How many years can a car normally last?
3 Answers
A car can normally last for 20 years. The car scrappage policy has abolished the 15-year scrappage limit, replacing it with a guided scrappage at 600,000 kilometers. If a car is driven 20,000 kilometers annually, it can last for 30 years; if driven 30,000 kilometers annually, it can last for 20 years. The specific number of years a car can last is also influenced by many practical factors. During the use of a car, its parts will gradually age with the frequency of use, and its performance will also decline over time. Additionally, starting from the 15th year of a car's use, it requires 2 annual inspections each year; from the 21st year, the number of annual inspections even increases to 4. If a car fails the annual inspection due to aging parts and declining performance, it will also need to be scrapped. Guided scrappage: As the number of cars in use gradually increases, environmental policies impose higher emission requirements on vehicles. With policy changes, cars that do not meet emission standards will become yellow-label vehicles that cannot be driven in urban areas and will eventually be scrapped.
How many years can a car last under normal driving conditions? It really depends on how you maintain it. My old sedan has been running for 12 years and still performs well, all thanks to checking the oil and filters every six months and keeping the brake system responsive. If you follow the minor maintenance schedule, a car can generally last 10 to 15 years; if you neglect maintenance, it might break down in just a few years. City driving causes more wear and tear—frequent stops at traffic lights and traffic jams accelerate part aging. I've also found that warming up the engine slowly during winter cold snaps can extend its lifespan. In short, don't cut corners to save money or effort; find a reliable repair shop for regular maintenance, and your car will stay with you longer.
I've been driving this car for 8 years, and it still feels like new. Brand and quality are truly crucial—models like Toyota and Honda are designed with durability in mind, easily lasting 15 years without issues. My neighbor has an American car that holds up well, but German cars might offer more refinement. Driving conditions also play a big role: smooth suburban roads are gentle, while mountainous terrain or frequent highway bumps can shorten a car's lifespan. If you only drive short distances occasionally, your car might not last as long as one used for daily long commutes. Plus, with today's advanced technology, many cars come equipped with smart monitoring systems that can warn of potential issues. My personal advice? Choose a well-regarded model—higher initial investment pays off in long-term peace of mind.
