How long do you expect your vehicle to last after SHTF?

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IGnuGnat@reddit

2008 Ford E150 there will be parts for longer than there will be a human race if there's no gasoline, no go the frame will probably rust out before the engine fails, it still has under 200k

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Survivalistchris@reddit

Won't those parts degrade and become unusable? I heard motor oil and hoses and tires has shelf life

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You can replace most rubber hoses with a new, generic rubber hose and warm it up to modify the shape to make it fit for motor oil you just drain it and add new oil yes, tires have a shelf life but if you're not a heavy user and still have tread left they don't just instantly disintegrate after four years

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imnotabotareyou@reddit

6 months at most based on gas etc

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bs2k2_point_0@reddit

If you stock stabilizer you may be able to stretch that a bit.

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Bored_Acolyte_44@reddit

>a bit.

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bs2k2_point_0@reddit

Some can stabilize from 1-3 years. Either way, I know if shtf today, I’d be stuck riding a bike. I don’t have a large tank for storage or anything. Now that I think about it, even our bikes wouldn’t last too long, or at least the tires. Probably should pick up some spare tubes and tires.

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Saloncinx@reddit

I would buy a couple of extra chains, maybe 2 or 3 ($18 for quality ones) a chain tool ($8) and a *bunch* of innertubes ($4-$8 each) Tires are a little more expensive, but you should have at least 2 extra sets, luckily for the most part your front and back tired are the same so you can get 4 tires and that's 2 extra sets ($35 to $80 each tire) Those are the 3 things you're going to blow through the most, lucking swapping a chain, a tube and a tire are all pretty easy things to replace.

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Throwawayhelper420@reddit

Somebody is just going to steal your bike.

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Sea-Bicycle1624@reddit

Another cyclist here. Saloncinx is spot on. You would be surprised by how long a bike can last. As long as you got spare parts you can keep em running for a LONG time. I would add a bike pump (floor pump) or two the the list above. You can also inflate your car tires with a floor pump as well but it takes a few min.

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Saloncinx@reddit

D'oh! How did I forget a floor pump haha. As long as the person is not thrashing their bike down crazy trails every day post-SHTF there's no reason a quality mountain bike wouldn't last nearly forever with chains, tubes, tires and general cleaning! Don't expect your walmart bike to last forever though, when I say quality I mean even getting a new used bike from OfferUp/FBMarketplace. Get a Trek, Giant, Scott, Cannondale, Marin, Specialized, Kona, Bianchi, Diamondback and REI Brand. Stay away from the bikes Walmart and target sell.

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Sea-Bicycle1624@reddit

Yep agreed. You get what you pay for with bikes. My dad has some old steel bikes that are from the 90s and still kicking

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morris9597@reddit

You're still going to run out of gas. Chainsaws, wood splitters, mowers, generators, leaf blowers, atvs, etc. All run on gas. You'll be shocked how quick you run out of fuel. You can stretch it but you'll still be out within about 12 months max, depending on how much you're storing.

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nanneryeeter@reddit

Some really great electric versions of some of these tools. My Stihl electric chainsaw is a beast.

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morris9597@reddit

Electric works as an alternative but from my experience, they don't generate nearly the power as gas. They're generally fine for the backyard but if you're on a homestead, electric isn't going to cut it.

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nanneryeeter@reddit

The Stihl electric saws are monsters. I know a professional arborist who uses them for certain jobs. It would definitely be a bitch to try and fell 30 acres with one. Power really isn't the issue on quality electric tools, but they do suffer a disadvantage when it comes to run time. Most of my old pneumatic and plus in tools now collect dust after upgrading to quality cordless Milwaukee. Some things def require fuel. You surely aren't going to plow acreage with an electric tractor.

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bs2k2_point_0@reddit

Very true. And protecting a stockpile (large tank) I’d imagine could be difficult for most. If shtf, most will be stuck with what’s in their cars tank, and if lucky a fuel can or 2. I doubt most of us will be mowing lawns or using leaf blowers in a shtf scenario, but your point is definitely valid.

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morris9597@reddit

So I'm actually planning to get a manual mower. One of the old fashioned rotary ones. Having an overgrown yard can attract mice, snakes, and other things you probably don't want close to your house.

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BatFastard95@reddit

Get a goat. Does the same thing, and in a pinch you can eat the goat. Depending where you live of course

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BulkheadRagged@reddit

Getting a manual mower is objectively way simpler than getting a goat

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BatFastard95@reddit

For sure. Simpler, cheaper, and doesnt need fed. You just cant eat a mower in a pinch. Just throwing out an idea, not saying the mower is a bad idea.

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DoraDaDestr0yer@reddit (OP)

Yeah a simple stock of stabilizer that can be added to fuel once SHTF could do wonders on securing fuel for the interim. Until a new form of transportation can be focused on, survival first.

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davidm2232@reddit

I keep enough Sta-Bil on hand to treat 400 gallons of gasoline

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BatFastard95@reddit

Do you also store hundreds of gallons of gasoline? Genuinely curious how one preps to have fuel on hand for any amount of time in a SHTF situation

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davidm2232@reddit

I have 150-300 gallons of gas on hand at any given time depending on if my gasoline tank is full or not. I get 91 non ethanol delivered 200 gallons at a time tight to my house. It's around $.30 cheaper than the gas station and I can fill up right in my backyard. I'd never go back to gas cans even if I wasn't prepping. So convenient

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BatFastard95@reddit

Well i'll be damned. Color me woefully underprepped in this department.

