When you get your dream vehicle, no one even wants to have to think about the day when that car, truck, or SUV may no longer be reliable or work as it should, but it happens. The good news is, there are things you can do to prolong the life of your vehicle and to ensure you get the most miles and years out of it as possible. Let’s review.
Average Life of a Vehicle
The lifespan of a vehicle can vary greatly depending on several factors, including how well it is maintained, the driving conditions it experiences, and the quality of its components. In general, the average vehicle lasts about 12 years or around 200,000 miles; however, with proper maintenance and care, many vehicles can last much longer than this. Some vehicles have been known to last up to 300,000 miles or more with regular maintenance and repairs.
Ultimately, the lifespan of a vehicle is determined by a variety of factors, and there is no set number of years or miles that a vehicle can be expected to last. With proper care and attention, you can help prolong the life of your vehicle and ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Vehicle
Several factors affect how long a vehicle will run. Taking care of your car, truck, or SUV is essential if you want to prolong its lifespan and avoid costly repairs. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your vehicle:
- Follow the maintenance schedule: Regular maintenance is critical to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, filter replacements, maintaining clean and full fluids, and tune-ups.
- Check your tires regularly: Proper tire inflation and alignment can improve your vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and vehicle and tire life. Check your tire pressure and tread depth regularly and have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. As always, read your manufacturer recommendations, as they may say this needs to be done sooner.
- Keep your vehicle clean: Regularly washing and waxing your vehicle can help protect it from rust and other types of damage. Clean the interior regularly and vacuum the floors and seats to prevent wear and tear.
- Use high-quality parts and fluids: Using high-quality parts and fluids can help prolong the life of your vehicle and prevent breakdowns. Use the recommended grade of oil and other fluids, and use OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts.
- Watch, listen, and feel for issues looming: To prolong the life of your vehicle, you need to pay attention to anything that may seem off about your car, truck, or SUV, and then address them as soon as possible. If your vehicle is making new sounds, smells, vibrations or other feelings, don’t ignore them. The longer you allow a problem to go unaddressed, the more damage it may cause.
- Don’t ignore the Check Engine Light: While a check engine light appearing is undeniable, it is usually hard for vehicle owners to easily identify what has caused the light to suddenly appear. Your check engine light can turn on for various reasons; however, they all mean that there is an issue with your vehicle and you should get to your local Phoenix service center as soon as possible.
- Drive carefully: Avoid aggressive driving, speeding, and sudden stops and starts, which can put unnecessary stress on your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and other components.
- Store your vehicle properly: If you are not using your vehicle for an extended period of time, store it in a garage or other covered area to protect it from the elements. Use a car cover if necessary, and keep the tires inflated to the recommended pressure.
We have reviewed some tips to prolong the life of your vehicle; however, if you want to ensure you get the most from your investment and that your vehicle will last as long as possible, our local Phoenix automotive shop can help. At Advanced Transmissions & Emissions we are transmission experts and also handle everything from radiator and cooling to steering and suspension.
Contact us today for all of your Phoenix vehicle needs.
