Is is true that my car will last longer if I drive at slower speeds?

Question

I admit, I drive like an old lady. I once drove cross-country from L.A. to Miami going 55-60 the whole entire way. I do it for reasons of safety, gas economy and just less wear and tear on the engine. But I also hope that my car will last longer. Most cars these days aren't guaranteed to last past 150,000 miles or so.

I've never gone above 60 mph in the entire time that I've owned my Ford Focus. The car feels more manueverable and safer going at those speeds. Especially at night when wildlife are a danger. I just set the cruise, stay in the right lane and let other people shoot by me.

Going at these slower speeds, I can get about 420 miles to a single tank (my tank holds about 10 or 11 gallons).

Answer 1

Yes the more you keep your foot out of the petal the less rpms are made to get up to speed and keeps the engine rpms down. so uses less fuel and dont take as much a chance as streaching rods breaking pins in the pistons or shearing rod/main bolts. But that is just internals. All parts have there defects. Best way to go about it is keep your engine clean. Change fuelfilter every 25,000-30,000 miles. change oil every 3,000 I use synthetic, keep a good clean airfilter. Try to use good namebrand fuels in it. All this will help prevent premature engine failure. Your getting around 40-42 mpg so that is great...

Answer 2

That's a tough question to answer. I'm 14, and I drive with my 33 year old sister all the time. She drives at intermediate speeds, and changed her car every 5 years or so (she says switching cars makes her feel younger), she is usually a safe driver, and buys good cars. And when I asked her the same question she just said "It depends on the reliability of your vehicle". So I guess it depends on the car you drive, not the driver.

Answer 3

yep its very true driving the car easy will produce less wear on everything



you have manage to do something my friend cant do after 15 years of driving

Answer 4

have a 03 focus 2.3 engine with 217k and i travel at warp speed all the time/runs good

Answer 5

yes