The question “How many years a car can be used in India” is one that every car owner, buyer, or enthusiast eventually asks. The answer isn’t as simple as a single number, but it’s shaped by government rules, vehicle maintenance, and the realities of Indian roads and climate. Let’s break it down.
The Legal Limit: What the Rules Say
In most Indian states, the legal limit for using a personal petrol car is 15 years from the date of registration. After that, the vehicle must undergo a fitness test to be allowed on the road. If it passes, it can be renewed for another five years, and this process can be repeated as long as the car remains roadworthy. Diesel cars, however, face stricter rules. In Delhi-NCR, diesel vehicles older than 10 years are not allowed to be refueled, and in most other states, the limit is also 10 years for diesel cars. After that, they must be scrapped or face heavy fines.
So, technically, a petrol car can be used for 15 years, and then renewed every five years if it passes the fitness test. Diesel cars are generally limited to 10 years, especially in major cities. This is the official answer to “How many years a car can be used in India,” but the real story is more nuanced.
What Determines a Car’s Actual Lifespan?
The legal age limit is just one part of the equation. The actual lifespan of a car in India depends on several factors:
- Maintenance: Regular servicing, timely repairs, and using genuine parts can extend a car’s life by many years. Cars that are well-maintained often last well beyond 15 years, with some reaching 20 years or more.
- Driving Conditions: Indian roads are tough. Potholes, traffic congestion, and frequent stop-and-go driving put extra stress on engines, suspensions, and tires. Cars driven in cities with smoother roads and less congestion tend to last longer.
- Climate: Extreme heat, monsoon humidity, and dust can accelerate wear and tear. Cars in coastal cities or areas with high humidity may face more rust and corrosion, while those in dry regions may suffer from overheating and dust buildup.
- Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, frequent hard braking, and overloading the vehicle can shorten its life. Gentle, careful driving helps preserve the engine and other components.
The Scrappage Policy and Its Impact
India’s vehicle scrappage policy, introduced in 2021 and updated in 2025, aims to phase out old, polluting vehicles. Under this policy, personal vehicles older than 15 years and commercial vehicles older than 10 years must undergo regular fitness tests. If they fail, they must be scrapped at a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF). Owners who scrap their old vehicles can get incentives like road tax rebates and discounts on new vehicles.
The scrappage policy is designed to reduce pollution and improve road safety. It also formalizes the process of vehicle recycling, making it easier for owners to dispose of old cars responsibly. However, the policy is not strictly enforced everywhere, and many cars continue to be used beyond their legal age, especially in rural areas.
Real-World Examples: Which Cars Last the Longest?
Some cars are known for their longevity in India. The Toyota Innova HyCross, Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Tata Altroz, and Mahindra Bolero are among the top contenders for long-term use. These vehicles are built to handle Indian conditions, with durable engines and readily available spare parts. Owners of these cars often report driving them for 15 years or more without major mechanical issues.
But even the best cars need regular maintenance. Skipping oil changes, ignoring warning lights, or using substandard parts can drastically reduce a car’s lifespan. The key is to follow the manufacturer’s service schedule and address problems as soon as they arise.
The Cost of Keeping an Old Car
As a car ages, the cost of ownership increases. Maintenance becomes more frequent, repairs get more expensive, and fuel efficiency may drop. After 15 years, renewal fees for vehicle registration also go up, making it more expensive to keep an old car on the road. For many owners, the cost of maintaining an old car eventually outweighs the benefits, leading them to upgrade to a newer model.
How Many Years a Car Can Be Used in India: The Bottom Line
The legal answer is 15 years for petrol cars and 10 years for diesel cars, with the possibility of renewal every five years if the car passes fitness tests. But in practice, a well-maintained car can last much longer, especially if it’s driven carefully and serviced regularly. The scrappage policy and rising maintenance costs may eventually push owners to upgrade, but there’s no hard-and-fast rule that says a car must be scrapped after a certain age.
The real answer is that it depends on the car, the owner, and the conditions. With proper care, a car can easily last 15 to 20 years or more. But as the vehicle ages, the cost and effort of keeping it on the road increase, and the decision to upgrade becomes more about economics than legality.
Also Read: Import Duty on Used Cars in India: What Smart Buyers Should Know
Final Thoughts
The lifespan of a car in India is shaped by a mix of government rules, maintenance habits, and driving conditions. While the legal limit is 15 years for petrol cars and 10 years for diesel cars, the actual lifespan can be much longer with proper care. The scrappage policy and rising costs may eventually make it impractical to keep an old car, but for many owners, the decision to upgrade is about more than just age. How many years a car can be used in India ultimately depends on how well it’s looked after and how much the owner is willing to invest in its upkeep.