Is your car hitting that 100k mile mark? Or do you simply own a car that you plan on just driving into the dirt? Either way, ensuring the life and longevity of your vehicle is a good thing to do whether you have 200 miles or 200 miles.

Your car adds an average of 10,000-12,000 miles each year. With so many Americans hanging on to their cars longer and not trading them in on new ones, it has become the new norm to hang on to cars rather than trade up for a newer model.

It was once a huge red flag: When a car’s odometer would hit 100,000 miles, but thanks to improvements in car design and maintenance, the milestone of 100,000 miles now means something very different. Although some cars are ready for trade-in at that threshold, many others can travel twice as far without major repairs.

What allows one car to pass the 100,000-mile barrier with few repair bills, while another is ready for the junkyard?

Get Fluent About Fluids

The liquids that go into your car (gas, oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc.) are crucial to its survival. To extend the life of your car beyond 100,000 miles, frequent oil changes and fluid checks done at dealerships or full-service auto centers like Advance Auto Parts.

Find the Right Shop

A good mechanic is gold. Find one that is reasonably priced and trustworthy and don’t let them go. Ask friends and family or turn to a site to Groupon to find a local mechanic and read reviews to make sure they are exactly what you are looking for.

The Type of Miles Matter

Local vs highway does matter. If you plan on taking a long trip, use a trustworthy site like Orbitz.com and rent a car instead of using your own.