How Many Years Can a Car Generally Last?
2 Answers
Private cars are generally considered scrapped after 15 years of use or reaching a mileage of 600,000 kilometers. However, Chinese law does not mandate the compulsory scrapping of non-commercial, household private cars. As long as the vehicle meets the annual inspection standards and continues to comply with the scrapping criteria, it can be used without requiring approval. Here are the details regarding the service life of household cars: Vehicle Scrapping Age: The vehicle scrapping age refers to a safety inspection system based on the number of seats and the duration of use during the car's service period. Scrapping Standards for Small and Mini Vehicles: According to the latest regulations on vehicle scrapping age in 2021, the restriction on the service years for non-commercial cars has been abolished, while the mileage limit for private cars has been set at 600,000 kilometers. Vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years, inspected annually from 6 to 15 years, and inspected twice a year after 15 years. As long as the vehicle passes the annual inspection, it can continue to be driven on the road. Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles are subject to compulsory scrapping after 8 years.
My car is already twelve years old this year, and it still runs very smoothly. In fact, a car's lifespan mainly depends on maintenance and usage conditions. Cars used for urban commuting can generally last about 15 years. Chassis corrosion is the main reason for scrapping, and in coastal cities, you might need to replace it after ten years. As long as you change the engine oil on time, the engine can run fine even after 200,000 kilometers. Regular transmission maintenance can also avoid major repairs. I remember my neighbor’s Japanese car lasted 18 years and was finally scrapped due to failing the emissions test during the annual inspection. Nowadays, with improved manufacturing technology from car manufacturers, the average lifespan is much longer than it was ten years ago.
