How Long Until a Car is Scrapped?
4 Answers
For non-commercial 5-seat sedans and 7-seat SUVs, there is no usage lifespan limit for small and micro vehicles. Small and micro rental passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 8 years, while small commercial trucks also have a scrapping period of 8 years. The difference between recommended scrapping and mandatory scrapping: Recommended scrapping suggests that a vehicle be scrapped, but if the vehicle still meets the requirements for continued use, it does not have to be scrapped. Mandatory scrapping means the vehicle must, without exception, be scrapped. There are four criteria for mandatory scrapping: 1. Reaching the stipulated usage lifespan; 2. After repairs and adjustments, the vehicle still does not meet the national safety technical standards for in-use vehicles; 3. After repairs, adjustments, or the application of control technologies, the vehicle's emissions or noise still do not meet national standards for in-use vehicles; 4. Failing to obtain the vehicle inspection certification for three consecutive inspection cycles after the inspection validity period has expired.
I've been driving for over a decade, and there's no fixed lifespan for a car's scrappage—it mainly depends on how you use and maintain it. Normally, a car should last 10 to 15 years without issues, but with poor maintenance, parts can deteriorate quickly, leading to major problems within 5 or 6 years. From my experience, heavily used cars wear out faster, especially the engine and transmission, which are prone to failure after exceeding 150,000 kilometers. Poor vehicle conditions can also pose safety risks, such as brake failure or body rusting, which are extremely dangerous. Policies are changing too, with stricter emission restrictions in some cities forcing older cars off the road earlier. In short, don’t slack on regular inspections—timely repairs can extend its lifespan.
As a young person, I always opt for cheap used cars when buying a vehicle. The lifespan of a car varies from person to person. With proper maintenance, it can last over ten years—I've even seen cars that are twenty years old still on the road. However, the reality is that when new emission regulations come into effect, older cars face restrictions in cities and may need to be replaced earlier. It also makes financial sense to scrap a car when repairs cost more than the car itself. On a related note, modifying a car can delay its scrapping—installing a new engine component, for example, can make it more durable. I think people shouldn’t rush to buy new cars; being eco-friendly can also help reduce waste. I recommend learning some basic maintenance skills, like changing the oil or rust-proofing, which can help extend a car’s lifespan by several years.
Having a small car at home always makes me worry about my child's safety. Generally, after about ten years, the performance declines, and the brakes become weak, posing significant risks. From an economic perspective, repair costs skyrocket, often exceeding the cost of buying a new car. Policies mandate the scrapping of old vehicles, with some areas imposing driving restrictions after fifteen years. Daily driving habits have a big impact; frequent rapid acceleration leads to more wear and tear. Planning ahead to replace the car is a wiser choice.
