Have you ever wondered how far your car can take you before it has to retire? After all, the longer you can drive it, the longer you have no car payments, right? Let’s consider how long most cars last and how to care for your vehicle to extend its lifetime as much as possible.
How Long Do Cars Last?
According to a 2008 survey done by Natural Resources Canada, most cars in Canada accumulate 15,200 km per year. A 2018 article in the Star by then president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association Larry Lantz reported that the average life expectancy of a vehicle in Canada was 12.88 years.
Although few cars make it past 300,000 km, a dedicated car enthusiast may get their vehicle to 500,000 km. This lifespan will differ depending on the vehicle and how it’s cared for.
Vehicle Maintenance
Maintenance is important for any vehicle, no matter how old. To properly care for your car, consult your owner’s manual, seek advice from experts at your local garage or dealership, and check out online forums where car fanatics and others who drive the same vehicle share tips and tricks.
If you create and stick to a regular maintenance routine, you can significantly prolong your vehicle’s lifetime. Changing your tires and windshield wipers based on the season, for example, will not only improve your driving experience, but will prepare and protect your car throughout the seasons.
How to Take Care of High-Mileage Vehicles
One thing that deters people from buying a used car is high mileage. A high odometer reading doesn’t mean a vehicle is in bad shape, though. While you probably don’t want to start with a vehicle that’s already racked up 100,000 km, there are other factors you should consider in addition to mileage.
Even if it’s already gone a long way, a high-mileage vehicle still has the potential to take you many more kilometers—if you know how to maintain it.
If you’re trying to get your vehicle close to the 500,000 km range, add these points into your maintenance routine:
- Conduct monthly inspections of your vehicle’s condition, including its fluids and external appearance.
- Perform frequent oil changes and use high-mileage oil.
- Check the alignment of your tires at every other oil change.
- Rotate and change tires before they show significant signs of wear.
- Address small issues right away. If you wait to see if a problem gets worse, it may cause irreversible damage.
Adjust Your Driving Habits
Besides regular maintenance, the way you drive your vehicle affects how long it’ll last. To make sure you and your vehicle have a long-term relationship, follow these driving tips:
- Slow down when going over train tracks.
- Avoid or slow down when going over potholes.
- Avoid driving and parking outside in extreme weather.
- Use the parking brake.
- If you have a manual transmission, don’t rest your foot on the clutch pedal.
Driving with your vehicle’s condition in mind is not only good for its mechanics, but it can increase your fuel efficiency, as well.
Going the Distance
Reaching 500,000 km is a lot of mileage for any car, but with regular vehicle maintenance, some adjustments to your driving habits, and the extra steps needed to care for your high-mileage vehicle, you’ll increase your chances of coming close to this target.
For more automotive tips and news, check out our blog.