How often should vehicles over 15 years old undergo inspection?
4 Answers
Vehicles over 15 years old require two inspections per year. Annual inspections can promptly identify any issues with the vehicle, allowing owners to stay informed about their vehicle's condition and carry out necessary repairs. After the revision of the motor vehicle scrappage policy, the usage lifespan restriction for private vehicles was removed, replaced by a guideline to scrap private vehicles after reaching 600,000 kilometers. However, if a private vehicle fails to obtain the relevant motor vehicle inspection certificate for three consecutive inspection cycles, it will also be subject to mandatory scrapping. Emissions Test: During the annual inspection, the vehicle's emissions will be tested for compliance, specifically focusing on the oxygen sensor and catalytic converter. Their optimal operating temperature ranges between 400 to 800 degrees Celsius, so it is recommended that owners warm up their vehicles in the external inspection area before the emissions test to increase the pass rate. Lighting Check: The vehicle management office will inspect the vehicle's lighting. If the vehicle's lights are found to be either too dim or too bright, it will be deemed unqualified and will not pass the annual inspection. It is advisable to restore the original headlights' condition before the inspection to ensure compliance.
My old buddy has been running for 17 years now, and it has to go to the inspection station twice a year. The policy requires vehicles over 15 years old to undergo bi-annual inspections, checking items like the braking system, light brightness, and exhaust emissions. Last time, my old car failed the emissions test, so I had to replace the oxygen sensor to pass. Although it's a bit of a hassle, it makes sense—older components are prone to issues, and frequent checks can prevent sudden breakdowns on the highway. I’d advise veteran car owners to check for engine carbon buildup and lights a month in advance, and bring the vehicle registration, insurance policy, and driver’s license to the inspection station. I recently heard about a new policy allowing cars over 20 years old to apply for classic car status.
My buddy's 2001 old Accord had a tough time at last year's inspection. Once a car hits 15 years, it needs inspection every six months. The testing station pays special attention to details like chassis rust, steering gear play, and transmission oil leaks. When I went with him last time, I saw many old cars failing the emissions test. Well-maintained cars aren't a problem, but those with oil leaks or weak batteries really struggle. Actually, doing a full pre-inspection checkup and replacing worn parts can save retest time. With more new energy vehicles now, testing standards for old gasoline cars have gotten stricter.
I'm quite familiar with the annual inspection of old cars. My 2002 Volkswagen Bora needs to go through it every six months. The inspector will use a diagnostic tool to check the efficiency of the catalytic converter and also inspect whether the tire tread depth meets the standards. Cars over 15 years old often fail due to wheel hub deformation and headlight transmittance. It's recommended to fill up the tank beforehand, as the exhaust emission pass rate is higher when the engine is warm. I've seen owners of old Volkswagen Santana who modified their xenon headlights without registration get sent back to reinstall the original ones. Nowadays, the inspection fee is around two hundred yuan, and retesting costs extra. It's better to spend some money replacing old parts with new ones.
