Maintenance Tips for High-Mileage Vehicles in Fort Walton Beach, FL
If your Acura has been your companion for plenty of journeys, it will need a little extra help to continue delivering the reliable performance that you love! Our certified technicians in the Service Department at Tim Smith Acura have the training and experience that’s required to care for your high-mileage vehicle.
Oil Changes
As the numbers on the odometer of your MDX, ADX, or Integra rise above 80,000 miles, you will notice that the heat and friction of your Highway 399 commute inflict additional wear on the powertrain. For that reason, it’s a good idea to schedule an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Specialized high-mileage oil comes with helpful additives that mitigate common problems that may begin to appear over the years. This substance contains detergents that can break down sludge and contaminants that tend to accumulate in older engines. It also forms a protective barrier between the parts of the powertrain, preventing excessive stress from causing damage.
Transmission and Brake Fluid Checks
Due to the increased pressure that a high-mileage vehicle places on the transmission and brake systems, you will need to check the fluids on your Acura more frequently. The transmission connects the engine and the wheels, so it must stay lubricated in order to deliver smooth handling. To get rid of debris that may cause issues as you shift gears, the transmission fluid should be drained and replenished every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Brake fluid, which conveys stopping power from the pedal to the rotors, absorbs water from the system. Since high-mileage cars accumulate more moisture than their newer counterparts, the brake fluid should be changed every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Before your next trip to Jet Drive Park, address any maintenance questions by filling out the Ask a Tech form on our website.
Battery Care
Battery maintenance is especially important for high-mileage vehicles, so make sure to drive your Acura every few weeks to give it a chance to recharge. Regular tests will allow our team to identify problems before they become severe enough to leave you stranded during your Fort Walton Beach excursions. You can clean away corrosion on the battery using a paste of baking soda and water, but if you notice leaks, cracks, or bulges, a new component will be needed. If our experts determine that it is time for a replacement, they will find genuine OEM equipment that’s compatible with your vehicle in our Parts Department at Tim Smith Acura. Stay aware of the condition of your high-mileage Acura’s battery by scheduling an inspection twice a year!
How Often Should the Oil Be Changed in Your High-Mileage Vehicle?
- If you drive a high-mileage vehicle, the oil should be drained and replenished every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Dealership Information
Testimonials
Fantastic Service!
Thank you Gene!
“ This has been a long time coming, but I’m thankful that I spoke to Gene at Tim Smith Acura. While looking to regia an e my vehicle, he graciously put the effort in to find me the beat deal. He’s a great man and will explain things to you in a compassionate way that shows that he truly cares for the people that walk into Acura. I will not doubt that there are possibly more like him that work there as well. Thank you, Gene and Tim Smith Acura for you assisting me on my vehicle’s refinancing. ”
Customer Testimonial
“ My sales rep was Conor Ryan and my finance man was Gene Watson. Both were real people and our treatment was fantastic, considerate, polite and thoughtful. My daughter and I experienced real attention, not fake or insincere affectation. Details were seen to, and it didn't feel as if they were done out of obligation. Our satisfaction is very high, from the moment we arrived we were expected and greeted in a way that said that we had (finally) made it home, it was incredible. You have tremendous representation at Tim Smith Acura. Thank you so much for making our first Acura purchasing experience so incredibly positive and impressive. ”
Great Experience!
“ I was looking to buy and new car for my pregnant girlfriend. Conor Ryan my sales rep set me up with the safest vehicle I could have. He was informative, easy to work with and got me exactly what I wanted. Gene Watson also made the process as effortless and painless as possible. He handled the tag/title and trade in. These guys were amazing, 10/10 would recommend to any looking for new or used vehicle!! ”
Great Customer Service
“ Highly recommend Tim Smith Acura. The salesmen are honest and willing to work on the best deal for you. I messaged Earl at first and he was quick to answer all my questions and send me information I was inquiring about. They even stayed open late so I could make a test drive after I left work that evening. Thank you Earl, Connor and Gene for giving me a great deal with even better service. These guys will take care of you. ”
Customer Testimonial
“ Yesterday I made my first car purchase which is an overwhelming and big decision to take in at first. We were greeted on the lot immediately by Conor who was extremely upbeat and positive to interact with. He was extremely knowledgeable about all the inventory and very passionate about the job/cars. He provided all the necessary information (and more) on multiple cars and answered all our questions. He was not pushy at all and made the process very easy. Conor is a salesperson that is personable and makes you feel like you have known him for years! We ended up moving forward with a car and we’re at the dealership longer than expected, but Conor made sure my family and I were comfortable. He walked me through how to set up my car to ensure I know everything before leaving. Gene was a wonderful, kind finance person who made all the paperwork seem manageable and explained everything! He knew he had a long day and was excellent to get everything signed up and ready to go. We were lucky enough to communicate with Ben and we were able to bond on some great travel stories. It was great customer service from the second we arrived to saying by to Conor as we pulled off. I am so excited about my car and will recommend to anyone I know to come visit your team!! Thank you!! ”
