How to Extend the Life of a Used Car

Buying a car, whether it's brand-new from the dealership or a pre-owned model, signifies a substantial investment. For the majority of us, it ranks alongside purchasing houses, planning weddings, and other significant life events. Hence, it's only logical to ensure our cars receive the best possible care. A well-maintained car offers real mileage. But, how do you prolong a car's life? Let's dive into the essentials of vehicle longevity.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of a Car?

In the past, achieving the 100,000-mile mark was a feat worthy of celebration. However, with recent technological and engineering advancements, modern cars are more alike to marathon runners than sprinters.

Typically, a standard petrol or diesel car can comfortably accumulate between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, given it's well-maintained. Some even surpass the notable 300,000-mile mark, equivalent to circling the Earth twelve times 🌎

What Can Affect a Car’s Lifespan?

Numerous factors can impact the lifespan of your car. These include the quality of maintenance, your driving habits, environmental conditions, and a touch of good fortune. Among these, the factor we have the most control over is the level of care we provide our vehicles. This encompasses regular maintenance such as oil checks, preserving the car battery's life, and driving smoothly (we'll delve into these shortly).

How Can You Maintain A Car to Last Longer?

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your car, and there are some essential actions you can take so it lasts longer. These include:

Changing the oil 

This should usually be done every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but check your vehicle's manual for specific recommendations as different cars can have different requirements. 

Replacing the filters

Replacing air, oil and fuel filters as recommended by the manufacturer will help keep your vehicle happy and healthy. Dirty filters can cause your engine to work harder, leading to premature wear, so try and avoid this from happening.

Checking the tyres

Regularly check tyre pressure and tread depth. Properly inflated tyres with good tread can improve fuel efficiency and safety. Rotating your tyres as recommended to ensure even wear also helps.

Regular Battery Checks

Frequent battery checks can flag potential issues before they escalate. Over time, terminals may corrode, leading to weak connections. If you're familiar with basic car mechanics, use a brush with a baking soda and water mixture to clean visible corrosion.

Ensure the battery terminals are secure as loose connections can cause battery malfunction. If you don't use your car often, consider a trickle charger to maintain battery charge and prevent depletion. Also, regular use of your car contributes to battery health, so consider planning that road trip. It's a fab excuse 😉

Driving Habits

The way you drive can impact the car's lifespan. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, as quick starts tend to put unnecessary strain on your engine and transmission. Accelerate slowly and smoothly. 

Whenever possible, try to slow down before you need to stop. Hard braking can wear out your brakes prematurely. It would help if you also aimed to maintain a consistent speed – constantly varying your speed can make the engine work harder. Keep a steady speed, especially on highways.

Listening to Your Car

Your car can speak, and no, we’re not referring to the sat-nav. If you hear unusual noises or notice anything out of the ordinary, get it checked out. Minor issues can become big problems if left unattended. Keeping on top of potential snags will help maintain the car’s shelf life and give you more use. 

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car remains reliable for years to come. Plus, it may be worth using car maintenance apps to help keep track of your car’s needs. 

Extending Your Car’s Life

A car is a major investment, so it's economically sound to keep it operational for as long as possible. By implementing the straightforward steps outlined above, you can prolong your car's lifespan. Remember, a well-maintained car is safer, more efficient, and more reliable.

For those considering purchasing a used car, we understand it can be an expensive venture. Get a budget with Carmoola in just 60 seconds. Whether you're snapping up your first car or upgrading to a more recent model, we've got you covered. You could save some moola when you Carmoola it 😉