(METRO) – Modern cars have longer life expectancies than their predecessors. Consumer Reports indicates it’s not unheard of for modern vehicles to endure for 200,000 miles or more. For many, that equates to 12 to 15 years of usage.

Even though many vehicles are built to have increased longevity, it often is up to the driver to do his or her part to ensure cars and trucks can last for years and years. Here are some daily steps vehicle owners can take to achieve longer life spans for their cars or trucks.

· Take it slow and steady. Athletes do not hit the ground running at top speed, and neither should a vehicle. Let the car gradually acclimate to being on the move each day after sitting overnight. Gently accelerate and afford the engine time to warm up and all of the components to get the fluids they require before you jump on the highway or require the vehicle to go all out. Most automotive experts warn against idling a car in the driveway to warm it up, but starting out at a slow and steady pace is key.

· Don’t be extreme. Jerky turns, gunning the gas and braking hard lead to unnecessary wear and tear on a vehicle. By smoothing out your driving, you’ll put less stress on mechanical components and help prevent them from wearing out prematurely.

· Clean it out daily. Accumulated debris often builds up inside a vehicle that is used all of the time. Taking a few minutes to clear out trash or to wipe down the interior each day will prolong the interior components, not to mention make it easier to do a more thorough detailing when the time comes.

· Find a trusty fuel station. Bad gas can wreak havoc on a vehicle. Find a station that you trust, particularly one that takes care of their pumps and regularly changes their pump filters. It’s worth it to spend a little more overall for good gas.

· Read your oil level. Oil is essential to maintain a properly operating engine and vehicle. AARP suggests routine reading of a car’s oil level so that you can add lubricant as necessary. While this might not be a daily task, doing it regularly enough means you will keep on top of this important step.

· Park in the shade or a garage. The sun may feel good on a warm day, but the UV rays from the sun can take their toll on a vehicle’s paint. Whenever possible, park out of direct sunlight so that the paint will not fade and the interior upholstery will not bleach. Those who need to park their vehicles for an extended period of time should choose a clean, dry, well-ventilated location, advises Wawanesa Insurance.

· Be attentive. Listen to the sounds your vehicle is making and give it a visual inspection each time you get in or out of the car. The sooner you catch something that is out of the ordinary, the easier it becomes to fix problems before they become costly and damaging.

Vehicle owners can take steps each day to improve the longevity of their cars and trucks.