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Old 02-27-2002, 11:03 AM   #3
Mr 5 0
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Lightbulb High Mileage

Actually, that averages out to around 17,000 miles per year which isn't that far off the average.

Highway miles are 'good miles'.

Heres why: The engine is brought and held to operating temperature on the highway (it takes almost 10 miles of driving to totally warm the engine) and this lets all the internal parts of the engine and the transmission and differential warm up and operate easily. It also evaporates all the accumulated moisture in the engine and exhaust system...good for both.

Obviously, the transmission isn't shifted much on the highway so the clutch isn't used either and the driveline isn't stressed by constant stops and starts, as in town driving. Brakes get a real rest, although they have be used at higher speeds, but only once in awhile.

The engine operates at a nice, steady, fairly low RPM (2000 or so) and nothing gets stressed. Even suspension and tires are better off as they don't have to hit all the potholes that cause problems and the shocks and springs don't work half as hard.

I think you can see why highway miles are a lot better than 'normal' miles.

If the oil was changed regularly and the car was maintained decently 137,000 is high but certainly not terminal mileage for a 5.0.
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