The life cycle of a car is usually divided into five stages: the break-in period, the golden period, the mature period, the decline period, and the elimination period. The break-in period generally lasts for one year after purchasing the car, during which the vehicle is in the best condition. The golden period covers the 2nd to 3rd year of the car's age, when the vehicle's performance is stable, but it is necessary to focus on checking items related to driving safety, such as tyres, the brake system, and the engine compartment, to ensure the vehicle is in good condition. The mature period refers to the 3rd to 5th year of the car's age, when the overall condition of the vehicle reaches its peak, but special attention should be paid to the condition of brake pads, the fuel pump, and shock absorbers, and worn parts should be replaced in a timely manner to avoid safety hazards. The decline period is from the 6th to 10th year of the car's age, during which the vehicle's performance declines year by year, rubber parts age, and problems with the air conditioning and power system occur frequently. The elimination period is when the car is over 10 years old, entering a high-risk stage. Frequent inspections of the vehicle's condition are required, with a focus on the aging of the chassis, suspension system, and power system. Although Malaysia has abolished the mandatory scrapping age, after a vehicle is over 15 years old, the performance of various components drops significantly, so regular maintenance is recommended to ensure safety. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of key components can extend the service life of the vehicle, and car owners should take corresponding maintenance measures according to the stage the vehicle is in.
