
After 10 years, a car needs to be inspected once per year. Here are some things to pay attention to during the inspection: 1. Keep the vehicle clean and tidy. To leave a good first impression on the inspector, it is recommended to wash the car as thoroughly as possible before the inspection, giving it a fresh look. Small scratches on the vehicle will also be less noticeable, making it easier for the inspector to pass the car. 2. Ensure all traffic violations are settled. If there are unresolved traffic violations on your vehicle, the staff will not proceed with the annual inspection, which can cause significant delays. Make sure to settle all violations before the inspection. 3. Prepare the necessary items to bring. Before the inspection, you need to prepare the vehicle's registration certificate, compulsory traffic insurance policy, the driver's ID card, as well as some essential items such as a fire extinguisher, warning triangle, reflective vest, and other emergency equipment. If these items are not prepared, you will need to purchase them at designated locations.

Private cars over ten years old are much more hassle-free now! The previous requirement for a bi-annual inspection used to be a headache, but after last year's policy adjustment, a nationwide unified annual inspection was implemented. The specific process involves first settling any traffic violations, then bringing the vehicle registration certificate and compulsory traffic insurance policy to the testing station to queue up. The inspection items mainly include exterior checks, chassis testing, light intensity, and exhaust emissions, and now also involve connecting to a computer to check OBD data. Here's a reminder: if you've previously modified rims or headlights, you might run into issues, so it's advisable to restore them to factory settings in advance. Also, make sure the compulsory traffic insurance is valid, or you'll make a trip for nothing. If a car fails the inspection for three consecutive cycles, it will be forcibly scrapped—so don't get lazy!

Let me share some practical advice from an experienced driver. My 12-year-old vehicle now requires an annual inspection. Although the frequency has decreased, the emission standards have become stricter, especially for diesel vehicles – black smoke will definitely result in a fail. I recommend taking your car for a highway run before the inspection to clear carbon deposits, as testing a cold engine might put you at a disadvantage. Last time, my neighbor had to replace their yellowed headlight covers, costing over 200 yuan. It's wise to address these issues a month in advance: replace worn wiper blades, keep spare brake lights handy, and fix any unusual noises from the chassis. Those with modified exhaust pipes should be extra cautious, as inspection stations in our area are particularly strict about this.

Post-95 car owners share a tip: After your car celebrates its 10th birthday, an annual inspection is sufficient, but there are tricks to it. It's recommended to use the Traffic Management 12123 APP to schedule the inspection to avoid a three-hour queue. I just had mine inspected last month and discovered three pitfalls: wheel rim stickers must be completely removed, tire tread depth less than 2mm means an automatic fail, and even the light transmittance of window films is measured with a device. It's advisable to buy a bottle of three-way catalytic cleaner from Taobao in advance, pour it in when refueling, and drive 50 kilometers—passing the exhaust test becomes a breeze. Don’t forget to bring a fire extinguisher; my buddy was forced to buy one on the spot and lost a hefty 80 bucks!


