How often should a family car be inspected after six years?
3 Answers
According to the new regulations in 2020, family cars should be inspected every two years after six years. Introduction to Annual Inspection: Vehicle annual inspection (or motor vehicle inspection) refers to the annual inspection of vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates in accordance with the technical conditions for motor vehicle operation safety. The purpose is to check the main technical conditions of the vehicle, urge the strengthening of vehicle maintenance, keep the vehicle in good condition, and ensure driving safety. Inspection Schedule: For passenger vehicles after six years, vehicles aged between six and fifteen years should be inspected annually at the vehicle management office and its subordinate inspection units; for older vehicles aged over fifteen years, inspections should be conducted every six months at the vehicle management office and its subordinate inspection units.
I've been driving a family car for several years, and starting from the end of the sixth year, it needs to undergo an annual inspection. Last time I went to the inspection station, I found that the checks were quite comprehensive: lights, brakes, and emissions all had to be tested. If the car is in good condition, it can be done in half an hour; but if the tires are worn or the lights don't work, you'll need to fix them first before the inspection. I recommend getting a maintenance check beforehand—change the oil, check the lights, etc.—to avoid a wasted trip. If you drive a lot, checking the brake pads every six months can also extend their lifespan. Remember, before the annual inspection, clean out any clutter in the car, bring your vehicle license, and go on time. If you skip the inspection, you might face fines, and delaying it for too long can affect your insurance renewal. Safety first—getting a fixed check every year gives you peace of mind while driving.
I often come across many cars at the repair shop. For non-commercial passenger vehicles, it's indeed an annual inspection after the first 6 years. This isn't arbitrarily set, as older vehicles experience faster aging in electronic systems, brake pads, and rubber components. For example, last year a customer had a short circuit in their headlight wiring—if not caught during the annual inspection, driving at night could have been dangerous. The inspection mainly checks exhaust emissions, seat belts, and tire tread depth. Doing preliminary checks yourself, like fluid levels and lights, can save the hassle of repeated visits. The new regulations emphasize environmental standards, so older cars failing emissions tests might not pass. The cost isn't high, usually around a hundred yuan, but delaying repairs can make them more expensive. Keeping your car in good condition makes the annual inspection easier.
