The average age of cars on the road is 11 years old. Today’s cars are built to last longer than ever, and they can last for 200,000 miles or more.
Does that mean your car engine will last that long? Not necessarily. You’ll probably have to repair or replace the engine at some point.
How long does a car engine last? Find out the answer to this question and what you can do to extend the life of your car’s engine.
How Long Does a Car Engine Last?
It’s hard to predict how long your car engine will last because there are many factors that determine an engine’s lifespan.
Let’s start with the manufacturer and the materials they use to build the engine. The most common materials are aluminum and iron. Some engines may be iron only, aluminum only, or a combination of these and other metals.
Iron engines are much more sturdy than aluminum and other metals. These engines will last a little longer because they can withstand the pressure and heat that car engines produce. They will breakdown more slowly than aluminum engines.
Your driving style and lifestyle affect the lifespan of a car engine, too. There are drivers that like to push down on the gas pedal hard, go 100 feet, then slam on the brakes. That stresses out passengers and engines.
If you live in an area with a lot of hills or have long commutes, you’ll place additional stress on the engine. You’ll wear down your engine faster.
You can still expect your car engine to last about 8-9 years. It could be less if you continuously beat your engine up.
How to Extend the Life of a Car Engine
There are things that you can do to make the car engine last longer. You may need to adjust your driving style so you’re placing less stress on the engine.
You need to keep your car maintained regularly. Do you have a maintenance log? You should keep one to ensure the oil and belts are changed according to the manufacturer’s standards.
You need to listen to your car. There are warning signs that you need engine repair. Funny noises and unusual leaks are a couple of examples.
Getting these things handled right away prevents the problem from becoming worse. The worst-case scenario is that the engine is beyond repair.
Car Engines: Built to Last
How long does a car engine last? There are a lot of factors that determine the lifespan of a car engine. The level of care, the manufacturer, and engine materials play a role. Your driving style does, too. You should expect your car engine to last about 8 years.
If you want to make your engine last longer, you need to get regular maintenance done on schedule. You can’t put it off.
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