Can an Aftermarket Air Intake Mushroom Head Pass the Annual Vehicle Inspection?
2 Answers
No, modifications such as altering the air intake and exhaust systems, widening the vehicle body, lowering the chassis, changing braking components, or blindly upgrading high-beam headlights, which change the vehicle's technical parameters, are illegal under regulations and will not pass the annual inspection. The annual vehicle inspection is a mandatory test for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates. It helps to promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourages better vehicle maintenance, and reduces the occurrence of traffic accidents. Below is an introduction to the aftermarket air intake mushroom head: 1. Damage to components: It can harm the engine and accelerate internal engine wear. 2. Origin: The mushroom head, also known as a high-flow air filter, is colloquially called a mushroom head because it resembles a mushroom growing in the ground. 3. Function: It is a filtering device installed in the engine's air intake system, primarily used to filter air and increase air intake.
I've been repairing cars for over 20 years and often get asked by car enthusiasts whether modified intake systems with mushroom heads can pass annual inspections. It really depends on the specific situation. Essentially, a mushroom head is just a high-performance air filter replacement that mainly improves airflow and benefits engine performance. However, after modification, you need to check if it affects the emission system. If installed professionally without altering factory settings—such as using the right filter size and ensuring no air leaks—and if emission data meets standards, the chances of passing inspection are higher. In actual inspections, staff will test tailpipe emissions and check the vehicle's appearance with equipment. If the modification is obvious or causes warning lights (like abnormal oxygen sensors), it might fail directly. Safety-wise, improper modifications can also lead to engine overheating or reduced air filtration efficiency, potentially shortening the engine's lifespan. I recommend consulting a professional garage before modification to ensure compliance with local environmental standards—don't risk it just for a slight performance boost. I've seen many cases where people failed inspections, and the cost of reverting the modifications was even higher.
