How to maintain a car over 20 years old
Updated
The average car in Venezuela is 22 years old. That means most vehicles in the country sit outside the maintenance schedule the manual assumes, and the difference between one that lasts and one that becomes a money pit is almost always what gets checked before it fails.
How often should the oil be changed?
The common reference is every five to ten thousand kilometers depending on oil type, but on an engine with many years and miles it is better to shorten the interval than stretch it. A worn engine burns and contaminates more oil than a new one, so what matters most is not the exact interval but checking the level regularly: an older car can drop between changes without warning.
What maintenance does a car I just bought need?
Treat it as though nothing has been done, whatever you were told. Oil and filter change, belts and hoses, brake fluid, coolant, battery, spark plugs and tire condition. It is the spend that keeps the first month of a used car from becoming a string of surprises, and it costs far less than handling each failure as it appears.
How do I look after a two-decade-old car?
Two habits. The first is to listen and look: new noises, stains under the car, smells, changes in how it brakes or starts. On an older vehicle those signals show up well before the failure. The second is not to postpone the cheap things: a hose, a belt or a sensor costs little and, when it fails, drags something far more expensive with it. Most big repairs on old cars started as a small repair that was let go.
What can I check myself?
More than you would think. Oil level and color, coolant, brake fluid, tire pressure and wear, lights, and whether the dashboard shows any warning. And with an inexpensive OBD2 adapter you can read fault codes from your phone before going to the workshop, which is the difference between arriving knowing what to ask and arriving to be told what you have.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth repairing a 20-year-old car?
It depends on the repair against the vehicle value. In Venezuela it tends to be worth it more than in other markets, because replacing the car is expensive and parts are available for the most common models.
Which makes are easiest to maintain here?
The ones with the most units on the road, because that means more parts and more mechanics experienced with them. Parts availability weighs as much as model reliability.
Is synthetic oil good for an old engine?
It can be, but on a worn engine discuss it with your mechanic: a thinner oil in a loose engine can increase consumption.
How often should I do a general inspection?
At least once a year, and always before a long trip. On an older car, the scheduled inspection costs less than the tow truck.
Start by knowing what it has
Read the fault codes from your phone before taking it to the workshop.