The average age of a vehicle in the United States is approximately 11 to 12 years old, which means if you were to buy a car today, you could expect that car to last until 2032! The truth is, it can and should.

To make any car last for many years these days does require maintenance and some repairs. While we may not be able to avoid a few unscheduled repairs, there are things we can do to lower the total cost of owning your automobile and enjoy many years of worry-free driving.

Here are six tips to help you squeeze every mile out of your car in the most cost-efficient way:

One: Change your oil on time. Many cars today have extended oil change intervals that may be putting your engine at risk for premature wear. Your mechanic knows best, so listen to his recommendation for your oil change interval. Performing periodic oil changes will protect and extend the life of your car’s engine.

Two: Perform all the scheduled factory services according to your owner’s manual. This is especially important while the car is still under its new car factory warranty. Performing the scheduled factory maintenances is an excellent way to ensure that you are maintaining your car as prescribed by the engineers.

Three: Keep your car clean, inside and out, especially during the winter months. Contaminants from the road, along with salt and other chemicals, can damage your car’s exterior. Have your car washed often, including the undercarriage, and consider a full interior and exterior detail at least once a year. This will also help the resale value of your car.

Four: Don’t ignore warning signs. Whether it’s a dashboard warning, like the Check Engine light, a noise or rattle, tell your mechanic. You may not want to hear the diagnosis, but trust me, it will cost more in the long run if you don’t take care of the problem.

Five: Change the other fluids. Your car has other fluids, aside from the oil, that need to be changed. While these other fluids do not require as frequent changing as the engine oil does, they do need to be inspected and changed as needed. These fluids include Power Steering, Antifreeze/Coolant, Transmission, Differential and Brake fluid.

Six: Listen to the advice from your Auto Repair shop and Mechanic. Your auto repair shop has one thing in mind; your safety, saving you money and making your car last as long as possible. That’s why their recommendations may exceed what’s found in your owner’s manual. The advice you get from your mechanic is priceless and will save you money in the long run. So, if your mechanic says it’s time to change the antifreeze and air filter, it’s in your best interest to do so. Plus, your mechanic is trained on many car models, such as Acura, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, Lexus, and many other car lines. Your trusted auto mechanic knows your car.

That’s it for now. I hope you found these tips informative and useful. As I mentioned, follow these six steps and enjoy many years of worry-free driving fun!