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Family budget tight? Save money by holding onto your vehicle.

Given the tough economy, you may be considering keeping your car longer than you expected. That could be a smart move. In general, late-model cars will last much longer than cars of just 10 or 20 years ago thanks to advanced technologies, better materials and higher quality-control standards.

With some new-car warranties lasting up to 10 years, it no longer makes sense to trade in your car every five. And recent innovations in owner services, such as add-on warranties and extended maintenance schedules, make holding a car long term a fairly painless way to save lots of cash. In fact, according to Lauren Fix, an automotive expert and spokesperson for the Car Care Council, keeping your car eight years rather than four will save you an average of more than $10,000 per car.

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Proper care is the key to extended car ownership. It will maintain your car's reliability and safety and help ensure that it's a pleasure to drive for many years. Well-cared-for vehicles last so long these days that many people trade theirs in not because they're worn out, but because they no longer fit their lifestyles. So start by thinking long term when you buy and selecting a vehicle that will suit your needs now and eight or 10 years down the road. Is your family growing? Are your kids getting to the age where they're going to want to bring friends along? Will your kids be driving soon? Is there a team sport or a towable boat or camping trailer in your future? Buy a vehicle flexible enough to accommodate the people and gear you're likely to be traveling with.

Get the Best

The longer you keep your vehicle, the more service it is likely to need. Find a trusted dealer (for warranty work) or independent mechanic familiar with your car. "Look for ASE-certified mechanics," says Fix. "These technicians have passed rigorous testing from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence." Using one business for all your service simplifies record keeping and ensures that the shop is familiar with your vehicle.

Do the Math

Shopping for a car you plan to drive for 10 years or more? Consider total ownership cost -- not just the sticker price. Factor in costs of services listed in the manufacturer's recommended service schedule as well as taxes, interest, depreciation, insurance, estimated fuel and oil costs and wear items, such as brakes and tires, over the term of your expected ownership of the vehicle.

Be Proud

With all their toys and snacks and things, kids can turn any vehicle into a cluttered mess. This makes regular attention to your car's appearance all the more important. Wash and wax your car regularly. Vacuum the interior frequently and get the carpets cleaned when they need it. If you don't have time to do these things, hire your kids to do them for you or drop your vehicle off at a detailer. "Use your senses," says Fix. "If something doesn't look right, sound right, feel right or even smell right about your car, have it checked out before something breaks, fails or causes an accident or big repair bill." You'll be happier keeping your car longer if it continues to look and feel as new as it drives.

Read the Book

No matter what vehicle you own, follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule rigorously. "One car owner told me his secret to longevity was servicing his car according to the manufacturer's 'severe duty' schedule. He had 400,000 miles on his car and was still driving it," says Fix. "I'm also a big fan of synthetic oil and other lubricants, which cut down on wear," she adds. Investing in quality maintenance now will pay off in fewer big-ticket repairs and better reliability in the future.

Know the Driver

For the sake of their safety as well as your vehicle's longevity, make sure anyone who drives your car knows your car. This is particularly important if young drivers are getting behind the wheel. A driver's ed sedan may not prepare your kids to handle the family SUV or your stick-shift commuter car. This goes for grandparents too. Years of driving don't necessarily mean they're prepared to handle any type of vehicle.