Nothing lasts forever, but it’s still worthwhile taking steps to ensure certain things last as long as possible. That’s certainly the case when it comes to your car, which you’ll have spent a significant sum of money on. The average car lasts around 15 years until it has to head to the scrapyard, but the time it spends on the roads is significantly shorter. Most people find their vehicles have to be replaced at around the eight-year mark. However, by taking proper precautions, you can bump that time to around 10 – 12 years. Let’s look at how. 

Read the Vehicle Manual

There are plenty of general car tips that will improve the lifespan of your vehicle. But there’ll also be factors that are specific not only to your car brand but the specific model. Most people don’t think to read the user manual for their vehicle, but there’s a reason that manufacturers include it — it’s a treasure trove of vital information about the vehicle. If you’ve got a spare hour or two, read the manual and make a note of any key information. 

Keep Up With Maintenance

You can’t expect your vehicle to last the distance if you’re overlooking its maintenance. Think of it as the TLC your car needs to stay running at its best. It’s recommended to schedule an appointment with a mechanic who understands your car type from time to time. You can also extend the life of your vehicle by replacing those all-important parts before they completely break down. There are websites that sell Toyota Corolla, Ford F-Series, and Tesla Model S car parts online, which means you should have no problem finding those all-important replacement parts ahead of time. And remember, it always pays to visit a mechanic at the first sign that something might not be quite right with your vehicle. 

Drive it Smart 

You wouldn’t expect to be in tip-top physical condition if you continually push your body to the limit. And the same can be said for your vehicle. It’s important to drive your vehicle with care, rather than driving it aggressively, especially in areas where it’s not designed to be driven (say, a city car in a mountainous environment). As well as extending the life of the vehicle, this will also cut down on running expenses, such as gas. 

While it’s generally correct to drive your car sensibly, it’s important to rev the engine every few hundred miles. It’ll help to prevent carbon buildup, which can cause a host of problems. 

Invest in Protection

Sometimes, it’s not the inner workings that begin to show signs of wear and tear, but the outer body. Nobody wants to drive around in a vehicle that looks well past its best. You can keep your vehicle looking great by investing in vehicle protection. For instance, you may add a carport to your driveway or keep it inside your garage. This will help to keep your vehicle’s paintwork safe from the effects of intense sunshine and heavy rainfall.