Your Car at 100K
Historically, vehicles that reached the 100,000-mile mark were usually found in junkyards rather than on the streets. However, the cars of today can easily make it to 200,000 miles and beyond with relatively minor maintenance. In this post, we’ll give you valuable information on the lifespan of the average vehicle and tips on how to make your car last over the long haul.
How Long Do Cars Last?
The 100,000-mile point was formerly the gold standard for a car’s lifespan in days past. Usually, at this point, the owner would have to pay for major transmission and engine repairs and replacements to keep the car running. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the average lifespan of a vehicle is now 12.5 years, which is about 128,500 miles. Most experts argue that this number is low, however, because most owners do not properly maintain their vehicles. Cars these days should have no problem making it to the 200,000-mile mark.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Vehicle
If you would like your car to last, and last, and last, it is possible, as long as you take certain common-sense steps to preserve your vehicle. Here are several ways you can maximize the life of your vehicle:
- Read the manual. The best way to know what maintenance your car needs to keep running is to read your owner’s manual. Follow its maintenance recommendations.
- Wash your car. If you live in an area where salt is used on the roads, not washing your car can lead to rusting on the vehicle’s body. Wash your car regularly.
- Not every procedure is necessary. You don’t need to perform every little maintenance procedure to keep a car in good shape. If it’s not recommended in your owner’s manual and seems pricey and unnecessary, don’t do it.
- Get the oil changed. Some drivers swear by an oil change every 3,000 as the key to maintaining the life of a car. While this is a good rule of thumb, you should ideally follow the oil change guidelines in the owner’s manual.
- Get a manual transmission. Manual transmissions usually last longer than automatics.
- Don’t share. Don’t let anyone else drive your vehicle. They probably will not treat it with the care and consideration you would.
- Slow down. Driving even 5-10 miles slower than you normally would reduces the burden on your car, improved your gas mileage, reduces your chance of an accident, and virtually eliminates the possibility of speeding tickets.
- Find a good mechanic. You need to find a mechanic that is honest and trustworthy, so you know which procedures and repairs are really necessary. Dealership mechanics usually overcharge for their services, so you’re better off elsewhere.
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