Can 16-inch Wheels Modified to 17-inch Pass Annual Inspection?
3 Answers
16-inch wheels modified to 17-inch cannot pass annual inspection. According to the current 'Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations', any changes to the body color, model, performance, purpose, or structure of a licensed motor vehicle, including replacement of the frame, body, or engine, require the owner to apply for modification registration with the vehicle management office. Relevant information about wheels is as follows: 1. A wheel hub is the cylindrical metal component inside the tire that supports the tire, mounted centrally on the axle. It is also called a wheel rim, steel rim, or tire ring. 2. Depending on the characteristics and requirements of different vehicle models, wheel hub surface treatment processes vary, mainly divided into painting and electroplating. 3. Wheel hubs come in various types based on diameter, width, forming method, and material.
As a car owner who often helps friends with car purchases, I'm quite familiar with this type of modification issue. To put it directly, after upgrading from the factory 16-inch wheels to 17-inch ones, the annual inspection will likely fail, mainly because you've altered the vehicle's original specifications. Traffic authorities in China are very strict about modifications. During the annual inspection, they check if the wheel size matches the original. If the size increases, it may affect braking distance and handling safety, and the inspector will directly reject it. I have a neighbor who made such a modification and failed the annual inspection, having to revert to the original wheel size to pass. My advice is not to take the risk; sticking to the factory size is the most hassle-free option. If you must modify, you need to first register the change with the vehicle management office and adjust the tire parameters to match the outer diameter, but the process is troublesome and costs extra money. If you're really unsure, consult your local inspection station or check the legal regulations.
I pay more attention to safety performance, and wheel modification should not be done casually. Although upgrading from 16-inch to 17-inch wheels may look better, the increased wheel diameter may alter the vehicle's center of gravity and braking performance. These aspects are monitored during annual inspections, and any non-compliance with standards will be deemed illegal modification and result in failure. My experience is that original factory designs have undergone safety certifications, and unauthorized modifications not only cause issues during inspections but also increase driving risks. For example, in rainy or snowy conditions, larger wheels may lead to longer braking distances. I strongly recommend either not modifying the wheels or using wheels of the same specifications to avoid the hassle of reverting later. Before the inspection, it's best to have a professional shop confirm whether the vehicle meets the regulations.
