Does a four-year-old car need an annual inspection?

[RowanLee]

It requires a biennial inspection. Below is relevant information about the annual inspection: 1. Definition of Annual Inspection: Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for every vehicle that has obtained an official license plate and registration certificate. It is equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety," aiming to promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage enhanced vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents, commonly referred to as a vehicle inspection. 2. Required Documents: For individual vehicle annual inspections, the necessary documents include the original vehicle registration certificate, a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy, a copy of the ID card, and the vehicle itself. For corporate vehicle annual inspections, the required documents are the original vehicle registration certificate, a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy, a copy of the agent's ID card, and the vehicle.

[JohnnyRose]

I just bought a four-year-old car and heard many friends are concerned about the annual inspection. According to current regulations, a four-year-old car generally doesn’t require an annual on-site inspection, but you need to apply for an inspection compliance sticker every two years. Don’t underestimate this sticker—if you don’t get it, you could face fines and penalty points if caught by traffic police. I regularly check tire wear, light brightness, and brake pad thickness myself to prevent breakdowns during long trips. I suggest you also pay attention to these details to ensure driving safety.

[McEllie]

Last time during maintenance, I asked the mechanic if my four-year-old car needs an annual inspection. He said under the new policy, the first six years are exempt, but for a four-year-old car, I need to collect the inspection sticker every two years. If not handled, the insurance might not cover in case of an accident. I check the engine oil and coolant every six months myself to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems. This way, it saves both money and hassle, and I feel more secure driving on highways.

[MacJoshua]

My four-year-old car drives quite smoothly, and the annual inspection is simple: just collect the inspection sticker every two years for the first six years, no need to queue for testing. I only spend a little time each year checking tire pressure and wipers to prevent poor visibility in rainy weather. If you frequently drive in the city, regular maintenance can help avoid trouble.

[Harris]

Having changed cars twice, I know the four-year vehicle inspection policy is relaxed—free decals every two years without going through the inspection line. However, I suggest having the mechanic check the chassis or brakes each time you pick up the decals, and always avoid overloading or driving on rough roads to save a lot on maintenance costs.

[AmaraAnn]

Although my four-year-old car doesn't require annual inspection, I've developed the habit of checking its condition monthly: listening for smooth engine sounds and observing normal exhaust emissions. I take time for these self-checks when collecting license plates to avoid breakdowns on the road. Chatting with repair shops also helps me gain experience to extend my car's lifespan.