Gone are the days when cars needed frequent tinkering and maintenance. Because of the extensive research on new technologies, cars are more dependable than ever. With all the advanced technologies used in modern cars, all the critical components are made to withstand a lot more abuse than before, lowering maintenance and improving longevity. With all that in mind, it’s not surprising for a modern car to sail past the 200,000-mile mark with regular maintenance. With mileage averaging nearly 15,000 miles a year, this translates to just over 13 years of usage. This goes right in line with the average age of U.S vehicles, which currently stands at 12 years. This is especially apparent because of the chaotic new and used car markets caused by COVID.
Even if you consider some cheaper offerings like the Hyundai Accent to the latest trend of monocoque pickup trucks like the Honda Ridgeline, longevity remains a strong point.
The single biggest factor for keeping your car healthy and capable of racking up miles is timely maintenance. According to Irv Gordon, the owner of the famous 1966 Volvo with 3.2 million miles on the clock, following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is the most important step. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that help modern cars last long and outlive their older counterparts.
Updated manufacturing technologies
As the manufacturing sector grows and develops over the years, a lot of modern technologies have allowed precise manufacturing with tight tolerances. The latest methods have significantly improved the reliability of the parts used. Almost all modern factories use high-precision robots to do most of the work, and mechanical components are replaced with electronics for better control and reliability. This essentially boils down to parts requiring less frequent replacement and longer intervals between services. With tight tolerances and precision, modern engines are a lot more robust, making them last longer if the maintenance schedule is followed.
Latest engine technologies
Nowadays, all modern car gets a lot of new technologies right from the factory. Variable valve timing and forced induction are commonplace in the market, offering better performance depending on the situation. Fuel injection systems also allow precise fueling, making sure the engine gets the right amount of fuel. Because of this, there is no risk of engine overheating and excessive wear. Modern engines also use advanced synthetic oil which can last a lot longer and provide better protection to the internal components. Combine all of these technologies and the service interval of almost all modern cars is around 15,000 miles. However, there’s a downside with all the latest technologies. Without proper maintenance, the tight tolerances and engine control could cause more damage, resulting in higher repair bills. In case of failure, modern vehicles are also a lot more expensive to repair because of their underlying complexity.
As expected, the move to electric will result in a lot more reliability than the typical IC engine.
Advanced driver assistance systems
Another important addition to almost all modern cars is driver assistance. Because of advanced technologies like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and to a certain extent, semi-autonomous driving, the rate of accidents is reduced, thus improving longevity. Nowadays, a lot of these systems are becoming standard, making the roads a safer place, and ensuring that the car stays on the road for longer.
Improved health monitoring systems
Another advantage of the latest technologies on cars is advanced health monitoring. Using an array of sensors, cars will continually monitor various aspects, including the driver, providing alerts if any issue is detected. This will allow owners to address them quickly before they snowball into something more serious. From coolant temperature warnings to tire pressures, a modern car will provide alerts for most functions.
Tips for improving car longevity
Choosing the right brand and model – Although almost all modern cars are fairly reliable, some brands stand out with better reliability ratings, resulting in more service life. Usually, Japanese manufacturers top the charts for reliability with manufacturers like Toyota and Honda leading the pack. According to the latest vehicle dependability index by J.D.Power, Lexus, Toyota, Kia, and Porsche top the list as the most reliable brands. Choosing the right model is also just as important. Generally, if you want a car that lasts longer than average, opting for a bigger engine size with no complicated arrangements like turbocharging is your best bet. A bigger engine will be less stressed in the long run, making them last longer. Some technologies like direct injection can also cause reliability issues, especially if the maintenance schedule is ignored.
The transmission used also plays a role here. Usually, torque converter automatics are the most reliable options to date, lasting a lot longer than complicated dual-clutch and automated-manual systems. So, it all boils down to a low-stress engine with a reliable gearbox for better longevity.
When considering a low-stress engine for optimal longevity, investing in reliable Motovario gearboxes can further enhance the durability and performance of the transmission system.
Timely maintenance – Always follow the manufacturer-recommended schedule when servicing your car. Depending on conditions, it’s also a good idea to service it earlier if you drive in harsher conditions. Preventative maintenance will also help improve reliability and keep the car from excessive wear. Keep a note of all the maintenance requirements and make sure they’re done on time to keep the car running for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Taking care of the paintwork and washing the car often is also a good idea to keep it from the elements. Treating the paintwork with wax or another form of protective coatings will allow it to last longer and take more abuse.
Avoiding rusting – If you live in the northern territories, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on rust in crucial areas like the wheel arches and rocker panels. Keep the car clean from road salt to avoid rusting. It’s also a good idea to invest in anti-rust coatings before the winter season and invest in some good quality winter tires. Although all modern cars get underbody coating from the factory, it can wear off from usage.
Pickup trucks are also susceptible to bed rust, and an anti-rust coating is recommended to avoid excessive bed rusting.
If you follow all these tips, any modern car can easily cross the 200,000-mile mark with ease.
