A conventional vehicle sold in the United States will last around 10 to 12 years and about 200,000 miles, as long as it is well maintained. Drive a car around an area with a lot of salted roads after storms or rough starting and stopping, and that timespan gets reduced. There is a reason most dealers offer a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty on most drivetrains.
Owning a car has just as much to do with proper vehicle maintenance as it does selecting accessories or ensuring there is enough trunk space for a family vacation. Being “on top” of oil changes, tire rotations, topping off fluids, and following the car’s manual for routine checks will help you prolong the vehicle’s lifespan and achieve the best performance. Here are the top reasons you need solid vehicle maintenance after you’ve received your ride from the best car transport companies.
Reason #1: How Regular Vehicle Maintenance Enhances Safety, Reliability, and On-Road Performance
In 2022, about 42,514 people lost their lives in a vehicle accident. That might be something as severe as a multi-car pileup after a tractor-trailer flips, or something as minor as a right-turn blinker not working, causing a T-bone. Every major system in your vehicle has to work together to keep your car working well, regardless of road and driving conditions.
With routine maintenance, issues like worn brake pads or leaking fluids become less frequent. A good idea is to do a “walk around” of your vehicle every week to check for leaking fluids or any dents you may have not noticed before. In addition, you should ask your local mechanic to perform a quick inspection during your scheduled service for an oil change or minor repair.
Remember that reliability isn’t just about safety. You also want pickup and delivery of your kids at school to work each time because the car starts consistently, responds predictably, and handles as you want it to. That way, you know how the vehicle feels whether on a long commute to work or a quick trip to a nearby café for Sunday brunch. With car reliability, you get a better idea of the financial savings from maintenance.
Reason #2: Preventing Costly Repairs Through Proactive Car Maintenance
Most car owners who receive a vehicle through the best car transport companies can expect to spend around $900 a year on maintenance. That is usually from oil changes, tire rotations, and maybe replacing a minor part like the front brakes or a few filters. When you skip those necessary items, that price tag for maintenance skyrockets.
A neglected minor issue can turn into a major mechanical failure. Missing oil changes accelerate engine wear. Low coolant levels lead to overheating. Ignoring the check engine light can result in a $3,500 transmission repair. The earlier you address the minor issues, the more you save in your bank account.
Besides repairs, fuel efficiency is another overlooked financial benefit of regular maintenance. When your vehicle has clean filters, properly inflated tires, and well-lubed engine components, you lower the cost of filling the tank between trips. The DOE estimates that U.S. drivers cause 3.56 million gallons of daily fuel waste due to improperly inflated tires. Imagine how much money could be saved.
Having regular service also boosts your resale value. It doesn’t matter if you have a cheap quote or estimate from a domestic transport company and shipping insurance to cover everything. No buyer wants a lemon. A vehicle with a documented maintenance log sells better and holds value longer than one neglected. You want that prolonged lifespan and held value.
Reason #3: Maximizing Vehicle Lifespan with Consistent Service Intervals
Every vehicle off the assembly line has a goal service life. How closely you can reach that goal, or extend it, depends on consistent service intervals that slow the wear and tear from regular use. A good example is fluids. Having enough clean brake fluid means you get stopping power to avoid the dog running into the street without putting too much strain on the system.
Over time, all the systems in your vehicle will degrade. Fluids get dirty and lose effectiveness. Alignments get out of “whack.” Mechanical systems lose calibration. The closer you can maintain your vehicle to its designated measurements, calibrations, and checks, the longer it will last.
Longevity isn’t just about holding its value or getting solid gas mileage. It is also about maintaining power over time. Performance in a Subaru relates to drivability on rough terrain. Power in a Mustang GT has a lot to do with “getting off the line” as quickly as possible. When you think of long-term performance and usability, you want quality maintenance. Every car has a maintenance log of expected repairs and inspections. Follow those guidelines, and you’ll be in a good spot down the road.
Safety Benefits of Routine Car Checks and Inspections Over Time
Something most riders considering the best car shipping company should know is how proper maintenance affects car warranties. If, and it is a big if, you can get a car warranty for your new or used vehicle, you want to keep it in top shape. That way, should something need a safety recall or the drivetrain fails due to a manufacturer’s error, you don’t have to shell out the hard cash for a repair.
There are some key maintenance items you can do on your own (or hire a local mechanic if it is too complicated):
- Change the oil and fluids monthly (brake fluid, coolant, power steering, washer fluid)
- Check tire pressure weekly (look in the driver’s side door frame for proper PSI setting)
- Test headlights weekly (low/high beams, taillights, brake lights, turn signals)
- Replace wipers every year at least
- Look for corrosion around the battery terminals monthly
- Ask mechanics to replace cracked or fraying belts and hoses
- Change oil filters when you change oil
- Change cabin air filter and engine air filter every 3,000-7,500 miles
- Have a mechanic inspect brakes, brake pads, and spark plugs every 20,000 to 30,000 miles
- Get an annual car inspection
That should be a good starting point to keep your vehicle in good condition so it runs when you need it, holds its resale value, and saves you money on expensive repairs.
Why Vehicle Condition Matters When Working with Best Car Transport Companies
When you buy a new car or need to ship a used vehicle, you want to work with the best car transport companies possible. These providers will walk you through getting a quote or estimate, the delivery timeframe, and offer clear pre-shipment guidelines to help you get the most out of the journey and protect your vehicle. If there are any issues due to poor maintenance, they could get worse during the trip.
Well-maintained vehicles are much easier to load. Not every fleet management team has the proper equipment to load a car with flat tires or broken pieces dangling from the engine. Those mechanical issues could lead to longer delays, delivery complications, or additional preparation expenses.
Think about a seller offering a Jeep 4X4 bought in Arizona but shipping to northern Michigan. If that Jeep arrives in less-than-advertised condition due to poor maintenance that only got worse in the rough weather during the trip, that seller will be facing some bad financial outcomes. Buyers want confidence, and a well-maintained vehicle helps build that trust while avoiding interstate shipping issues caused by a leaking oil tank or broken headlights.
Car Maintenance is a Simple Commitment with Long-Term Rewards
Regular vehicle maintenance comes down to habits. Once you purchase a vehicle, set up some calendar reminders or schedule service visits like you would a dental visit, doctor consultation, or golf weekend. Work these habits into your daily life, and you’ll save money, extend the usable lifespan of your ride, and help it hold its value for when you want to upgrade.
Whenever possible, address minor issues early, prioritize inspections, and ask your local mechanic any questions that may be bugging you about your car. Consistent maintenance ensures it runs well throughout its life. A proactive approach to care remains a smart, simple, and cost-saving choice any driver can make.
