How Long Should Car Parts Last?

Buying a new or even used car is usually the second-most expensive thing people buy during their life aside from a house. New car prices have also risen dramatically over the years, and yet, consumers have come to view cars as something relatively throwaway increasingly. The amount of time people keep their cars is now roughly between five and seven years, which is also usually approximately the life of an auto loan. Financing a new vehicle for six years only to get rid of it once you’ve paid it off is akin to having a lifetime lease. If you want to get the most out of your car and your money, you might be asking, how long should a car last?

Follow the Maintenance Schedule

You can find this schedule in your owner’s manual, or you can often find them online at the manufacturer’s site. This schedule should tell you when to perform the various services over the life of your car. It will show you how often to change the oil, rotate the tires, and replace the timing belt. If you currently own a high-mileage vehicle and haven’t been keeping up, you can still start now. Most vehicles with proper care should make it at least to 100,000 miles on the odometer. Getting to the 200,000-mile mark might take a little more doing, such as having a well-known reliable vehicle and being willing to make a few high-end repairs.

Pay Attention to Your Vehicle

Get into the habit of checking under the hood every often to make sure everything is in order. Look for leaks, odd smells, or anything that looks worn or broken. When you’re driving, pay attention to unusual noises, smells, or feelings. If your car starts behaving differently, don’t ignore it. Either take it to a repair shop or check it out yourself. Catching a problem in the early stages could save you money on a significant repair later.

Don’t Go Cheap On Parts

Another way to help your car last longer is to use quality fluids and parts. Low-quality or wrong engine oil, oil filters, or transmission fluid could cause more expensive repairs in the long run. The same goes for generic and cheap parts. They may not fit as well in your car, and they are likely to wear out a lot faster. Instead, replace any worn parts with either OEM parts or parts by a well-known and reliable brand. Sometimes the third-party features can be even better than OEM parts. If you look through enthusiast sites for your vehicle, you might find out what other drivers are using with good results.

If you have more questions about the parts needing replacement in your car, The German Auto Doctor, give us a call! We love to answer all of your questions that you may have.