Can Modified Brake Calipers Pass the Annual Inspection?

[Rex]

Modifying brake calipers is illegal. Altering brake calipers involves changing the vehicle's design, which, strictly speaking, will not pass the annual inspection. However, in practice, as long as the modified brake calipers are not overly conspicuous, they can still pass the inspection. If you simply repaint the brake calipers in bright colors like red or yellow, although the appearance changes, it will not affect the annual inspection. Brake calipers are part of disc brake systems, which are generally similar in design, consisting of brake calipers, brake discs, brake pads, hydraulic control systems, and assist systems. The "Motor Vehicle Safety Technical Standards" have requirements for braking distance and stability, especially concerning the safety-related performance of brakes. Therefore, every vehicle meets or even exceeds safety standards, and owners need not modify brakes out of safety concerns. Many owners who only change the color of their brake calipers do so because they see high-performance sports cars with red or yellow calipers, associating these colors with high performance. In reality, the colors of brake calipers on supercars not only represent performance but also indicate different performance grades. During the periodic annual inspection, the vehicle's engine, chassis, body, and ancillary equipment are checked for cleanliness, completeness, and functionality. The paint condition is assessed for uniformity and aesthetics, and major components are verified against the initial inspection records. The inspection also evaluates braking performance, steering control, lighting, exhaust emissions, and other safety aspects to ensure compliance with the "Motor Vehicle Safety Technical Standards." Additionally, it checks for modifications, alterations, or conversions, verifying that the vehicle's condition matches the records on the registration certificate, license plate, and vehicle file, and whether any changes have undergone proper approval and modification procedures. Legal modifications for vehicles: Tire style: As long as the tire size and specifications match those on the registration certificate, the tire style can be changed.

[JesseLee]

Master Li from the auto repair shop just mentioned this to me a couple of days ago! Modifying brake calipers does indeed affect the annual inspection, mainly depending on the specifications and documentation of the modification. If the new calipers are exactly the same size as the original factory data and the brake disc specifications remain unchanged, theoretically, they can pass. But if you've upgraded to larger pistons, multi-piston calipers, or changed to bright colors, there's a 90% chance you'll be asked to revert them. A special reminder: never buy counterfeit products. Last year, my friend installed a set of knock-offs, and the brake line burst during an emergency stop on the highway. It's recommended to apply for record filing at the vehicle management office before any modifications. Otherwise, dismantling and reinstalling during the inspection will waste money and cause even more frustration.

[Russell]

As a seasoned modification enthusiast with a decade of experience, I've personally encountered countless pitfalls when upgrading brake calipers. Installing racing calipers on regular family cars will definitely fail annual inspections—I've had to remove and reinstall those red six-piston calipers three times for testing. Nowadays, inspection stations use full-process camera surveillance, and any changes in tire size will trigger additional brake system checks. The key issue is that your ABS and vehicle stability systems require recalibration. Unauthorized modifications can disrupt brake force distribution, increasing the risk of fishtailing in wet conditions. If you must upgrade, opt for OEM high-performance calipers from the same brand—for example, Volkswagen owners could use Audi S-series parts. Keeping the original factory labels will usually pass inspection.

[LoganDella]

The legality of car modifications must comply with the national GB7258 standard. For brake system modifications, the new regulations require: ① Modified parts must have 3C certification; ② Braking distance must remain within ±5% of the factory data; ③ Brake disc diameter changes must not exceed 3%. It is recommended to retain the original calipers for annual inspections, and when replacing, ensure that brake hoses are metal-wrapped to avoid collision risks. Last year, a modification shop in Ningbo had its license revoked for using inferior calipers—safety is a hundred times more important than appearance.