We hear this question a lot and, according to recent statistics, the average life expectancy of a vehicle is 12 to 18 years. A recently published study declared that the average age of vehicles on Canadian Highways is 12 years old, which is the highest the average has ever been. The life expectancy of the vehicle and its mechanical parts can differ based on maintenance performed, the type of driving the vehicle is used for, and what type of vehicle it is.
A car that has more highway kilometres and is maintained well, with regular service and changes to the oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, differential fluid, transfer case fluid, etc., tends to have a longer life expectancy with anywhere from 240,000 to 320,000 Kilometers or more. A car that is driven on short trips, mostly around town, and has not been regularly maintained has a much shorter life expectancy, especially on the major components, like the engine and transmission.
Taking good care of your vehicle with preventative maintenance can definitely extend the life of your vehicle. We have customers that have 350,000 to 450,000 kilometres on vehicles that are driven on short trips and are designated for commercial use. Toyota’s are not the only vehicles that can drive several 200,000 kilometres. Preventative maintenance is designed to keep something unwanted from occurring to your car and is performed before damage has been done.
Happy Motoring!
