Older Vehicles Stay on The Road Longer Due to Pandemic

The recent pandemic is creating new norms across the country, such as personal hand sanitizers and reusable masks on every trip to the grocery store. However, it’s also reinforcing older practices, like holding onto your older vehicles.

According to the Road Show from CNET, Americans are now holding onto their cars for nearly 12 years, the highest average in almost two decades. Also, it seems that new car sales are also down – which means there is a growing rate of older cars on the road.

What Does that Mean for Me?

There are benefits and disadvantages to a growing fleet of older vehicles. The largest benefit is the potential market for repairs and new parts, called the aftermarket. This aftermarket is poised to grow as drivers try to maintain their vehicles for a longer period instead of switching out for the newest model.

The largest disadvantage is older cars tend to lead to more severe car accidents. It’s common knowledge that older cars tend to be less reliable and in need of maintenance more often. Due to the unreliability, drivers are more likely to experience mechanical failures or performance issues while on the road. It may lead to serious crashes or even fatalities in the worst cases.

If you want to keep an older vehicle and still stay safe:

• Make sure to routinely check your car with a local mechanic

• Regularly use your seatbelt and other safety mechanisms

• Implement the best driving practices whenever possible

• Try to keep trips in the daylight and the best weather conditions

Until the pandemic is over or you’re ready for a new car, make sure to stay vigilant and react quickly if you do end up in an accident on the Kentucky highways.