Sep 21, 2023

For over a hundred years, the legendary German automobile company Volkswagen has been refining its vehicles to perform better and last longer. These days, you can expect a new VW vehicle to last up to 200,000 miles or more, depending on your driving habits, how well you maintain it, and to some degree, the model. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that impact the lifespan of VW cars; you can learn more at your local VW dealer, too. 

How Long Do VW Cars Usually Last?

Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting. 

Far more than the model, your driving habits and standards of maintenance may add or detract tens of thousands of miles from your vehicle’s final clock count. Let’s look in more detail at the factors you should pay attention to.

Driving Habits That Impact Your VW’s Lifespan

There are various significant driving habits that can help or hinder your car’s long-term health. Frequent short, quick drives of under five miles put an engine and transmission under more strain, as these short-distance drives don’t give your engine time to warm up properly. Daily commutes in stop-and-go traffic can take a similar toll. Continually driving too fast also creates unnecessary strain on the engine. 

A few positive habits to adopt include gently breaking in your car for the first 1,000 miles. This means keeping it in the lower RPM range while varying the gears and speeds to allow it to get used to the complete range of performance. Also, always remember that cold weather causes motor oil to thicken and lose some of its lubricating function when cold. For this reason, it’s best to drive slowly at first when starting up in wintry weather. 

The Importance of Regular Maintenance at Your VW Dealer

Regular routine maintenance is essential if you want your car to live a long life. It’s important to have your vehicle’s fluid levels checked and flushed or topped up often, including the motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Also, check tire pressure and have frequent tire rotation as improperly inflated or uneven tires can rapidly lead to wear and tear in connected car parts, let alone put you at risk while driving.

Of course, the brakes also need to be regularly serviced. And parts like air filters and wiper blades should be frequently replaced. It’s also important to keep your car clean, both internally and externally. Not only does this improve the resale value of your vehicle, but taking pride in a beautiful car naturally makes you want to maintain it for longer. 

Visit Tom Bush Volkswagen today to learn more about the finest modern VW models and how to keep them in tip-top shape for longer. We’ve been dedicated to serving the local community of Jacksonville with excellent vehicles and customer service since 1970.