What is the Scrap Life of a Pickup Truck?
3 Answers
Currently, pickup trucks are still subject to the mandatory scrappage regulation of 15 years or 600,000 kilometers. However, some regions are gradually lifting the 15-year scrappage rule, meaning household pickup trucks no longer have a fixed scrappage period. Instead, the 600,000-kilometer scrappage regulation is enforced. According to the annual inspection rules for pickup trucks: new pickups are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years, but within this period, owners must visit the vehicle management office every two years to "get a stamp." From years 7 to 15, inspections are required annually, and after 15 years, inspections are required every six months. Pickups that fail the annual inspection or exceed 600,000 kilometers must be scrapped. Below are some relevant details: 1. The reality of pickup trucks: In practice, based on the usage patterns of domestic pickup owners, mechanical wear and tear after 5-8 years of use leads to a sharp increase in maintenance costs, higher fuel consumption, and significant depreciation. Additionally, the cost of semi-annual inspections after 15 years is often too burdensome for many pickup owners, prompting them to replace their vehicles within 5-10 years. 2. Factors affecting the used pickup market: A major factor hindering the growth of the used pickup market is the "15-year mandatory scrappage" policy. A nationwide trend in China's automotive industry is the complete removal of restrictions on the cross-regional transfer of used vehicles. Cities like Taiyuan, Datong, Dalian, and Yichang have already issued policies to lift these restrictions, with plans to further boost the used vehicle market. For used vehicle dealerships selling pickups, the value-added tax policy for second-hand goods applies, with a reduced VAT rate of 2% (originally 3%).
When it comes to the scrapping age of pickup trucks, as a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I can share some personal insights. In our area, pickups are generally classified as light-duty trucks with a mandatory scrapping age of 15 years, and this policy is strictly enforced. Once the time comes, you must report to the scrapping center. My first pickup reached its limit last year and was forcibly scrapped. Although it was still in decent condition, the inspectors said the chassis was severely worn, posing safety risks. I recommend regular maintenance and frequent checks on brakes and the engine to extend the vehicle's lifespan. However, to be honest, with stricter emission standards nowadays, older vehicles contribute more to pollution, so the 15-year rule seems reasonable. When I replaced mine, I opted for a new energy model—fuel-efficient and eco-friendly.
From my perspective, the scrapping age for pickup trucks is 15 years, as they are classified as light-duty trucks by national regulations. As someone who often helps friends with car repairs, I've seen many cases where pickups start developing issues around 13 years of use, such as drivetrain problems or chassis deformation. If not scrapped by the designated age, they won't pass the annual inspection. During regular maintenance, special attention should be paid to suspension and drive belt upkeep to slow down wear and tear. If you really want to extend its service life, a comprehensive inspection and refurbishment should be done in advance, but the risk is greater liability in case of accidents. I recommend planning ahead and budgeting for a replacement vehicle early on.
