We all purchase vehicles with the hope that they will last us a long time. The lifespan of your vehicle depends on many things, a lot of which you personally have a direct effect on.
Average Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy of a vehicle is generally around 10-12 years or about 150,000 miles. Of course there are some people who you’ll find driving a 20-year old vehicle with well over 200,000 miles on it. Then there are those who experience total engine failure after only driving their vehicle for a few years. So how do you make sure your vehicle’s lifespan is more similar to the former than the latter?
Factors That Affect Vehicle Lifespan
The Type of Car
Though compact and mid-size vehicles boast better fuel efficiency, pickup trucks and SUVs are known to last the longest out of any other class size. In fact, the top 3 car models that are still on the road with over 200,000 miles are the Ford F-250, Chevy Silverado, and Chevy Suburban.
The Year
Although purchasing used vehicles can be a more affordable option, you sometimes risk inheriting a liability that you didn’t sign up for. The older the vehicle, the harder it is to find thorough and accurate service records on it, which means there may be underlying issues with the vehicle that can cut its life severely short after you purchase it. Buying a new vehicle not only ensures that you know everything about the car’s health, but also allows you to take advantage of warranties that will help keep your vehicle running smoothly throughout the years.
The Miles You Drive
If you work far from home or enjoy taking frequent road trips, your vehicle likely won’t last as long as one that is only driven on weekends, or short commutes. The higher the mileage, the more likely the vehicle is to malfunction.
Tips for Extending Your Vehicle’s Life
Switch to synthetic oil
Have your suspension looked at regularly to keep bearings and bushings from deteriorating
Wash the outside of your vehicle on a regular basis to avoid rust and corrosion
Get your vehicle’s oil, transmission fluid, and air filters changed regularly
Combine short trips into one long trip rather than going out numerous different times
Schedule regular maintenance with a professional vehicle mechanic
Looking for a Vehicle Mechanic in Maryland?
Hillmuth Auto Care is a Maryland vehicle mechanic with locations in Columbia, Clarksville, Glenwood, and Gaithersburg. We have been serving Howard and Montgomery counties for 40 years and we strive to deliver high-quality, fast service at an affordable price. Contact our professionals today to schedule regular maintenance and let us help keep your car in exceptional condition throughout its life.
