How Many Years Can a Car Be Used?
4 Answers
For non-commercial 5-seater sedans and 7-seater SUVs, there is no specified usage period, but they must be scrapped after reaching 600,000 kilometers. Pickup trucks are mandated to be scrapped after 15 years, taxis can be used for 8 years, and commercial vehicles have a 10-year limit. Methods to extend a car's lifespan: 1. Use the car frequently: Many car owners don't drive their cars often, especially those left unused for long periods. During storage, various car components can age to different degrees. Therefore, it's essential to use the car reasonably, especially new cars, allowing them to go through a proper break-in period to prevent aging during storage, which can affect the car's lifespan. 2. Don't overfill engine oil: While engine oil is crucial, it's important to control the amount added. Overfilling can lead to oil burning, and excessive oil can increase resistance in many parts. Keep the oil level between the min and max marks on the dipstick and change the oil promptly to ensure the engine is adequately lubricated during operation. 3. Maintain proper tire pressure; don't overinflate or underinflate: Tire pressure also affects a car's lifespan. Abnormal tire pressure not only impacts ride comfort but also the longevity of the tires. Some car owners overinflate tires to save fuel, but this can lead to blowouts while driving. 4. Avoid excessive waxing: Car wax can make the paint shine, and proper waxing can extend the paint's lifespan. However, excessive waxing can shorten it. It's recommended to control the frequency of waxing reasonably. 5. Wash the car promptly after rain or snow: Rainwater and snow are corrosive. If the car gets wet, it should be washed immediately to prevent the paint from oxidizing. When washing, clean the undercarriage to avoid rust during storage, which can affect ride comfort.
After driving for over 20 years, I've found this issue depends on circumstances. There's no mandatory scrapping now, but annual inspections are getting stricter. Well-maintained regular family cars can easily last 15 years or 400,000 km - my neighbor's Japanese car ran for 18 years. It mainly depends on the condition of the three major components: if the engine hasn't had major repairs, the transmission works normally, and the chassis isn't rusted through, it can keep going. However, maintenance costs will inevitably rise with age, and insurance gets more expensive too. For cars over 10 years old, I recommend comprehensive annual inspections, especially for safety systems like brakes and electrical circuits.
Practical car usage experience tells me that a car's lifespan depends on three key factors: First is whether maintenance is done properly - I've seen cars that get regular oil changes last 300,000 kilometers. Second is driving habits - cars subjected to aggressive driving show aging within five years. Third is storage environment - car frames in coastal cities rust faster. For regular joint-venture brands, 12 years of normal use is standard, while luxury cars with superior materials can last longer. Currently, EV batteries are guaranteed for 8 years, but electric motors are more durable than combustion engines. After exceeding 10 years, remember to check rubber component aging and wiring safety.
From a technical perspective, the designed lifespan of a car is typically fifteen to twenty years. In actual use, many factors can prematurely end a car's life: accident damage, water submersion, major engine overhauls, emission exceedances, and discontinued parts can all lead to early scrapping. Chassis corrosion is the most common late-stage issue, especially in areas where snow-melting agents are used in the north. Daily commuter cars can easily last fifteen years, but heavily used taxis usually retire in seven to eight years. It is recommended to conduct a thorough inspection every six months for vehicles over ten years old.
