It’s really difficult or we could say nearly impossible to estimate exactly the number of how long should an engine last. Car part longevity, including engine longevity, depends on a lot of different factors.
However, it’s near, not completely impossible. Therefore, once you know the factors that affect your engine’s lifespan, you’ll be better able to predict its potential longevity.
Contents
- What Affects Engine Lifespan?
- What Is The Average Life Of A Car Engine?
- How To Extend Car Lifespan? How To Make Your Car Engine Last Longer
- FAQs on Engine Lifespan
- Why do some taxi engines last over 400,000 miles while private cars don’t?
- Do turbocharged engines wear out faster than naturally aspirated ones?
- Is it true that older engines (pre-2000s) lasted longer than newer ones?
- Can synthetic oil really double an engine’s lifespan?
- Can a single overheating event cut an engine’s life in half?
- Summary
What Affects Engine Lifespan?
The first factor that affects your car engine lifespan is what it is made from. Car engines are made of several different metals, but some of the most common are iron and aluminum.
In fact, some engines are made of a combination of 2 or more metals. Many trucks have engines with iron blocks and aluminum heads.
In general, iron-block engines tend to be more durable and last longer than other types of engines because, year after year, iron is strong enough to withstand the incredible heat an engine is capable of producing.
The next factor which we should consider in how long car engines last is the area where you live.
If you live on the hill, your engine wears down more rapidly because you have to pass over rough terrain on a regular basis, your engine has to undergo more stress and will likely not last as long as it would if you were usually driving on flat, smooth roads.
Another factor that affects average engine life is how the vehicle is driven. The harder an engine has to work, the shorter its lifespan tends to be.
Another factor that should be considered is the tires, your effort for maintaining your car will influence your car’s performance. If you maintain your car frequently, there is no reason for the longevity of your car.
See More: Investing In A Used Car? How To Check Car Engine First!
What Is The Average Life Of A Car Engine?
As you are curious how long should an engine last, we would say there is no absolute rule when it comes to how long engines will last. But the average lifespan is around 8-9 years or 150.000 – 170.000 miles.
The new model of cars with the innovation has leveraged the longevity of the engine to 10 years or 200.000 miles in equivalent. Considering the lifespan of an engine will give you a basic estimation of the longevity of it.
For example, as we estimate the average lifespan of an engine is 10 years, so each year a car may drive 15.000 – 20.000 miles, three years old cars will have 45.000 – 60.000 miles.
How To Extend Car Lifespan? How To Make Your Car Engine Last Longer
Now you already know how long should an engine last, so how can you extend your car lifespan as much as possible?
The engine is an important part of a car, but if you want to preserve and use the engine effectively, not everyone has enough knowledge to do it.
Simple mistakes or some difficult cases, if you don’t know how to handle them, will cause unwanted damage.
Firstly, take your car to the mechanic for maintenance frequently. It is the key idea to keep your car last for long. No matter what kind of service you require for your foreign car, they are there to help.
Secondly, since the way you drive your car will affect the car’s engine, be careful when driving a car.
Applications like towing heavy loads, repeated extreme acceleration and deceleration, revving the engine past its red line, or driving at top speed for long periods can all decrease how long an engine lasts.
Therefore, trying to avoid bad roads, and driving your car carefully will increase your car’s lifespan.
The most important thing to improve the lifespan of your engine, as well as your vehicle, is the way the driver takes care of it, specifically changing the oil and replacing spare parts.
In addition, when replacing engine oil, also remember to use oil of the correct quality, and type, with clear origin.
Clean the engine under the hood and clean the air filter to ensure the optimal amount of air moves around the engine.
FAQs on Engine Lifespan
Why do some taxi engines last over 400,000 miles while private cars don’t?
Taxis often operate continuously at optimal temperatures, reducing cold starts and thermal cycling, two major contributors to engine wear in private cars.
Do turbocharged engines wear out faster than naturally aspirated ones?
In general, yes. Due to higher internal pressures and heat. But with proper maintenance and cooling, modern turbos can still match NA engines in longevity.
Is it true that older engines (pre-2000s) lasted longer than newer ones?
Not necessarily. Older engines were simpler and overbuilt, but less efficient. Modern engines can last just as long or longer if maintained correctly.
Can synthetic oil really double an engine’s lifespan?
In some conditions, yes!
Synthetic oil resists breakdown better under heat and pressure, protecting engine parts more effectively over long intervals.
Can a single overheating event cut an engine’s life in half?
Yes. Overheating can warp the head, crack the block, or damage piston rings and bearings, causing premature failure even after repairs.
Watch more this video from Scotty Kilmer to learn how long a car can last!
Summary
Most car users always wonder how long should an engine last. In general, the car’s average longevity is around 8-9 years or even 10 years for the new model.
But it depends on many factors to estimate that number such as the material of the engine, the way you drive it, or how you maintain your car.
We recommend you take your car to a trustful garage for maintenance for the long lifespan of your car.
Follow our blog for a better understanding of your car and maintenance tips!
This is so educative. Now I know how to monitor my engine. Thank you for sharing!