Does a 9-year-old car need an annual inspection?
2 Answers
9-year-old cars require an annual inspection. Here is relevant information about annual inspections: 1. Introduction: Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates. It is equivalent to an annual physical examination for vehicles according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety." Vehicle annual inspections can promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage enhanced vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents. 2. Best Time for Annual Inspection: Vehicles can undergo inspection applications up to 3 months before the annual inspection date. It is advisable to schedule the inspection two months or slightly over a month in advance. Additionally, before the 10th of each month, inspection stations typically have lighter workloads, making it an ideal time to avoid queues. The number of vehicles increases from mid-month, and the end of the month tends to be the busiest period.
My car is almost 9 years old now, and it feels quite reliable in daily use, but regulations do require a biennial inspection. I remember feeling a bit nervous during my first inspection, only to later discover the process is actually straightforward—mainly checking lights, brakes, and exhaust emissions. New cars enjoy exemption for the first 6 years, which is a big relief. At 9 years, a car is in its mid-life and prone to minor issues like wiring aging or brake pad wear, so the inspection helps catch these early. Don’t wait until the last minute; peak times mean long queues. I’ve even seen a friend forget and get fined—not just the penalty but also complications with insurance claims. My advice: pair inspections with routine maintenance, checking oil and tire pressure annually, so you pass inspection in one go, hassle-free.
