What to Do After 15 Years of Car Use?
3 Answers
Legally, the service life of a car is 15 years, but that doesn't mean it must be scrapped after 15 years. The service life can be extended with timely annual inspections. Here are the new regulations for the scrapping of household cars: 1. Mileage Limit: The new regulations for household car scrapping, as officially issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the 'Mandatory Scrapping Standards for Motor Vehicles,' have removed the stipulation on the service life of non-commercial cars and set the scrapping mileage limit for private cars at 600,000 kilometers. This shift from a time-based limit to a mileage-based standard significantly improves car utilization. 2. Scrapping Age: The removal of the scrapping age for household cars imposes higher requirements on vehicle safety and technical inspections. Under the new policy, private cars must undergo two annual inspections per year starting from the 15th year after registration, and four annual inspections per year starting from the 21st year for cars over 20 years old. The inspections have strict regulations for older vehicles. During power inspections for private cars, the chassis output power must not be less than 60% of the engine's rated power or 65% of the maximum net power. Additionally, the new standards stipulate that vehicles failing safety or environmental standards during an inspection cycle will be mandatorily scrapped.
After driving for so many years, I know that cars with 15 years of age tend to have more issues, such as loud engine noise, high fuel consumption, and constant minor problems. I make sure to take my car for regular maintenance at the shop, especially for oil changes, brake inspections, and suspension system checks, which can help extend its lifespan. Some of my friends treat their old cars like treasures, fixing them up themselves to save money and gain hands-on experience. If finances allow, buying a new car is also a good option—it’s safer and more comfortable. The key is to avoid breakdowns on the road, which can compromise travel safety, and to keep an eye on annual inspections, as older cars may face stricter requirements. I’ve seen cars that are over 20 years old still running well, but it’s important to address potential issues proactively.
After 15 years of use, I feel the repair costs may exceed half of the car's value. I've done the math myself—if I'm spending hundreds on repairs every month, it might be better to buy a new car on installment, which comes with newer technology and better fuel efficiency. Alternatively, I could sell it, but older cars don't fetch much in the used car market, maybe just a few thousand. Keeping it as a backup for weekend short trips is also an option, saving me the hassle of borrowing a car. The key is to assess usage frequency—if I drive often and maintenance costs are high, it's better to replace it decisively. New cars also come with energy-saving subsidies, which are better for the environment. Don't hesitate too long, as safety and reliability will only decline.
