How Many Years Can a New Car Generally Last?

[LaBrooke]

Automobile The lifespan of a car is not determined by its age but by the mileage driven. The government will recommend scrapping a vehicle once it reaches 600,000 kilometers. Here are methods to extend your car's lifespan: Maintain good driving habits: The owner's driving style significantly impacts the vehicle's longevity. Adopting good driving habits not only reduces wear and tear but also saves fuel. Practice gentle driving, gradual acceleration, and anticipate braking to avoid sudden stops. During cold weather, warm up the car first to allow lubricants to circulate freely throughout the system and adequately lubricate internal components. Regular cleaning and weight reduction are crucial: Take care of the car's exterior through periodic washing and waxing, and don't neglect interior cleanliness. Spend time cleaning thoroughly instead of just using air fresheners to mask odors. Regularly vacuum the carpets to maintain cleanliness.

[DiStephen]

I've been driving a taxi for 15 years, and the lifespan of a new car really depends on how you use it. With proper maintenance, a normal family car can easily last 200,000 kilometers or 15 years. The most extreme case I've seen was an old Jetta taxi that ran 800,000 kilometers without a major engine overhaul. However, rubber components in the chassis and electronic systems won't last that long – by the 8th year, you'll start hearing various strange noises and experiencing oil leaks. The key is to change the engine oil and three filters on schedule, and the transmission fluid must be replaced every 60,000 kilometers. If you're driving on rough roads every day, a car with fast chassis corrosion might be scrapped in as little as 10 years. Nowadays, battery degradation is a major drawback for electric vehicles, but with the three-electric system typically under warranty for 8 years, their overall lifespan might actually surpass that of gasoline cars.

[DelJosiah]

Working in repair shops for a long time, I've realized that cars aren't worn out from driving but from sitting idle. Leaving a car parked for three months does more damage than driving it 30,000 kilometers. Seals dry out and crack, while batteries get permanently damaged from prolonged discharge. The ideal scenario is to warm up and drive the car for half an hour every week. My 2006 Ford Focus can still handle long trips today, thanks to sticking to minor maintenance every 5,000 kilometers. It's worth noting that cars below China IV emission standards face driving restrictions, while new cars now meet at least China VI standards, with policy-driven retirement cycles around 15 years. Of course, trucks or off-road vehicles frequently hauling heavy loads will have shorter lifespans.

[OCamila]

The design lifespan of a car is actually quite nuanced. Manufacturers validate it based on 240,000 kilometers, but rubber and plastic components only last 8-10 years. My 2007 Accord in the garage just had all its oil seals and shocks replaced this year, costing 7,000 yuan for the refurbishment, but now it drives like new. Electric vehicles are even more troublesome nowadays—when the battery degrades to 70%, the range is practically halved. My advice: stick to dealership maintenance for the first five years, then switch to a reliable repair shop afterward to save half the cost. Remember: never keep a car that’s had a major engine overhaul—it’ll become a money pit down the road.