What to Do When a Car Exceeds 15 Years?

[DelJameson]

The legally stipulated service life of a car is fifteen years, but it does not mean that the car must be scrapped after fifteen years. The service life can be extended with timely annual inspections. The new regulations for the scrapping of household cars are as follows: New scrapping regulations based on mileage: The new regulations for the scrapping of household cars remove the stipulation on the service life of private cars and set the scrapping mileage limit for private cars at 600,000 kilometers. This method, which replaces the service life limit with a mileage limit, greatly improves the utilization rate of cars. New regulations abolish scrapping age limit: The scrapping age limit for household cars has been abolished. Under the new policy, private cars need to undergo two annual inspections per year starting from the 15th year after registration, and four regular inspections per year starting from the 21st year for cars older than 20 years. The annual inspections have strict regulations for older vehicles.

[LukeLee]

I've been driving a car over 15 years old for a long time, and I think it's still very reliable as long as maintenance is done properly. Regular inspections are a must, such as checking the brakes, tires, and engine at the repair shop every six months. Replace aging parts like rubber hoses and belts in time—don't skimp on small expenses. Never delay the annual inspection; after 15 years, some areas require more frequent inspections, so prepare the necessary documents in advance to save time. Although maintenance costs may be a bit higher, compared to buying a new car which can easily cost over 100,000 yuan, it's both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, allowing the car to continue serving its purpose. Remember to drive gently in daily use—avoid slamming the accelerator to extend its lifespan. If you really don't want the hassle, sell it to used car dealers; they can handle it properly.

[HaileyFitz]

As an environmental enthusiast, I recommend switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle if your 15-year-old car has high emissions and poor fuel efficiency. Many cities now offer policy subsidies, and scrapping your old car can also provide tax reductions, making it quite cost-effective. Maintenance-wise, there's nothing special, but regular cleaning of the fuel system can help reduce pollution. In the long run, green transportation is the trend, and switching not only saves on fuel costs but is also eco-friendly. When recycling, find a proper channel to avoid environmental pollution from improper dismantling. I've personally experienced saving several hundred dollars monthly on fuel after switching to a new car—definitely worth it.

[Rylee]

Safety is the top priority. A 15-year-old car with aging components is prone to issues. I've experienced the risk of brake failure before, so it's crucial to visit a professional shop immediately to inspect key parts like the suspension system and electrical circuits. It's advisable to conduct a comprehensive evaluation every quarter, and don't hesitate to replace the car if necessary. Stricter annual inspections provide extra security, especially when driving at night—be particularly cautious about aging headlights affecting visibility. Spending a bit more on maintenance is always better than facing an accident. Here's a little tip: walk around the car and visually check tire pressure before getting in.