How to Get a Million Miles of Use from Your Vehicle, Really!

Ever heard of people who have owned and driven a car for a million miles? It doesn't happen often, perhaps, but it's not unheard of. And it's fairly easy to find people with cars that have accumulated 300,000, 400,000 or 500,000 miles.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average life span of a vehicle is about 12 years, or a little more than 128,000 miles. What is it that separates those vehicles from those that rack up two or three times that mileage before they are replaced? The answer seems to be a combination of factors.

Part of the reason, certainly is that they don't make cars like they used to. They make them much better! Drive train components are built to closer tolerances. Metallurgy has improved. Computer control provides much more accurate fuel metering, so engines are more efficient. The lubricants that protect the internal moving parts of drive trains have also been improved to better protect against wear.

There's no doubt that today's cars are lasting longer. In the 40s and 50s, 100,000 miles was pretty much the upper limit of an automobile's service life, before it was time for an overhaul. Now, it can easily be twice that. And for those who want to double that mileage yet again, here are a few simple suggestions.

First thoroughly acquaint yourself with your car's owner's manual. Manufacturer's recommendations for service intervals and lubricants are based on extensive testing and sound engineering, specifically for your vehicle.

Keep your car's exterior and interior clean. It's not necessary to keep the car show-detailed, but a clean car is more enjoyable to drive and you're less likely to be tempted to trade it in when there are still many miles of service left in it. That's particularly true if you car is paid off. The average car payment today in America is well over $400.00 per month!

Drive your car in a way intended to make it last. Drive a little under the speed limit, instead of a little over. Anticipate traffic conditions so you can use the brakes less and put less stress on the mechanicals. Try to avoid short trips in which the engine doesn't have the chance to reach normal operating temperature. That will help prevent the buildup of sludge and other contaminants that can shorten the life of the drive train.

And, perhaps most importantly, find a good mechanic, someone you trust and who can get to know your car. He can advise you about what service and maintenance will keep your car running like new.

Call today to talk with a certified master technician and to make an appointment in our Lake City Way auto repair shop. Our master certified technicians have the expertise to help you cost-effectively maintain your vehicle to maximize its lifespan.