Does a Broken Window Regulator Affect Vehicle Inspection?
2 Answers
A broken window regulator does affect vehicle inspection. During the vehicle inspection process, the windows are checked as part of the exterior examination. If your window regulator is malfunctioning, it is recommended to repair it first before proceeding with the inspection to ensure all aspects of the vehicle are functioning properly. If the window regulator is broken, you can try resetting the window regulator system. Typically, window regulator failures occur due to a disconnected battery or when the power or ground wire to the window control module is disconnected during vehicle maintenance. To reset, start the car, press the button to raise the window to the top, then hold the button for an additional 3 seconds. Release the button and immediately press and hold it again to complete the reset. Vehicle inspection includes the following checks: Inspect whether the engine, chassis, body, and related equipment are clean, complete, and functional; whether the paint is uniform and aesthetically pleasing; whether major assemblies have been replaced and match the initial inspection records. Test whether the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lighting, exhaust, and other safety features comply with the "Technical Requirements for Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles." Check whether the vehicle has been modified, remodeled, or altered; whether the license plate, registration, and vehicle records match the actual condition; and whether any changes have been approved and documented. Verify whether the license plate, registration, and enlarged license plate markings on the vehicle are damaged, altered, or illegible, and whether they need replacement. For large vehicles, check whether the unit name or the street, township, or town name and the maximum seating capacity in the driver's cabin are correctly displayed in standard Chinese font on both sides of the door. For trucks (including trailers), check whether the rear gate displays the license plate number enlarged 2-3 times as required. For privately owned or jointly operated vehicles, check whether the word "Private" is displayed on both sides of the door. The markings must be clear and should not include unit codes or other patterns (unless approved by the vehicle management office under special circumstances).
I've been driving for over a decade, and a broken power window usually doesn't affect the annual vehicle inspection. The inspection mainly focuses on critical safety components like headlights, brake systems, tire wear, and emission levels – items that directly impact driving safety. The power window function isn't part of the mandatory inspection scope unless the window is damaged or stuck, causing door lock malfunctions, which might then affect the inspection results. That said, even if it doesn't affect the inspection, a broken window can be quite bothersome. In summer, the sun beats down; in winter, the wind blows in; and rain might get inside, potentially damaging electronic systems. I recommend getting it fixed as soon as possible—don't wait until the inspection is due. Repairs aren't difficult either; replacing a switch or motor costs just a few hundred bucks. If you need a quick fix for the inspection, you could tape the window shut temporarily, but that's not a long-term solution. Safety comes first—don't let minor issues lead to bigger troubles.
