How many years can a car normally last?
2 Answers
A car can theoretically last for 20 years. Nowadays, 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. How many years can a private car generally last? The above are just theoretical scenarios. The actual lifespan of a car is influenced by many practical factors. Firstly, during the use of a car, its components will gradually age with usage frequency, and its performance will decline over time. Starting from the 15th year of use, the car must undergo two annual inspections per year; from the 21st year, the number of inspections even increases to four. If the car fails the annual inspection due to component aging and performance degradation, it will need to be scrapped. Additionally, with increasingly strict environmental policies, emission requirements for cars are becoming higher. If an older car's emission standards do not meet policy requirements, it will be labeled as a yellow-label vehicle, prohibiting it from driving in urban areas, thus leading to scrappage. Furthermore, when a car reaches a certain age, as its performance declines, the cost of repairs and maintenance will increase significantly. Moreover, insurance premiums must be paid annually, and if there were many insurance claims in the previous year, the next year's premium will increase even more. If the cost of repairing the car exceeds its value, it would be more economical to buy a new car instead.
As a seasoned driver, I believe a regular car can easily last over a decade. My first car served me well for 15 years before retirement, with proper maintenance being key. Getting oil and filter changes at recommended mileage intervals might seem trivial, but they significantly reduce engine wear. Regular checks on tire tread and brake pads are also crucial to avoid safety hazards. For city driving, frequent short trips can be harsh on vehicles, so I make sure to take longer drives occasionally. Mileage-wise, 100,000 to 200,000 kilometers is quite common depending on driving habits and brand quality. The bottom line: proactive care beats frequent breakdowns – stay attentive and your car will reward you with longevity.
