How to keep your 10 year old car running longer
Not everyone wants or can afford a brand new car, and you can often get a superb secondhand car of about 10 years old that will last for many more years for a fraction of the price. The most important thing when buying or owning older cars is to check their service history as a car that has been well maintained will be more reliable long term than one that has not
Book your car service
How to maintain an older car
Maintaining an older car means keeping it serviced on an annual basis or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. You should ensure that its oil and filters are changed at every service, its brakes inspected and all fluids topped up. Your mechanic will also check the timing chain or belt and replace it if necessary, as should it fail, this could have a catastrophic effect.
Your mechanic will also inspect your tyres and brakes at every service to check that they are safe and in good, serviceable condition. It is essential that you keep your tyre air pressure at the right level as failing to do so puts more strain on your vehicle's steering and suspension and can lead to premature component degradation, which can increase your costs and shorten the vehicle's life span. Your tyres must also have sufficient tread depth to enable you to stop quickly and safely.
Our top tips to keep an old car reliable
At Protyre, we see a lot of older cars, and our advice to owners is always the same. Deal early with any issues that arise, and your car will last longer. Letting issues develop is always more costly in the long term, and the longer a car is run with a fault, the likelier it is to succumb to that fault.
You should get used to how your car handles and sounds, and if you notice any changes, get it checked out at your local Protyre garage at the earliest opportunity. A rumbling sound may indicate that your tyres are worn and need replacing. Here at Protyre, we supply tyres from premium brands such as Pirelli through to mid-market and budget models. Any strange noises may suggest that you have identified an issue that, left unchecked, would have developed into a major fault. In some cases, a mechanic will perform a quick inspection and reassure you that there is nothing wrong, in which case you can go on your way feeling reassured.
It is always better to get a potential issue checked than to assume that all is well. Your safety and that of other road users is always a mechanic's first priority, so never feel as though you are wasting their time by asking for an inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
A car that is well maintained throughout its life should last at least 200,000 miles or 20 years. Some last a lot longer, evidenced by the DVLA's records, which suggest that up to 300,000 classic cars are in use on UK roads today (classic being defined as greater than 40 years old)
Not necessarily. Many competent car owners can change their oil and filters themselves, the components being readily available in a range of automotive suppliers,
however most people choose to have their vehicles professionally serviced for the peace of mind of knowing that the service has been conducted to the highest standards, to benefit from the parts and labour warranty and to get an early indication of any potential problems identified so that they may be remedied before they develop.
Yes, there is little risk in buying a car of 10 years or more, provided that it has been well maintained, has a good service history and a recent MOT. If you are unsure, most buyers will allow you to book an inspection by a garage or mechanic of your choosing to verify the vehicle's condition. You can also check its MOT history on the DVLA website to reassure yourself that the mileage correlates with that displayed. If you do your due diligence, you should be able to buy a second hand car and enjoy years of happy motoring.