Professional, Honest and Genuine
“ I don't even know where to begin. Recently involved in an accident that resulted in a total loss of my vehicle. I began searching across the panhandle from Pensacola to Panama City beach for used Hondas. I found a used Honda Civic with low mileage and a great price. I contacted the dealership and they were very responsive. After arriving at the dealership, I had what I describe as the best car buying experience I've ever had! Vehicle looked just like the photos online. Earl, Ryan and Gene was the best. They were professional, honest and very genuine in their approach. Great people, great dealership. Gene assisted me with obtaining the best deal, interest rate and car coverage I've ever had. I recommend this dealership and team to anyone looking for a quality vehicle with a great service team. ”
Great Experience
“ After much research on what we wanted specifically, we stopped at Tim Smith Acura and engaged with our sales rep Conor. Conor was laid back, attentive, but not overbearing. He set us up with a couple test drives and then kept in touch with us as we discussed the final decision. Our list of wants didn't match anything on the lot, so we waited. Conor contacted us when the right vehicle came in, set up the showing, and closed the deal; all while making us feel at home. Gene was as solid and personable as it comes with the paperwork and getting out the door. Overall great experience and a great team in Earl, Conor, and Gene. Many thanks. ”
Great Customer Service
“ This place has the best sales people! We had the pleasure of working with Mr. Earl Youngblood. He is very professional, incredibly knowledgeable and super helpful. He greeted us right away, was very enthusiastic and was eager to help us get into the car we wanted. There are a lot of cars and car lots in FWB, but nothing beats the unmatched customer service Mr. Youngblood provided at Tim Smith Acura! Definitely recommend :) ”
Great Customer Service
“ My husband contacted Tim Smith Acura to buy me a 2020 RDX for my birthday. He was really impressed by the courtesy and respect he received from Gene Watson in internet sales. My husband and Gene worked out all the details to get me the RDX I wanted. Gene delivered on every expectation that was set, going above and beyond for us. We arrived to pick up the vehicle and Gene was also our financial contact, making it a really smooth experience. Gene was eager to make sure we had everything we wanted and more. I am so glad we chose Tim Smith Acura and you will be too! Bravo Zulu!! ”
Excellent Experience
“ I have been shopping in the southeast for a used Lexus RC F for months and came across one at Tim Smith Acura that had the specs I wanted. I reached out to them with a text and the Internet Sales Manager, Gene Watson engaged immediately. Gene was off the next day so the Sales Manger Ben filled in and was highly responsive as we negotiated the deal. I appreciated that Gene and Ben worked with me via texts only which is what I preferred. We agreed on price and I flew in 2 days later to pick it up. The paperwork was ready first thing in the morning as they knew I wanted get on the road quickly for the 10.5 hour drive home. Gene handled the closing which was a high-tech and super efficient process! The car was in excellent condition with no surprises or issues. This was an excellent experience all around and I highly recommend Tim Smith Acura! ”
Customer Testimonial
“ Went to test drive a Maserati, Gene and Ben were very helpful, and respectful of my time, very easy to communicate with via different mediums. Decided the car wasn't my best choice, they suggested i look at there certified Acura models. After finding a RDX that i wanted to drive, all it took was a text with the cars i wanted to see and when i arrived Kyle Walker was ready to answer any questions or concerns. I had a price in mind after doing research and a trade value for my car. When they presented the offer , was better than expected. Easiest car buying transaction i have had. Would highly recommend Tim Smith Acura . Great people with a excellent product and knowledgeable Sales team ”
Professional!
“ Professionalism at it's best. Enjoyed working with Conor and Tanner on the purchase of our new Acura MDX. Very friendly and outgoing. ”
No Hassle!
“ See Gene Watson for a no hassle, enjoyable experience. Love my new car Gene, thanks. As always, Acura delivers ”
So Easy!
“ I love Tim Smith Acura they always give me a good service and any time I drop my car there at cars body service ,Nicole , corn and Dave alway take a good care of me thank you so much and also I would love to thank you “Conor” he’s very good a sales person he made everything so easy and very save my time for bring me to be the car owner. Thank you all ”
Helpful and Friendly
“ Very happy with TS Acura! dealership. Third new car I have purchased from T.S.Acura. Sales personnel were very helpful and friendly. Kyle, our sales person, was new but tried very hard to make us feel comfortable. He was very knowledgeable about the auto. ”
Very Happy!
“ Connor helped me find a car. He was not overwhelmingly with sales talk. Connor and the staff were very professional and helped me find the car I wanted. I am very happy with my new Acura. ”
Great Service!
“ Kyle in the service department is amazing. Thank you so much for everything. I always have such a horrible experience with dealerships mechanic but the service was over the top. Thank you! ”

“ The best experience ever when buying a car. Got fantastic service from sales guy Conner and equally fantastic service from finance guy Gene and a great car to boot! Thanks again. My wife and I are vert appreciative of the great customer service. ”