Can the tires be different during vehicle inspection?
3 Answers
It is not necessary for all tires to be the same, but the left and right tires must match. The annual inspection requires that tires must not be excessively worn, and the tread patterns cannot be inconsistent. It is acceptable for all four tires to have the same pattern, or for the front two to match and the rear two to match, but the left and right tires must not differ. Tire selection and installation: Correct tire installation directly affects the lifespan of the tires, especially when replacing new tires. Tires of different types and tread patterns should never be mixed arbitrarily, as their actual dimensions and load capacities may vary. Tire load: There is no doubt that the greater the vehicle load, the shorter the tire lifespan, especially under overload conditions. Legitimate tire manufacturers mark their tires with load indices. Tires should be used within the maximum load capacity corresponding to their specified load index.
Last year during my annual vehicle inspection, I ran into an issue with inconsistent tires. The two front tires were new, while the rear ones were old and of a different brand. The inspector directly failed me, saying the tread depth difference was too significant, affecting balance and safety. Later, I went to a repair shop and replaced them with a uniform set. The mechanic suggested measuring the tread depth before the inspection to ensure it’s above 3mm, and having all four wheels of the same specification is even better. Driving with mismatched tires can also cause unstable braking, especially increasing the risk of skidding in rainy conditions. My advice is not to skimp and make do—spend a bit more on good tires for safety and convenience. Don’t be like me, learning the hard way after a setback. Prepare in advance to avoid the hassle of re-inspection after all that effort.
I always pay close attention to driving safety, and tires are no small matter. During annual inspections, examiners focus on checking whether the tire sizes match and if the tread wear is even. If the front and rear tires are of different brands or specifications, it can easily lead to differences in grip, increasing the risk of skidding or blowouts. I remember a friend's car once failed the annual inspection because it had mismatched tires, and the balance test didn't pass. I recommend checking in advance whether all four tires are consistent, ensuring the wear difference doesn't exceed 2mm, and replacing them if necessary to pass the inspection smoothly. Safety should always come first.
