Cars are expensive. Consumers who cannot afford a new car often opt for older, high-mileage vehicles. These vehicles sell for a lower initial price. If not maintained, however, older high-mileage cars can cost so much in repairs that they offer very little long-term savings. On the other hand, a properly maintained high-mileage vehicle can save you money. There is no guarantee that following standard procedures will keep your car out of the mechanic's lot, but diligent maintenance certainly minimizes the risk.
Check and change the oil. Engines with a lot of miles are even more dependent on oil to run smoothly. Your car's owner's manual should specify how often your car needs an oil change. If your car is old and has logged many miles, you should consider changing the oil even more frequently than advised by the manual.
Get the filters and spark plugs changed regularly. The same principles that apply to oil apply equally to your car's filters and plugs. You do not need to change the filters and spark plugs yourself. Many mechanics change these parts without charging hefty fees.
Check your tires weekly. Check for tire pressure and tire wear. Older cars need good, effective tires. Dilapidated tires put more stress on your car's old engine and transmission.
Listen carefully to the engine. As CarInsurance.com notes, "When a car gets 50,000 or 60,000 miles on it, it is not new anymore. You will notice small noises and oddities." Have your car evaluated by a professional whenever you begin to hear a new, disturbing noise. It is better to fix the problem early rather than let the problem worsen.
Drive carefully. Older cars are weaker than newer cars. Try to avoid driving your old car in challenging conditions like snow, steep inclines or off road. The more you stress your old car, the more quickly it will deteriorate.
While it depends on the exact make and model of your older Ford, chances are that it does not achieve gas mileage comparable to newer vehicles. Of course, if the Ford is an older Festiva or Escort, then your fuel economy should, at the very least, be respectable. However, an early Thunderbird, F-150 or Mustang will understandably lag behind. There are direct steps you can take to increase the gas mileage in these olde
Change your older Ford's oil approximately every 3,000 miles. As your Ford car or truck ages, it is imperative that you keep the engine running smoothly. If the engine is running efficiently, it will burn less gas.
Check your Ford's other fluids as well, including the transfer case and differential and ensure that they are at the proper level. If your old Ford is driven daily, consider having the fluids changed at least once a year.Check your old Ford's air filter regularly. A clogged air filter can drastically decrease your vehicle's fuel efficiency. If you find that the filter is dirty, you can clean it out with an air compressor or by lightly tapping it to dislodge the dust. If the filter is severely clogged or very dirty, replace it with a new filter.
Check the tires' air pressure and make sure they are inflated to the level recommended on the sidewall. Tires that are not fully inflated will reduce your Ford's gas mileage.
Replace your spark plugs if needed. Look at the spark plugs in your 2003 Ford. If they are corroded or damaged in any way, or you cannot remember the last time they were changed, replace them. The spark plugs start the combustion process in your engine. If this process is not functioning properly, the gas mileage of your Focus will be affected.
Replace the air filter in your Focus. A dirty air filter prevents clean air from getting into your engine, which affects the air your Focus is getting. This can prevent proper combustion from occurring.
Get proper maintenance for your Focus to ensure the best mileage possible. Ford recommends oil changes at every 3,000 miles or three months. The transmission should also be checked and fluids replaced or drained as needed. The cleaner your engine, the better gas mileage you will receive.
Inflate tires to the appropriate air pressure. Ford recommends 26 to 34 pounds per square inch for the tire pressure. If your tires are under-inflated, the gas mileage will decrease.
Fill your tank with the proper fuel. Ford recommends regular unleaded for the Focus. Higher octanes do not have any additional benefits, and lower octanes can damage your car.
Drive as much as possible on the highway versus stop-and-go city traffic. While driving, abide by speed limits. High speeds can reduce gas mileage, as can constant braking and accelerating when driving in the city.
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