The Nuts and Bolts of 100k Mile Maintenance

With new and used vehicles giving car buyers a classic case of sticker shock (not to mention those gas prices!) many folks are choosing to hold onto their rides for as long as possible. While it’s true today’s vehicles are built to go the distance – regularly cresting 100,000 miles with ease – ongoing maintenance is still key. And if you’ve been neglecting some must-do upkeep, the satisfaction of watching the odometer turn over all those zeros may be overshadowed by the fear of costly repairs. Help your vehicle age like a fine wine with these 100k mile maintenance tips.

There may be no universal recipe of repairs across all platforms, but here are some areas that should definitely get a little extra attention as you hit that mileage milestone.

Timing Belt

Topping many a 100k mile maintenance checklist, timing belt replacement is very important to your vehicle’s lifespan. The timing belt drives the camshafts, ensuring they are synchronized with the movement of the crankshaft. In modern vehicles, a broken timing belt can spell disaster for your engine. If synchronization falls out of whack, pistons can slam into open valves resulting in serious damage. Often, a timing belt will simply break with no warning so proper inspection and replacement is critical.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer will denote a very specific interval for replacement, usually somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual to find out what kind of engine you have, and more details on your timing belt. Also, the timing belt sometimes drives the water pump and/or oil pump, so these parts are usually replaced at the same time.

Steering Components

The environment and abuse that ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings are subjected to will play a big role in how long they last. And right around 100k miles, they often start to rattle, pop, creek, and bang. This is often when people start to get really nervous about their car’s condition. And yes, these components being worn out can be dangerous – but the situation is not unfixable.

At this point in a vehicle’s life, it’s a good idea to take the time and check out the condition of these parts. Replacement costs will vary with YMM, so consider phasing some of these fixes into your regular budget for car upkeep. Look to a quality brand like MOOG, who’s been outperforming factory parts for 100 years. Those of you piloting a Jeep should look to Crown Automotive. As a leader in OEM replacement parts since the ’60s, if they don’t have what you need it likely doesn’t exist.

Steering components often have to be addressed as part of routine 100k mile maintenance. MOOG has earned its reputation as a quality manufacturer.

Additionally, while the old saying might be, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” 100k mile maintenance requires that adage be taken with a grain of salt. If you find that one of these components is starting to make noises, cause uneven tire wear, or a loose steering wheel, it’s a good idea to consider a total overhaul. Usually when one starts to go, the others are soon to follow.

Struts and Shocks

Speaking of the undercarriage and loud noises, sometimes pops and bangs aren’t the result of bad steering components or even bushings. Sometimes, shock absorbers are to blame. “The thing about shocks and struts is that they wear slowly, so we don’t notice the decline in a vehicle that we drive every day,” says Chuck Wallace, Sales Rep at Keystone Automotive. If your shocks haven’t been replaced yet, Wallace advises you add them to that list of 100k mile maintenance.

Wondering how you know when your vehicle needs new shocks or struts? Check out our post on noticing the symptoms, making a proper diagnosis, and treating the problem.

Replace worn-out shocks and struts with monroe

Even if the shocks still have some life in them at 100,000 miles, replacing them will offer improvements in performance and driving experience. In fact, a fresh set of shocks and struts will help make the vehicle ride as if it were brand new again. This may be warranted if you feel like your vehicle’s handling could use a refresher.

Exhaust System

Another culprit of loud rattling sounds from down under could be your exhaust system finally giving up. It’s good practice to regularly check for wear and tear, holes, and leaks.

“As far as exhaust,” says Wallace, “that’s going to depend on the environment the vehicle is operated in, as much as the mileage. I would always recommend replacing as much as the budget allows. If one part is bad others are probably not far behind.”

