How Long Until a Pickup Truck is Scrapped?

[VonElliott]

Currently, pickup trucks are still subject to the mandatory scrappage policy after 15 years or 600,000 kilometers. Some regions are gradually lifting the 15-year scrappage rule for pickups, allowing household-use pickups to operate without an age limit, but they still must comply with the 600,000-kilometer scrappage regulation. Additionally, pickup trucks must adhere to the following inspection schedule: new pickups are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years, but owners must visit the vehicle management office every two years to get a stamp during this period. From years 7 to 15, inspections are required annually, and after 15 years, inspections are required every six months. Pickups that fail inspections or exceed 600,000 kilometers must be scrapped. Below is an introduction to the pickup truck scrappage process: 1. Pickup truck scrappage and deregistration. The applicant must deliver the vehicle to a qualified motor vehicle recycling company for dismantling and obtain a "Scrapped Motor Vehicle Recycling Certificate." The recycling company then processes the "Motor Vehicle Deregistration Certificate" with the traffic management department and notifies the owner that the vehicle has been deregistered. 2. Pickup truck scrappage subsidy application. The applicant (or an authorized agent) must visit the service window to fill out and submit the "National III Diesel Vehicle Elimination Subsidy Application Form." The following documents are required for the application: (1) Original and photocopy of the "Scrapped Motor Vehicle Recycling Certificate"; (2) Original and photocopy of the owner’s ID card (for corporate vehicles, submit the original and photocopy of the business license); (3) Original and photocopy of the owner’s bank card (photocopy must be signed by the individual; for corporate vehicles, submit the original and photocopy of the bank account opening license, with the photocopy stamped with the company seal); (4) If handled by an agent, a notarized power of attorney from the owner or corporate legal representative, along with the original and photocopy of the agent’s ID card, must be provided. 3. Pickup truck subsidy disbursement. After approval, the subsidy funds will be transferred to the bank account opened under the owner’s (or company’s) name.

[MacGia]

As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I must say there's no fixed timeline for when a pickup truck should be scrapped—it all depends on how you drive and maintain it. Officially, the standard is typically 15 years or 600,000 kilometers for mandatory scrapping, but that's just the minimum requirement. If you haul heavy loads frequently or drive on rough roads, the vehicle will wear out faster. On the other hand, with diligent maintenance—regular oil changes, brake inspections, and the like—it can easily last 20 years. My neighbor's old pickup, often driven on rural dirt roads, rusted beyond repair in just 12 years, wasting all the money spent on repairs. Another friend who used his truck for light urban deliveries and kept up with scheduled maintenance kept it running strong for 18 years before retiring it. Bottom line: don’t just focus on the age—pay attention to the vehicle’s condition, prioritize safety, and don’t wait until an accident happens to regret it.

[DelMary]

Young people talking about cars, I care more about practicality and novelty. Pickup trucks are durable, sure, but technology advances fast—after about ten years, it's time to think about upgrading. It's not necessarily about scrapping it, but maintenance costs will skyrocket—replacing an engine costs thousands, so you might as well add a bit more for a new model. The official scrapping standard is 15 years or 600,000 kilometers, but in reality, if you frequently haul heavy loads, you'll need major repairs in seven or eight years, and dragging it out longer just means bigger losses. I often drive to construction sites, and pickups are indeed tough, but if you go by mileage, after 500,000 kilometers, minor issues keep popping up, and repair costs could add up to half the price of a used car. My advice: get a major inspection every 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers, and even if nothing's broken, assess whether it's worth replacing—don't stubbornly stick to old habits.

[LaneMarie]

Regarding pickup truck scrappage, simply put, the average lifespan is around 15 years, provided it's not driven recklessly. Legally, after China VI emission standards, mandatory retirement is set at 15 years or 600,000 kilometers, but this is just the baseline. In reality, poorly maintained vehicles might break down in 10 years, such as those consistently overloaded or neglecting tire changes and maintenance; well-maintained ones can last up to 20 years. From an economic perspective, after 10 years, it's time to consider: if repair costs exceed 30% of a new vehicle's price, it's no longer worth it. In the used car market, older pickups depreciate quickly, making early replacement a better option. Don't compromise on safety—older vehicles often have issues with brakes and lighting, increasing accident risks. So, my advice is, don't wait for the scrappage mandate; start planning early.

[MollyAnn]

From an environmental perspective, pickup trucks should be scrapped sooner, especially older models with heavy pollution. Although the official standard is 15 years or 600,000 kilometers, emission regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, and vehicles failing to meet the standards may be forcibly retired early—for example, China III vehicles are being phased out. Pickup trucks already have high fuel consumption, and their exhaust emissions deteriorate further with prolonged use. With many urban driving restrictions, keeping them for less than 10 years can lead to constant troubles. While maintenance can extend their lifespan, replacing them with new models is both hassle-free and eco-friendly, especially since new energy pickup trucks are already on the market. I recommend checking the emission system after running 70,000-80,000 kilometers and replacing the vehicle early if data exceeds standards. This not only saves money but also benefits the environment—why not do it?