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davidm2232@reddit

Plus I have 400-550 gallons of fuel oil in the basement which is basically diesel fuel. I can run my generator for 72 days without rationing. But again, I have 550 gallons if fuel storage so I can buy in the summer when prices are cheap and not have to.worry about running out all winter.

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Suprspike@reddit

If you buy clear premium and you treat it with stabil, that fuel will burn 4+ years later. It may smoke a bit the longer you go. The life of gasoline is far longer when it's not mixed with ethanol. I currently have 5 year old clear gas that I just tested and it burned fine in my rzr.

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Mynplus1throwaway@reddit

Also ethanol is hygroscopic (sucks water from the air).

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imnotabotareyou@reddit

True, great point! I’ll need to look into that a bit more.

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bellj1210@reddit

You can likely get longer with an EV if you have a reliable source of solar/wind power. A whole home solar set up sort of removes that hurdle... the issue is that it will hog the power created and basically set you in place. In my zombie survival ideas (you know the thoughts if 99% of the world population was wiped out tomorrow and i was one of the few survivors), my EV would basically be the replacement for a farm truck. It can do some light hauling (suv) but really it is about being able to get to the fields that are a 10 minute drive, or down to the fishing spot with your gear a little easier. At least my EV with a basic 110 power supply, it will charge 20 miles or so in a night (that is my whole current commute each day, so it may be marginally more). and a 110 running 24/7 is roughly as bad as expecting your solar set up to keep your fridge going (possible but you really need a lot). In that scenario, i would plug in down the street at the next neigbor with a solar array, and use mine to keep the nromal stuff going.

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advamputee@reddit

EV and an e-bike. Several modern EVs have two-way charging abilities, so they can double as a backup battery for the house on days where there's not as much sun. It's only a power sink until the battery is full. Use the e-bike for regular errands / getting around (less energy use), and the EV for larger distances / bigger loads.

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bellj1210@reddit

yeah but i do not have an ebike (yet). It is on my list for the next year or two now that my commute is so short. IT almost makes enough sense to just replace the 2nd car with an ebike (it would only be an issue if the wife and i had to go different places at the same time- and the ebike did not work for either of us- and it would not be work since she is WFH all but 1 day a month, and i work 3 miles away)

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advamputee@reddit

From the sounds of it, you and your wife could easily drop to 1 car and 1 e-bike. You'll save thousands a year as well (insurance, registration, maintenance and fuel add up).

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bellj1210@reddit

honestly car 2 is on the last legs either way, so that clunking out is all we are waiting on.

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l35af@reddit

What would it really take to keep an EV and an Ebike charged and ready to go, and not have it hinder everything else in your system? I ask because I imagine they are major power hogs. I also imagine in a place like the pacific northwest or north east that is completely impractical especially in cold/cloudy times of year. Now if you're in the Arizona desert it'd probably a solid plan. An electric side by side like the Polaris ranger xp kinetic would be sweet to have.

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bellj1210@reddit

it can charge in 3 days (250 miles) on a 110 outlet. Never really monitored how much it really is using, but that becomes the functional maximum.

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Saloncinx@reddit

If I had land, and a solar set up I would have one of these right away. 20 MPH and 40 miles of range. They would be much easier on a solar set up than charging a full blown EV too. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-GCEV4G-T-Gray-5000W-Electric-Golf-Cart/5055269116

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TDuctape@reddit

PNW resident here. While out wandering for a few days, I often use my vehicles house battery to charge my partners and my E-bikes. There are still issues to work out like wasted energy converting DC to AC to DC, but it works fine. 12V 500A battery, 400 W of solar panels. Most days I am fully charged before 11 and hooking up the Ebike batteries is just taking advantage of lost energy. We can easily go a week without sunshine. Now if it was a SHTF scenario where other items such as power tools were being used on the system, things may change.

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Saloncinx@reddit

If I had that kind of land (and a solar set up) I would much rather have one of those like $8000 electric offroad golf carts. I think it'd be a little easier on the solar set up to charge that up than a car. These things are pretty cool and i'm buying one as soon as I get a little more land. 20 MPH and they get like 40 miles of range. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-GCEV4G-T-Gray-5000W-Electric-Golf-Cart/5055269116

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imnotabotareyou@reddit

Very cool! I live in an apartment so I don’t have a way to easily charge an EV.

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BatemansChainsaw@reddit

Gas lasts a whole lot longer than that

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Finkufreakee@reddit

My lifetime. Diesel K5. Just put new shoes on last week 👍🏼

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bootsmade4Walken@reddit

Whelp, we should be good until we run out of oats or inner tubes, oh! You meant cars??? HAHAHAHAHA

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DoraDaDestr0yer@reddit (OP)

This is exactly my intention with the question. I'm curious if people have considered the fully complexity of their rig. I don't want to disparage anyone or assume this hasn't been though through, but I'm dubious of vehicle use much beyond any initial crisis. Bikes are my go-to solution and I ride as much in my daily life as I can. Learning how to pack $100 worth of groceries onto a back-rack takes quite a few tries!

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flamehead2k1@reddit

>Learning how to pack $100 worth of groceries onto a back-rack takes quite a few tries! It gets easier and easier with inflation!

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BulkheadRagged@reddit

Barely fills a backpack

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Dull-Astronomer6073@reddit

What's a go to bike for a prepper?

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bootsmade4Walken@reddit

"Piss with the cock you got" any bike is better than no hike, easy to fix and upgrade

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TDuctape@reddit

Surly Big Easy.

