How often should a car be inspected after ten years?
3 Answers
For small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles over 10 years but less than 15 years old, an annual inspection is required; for those over 15 years old, an inspection every 6 months is required. For operational passenger vehicles, an annual inspection is required within the first 5 years, and an inspection every 6 months is required after 5 years. Inspection process: Check whether the engine, chassis, body, and their accessories are clean, complete, and effective, whether the paint surface is uniform and aesthetically pleasing, whether the main assemblies have been replaced, and whether they match the initial inspection records; check whether the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lights, exhaust, and other safety performance meet the requirements of the "Technical Conditions for Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles"; Check whether the vehicle has been modified, remodeled, or altered, whether the driving license, license plate, and vehicle registration records match the actual condition of the vehicle, whether there are any changes, and whether approval and modification procedures have been completed; Check whether the license plate, driving license, and the enlarged license plate characters printed on the vehicle are damaged, altered, or unclear, and whether they need to be replaced; Check whether large vehicles have the unit name or the name of the street, township, or town where the vehicle is located, as well as the maximum number of passengers allowed in the cab, printed in Chinese imitation Song font on both sides of the door as required; Check whether the rear fender of a truck (including the rear fender of a trailer) has the vehicle number enlarged 2-3 times as required, and whether the words "individual" are printed on both sides of the door for individual or joint-operation vehicles; the characters must be clear, and unit codes or other patterns are not allowed (special circumstances require approval from the vehicle management office).
I've been driving for over twenty years, and from my experience, any car older than ten years needs an annual inspection. New cars are a bit more lenient in the first few years, but after a decade, the policy gets stricter. It's quite annoying to queue up at the vehicle management office every year. However, older cars tend to have more issues, like engine carbon buildup and faster brake pad wear. Skipping inspections can easily lead to accidents. Last year, my neighbor didn't notice his car lights were broken and almost had a nighttime crash. So, I suggest checking the inspection station's opening hours in advance, bringing your insurance policy and ID card, and going early to save time. During regular maintenance, ask the mechanic to check the brakes and emission system—this makes passing the annual inspection easier and avoids wasting time and effort on rechecks. In short, remember to do it once a year, don't delay, and prioritize safety.
From a car repair perspective, vehicles over ten years old must undergo annual inspections. These primarily check key items such as exhaust emissions, braking performance, and chassis stability. Aging rubber components in older cars can lead to oil or fluid leaks, weakened lighting affects nighttime driving, and excessive emissions contribute to environmental pollution. If instrument readings during inspection are inaccurate, adjustments or repairs are needed, such as cleaning the throttle body or replacing worn parts. I've seen many car owners delay inspections, resulting in fines, penalty points, or even mandatory scrapping in severe cases. It's best to monitor the vehicle's condition during regular maintenance, checking tire pressure and engine oil to ensure passing the annual inspection in one go. With technological upgrades, some places now offer online appointment scheduling, making it more convenient with electronic documentation.
