The Personal - Extending the Life of Canada's Cars

According to R.L. Polk & Company, Canadians are keeping their cars longer now than they ever have before, as 43 percent of car owners in 2010 still have their vehicles on the road after 15 years of ownership.

Hoping to keep that rate going, News Canada has compiled some tips Canadian motorists should take to ensure their vehicle stays around for as long as possible.

The news agency says the life of a car largely depends on how its fluids are maintained. Changing the car's oil, checking the level regularly and following the filling procedures as outlined in the car's manual will go a long way in preserving a vehicle's life.

Another way to preserve and enhance a car's performance is the right gasoline. News Canada says picking the right fuel can enhance engine performance; the wrong kind can harm it.

An engineer from Shell Canada says a high-quality gasoline can improve performance, but with gas prices rising throughout much of the country, the price may be cost-prohibitive. According to Gas Buddy, premium gasoline in Toronto averages between 7 and 21 cents more per litre than regular gas.