Ford F-150s are America’s favorite workhorse pickup trucks. They trek, haul heavy loads, and commute with equal capability and they have a reputation for being long lasting.
You probably know someone who’s owned the same one for over five years, maybe over 10 years. You can put it through its paces, drive it daily, take on heavy-duty projects and it will keep going. The lifespan is counted by miles, not years. So, just how many miles can a Ford F-150 last?
The average lasts upwards of the 200,000-mile mark. Depending on the model year, usage, and proper maintenance, they can last more than 300,000. If you divide 200,000 miles by 12,000, you get about 17 years. The longer-lasting trucks could last up to 25 years with a little TLC.
The average American drives about 12,000 – 15,000 miles per year between commuting to work and running regular errands. For those that live in colder climates, having that four-wheel drive is a lifesaver during a snowy commute.
Factors Influencing Longevity
What makes Ford F-150s last so long? It’s a durable, reliable vehicle, and has easy-to-maintain parts. Every aspect is performance-minded. It can be a utility truck, work truck, and/or family vehicle.
Taking good care of it with regular oil changes, inspections, and timely repairs will greatly increase its overall lifespan. The parts together will continue to produce reliable performance over the many miles and years that you drive.
Engine and Drivetrain Quality
These are built with V8 engines and an automatic transmission. The Ford F-150 engine’s block and transmission are core to your vehicle’s longevity as they are the main powertrain components.
They are also the most costly to replace, so preventative maintenance is a good rule of thumb. The engine and drivetrain quality is superb in most model years. They only need routine care and the replacement of more quickly-worn parts to keep your Ford humming.
Proper Maintenance and Servicing
Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the long lifespan of any vehicle whether it’s a beloved truck or a newer model. Remember to get an oil change and filter check about every 3,000 -7,000 miles to keep the engine in good condition.
Once you’re in high mileage territory, it’s time to replace the belts. This happens every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. The fuel and air filter need attention every 30,000 miles.
Check your engine coolant and change it every 30,000 miles as well. When it comes to spark plugs, replace those every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Ideally, your vehicle needs maintenance at least every 7,000 miles for oil changes. This will give you plenty of time to catch signs of wear and tear early.
While these seem trivial, keeping up with your vehicle helps avoid expensive maintenance costs and major issues further down the line.
Driving Habits and Conditions
These Ford trucks are made for heavy-duty conditions. They can go off-road and haul heavy trailers, but careful driving is still a prerequisite for a reliable pickup truck. The transmission is what makes it all the way to 200,000 to 300,000 miles. A few scrapes or extra rotations of the engine won’t impact your truck’s lifespan, but bad hits, accidents, or poor storage conditions certainly will.
Even if you are a careful driver, one major weakness is rust. Make sure that your truck dries off after driving in rain or snow. Also, try to maintain low moisture in your garage or parking area. Watch out for signs of rust in the body, undercarriage, and engines and have them removed at the first appearance.
Quality of components and materials
These trucks have a frame of steel and a body made primarily of aluminum. This allows for a durable yet lightweight frame that optimizes the engine’s drive power. The components are durable, but can easily be swapped.
Any part designed to be replaced from wipers to wheel nuts can be found in standard sizes. Engine components must align with Ford F OEM standard parts.
Manufacturer recalls and fixes
With vehicles as popular as the Ford F-150, there are bound to be occasional manufacturing errors and recalls. When this happens, typically anyone who brings it into the nearest dealership will have the affected component replaced free of charge. For example, a number of 2021 and newer models had a windshield wiper error. The mechanics will inspect and replace the wiper motor gear if it is within the recall range.
The Best Years for Ford F-150 Trucks
When looking to discover how many miles a Ford F-150 will last, it’s a good idea to look at older models. The latest models might have all the bells and whistles. However, we can’t yet know if 2020 will last 17+ years of service because not enough time has passed. The most reliable ones so far were made after 2017, while the most troubled years for the truck are between 2004 and 2009.
How Many Miles Can a 2001 Model Last?
One of the best measurements a truck owner can take is of one that is over 20 years old. Are the 2001 Ford F-150s still on the road? What kind of repairs have they needed? Finally, who is still driving them?