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bellj1210@reddit

In college i did that. closest grocer was about 5 miles away. my rig at the time was terrible (cheap moutain bike and a large backpack, and maybe 2 bags hanging from handlebars if i really needed to. You really learn what groceries you had to have vs. want to have. Nothing bottled, nothing in bulk, and this was early 2000, so no online ordering for much (amazon and ebay were things, but no one was buying food on amazon back then) note- i did have a 7-11 down the street ie 5 minute walk, but that was basically eggs only from there, since getting them to survive a 5 mile bike ride was too difficult.

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Smash_Shop@reddit

I used to love doing Aldi runs with the bike trailer. I miss living in the land of Aldi.

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waywardcowboy@reddit

I'll stick with my horses

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bootsmade4Walken@reddit

See? You're one of the ones I'd keep around. People have no idea and you'll have boomers out here arguing between gas mileage or ruggedness when, nah dude. It's bikes, horses, or walking. They're the same ones who will be out here trying to talk about gold and money. I think it'd be tricky in those between times of "do I really need to go to work?" Where yeah, you'd still need a vehicle to interact with Society but if you're at "Oh wow they just nuked DC" then yeah, it's bikes amd horses.

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Phantom_O_The_Holler@reddit

One of my vehicles is a 1997 Jeep Cherokee Xj. 4.0l/AW4/Chrysler 8.25. Very reliable platform. Very easy to work on. With the amount of them in scrap yards near me, I could salvage enough parts to keep it going for the rest of my life. I am a state certified tech and can diagnose and fix anything and everything on it. From minimal repairs to major overhauls. The hard part becomes fuel. You would have to be capable of distilling ethanol alcohol and converting the vehicle to run on it. Which would include swapping out all of the rubber that the fuel comes in contact with. As well as retuning the vehicle to run on said fuel. As long as you have access to parts and tools as well as the mechanical knowledge to fix the vehicle, and the capability to produce fuel there is no reason why you couldn't keep it going for a long, long time if not for the rest of your life assuming you don't get into a major accident and completely wreck it. Another difficult task would be getting the vehicle back to base for repairs if it were to fail on the road. You would almost have to have more than one vehicle for rescue missions. Is It possible to keep a vehicle going for an extended period in a shtf scenario? Absolutely. Will it be easy, and possible for the average person? Not necessarily. It boils down to what you drive, your availability for parts and mechanical capabilities as well as your ability to produce fuel and other essential fluids such as oil, trans fluid, diff fluid, etc.

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Are_knot@reddit

Among my vehicles I have a couple of motorcycles from the early 80s. Still running strong. Nothing lasts forever but I suspect that my 82 CM250C will outlast my other vehicles, and is very economical on gas also. The other thing about motorcycles is that they tend to be able to travel on "blocked" roads.

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Kiss_of_Cultural@reddit

I’m interested in getting documentation re: converting a diesel engine into biodiesel. But I’m not a mechanic and that’s gonna be a lot.

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Seepab@reddit

I love options and my vehicle is considered an option regarding mobility. I have a hybrid vehicle. I drive 70 miles every day back and forth to work. I have solar panels to charge it, and store 30 gallons of gas that currently last me around a year. I’ve put 130,000 miles on it and only had one minor issue not long after I purchased it, and had to replace the tires. Chevy is bringing back the Volt again, so I will definitely buy another one. How long will it last after SHTF, hard to say.

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Horror-Ambition7356@reddit

Silverado 1990 Learned how to fix it 18 years ago still drives good Problem anything rubber will leak & kill engine catastrophic failure just from being ignorant 😔 oil changes Transmission as well fluid must maintain cool temperature

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odo_0@reddit

Years. I'm a diesel mechanic and I can make fuel from many different sources.

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EverVigilant1@reddit

I don't know. 6 months, maybe. First thing to go will be fuel supply. I can service it myself with fluid and filter changes. But it will be getting fuel for it that would be a problem in a true SHTF.

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AntiSonOfBitchamajig@reddit

I have a multi fueled setup, farm stock of diesel, tools, extra parts, LiFePo4 battery over capacitors. . . We're good.

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Ryan_e3p@reddit

Gas is only good for a couple years stabilized, so assuming I refilled my tanks days beforehand, I would just continue to run it until the car's engine failed. I can probably squeeze more life out of the engine if I use a bit of Sea Foam when the gas starts to not burn as well or cleanly. Regardless, I don't plan on driving far or long with it. I do always have on hand 20qts of oil and 4x oil filters, a couple gallons of coolant, about a gallon of Sea Foam, a belt, and spare brakes, but that's just me wanting to have that stuff on hand when I need it, not planning for EOTW stuff. More like "crap, I forgot to stop on my way home to get stuff to do an oil change, and I *really* don't feel like going back out again". Really though, if it gets to the point where S has hit the F, I'm going to be using my motorcycle more anyways. Smaller, *much* more fuel efficient, quieter (it isn't a 2-stroke), easier to maintain, and though I can't carry as much, it makes traversal through potentially obstructed areas easier. Heck, I might even build a wagon or a trailer for it if I needed to carry more than what I normally can on the chassis.

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davidm2232@reddit

Diesel lasts much longer.

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Ryan_e3p@reddit

Got a link for that? All other sources I'm seeing say otherwise.

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davidm2232@reddit

I'm currently running my generator on diesel from 2011. As long as it is stored in a cool location out of sunlight, it will last a very long time. I've also run my jeep on 5 year old gas that wasn't treated

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Ryan_e3p@reddit

Isn't pretty much *all fuel* stored out of sunlight? Who stores fuel in the open air or even outside in a jerrycan?

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davidm2232@reddit

My gasoline tank is in the sun in the morning. Always is outside next to my shed. I was nervous to have it in the basement in case of fire or explosion

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Ryan_e3p@reddit

And you wonder why it doesn't last long compared to how you store your diesel, then tout the longevity of diesel when properly stored 🤣

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davidm2232@reddit

I just said I had good luck with old gas too.

