How Many Years Can a Car Normally Last?
4 Answers
A car can normally last for 20 years. Here is some relevant information about how long a car can last: 1. The car scrappage policy has abolished the 15-year scrappage limit, replacing it with a guided scrappage at 600,000 kilometers. 2. If the car is driven 20,000 kilometers per year, it can last for 30 years; if driven 30,000 kilometers per year, it can last for 20 years. 3. The actual lifespan of a car is also influenced by many practical factors. 4. During use, car parts gradually age with frequency of use, and performance declines over time. 5. Starting from the 15th year of use, the car must undergo 2 annual inspections per year; from the 21st year, inspections increase to 4 times per year. If the car fails the inspection due to aging parts or performance degradation, it will also need to be scrapped.
Having driven a taxi for over a decade, I'm most qualified to speak about vehicle longevity. Nowadays, family cars on the road generally won't break down within 15 years—the key lies in routine maintenance. I've handled three vehicles, each with odometers exceeding 400,000 km. The secret? Strict 5,000-km oil changes and inspecting suspension bushings every 20,000 km. Recently, Old Zhang's Corolla retired at 340,000 km with its core components still functioning perfectly. Truth is, a car's lifespan depends more on driving habits: flooring the accelerator from starts and not slowing down for potholes will wear out even premium vehicles within a decade. For normal commuting, twenty years is achievable—I've seen 2003 Passats still running strong.
After years in the auto repair shop, I've noticed many people underestimate a car's durability. As long as it hasn't been flooded or involved in major accidents, an ordinary sedan can easily clock 300,000 kilometers. Last month, I just serviced a 16-year-old Fit - only replacing wear-and-tear parts and it's back on the road. The real lifespan killer is neglected maintenance. Forgetting to replace the timing belt could directly scrap the engine. Transmission fluid should be changed every 80,000 km, and brake discs need replacement when worn beyond half. Modern car manufacturing technology has advanced significantly - waterproofing for electrical systems is exceptionally robust now, greatly reducing rust and electrical leakage issues in older vehicles. With regular cooling system checks, most cars can reliably run for twenty years.
My experience is that how long a car can last depends on the usage scenario. A car driven just 5 kilometers daily for school runs is definitely different from one used for long-distance travel. The company car we have, which is twelve years old with 80,000 kilometers on it, shows no signs of performance degradation. Modern cars are generally designed to last over 250,000 kilometers, and it's quite normal for private cars to be driven for fifteen years. The key is regular maintenance: replace the cabin air filter annually to avoid odors, change the wiper blades when they age, and follow the manual for timely fluid changes. A friend's 13-year-old CRV is still running strong, without even needing shock absorber replacements. Don't believe the myth that cars are scrap after ten years—today's engine technology is highly mature.