There are luckily still a few 2001s on the road. One thing to keep in mind is fuel economy. A ride without a heavy load will get the driver around 16 miles per gallon.
This might not be the best choice if saving money on gas is a high priority. While extremely reliable, the 2001 model is one of the worst years on the chart as far as recalls go.
How Many Miles Can the 2007 Last?
The 2007 is one of the most reliable work vehicles. It has a long enough history to measure both years and hundreds of thousands of miles in performance. In fact, JD Power gave it a reliability rating of 81. If you’re shopping for a used vehicle, this is a great choice.
If you’re seeking a quiet ride, this Ford F-150 engine is touted as having better handling than its predecessors according to articles on Consumer Reports. The Vehicle History reports that a 2007 can last nearly 300,000 miles if properly maintained.
How Many Miles Can a 2009 Ford F-150 Last
The 2009 models stand out as requiring less maintenance or repairs than the 2008 or 2010 years before and after it. According to Consumer Reports, owners have mentioned problems with the AC compressor and the brakes. Also, when considering fuel efficiency, this one will get you around 16 miles per gallon. It’s not the best choice if gas costs are a worry.
Maintenance Tips for Prolonging the Lifespan
How can you ensure that your vehicle lives a long life of excellent performance? This mainly relies on attentive and routine maintenance. Regular oil changes, fluid checks, close inspections, and the occasional preventative part replacement ensure that your investment is in top condition at all times. It’ll be much more likely to deliver a fantastic 200,000 to 300,000 miles of service.
Regular Oil Changes and Fluid Checks
Bring your vehicle in for an oil change every 3,000 to 7,000 miles to keep the engine in good condition. During this change, you should also check the levels and quality of the other fluids in the vehicle. Coolant needs to be changed every 30,000 miles. This means every four to ten oil changes.
Proper Tire Maintenance and Rotation
Tire care can also influence how many miles your truck will last. Keep an eye on that tread to make sure that you are driving with good traction and contact with the road, and have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. This will ensure that you’re always driving on even tires, even if inflation, road conditions, or turning patterns might create a slightly uneven lift.
Timely Replacement of Worn-out Parts
One of the keys to a long-lasting vehicle is replacing parts before they cause expensive damage to your engine. Timely replacements and preventative repairs can ensure that your Ford F-150 lasts its full lifespan. If a belt begins to fray, have it replaced before there are the belt snaps or it has a chance to slip.
A close inspection during each oil change can make a big difference.
Following Ford’s Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Ford provides a recommended maintenance schedule for F-150s that will help you to maintain your truck in its best condition. This includes oil and air filter change frequencies that prevent damage. It also includes planning for the typical wear patterns of the most often replaced components.
Freeway Insurance and Ford F-150 Coverage
No matter how well you maintain a full-sized truck, you cannot prevent every possible type of damage. From the Ford F-150 Raptor to the Toyota Tundra, insurance is a must. That is why a good insurance policy from Freeway Insurance is also an important element of a truck’s long life.
Protect Your Vehicle from Unforeseen Events
Every time we take to the road, we accept the risks of driving in public spaces near other drivers. It’s a fact that accidents can happen at any time, even if you drive responsibly and defensively. If someone swerves into your lane or a bad pothole blows a tire, a comprehensive policy will help repair the damage.
Types of Coverage Options Available
- Collision Insurance: Pays for repairs after an accident
- Comprehensive Insurance: Pays for non-collision repairs due to things like theft, vandalism, falling objects, animals, and weather-related damage
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance: Covers repairs for damage caused by someone else without or with insufficient insurance
- Gap Insurance: It pays the loan balance when a vehicle is totaled.
- Full Insurance: A full vehicular insurance policy typically includes collision, comprehensive and uninsured/underinsured.
Protect Your Ford F-150 with Freeway Insurance
A Ford F-150 is an extremely reliable truck that can last for a long time, sometimes over 300,000 miles. The best way to get full performance and lifespan from your truck is with comprehensive insurance from Freeway Insurance. Find an insurance provider today with our local office locator and visit us in person. Contact us for any questions.
