* Type of truck: A light-duty pickup truck will have a different useful life than a heavy-duty semi-truck. Heavy-duty trucks used for long-haul trucking might be considered "worn out" sooner due to higher mileage and stress.
* Maintenance: Regular and proper maintenance significantly extends a truck's life. Neglecting maintenance will shorten it considerably.
* Operating conditions: Off-road use, harsh climates (extreme heat or cold), and frequent heavy loads all accelerate wear and tear.
* Driver habits: Aggressive driving can shorten a truck's lifespan.
* Definition of "useful": A truck might still be mechanically functional but no longer economically viable to operate due to high repair costs. Its "useful life" ends when the cost of repairs exceeds its value or the cost of replacement.
Generally, you can expect these ranges:
* Light-duty trucks (pickup trucks): 150,000 to 250,000 miles or 10-15 years, potentially longer with good maintenance.
* Medium-duty trucks: 250,000 to 500,000 miles or 10-15 years, again, potentially longer with good maintenance.
* Heavy-duty trucks: 500,000 to 1,000,000 miles or more, but often require major overhauls along the way. They may have a shorter lifespan in terms of years (perhaps 8-12) despite high mileage due to the constant stress on components.
It's best to think of "useful life" as a range rather than a precise number. A well-maintained truck can easily exceed these estimates.
