Wheel Bearings

Your wheel bearings allow your wheels to rotate smoothly. As they age, lubrication in the bearings can leak or wear out, ultimately impeding the smooth movement of the wheel. If you hear a loud, rotational grinding or hum from your wheels, then you may have a bearing failure. The sound will typically increase as you accelerate, but it may become difficult to hear over road or wind noise at higher speeds.

Bad wheel bearings can impact your vehicle's handling and ruin your tires. Because poor handling can make your vehicle more difficult to control, this is an item you shouldn't neglect on cars of any age.

If you notice any of these issues with your vehicle, take it to a place that offers auto repair services.