Does a small car need an inspection in its eighth year?
2 Answers
An annual inspection is required. Vehicle 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 of the vehicle based on the safety technical conditions for motor vehicle operation. Purpose of Vehicle Annual Inspection: Vehicle annual inspections can promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage enhanced vehicle maintenance, reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents, protect the atmospheric environment, and prevent illegal modifications. Some car owners, in pursuit of a cool appearance, privately modify headlights or exhaust pipes. When modified vehicles turn on xenon lights at night, the glaring strong light can easily create a momentary visual "blind spot" for oncoming vehicles, which may lead to serious accidents.
When my car just turned eight years old, I also pondered whether it needed an annual inspection. I remember the policy states that private cars require an on-site inspection of key components like the engine and brakes in the sixth year, and then another one at the tenth year. The eighth year falls in between, so there’s actually no need to make a special trip to the inspection station, saving a lot of time. However, this doesn’t mean the car can be neglected. Regular checks on the vehicle’s condition are essential, such as inspecting brake pad wear, checking for tire bulges, and ensuring all lights function properly—these can prevent issues on the road. A friend of mine once ignored maintenance, and by the eighth year, the brakes failed, nearly causing an accident. He deeply regretted it. So, while relaxed policies are good, regular maintenance is the real safeguard. Safety always comes first.
