If you haven’t set foot in a new-car dealer’s showroom in over a decade, you’re not alone. The average age of all light-duty cars and trucks on the road now stands at a record 11.5 years, according to the market research firm IHS Automotive in Southfield, Mich.
Further driven by skyrocketing new-car sales, the nation’s roads are becoming clogged with more cars than ever, at 257,900,000 units, which is up by more than 5.3 million (a 2.1 percent increase) since last year, and is likewise the highest number ever recorded.
“As long as we have tracked average age, it has gradually risen over time due to the increasing quality of automobiles,” says Mark Seng, global aftermarket practice leader at IHS Automotive. In addition, IHS says the drop and recovery of new vehicle sales since the U.S. economic recession has also had a major impact on the average age segments of the nation’s fleet. Peering into the proverbial crystal ball, IHS predicts the average motor vehicle age to reach 11.7 years by 2018.
If you’re intending on holding onto your current car or truck for the long haul, it pays to take care of your pride and joy, both to help maximize its longevity and minimize repair costs along the way.
For starters, follow the automaker’s maintenance schedule to the letter, particularly during the first few years of ownership to prevent voiding the vehicle’s warranty. Have the oil and filter changed according to the automaker’s so-called “severe use” schedule, which by definition applies to those who frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, live in extremely hot or cold climates or dusty areas or who tow a trailer (which accounts for most of us).
Check all of the vehicle fluids regularly — including engine oil, coolant and brake, power steering, transmission and battery fluids — and top them off as necessary. Your car’s owner’s manual will show where and how to check them. If any fluid levels are chronically low, have the car examined by a mechanic.
Inspect the hoses and belts regularly. Have them replaced whenever they appear cracked, brittle, frayed, become loose or show signs of excessive wear. Keep the battery terminals clear of corrosion to ensure a good connection, using a soft wire brush dipped in ammonia or baking soda, then flush with clear water.
Check the air pressure in the tires — including the spare — weekly, and only when the tires are cold (before driving), using a good-quality tire-pressure gauge. Keep them inflated to the maximum pressure recommended in the owner’s manual to minimize wear and maximize your vehicle’s handling and fuel economy. Have the tires rotated once a year, or sooner if they begin to show signs of uneven wear.
Pay attention to the way your car drives. Take your car to the service department or repair shop if it’s making strange sounds, is becoming difficult to start, is handling or braking oddly, is overheating or otherwise isn’t operating as expected. Undue procrastination may lead to higher repair bills down the road.
Also, be sure to take care of your ride’s appearance to further ensure it ages gracefully. Have the car washed frequently, and give it a coat of good-quality paste wax at least once a year. Likewise, keep the interior looking good with liberal use of plastic-surface conditioner. Dirty seats and carpeting wear out quicker, so be sure to vacuum the interior regularly and freshen it annually with carpet/upholstery cleaner.
Finally, make sure that your driving habits aren’t counterproductive to your other efforts to boost a vehicle’s longevity, especially as it’s otherwise aging gracefully. That means going easy on both the accelerator and brake pedals to prevent accelerated wear and tear, and avoid the temptation to take the curves at tire-squealing speeds.
© CTW Features