How Long Does It Take for a Private Car to Be Scrapped?

[ThomasDella]

For 5-seat family cars and 7-seat SUVs, as well as non-commercial small and mini vehicles, there is no usage period limit. When the normal mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the state will guide the vehicle to be scrapped. In addition to the above vehicles, small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles, large non-commercial cars, and wheeled special machinery vehicles also have no usage period limit. Commercial vehicles have a scrapping period, as follows: Small and mini taxi passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 8 years, medium-sized taxi passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 10 years, and large taxi passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 12 years. Bus passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 13 years, other small and mini commercial passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 10 years, and large and medium-sized commercial passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 15 years. Mini commercial trucks have a scrapping period of 8 years, light and large commercial trucks have a scrapping period of 10 years. The vehicle scrapping process is as follows: The car owner applying for scrapping and renewal should fill out the "Motor Vehicle Change, Transfer, Modification, Suspension, and Scrapping Approval Application Form" in duplicate and stamp the owner's seal. The registration office will accept the application and issue a "Vehicle Scrapping Notice" for vehicles that have reached the scrapping period. For vehicles that have not reached the scrapping period, the motor vehicle inspection office will determine whether they meet the scrapping standards and issue a "Vehicle Scrapping Notice" if they do. The owner should choose a qualified recycling company to dismantle the vehicle with the "Notice." The recycling company will dismantle the vehicle and take photos after verifying the "Notice." The engine must be separated from the vehicle, the engine block must be broken, and the frame (chassis) must be cut. The owner should submit the "Change Form," "XX Province Vehicle Renewal Technical Appraisal Form," "Scrapped Vehicle Recycling Certificate," and vehicle dismantling photos to the motor vehicle inspection office for verification and signature. The license plates and certificates will be recovered, and the scrapping registration will be processed according to regulations. Special Notes: According to Article 30 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," if the vehicle cannot be driven back to the registration location due to damage, the owner can sell the scrapped vehicle to a local motor vehicle recycling company. If a commercial vehicle is converted to a non-commercial vehicle, it must still be scrapped according to the original commercial vehicle's scrapping period. According to Article 43 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," after completing the transfer or cancellation of a motor vehicle's registration, the original owner can apply to the vehicle management office to use the original license plate number when registering a newly purchased motor vehicle. The application must meet the following conditions: (1) The application must be submitted within six months after the transfer or cancellation; (2) The owner must have owned the original vehicle for more than three years.

[DelDelilah]

There is no fixed time for the scrapping of private cars; it mainly depends on the vehicle's condition and national policies. Having driven for over a decade, I believe the key factor is the car's service life—proper maintenance can keep it running for 15 or even 20 years. Current regulations state that private cars have no mandatory scrapping age limit, but after reaching 600,000 kilometers or exceeding 15 years, the annual inspection standards become stricter. If the inspection fails—due to excessive emissions or safety faults, for example—the car must be scrapped. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and brake checks, can extend the car's lifespan. However, older cars often come with high repair costs and poor fuel efficiency, making it more economical and safer to replace them with new ones. Environmental factors also play a role, as older cars contribute significantly to pollution, so scrapping them earlier benefits air quality. Personally, I recommend evaluating the car after 10 years of use, considering the annual inspection results and repair costs.

[LaPhoebe]

As someone who frequently repairs cars, I've observed that the scrapping of private vehicles mainly depends on the annual inspection results, with no one-size-fits-all timeline. Policy-wise, there's no mandatory scrapping age for private cars, but if a vehicle fails the annual inspection due to being in poor condition, it will be scrapped. For instance, engine wear or excessive emissions could render the car unusable. A well-maintained car can last over 15 years, with regular upkeep being key. Car owners are advised to frequently check tires and brake systems—safety first. Maintenance costs for older vehicles rise sharply, with a single repair potentially costing several months' worth of fuel. Overall, scrapping when problems become frequent is more practical. Environmentally, the government encourages early scrapping through annual inspections to reduce pollution. It's advisable not to wait for mandatory scrapping.

[VonIan]

The retirement time for private cars is flexible with no fixed deadline, the key being whether the vehicle can pass the annual inspection. From an environmental perspective, I am concerned that older cars exceeding emission standards pollute the environment and may be scrapped after 15 years. Proper maintenance can extend usage, but cars in poor condition should be retired earlier. Recycling resources after scrapping benefits the circular economy. It is recommended that owners perform regular maintenance to reduce failure rates, and switching to new energy vehicles is more sustainable. Safety is also crucial, as older cars pose higher accident risks. Overall, driving a car for over 10 years requires careful evaluation.