Can Changing Rims Pass the Annual Inspection?

[MartinRose]

No. Here are the relevant regulations: 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 replacing the frame, body, or engine, require the owner to apply for a modification registration with the vehicle management office. Installing spoilers, body kits, or modifying exhaust pipes are also generally not allowed. Here are the impacts of changing rims on a vehicle: 1. Reduced Ride Comfort: Low-profile tires, while offering better handling, are thinner and cannot effectively absorb bumps and minor vibrations from the road. Although the vehicle's road feedback becomes clearer, comfort is compromised. Additionally, wider and thinner tires generate more road noise, which is particularly noticeable in some performance tires, affecting the cabin's quietness. 2. Affects Acceleration and Braking Performance: With the same material and manufacturing process, larger rims are naturally heavier, increasing unsprung weight. This makes the vehicle's suspension less responsive to road bumps and increases the rotational inertia of the wheels.

[XavierMarie]

I have personal experience with changing rims for the annual inspection. Last year, I replaced my car's original rims with 17-inch lightweight alloy ones. At first, I was worried they wouldn't pass, so I checked our local inspection standards beforehand - the size shouldn't exceed 10% of the factory specifications, and the ET value and bolt pattern must match. On the inspection day, the inspector carefully examined the rim size and tire specifications, confirmed they didn't affect the brakes or suspension, and approved them immediately. However, a friend of mine opted for flashy 20-inch rims, which increased the track width and caused him to fail the brake test, forcing him to revert to the original set. The material of the rims also matters - avoid cheap brands prone to deformation. As long as the size complies, it's generally fine, but overly fancy or damaged rims might cause issues. Safe driving is paramount, so I recommend consulting a 4S shop or experienced mechanic before modifications - don't take risks. During inspection, ensure the rims are free from rust and cracks. Leave some margin to guarantee everything goes smoothly.

[McJuliana]

As a wheel modification enthusiast, I've changed several sets with no issues passing annual inspections, provided you don't violate regulations. Wheel size must match the original or have minor increases - for example, upgrading from 15 to 16 inches is acceptable, but always check the vehicle manual to avoid exceeding limits. Changing the ET value affects wheel track width and may cause unstable handling that fails inspection. Once I bought low-ET wheels that nearly caused excessive braking distance, but passed after alignment adjustment. Wheel material is also crucial - forged lightweight wheels enhance performance and actually earn bonus points during inspection. Avoid oversized wheels that alter tire diameter, as this makes speedometers inaccurate and causes test failures. Aftermarket wheels with incorrect bolt patterns are most dangerous, potentially leading to driving failures. Always choose OEM-certified products and perform four-wheel alignment after modification to ensure compatibility with the vehicle system. Research local inspection details beforehand - never compromise safety for style.

[LaCarmen]

I've been driving for twenty years, and my experience is not to change the rims recklessly. They might pass the annual inspection, but the requirements are strict. The size must comply with regulations. If you switch to oversized rims or extra-wide tires, the increased track width can affect stability, and the inspector will fail the braking performance test. A colleague of mine learned this the hard way and had to spend money on repairs. A slight change in ET value is acceptable, but too much can cause the wheels to rub against the wheel arches, making the car unstable. Choose aluminum alloy rims or original-style ones, and avoid low-quality products that rust or deform. Safety comes first—ensure the rims match the factory bolt pattern and the braking system is functioning properly. The annual inspection checks the rim appearance and tire condition, so don’t overlook these details.