Don’t Let Your Ride Retire Early: 7 Tips for Extending the Life of Your Car

1. Follow a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Why it matters: Skipping routine maintenance is one of the fastest ways to shorten your car's life. Each make and model has a recommended service schedule, which includes oil changes, filter replacements, belt checks and more.

What to do:

• Oil and filter changes every 5,000–7,500 miles (or as specified by your manufacturer)^[2]
  
  
• Brake inspections every 5,000–7,500 miles (or as specified by your manufacturer). Brakes will likely need to be replaced between 30,000 - 35,000 miles.^[3]
  
  
• Transmission service every 60,000 - 100,000 miles for automatic transmissions and 30,000 - 60,000 miles for standard transmissions (or as specified by your manufacturer)^[4]
  
  
• Coolant flushes every 30,000 miles (or as specified by your manufacturer)
  
  

Life extension potential: Adds 50,000–100,000 miles. Routine maintenance can significantly extend the life of your car by protecting your engine, improving your gas mileage and avoiding breakdowns. The regular costs associated with routine upkeep will pay off in savings in the end.^[5]

2. Drive Smoothly and Mindfully

Why it matters: Aggressive driving—such as rapid acceleration, harsh braking and speeding—puts strain on your engine, transmission, brakes and suspension. Running at a consistent speed is good for fuel efficiency and vehicle durability. 

What to do:

• Accelerate gently and anticipate stops
  
  
• Avoid potholes and rough roads when possible
  
  
• Turn off the car when you get to your destination. Extended idling adds wear to the engine.
  
  

Life extension potential: Adds 20,000–40,000 miles. Good driving habits can decrease engine wear and get crucial extra miles out of your car.^[6]

3. Keep Your Car Clean—Inside and Out

Why it matters: Dirt, salt and debris can lead to rust and corrosion, especially in colder climates. Meanwhile, a clean interior prevents wear and tear on seats, controls, and electrical components. Not having extra junk in your car you don’t need will also keep the weight in your car down, which improves gas mileage and decreases wear.^[7]

What to do:

• Wash your car every 1–2 weeks, especially in winter or after rain
  
  
• Wax every 3–4 months to protect the paint
  
  
• Vacuum and wipe down the interior monthly and clean out things you don’t need.
  
  

Life extension potential: Preserves resale value and prevents premature rust damage.

4. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights

Why it matters: Dashboard lights are your car’s early warning system. Ignoring them can lead to much more expensive repairs down the line—or catastrophic failures.

What to do:

• Check the owner’s manual to decode warning lights
  
  
• Schedule a diagnostic test if unsure
  
  
• Don’t delay fixing engine, transmission or brake-related issues
  
  

Life extension potential: Prevents system failures and adds tens of thousands of miles. Ignoring warning lights can lead to much more expensive repairs than if they are dealt with in a timely manner.

5. Store Your Car Properly

Why it matters: Environmental exposure, especially from UV rays, extreme temperatures and moisture, can damage your vehicle over time. Preventing exposure by keeping your car covered as much as possible will prolong its life. 

What to do:

• Park in a garage or use a car cover if outdoors
  
  
• Avoid extended sun exposure
  
  
• If storing long-term, disconnect the battery and keep tires inflated
  
  

Life extension potential: Helps preserve your paint, battery and rubber components.

6. Use Quality Parts and Fluids

Why it matters: Cheaper parts and fluids may save money in the short term, but they often wear out faster and can cause damage to other systems.

What to do:

• Stick to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or trusted aftermarket parts
  
  
• Use the recommended grade of oil and other fluids
  
  
• Never top off fluids with a different type unless compatible
  
  

Life extension potential: Avoids breakdowns and system strain, extending component life by years.

7. Rotate and Align Your Tires

Why it matters: Uneven tire wear can lead to poor fuel economy, handling problems and added stress on suspension components.

What to do:

• Rotate tires every 5,000–8,000 miles (or as specified by your manufacturer)
  
  
• Check alignment at least once a year
  
  
• Maintain proper tire pressure
  
  

Life extension potential: Can prolong tire and suspension life by up to 30%.^[8]

How Long Can a Well-Maintained Car Last?

With consistent care and attention, most modern vehicles can easily last:

• 150,000–200,000 miles with basic maintenance
  
  
• 250,000+ miles with proactive, high-quality care
  
  
• 15–20 years or more if stored properly and driven moderately

Some makes and models (especially Hondas, Toyotas and Subarus) are known for reaching 300,000+ miles with diligent upkeep.

Wrapping up

Think of your car like your body—regular checkups, good habits and preventative care go a long way. Taking the time to maintain your vehicle doesn't just prevent breakdowns; it can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs and push back the need to buy a new car.

Start small. Even adopting two or three of the practices above can dramatically increase the longevity of your car and make every mile more dependable.