How should vehicle age be calculated?
3 Answers
Vehicle age refers to the service life of a car, calculated from the registration date on the vehicle's license. Below are detailed explanations about vehicle age calculation and related extensions: 1. Vehicle age system: A car's age refers to its service life, currently household vehicles can be used for 15 years. After reaching 15 years, the vehicle must undergo inspection every six months. If the vehicle passes the emission standard test, it can continue to be used; otherwise, if it fails the test, the vehicle will be mandatorily scrapped. 2. Service life of various motor vehicles: Different types of motor vehicles have different service lives. Small and micro rental passenger cars have a service life of 8 years, medium rental passenger cars 10 years, and large rental passenger cars 12 years. Small and micro lease passenger cars have a service life of 10 years, while large and medium lease passenger cars 15 years. Buses and trolleybuses have a service life of 13 years.
When I first got my driver's license and bought my first car, I was quite confused about how vehicle age is calculated. Later, I learned that it's generally counted from the year the car was first registered and licensed. For example, my car was purchased and licensed in 2021, so by 2025, its age would be 4 years. As an ordinary car owner, this calculation affects daily life in many ways, such as insurance premiums—newer cars with lower age often have lower premiums. However, more attention is needed during maintenance because as the car ages, components like tires and brakes wear out faster and require more frequent checks. I've also noticed that in used car transactions, vehicle age is a key factor in price negotiations, and many people check the vehicle's registration certificate to confirm it. Understanding this, I now always mention the car's age during maintenance to have the technician inspect older parts in advance, which gives me more peace of mind while driving.
Having been in the used car business for years, calculating a car's age is straightforward—just look at the year it was first registered. For example, a car registered in 2020 would be considered 4 years old by 2024. In buying and selling, the car's age directly determines its price; newer or lower-mileage cars depreciate less, and buyers are willing to pay more. Don't forget to check the VIN to compare the production year, avoiding cases where stock cars misreport their age. The car's age also relates to maintenance cycles; for instance, cars over three years old should have their engines and belts checked regularly, not waiting until problems arise to fix them. In short, as an experienced professional, I advise owners to keep a good record of the registration date—it saves you money and hassle.
