Getting Your Car To Last 200,000 Miles Is Easier Than You Think
Jane Lu
· 3 min read
These days most people expect to get at least 200,000 miles out of a car if they plan to keep it long-term. Choosing a reliable car when you first buy one and keeping up with routine maintenance are the easiest ways to make it last.
Improvements in
car technology
like rust prevention and lubricants have made cars more durable in the long run. Cars that are known to be reliable and have approved safety features will also make car insurance cheaper
.Consumer Reports
talks about different ways to make sure your car lasts. How can you help your car get to the 200,000 milestone and how will this save you money?Tips to make your car last as long as possible
MORE: Essential Car Maintenance Tools and Supplies
Consumer Reports says that a timely maintenance schedule, buying the right parts, and looking out for issues will help make your car last.
You should follow your car owner’s manual that tells you exactly what services you need to take care of and when. Routine maintenance will help you catch issues before they do irreparable damage to your car. It’ll also save you from the cost of a major repair.
Similarly, you should buy car parts recommended in your manual. Cheap parts might
save you a bit of money now
, but it can cause damage or malfunction in the long run. On top of regular maintenance, watch out for leaks, strange noises from your engine, and check under the hood often for any issues.
Does keeping your car longer saves you money?
Reaching the 200,000-mile benchmark takes 15 years on average according to Consumer Reports research. This can save you $30,000 or more since it limits the effects of depreciation or the value of the car going down over time. Depreciation is especially hard on new vehicles.
At the same time, you don’t want to keep a car that is unsafe or unreliable on the road. Diligent car care habits will make sure your car stays in a good, stable condition. This will save you from having to replace your car often and save you the costs of major repairs or a new car.
You can’t always predict how long a car will last
Every car is different, so you can’t guess exactly how long it will last. However, regular maintenance will make it more likely to last longer. You can do the best you can with maintenance but know when it’s time to let go. Especially if your car becomes unsafe and often breaks down unexpectedly.
Buying a car model that is known to be reliable is a good start to having a car that lasts. Modern cars are more likely to last 200,000 miles or more. You should inspect used cars before you buy them for dents, rust, or other signs of neglect that make it unsafe to drive.
Since the cost of insurance goes up with mileage, you should shop around for insurance as you drive the same vehicle for longer.
Jerry
can help you get the lowest rate and save you the hassle of constantly shopping around. The app is free, quick, and takes care of switching policies for you. If you’ve driven for years you might stick with the same insurance policy, so you don’t have to think about it. Jerry can keep it updated for you, so you know you have the lowest cost before renewal.
