How many kilometers can a car be driven before it is scrapped?
3 Answers
According to the laws and regulations of China, a family car can be driven up to 600,000 kilometers, and after reaching 600,000 kilometers, it will be guided to be scrapped. The following is a related introduction to the mandatory scrapping of cars: Background: The new version of the "Regulations on the Mandatory Scrapping Standards for Motor Vehicles" has been in preparation for many years. Previously, the relevant scrapping standards for motor vehicles in China began with the "Automobile Scrapping Standards" issued on July 15, 1997, in which the mandatory scrapping standard for private cars was a term of 10 years or 100,000 kilometers driven. Later, with the rapid development of China's automobile industry and the improvement of vehicle technology, this limit seemed too harsh. Mandatory Scrapping Decree: Ministry of Commerce, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Environmental Protection Order No. 12 of 2012 "Regulations on the Mandatory Scrapping Standards for Motor Vehicles".
I've been driving for several years and think there's no fixed standard for when a car should be scrapped, but generally, after running over 200,000 kilometers, major problems may start to arise. Issues like engine oil leaks or transmission slippage can cost a few thousand to fix each time, making it better to consider buying a new car sooner. With good maintenance, such as regular oil changes and throttle body cleaning, some cars can last up to 300,000 or even 500,000 kilometers. My previous sedan had its brake system frequently failing at 250,000 kilometers, and it was eventually forced to be scrapped after failing the annual inspection. Now, policies have changed, and there's no mandatory scrapping age; it's more about the car's condition and safety, with scrapping only happening if it fails the inspection. So, it's important to pay attention to regular maintenance and not wait until something goes wrong to regret it. Driving a high-mileage car comes with significant risks.
From an economic perspective, the mileage at which a car should be scrapped depends on maintenance costs and the vehicle's performance. Take the SUV I drive as an example—after reaching 280,000 kilometers, it started having constant minor issues. Every trip to the repair shop became a financial burden, with engine repairs or part replacements costing more than monthly payments for a new car. Rather than struggling to keep it running, it's more cost-effective in the long run to scrap it in time and switch to a more fuel-efficient new vehicle. Vehicle lifespan also varies by brand—Japanese cars generally last longer, but fuel consumption increases noticeably after exceeding 300,000 kilometers. Additionally, since the policy removed mandatory scrapping based on age, annual inspection results now determine whether a car meets safety standards; failing means it must be retired. My personal experience is that regular maintenance can extend a car's life, but don't ignore risks just to save money.
