In the realm of automotive maintenance, older model cars and vehicles with frequent mechanical damage present a distinct set of challenges. The reality of maintaining an older model vehicle, and vehicles with frequent mechanical issues, is primarily in the parts used, and the engineering of the manufacturer.
On average, a vehicle is composed of approximately 30,000 parts. As time passes, these components undergo significant wear and tear. Nowadays, 1/3 of the parts of a vehicle are made of plastic parts. In other words, 10,000 parts are made of plastic which have a shorter lifespan than their metal counterparts. Thus, the parts on newer vehicles wear and tear faster than older model vehicles.
The primary reason for using plastic parts on vehicles is to adhere to US EPA standards. Since 1970 the EPA set and implemented emissions standards to control pollution. Over the years, their standards have become stringent to help reduce pollution, and slow down global warming.
Although achieving eternal vehicle lifespan is practically impossible, we can extend the longevity of a vehicle by consistently maintaining it and replacing components with more durable alternatives. For example, if your vehicle comes with a factory plastic oil pan, you can replace it with a metal oil pan. Thus, reducing the likelihood of a severe oil leak. Some examples of the vehicles that come with factory plastic oil pans are 2015-2020 Mercedes-Benz S-450, S-550, 2017-2020 Ford Mustang, 2018-2021 Ford F-150, and F250. That's why we at Junk Car Buyer GA are weary of these models, and often take a closer look at their undercarriage prior to purchasing them for parts.
Repairing poorly built vehicles with mechanical faults, or damage requires a blend of expertise, resourcefulness, and patience. Mechanics often rely on dealer suggested repairs to address these issues. Hence, increasing the bottom line of service departments. Most mechanics use a combination of new, refurbished, and salvaged parts to address issues and keep these vehicles on the road. However, the most experienced technicians will suggest using aftermarket, or more durable parts when performing the repair which in theory should prolong the life of the vehicle.
Proactive maintenance and timely repairs can help preserve the integrity and extend the lifespan of your vehicle. Considerably, if your vehicle has more than 100,000 miles of wear and tear and is costing you an arm and a leg to maintain, you should consider selling it before it completely clunks out. Chances are your vehicle was poorly manufactured, or it was not adequately maintained. Regardless of your circumstances, you likely wish to avoid spending thousands of dollars on repairs for a poorly manufactured car and hundreds more on rental cars in the meantime. Unfortunately, in many cases, mechanics may end up installing the same subpar parts to provide only temporary fixes for the vehicle.