Does Annual Vehicle Inspection Damage the Car?
2 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection will not damage the car if conducted according to standard procedures, even when the engine speed is increased. Initial Inspection: The inspection conducted to apply for a vehicle license plate is called the initial annual inspection. The purpose of the initial inspection is to verify whether the vehicle meets the conditions for obtaining a license plate. It checks for the presence of the vehicle's user manual, certificate of compliance (or import vehicle inspection certificate), and whether the factory markings on the vehicle body are complete. Measurements are taken of the vehicle's internal and external dimensions, wheelbase, and axle track. Specific measurements include vehicle length, width, height, cargo compartment height and area, wheelbase, and axle track. Regular Inspection: It checks whether the engine, chassis, body, and auxiliary 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; and 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."
I've been driving for over a decade and have to go through annual inspections every year. At first, I was always worried it might damage the car. The tests at inspection stations, like braking checks and high-speed engine runs for emissions testing, do cause some temporary wear—kind of like giving the car a minor surgery. But these are performed with professional equipment and kept within safe limits, unlike the rough wear from everyday driving. In most cases, if the car has been well-maintained, the inspection only makes it safer by uncovering hidden issues before they turn into major accidents. I've seen plenty of cases where skipping inspections led to brake failures causing much worse damage. Overall, annual inspections are a necessary safeguard to ensure roadworthiness. Actual damage from inspections is rare—neglecting them accelerates wear and tear far more. Just remember to maintain your car regularly before inspections, like changing the oil and checking lights, to make the process smoother and harmless.
