Can a car with 16-inch rims changed to 17-inch pass the annual inspection?
2 Answers
Changing car rims from 16-inch to 17-inch will not pass the annual inspection. Below are the relevant details about vehicle annual inspection: Vehicle annual inspection regulations: Operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within 5 years, and every 6 months after exceeding 5 years. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within 10 years, and every 6 months after exceeding 10 years. Small and mini non-operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once every 2 years within 6 years, once a year after exceeding 6 years, and every 6 months after exceeding 15 years. Consequences of not attending the annual inspection on time: Vehicles that do not attend the annual inspection on time are not allowed on the road, and driving such vehicles will result in 3 penalty points and a fine. If an accident occurs involving a vehicle that has not undergone the annual inspection, the party involved will bear full or primary responsibility, and the insurance company will not provide compensation.
As an average car owner who enjoys researching cars, I can tell you that whether changing your wheel size will pass the annual inspection depends on whether the modification complies with the manufacturer's standards. Switching from 16-inch to 17-inch wheels is considered a minor modification. During the inspection, they'll check your vehicle's specifications, including wheel size and matching tires. If the size increases without proper tire matching, the change in overall wheel diameter could lead to inaccurate speedometer readings or reduced braking performance—issues that could be flagged during the test. The safety risks are significant; I've seen a friend experience unstable cornering after upsizing wheels, increasing the risk of losing control. I recommend avoiding arbitrary changes. If you must modify, choose certified products and adjust tire specifications to ensure safety standards are met. Before the inspection, it's wise to have a professional check at a repair shop to avoid complications.