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ToastedWhiteOakCask@reddit

I barley expect it to last a few months with out shtf

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PoopSmith87@reddit

Oh, I ride a DR650. Failure isn't really in its wheelhouse. Shoddy homemade fuel? No problem, it's known as a good choice for cross country trips in countries where fuel is questionable. Longevity and durability? Ha, please. Easy to find parts? Yeah, it's been in production since 1990. Easy to work on? It is literally simpler than some lawnmowers I've fixed.

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Jlganas@reddit

Laughs in 83 mercedes diesel.

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morebiking@reddit

I bought an EV with solar for the house. The biggest concern is tires and brakes. I have backups for both. Unlimited driving in theory.

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outtyn1nja@reddit

I'd park it and never expect to use it again, to be honest. SHTF, people driving around are going to be priority #1 for any hostile groups.

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anti-zastava@reddit

I am going to build a bunker and wait for the first guy with a 1992 Dodge Stratus to drive by… then I’m gonna flag him down and ask him real nice-like for a handful of beans and some porno mags… guys that drive a Dodge Stratus always have both.

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Trustme_ima_dr@reddit

And a thick, bushy stache

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HorryHorsecollar@reddit

Gassifiers work effectively. Worth the research. Pre 1970 cars are a must have, some makes are just indestructible.

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deviantdeaf@reddit

Infrastructure and fuel. Then maintenance, particularly tires and drivetrain. I'm *not* expecting use of gas power vehicle in total collapse; but have carts and bicycles to base things on.

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DoraDaDestr0yer@reddit (OP)

Yeah, I think the road infrastructure would be the biggest X-factor, these would get shut down quick or at the very least checkpoints installed to stop people from moving around. The Highways were initially built so the military could move effectively, not civilians. TIRES yes! I suppose the best solution would be to scavenge as you go, considering how many tires are on the roads right now.

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threeropes@reddit

Good luck finding a matching tire size

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Saloncinx@reddit

Luckily I drive the most popular pick up truck in America, I think i'd be fine for a while assuming we even still had gasoline.

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wtfredditacct@reddit

I think it'll be a while before people raid every tire shop in the area of usable sizes... unless they decide they need a really big bonfire

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MarvinStolehouse@reddit

Tires will last longer than fuel, oil, whatever else. Without a supply of replacement parts, fluids, fuels, etc, eventually every car will become ineffective. Even tires have a shelf life and will eventually break down.

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BaldyCarrotTop@reddit

> the road infrastructure would .... get shut down quick or at the very least checkpoints installed to stop people from moving around. Why would they do that? In any disaster the best plan is to remove people from the disaster area to a safer and more manageable location. It's very likely that FEMA will be broadcasting evacuation instructions. WRT your question: I am not planing to go anywhere. And I doubt that there will be anywhere to go, or any point in going anywhere. I'm sheltering in place. Fuel will be the first problem. After that, it could be anything.

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deviantdeaf@reddit

Control. Power. People being jackasses. The Interstate system is first a military transportation system, and secondly a commercial transport traffic system. That said... What's gonna stop some jackasses from wrecking overpasses/underpasses/ramps with heavy equipment and from digging/ripping trenches across roads to prevent passage?

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Therealawiggi@reddit

The impracticality of that will stop most people. Just parking a few cars in the road is enough to create a blockade. You’d have to be really stupid tho think it’s a good idea to destroy the road that you may also need to use….

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leisurechef@reddit

Cargo bicycle 👍

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SgtWrongway@reddit

For those who [don't know](https://youtu.be/IEyzLuiZ1A0?si=hP_EATGvDO8Oh_E9)

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deviantdeaf@reddit

[the other kind, longtail cargo bicycles](https://bikerumor.com/surly-big-dummy-cargo-bike-gets-bruised-ego-smart-updates-final-production-run/) And popular in Portland, Seattle, Chicago, NYC, other cities, the Bakfiets/front cargo bicycle [type](https://www.amsterdam-bicycle.com/shop/cargo-bikes/cargo-classic-long-with-bolted-box/)

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leisurechef@reddit

I have a Bullitt with a BBSHD & a custom LiFePO4 fuel tank

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deviantdeaf@reddit

Tricycle and handcarts, and even old jogger strolkers that you could lash bags, or bolt box onto

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slower-is-faster@reddit

Bicycles

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Gone_Camping_7@reddit

I’m going full Amish. Gonna call it the Doom Buggy and hitch up the horses 🐎

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Jammer521@reddit

Depends on the Shtf situation, if it's nukes, probably no need for a vehicle, your not going to be driving to a store or work, so most likely you will bunkered down at home, if you have prepped food and water, there is no need to go anywhere, that being said, I have a old 98 ford explorer, with just over 100k miles but rusty as shit, it would last me until my tank of gas ran out, or I could find another car to siphon some gas from

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fjefman@reddit

Lots of comments here on an EV. Food for thought. It would take a huge setup to charge a n EV with solar/battery. Tesla cars are 60+ KV. For scale that is roughly 545 Group 31 deep cycle batteries. Not sure they can take a trickle charge (meaning multi day charging off a smaller solar setup) but for the solar setups I’ve built I usually go 1:1 for Solar watts vs AH on the battery. So based on the example of group 31 batteries that also mean 545, 100 watt solar panels. That is a very expensive, big, heavy, etc. Again, maybe there is a better way with EV cars…I’ve never had one. That said, I do have a couple different electric motorcycles and multiple e-bicycles. And even charging my 18ah MTB battery with one of my vehicle Solar setups (400 watts is solar, 220ah of battery), can be difficult and not sustainable for multiple days of camping. It just can’t push the power fast enough and there is a lot of losses with the inverter.

