How Many Years Can a New Car Be Driven?

[DelDallas]

Generally, a car can be driven for up 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. Cars that have traveled 600,000 kilometers are unconditionally scrapped. Taxis can only be used for 8 years, small trucks for 12 years, and the longest service life is for large and medium-sized trucks, which can be used for 15 years. Below is an introduction to the annual inspection requirements for vehicles: 1. Passenger transport vehicles: inspected once a year within 5 years; after 5 years, inspected every 6 months; 2. Freight vehicles and large and medium-sized non-passenger transport vehicles: inspected once a year within 10 years; after 10 years, inspected every 6 months; 3. Small and micro non-passenger transport vehicles: inspected once every 2 years within 6 years; after 6 years, inspected once a year; after 15 years, inspected every 6 months; 4. Motorcycles: inspected once every 2 years within 4 years; after 4 years, inspected once a year; 5. Tractors and other motor vehicles: inspected once a year. If an operational motor vehicle passes the safety technical inspection within the specified inspection period, it does not need to undergo repeated safety technical inspections; 6. Vehicles exceeding the scrapping age: cannot be transferred (sold or bought), but can continue to be used. For transactions, the vehicle owner can first obtain the vehicle's scrapping certificate (deregistering the vehicle's file) from the vehicle management office, and then proceed with the transaction.

[LeBenjamin]

When it comes to how long a new car can last, my first car was bought ten years ago and I drove it for about 150,000 kilometers before replacing it. The key lies in proper maintenance. I changed the engine oil every six months and checked the brake pads and tires regularly. I also avoided sudden acceleration and braking in daily driving, which significantly reduced wear on the engine and transmission. Modern cars are designed for a long lifespan, with manufacturers typically offering warranties of 5 years or 100,000 kilometers, but in reality, they can last 10-15 years without major issues, as long as they don’t encounter serious accidents or corrosive environments. If you pay attention to timely replacement of wear-and-tear parts like the battery and spark plugs, the car can even exceed 200,000 kilometers. My current new car has been driven for 3 years and still feels like new, with only 40,000 kilometers on the odometer. I plan to drive it until it’s scrapped. Remember, regular inspections at 4S shops or professional repair shops, along with spending a few hundred dollars on annual maintenance, can save you a fortune in repair costs.

[AbigailAnn]

The lifespan of new cars has really improved a lot, as I deeply realized after buying an electric vehicle. The manufacturer says the battery is guaranteed for 8-10 years, and it's not difficult for the whole vehicle to last over 15 years. This is thanks to advanced technology. The onboard intelligent system can monitor component health and prompt when to replace tires or coolant. I commute on the highway every day, and the car condition monitoring app shows much slower wear on parts. Of course, driving habits have a big impact—avoiding overloading or long-distance continuous driving can reduce wear. Electric vehicles are especially durable, with motors being more stable than fuel engines and not requiring oil changes. A friend told me his car ran for 12 years without major repairs, with average annual maintenance costs below 2000 yuan. It's advisable to pay attention to warranty terms and daily maintenance, and not to neglect software updates, which optimize performance and prevent aging.

[DelVincent]

How long can a new car last? As someone who repairs cars year-round, I tell you maintenance is key. Basically, a car can last 10-15 years without issues, provided you regularly change the oil filter and inspect the braking and air conditioning systems. Common failure points like the alternator or drive belts may age after 5 years—replace them early to avoid breakdowns. On average, engine efficiency declines after 150,000 km, but with proper preventive maintenance, it can still run. Environment matters too—northern snowy weather accelerates chassis corrosion, so apply protective coatings to prolong lifespan. Simply put, don’t waste the free maintenance period in the first 5 years; afterward, spending around a thousand bucks annually on upkeep is crucial. Always opt for genuine parts—avoid cheap aftermarket alternatives.

[MelanieLynn]

From an environmental perspective, the ideal lifespan for a new car is around 10 years. I focus on reducing my carbon footprint, so I choose electric vehicle manufacturers that promise stable battery performance for over a decade. Premature scrapping of old cars generates excessive waste, making extended usage preferable. By utilizing shared mobility or carpooling to reduce driving frequency by twice a week, wear and tear can be minimized. Using eco-friendly products like biodegradable engine oil during routine maintenance helps protect the environment while prolonging vehicle life. I also prefer purchasing long-range EVs with batteries designed to last at least 10 years, ensuring better resource recycling afterward. Combining smart driving features to reduce component stress is advisable, and well-maintained older EVs remain popular in the used car market.