Keeping your car in shape: Treat 'em decently

Almost any late-model car or truck can be counted on to last for 10 or more years and run reliably for well beyond 160,000km. The durability and reliability of modern cars is remarkable, provided they're treated decently.

Decent treatment means:

* When you first start the vehicle, do not race the engine. Accelerate gradually until the engine has completely warmed up. It takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the outside temperature. Most engine wear occurs at cold-start and during the first few minutes of operation. Revving a cold engine will greatly accelerate wear and tear.

* Lubricant levels/regular changes: It is critical to routinely check the engine oil and transmission fluid to assure they're at the proper level. Have these fluids changed (along with the filter) at least as often as recommended by the factory under "severe/heavy duty" conditions. Do not go by the "normal use" fluid/filter change intervals unless you live in a rural area and rarely experience stop-and-go driving, or traffic jams.

* Pay attention to what the factory says about maintenance. If the timing belt should be replaced at 90,000km, do it. If the factory says it's essential to flush the cooling system every three years at minimum, do it. Any car with anti-lock brakes should have the system professionally purged of old fluid and refilled with new brake fluid at least every three years; otherwise you risk ruining the expensive ABS pump.