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How Long Do Engines Last? – All You Need To Know About It

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Published on: December 8, 2022    Last Updated: July 21, 2025

How long do engines last? This is a very common topic for discussion in the automotive industry, but it’s hard to answer this question without considering several factors which play a decisive role. As you know, the engine is a core part of any automobile, so if you want it to serve you well, you need to follow some rules to maintain it properly, and therefore your vehicle. Some manufacturers produce them with lower-quality parts, and sometimes those engines do not last as long, regardless of the effort you put into them. However, mostly the shortened life of the vehicle is the responsibility of the vehicle owners. They ignore some essential things, such as changing fluids and filters on time, which will cause wear and tear to some of its components.

If you own an automobile, you may have thought about methods to extend its lifespan at least once. You may also be aware that it largely depends on the engine’s health. So, get ready and take note of the important steps to keep your wheels in the best condition for as long as possible. Read through the blog, and you will learn everything, including the role of the engine, its life expectancy, and top tips to maintain it for as long as possible. Let’s get started!

What is a car engine and how long does a car engine last?

As soon as you open the hood of your auto, you will see the jumble of metal, tubes and wires that is called the engine. Its main function is converting gasoline into motion. The best way to do it is to burn it inside the engine, which is why it is called an internal combustion engine. Burning or combustion is a chemical process. According to the definition of the Department of Energy, the ignition and combustion of the fuel occur within the engine itself. The engine then partially converts the energy from the combustion into work.

The engine consists of the core part —the cylinder—which is fixed, and the piston, which is moving. The combustion gases push the piston, which rotates the crankshaft. Ultimately, through a system of gears in the powertrain, this motion drives the vehicle’s wheels.

It should be noted that internal combustion engines provide outstanding durability for millions of vehicles nowadays. Technologies are becoming more and more sophisticated, apart from traditional fuels those engines use alternative fuels such as natural gaspropanebiodiesel, or ethanol. It is used also in combination with hybrid electric systems to increase fuel economy and boost the manufacturing of hybrid cars.

Everything about a car engine

What factors influence the longevity of the engine 

How long do engines last? It’s hard to answer this question unequivocally. Firstly, life expectancy is influenced by several individual factors. The well-being of engines is tightly connected with the well-being of automobiles. So, before we discuss the factors, let’s review the statistics related to the automobile life cycle.

According to Consumer Reports, a typical automobile covers 200,000 miles and lasts 8 years. The lifespan was significantly lower in the past, when it was 6.75 years, and the total mileage was typically 50,000 to 60,000. We should be thankful for the advancement of technologies for this improvement.

A recent 2024 report claims that more and more vehicles are hitting the 200,000-mile mark, up by 12% over the last five years. Not surprisingly, brands like Toyota and Honda continue to stand out for their long-lasting reliability.

Needless to say, the manufacturers have their part of the responsibility, but it seems the biggest part depends on you. Your driving habits matter. For example, how do you accelerate, decelerate, and shift to neutral when you are at red lights? Towing a heavy load is another significant stress on the engine. So, let’s make a short list of factors you should keep a close eye on: 

The quality

 The quality of any product is determined by what it is made of. The same applies to the core part, the engine. We know that it is made of metal. However, the type of metal is what determines the durability. For instance, iron tends to be more resistant than aluminium. How long does a car engine last? The better the quality, the longer it lasts.

Driving habits 

This factor mostly depends on you. Fast starts and stops, as well as quick acceleration, put a lot of strain on the main parts of the automobile. Careless driving is harmful to engines, tires and other vital parts. So, careful driving not only saves automobiles from damage but also makes you much safer on the road. 

Regular maintenance 

Do not skip routine tasks to maintain your property well. For instance, if you need to change fluids and filters, change them on time. According to a 2024 study, regular preventive maintenance (especially timely oil and filter changes) can increase engine lifespan by up to 50%. Control the oil and ensure that the oil sensor functions accordingly. In short, make sure that all systems work properly, including electricity, transmission, and cooling. 

How much you drive daily 

Mileage is one of the measurement units to make a conclusion about the current condition of automobiles. So, if we ask: how long do engines last? The response should be that it depends on how much you drive.  Moreover, high-mileage cars are often available at a lower price when they are on sale. According to popular belief, it’s not worth paying more for them, despite being prejudiced. People mainly focus on that criterion and ignore others. For this reason, some dishonest sellers resort to deceptive methods to mislead their potential buyers and alter odometer readings to their advantage. They also want to do everything without leaving a trace. For this purpose, they use quite an ethical tool, a Mileage blocker, which is designed to halt the mileage recording process from all control units untraceably. Needless to say, this extraordinary module is designed for practical purposes, such as testing and tuning. Manufacturers do not recommend using this product for deceitful purposes. 

As long as the driven miles show the quality of wear and tear, dishonest people try to lie about it. No one argues that it is an important determinant, but we should admit that it is sometimes overrated. 

How long do engines last

Let’s consider what kind of engine you choose and how they differ from each other in terms of the life cycle. 

For example, if you own a diesel engine, you can be sure of its reliability, and there are several reasons why you should. According to an Auto and Fleet mechanic, those are the following: 

  • Gear-driven, better lubrication, and less wear
  • The fuel used, and compression ignition (spontaneous combustion)
  • It is built with bigger and stronger components for heavy-duty performance

This engine can run for 1,000,000-1,500,000 miles before needing any major repairs, and it can be driven for approximately 30 years. A petrol engine’s average life is around 200,000 miles before it needs repairing or replacement. These engines typically last between 150,000 and 250,000 miles, depending on maintenance and driving habits.

How long does a car engine last? The best answer can be – how hard you try to maintain it. In the following paragraph, you get a bunch of tips and tricks that will help improve the longevity of your wheels.

5 Tips to make engines last longer 

Useful tips to make your engine last longer

 If you want to know how long a car engine lasts, you should consider several tips. Those tips will be helpful at any rate. I’m sure you do not want to spend your precious time with mechanics or spend a lot of money on solving problems that you can avoid. Those tips are as follows. 

Mind your driving habit

If you are not proud of your driving habits, change them. It’s somehow an investment. According to RDdo not race your engine during start-up; accelerate slowly and put less strain on it by shifting to neutral at red lights. Avoid driving at high speeds and accelerating quickly when it’s extremely hot or very cold outside. Don’t hold your steering wheel in an extreme right or left position, unite your short driving trips.

Change oil on time

When you do it, the wear and tear of the moving part is minimal. Check oil level monthly. It keeps all dust, dirt, and sediments out.

Keep a close eye on a cooling system

Always make sure that there is ample coolant in the tank. Also, it’s a good idea to look at the engine temp gauge on a hot day and stop it from overheating. How long do engines last? How hard do you try to focus on such details?

Pay attention to leaks 

Do not ignore leaks, if you spot fuel in on the driveaway, take your transport to the nearest mechanic. Checking under the hood is also essential to make sure that engine oil and antifreeze do not leak.

Replace your fuel filter 

Replacing your filter provides a free flow of clean fuel to the fuel pump and engine. Do not ignore the check engine light. It’s not necessarily a hint of a serious problem, just mind it. You never know how serious the problem is unless you check it with the help of professionals.

Takeaway

As you may see, it’s not easy to answer the question: How long does a car engine last? We need to consider various factors, including manufacturer, driving style, environmental conditions, routine service, and replacing parts. Therefore, ignoring one of these criteria may lead to an engine that breaks down. Do not forget to consider all the tips and tricks to keep your engine healthy as long as possible.

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