How to Tell How Much Life is Left in My Car

Like every other consumer product out there, automobiles also come with an expiration date. Facing the fact that your beloved vehicle is past its prime functionality can be quite a tough pill to swallow, especially if finances are tight and it has been serving you for years. We understand it’s not just about the money—it’s about the sentimental value it holds.

However, there comes a time when you must come to grips with reality and understand that an overworn clunker might threaten the safety of your whole family. Perhaps it’s in everyone’s best interest to say farewell to that old rust bucket and make room in your heart for a new ride. On the other hand, maybe there’s an easy fix for those defects you’ve been flagging.

Join us at A Plus Auto as we reveal the telltale signs that will help you determine whether you’re due for a new ride.

The Obvious Signs

If you’re willing to open your mind and figure out whether your car is reaching the end of its life, there are some signs that are pretty hard to miss. Of course, getting an opinion from a professional such as a mechanic is always your best option, although if you would rather skip a trip to the shop, let’s go through the evident red flags you should look for.

Excessive Mileage

The easiest way to spot whether your automobile is starting to reach the end of its lifespan is to look at the mileage on your dashboard. As a general rule of thumb, vehicles that are past the 100,000-mile mark are considered to be high-mileage cars. If the odometer accumulates around 150,000 to 200,000 miles, this is a clear indication that the vehicle is worn out.

In many instances, you will see drivers use automobiles with a mileage of a whopping 300,000 plus, and they might tell you that the car performs just fine. On the other down-low, they’ve been switching used car parts non-stop and taking them to the mechanic every month or two. Don’t get us wrong, purchasing used car parts and replacing defective ones is never a bad thing. However, if it happens too frequently, you should consider alternatives.

Frequent Trips to the Mechanic

If you find yourself getting defect after defect and constantly running around mechanics, it’s a clear sign that your car life is coming to an end. Of course, occasional maintenance practices such as big servicing, small servicing, and tire replacement are nothing to worry about. However, if you feel like your vehicle is making a massive hole in your pocket on an ongoing basis, it’s time to stop and reconsider whether further repairs are your best choice.

Rust and Corrosion

If you need us to let you know that big chunks of rust and corrosion are a clear sign of a soon-to-be defective car, you’ve been lying to yourself for quite some time now. Of course, metal corrodes when it comes to contact with water and other substances, and buying used car parts here and there to replace corroded ones is completely normal. However, if the chassis on your vehicle shows multiple large rust flakes, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to discontinue that bad boy for good.

Significant Loss of Overall Value

The moment you drive your newly purchased automobile off the lot, it loses 10% of its total value. As soon as it reaches the three-year mark, you can expect a depreciation of around 50%. These value reductions are completely normal, considering that new and improved vehicles are being manufactured daily.

If your car’s overall value drops below the 70-80% mark, you’re better off purchasing a new one instead of trying to repair it to regain some value. The repairs for a vehicle like this would often be significantly larger than what buying a new one would cost.

The Hidden Signs

Even though the factors mentioned above should be enough to provide you with a clear assessment of your vehicle’s lifespan, there are a few things that are easy to miss. Now that we’ve explored all the obvious signs of a diminished car life, it’s time to go over some of the more clandestine ones.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

If you’ve noticed that your car has been wasting more fuel than it’s supposed to, there might be a big and costly problem waiting for you as soon as your mechanic opens the hood. This is a sign of engine wear and other mechanical problems that are not apparent to the naked eye.

Over-the-Top Oil Consumption

Similar to decreased fuel efficiency, excessive oil consumption may be a sign of serious engine problems that might threaten your safety. Not only can exorbitant oil consumption cost a big chunk of cash, but it can lead to engine failure if left unattended. On the other hand, it might just be the piston rings causing some trouble, and the best place to find some good ones as a replacement is A Plus Auto. All you need to do is just dial our number, and we’ll have all the used car parts you need shipped to you in no time.

Transmission Problems

Slipping gears and delayed shifts might just be a sign that you’re due for a transmission oil replacement or might indicate something more serious. In some cases, performing the regular big service at the 12,000-mile mark will fix the issues. In other instances, you might need a full transmission replacement that’s proven to be quite costly to rebuild.

Overheating

It’s completely normal that your engine overheats if you’re driving uphill frequently. However, if overheating occurs regularly on a straight road, it’s not looking good for you. In this scenario, your best option is to consult a professional regarding the remaining car life left in your machine and evaluate the next steps.

Let Us Help You

In conclusion, understanding when your car is nearing the end of its lifespan is crucial to making informed decisions about its maintenance and when it might be time to upgrade. At A Plus Auto, we’re here to help you recognize the signs and provide solutions, whether that means replacing parts or advising you on your next steps. If you’re experiencing frequent issues, seeing signs of excessive wear, or facing costly repairs, it might be more economical and safer to consider getting a new vehicle. Remember, your car’s performance and safety are paramount, and keeping a close eye on these warning signs can prevent more significant problems down the road.