Summary:
The average car on American roads is now 13.6 years old, compared to 8.4 years three decades ago. Economic pressures, increasing vehicle reliability, and rising new car costs are encouraging consumers to hold onto their cars longer. However, many owners are delaying essential car maintenance due to financial concerns, creating safety risks for themselves and others.
Factors Behind the Trend
- Economic necessity: High new car prices, luxury vehicle sales declines, and a shift toward practical, mainstream models under $40,000 reflect consumers prioritizing affordability.
- Improved reliability: Modern vehicles require less frequent car maintenance, with odometers reaching 200,000+ km being common. Brands like Toyota dominate retained value rankings, encouraging long-term ownership.
- Advanced features: Many safety and convenience technologies, once exclusive to luxury cars, are now standard, reducing the incentive to upgrade.
- Market resistance: Consumers are pushing back against excessive infotainment features, favoring simpler, intuitive designs for safer driving.
The Importance of Maintenance
Delaying maintenance to save money can lead to costly repairs and safety issues. Experts emphasize that regular upkeep is always cheaper than major repairs. With economic uncertainty and rising costs, drivers should focus on maintaining their current vehicles rather than stretching budgets for new ones.
Organizations like the European NCAP are advocating for safer, more intuitive car designs, aligning with consumer preferences. In the meantime, holding onto a well-maintained car with practical features may be the most cost-effective and safe choice for many drivers.
Driving
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