American vehicles are getting older. Car dealers might have sold more than 16 million new vehicles in 2014, but the average age of cars on American roads is about 11.5 years. That means there's a large number of high-mileage vehicles that would require auto repair and specialized maintenance. Stillwater Auto Clinic in Minnesota explains why and how you should maintain a car with high mileage.

Why It's Important to Maintain High-Mileage Vehicles

More car owners are opting to keep their vehicles longer instead of buying a new car. With about two-thirds of cars in America having more than 75,000 miles on them, drivers have to contend with car issues that haven't been managed before. Drivers should understand how important it is to maintain these vehicles.

For one, the engines of older cars are working under more stress since it's starting to age. Regular oil changes are more critical with high-mileage vehicles because there's a greater chance that sludge has built up in the oil compartment. In short, the car's parts are already showing wear and tear. It's critical that drivers keep meticulous records of service schedules and be active in preventive maintenance to keep auto repair to a minimum.

Tips on How to Maintain High-Mileage Cars

Owners of high-mileage cars should consider the following to ensure their vehicles last longer:

• Get Serious About Maintenance: Older engines need a lot of help, so drivers should be serious about keeping engines lubed and air filters clean. Change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and regularly check the tires and brakes for wear.
• Protect Against the Elements: As your car gets older, it becomes more susceptible to rust. Keep your car in a garage or under a cover to protect it from the elements.
• Drive Easy: Avoid bad driving habits that would put undue stress or strain on your car, like hitting curbs, driving fast, or off-roading.

Keep your car running smoothly by going to a reliable car shop like Stillwater Auto Clinic. The company offers their expertise in a wide array of services, like oil changes, transmission work, and other auto repair jobs, all at very affordable prices. Contact them at (651) 351-7188 or check out their website.