What are the effects of high mileage on a car?
3 Answers
The effects of high mileage on a car are as follows: 1. Driving distance: If the car is driven short distances daily, the car battery is likely to lose charge. Previous calculations show that the electricity consumed during each car start takes about 2 minutes of driving to recharge. 2. Battery discharge: In theory, driving for 10 minutes a day with no more than 4 starts will not cause the battery to lose charge. However, batteries are not only used for ignition; typically, we enjoy listening to music and using air conditioning while driving, which gradually depletes the battery, leading to discharge issues soon. 3. Engine oil: Engine oil must be prioritized because if the car is used for short durations frequently, the engine often remains in a cold-start state. As mentioned earlier, cold starts are the most damaging to the engine. Therefore, when selecting engine oil, it is advisable to choose oil with good start-up performance, such as fully synthetic SAE0W30 or SAE5W30 engine oil.
My old car has been showing obvious signs of engine weakness after long-distance driving, with noticeable shaking, increased noise, and a significant rise in fuel consumption—costing me dozens more dollars each month on gas. The transmission has become sluggish when shifting gears, and starting the engine in winter is also a struggle. The mechanic said it's due to internal gear wear. After the suspension system aged, driving over bumps causes severe vibrations, affecting comfort, and the brake pads wear out much faster, with frequent recommendations for replacements during inspections, which costs quite a bit. The tires are heavily worn, posing risks during high-speed driving, often requiring inflation or replacement. The electrical wiring is prone to aging—last year, the headlight circuit shorted, nearly causing an accident. Overall reliability has declined, requiring frequent repairs, and the resale value has plummeted. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and throttle body cleaning, is recommended to delay these issues. Safety comes first, especially before long trips—a thorough inspection is highly advisable.
Friend, when you drive more and the mileage gets high, the car tends to age. The engine performance declines, acceleration slows down, and black smoke appears, causing fuel costs to rise. The transmission may become jerky, with automatic gears shifting roughly and the clutch pedal of manual transmissions becoming heavier. Suspension components loosen, making the car feel unstable and rides on bumpy roads more uncomfortable. Tires wear out faster, braking distance increases, affecting driving safety. Electrical system issues multiply, the battery discharges frequently, and dashboard warning lights stay on, which is quite annoying. The car body is more prone to rust, especially in rainy weather, requiring more frequent washing and maintenance. Repair costs skyrocket, and the resale value of used cars drops. It's recommended to replace old parts early to save money and hassle.
