Our primary job at the Co-op Service Center is to take care of people by taking care of their vehicles.
For just one example, a couple of weeks ago, a regular customer came to the Norwich Service Center for his car’s yearly inspection. His family has one car, shared among four drivers. It looked like the brave little Honda was near the end of its life a few years ago when the customer first brought it into our shop. That was 100,000 miles ago. The car now has close to 250,000 miles—hard, salty, snowy Upper Valley miles—and is still going strong. Our team has gotten attached to the little hatchback, and just gave it new tires and an undercoating to see it through another winter and beyond.
This family has to work hard and budget carefully to make ends meet, and crucial to that is reliable transportation. The Co-op Service Center has been taking care of their beloved old car for years to keep it on the road.
After the inspection I came out to speak to the customer and he said that he didn’t know what he’d do without us, a sentiment our team has heard from many people over the years. I love this sort of community connection, and believe it speaks to who we are as a Service Center team and as a cooperative as a whole.
How to Care for an Older Car
We get asked about this a lot, and we get it. Your trusty vehicle has been with you for years, racking up the miles and countless memories.
Just like us, as cars age and accumulate mileage, they need a little extra TLC to keep running smoothly and reliably. Proper maintenance not only extends your vehicle’s lifespan but also helps you avoid costly repairs down the line.
Here are some key tips for caring for your older, high-mileage vehicle:
Stick to a Strict Maintenance Schedule. Don’t skip oil changes, fluid checks, or filter replacements. These routine tasks are even more critical for older engines. Refer to your owner’s manual for recommended intervals, and consider shortening them slightly for high-mileage vehicles.
Regular Fluid Checks and Changes. Beyond just oil, regularly check and change your transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. These fluids degrade over time and can cause significant wear and tear if not properly maintained.
Inspect Belts and Hoses. Rubber components like belts and hoses can crack, fray, and become brittle with age and mileage. Regularly inspect them for signs of wear and replace them proactively to prevent breakdowns.
Monitor for Leaks. Keep an eye out for any puddles or drips under your car. Leaks can indicate failing seals or gaskets and should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.
Pay Attention to Your Brakes. Worn brake pads and rotors can compromise safety. Listen for squealing or grinding noises and have your brakes inspected regularly.
Check Your Tires. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth. Rotate them regularly to promote even wear and extend their life.
Address Warning Lights Promptly. Don’t ignore dashboard warning lights. These are your vehicle’s way of telling you something is wrong. Get them checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
Listen to Your Vehicle. Pay attention to any new noises, vibrations, or changes in performance. These can be early indicators of a problem that can be addressed before it becomes more serious.
Keep it Clean, Inside and Out. Regular washing and waxing can protect your vehicle’s paint from the elements, especially in areas prone to rust. Keeping the interior clean can also help preserve its condition.
Consider a trusted Mechanic. This is where we come in. Find a mechanic who specializes in or is experienced with older vehicles. They can offer valuable insights and expertise specific to the needs of high-mileage cars.
Why It Matters to Us
As a co-op, our job is to provide vital goods and services for our members and communities, and transportation is a huge component of that. Many people can’t get to work, get to school, or pay the bills without a reliable vehicle.
Our Service Center team takes that role and responsibility seriously, and I can’t say enough about their dedication, especially in the current climate.
Above, a beloved family car with nearly 250,000 hard Upper Valley miles, still going strong thanks to the Co-op Service Center.
Like many businesses, we’ve been hit hard with staffing shortages, and everyone has been doing more with less. Here is a quick snapshot of what our teams have been up to:
- The Car Connects program continues to thrive. The program is founded on the idea that there is a strong link between reliable car ownership and economic opportunity, particularly for struggling families.
- We’ve upgraded our waiting room areas and customer workspaces to create a more open, pleasant, and vibrant environment. Many customers tell us they like to work from there even after their repairs have been completed.
- We recently hired an additional Service Writer/Alignment Specialist to help us keep up with demand and schedule customer appointments sooner.
- We’re gearing up for tire and undercoating season, and we’re scheduling many appointments for our popular rust inhibitor service.
Moving forward, our staff has many plans for the future. We hope to launch new products and services, and grow our Car Connections program to serve even more Upper Valley families. Much of this will depend on staffing levels, which we all hope will return closer to normal soon. Until then, we’ll keep doing what we do, thankful to be part of such a great cooperative community.
Jimmy Kidder is the manager of the Co-op Service Center, with two locations in Hanover, NH, and Norwich, VT.
