According to IHS Markit, a world leader in critical information, analytics, and expertise, vehicles are currently lasting a lot longer, with ownership spans averaging 12.1 years for both trucks and cars. Wondering if keeping it in good shape can help your vehicle last longer? We think that the answer is yes. Here are just a few of the ways that maintaining your vehicle with regular repairs can help to increase its lifespan.

You Can Catch Small Issues Before They Become Big Problems

Car repair is something that you should handle in a timely manner. For example, if you hear a rattling sound that won't go away, it's a good idea to have it checked out. Weird sounds can seem like a very minor problem, but the longer you ignore them, the more likely it is that they'll worsen. When you address small issues like this, your car will have fewer problems and last a lot longer.

You'll Prevent Minor Dents From Leading to Rust

Dents and dings happen to all of us. If your vehicle has damage from a runaway shopping cart or a misjudged parking attempt, it can be tempting to ignore it. While understandable, this isn't the best approach. Dents can cause ongoing damage to your car. It may be one of the simplest car repair jobs out there, but many people put it off until the damage gets worse. Dents will damage your paint and this can lead to corrosion. Rust is the first sign of an issue, and as bad as it makes the surface of your car look, things can be worse underneath. Fix any damage to your paintwork quickly if you want to increase the lifespan of your vehicle.

You Won't Let Alignment Issues Get Worse

Does your car pull to one side even when you're driving on a straight road? This is a common sign that alerts you that something's off with your alignment. Alignment issues shouldn't be ignored. They can affect your wheels, steering, and overall performance of your vehicle. Anyone who wants their car to last as long as possible should schedule a car repair appointment at the first sign that their alignment is off. You don't want to procrastinate when it comes to alignment issues!

Is it time for you to finally take care of that needed car repair? We can help with all of your vehicle repair needs. Call Westmont Shell Auto and Towing today to schedule an appointment to keep your car in good shape!