How Long Does It Take for a Car to Be Considered a Stock Vehicle?
2 Answers
For domestically produced cars, if the time from leaving the factory to delivery exceeds six months, it is considered a stock vehicle. For imported cars, if this period exceeds one year, it is classified as a stock vehicle. However, there is no clear legal definition for stock vehicles. For vehicles that remain stationary for months or even a year, components such as the battery, various fluids, rubber parts, paintwork, and related drainage holes can be affected. Maintenance tips for stock vehicles: 1. Store the vehicle in a clean indoor area to avoid damage from sun and rain; 2. Start the vehicle periodically in the correct manner to circulate the fluids; 3. Prevent excessive battery discharge by charging the battery regularly; 4. Move the vehicle occasionally to prevent tire aging. Following these steps will help prevent the vehicle from aging prematurely.
Last time when I accompanied my friend to pick up the car at the 4S store, I specifically asked the salesperson about this issue. The current industry standard is: domestically produced cars that have been off the production line for more than 6 months are considered inventory cars, while imported cars, due to longer transportation and customs clearance times, are considered inventory only after exceeding 12 months. These cars, parked in open-air lots for extended periods, are prone to issues such as tire deformation, battery drainage, and aging rubber components. I suggest checking the vehicle's production date on the nameplate located on the door frame of the passenger side. For cars older than six months, you can request the 4S store to offer a discount or free maintenance. However, the most crucial step is to open the engine hood during the inspection to check if the engine oil has turned black or solidified.
