Can tires one inch larger pass the annual inspection?
2 Answers
No. The following are the relevant regulations on vehicle modifications: 1. Approval required: Any modifications to a motor vehicle must be carried out within the scope specified by the traffic management department. This includes modifications to body color, engine, fuel type, and license plate number. After submitting an application, the driver must obtain approval from the traffic management department before proceeding with the modifications. 2. Unauthorized modifications prohibited: No unit or individual is allowed to assemble a motor vehicle or modify its registered structure, construction, or features without authorization. 3. Scope of modification activities: Without permission from the public security traffic management department, any unauthorized modifications to the vehicle's chassis, engine, suspension, transmission system, steering system, tire rims, lights, body color painting, exterior structure, or any technical data that does not match the data announced by the State Council's motor vehicle product authority are considered modification activities.
I understand you want to modify the tires to make the car look cooler or improve performance, but increasing the tire size by one inch makes it really difficult to pass the annual inspection. The vehicle inspection station is very strict and will check whether the tire size matches the original factory registration—even a one-inch difference can lead to failure. Besides failing the inspection, larger tires may also worsen handling, increase fuel consumption, and even accelerate shock absorber wear. A friend of mine tried this modification and ended up not only wasting a trip but also having to switch back to the original tires for a re-inspection. For safety and peace of mind, I suggest you hold off on the modification for now or consult a reputable repair shop to see if it complies with local regulations to avoid trouble. Driving steadily in daily life is more important than anything else.
