Your car’s mileage is a timeline of its needs. This guide helps you stay ahead of costly repairs, with advice compiled from UK mechanic expertise and manufacturer service schedules.
10,000 – 30,000 Miles
Focus on routine checks. Neglect seems minor but sets the stage for future issues.
- Key Checks: Engine oil & filter, tyre pressure/ tread, brake pad thickness.
- Cost to Watch: First major service (£150-£300). Skipping it risks long-term engine damage.
60,000 Miles: The Critical Belt Service
This is the most important preventative milestone for many cars.
- Key Check: Timing belt & water pump replacement (critical for VW, Peugeot, & Ford EcoBoost models).
- Cost Insight: Replacement costs £400-£800. Failure can destroy the engine, with bills exceeding £4,000.
Wet Belt Replacement (Timing Belt in Oil)
Ford 1.0L EcoBoost Engine (Found in Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport, C-MAX)
Mechanics and specialists strongly recommend replacement between 60,000 and 80,000 miles, or every 5 years. A preventative wet belt replacement service is typically £800 – £1,500 due to the labour-intensive process.
Peugeot/Citroën/Vauxhall 1.2L PureTech Engine (Found in Peugeot 208/308, Citroën C3/C4, Vauxhall Corsa)
Recommendation is for replacement no later than 70,000 miles or 6-8 years.
100,000 Miles: The Major Component Check
Wear and tear on high-value parts becomes likely.
- Key Checks: Clutch (manual cars), suspension shocks/springs, automatic transmission fluid.
- Cost Insight: A new clutch is £500-£900. Worn suspension (£600-£1,200) affects safety and causes uneven tyre wear.
150,000+ Miles: The Golden Years
Manage and maintain. Monitor major systems like turbochargers (on diesels) and the exhaust/DPF.
- Cost Insight: Turbo replacement can cost £1,500-£3,000. A failed Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a £1,000+ repair and an MOT failure.
Know When to Let Go
Facing a repair bill that’s more than your car is worth? You’re not alone. When maintenance costs soar, especially for older, high-mileage cars, scrapping it is often the most sensible and financially sound decision.
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Don’t pour money into a lost cause. Turn your old car into cash today.
