How long does it take for a sedan to be mandatorily scrapped?
4 Answers
Sedans include 5-seater and 7-seater SUV models. Non-operational small or micro cars have no usage period limit, but when the mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the state will guide them to be scrapped; if the vehicle is over 15 years old and the mileage has not reached 600,000 kilometers, it will require two annual inspections each year, and if it fails the inspection, it will be mandatorily scrapped. The circumstances under which a private car will be scrapped include: 1. After repair and adjustment, it still does not meet the national standards for the safety technology of motor vehicles regarding in-use vehicle requirements; 2. It reaches a certain age and mileage; 3. After repair and adjustment or the adoption of control technology, the emission of pollutants or noise into the atmosphere still does not meet the national standards for in-use vehicle requirements.
I recently found out that I had always thought small cars had to be scrapped after 15 years, but it turns out that's not the case at all. According to national regulations, private cars don't have a mandatory age limit—only commercial vehicles like taxis, which might need to be scrapped after 8 years. My car is 12 years old and requires an annual inspection. After 15 years, it needs to be inspected every six months, mainly checking the brakes, lights, and safety indicators. If it fails, it must be repaired or scrapped. I’ve also heard some owners drive their vintage cars for over 20 years—as long as they’re well-maintained, they can still run fine. This made me realize how crucial maintenance is. Changing tires and oil on time can extend a car's lifespan. Looking back, I realize I wasted money buying new cars when I could’ve just checked the condition first. With no age pressure, there’s no need to rush into scrapping it.
As a car mechanic, I've witnessed countless vehicles go from brand new to scrap. The so-called mandatory scrapping policy mainly applies to government or commercial vehicles. For private cars, it all depends on the annual inspection results - the older the car, the stricter the inspection. After 15 years, inspections are required every six months. If issues like steering system wear, excessive emissions, or safety equipment failure are found, the car will be deemed for scrapping. I recommend owners perform regular maintenance, such as checking electrical systems and replacing parts, to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems that force early retirement. Remember, a car can last a lifetime as long as it passes inspections - don't believe those rumors.
I'm very concerned about environmental protection. Although small cars with high emissions from older vehicles cause significant pollution, the policy does not set a mandatory retirement age. This worries me a bit about air quality, especially since the government has been promoting electric vehicles in recent years. Exhaust emissions from older cars exceeding standards might lead to driving bans. I suggest everyone switch to new energy vehicles early—it's hassle-free and reduces carbon emissions. There's no fixed lifespan for small cars, but regular maintenance makes passing annual inspections easier.
