Drivers are holding on to their cars longer than ever. In fact, the average age of a vehicle on the road is at an all time high of nearly 11 years old. Some motorists may not be aware of how to get the most out of their cars, however. Luckily, there are a number of small steps you can take to ensure your ride makes it to 10 years and beyond.

Taking fewer short trips can go a long way in extending the life of your car. It may not seem like it makes a difference, but according to Cars.com, trips of less than 10 minutes can take their toll on a vehicle. The reason is due largely to the fact that there's not enough time for the engine to get up to its operating temperature, which means some water may stay around in your engine and exhaust and cause rust. If short trips are a must, experts recommend changing your oil more frequently.

You should also try not to drive around with excess weight too often. If your car is carrying around a lot of heavy items that you don't need, it can cause significant wear and tear on crucial systems, Cars.com says. Additionally, you may want to take off anything that causes drag, like a roof rack or cargo carrier, when they're not in use.

Of course, making sure that you follow a regular maintenance schedule might be the most important thing that determines the life of your car. Simple procedures like getting the oil changed or getting new air filters may seem small, but it makes a big difference. Not only that, but if you take your car to a mechanic for regular upkeep, they may spot serious problems before they snowball.