How many times should a small car be inspected annually after 15 years?
3 Answers
Small cars should be inspected twice a year after 15 years. Below is relevant information about vehicle annual inspections: Inspection standards: Passenger vehicles for commercial use must be inspected once a year within 5 years; after 5 years, they must be inspected every 6 months. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within 10 years; after 10 years, they must be inspected every 6 months. Small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once every 2 years within 6 years; after 6 years, once a year; after 15 years, every 6 months. Exemption policy: Family cars with 6 seats or fewer enjoy a 6-year exemption from inspection. The prerequisite for the 6-year exemption is that no major traffic accidents occur during this period. If an accident occurs, an on-site inspection is required. Vehicles with 7 seats or more do not enjoy the 6-year exemption policy and must still be inspected once every 2 years for the first 6 years.
I've been using this car for almost twenty years and have experienced all the changes in the annual inspection rules. After a car reaches fifteen years old, it must undergo an annual on-site inspection, mainly checking critical parts like brakes, lights, and exhaust emissions. Older car parts are prone to wear and tear, such as aging brake pads or electrical issues, and the annual inspection helps identify problems early. Initially, new cars within six years are exempt from inspection, those between six to ten years require inspection every two years, and after ten years, it's an annual inspection, which continues indefinitely. I recommend visiting a repair shop a few days before the inspection to check things like engine oil and brake fluid—it can save a lot of time. If you miss the inspection deadline, besides fines, it may also invalidate your insurance, making driving unsafe. Always pay attention to tire condition and light brightness as part of regular maintenance—developing good habits makes it easier.
Last year, my car turned fifteen years old, so now it has to undergo an annual inspection. The process isn't complicated. The inspection station staff will check the braking performance, headlight brightness, and whether the exhaust emissions meet standards. The cost is just over a hundred yuan, and it usually takes less than an hour to complete. I found the appointment system very convenient—just download a DMV app on your phone to schedule a time and avoid queues. To pass smoothly, I checked the tire pressure and lights a month in advance and fixed any minor issues beforehand. Remembering the inspection deadline is especially important, as missing it could result in fines and require a re-inspection. Combining this with routine maintenance, like changing filters and engine oil, keeps the vehicle in good condition and makes the annual inspection much quicker. Although inspections become more frequent after fifteen years, they ensure safe travel.
