What’s the average life of a car?

The average car these days lasts about 8 years, which is significantly longer than previous generations of vehicles, but not quite long enough for owners to keep their cars that entire time before having to shop for a new one.

Many factors contribute to your car’s longevity. Some are out of your control, while others you have a say in. If you obtain new car finance and buy the latest model this will ensure your vehicle remains relevant for longer.

The average life of a car is determined by two major factors: the quality of the vehicle and its maintenance. There are other factors as well, including warranty coverage, number of kilometres on the odometer when it goes to the shop, and even overall consumer spending on cars, which plays a role in the availability of replacement parts.

Several key features have improved the average car’s lifespan by giving driver’s early warning about potential problems. These technologies include:

Airbags

Inflatable seat belts that deploy when an accident occurs or sensors indicate a collision is imminent, airbags cushion your body against a violent impact with your steering wheel or the dashboard.

When airbags are deployed, sensors tell mechanics whether there is a leak in the system or if the airbag’s charcoal canister needs to be replaced. If you have to replace an airbag, make sure it comes from a high-quality supplier with a good record of performance and safety.

Fuel economy

Cars that get better gas mileage also use less of the expensive ingredients you add to increase engine power, namely fuel and oil. The resulting savings allow your car to last longer before having to have its engine overhauled or replaced entirely.

Predictive maintenance

A combination of sensors can monitor many crucial aspects of a vehicle as it’s used over time – tire pressure, oil level and tread wear – and alert you when any of these needs attention. This means when your mechanic changes the oil or rotates your tires, you won’t have to return for another appointment sooner than necessary.

Car maintenance has gotten easier

Mechanics are more readily equipped with diagnostic tools that help them troubleshoot problems in a car’s computer system, meaning repairs are more likely to fix the underlying issue instead of just fixing symptoms.

Also important to a car’s longevity is what you do after you buy it. Owners who frequently take their car to the shop for repairs can end up with more serious problems that cost more money and time to fix than if they had been given preventive maintenance.

Cars are much more reliable now than they were 10 years ago with many new features available (depending on how much you spend on a car) now that help drivers avoid costly issues. The average car has a lifespan of around 8 years but it is important to consider what you do after purchase too, such as performing preventive maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations) or taking your vehicle to the shop for repairs when needed.