What is the condition of a car after driving 100,000 kilometers?
3 Answers
When a car has been driven for 100,000 kilometers, it means it's time for a "major maintenance." At this point, some parts of the vehicle may be severely worn, while others may have reached the end of their service life. Additional information: 1. Car maintenance: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, replenishing, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Modern car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean, ensure normal technical conditions, eliminate potential hazards, prevent malfunctions, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life. 2. Major maintenance: Major maintenance builds upon minor maintenance. In addition to changing the oil and oil filter, it includes replacing the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs. These three filters serve to filter out dust from the air and impurities from the fuel.
A car with 100,000 kilometers on it, I've personally driven several vehicles that reached this mileage. It's usually in its middle age but still holding up well. From my experience, the engine might have minor issues, like shaking during startup or slight oil leaks, due to increased wear on parts—the piston rings and cylinder walls have wider gaps now. Fuel consumption may rise slightly, and acceleration on highways could feel a bit sluggish. If the transmission shifts roughly, it's time to check the fluid; the suspension system might also show aging, with noticeably harsher bumps over speed bumps. But don’t panic—proper maintenance keeps it running smoothly. I stick to oil changes every 5,000 km, air filter replacements every 20,000 km, and a full major service at 100,000 km: replacing spark plugs, brake pads, coolant, and checking chain tension. Tires are usually heavily worn by then and must be replaced for safety. The battery might be nearing its lifespan, struggling to start in winter. Overall, the car remains reliable, but stay alert to unusual noises or warning lights—timely repairs can extend its life further.
My car just passed the 100,000-kilometer mark, and I was quite nervous at the time because I heard from friends that there are quite a few common issues at this stage. Carbon buildup in the engine can easily cause unstable idling; not changing the transmission fluid may lead to gear shifting hesitation; worn brake discs can squeak and affect braking distance. The cooling system has a high risk of aging, and the water temperature can rise quickly in summer. Electrical system failures may also occur, such as malfunctioning light switches or sluggish power windows. I must emphasize the importance of regular inspections—conduct a comprehensive check-up every six months, lubricate bearings, clean carbon deposits, and test the circuits. Tighten any loose chassis screws to avoid strange noises while driving. The car is still quite sturdy overall; as long as you don’t recklessly speed on the highway or ignore minor issues, it’s no problem to safely drive it past 150,000 kilometers. With today’s better materials and proper maintenance, the car can last several more years.