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Ryan_e3p@reddit

If you have a dedicated charging system for it, it shouldn't be too bad. [https://electrly.com/ev-charging-guide/ev-charging-with-solar](https://electrly.com/ev-charging-guide/ev-charging-with-solar) "As the average home PV system can generate 1-4kW of electricity, it can fully charge an EV with a 40kWh battery in around eight hours. A Level 1 home EV charging station typically charges at a maximum of 1.9kW, adding around five miles of driving range per hour, while a Level 2 charger can typically charge at a maximum of 19.2kW, adding around 25 miles of driving range per hour." Not going to be doing daily road trips, but twice a week rides of a few hundred miles isn't out of a reasonable scope.

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fjefman@reddit

Thanks for the link, I’ll have to look into that more for curiosity. I can see this being a very workable setup if you have a whole house solar system. But those run tens of thousands of dollars and not many people have them…they are fairly common out west but rarely see them on the east coast where sunlight is more limited. My comments we based more of being grid reliant and having some side solar setup for backup power in case of blackout. 400-600 watts of solar and another 4-600ah of battery will get you but pretty well on its own if you think about it as essentially glamping and not a replacement for the grid.

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apoletta@reddit

ATV

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sumguyontheinternet1@reddit

Tires will be the downfall of my truck. Maybe brakes next. Its a Tacoma, that’s pretty much the only thing in the foreseeable future that would typically need replacing outside of a freak accident and basic oil changes that I have the tools and supplies already stocked up on.

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devilphrog@reddit

If you're a conspiracy theorist. Why do you think the Govt did cash for clunkers? Get all of the non computer controlled vehicles off the road. More control

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Purp_Skurp1@reddit

Important factors for me are old school diesel engines that can run off of multiple different types of fuels or combustible fluids. Also a manual transmission. My reasoning behind this is-if you have a vehicle that is very common parts wise you should be able to find parts easier. A diesel engine can generally be very reliable. And with a manual transmission your battery could be dead but you can bump start the vehicle. Think of something like a Jeep YJ with an old school Mercedes diesel engine swapped in it. You can drain the oil out of gas vehicles months or years after the collapse and run your car off of that used motor oil. You can make moonshine to cut the oil with. Can expect a quarter to a half a million miles from the motor. And they made so many jeeps that share the same parts. You have replacements literally in every neighborhood. Have axle seal problems? No worries grab some off of the Jeep XJ down the street. Need brakes? Your neighbors Jeep JK has the brake pads you need. Steering box? Same from a YJ, TJ, XJ, durango...etc. Suspension problems? Rebuild your leaf springs with a leaf pack from a different vehicle.

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OutdoorInker@reddit

About 300 miles or 18 hrs or some combo there of. Hopefully I’m far enough away from … issues … to turn it into a permanent shelter.

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left_testic1e@reddit

As of right now, shelf life of gasoline. Ive been looking into using ethanol as an alternative though, hopefully would be able to keep her running for years.

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Smash_Shop@reddit

I have a bicycle, so a couple years? I don't have a huge parts bin. But I have a lot of bikes, so that should stretch it a couple years further.

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KaleMercer@reddit

Till the gas runs out.

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A_Lost_Desert_Rat@reddit

One of ours is an EV. Recent upgrade to a battery in the system means I can "fuel" it as long as things hold together.

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FctFndr@reddit

I think it depends what you mean by SHTF. A lot of these scenarios are dependent on the circumstances. Are we talking Walking Dead where everything completely ends.. then just the life of the car and the gas you can get. No new gas will be made, so when gas goes bad and runs out.. no more car.. regardless of how good you keep it up.

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Big-Preference-2331@reddit

My wife drives a plug in hybrid, I have gmc Sierra, my daughter has an older bmw and we have a Kawasaki Teryx(side by side). Worse case scenario we have some Arabian horses and bikes. I think we could last as long as we have fuel.

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nigerianprinceas@reddit

I suppose it would depend on how many spare tires and how much gas you have.

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ElephantOnaKaiser@reddit

I only need it to last till I get to where I’m going, then w.e.

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HysminaiUchiha@reddit

Shiiiiit I don’t give mine more than 6 months from right now. That’s being generous.

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AdditionalAd9794@reddit

Vehicles are probably gonna last longer than the fuel

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dgroeneveld9@reddit

Honestly, this is where I think an ev might be better. If you have off grid power, you can keep going for a long time. That said, if my current vehicle can last me long enough to evacuate to a safer area, I'd be happy. I don't live in a good hunker down area. It's densely populated, and resources are few and far between. My plan is to stay put for a few days and then, depending on the situation, try to leave the area to another location that would be far more suitable to survive the end.

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Successful-Service32@reddit

I currently have 300gal of stabilized fuel (it’s rotated every 6 months or so), 30k miles worth of oil/filter/air filter, a spare supply of brakes and rotors, spare radiator hoses and belts, and then of course everything I’d need to rewire anything that needs it. Not too worried about a battery, those can be found easily. I also have a powerful siphon to get fuel out of other cars or in the fuel storage at gas stations and enough stabil to last 5-6 years

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Sea_Childhood1689@reddit

I have a couple mechanical diesels that run on anything as is, a biodiesel plant, spare parts/rebuild kits for just about everything, and I know where the local tire warehouses are. Should be set indefinitely.

