How Many Hours Can a Private Car Run Continuously?
3 Answers
A private car can run continuously for about 12 hours. Below is an introduction to the duration of continuous driving for private cars: 1. Driving Duration and Hazards: If a car is driven continuously on the highway at the current speed limit of 120 km/h, it can run for more than ten hours without issues. However, the mileage is different. If a single trip exceeds 5,000 km, it can cause significant damage to the car. Additionally, prolonged driving can lead to driver fatigue, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. Therefore, the hazards of overusing a car are substantial, and everyone should be aware of them. Prolonged driving keeps the brake fluid temperature at a high level, which can cause brake failure, so it is not recommended to drive for extended periods. 2. Impact of Long-Distance Driving on Tires: If driving continuously for 12 hours, the car's tires will experience severe wear, especially in summer when ground temperatures are very high, further accelerating tire wear. Moreover, reduced friction between the tires and the road increases the risk of a blowout, and at high speeds, there is also a possibility of the car overturning.
Recently, I took my SUV on a cross-province long-distance trip, driving continuously for nearly seven hours. Actually, the car itself can handle seven or eight hours of highway driving without issues, but the fuel tank and tires would give out first. Nowadays, most family cars have a 60-liter fuel tank, and at a constant speed of 120 km/h on the highway, the fuel warning light typically comes on after about four hours. It's recommended to stop at service areas every three hours, both to let the turbo cool down and to allow the tires to cool off. Last year, a driver pushed it for five hours straight, and the tire pressure alarm went off—when they stopped, the tires were as hot as a frying pan to the touch.
With twenty years of car repair experience, I've seen too many vehicles break down from continuous driving. Ordinary commuter cars are designed to be durable; their engines can run for ten hours straight. The real issue lies in the cooling system—when an old car's radiator gets clogged, running the AC while climbing hills in summer can cause the temperature gauge to spike within two hours. Last year, an old Passat blew its head gasket on a mountain road. For newer cars, it's more practical to monitor tire pressure and brake disc temperature. If the heat sinks turn red, don't push your luck.
