The average age of cars on the American road today is higher than ever. Some are even 11 years old. A typical vehicle adds 10,000 miles to the odometer every other year. If you want to hit high mileage every year while keeping your car in excellent condition, this article is yours to read.

1. Regular maintenance is essential
There is no shortcut to this – a vehicle that is not serviced regularly will not last longer than one which is frequently maintained. So, what is regular maintenance? It is the guideline that is in the owner’s manual. Follow the schedule without fail if you want to experience excellent results with your car.

2. Use your senses – sight
If you are used to hopping on your car, driving it out of the garage, getting to work and coming back home, consider changing this routine. Before you get behind the wheel, walk around your vehicle as you inspect it thoroughly. Ask your child to step on the breaks and observe whether the lights will come on. When you spot the issue before it becomes severe, you can avert a lot of calamities.

3. Use your senses – sound
Although your sense of sight is critical when driving a vehicle, so are your ears. Take time to listen to the not so apparent sounds. Did you hear a squeak, ticking, bump or knocking that is out of the ordinary? Turn off your car and listen carefully. Your observation will be a vital clue for the mechanic to figure out what the issue is.

4. Avoid taking short trips
This is one thing that every driver should consider changing. Avoid short trips, particularly where the engine does not have an opportunity to reach its operating temperature. Here is what happens in such cases. Water is produced during engine combustion, and some of it can get into your exhaust system and oil every time you run the engine. Also, more fuel is mixed when your car is getting started.