How Many Years Can a Car Be Driven Before It's Scrapped?
2 Answers
Ordinary vehicles do not have a mandatory scrapping period. The criteria for scrapping ordinary vehicles are as follows: if the vehicle still fails to meet the national safety technical standards for in-use vehicles after repairs and adjustments; or if the emissions or noise still do not comply with national standards after repairs, adjustments, or the application of control technologies. The scrapping process is as follows: Documents required for vehicle scrapping: Vehicle license; vehicle registration certificate; license plates; for company vehicles, an organizational code certificate (copy) with the official seal; for personal vehicles, the owner's ID card; documentation for accident vehicles; for company vehicles, the "Motor Vehicle Deregistration Application Form" and "Scrapped Vehicle Certificate" must bear the official seal (matching the name on the vehicle license), while personal vehicle owners must sign these documents. Vehicle scrapping process: Apply at the registration and acceptance counter, where a "Vehicle Scrapping Notice" will be issued for vehicles that have reached the scrapping age. For vehicles that have not reached the scrapping age, the motor vehicle inspection counter will assess and issue a "Motor Vehicle Scrapping Notice" if the vehicle meets the scrapping standards; the vehicle owner then chooses a qualified recycling company to dismantle the vehicle; the recycling company dismantles the vehicle and takes 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 vehicle owner submits the "Change Form", "XX Province Vehicle Renewal Technical Appraisal Form", "Scrapped Vehicle Recycling Certificate", and photos of the dismantled vehicle to the motor vehicle inspection counter for verification and signature. The license plates are then recycled, and the scrapping registration is processed after approval according to regulations.
There's really no fixed rule for how long a car can last. My little car has been running for almost twelve years and hasn't been scrapped yet. The key is how well you maintain it—I change the oil every six months, clean the tires daily, and there's not a speck of rust on the body. China abolished mandatory scrapping ages long ago; cars are only scrapped if they fail the annual inspection. So, in theory, a car could last a lifetime, but in reality, older cars are prone to issues like brake failure or engine seizure, and repair costs skyrocket. Many people choose to scrap their cars after 10-15 years. Good cars, like Japanese brands, are more durable and can last up to 20 years, but safety risks must be considered—like older frames deforming and potentially causing accidents. It's recommended to maintain your car well daily, avoid slamming the accelerator, and get regular maintenance to significantly extend its lifespan and reduce sudden scrapping.
