by Bennett Kalafut

Created on: November 07, 2008   Last Updated: June 15, 2010

Body panels rust, moving parts wear, weatherstripping and bushings stiffen and crack; cars inevitably get old. They can be kept running nearly indefinitely as long as replacement parts, either new or from junkyards, are available, but eventually the costs of upkeep outweigh the utility of the vehicle, and we can say that it has come to the end of its useful life.

Driver behavior and preventative maintenance can extend the life of a vehicle considerably. Jackrabbit starts and hard stops cause premature wear, as can skipping routine preventative maintenance.  Repairing all paint scratches and chips immediately helps to keep rust in check, as does flushing salt from the vehicle during warm spells in places with icy winters. If your car has an interference engine, replace the timing belt, timing belt tensioner, and any other device (such as the water pump) driven by the timing belt at the recommended service interval. It is also important to correct engine or suspension trouble right away.  Problems do not disappear on their own, and seemingly minor trouble in the undercarriage can damage more parts and even lead to catastrophic failure if left for too long.

More important than anything else is to keep everything lubricated and to replace any fluids which might become contaminated with particulates, moisture, or corrosive impurities. Don't put off learning that your car has transmission fluid until your transmission fails! Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and, on rear-wheel drive cars and trucks, gear lube all have finite lifetimes and must be drained or flushed and replaced from time to time. Performing this maintenance is worth the time and expense; the alternative is premature component failure, which can cost hundreds of dollars and even result in a collision. Delaying fluid changes beyond recommended service intervals hastens failure.  Most quick-lube shops and all full-service mechanics will change these fluids on request, but usually charge considerably more for labor than they do for an oil change. You can save money by doing all fluid changes yourself, and avoid the inconvenience of having to wait around at the mechanic's shop or dropping off the car and getting a ride.

Keeping the following in mind will lengthen the life of your vehicle:

(1)  Wax now or paint later.

Waxes make a car's finish shiny, but they serve more than just a cosmetic purpose.  The layer of wax over a vehicle's clear-coat

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