How Many Years and Kilometers Can a Car Be Driven?

[Zara]

According to the new regulations on vehicle scrapping age in 2021, the driving age limit for non-commercial cars has been abolished, while the mileage limit for private cars has been set at 600,000 kilometers. This means a car can be driven up to 600,000 kilometers, and the number of years depends on the annual mileage calculation. The new regulations for vehicle scrapping age in 2021 are as follows: 1. Mileage: Although there is no scrapping age for non-commercial 5-seater cars and 7-seater SUVs, once the mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the vehicle will be forcibly scrapped. Generally, private cars are driven for a maximum of 15 years, with an annual mileage of around 20,000 kilometers, so this scrapping mileage will not affect private car owners. 2. Vehicles that fail or do not undergo annual inspections on time: The current annual inspection regulations for private cars are: new cars are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years, inspections are required every 2 years from 6 to 10 years, once a year from 10 to 15 years, and twice a year for cars over 15 years old. If a vehicle does not undergo an annual inspection or fails the inspection, it will be forcibly scrapped. 3. Vehicles that exceed emission standards: Emission standards for motor vehicles are becoming increasingly strict, and the China 6 standard was introduced in 2021. Each new emission standard means a batch of older vehicles will be phased out.

[StCharlie]

I've been driving for half my life, and my old Honda has clocked 230,000 kilometers over 18 years and still runs. The key is regular maintenance—changing the oil every six months, checking tires and brakes, avoiding frequent short trips with stop-and-go traffic in the city, and using highway cruising more often. Parking conditions also matter; keeping it in a garage prevents rust, and warming up the engine in cold winter temperatures helps. On average, a regular car lasts 12 to 15 years or 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers, but brand and build quality are crucial—German cars, for example, are sturdier with fewer minor issues. Never ignore small problems like unusual noises or increased fuel consumption; timely repairs can extend its life by tens of thousands of kilometers.

[LeBeckett]

I've been repairing cars for over 20 years and have personally seen engines easily surpass 300,000 kilometers, but transmissions and electronic systems are prone to malfunctions. Generally, an engine's lifespan is about 250,000 kilometers, and chassis rust may shorten its life prematurely. For high-frequency use, such as taxis, running 700,000 kilometers is no problem, but oil changes and inspections of belts and water pumps are required every 5,000 kilometers. Avoid hauling heavy loads and sudden acceleration to save on repair costs. For most cars, after 12 years or 180,000 kilometers, the cost of major repairs skyrockets, making it more practical to replace the vehicle.

[DiAndrew]

As a beginner who just bought my first car, I think the current new car warranty recommendation is around 7 years or 150,000 kilometers. If you want to switch to a new model or electric vehicle after a few years, the battery lifespan might only last until 100,000 kilometers before aging. For daily driving, pay attention to safety, avoid speeding in rainy weather, and wash the car regularly to prevent rust. On average, perform a minor maintenance every 20,000 kilometers, costing a few hundred dollars, which can easily last you 80,000 kilometers without issues.