
If a vehicle fails its annual inspection, it is usually due to certain non-compliant aspects. It is recommended to promptly address these issues through repairs to bring the vehicle up to standard before reapplying for the inspection. Common reasons for failing the annual inspection include: 1. Missing required documents: The driver must present the vehicle registration certificate, insurance policy, and ID card—none can be omitted. 2. Use of detachable license plate frames; installation of high-intensity xenon lights; or unresolved traffic violations. 3. Unauthorized modifications: Any changes to the vehicle's color or engine must match the information registered on the vehicle registration certificate.

Last time my old car failed the annual inspection, and I was so anxious that I searched all over the city for a repair shop. Later, the mechanic taught me to first check the inspection report and focus on fixing the parts that didn't meet the standards. For example, if there's a brake problem, you need to replace the brake pads, and if the exhaust emissions exceed the limit, it might be a faulty catalytic converter. After making the repairs, remember to keep the repair receipts, as many places offer discounts for re-inspection if you bring the receipts. Don't be afraid of the trouble—I also found that the left headlight wasn't bright enough, and replacing the bulb only cost 80 yuan. Make good use of the free re-inspection policy; here, re-inspections within 7 days are free of charge.

My eight-year-old car failed last year's annual inspection due to exceeding the emission limit by 0.2. The auto repair shop owner taught me a trick: maintain steady-speed driving for two weeks before the test, and avoid sudden acceleration. Replacing the air filter and oxygen sensor cost over 300 yuan, which worked really well. They also advised me to drive on the highway after the repairs to heat up the exhaust pipe before testing. For the final inspection, I deliberately filled half a tank with 98-octane gasoline, and the emission reading dropped from 1.8 to 0.9.

Old Zhang's car in the neighborhood kept failing the annual inspection, so I helped him with a pre-check list: headlight brightness must exceed 12,000 candela, braking force needs to be 60% for front wheels and 20% for rear wheels. Window tint with less than 70% light transmittance must be removed, and retrofitted xenon lights without projectors need to be restored. He finally passed after replacing new tires to eliminate side-slip risks and rewiring the fog lights. The key is to check local standards clearly, as equipment variations between different inspection stations can have up to 10% margin of error.


