How to conduct annual inspection for a 4WD vehicle?
2 Answers
For the annual inspection of a 4WD vehicle, you need to bring the following documents: Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance Certificate for Motor Vehicles, copy of the vehicle and vessel tax payment or tax exemption certificate, original Motor Vehicle Safety Technical Inspection Certificate, original Motor Vehicle Driving License, and Motor Vehicle Inspection Certificate. The process is the same as for 2WD vehicles. Vehicle inspection is not related to the drive system; it is determined by the number of seats. Vehicles with fewer than seven seats require an on-site inspection every six years, while vehicles with seven or more seats require an inspection every two years. More details are as follows: 1. Small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles must be inspected every two years within the first six years, every year after six years, and every six months after 15 years. Operational passenger vehicles must be inspected every year within the first five years and every six months after five years. Medium and large trucks must be inspected every year within the first ten years and every six months after ten years. 2. Required documents for vehicle annual inspection: Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance Certificate for Motor Vehicles. Copy of the vehicle and vessel tax payment or tax exemption certificate. Original Motor Vehicle Safety Technical Inspection Certificate. Original Motor Vehicle Driving License. Motor Vehicle Inspection Certificate.
I've been driving a 4WD SUV for several years and get it inspected annually without much hassle, though there are some extra checks specific to four-wheel drive. The basic process is the same: prepare the vehicle's registration certificate and a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy, then drive to the designated motor vehicle inspection station. They conduct comprehensive tests, including headlight brightness, brake sensitivity and stopping distance, steering wheel flexibility, tire tread depth (usually required to be greater than 1.6mm), and whether exhaust emissions meet standards. For the 4WD system, the technician may ask you to switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes to confirm the transfer case and driveshaft operate smoothly without strange noises or slippage. They also inspect the condition of the differential and spline joints under the chassis to prevent rust or damage that could affect off-road safety. I recommend doing a simple self-check a few days in advance, like verifying all bulbs work, tire pressure is correct, and the 4WD function switches smoothly, to avoid last-minute issues that could delay the process. The cost is typically between 100 to 200 yuan, and if everything goes smoothly, it can be done in about 40 minutes. Once passed, the annual inspection sticker is affixed, and you're good to go for another year. Remember, annual inspection isn't a hassle—it's the safety baseline for you and your friends when heading out on trips.