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show_me_your_secrets@reddit

Depends on the type of SHTF situation. A flood or EMP? I’d give my vehicle zero days. A slow burn societal breakdown? The vehicle may last longer than the SHTF. Or somewhere in between.

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tomboy44@reddit

Right ? If an EMP causes SHTF only older cars with no computers will last a couple years until gas goes bad everywhere

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LippyD123@reddit

what about diesel....

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tomboy44@reddit

As long as it’s an older model with no computer components diesel is actually the best to survive

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LippyD123@reddit

84 vw rabbit!

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tomboy44@reddit

Is it a stick ? Cause you got a good one there !

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Bidliebidlie@reddit

Got a Honda 50 , quite enough ride long mileage with little fuel, down side small tank . Plus side easy maintenance , two up at most with bags . Knowledge to keep it running with some spare parts . Plus easy solar charge battery from panel, 12 volt battery. Plus some cycle bikes, cover a lot of ground quietly and fast . Keep fitness in check for that . How about you?

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SwoleTeamSix069@reddit

This is why I got an old diesel and spare parts/engine. (Plus it’s my tow rig) Plus I keep a comprehensive list of everything rock auto has for part numbers for a repair. But my truck can run on damn near anything. Old filtered used oil mixed with rancid gas, hydraulic oil mixed with old gas or diesel. Old shitty diesel. She absolutely does not care lol. No computer, Manual transmission. And if SHTF I won’t be driving fast so I’ll slap fill those tires with foam or slime just in case of punctures. So I guess until i can’t find any fuel sources lol

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TheBreakfastSkipper@reddit

The first thing to fail will be that it will run out of gas.

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wtfredditacct@reddit

Until it runs out of gas

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LippyD123@reddit

approximately 2 years, diesel. Able to repair myself and have a parts vehicle. Also 500 gallons of diesel on the farm

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fjefman@reddit

A couple other considerations: Do you really want to be driving around in a total collapse beyond when everybody else runs out of gas. The have-nots will certainly be predatory toward the haves. And anyone with a car will certainly be considered living large and a target. A bicycle is your best bet..and for more capacity look at Cargo bikes. The Mongoose Envoy is one of the best and at times can be found under $600 on Amazon.com. Add in a motor conversion and a couple batteries and it is very possible to have a setup capable of carrying 100lbs of cargo and with a pedal-assist range over 100 miles. Total cost of all of bike, motor and batteries will likely be close to $3.5k. Not cheap, but can easily be purchased in roughly $6-800 stages as funds are available. 1st - Bike 2nd - Motorsetup 3rd - Battery 4th - extra batteries And the bonus, This can all be assembled and stored in an apartment (or even mom’s basement) so the excuse of no garage need not apply.

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NightmanisDeCorenai@reddit

About a tank of gas.

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Kind_Man_0@reddit

One of my vehicles is electric, and I live in FL, so I could definitely yank some solar panels if it was that kind of SHTF scenario to keep the thing going for as long as it could go. Once it shits the bed, my 2 gas-powered vehicles might last 6 months.

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CarmackInTheForest@reddit

Id be more worried about the road. We have a nasty freeze thaw cycle on the east coast of Canada. I doubt the asphalt roads will drivable for much above a walking pace inside 2-3 years. Potholes, ice cracking, tree saplings popping up through cracks. In a fast SHTF, youd have functional roads for a while. But in a slow collapse, with a few years of higher spiraling prices, failing goverement, fascist militias, supply infrastructure degrading and failing.... by the time you need to bug out, the roads will be useless anyway. Ironically, railroads last much longer without repair. Possibly a handcar?

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Glad-Tie3251@reddit

You either have an EV or you can make Diesel. Other than that it will last as long as you can access fuel which won't take long to be depleted or inaccessible in a societal collapse. At first it will become too expensive. Then it will be rationed for authorities. Then it will be controlled by gangs/outlaws. Finally there won't be any unless a group managed to extract and refine it. But that kind of total collapse will never happen. I can't think of a realistic scenario where the West just fall in total chaos and eat itself. In "the road" we don't know the cause of the collapse but it seems that mass famine is the main vector.

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MarvinStolehouse@reddit

Tires will last longer than fuel, oil, whatever else. Without a supply of replacement parts, fluids, fuels, etc, eventually every car will become ineffective. Even tires have a shelf life and will eventually break down.

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cannabis_vermont@reddit

Maybe convert your vehicle's engine to run off ethanol and distill your own fuel.

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SweetBearCub@reddit

It really depends on what SHTF scenario you're talking about, but assuming that electronics still work (such an from an EMP scenario, which is difficult to test well), I think that my EV will be just fine, seeing as how we already have existing solar. Just have to learn how to convert a grid tied system to work without the grid, and add some batteries. I have an order in for a solar-assisted EV, the Aptera, which not only is far more efficient than my Bolt on a miles per kWh basis, but it has enough solar built in to the car itself that it can gain up to 40 miles per day parked in the sun. Less with the AWD model, of course. It's only a two-seater, but it does have a rather large area for cargo in the back.

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mikenkansas2@reddit

My deuce and a half will be on sale one of these days. If it'll burn my multifuel will use it.

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mikenkansas2@reddit

Gas goes bad so...

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Fit_Acanthisitta_475@reddit

My klr650 is my shtf vehicle. Reliable, cheap, on/off road. Gets 40-50mpg with huge gas tank.

