Modern cars, trucks, SUVs and vans can last for 150,000 miles to 300,000 miles depending on the make and model. This works out to anywhere between 10 to 20 years based on the average annual driving distance in America.
It's rare for vehicles to surpass 250,000 miles without serious mechanical issues. On the other hand, some drivers are so attentive to maintenance that their vehicles rack up over 250K miles without a powertrain or transmission failure.
Here are the best maintenance tips for high-mileage vehicles and drivers striving to squeeze every mile out of their cars.
High-mileage car maintenance tips
Your car's engine is one of its most important mechanical components. Replacing an engine can cost thousands of dollars in parts. Labor costs for engine problems are high as well.
"Changing the engine oil and oil filter regularly is perhaps the single most important maintenance procedure you can do to help your engine last longer" says Hertz. High-mileage synthetic oil is best for longevity.
Radiator reservoir levels, power steering fluids and brake fluids should also be checked regularly to keep your car in the best shape possible. Cleaning your vehicle's interior and exterior can also "go a long way toward retaining the car's value" says Hertz.
If you own a high-mileage, vehicle regular maintenance is more important than any other time in the car's life cycle. Skipping out on routine maintenance could directly impact your car's lifespan and send it to the junkyard prematurely.
What are the longest-lasting cars?
The longest-lasting vehicles include models like the Toyota Tundra, Honda Ridgeline, Chevrolet Suburban, Honda Accord and more according to Autoweek. Toyota vehicles dominate the list of vehicles most likely to last for 250,000 miles.
The full-size Toyota Tundra pickup truck, full-size Toyota Sequoia SUV and midsize Toyota 4Runner are the top three longest-lasting vehicles. These models feature large-displacement naturally aspirated engines that are built to withstand extreme heat and strain.
Purchasing a long-lasting vehicle and keeping up with a regular maintenance schedule can give you a good chance at reaching 250K miles or beyond.
What are some of the most neglected car maintenance services?
Some of the most neglected car maintenance services include cabin and engine air filter replacements, battery terminal cleaning and brake fluid flushes. While some of these maintenance services are easy to do on your own and don't require many tools, some service procedures are best left to professional mechanics.
Your car depends on many parts and fluids to operate, and having a trusted mechanic or shop available to diagnose issues is invaluable. Average annual car maintenance costs $400 to $1,200 a year, according to Consumer Affairs. It may be tempting to skip out on maintenance before serious mechanical issues because of costs and waiting times for repairs, but staying on top of your vehicle's needs could save you thousands in the long run.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The best high-mileage maintenance tips to keep your car on the road
