After driving 178,000 miles in the past ten years, wIve learned the secret to making a car last: regular maintenance with premium parts.
We bought our 1999 Mitsubishi Mirage in 2001 with 12,000 miles. After adding 178,000 miles in the past ten years, the car keeps on ticking and has had only one major repair: air conditioning leak (and that was a major cost only because the leak was buried in the dashboard).
Aside from following the prescribed maintenance schedule, there are a few other things I’ve learned to follow:
Use 100% Synthetic Oil and Change it Often
Most cars come with and are replaced with the conventional oil pumped from the ground. Fully synthetic oil is just that, made in a lab to behave like the stuff from the ground. However, synthetic oil is much more durable – it lasts longer under heat, is more viscous (slick) so it lasts longer in an engine and lubricates better. The primary drawback to synthetic oil is the cost: it typically runs more than twice as much as conventional oil. On the flip side, most shops will recommend changing conventional oil every three to four thousand miles while suggesting six to eight thousand miles for synthetic, effectively making them cost the same. I’ve tended to change my synthetic oil every five or six thousand miles for extra protection. And don’t forget to have the filter changed each time! Keep in mind there are synthetic “blends” available too – these are a mix of conventional and synthetic oil. While blends are cheaper than full synthetics, they will also not last as long. If Formula 1 race cars all use full synthetic, the stuff must work! Mobil 1 is the most common brand of full synthetic, but can be expensive. Royal Purple is the pick of many motor heads.
Use Premium Spark Plugs like Splitfire, E3 or Halo
Like oil, spark plugs are another part where you’ll usually get the cheapest, basic part. Cheap spark plugs go for under a buck, while the good ones can be as much as ten bucks. But you get what you pay for: increased performance, fuel efficiency, less pollution an in some cases a 100,000 mile warranty! These advanced spark plugs typically use two things: increased surface area to “spark” and greater conductive metal surfaces for a hotter spark. Iridium and platinum are commonly used, though its hard to say which is better. Splitfire and E3 plugs use a fork contact surface (as opposed to a single prong on standard plugs) and the Halo plug uses a ring (hence, “halo”). With increased surface area and burn temperature, you’ll see increased combustion. This means more fuel burns more complete, so you are getting all of the stored up energy out of the gas. And as a result, you’ll have less air pollution from uncombusted fuel or fumes being exhausted. I was able to quantify this years ago with a before and after emissions test.
Use a Permanent Air Filter like K&N
Like oil and plugs, you usually get the cheapest filter unless you ask. And most filters are disposable. But what a permanent filter can provide is less waste and increased horsepower. Permanent filters simply allow more air to pass to the engine than disposable paper filters, all the while keeping the engine clean. Increases air intake results in greater horsepower. Permanent filters should last the life of your car and require occasional cleaning with a kit you must purchase separately. While being a tad pricey up front, they more than pay for themselves over the lifetime of your car. K&N are the most common brand of filter and I’ve used them for years.
Maximize Tire Inflation
If you’ve ever looked at your tire and compared it to your owners manual, the maximum inflation pressures probably differ. The manufacturer of the tire will typically provide a maximum pressure independent of the car. The auto manufacturer will typically provide an inflation pressure max designed to support the car’s purpose, which for most cars is comfort. As a result, most car makers recommend a lower tire pressure to make for a smoother, cushioned ride. However, the maximum tire pressure from the tire maker will give you increased gas mileage, usually at a slight cost to ride comfort. It all comes down to resistance on the road, and a fully inflated tire simply rolls farther!
Aside from making your car last, you should see improved gas mileage or maintain what you are getting. In addition, you’ll likely see a slight horsepower boost and reduction in emissions.
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