How long do car engines last? (2024)

FAQs

How long do car engines last? ›

At least 100,000 miles, but 200-300 thousand is very easy to reach with maintenance. After 300,000 it's risky, but possible. Car manufacturers do tempt people to buy cars as often as possible, but they can last a long time with good maintenance.

To tell the truth, the life expectancy of automobiles is determined by how well-maintained they are. With proper maintenance vehicles can reach 200,000 miles. If we focus on engines, nowadays they are designed to last over 100,000 miles. Needless to say, proper servicing plays a decisive role in this case.

Maintenance Is Important to Longevity

That said, while most gas engines are intended to last at least 200,000 miles on average, a diesel truck that is well-maintained can potentially last 350,000 to 500,000 miles.

You can typically judge whether you need a new engine by the miles you've put on your car. On average, you can expect to get around 200,000 miles out of your vehicle. Aside from total miles driven, below are some other signs indicating you need a new engine.

According to automotive industry experts, they may say that 1500-2000 hour is limit for gasoline engines, but it is hard to say without considering the quality of maintenance and service it gets throughout the lifetime.

With rough estimates of average mileage and vehicle model, it is said that engines on newer cars have an average lifespan of around 10 years or 200,000 miles. It is common for vehicles to get driven 10,000-20,000 miles per year, which can give you an idea of how long your engine is likely to last.

Replacing an engine, or repowering, is a great way to extend a vehicle's life without the expense of buying a new one. Although engine replacements can be expensive, it's usually cheaper to get one while keeping an existing vehicle. If done correctly, they're a worthy investment.

If you take care of your engine, regularly change oil and other vital fluids on time and keep up with wear and tear, your engine may very well last 500,000 miles. It might even last forever!

Generally, vehicles are likely to start experiencing problems after the 100,000-mile mark. Also, in most cases, they no longer have a valid manufacturer's warranty, meaning you have to pay for repairs out of your own pocket when something goes wrong.

Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.

How to tell if a car has a bad engine? ›

While a new engine can go a long way in extending your car's lifespan, there are other parts to consider, including the frame, suspension, complex electrical system, and more. A new engine may not resolve all issues with a car.

With the proper care, many cars, trucks, and SUVs can last well past the 100,000-mile mark or more, with the average vehicle lasting upwards of 150,000 miles. Some Toyotas have even been known to last up to 300,000 miles!

But, don't assume a car is in good condition because it has “low” or “average” miles — or that it is in bad condition if it has “high” miles. Many modern cars with 100K-150K miles are in great condition and will easily go another 100K.

The average engine hours for 200,000 miles is approximately 6,700 engine hours, assuming your average speed was 30 mph. To find it: Determine your average speed, for example, 30 mph. Divide 200,000 miles by 30 mph to get 6,667 engine hours.

What's the Average Life of a Car? In the past, the average lifespan of a car was significantly lower than it is today. Now, you can expect a standard car to last around 12 years or about 200,000 miles. More advanced vehicles like electric cars can go even longer, up to 300,000 miles.

How long should you keep a car? A typical car is expected to last 200,000 miles or more, with electric or hybrid vehicles going up to 300,000 miles. If you drive the average number of miles for an American, a typical car should last you about 14 years and an electric car will last about 21 years.