Is 30,000 kilometers a year a lot for a new car?
2 Answers
It's quite normal for a new car to run 30,000 kilometers a year, which isn't considered excessive. Some vehicles may even cover 80,000 kilometers annually, while others might travel less than a few thousand. Cars are meant for road use, and mileage isn't an issue as long as the vehicle remains in good condition. Here's additional information: More driving means more frequent maintenance - There's no fixed standard for annual mileage when purchasing a car, and dealerships typically don't emphasize specific first-year mileage limits. In fact, higher mileage translates to more frequent maintenance services, which benefits dealerships financially. Generally, most vehicles accumulate around 50,000 kilometers annually. With increasing traffic congestion, especially in urban areas, many people prefer not to drive in city centers. For those who drive frequently and often use highways, annual mileage might reach approximately 100,000 kilometers, which is considered relatively high. Annual mileage varies by individual: Most car owners accumulate tens of thousands of kilometers annually, translating to substantial monthly usage. While this is normal, exceeding 100,000 kilometers per year will accelerate wear and potentially lead to premature vehicle retirement. However, regular use is far better than prolonged parking. An idle new car is essentially committing slow suicide. During operation, the engine charges the battery. Without regular use, the battery loses its charging source while still powering electronic devices like anti-theft systems, eventually leading to battery depletion and starting problems.
As a regular car owner who is constantly on the move, my new car already clocked 30,000 kilometers last year. This became quite the topic among my friends, who all thought it was excessively high, but for me, it's just the norm for work—I'm in sales and travel at least two weeks every month, averaging over 80 kilometers of driving daily. Such frequent driving accelerates vehicle depreciation and shortens the maintenance cycle to every 5,000 kilometers, requiring more frequent oil changes and tire checks. Most warranty terms only cover up to 20,000 kilometers per year, so anything beyond that comes out of my own pocket—I've spent nearly 10,000 yuan extra on additional repairs. The car's overall condition is still good, but it's worth reminding everyone that high mileage can reduce resale value by over 10%, so it's wise to plan routes carefully to avoid unnecessary detours. While driving a lot is normal for some, balancing work needs with vehicle costs is the smart approach.
