That cars have an expiration date is a blessing or a curse, depending on your feelings towards your vehicle. If you like buying new cars, then it’ll be a blessing — after all, it can be hard to justify purchasing a new vehicle if there’s no issue with your current one. On the other hand, if you love your car, then you’ll be less than thrilled about having to give it up.
Understanding what impacts the longevity of a vehicle can help you to plan accordingly. If you’re waiting for an excuse to buy a new vehicle, then you can simply let things just play out. If you want to keep your vehicle, then you can take steps to slow down the process of decline. We’ll run through some of the most influential factors below.
Build Quality
The build quality of the vehicle is the biggest determining factor when it comes to a vehicle’s longevity. After all, if a car has not been well-built, then there’s only so much you can do to keep it running at its best. There are some car brands that are known for generally having a better build quality than others. Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, and Vauxhall are just four brands that routinely receive high marks for the quality of their vehicles.
How Much It’s Driven
A car that was built in 1975 could still be in tip-top quality in 2024…if it had never been driven. As with all products, the more a vehicle is used, the sooner it will begin to break down. Cars are generally pretty robust, but they can’t go on forever. Today, vehicles have a lifespan of around 200,000 miles. So if you want to still have your vehicle in 10 years, it’ll be best to be somewhat mindful of how much time you’re spending behind the wheel. In some cases, it can be best to leave the car at home and take public transport if it’s an option. Just sometimes!
Vehicle Improvements
You can help extend the life of your vehicle by investing in vehicle improvements when necessary. Even the parts of the best-built cars will begin to show signs of wear and tear after a while, and in some cases may not come with some essential products included. You can easily find Toyota, Honda, and Vauxhall accessories online that’ll help to keep your vehicle at its very best. It’s especially recommended to look at exterior protection products, which will help to protect your vehicle from the elements, which is one of the many causes of vehicle deterioration.
Professional Maintenance
Making vehicle improvements yourself will help to keep your car running well, but there will still be times when professional help is required. It’s recommended to identify a good mechanic in your local area, ideally one that specializes in the brand of your vehicle. As with all things, it’s easier to prevent a problem than it is to fix one, and scheduling your vehicle in for regular maintenance will help to keep everything working as it should.
