How Many Kilometers Should a Car Run in a Year?

[DeHaley]

It is appropriate for a car to run 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers a year. After exceeding this range, it is necessary to increase the maintenance efforts for the car. Maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. The purpose of maintenance is to keep the car clean and tidy, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent failures, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service cycle. The effects of not performing maintenance on the car include: 1. A dirty air filter will hinder fresh air from entering the cylinder, leading to a too rich mixture, incomplete combustion, reduced power, and excessive exhaust emissions; 2. A clogged oil filter will obstruct the flow of lubricating oil, causing poor engine lubrication, increased wear, and even bearing burning.

[DiConnor]

As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I've seen vast differences in vehicle conditions. I believe an annual mileage of around 15,000 kilometers is ideal for family cars. Calculating 40 kilometers daily for commuting plus weekend trips, keeping it between 12,000 to 20,000 kilometers is generally optimal. This driving pattern is particularly good for the engine and aligns perfectly with oil change intervals. I often encounter underused vehicles where deteriorated parts outnumber worn ones - seals age and leak oil. However, exceeding 30,000 kilometers requires attention: tire wear accelerates noticeably, brake pads need frequent replacement, and resale value drops significantly when trading in.

[OCody]

Last month, while helping a colleague evaluate a used car, I noticed a pattern. Cars with an annual mileage of less than 18,000 kilometers can fetch an extra seven to eight thousand yuan when resold. This mileage indicates that the car has neither been left idle for long periods nor excessively worn out. For urban commuter cars, if the mileage is too low, one should be wary of potential flood damage or odometer tampering. On the other hand, cars with over 25,000 kilometers typically show cracks in the suspension rubber components. I've checked the maintenance manuals of mainstream models, and many manufacturers recommend oil change intervals based on 12,000 kilometers—following this guideline is a safe bet.

[JudahRose]

Last week, while washing my car, I met a ride-hailing driver who shared some honest insights: In their industry, it's widely acknowledged that for electric vehicles (EVs) used in ride-hailing, the battery health declines by 3% per 40,000 kilometers, while gasoline cars start burning oil after exceeding 30,000 kilometers. Regular car owners don’t need to push their vehicles that hard; it’s recommended to keep the mileage below half of those figures. I’ve reviewed the warranty terms, and many brands shorten the warranty for cars exceeding 30,000 kilometers annually. In fact, exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended mileage not only increases maintenance costs but also shortens the lifespan of safety components. For example, brake fluid’s water content exceeds standards much faster.