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Arecotect@reddit

I think people VASTLY underestimate the amount of gas that will be readily available during a major event. Look at any major disaster. The gas always runs out first. Idiots were putting gas in plastic grocery bags and thought it was OK. People would be killed by other angry drivers waiting for gas if the situation were bad enough. Best to avoid gas stations during certain situations. Most disaster situations will leave you with about as much gas as you have in your tank at the moment. So maybe you can go 200-300 miles if you're lucky? People think they are going to be driving around for weeks/months. They are wrong. Some sort of electric bike or small car with a PV charging station would be a game changer in this situation. That also puts a target on your back though. PPT (Prepper Pro Tip): keep your gas tank full and extra gas at your house that you cycle through regularly (ex. Gas for lawn mower)

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OnTheEdgeOfFreedom@reddit

My SHTF is a long blizzard and blocked roads. My vehicle should have a normal lifespan. I have no clue what your SHTF is. Various scenarios? Why don't you tell us what you are *actually* prepping for and we can talk about what that might entail? But then, in a comment you wrote: "Yeah, I think the road infrastructure would be the biggest X-factor, these would get shut down quick or at the very least checkpoints installed to stop people from moving around. " What the hell kind of scenario are you imagining where anyone is going to put up checkpoints to stop traffic? In a disaster? Clearly not the US, where that's not generally done and anyone trying it without considerable due cause would get holes blown in them by aggravated drivers. Actually, never mind. The more I read, the more I think you missed the left turn to /collapse and ended up here. I have no time for people who *assume* this sort of collapse of law and order as a starting point and then talk about anything as trivial as a car. Unbelievable to me you got responses to this. Bye. The sub is drowning in absurd fearposting.

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GeorgeKaplanIsReal@reddit

I think it just depends on what kind of shtf scenario you're anticipating. Realistically, I think we should prep for stuff that would most likely happen: natural disasters and recovery (which can take a long time - see Hurricane Katrina). Worst case scenario a cyber attack renders our electric grids useless for a week (which is plenty of time for shtf). In any case, a full tank/extra gas and a car that works is what you'd want/need. When it comes to the other more silly things: a zombie apocalypse, a nuclear war, etc. you're not gonna be "Carrll." You're most likely gonna be the guy early on who gets bit and dies (only to rise again), so in that case, it's a moot point.

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Sweet_Ingenuity6722@reddit

Define SHTF. Power outage in the area? My vehicle will run just fine as long as it has fuel. Pandemic? Same. Spouse breaks a leg? Same. Civil unrest in the city over 120 miles away? Same. Nuclear war? I don’t know. Bull gets out of the pasture, which is a HUGE SHTF for me, my vehicle will still run as long as it has fuel and the damn bull doesn’t destroy it.

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Jumpy-Silver5504@reddit

Not very long

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YardFudge@reddit

Mine lasted fine through last one that killed millions of Americans

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DeFiClark@reddit

My vehicle is an elastic concept that would vary greatly on the scenario. I’d expect to be able to keep bicycles running indefinitely.

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dittybopper_05H@reddit

As an identifiable technological object? Hundreds of years, at least the engine block and transmission. In working condition? Not very long.

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DoraDaDestr0yer@reddit (OP)

That's a good point. The level of technology just lyin' around will make recovery so much faster!

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bellj1210@reddit

depends on how quickly we get back to civilization. A few generations and all of that knowledge will be lost, and the idea of a car will be a thing of legend.

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devadander23@reddit

Lol

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davidm2232@reddit

I have like 6 running vehicles and a bunch of spare parts for each. The only real thing I'll have an issue with is DEF on my car. But everything else is older diesels without that and a few gas cars, both EFI and carb. I have 200 gallons of gas and 500 of diesel so I will be set for fuel for at least a few years. Eventually, I want to build an electric vehicle and recharge it at home off solar. Someday...

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waywardcowboy@reddit

I've got two different tractors that just run and run with basic maintenance, as long as I have fuel. Other than that, I'll stick with my horses.

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11systems11@reddit

Until the gas runs out

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zygrottwentyfour@reddit

Pack mules.

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deviantdeaf@reddit

Pack goats. Meat, milk, weed control, *slightly* smaller,(some goat breeds are yuuge) easier to have a herd going, and they eat most anything plant based.

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zygrottwentyfour@reddit

Mules are pretty sturdy critters that'll eat most any vegetation. I have experience with them and my family used to sell mules to the usfs for them to use as pack animals. Nothing against goats, I just know what I'm doing with mules.

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deviantdeaf@reddit

Fair. Arent they mostly sterile and bred from female horses and male donkeys?

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zygrottwentyfour@reddit

Yes. When the mules die ill have to figure something else out. goats, oxen or I suppose even a few dogs could pull a cart with 500 lbs or less loaded on it.

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zygrottwentyfour@reddit

I suppose I could have the mares used for birthing mules bred by a male horse if I were to have the opportunity.

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deviantdeaf@reddit

A herd of asses

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Senior_Ad282@reddit

About 1,000,000 years. I have a Land Cruiser.

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Led_Zeppole_73@reddit

I’ve always kept multiple modern ICE vehicles, and at least two or three that are pre-1975. Currently down to only one older car, 1971 Amc Javelin Amx. Been turning a wrench since a very young age and that 53 y.o. car can’t be stopped. Easy to work on compared to modern vehicles and I have many parts stocked for backup.

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FrostyEquivalent85@reddit

Need it to get me to my side property

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DoraDaDestr0yer@reddit (OP)

This. Like a Fast 'n' Furious escape to the farmstead and then it's in Mothballs. This is my expectation for *most* people.

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FrostyEquivalent85@reddit

I’d have to agree. Obviously it’ll be hard to go mad max style and you may get some more life out of a old school mechanical diesel but your mileage may vary lol

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jokerfriend6@reddit

I keep my vehicles up to date and in good working order. I would expect each of them to last a good two years before they start to leave me on the side of the road without maintenance. I believe part availability will be the problem. When SHTF parts will become hard to find. 1) Buy a car that has an abundant supply ( no one offs ) 2) Don't by the first 3 years of a change in model of a car. 3) Buy a vehicle with good reliablity. 4) Don't rely on one vehicle to get around. Have at least one back up vehicle.

