What is the useful life of the car and how to calculate it?

The useful life is the time during which the car manufacturer intends to use a particular vehicle. As a rule, this value is measured in years. The useful life of the car is set when calculating depreciation or when taking the machine to account. It is determined with the use of the all-Russian classifier of fixed assets, abbreviated OKOF.

What does the service life depend on?

The time that the car will be used depends on its technical characteristics. This applies to absolutely all types of vehicles - cars, trucks and buses. Often, the useful life of the car can be determined by its technical passport. Also, this value is calculated based on the description of the model, which is indicated in the operation manual or in the annex to the car purchase agreement .

Classification of vehicles by group

Calculate the useful life of the car can also be based on the depreciation group. If it is a car, it can belong to one of five classes, the first 4 of which depend on the volume of ICE. The last value is indicated, as a rule, in the 11th column of the vehicle's data sheet. Focusing on the working volume of ICE, you can independently determine the period of depreciation of the car.

Passenger cars can belong to the following groups:

• The first (especially small class). This can be cars, the engine's engine capacity is not more than 1200 cubic centimeters.
• The second (small class). Cars with a working volume from 1200 to 1800 cubic centimeters.
• The third (middle class). TS with engine capacity from 1800 to 3500 cubic centimeters.
• Fourth (big class). All machines with a working volume of more than 3500 cubic centimeters.
• Fifth (we will consider it separately at the end of the article).

The first 3 types have the same period of use, and it is from 3 to 5 years. These vehicles belong to the 3 amortization group. The other types of cars have a useful life, which is 7-10 years. This is the 5th depreciation group.

And now, what is the fifth type of car

This class is different in that the volume of the engine for it does not matter. It is also worth noting that only the manufacturer enters the group in this group. Even a small car can belong to this class. If it is a domestic-made machine, its belonging to the upper class will be denoted by the number five in the model number.

Conclusion

Following these values (the volume of the car engine and the technical characteristics specified in the data sheet), you can independently determine without the help of experts what useful life of the car will be specific to you. And it does not matter which class your vehicle belongs to. Whether it's a heavy truck, four-wheel drive jeep, a crossover or a passenger sedan, the value you calculate is easy.