Growing Old Together (Maintaining an Older Vehicle)
April 26, 2020
More and more of us are hanging on to our vehicles longer. A company by the name of HIS Markit recently released a report that shows the average age of light vehicles in the U.S. is now 11.8 years. Light vehicles are cars, SUVs (sport utility vehicles) and CUVs (compact utility vehicles).
In Canada, the average life expectancy of a vehicle there is around 13 years, and in the U.S., it's around 15. Vehicles are lasting longer these days, and there are several reasons for that.
One expert cites better technology and overall quality improvements. While in past years, vehicles were made mainly of heavier steel components, more modern vehicles contain lighter magnesium and aluminum alloys, high-strength steel, polymers and carbon fiber. They last longer and reduce the overall vehicle weight, and that can contribute to better fuel economy.
Modern internal combustion engine designs have been improved, and since they use more computers, they are more efficient with better performance. Those factors also contribute to a longer-lasting powertrain. In fact, it's not unusual to see a powertrain easily last 150,000 miles/250,000 kilometers or more with no major failures.
Drivers are also taking their vehicles in more regularly for periodic maintenance. Choosing one service facility for all your maintenance can contribute to your vehicle's longevity, too, since technicians know your vehicle's repair and service history.
If you bought your vehicle taking out a 5-year loan and you keep it 11 years, you've managed 6 of those years without a payment, always a nice feeling. Plus, a bonus is that you get very familiar with every aspect of that vehicle's sounds, smells, handling, stopping characteristics, visibility and limitations. And the more familiar you are with your vehicle, the more confident you can be as a driver.
Auto Lab Livonia
36251 Five Miles Rd
Livonia, MI 48154
734-432-6000
http://www.autolablivonia.com
Need Service?
More articles from Auto Lab Livonia
The Part You've Never Seen (Flat Tires and Solutions)
March 8, 2026
They say your vehicle has one, but you've never seen it. And you might not even know it if you stumbled on it accidentally. We're talking about the jack, that tool that allows you to lift one corner of the vehicle up so someone can change a flat tire. So you say you'd never try to change a flat ... More
Muffler: Victim of Winter (Muffler Repair)
March 1, 2026
So you almost got through the winter until, one day, your muffler started sounding like a dragster, loud and obnoxious. It's not surprising. All that road salt and brine can cause rust to punch holes in a muffler, and that should raise a big, red warning flag about the safety of your vehicle. O... More
No Fueling Around (Fuel Filter Replacement)
February 22, 2026
A driver called in to the shop the other day saying his European sports sedan had an odd problem. He was driving when his car started to slow down. Applying more throttle didn't help. He pulled over to the side of the road, shut the engine off and waited a few minutes before starting it up aga... More