How Long Can a China IV Vehicle Be Driven Before Scrapping?

[DeFelicity]

There are no issues within six years. Reasons and China IV related policies: Since the number of China IV vehicles in use is significantly larger than that of China III vehicles, accounting for nearly 70% of China's total vehicle population, China IV vehicles will not be phased out in the short term. For registered motor vehicles, if they fail to pass the mandatory inspection for three consecutive inspection cycles after the expiration of the reasonable inspection period, they will be forcibly scrapped. Extension: The most direct way to check a vehicle's emission standard is to look at the environmental protection label on the rear window of the vehicle, which has a clear mark. However, the environmental protection label has been canceled, and most vehicles no longer have this label. Nevertheless, the emission standard can still be checked on the product qualification certificate or the environmental protection inspection pass mark. Alternatively, you can log in to the 'Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Network' to inquire.

[Alessandra]

Regarding the question of how long a China IV vehicle can be driven before being scrapped, I understand this depends on local policies and the actual condition of your car. After all, there is no nationwide mandatory scrapping deadline; it’s more based on annual inspection results. In big cities like Beijing, China IV vehicles may face restrictions, such as being barred from entering urban areas or failing emissions tests, which would necessitate scrapping. From my experience, China IV vehicles are generally over ten years old, and you should start paying attention around the 10-year mark. Regular maintenance can extend their lifespan, but if the car is in poor condition or has been in a major accident, it might be required to be scrapped before 10 years. I recommend keeping an eye on local traffic regulations, as many places are promoting green zones or new energy vehicle policies, increasing the pressure to eventually phase out older cars. Also, remember to claim subsidies when scrapping your car to save some money for a new one. Maintaining good repair records is key—it can help you use the car for a few more years while being environmentally friendly. Overall, driving it for 8 to 12 years is reasonable, provided it doesn’t consistently fail annual inspections.

[StWillow]

I think the scrapping time of a China IV vehicle mainly depends on the condition of the car itself. I have a China IV car that's been running for almost 9 years. Although it still runs now, I've clearly noticed more frequent repairs, such as engine noises and the constant illumination of the emission warning light, each repair costing several thousand yuan. If the car ages carelessly, it might need to be scrapped within 15 years, especially if it fails the annual inspection. There's no mandatory policy, but big cities have more restrictions, like my car not being allowed inside the inner ring area, making daily commutes quite troublesome. When repair costs get too high, scrapping becomes more economical than fixing—I've done the math, and a major repair could cover the down payment for a new car. Additionally, aging car parts pose significant risks, and breaking down halfway affects safety. My advice is to not neglect regular maintenance, try to avoid long-distance trips, and stretch its lifespan a few more years. Environmental factors also matter; stricter pollution controls may require early phase-out, so scrapping sooner for an eco-friendly replacement brings peace of mind earlier.

[ErinFitz]

As an environmentally conscious individual, I believe that China IV vehicles should be scrapped before their emissions exceed standards. These vehicles have high emissions and significant pollution levels, and after prolonged use (around 10 years), they may be phased out by policies. In urban areas, I've noticed many green label zones where China IV vehicles face restrictions, making them prone to penalty points and fines. A vehicle's lifespan is related to annual inspections, and there's no fixed scrapping deadline, but if it's too old—for example, after running over 150,000 kilometers—it may fail the emissions test and be scrapped. With regular maintenance, the vehicle can be used longer, but excessive carbon buildup leads to expensive repairs. If driving in major cities with increasing restrictions, it's better to switch to an electric vehicle early. I recommend prioritizing safety and not waiting until the vehicle starts having frequent breakdowns. Environmental policies are becoming stricter, and scrapping is the trend.