How many miles does a car last? Well, cars these days are made to last much longer than those produced even a few decades ago. This is because car parts are now constructed to withstand more wear than in the past. That also means fewer repairs and lower overall maintenance costs. Let's look at some of the factors that determine how many miles a car lasts and find out how you can get the most mileage and life out of your new or used vehicle.
When you're looking for any car, its mileage is an important thing to consider. In general, the average mileage on a car is assumed to be between 12,000 and 15,000 miles per year, according to AARP. That means you can expect a 5-year-old car to have between 60,000 and 70,000 miles on the odometer.
How Many Miles Does a Car Last?
The Bureau of Transportation indicates that the average age across the board for vehicles still on the road is just over 11 years according to Autotrader, and the average may be approaching 12 years. Standard cars in this day and age are expected to keep running up to 200,000 miles, while cars with electric engines are expected to last for up to 300,000 miles.
Keeping a car that long has a lot of benefits, including the fact that it could save you a great deal of money. Some estimate that the cost savings for driving a car that long could be as much as $30,000 or even higher, according to Carousel Preowned. In the end, however, it comes down to you, your driving habits, and what you want out of the vehicle you drive.
To some degree, it depends on the vehicle. A number of makes and models out there are known for their longevity and reliability, and others are known for having problems. Naturally, doing your research and choosing a better-built car will likely result in you owning one that lasts for more miles, according to Autotrader. Still, your driving habits also play a powerful role—the harder you drive the car, the less mileage it will withstand.
How To Make Your Car Last
According to Gold Eagle, there are a number of ways you can make your car last. These include:
- Having advanced safety systems
- Paying attention to the vehicle management system
- Scheduling routine maintenance
- Addressing problems
- Keeping your engine clean
- Watching for indicator lights
- Having a good mechanic
The first of these is an extremely important factor because it also protects you when you're behind the wheel. Choose a vehicle that has the best modern active intelligent safety systems. Features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, parking sensors, cross-traffic alerts, and even driver drowsiness monitoring can help you to avoid accidents.
When you have fewer accidents, your car will be better able to perform. Even when you have car damage repaired, it's not the same as having avoided that damage in the first place. A car's frame can be structurally weakened from damage, and there can be unforeseen issues that crop up in the future.
Fortunately, many of these features are now standard on new cars, but even if you buy a gently used vehicle, you should look for the best suite of safety features available.
Vehicle Management Systems
The AARP says vehicle management systems are an essential tool for extending the life span of your car, but, unfortunately, they're a tool that many people forego. These systems are like having your car hooked up to a diagnostic health monitor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can help you get better fuel economy, analyze your driving habits, including speed and braking force, and even help you to stick to your maintenance schedule. Like safety systems, these are becoming more standard as the years go by.
Maintenance and Service Schedules
Speaking of maintenance schedules, establish one and stick to it. There is absolutely no substitute for regular preventive maintenance, says Cascade Collision, to ensure your car lasts for many years and many miles to come. While no one likes to sit around the shop waiting for their car to be done, it's far better to spend an hour or so every six months than it is to find yourself without a car for several days due to an unforeseen repair.
Regular oil changes, tire rotations, tune-ups, changing your brake pads, and check-ups can avoid surprise issues by catching them before they become major. They also make your engine run better for longer by keeping it properly lubricated and healthy and can make the car worth more upon resale.
Address the Little Things
When you end up with small things that need to be done, don't put them off. Whenever you notice an unusual smell, an odd feel, hesitation when you step on the gas pedal, or the like, get your car into the shop. You know the way your car is supposed to feel better than anyone else. When it tells you something's wrong, listen.
Keep Your Engine Clean
Few people bother to have their engine cleaned, but it's also an important part of regular maintenance, according to Gold Eagle. Get this done once a year, every year. This is because the engine can get fouled with grime, dirt, sludge, and other contaminants as your car runs. That can make your car run hot, cause strain on the systems, and reduce life span. Talk to your mechanic about a good fuel injector cleaner and stop the issues before they start.
Obey the Indicator Lights
Indicator lights exist for a reason. When you see an alert like the check engine light, don't ignore it for months. Take the car in and get the problem diagnosed and fixed. That enables you to stop small problems from turning into big ones.
Choose a Good Mechanic
Good mechanics are worth their weight in gold. Cars today are complex and involve computers and electronic components that experienced experts should address. Look for those who are certified to work on your car and who will be straightforward with you in all things.
These are just a few of the things you can do to extend the miles on your car so you won't have to ask, 'how many miles does a car last?'
Information and research in this article verified by ASE-certified Master Technician Duane Sayaloune of YourMechanic.com. For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at research@caranddriver.com.
Sources:
https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/buying-car-how-long-can-you-expect-car-last-240725
https://www.goldeagle.com/tips-tools/long-cars-last-long-will-car-last/
https://www.aarp.org/auto/trends-lifestyle/info-2018/how-long-do-cars-last.html
https://cascadecollision.com/blog/how-many-miles-can-a-car-last/
https://www.carouseliowacity.com/how-long-can-my-used-car-last
