What Is the Life Expectancy of Your Car’s Engine?

“How long will it last?” When it comes to buying a used car, it’s probably the most frequently asked question. The easy answer is: It depends. In the past, it was expected that a car engine would last at least 100,000 miles. But thanks to advances in the automotive industry, it’s not uncommon to see vehicles rolling down the road with 150,00 and even 200,000 miles on their engines. And every now and then you’ll hear about those unicorn-like cars that surpass 300,000 miles.

How long a car engine will last typically comes down to three main factors:

how long will a car engine last

  1. Maintenance
    Every car, truck and SUV that rolls off the assembly line comes complete with an owner’s manual. Inside that manual is a section that spells out a maintenance schedule. The more closely this schedule is followed, the longer you can expect a car engine to last. That’s why it’s always a good idea to see if a used car has had regular oil changes, filter replacements and belt checks before buying. Missing even one oil change can cause car engine wear and tear.

  2. Wear and tear
    Where a vehicle is driven can also affect its life expectancy. If a car has been used to tear down muddy, back-country dirt roads with reckless abandon, its engine probably isn’t going to last as long as one that’s simply been driven along a highway. Likewise, spending time driving in stop-and-go traffic can kill your transmission much more quickly than cruising down the interstate at a reasonable rate of speed. Before you buy, try to find out how a car has been used, because the wear and tear to which its engine has endured can make a big difference in how long it lasts. 

  3. Make and model
    It’s a simple fact: Some vehicles are just built to last longer than others. Which make and model you purchase can play a role in how long your car engine lasts. This makes a lot of sense because not all cars are created equal. Some roll off the assembly line with better parts–and the better the components, the longer they should last (at least in theory).

    There are two ways you can find out which cars last the longest. You can pay attention to the vehicles you come across on a daily basis and make a mental note of those you see most often. Or, you can check out the U.S. News & World Report data on the most reliable cars. Of course, you can also talk to experts at dealerships and auto shops. They deal with cars, trucks and SUVs all day, every day and will probably be happy to share their knowledge with you.

Find a Long-Lasting Car

You want a used car that is built to last, and that’s what you’ll find at Valley Automall. Visit the website to find the information you need about a vehicle’s history–so you’ll be able to find one of those elusive cars that seem to run forever.