Beyond 100K: A Preventative Maintenance Guide for High-Mileage Vehicles
Beyond 100K: A Preventative Maintenance Guide for High-Mileage Vehicles
Posted on May 23, 2025
This year marks 100 years of Stellantis in Canada—a full century of engineering, innovation, and driving stories across the country. And in many ways, that 100 is more than just a number—it represents endurance, trust, and the roads that connect us.
If your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram has hit 100,000 KM or more, that milestone holds a similar meaning. It’s a testament to the vehicle’s durability, your care as an owner, and a life in motion. Whether you’ve explored remote trails in a Wrangler, hauled jobsite gear in a Ram, or chauffeured the whole family in a Grand Caravan, your vehicle has earned its stripes—and its continued care.
Just as Stellantis is celebrating 100 years of progress, we’re shining a light on the next 100,000 KM for your vehicle—and why preventative maintenance is the key to making it there confidently.
Why Preventative Care Matters
1. Catching Issues Early Saves You Money
As vehicles age, common wear items like belts, hoses, and gaskets become more prone to failure. Catching these problems early—during regular inspections—can prevent much costlier repairs down the road. An overdue fluid change, for example, could lead to premature transmission damage. Preventative service is your first line of defense.
2. Major Systems Need a Little Extra Love
From your engine and cooling system to your drivetrain and suspension, high-mileage vehicles work harder just to maintain daily performance. Key fluids start to lose their effectiveness, parts wear more unevenly, and even bushings or mounts may begin to degrade. Proactive servicing helps restore balance and function before it affects drivability.
3. Protect Your Fuel Efficiency and Smooth Performance
One of the first things to fade in a high-mileage vehicle is fuel economy. Dirty filters, clogged injectors, and aging spark plugs can cause your engine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption and reducing performance. A maintenance plan that addresses these areas can give your vehicle a noticeable boost—on the road and at the pump.
4. Maintain Value—Even After 100K KM
A well-maintained vehicle holds value, especially when it has a clear and consistent service record. Whether you’re planning to sell or trade in down the line, buyers notice when a vehicle’s been properly cared for. Preventative maintenance doesn’t just help your ride run better—it makes it more appealing when it’s time to upgrade.
High Mileage Myths
High mileage doesn’t have to mean high risk. Yet, many drivers fall into the trap of misinformation when their vehicle hits six figures on the odometer. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths:
“It’s not worth fixing an older car.” Not true—if your vehicle has been regularly maintained, repairing it can be far more cost-effective than buying new. Plus, many Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models are built to last well beyond 200,000 KM with the right care.
“I’ll just run it into the ground.” That usually means more frequent and expensive breakdowns. Preventative maintenance can keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and far less expensive over time.
“Once it passes 100K, it’s all downhill.” Modern vehicles are engineered for longevity. With today’s materials and manufacturing, hitting 100,000 KM is more like reaching halftime—not the end.
“Repairs are just a waste—I’d rather put that money toward something new.” Depending on the repair, spending a few hundred dollars on a key component could buy you thousands more kilometers—without a new car payment or increased insurance costs.
“The resale value is already gone.” A high-mileage vehicle with a clean maintenance record can still hold strong value—especially in today’s pre-owned market, where reliability is everything.
Key Services to Prioritize After 100,000 KM
Hitting 100,000 kilometers isn’t the beginning of the end—it’s the start of a smarter, more intentional approach to vehicle care. At this stage, your vehicle’s systems have seen significant use, and addressing wear and tear proactively can make the difference between years of reliable service or an unexpected breakdown.
Here are the essential areas our factory-trained technicians at 400 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram recommend focusing on:
Transmission Service: Replace old fluid to protect against overheating and ensure smooth shifting. A flush can extend transmission life significantly.
Cooling System Flush: Old coolant can corrode internal parts; flushing it keeps your engine running at a safe temperature.
Brake System Inspection: Worn pads, rotors, and calipers can reduce stopping power. Regular checks prevent expensive brake system failures.
Spark Plug Replacement: Worn plugs cause misfires and poor fuel economy. Fresh plugs restore ignition efficiency and smoother starts.
Fuel System Cleaning: Carbon buildup reduces performance. A cleaning restores fuel flow, power, and throttle response.
Battery & Charging Test: Batteries lose strength over time. A load test ensures reliability and avoids unexpected failures.
Suspension & Steering Check: Worn shocks and bushings affect ride quality and control. Inspections catch issues before they become dangerous.
Tire Inspection & Alignment: Uneven wear or pulling may indicate alignment issues. Proper alignment extends tire life and improves handling.
Belts, Hoses & Filters: Aging rubber can crack or leak. Replacing these inexpensive parts avoids bigger repair bills later.
Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection: A full check gives you a complete picture of your vehicle’s health, helping you plan maintenance smartly.
Our technicians at 400 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram are factory-trained and fully equipped to assess exactly what your high-mileage vehicle needs, no more and no less.
Join the High Mileage Club
This year, as Stellantis celebrates a century of Canadian roads, we’re celebrating the journeys that make that legacy personal—yours.
At 400 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’ve introduced the High Mileage Club to recognize and support drivers whose vehicles have gone the distance. If your vehicle has passed the 100,000 KM or 150,000 KM milestone, you're eligible for exclusive savings on parts and labour—just one more way we help you keep your vehicle in peak condition for the next chapter.
It’s our way of honouring the cars and trucks that have become part of your family—and giving them the expert care they deserve.
This High Mileage Club offer is available for a limited time only. Now’s the perfect moment to catch up on maintenance, save on service, and get your vehicle ready for whatever the next 100K brings.
Let’s Keep the Journey Going
Your high-mileage vehicle has proven it’s built to last. With the right preventative maintenance and support from our expert service team, there’s no reason it can’t keep running strong for many years—and kilometers—to come.
Ready for your next check-up, tune-up, or peace-of-mind inspection? Book your service appointment today and drive with confidence knowing you’re backed by 400 Chrysler’s century-strong tradition of care.
Or stop by and speak with our advisors—we’d love to hear about your 100K+ story.
