How Many Years Can a General Passenger Car Be Driven?
3 Answers
Depending on the vehicle's quality, it can last between 8 to 20 years. In China, private cars that have been in operation for 15 years require inspection every 6 months, twice a year, until they fail the inspection. Vehicles that have traveled over 600,000 kilometers must be unconditionally scrapped. Below is an introduction to vehicle service life and maintenance: Service Life of Various Types of Motor Vehicles: Small and micro rental passenger cars have a service life of 8 years, medium rental passenger cars 10 years, and large rental passenger cars 12 years; rental passenger cars have a service life of 15 years; small training passenger cars have a service life of 10 years, medium training passenger cars 12 years, and large training passenger cars 15 years. Vehicle Maintenance: It is divided into two major categories: scheduled maintenance and unscheduled maintenance. Scheduled maintenance includes: daily maintenance, primary maintenance, and secondary maintenance; unscheduled maintenance includes: break-in period maintenance and seasonal maintenance. The main tasks of vehicle maintenance generally involve cleaning, inspection, tightening, adjustment, and lubrication.
My compact car has been running for over ten years with a mileage exceeding 200,000 kilometers, and it still operates smoothly without any engine issues. The key lies in meticulous maintenance by the owner, such as changing the engine oil every 5,000 kilometers, and regularly inspecting brake pads and the cooling system. I usually drive smoothly, avoiding sudden acceleration or braking, and coupled with good road conditions without much bumpiness, which greatly contributes to prolonging its lifespan. There are many factors affecting how long a compact car can last, including usage habits, environmental corrosion like high salt content in coastal areas accelerating rust, and brand quality—I chose a Toyota, known for its good reputation and durability. Generally speaking, if you take good care of it, a compact car can easily last 12 to 15 years without easily becoming scrapped. However, I've heard of friends whose cars weren't well maintained, leading to frequent breakdowns in just six or seven years, so timely repairs are crucial.
From a technical perspective, the design lifespan of a small car engine typically ranges between 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers, assuming normal usage and maintenance. The core focus is wear management: regular oil changes prevent engine wear, while inspecting spark plugs and the drivetrain ensures efficient operation. Rustproofing the car body is also crucial, especially in humid or high-salt areas. Driving habits—such as frequent highway driving versus city stop-and-go traffic—significantly impact longevity, with the former promoting more even wear. Advances in materials have made modern small cars more durable, with composite materials reducing aging. On average, after 10 to 12 years, certain components like belts or shock absorbers show noticeable degradation, increasing the risk of major repairs. With proper maintenance, the lifespan can extend to 15 years; if neglected, it may drop to around 8 years. Ultimately, prolonging a car's life hinges on scientific upkeep.
