Can the engine be replaced if it is scrapped?
2 Answers
Engine replacement is possible after the engine is scrapped. Vehicle scrapping: If the car needs to be scrapped, replacing the engine is not allowed. This is because the car is considered as a whole entity. Even if the engine is replaced, the wear characteristics of other parts remain unchanged. Moreover, replacing all parts would essentially mean assembling a car by oneself, which is not cost-effective in terms of both safety and practicality. It would be better to buy a new car instead. Engine scrapping: After installing a new engine, it is necessary to register the change at the vehicle management office. If the replacement of the engine is not reported to the vehicle management office where the car is registered, the biggest consequence is that the car with the replaced engine will not pass the annual inspection and cannot be transferred to another owner.
A few days ago, my car's engine suddenly failed, so I rushed to the repair shop to ask if it could be replaced. The mechanic said it was definitely possible to replace the engine, but several factors needed to be considered: first, the cost—a new engine could cost over ten thousand yuan, even more than the value of the old car; second, the options—there are brand-new OEM engines or used parts from salvaged vehicles, with the latter being cheaper but a bit of a gamble; third, the installation—it must be done by a professional shop, otherwise, mismatches between the engine and transmission could cause issues like stalling or malfunctions later on. Legally, it also involves registering with the DMV to ensure the replacement engine meets emission standards, or it won’t pass the annual inspection. I eventually opted for a cost-effective used engine and took the opportunity to service the cooling system—now it runs smoother than before. My advice is to regularly check the oil and temperature to prevent premature failure.
