2 weeks Ago By Michael Golson
THE AVERAGE age of American cars is on the rise with the current figure reaching nearly 14 years. However, according to research, many drivers are opting to skip crucial upkeep on their vehicles despite their age. In a recent story by Autoblog , numbers crunched from the 290 million light vehicles on the road in the US shows the average age has increased to 13.
6 years. That’s a huge increase from three decades ago, when it was just 8.4 years.
Naturally, this points to better vehicle durability and cost-conscious car ownership, with cars today expected to last longer. What's more, inflation and rising interest rates make buying new vehicles less affordable, meaning many drivers are choosing to keep their older cars. Read more Motors News But as US citizens keep their cars longer, it seems many are skimping on repairs and maintenance, and this is affecting the automotive industry.
While new car sales have dropped to an annual average of 15.5 million, down from 17.7 million before the pandemic, parts suppliers and service providers have also seen a decrease in business - with many Americans cutting corners on car upkeep.
However, penny pinching on maintenance can be costly long-term, with the savings on repairs usually short-lived. One example is a discount tire that might cost $149.99 with a 40,000-mile warranty, compared to a premium Goodyear tire at $254 with a 60,000-mile warranty.
Most read in Motors Saving on the price upfront might help at first, but it often results in more frequent replacements or even risks to safety. Auto-part chain AutoZone have recently noted that while drivers are delaying repairs during tougher economic times, they usually recognise the importance of maintaining their vehicles over time to avoid significant expenses later on AutoZone CEO Philip Daniele said: “In tougher economic times, people will generally defer maintenance and discretionary items early in the cycle. “And then, as we get further through the cycle, they start to repair their cars because they realise a little investment today, maintaining their vehicle, defers a major repair into the future.
” This opinion is shared by O’Reilly Automotive President Brent Kirby, who even predicts a bounce back on consumers spending on car repairs. With cars becoming older and pricier to replace, regular maintenance is a small investment to prevent major financial headaches on longer-lasting vehicles. This comes as millions of Americans are set to enjoy cheaper fuel - with the price of gas falling to a three-year low .
According to the American Automobile Association, the national average cost for one gallon of regular gasoline currently sits at just $3.01 - the lowest since May 11, 2021. And elsewhere, an iconic Ford pickup truck that was built in collaboration with legendary motorbike manufacturer Harley-Davidson can be yours.
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