How is the age of a car calculated?
3 Answers
The calculation method for a car's age is based on the registration date on the driver's license. The driver's license, also known as the motor vehicle driving license (referred to differently in various regions), is the legal document permitting the operation of motor vehicles on Chinese roads. After each annual inspection, a registration is made, which refers to the staff marking the supplementary page of the driver's license. If the registration is not completed after the annual inspection, it is considered as not having undergone the annual inspection, even if the vehicle has passed the inspection and has no issues. If caught by traffic police, it will still be regarded as not having undergone the annual inspection because there is no record in the backend system of the vehicle management office. The driver's license must be carried with the vehicle at all times; otherwise, the car may be impounded and fined until the owner can provide the driving license to retrieve the vehicle.
As an ordinary car owner with over a decade of driving experience, the vehicle age is calculated from the day you purchased the car or when it was first registered. Specifically, it's determined by subtracting the registration year or manufacturing year from the current year. For example, a car registered in 2020 would be 4 years old by 2024. I've noticed that maintenance becomes more challenging with older vehicles, especially since suspension systems and tires on aged cars tend to wear out faster. I recommend getting a comprehensive inspection every six months. Pay attention to mileage impact too – lower mileage generally means better condition and higher resale value. When buying a car, I always check the vehicle registration certificate to confirm the initial registration date, avoiding used cars with falsely reported higher ages. In summary, accurately calculating your car's age helps predict maintenance costs and prolong your vehicle's lifespan.
I have been repairing cars for many years. The calculation of a car's age usually starts from the year of manufacture, determined by subtracting the current year from the production date on the vehicle's nameplate. This is particularly crucial for judging part aging. Older cars, such as brake discs and spark plugs, are more prone to failure and must be replaced regularly to prevent accidents. The age of a car affects its resale value in the used car market, with vehicles over ten years old depreciating quickly and incurring higher maintenance costs. I recommend that car owners use apps to record annual changes in their vehicle's condition and verify insurance information to ensure accuracy. When driving, pay attention to the engine oil temperature, as the performance of older cars noticeably declines under high temperatures.
