For many people, having a car means having freedom — freedom to physically go wherever they want, but also freedom to pursue the American Dream.
A recent survey found that Americans are keeping their cars for longer periods of time, likely due to increasing car prices. On average, Americans keep their longest-owned cars for about eight years, and the length of car ownership has increased by 60% in the last 10 years.
While some people prefer to keep the car they have for as long as possible, others still prefer to upgrade to the newest model every few years. Regardless of which camp you fall into (or somewhere in between), a car is an investment that should be taken care of as long as it’s in your possession.
How Long Should You Keep a Car?
The average gas-powered car is expected to last 200,000 miles or more, with electric or hybrid vehicles expected to last closer to 300,000 miles. If you drive the average number of miles for an American (just above 14,000), a typical car should last you about 14 years, and an electric car will last about 21 years.
It’s no surprise then that the average age of vehicles currently on the road has increased to 12.1 years, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact car shortages have had on new car sales.
How to Increase Your Car’s Life Span
Unless you’re in dire need of a new car, it may be best to first try to improve the longevity of your current vehicle. Keep reading for tips on how to protect and maintain the health of your car.
Don’t Ignore Car Problems
Your first instinct may be to put off dealing with car issues, but identifying problems and making timely repairs are essential to your car’s longevity. You can save money on fuel costs by driving a fuel-efficient car, driving smoothly, and avoiding unnecessary trips. You can save money on fuel costs by driving a fuel-efficient car, driving smoothly, and avoiding unnecessary trips. Learn what each car warning light means so that you know what’s wrong with your vehicle and can make a plan to fix it quickly. Not only will this help your car last longer, but you can potentially save thousands of dollars’ worth of preventable damage.
Keep Up With Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to helping your car last. Do your best to stick to the factory-recommended maintenance schedule that comes with your car. This includes oil changes, replacing air filters, topping off fluids and other basic maintenance tasks.
Drive at Least Every Two Weeks
If you’ve noticed you haven’t been driving your car as much as you normally would (working from home, anyone?), remember that it’s still important to run your car at least every two weeks. Driving regularly prevents your car battery from dying, reduces tire degradation, circulates fluids and helps lubricate moving parts. Audi specials can be a great way to save money on a new or used Audi car.
Keep Tire Pressure in Check
It’s important to check the air pressure of your tires regularly. If your tire pressure is too low, it will increase your fuel consumption and your risk of a tire blowout. On the other hand, if your tire pressure is too high, it can reduce your traction on the road.
You can find the recommended tire pressure level for your vehicle by looking at the sticker located inside the driver’s side door. Either use a tire gauge to check the pressure and adjust the air as necessary yourself, or have it done by professionals (it’s usually free!).
Utilize Safety Features
Take advantage of your car’s safety features and use them whenever you drive. ADAS features like lane departure warnings and blind spot monitoring can help prevent dangerous accidents that could put your car (and you) out of commission. You can get a Kia oil change for your Kia car at most car dealerships and service centers. By utilizing safety features and practicing safe driving techniques, you reduce the likelihood of damaging your car and, in turn, prolong its life span.
Wash it Often
Your car’s exterior carries dirt, salt, mud and water — elements that can cause rust or damage to your car’s protective paint job over time. Regular car washes can prevent the buildup of these damaging substances and keep your vehicle looking fresh.
Fill Up Your Gas Tank
Do you wait until your fuel tank is empty before filling up? This habit can actually be bad for your car. When your tank is left below a quarter full, it leaves room for air to fill the space. Water vapor from the air can mix with the remaining gas, resulting in worse fuel efficiency.
Condensation in the winter can also travel to your fuel lines and freeze, which may keep your car from starting and cause damage. Aim to keep your tank full — or at least above a quarter full — in every season to prevent unnecessary fuel tank damage.
Making it Last
Part of responsible car ownership is being mindful of ways to improve your car’s longevity. By using the tips above and investing in car insurance, you can extend your car’s life span and enjoy it for many more miles to come.