The average lifespan of a car built in the 2010s or 2020s will be about 200,000 miles, which generally comes out to about 12 years. However, there’s no guarantee that a vehicle will survive that long, especially if you engage in poor driving habits that result in excess wear and tear. If you want your car or truck to last 12 years – or even more – then you’ll need to rely on smart driving habits that promote enduring vehicle health. Continue reading to learn about some of the most reliable ways to extend the life of your vehicle.
5 Habits That Extend Car & Truck Lifespans
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- Routine Maintenance – Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule is one of the best ways to keep your car or truck running for over a decade. Find a reliable auto maintenance shop in the Twin Cities metro and bring your vehicle in on a routine basis for services such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups. Adhering to this routine maintenance schedule year after year can prevent premature wear and tear on your vehicle’s components, maximizing its lifespan.
- Gentle Starts & Stops – Rapid acceleration and harsh braking put unnecessary strain on many components of your vehicle, including the engine, brakes, transmission, and suspension system. Slamming the brakes is only necessary to avoid an accident and rapid acceleration is really never necessary. Doing these things will only increase how often you need to get your vehicle repaired. Gradually accelerating and braking smoothly can help preserve many components of your car or truck, extending its overall lifespan.
- Take Care of Your Tires – As the things that connect your vehicle to the road, tires are crucial components that need to be maintained properly for good vehicle health. Tires themselves last 3 to 5 years on average but, if you put too much strain on them, they won’t even last that long. Maintain the correct tire pressure and ensure your tires are properly aligned and rotated. Underinflated or overinflated tires can wear unevenly and decrease fuel efficiency, as well as placing strain on other components of your car like the suspension system.
- Don’t Overload Your Vehicle – Every vehicle has a maximum load capacity, which you should never exceed. Overloading can strain your car or truck’s suspension, brakes, and other critical components, leading to premature wear and potential safety hazards. Sure, the average pick-up truck can carry a lot more than the average sedan, but even the sturdiest vehicles have load limits that shouldn’t be strained.
- Keep It Smooth on the Road – As tempting as it can be to race home at breakneck speeds after work, it can also place excessive strain on your vehicle. To prolong the lifespan of your car, drive at moderate speeds and avoid sudden maneuvers, such as sharp turns or abrupt lane changes. Smooth driving reduces stress on the engine, transmission, and other mechanical parts, thereby extending the operational lifespan of your automobile.
Want Your Vehicle to Last Longer? Bring It Our Way
The best way to prolong the lifespan of your car or truck is to bring it to a team of experienced auto mechanics who can expertly perform all maintenance and repairs. Contact Arvu Auto today if you want to schedule an appointment for vehicle repairs or maintenance in the West Minneapolis metro!
