Can a car have its engine replaced and still pass the annual inspection?
2 Answers
To replace a car engine, you must first register the change with the vehicle management office before it can pass the annual inspection. Relevant information about the annual vehicle inspection is as follows: Introduction to the annual vehicle inspection: Annual vehicle inspection (Vehicles inspection), also known as motor vehicle inspection. Depending on the nature of the vehicle's use, the inspection items and scope may vary. Contents of the annual vehicle inspection: Check whether the engine, gearbox, body, chassis, and other hardware facilities are damaged, and whether the body has obvious damage. Inspect the functions of the vehicle's gearbox and brake lights to see if they are intact and if the light operations are normal and smooth. Check whether the vehicle has been modified, whether it has been inspected again after modification, and whether it has proper procedures. Check whether the license plate is dirty or obstructed.
As a hands-on car enthusiast who loves modifying vehicles, I often think about upgrading my beloved car. Swapping the engine is definitely possible—just find a reliable mechanic to install it, and choose an engine of the same model or one that matches. However, passing the annual inspection might be tricky. It depends on whether the new engine's emissions meet the standards. If the emissions exceed the limit, the inspection will fail outright, and you might even face fines. I once saw a friend install a high-performance engine—while it was thrilling to drive, it kept causing issues during the annual check and even affected insurance claims. In the end, they had to reinstall the original factory part. So, my advice is: if you really want to swap the engine, strictly follow the vehicle manual, use certified parts, and make sure to report the modification to the DMV afterward to avoid future troubles.
