Owning a car is a major perk as you have transport at the ready. We would like to share 5 top tips with you to extend car longevity and ideas to achieve the best car longevity possible. Car longevity statistics suggests that the mean age of cars that are used on the road is 11.5 years, as per IHS Markit’s study. Other interesting car longevity statistics shows that CNBC revealed drivers buy an average of 9.4 cars in their lifetime. In order to get the best car longevity, you can try out these 5 tips below. 

1. Don’t Miss Annual Services 

Keep an eye on your car’s manual so you can keep track of service dates. A typical service includes checking the engine oil, changing oil filters, checking the lights, tires, exhaust, brakes are working, steering, fluid as well as coolant levels, suspension and battery. It is wise to keep these critical elements of your car in check to promote car longevity. Car battery longevity will be discussed more below. 

2. Promote Car Battery Longevity 

Your annual service will keep an eye on your battery and check that it’s functioning. Typically, a battery lasts 4-5 years. Promoting car battery longevity means keeping an eye on it. Signs that your battery is in need of replacement are: when your engine starts slowly, the battery creates less charge for the starter and the engine to turn over. Your lights are dim or the check engine light is on. Never ignore the check engine light or warning lights. The battery case may look misshapen too. If you notice these signs take your car in to be assessed for a new battery. Promoting car battery longevity is a good idea.

3. Buy an Extended Warranty

Another wise idea in the promotion of the best car longevity is to purchase an 

extended warranty or Vehicle Service Contract which means the same thing. After your factory warranty expires, it’s a good idea to buy an extended warranty. With an extended warranty in place your car will be covered for mechanical breakdown costs when out on the road. You can drive with peace of mind knowing your car will be covered.

4. Check your Tire Pressure, Tread and Wheel Alignment

Adequate tire inflation will help your tires handle the road better and last longer. Check tire pressure regularly. To check your tire tread yourself, there is a simple trick. Push a penny into your tire’s tread groove. Lincoln’s head should be upside down and facing in your direction. After that, if you can see the whole of Lincoln’s head, your tread is less than 2/32 inches and you need to replace your tires. This is important for car longevity.

Keeping your wheels in alignment is necessary as it will affect the tread. If your car pulls to the side when driving straight, there is uneven tire wear and tear on the tires, or you have squealing tires, you need a wheel alignment, balance and wheel rotation. 

5. Drive Carefully and Protect Your Car from Sun Damage

Don’t drive aggressively, don’t come to abrupt stops, don’t ride the clutch so your car longevity is maintained. If you are conscious of how you drive you will be gentler on your car and the wear and tear on the vehicle will be less meaning its lifespan will be longer. Try to park your car in the shade and use a sun shield, so your car’s body paint and interior are protected from sun damage. Your dashboard can crack and fade over time if exposed to extreme sunshine in the day. If you want to sell your vehicle at some point if it’s well looked after that will help the sale price.

Having looked at these top 5 tips to promote the best car longevity, it is clear that there are steps you can implement so your car’s lifespan is longer. We have also looked at car longevity statistics to get an idea of car lifespans and how many cars a driver owns in their lifetime. We hope these tips will assist you in promoting the longevity of your car.