Overall, my 2005 MCSCa has a little under average mileage for its age (just shy of 33k). However, my mileage now is going to be minimal. Except for maybe 3-4 days a month, I don't drive over ten miles (2 miles back and forth to work and coming home for lunch). I talked with somebody that bikes in and I'm considering it. That means even fewer miles.

The long and short is: is there anything I can do to help maintenance wise when I have such short trips driving every day?

Hope this makes sense, it does in my mind but that's a scary place

 

I have an '04 with about 30K, so I'm well below average too. (I try to walk, bike, or motocycle whenever I can.) So far, it has resulted in my driving a 5-yo car that is still in great shape and has required very little maintenance. But... the downside is that depreciation and age-based deteoriation marches on regardless of mileage, so the per-mile cost goes up.

If the car is seeing regular use (driven at least a few times a month), I don't think you're likely to have any issues. I would try and drive the car long enough every week or two to have the coolant and oil temps completely up. And you should do all the calendar-based maintenance - oil/filter at least once/year, brake fluid every couple years, and coolant every four.

- Mark

 

All good advice from markjenn.
I would look at low mileage more positively. When resale time comes, low mileage cars are more desirable.

 

I am in the same boat. My '06 only has 16K on it since my work is only a little over a mile away and I'm too lazy to bike or walk to work.

The last time I brought my car in for an oil change, I asked the tech if I should be worried about all the short trips my baby makes. The only thing he recommended was that I get a battery trickle charger since the short trips do not allow the battery to fully charge and is slowly getting drained over time.

 

Excellent advice! Ours is also low mileage (18K) and we use a Battery Tender which does a great job.

 

As 'markjenn' has posted do all the annual services but also you really may want to think about 6 month oil changes.

The Dealer does the free annual and you, or the shop of your choice, do one six months later.
That's what I do. I do it on my current JCW and I did it on my previous MCS.

For me it usually works out to be as little as 3 thousand miles or as much as 6 thousand miles.

Many years ago I had to have an engine rebuilt long before necessary due to lack of, or infrequent, oil changes.
Yes I know oil and filters are better now but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Just something to think about.

Hope this helps...