Can the vehicle pass the annual inspection after widening the tires from 195 to 205?
3 Answers
In this case, there is no problem and the vehicle can pass the annual inspection. Because there is no national law that prohibits changing to one-size-larger tires, but the size of the wheel hub cannot be altered and must match the original factory wheel hub size. If the size of the wheel hub is changed, the driver may face fines and be ordered to restore it to the original condition if discovered by traffic police. Below is the relevant information: 1. Wheel hub: The wheel hub is the rotating part of the wheel steel inside the tire connected by pillars, which is the metal component mounted on the axle that supports the tire. It is also called a rim, steel ring, wheel, or tire ring. Wheel hubs come in various types based on diameter, width, forming method, and material. 2. Annual inspection: Annual inspection, or annual check, is a more colloquial term for it. It refers to the annual or biennial safety inspection of a vehicle, including a comprehensive check of the horn, brakes, axle weight, chassis, ignition system, lighting system, exhaust system, license plate installation, and more.
Whether changing tires from 195 to 205 width will pass the annual vehicle inspection depends on the situation. Having driven under various road conditions, I know such modifications carry significant risks. During the inspection, officers strictly verify the tire specifications on the vehicle's nameplate—any discrepancy in size leads to immediate failure. Once, a friend upgraded to wider tires for better grip but got stuck during inspection, spending hundreds to revert. Regulations require tires to match factory-registered specifications. Changing from 195 to 205 counts as modification unless pre-approved by the DMV, though most vehicle models prohibit such alterations. Don’t underestimate this change—altering the wheelbase may affect steering safety, increase fuel consumption, and noise. For safety, I recommend keeping the original size to avoid inspection failures and fines. If you insist, check the owner’s manual or consult a dealership for certified compatible sizes first.
I've handled numerous cases of tire widening, and whether it passes the annual inspection mainly depends on compliance. Increasing the width from 195 to 205 requires matching wheel parameters; otherwise, it can affect balance and suspension. Inspectors check according to national standards and will reject if the tire specifications don't match. I advise against arbitrary modifications since regulations prohibit unregistered size changes. During the inspection, they use tools to measure, and any discrepancies found may not only lead to failure but also require re-inspection or fines. In practice, while wider tires can improve handling, they also increase fuel consumption and wear, making the cost unjustifiable. For a safer approach, stick to the original 195 size or check with the DMV for any permitted modification options. Vehicle safety is paramount—don't invite trouble with minor changes.
