Auto mechanics get this question all the time: “Can I keep my car running forever?” Automobile owners always want to know how many more years their cars will run. They want to know for several reasons, two of which are: 1) They want to gauge when they should start looking for a new car to purchase, and 2) They want to know if they should spend money on necessary car maintenance and car repairs.
The answer to the question, “Can I keep my car running forever” is not necessarily easy to answer. Whether or not your car will run forever depends on many factors. But, for the most part, cars that are well-maintained and regularly brought to an auto service center for routine auto maintenance stand a far better chance of running for decades than cars that are neglected. One of the keys to success when it comes to keeping a vehicle running well for many years is being proactive with car repairs. If your auto shop recommends that a repair be made – make it! If your auto shop suggests a specific auto maintenance schedule – stick to it!
Following are several tips on how to give your car an excellent shot at running “forever.”
Don’t buy a clunker. A “clunker” is a dilapidated old car that is not in optimal condition to begin with. If you purchase a pre-owned clunker and expect it to run forever, you will have to spend a considerable amount of time, money and effort restoring the car and bringing its condition up to par. By all means, if you’re interested in restoring clunkers, that’s certainly your prerogative. But if you expect a clunker to run forever without serious assistance from an auto repair shop, you might be disappointed!
Don’t drive it across the country every year. If you want to keep a car running forever, one of the best ways to accomplish this is to not put 25,000 miles on it every year. If you drive infrequently or relatively short distances, your car stands a better chance of running forever.
Follow the recommended auto maintenance schedule in your car’s manual. The manufacturer of your vehicle lists a recommended auto maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or the recommendations of your car mechanic.
Don’t ignore car problems. When you get car problems fixed as soon as they are noticed, your car will appreciate it. In others words, fixing car problems early can prevent other problems from occurring as a result. When you have fewer problems, you have a car that is more likely to run forever!
For additional advice on how to keep your car running forever, make sure to have a conversation with your trusted car mechanic.
