What Maintenance is Necessary at 100k Miles?

When your car or truck makes it to 100,000 miles, that could be a sign that you have a well-made vehicle and that you or your mechanic are doing something right. Regular maintenance usually includes changing air filters, checking tire pressure, changing spark plugs, testing the car battery, inspecting the serpentine belt and hoses for signs of wear, tire rotations, replacing windshield wiper blades, and more. However, the older a vehicle gets, the more likely something will eventually break down. Keeping up with routine maintenance is the best way to ensure you can get another 100,000 miles out of that car. But what extra maintenance is necessary at a 100k-mile check-up to keep your vehicle running as long as possible?

Water Pump

Your vehicle's water pump is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the engine to prevent it from overheating. Your vehicle may overheat or experience coolant leaks if the water pump wears out. Your car will still turn on if the water pump is faulty, but running it without a water pump can damage your engine to the point where it may need replacement. Early detection and repair of a broken water pump can prevent more expensive issues down the road.

It may not be necessary to have your water pump replaced at 100,000 miles if nothing is wrong with it, but it is important to have it inspected as part of your regular maintenance schedule. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the manufacturer may recommend having your water pump inspected at regular intervals to catch any potential issues, or they may suggest that it be replaced entirely at a specific mileage.

Timing Belt

The timing belt synchronizes the movement of the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft. Over time, the timing belt can become worn or damaged and even break, leading to engine problems or even a complete engine failure. Symptoms of a malfunctioning timing belt can include:

• Engine misfires
• Failure to start
• Strange engine noises
• Oil leaks
• Reduced power or acceleration

For most vehicles, a timing belt replacement is included as part of necessary maintenance at 100,000 miles to avoid potential failure.

Brakes & Tires

Chances are that if you hit 100,000 miles, you didn’t go that far on the car’s original brakes and tires. But if you did, it’s time to have them checked to see if they need to be replaced.

Brake pads, shoes, rotors, and drums typically last 30,000 to 70,000 miles. How long they will last on your vehicle depends on road conditions, driving habits, and the quality of the pads and shoes. For example, brakes on a passenger car used for commuting locally an average of 10,000 miles per year can easily last up to 7 years or 70,000 miles. However, brakes on an SUV used for off-roading may only last a few months due to faster wear from sand, mud, or rocks. Replacing brake systems is often included in the maintenance necessary at 100k miles, so it’s a good idea to check your brakes to see if they need replacing. 

Like brakes, the lifespan of tires can vary greatly, depending on the quality of the tires, driving habits, driving conditions, and proper maintenance, including rotating and balancing. But generally, tires are designed to last anywhere from 40,000 to 80,000 miles. While some may last longer or need to be replaced sooner, mechanics should check all tires for signs of uneven wear, damage, or worn tread at 100,000 miles.

Fluids

As with brakes and tires, a properly maintained vehicle that makes it to 100,000 miles likely had its fluids checked and replaced several times during routine vehicle maintenance. Some fluids that should be checked during service include motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, or differential fluid. As your car ages, these fluids can become contaminated and degraded, losing their ability to keep components of your vehicle sufficiently lubricated. So at 100,000 miles, it’s essential to ensure the fluids have been checked and replaced as needed.

Suspension & Steering

Suspension and steering systems can also show signs of wear and tear the older a car gets. So at a 100,000-mile inspection, mechanics should look for loose, worn, or damaged components. They should also check for leaks in the power steering lines.

Schedule 100k-Mile Service with Piazza Subaru

If your car reached the 100,000-mile mark, it’s likely because you really like that car or are doing everything you can to avoid a new car payment. So to keep that car running for as long as possible, it’s essential to go above and beyond the routine maintenance checklist. Mechanics should include the maintenance necessary at 100k miles to give attention to components that wear down on higher-mileage vehicles.

Piazza Subura has a top-notch service and repair shop in Limerick, PA, and we specialize in 100k-mile service. Our experienced technicians use the latest tools and equipment to inspect your vehicle’s systems, including brakes, suspension, steering, and more. By entrusting your vehicle to Piazza Subaru, you can have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in good hands and that it will be maintained to the highest quality standards. Contact Piazza Subaru today to schedule your 100k-mile service, and let us help you keep your vehicle running smoothly for another 100,000 miles. 

If 100,000 miles is as far as you’re willing to take your old vehicle and you’re ready to drive away in something new, then be sure to check out our latest Subaru financing offers on select 2023 vehicles.