How many more years can a 13-year-old car be driven?
3 Answers
Current regulations in China indicate that there is no mandatory retirement age for private vehicles. As long as the car can pass the annual inspection, it can continue to be used. Below is relevant information: Retirement Date: Although there is no usage time limit for private cars, when the mileage of a private car exceeds 600,000 kilometers, it will be guided to retire. If a brand-new motor vehicle has not undergone or failed the annual inspection for three consecutive years, it will also be guided to retire. The annual vehicle inspection can be applied for one month in advance; it can be done early but not postponed, and there will be corresponding penalties for overdue inspections. Relevant Regulations: According to the regulations, non-operational brand-new motor vehicles are inspected every two years for the first six years, and no on-site inspection is required; just timely collection of the annual inspection label is sufficient. From the sixth to the fifteenth year, the inspection is conducted once a year, and after fifteen years, it is required every six months.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I can tell you that a 13-year-old car can easily run for another five years with proper maintenance. Last week, I just helped my cousin overhaul his 2013 Lavida—replaced the shock absorber bushings and timing belt. The mechanic said the chassis components could last another 80,000 kilometers without issue. The key is to check three areas: whether the engine burns oil, if the transmission shifts smoothly, and if there's any rust on the chassis. Don’t skimp on maintenance, especially timely transmission fluid changes, and replace brake pads immediately when they’re worn to the limit. I’ve seen several old cars neglect tire aging, leading to dangerous blowouts on the highway.
I'm studying automotive engineering, here's an inspection standard for you: First check the aging degree of chassis suspension rubber components. If cracking exceeds 70%, it's recommended to replace the entire set. For engine wear, monitor oil consumption - if it exceeds 0.5 liters per 1,000 km, an overhaul is needed. Check the body anti-corrosion lifespan in the original manual - Japanese cars' galvanized layers typically last 12 years, while German cars' cavity wax injection can endure 15 years. Last month I inspected a 2013 Corolla with 260,000 km - replaced four engine mounts and radiator brackets, and it's still running Didi daily. Note that if the catalytic converter efficiency drops below 40%, it must be replaced, otherwise it won't pass annual inspection.