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themaicero@reddit

Are you going to run it on hopes and dreams or do you have 2 years of fuel stored up? I am pretty sure my 1990 F150 would run 2 years without any maintenance. That's a pretty low threshold for most cars. The problem is keeping petro in it.

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jokerfriend6@reddit

I don't have 2 years of fuel saved up, my uncle did and lived out in the country.

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DoraDaDestr0yer@reddit (OP)

What you mean my Alfa-Romeo isn't a reliable purchase in the US??? /s

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s_copypasta_bot@reddit

Thank you for adding /s to your post. When I first saw this, I was horrified. How could anybody say something like this? I immediately began writing a 1000 word paragraph about how horrible of a person you are. I even sent a copy to a Harvard professor to proofread it. After several hours of refining and editing, my comment was ready to absolutely destroy you. But then, just as I was about to hit send, I saw something in the corner of my eye. A /s at the end of your comment. Suddenly everything made sense. Your comment was sarcasm! I immediately burst out in laughter at the comedic genius of your comment. The person next to me on the bus saw your comment and started crying from laughter too. Before long, there was an entire bus of people on the floor laughing at your incredible use of comedy. All of this was due to you adding /s to your post. Thank you. I am a bot if you couldn't figure that out, if I made a mistake, ignore it cause its not that fucking hard to ignore a comment.

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jokerfriend6@reddit

If no fuel is available it is a problem. We are all dependent on a variety of necessities. One can by 2000 gallons of gas with a pump at the house if necessary and fill up and run for awhile, but is it that practical vs prep.

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LastEntertainment684@reddit

I’ve got a Ford Lightning, hasn’t needed any maintenance in over 40,000 miles besides tires, wiper blades, and washer fluid. Can be charged off Grid Power, Solar, Propane, Gasoline, Diesel, and Hydroelectric. I use solar for slow charging, Grid or Propane for fast charging, but I back that up with gasoline and diesel. If I’m bugged in I figure I can get as many years out of it as the tires last. I’ve also got a gas Jeep and some diesel HD pickups, but they’re much more maintenance intensive and I only stock enough spares for one extra oil change. I figure after that oil change they’re only running until the oil turns to sludge (assuming I can still get/make fuel). The F350 with the 5-spd stick and 7.3L Turbo IDI specifically is my bugout/EMP vehicle.

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DoraDaDestr0yer@reddit (OP)

I like the idea of an EMP safe vehicle directly next to your space-age electric vehicle of a Hub. One way or another you're covered, but it'd be much MUCH more comfy apocalypse in the lightning lol.

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Hot-Profession4091@reddit

TEOTWAWKI? Not long. 6 months to a year at best until all the fuel goes stale.

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DoraDaDestr0yer@reddit (OP)

Every time I see that acronym I think of Pam from Archer, and I read it in her voice 😂

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anthro28@reddit

I expect a Cummins 5.9 12 valve to outlast the planet.

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tomauswustrow@reddit

Mine runs the last 21 years and every part is easy to change. The gas is the only thing I care about.

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Matt_Rabbit@reddit

I just bought a 2024 Subaru Crosscheck. AWD, high clearance. peppy engine. So long as I can siphon gas, I'll be good.

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Nyancide@reddit

hopefully you don't run into any issues with a car that new, like finicky electronics or fuel sensitivity

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Matt_Rabbit@reddit

Ah yea true. So much electronics

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Nyancide@reddit

I'm sure if you keep up on maintenance you'll be fine

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connoratchley2@reddit

Gas will run out and expire at a certain point

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ColdasJones@reddit

a few thoughts: \-learn to be your own mechanic, invest in basic tools to do 90% of the work you need to do. its the difference between abandoning your car in shtf when it isnt working right and keeping it running. hopefully you can get it home to fix it. \-purchasing a trusted, reliable and COMMON vehicle. you can have the bestest coolest rig possible but if nobody else is driving it, finding parts is a bitch. even better if its easy to work on and simple. \- get something pre-sensor/computer era. electronics always fail first it seems. ive seen some of these modern cars redline themselves when a stupid parking sensor is acting up and needs to be towed. \- if youre religious about maintenance and care now, your vehicle will last significantly longer down the road. all those mileage intervals you think are silly? following them can potentially add years of use to your vehicle. \- buy spare parts ahead of time. not just oil filters but common things to be changed. go to pull-a-part places and rip parts out of vehicles there. yes theyre used but they can mean the difference between keeping it running or not in a day to day scenario or shtf. i know some dudes who buy entire part out vehicles of their model so they have a whole ass spare truck in their yard for parts. seems a bit excessive unless you have the space and use case.

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weewootaxidriver@reddit

There are plenty of disasters that can directly damage your vehicle, and they're not even uncommon (flooding, severe hail, wildfire, etc.). Barring any of those, and assuming mostly normal use, your vehicle should last just as long between mechanical failures as you're used to. Fuel will be the first limiting factor, followed by other fluids and parts you routinely use or swap (oil, washer fluid, air filters, batteries), followed by tires and brakes, and anything rubber which can't last indefinitely (belts, hoses, boots, etc). The type, duration, and scope of the disaster all matter. I only plan on it lasting as long as the fuel I have in it when disaster strikes. Everything after that is a bonus. Even little things matter. Ever run out of washer fluid on a slushy highway?

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