Keep in mind, replacing an exhaust system piece-by-piece will cost more time and money than replacing the whole thing at once. And while that could mean more of an investment than you anticipated as part of your 100k mile maintenance, think of it as an opportunistic investment. For example, swapping to a performance exhaust with stainless steel parts can make a world of difference in the appreciation of your car or truck, as well as in how long the system will last. Plus, you can upgrade to a unit with better acoustics, ensuring you upgrade your vehicle’s bark along with its bite.

Learn more about the different types of exhaust systems and how they affect performance and sound in our comprehensive aftermarket buying guide.

Driveshaft U-Joints

You may have noticed that much of this 100k mile maintenance pertains to the undercarriage. Considering most of the important moving parts live under the vehicle, where they’ll be exposed to the harshest conditions, this makes sense.

While they have a simple job, driveshafts sit on the front line – and by the time you reach 100,000 miles, they’ve seen some stuff. In fact, according to Kris Lavery, Marketing Coordinator at Keystone Automotive, owners of AWD vehicles should consider upgrading their driveshafts even earlier than 100,000 miles. He had to replace the front driveshaft on a 2011 Nissan Rogue that had less than 80k miles, noting that “Nissan’s poor design has the U-joint integrated into the shaft, which forces the replacement of the shaft when the U-Joint nears failure. Dorman has a better-than-OE replacement that allows for independent U-joint replacement once installed.”

With the exception of some poor designs out there, the driveshafts generally aren’t the problem—it’s the joints they use for operation. Regardless of the drive type, these joints will wear out over time and the big 100k mark is the perfect time to replace them if you haven’t already.

Spark Plugs

This is a pretty common item on the ol’ 100k mile maintenance checklist.

NGK spark plugs

Over time, spark plugs wear out, resulting in power loss. The small-but-mighty parts have varying lifespans (and they may have been replaced already), but take into consideration that copper plugs usually need to be replaced every 20,000 miles. Platinum and iridium plugs, by comparison, may last up to the 100,000-mile mark. So even with routine maintenance, spark plugs need to be replaced at this point in the car’s life. When this is done, performance, economy and drivability will vastly improve.

Chris Turner, Marketing Coordinator at Keystone Automotive, also encourages drivers to check their O2 sensors. Swapping in a new set “can help with gas mileage and vehicle efficiency. Good idea to change at 100K or, you know…. when the light comes on,” he jokes.

You guessed it – we have a buying guide on spark plugs too. Click here to learn more.

New Oil

Hopefully, you’ve been good about keeping up with those regular oil changes. As your vehicle’s lifeblood, swapping in a fresh supply is one of the simplest things you can do to ensure a long and happy life for your ride.

But as that vehicle gets older, frequency isn’t the only concern. Just like humans turn to heart-healthy diets as they grow older, your aging vehicle could use a little vascular support for its own powerplant. It’s a good idea to consider switching to an oil that is specially formulated to target the mechanical ailments of higher-mileage rides – namely, advanced wear, friction, heat, and deposits.

Check out Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology Motor Oil. Specially formulated to target these age-old issues, this oil helps maximize engine life. It is available in full synthetic and synthetic blend formulations, and vehicle owners can choose what kind of performance pedigree they want based on budget and driving habits.

Keep It Going

Aside from the usual suspects on this list, drivers also should address the cabin filter, something that typically needs to be replaced every 20-30K miles, and inspect all belts and hoses. Turner advises taking a step further by look for leaks or cracks. “Now is the time to change it before it goes,” he says. “A little inspection of those parts can go a long way in saving you cash and keeping your car on the road.”

Cresting that 100,000-mile hill is an achievement in vehicle-ownership, but it’s by no means time to throw in the towel. Obviously, we all let things slide from time to time, but proper maintenance will ensure your ride can reach this milestone—and hopefully keep running long past it.

Even if you feel like it’s time to make a swap for something better, there are a lot of benefits to overhauling a car every 100,000 miles. The biggest ones being no down payment, no monthly payments, and having a vehicle you know you can depend on.

Leave a Reply