Can Widened Tires Pass Annual Inspection?
3 Answers
Widened tires can pass the annual inspection. Here is the relevant content introduction: 1. Widening car tires does not involve changing the shape, color, etc., of the vehicle. It simply increases the tire width, which does not affect the vehicle's annual inspection. However, if the wheel hubs are altered, the inspection will not pass because changing wheel hubs is considered a vehicle modification project. 2. Relevant provisions of the "Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations": Motor vehicles shall undergo safety technical inspections according to the following periods from the date of registration: (1) Passenger vehicles for operation: once a year within 5 years; every 6 months after exceeding 5 years. (2) Trucks and large or medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles: once a year within 10 years; every 6 months after exceeding 10 years. (3) Small and mini non-operational passenger vehicles: once every 2 years within 6 years; once a year after exceeding 6 years; every 6 months after exceeding 15 years.
As a car owner who frequently studies automotive regulations, I believe that widened tires are difficult to pass during annual inspections because the core of the inspection is to verify whether the vehicle complies with the original factory safety standards. If the tires are widened, the inspector will carefully check whether the dimensions match the registration certificate, and any modifications may lead to failure. The reason is simple: widened tires can alter the accuracy of the speedometer, potentially causing a real speed deviation of over 10%, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, it accelerates suspension wear and raises fuel consumption, making it uneconomical in the long run. To ensure a smooth inspection, I recommend switching back to the original tire size before the annual check. While modified tires can enhance grip and appearance, the strict inspection rules prioritize safety—don’t take the risk. Standards are similar across different regions, so it’s best to consult your local inspection station to avoid trouble.
Based on my years of experience in car repair, widened tires generally won't pass annual inspections. Inspectors will measure the width with a ruler, and if it doesn't match the factory specifications, they'll reject it outright. This is because wider tires disrupt the original balance, potentially increasing braking distance and causing speedometer inaccuracies. In reality, I've seen many car owners fail inspections due to widened wheels, wasting money and effort to switch back. If you insist on using wider tires, you might be flagged for safety hazards, which could even affect insurance claims. I recommend paying attention to tread depth and wear during regular maintenance, rather than going for temporary aesthetics. The simplest solution? Keep a set of factory tires specifically for inspections—it's the most hassle-free approach.
