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Mechanic’s warning about common engine mistake that costs you thousands – a $27 purchase will make it last much longer
Another driver said his Highlander was able to last a similar distance
A POPULAR mechanic has warned drivers that their speedy tendencies may impact the longevity of their car.
In a YouTube short, veteran mechanic Scotty Kilmer explained how he got his Toyota SUV to run for over 300,000.
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"Today I'm going to show you how to make your engine last a really long time," Kilmer (@scottykilmer) said in a video while pointing to the odometer with 389,715 miles.
"[These are] simple things to do to keep your complex engine running hundreds of thousands of miles."
Kilmer suggested drivers keep an eye on several engine components.
First, he said drivers should pay attention to the engine's oil and filters.
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He said he changes components on his SUV every 5,000 miles. The consistent changes help him save money.
"Oil is cheap," he said. "Engines are very expensive."
The U.S. Sun found several options for engine oil that were less than $30.
He also said he consistently changes the engine's coolant. Toyota engines use a pink liquid for their coolant.
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Finally, he said the driver must pay attention if their engine uses a rubber timing belt.
A rubber timing belt is a toothed rubber band that keeps your engine's pistons and valves in sync.
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Broken belts can lead to catastrophic engine damage and thousands of dollars in engine repairs.
The mechanic suggested swapping out the band every 100,000 miles.
Kilmer also said a driver can ruin a vehicle's longevity by stomping on the gas pedal.
He said drivers should avoid reaching the red line on the RPM monitor in the gauge cluster.
"Don't red-line it into the red," he said while pointing through the steering wheel.
"That wears things out faster!"
Expert advice on prepping your car for summer
Dustin Piggot, the Service Manager at a Subaru Dealership with years of technincal experience, told The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview which items drivers should have checked before temperatures rise:
- Have a multi-point inspection performed. A paid inspection will prompt a technician to check vital systems like braking, power steering, and front and rear suspension for any leaks or malfunctions. They will also test the condition of the battery and check vital fluid levels and conditions.
- Cooling system. Before things heat up, drivers must have their cooling system inspected for proper coolant levels and condition, have radiator hoses evaluated, and have the radiator checked.
- Have your A/C system checked. If freon is low and needs charging or parts need to be replaced, it's essential to address the issue before temperatures rise.
- Make sure your tires are appropriate for warmer weather. If you live in a climate that necessitates a dedicated winter tire, swap them with all-season or summer tires if possible to extend the life of the winter tire. Winter tires are softer and will wear out much quicker in warmer weather.
- Look at tread depth. Tires with low tread depth will make it more difficult to stop your car if you need to avoid an accident.
- Give your car some TLC. Before it gets too hot, Piggott says it's important to give your car a good cleaning to wash away winter grime and dirt and treat your paint to a nice coat of wax to protect it from harsh UV rays and high heat. Many dealerships like his offer detailing and washing services.
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Kilmer has run a mechanic shop for over 55 years.
He has since become a famous YouTuber, combining quick tips for drivers with a rambunctious energy.
Dozens of drivers commented on the short thanking Kilmer for his advice.
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"Thanks, Scotty, you're on the money there," one commenter added.
"I have a 2010 Toyota Highlander, and [it's] still going [with] 340,000 miles."